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Reaching your goals.....

bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2003/06/26, 11:13 PM I posted this in another forum, thought it might serve well here too..... Gaining muscle or losing fat……. You actually have to be like Luke Skywalker, and use the FORCE!! Sounds funny, but this cannot be overstated. There are always lots of questions from both camps, those wanting to gain mass, and those wanting to lose fat. Actually, these 2 may be dealt with in much the same way. Let me explain. If you are trying to gain mass (lean tissue), you have to work out brutally hard, rest well, and ingest a load of calories. If you do not consume enough calories, and in the correct amounts, day after day, week after week, you will not gain muscle. No matter how hard you train. You have to be able to accept a reasonable fat gain along with this muscle gain. An overabundance of calories is needed for gaining, thus some spill over into fat. Now, if you want to lose fat, a calorie deficit is needed to accompany the same intense training, but still supplying quality nutrients, day after day, week after week without fail.. In all reality, some lean tissue may likely be lost in the process, but again, as in gaining, precautions can be taken to minimize this. Now, how are these two opposite agenda’s linked? I think the answer to this is your body’s priority is neither to gain muscle or to lose/burn fat. Once it reaches a comfortable set point, it wants to stay there. In fact, it is the very LAST thing it wants to do, and will do. The body is only concerned normally with self preservation. And it will fight hard to stay there. So, either way you are going, you literally have to FORCE your body into either building muscle or burning fat. I think this is the key word in all of this, FORCE. In gaining, this is achieved by basically overeating, and eating still more, so the excess calories are there in the correct forms after the body does all other functions. The same with burning fat, you need to be at a caloric deficit for an extended period of time, and taking in nutrients to preserve your lean mass. Half measures either way will not work. The body has to be forced to burn fat for fuel. If not, the body will turn to muscle glycogen then tissue in an attempt to keep its happy level of stored fat. So, either way you want to go, the force is on. Either eat large quantities of food, or diet consistently and smartly. Half measures either way and your body will not respond the way you want it to. Your diet is your key both ways, and can never be overlooked, not even for a day. So, you must remember always, that like it or not, you are in a literal fight with your body. Any half measures will just short circuit any progress you are trying to make. Good luck to all of you in your goals -------------- As far as genetics go, the skies the limit. You are limited only by your mental perception of it. Ron
tarab21 Posts: 508 Joined: 2003/03/31	2003/06/27, 12:04 AM great post Ron, helpful as always. I had never thought of it that way. Its time to show these thighs who's boss! but seriously, thanks again for the motivational message.
Deby Posts: 333 Joined: 2002/08/05	2003/06/27, 09:05 AM Truer words were never spoken. I am living proof of that!! Thanks for all of the help you provide to us all. -------------- Gramma
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2003/06/27, 09:06 AM Please do not post the same post in differet boards we will get to the question as soon as possible! -------------- Squats are really a very good thing, but in my world, Deadlifts are King!!!!!!!!
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2003/06/27, 09:07 AM HHHAAAaahahhahahahahahahahahaha sorry could not help it!!!!!!!!! aaaahhhhahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahaha -------------- Squats are really a very good thing, but in my world, Deadlifts are King!!!!!!!!
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2003/06/27, 09:49 AM I knew I could count on you Mutt for some great input! By the way, glad to have you back from vacation. Hope it was a good time. -------------- As far as genetics go, the skies the limit. You are limited only by your mental perception of it. Ron
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2003/06/27, 10:11 AM Yup it was a nice mini break from the daily grind. I really liked the comparison witht he growth of muscle/loss of fat with the force.....it does work if you try hard enough! -------------- Squats are really a very good thing, but in my world, Deadlifts are King!!!!!!!!
coolnick Posts: 55 Joined: 2003/03/24	2003/06/27, 01:32 PM great post Ron, I always enjoy your posting.
tenorsaxmandave Posts: 538 Joined: 2003/01/23	2003/06/27, 01:41 PM What a great, motivating euphemism for fat! My body has been at a comfortable positive setpoint for several years now, Ron.LOL Time to throw the old equillibrium a curve! Thanks Ron! TSMD
azredhead57 Posts: 1,651 Joined: 2003/04/11	2003/06/27, 01:47 PM This was a great idea, as usual bb1. I was just trying to explain this to someone else and of course failed miserably. Now I can just copy, paste and email. Thanks! -------------- ~Victoria~ ...There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.--Beverly Sills
tenorsaxmandave Posts: 538 Joined: 2003/01/23	2003/06/27, 03:30 PM Way to go, RW! COngrats on the first successful week. My 1st week starts next week... I want it, too. TSMD
spun117 Posts: 13 Joined: 2005/02/28	2005/03/06, 10:34 PM Excellent Post Thank you very much