Ideal Body Fat % Before Cycle?

**Thirsty** · 11-10-2014, 07:04 PM

Looking for some advice on prep for my first cycle:

Would I be better off cutting NOW, (pre-cycle) to offset my on cycle fat gains, rather that in PCT, when I should be focused on keeping the muscle?

I'm considering a quick 2 week carb cycling HIIT fest to drop the last few pounds before I start my run. Having just lost a good deal of weight, I'm concerned about fat gain through the next 12 weeks running Test-e and Dbol. (I know it's going to happen, just trying to get a head start on dealing with it) What I DON'T want to have happen is come out fluffy in 12 weeks, or not get the most out of the cycle due to under eating to maintain physique.

Currently 7-8%, 220 lbs.

Thanks guys!

Thirsty

**kubes** · 11-10-2014, 07:45 PM

7-8% you are already a monster! If you do this right you can make great gains with putting on hardly any fat I any

**wook** · 11-10-2014, 08:20 PM

Why do you want to cut any more? Contest? If not, that's already low brother... I'd focus on building lean muscle and get huuuuge! I've tried getting that low before but I just don't have it in me, because I feel weak and small below 10% Just getting to 10% is work enough for an old guy like me! I say focus on getting HUUUUUGE! LOL

**Thirsty** · 11-10-2014, 08:27 PM

Thanks Kubes! I was hoping the resident diet guru would chime in!

I plan on keeping it clean and just upping the volume per meal to get up in the high 3000 calorie range until I get a feel for how my body reacts to everything... Maybe work in some of that fancy carb cycling you are a proponent of if I start to puff up.

**HebenSchwere** · 11-10-2014, 08:33 PM

I'll play devil's advocate. First, you're ready to go @ 8%. Second, I think bf% and when its best for a cycle is a very individual thing. 15% generally the most common # you'll hear, but imoh, some can cycle at higher %, some can't. That's why it pays to be very familiar with how your body response to various substances, and take things nice and slow.

**Thirsty** · 11-10-2014, 08:33 PM

wook - I'm happy where I am, just don't want to gain back what I've been kicking my ass for months to lose. My thinking would be to cut now, get lean lean, and then end up back in the 9-10% range, and not have to cut at the end when losing the muscle gains is a concern. Either that or put my big boy pants on, quit worrying about a few % points, eat like a horse and lift like a man... I think I'm going to go with option 2!

**Thirsty** · 11-10-2014, 08:38 PM

Heben - Very sage advice, thank you.

**kubes** · 11-10-2014, 11:08 PM

Originally Posted by Thirsty

Thanks Kubes! I was hoping the resident diet guru would chime in!

I plan on keeping it clean and just upping the volume per meal to get up in the high 3000 calorie range until I get a feel for how my body reacts to everything... Maybe work in some of that fancy carb cycling you are a proponent of if I start to puff up.

What does your nutrition plan look like now?

**Thirsty** · 11-11-2014, 12:22 AM

Very clean. No processed foods. Macros at 50/30/20. Split into six meals. 2300 calories total. Lots of greens, minimal carbs after evening workouts. Has worked very well for a recomp build muscle / lose fat program I've been working on.

**kubes** · 11-11-2014, 03:59 AM

Originally Posted by Thirsty

Very clean. No processed foods. Macros at 50/30/20. Split into six meals. 2300 calories total. Lots of greens, minimal carbs after evening workouts. Has worked very well for a recomp build muscle / lose fat program I've been working on.

Looks good brother. Keep the food clean during your cycle and you are gonna grow like a weed!