Something to compare to.

I know in the gym it isn't about doing what others can do, it's about doing what you can do.

Still, I have a question. I am hoping to get my bodyfat down to a reasonable level to maybe 5-10%. I want to weigh about 180lbs at that percentage. My question is this: How much are you guys in that size range lifting?

I would like something to base my progress on so I can get an idea if I am on track for that size and also to have a goal. I am currently 5'8" and 187. After dropping some fat I know I will need to build up. I am interested in bench, squat, etc.

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Nothing?

Where the attitude goes, the mind goes. Where the mind goes, the body goes. Where the body goes, others will follow.

Still, I have a question. I am hoping to get my bodyfat down to a reasonable level to maybe 5-10%.

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong but ... isn't it quite difficult to maintain such a low-level in the long-term?

I was told that 5 or less can be. 5-10 should be a little more reasonable. It also depends upon the "mirror" once I hit that level. I may not go that low.

Hellguy, I recommend dropping 5% at a time and holding there for a month or so to acclimate to the new state of things. I don't believe in setpoints of any kind but I do believe in a learning curve for the body. A whole bunch of systems have to recalibrate every time a change like that happens just to maintain an efficient balance in the whole machine. Step down a little, then do some bulking, then step down some more, then do some bulking. Sometimes if you do it all in one fell swoop, there can be unpleasant repercussions. Don't worry about it, your body knows what to do. Give it space and time and it'll take you there all by itself. Work with it. It's already happening.

Baby Herc

Hellguy, I recommend dropping 5% at a time and holding there for a month or so to acclimate to the new state of things. I don't believe in setpoints of any kind but I do believe in a learning curve for the body. A whole bunch of systems have to recalibrate every time a change like that happens just to maintain an efficient balance in the whole machine. Step down a little, then do some bulking, then step down some more, then do some bulking. Sometimes if you do it all in one fell swoop, there can be unpleasant repercussions. Don't worry about it, your body knows what to do. Give it space and time and it'll take you there all by itself. Work with it. It's already happening.

 

Baby Herc

As always, you come with good advice. I definitely believe in taking small steps. I am going to bulk for a little bit, maybe 6 weeks, and then switch to some cutting for a while.

I agree that the body needs an adjustment period for each phase.

"Baby steps Bob, baby steps."

Where the attitude goes, the mind goes. Where the mind goes, the body goes. Where the body goes, others will follow.

"Baby steps Bob, baby steps."

Big, muscular, impressive baby.

Baby Herc

7% is photoshoot model level, it requires a lot of dedication and hard work to maintain that level of bf%, not to mention it takes quite a bit of work to reach that level in the first place.

(8, 9, 10% , yeah it is possible and easy to maintain for many).