

Very low calorie diets might lead to more muscle atrophy ( Chaston et al., 2007). around -500 kcal) to avoid loss of muscle mass (Garthe et al., 2011 Sundgot-Borgen and Garthe, 2011 Trexler et al., 2014 Helms et al., 2014a Murphy et al., 2014 Khodaee et al., 2015 Manore et al., 2015 Hulmi et al., 2016). Cutting should be done with small or moderate deficits (i.e.But in older adults, aerobic training in itself could preserve more muscle mass than being sedentary ( Weinheimer et al., 2010). Hence, it’s important to do strength training while cutting to avoid muscle loss ( Stiegler and Cunliffe 2006 Miller et al., 2013 Churchward-Venne et al., 2013 Trexler et al., 2014 Helms et al., 2014a Helms et al., 2014b Murphy et al., 2014 Hulmi et al., 2016).

We might lose muscle mass if we cut calories without doing strength training ( Villareal et al., 2016).You can find an overview of the deficit gaining and body recomposition studies further down in the article. The preponderance of the evidence suggests that both beginners, novices, intermediates, and even advanced athletes can gain muscle and strength while losing fat. Or, they could be bodybuilders with a lot of lean mass and low body fat %. They are very strong in relation to their body weight, and usually have considerable amounts of lean mass (i.e. Advanced = These are typically athletes or bodybuilders.Usually, they will have 2+ years of experience with strength training. Trained = These are intermediately trained lifters.Untrained = Someone who is new to lifting.Here is an overview of the deficit gaining and body recomposition studies.But, you might be able to do both depending on the factors listed in this article. Studies suggest that it's harder to gain muscle mass compared to strength in a deficit, if you’re trained.If your body fat is low and you are well trained, it’s safer to go for a slow/lean bulk. Intermediately trained lifters might be able to gain in a deficit, as well.A dirty bulk might lead to quicker muscle gains but also greater fat gains.Beginners and people with relatively high body fat percentages can gain muscle mass & strength in a calorie deficit (also known as a cut or fat loss program).
