How do you train on a cut?

[krisiun2]

So this year, at age 37 has been one of the most productive years of training in my entire 21 years. I hit milestones like 450 bench, squat 550 for reps etc. Not to mention, this was all done on my normal TRT dose of testosterone and nothing else. I plan on enhancing my TRT protocol for a cut phase in 2025, or at least the first part of it. For those who have had dedicated weight loss phases, do you still run programming that centers around hitting a 1RM? My current programming is typical linear periodization stretched over about 20 weeks to maximize recovery. As I get further into my program, accessory movements almost disappear and main lift volume gets to singles.

Just looking to see what some of you guys do. Not that it's that important, but the regimen im planning is going to be 250 test/200 primo and 50mg anavar nearer the end. Im limited on what compounds I will even entertain the idea of using, just to stay as healthy as possible.

 

[mike_johns47]

During a dedicated weight loss phase, it is often best to focus on maintaining strength rather than chasing a 1RM, as recovery may be compromised. Adjusting your program to include submaximal intensity exercises and slightly higher repetitions can help maintain muscle while managing fatigue. Your program should effectively support this approach.

 

[traininsane11]

So this year, at age 37 has been one of the most productive years of training in my entire 21 years. I hit milestones like 450 bench, squat 550 for reps etc. Not to mention, this was all done on my normal TRT dose of testosterone and nothing else. I plan on enhancing my TRT protocol for a cut phase in 2025, or at least the first part of it. For those who have had dedicated weight loss phases, do you still run programming that centers around hitting a 1RM? My current programming is typical linear periodization stretched over about 20 weeks to maximize recovery. As I get further into my program, accessory movements almost disappear and main lift volume gets to singles.

Just looking to see what some of you guys do. Not that it's that important, but the regimen im planning is going to be 250 test/200 primo and 50mg anavar nearer the end. Im limited on what compounds I will even entertain the idea of using, just to stay as healthy as possible.

If your primary goal of training is powerlifting then yes but if not then no

 

[hogan87]

1RM is some young man`s shit or powerlifting. First real injury and that stuff is out the window. I NEVER 1RM

 

[jackedsanta]

what's a cut

 

[TexasBoy]

Same way I train on a bulk. Why would you train any different

 

[MackCoach]

I only coach a few guys at a time, but I like to put my guys on a.m. and p.m. workouts where they train the same body parts twice each day. The a.m. workout is a typical bodybuilding workout along with some cardio then the PM workout 10 to 14 hours later is the same body parts but much more of a pump and burn Lighter weight higher rep workout. Doing that six days a week covering the whole body in a three day split… Then on the seventh day I make it optional, but I encourage them to go in and do a medium weight bicep tricep all arm workout. So yeah that’s seven days a week leading up to Their beach vacation or their contest not to be done more than six weeks long. It’s a real fat burner that’s for sure.

 

[BillsMafia]

Train the same way as if you in a bulk nothing should change

 

[krisiun2]

1RM is some young man`s shit or powerlifting. First real injury and that stuff is out the window. I NEVER 1RM

I’m 37 about to be 38. I’ve torn an RC in 2012. I take true one rep maxes every 18 weeks and I go by something verified by my 5-8 rms. I don’t do the typical “throw on another plate” nonsense

 

[rdysetgo]

I am the same age as you and first of all, big props on the numbers you have achieved! As others have said, I wouldn't worry about 1RM unless you plan on competing in PL or some other strength sport. You want to preserve your quality of life as you age and we're hitting that age where injuries start to become more common.

To answer your question, besides the normal dietary changes the only real changes I make to my routine is adding in more active cardio. Throw the kids in the wagon and find any hill I can to push em up, bought a bike to add in long rides in-between work meetings. Training volume stays the same and I just try to hold on to my numbers through the cut.

Good luck! Sounds like you have the right mindset going into your gear usage.

 

[AlexDavis43]

I am the same age as you and first of all, big props on the numbers you have achieved! As others have said, I wouldn't worry about 1RM unless you plan on competing in PL or some other strength sport. You want to preserve your quality of life as you age and we're hitting that age where injuries start to become more common.

To answer your question, besides the normal dietary changes the only real changes I make to my routine is adding in more active cardio. Throw the kids in the wagon and find any hill I can to push em up, bought a bike to add in long rides in-between work meetings. Training volume stays the same and I just try to hold on to my numbers through the cut.

Good luck! Sounds like you have the right mindset going into your gear usage.

I try to stick as close to my usual regime as possible although I've never done a severe cut (stay pretty lean year-round).

 

[Flocci]

Unless im cutting so hard that it impacts my recovery, or there is a big discrepancy in carbohydrate intake so i have less rep endurance, i would keep the programming pretty much the same as offseason. Perhaps lower rep ranges a bit as i have less glycogen and endurance due to low glycogen. Also might change to more isolated exercises like a belt, pendulum or hacksquat instead of a free weight squat as its easier to recover from and body weight changes and leverages wont impact how much load and bracing i would need throughout the cut.

if im doing a hard 4-8 week cut, i might increase my training frequency and do less volume per exercise and session and focus more on lower rep, progressive overload, mechanical tension work vs more higher rep, metabolic type work. At the end of the day, i aim to do as much as i can benefit from in the context im in.

 

[Brocksamson2.0]

I’m 37 about to be 38. I’ve torn an RC in 2012. I take true one rep maxes every 18 weeks and I go by something verified by my 5-8 rms. I don’t do the typical “throw on another plate” nonsense

why?
what are your goals?