How to know when you are too fat

[Conan21]

Shelby.......

You have to find what works for you.

In my experience, the guys who are worried about losing their abs in the offseason are the guys who stay in the same weight class year after year after year.

I'm a little confused here by your words...

You've always stayed pretty lean and you seem to have put on a lot of size this past year and I consider you to be in pretty damn good condition (leanness wise) for off season. You still have that bodybuilder look, can see your abs, etc.

I think what you consider "fat" or "off season" is entirely different from other people's definition.

 

[6flex9]

i cant believe shawn gets that out of shape.

 

[BigMatt]

theres no point in being Fat.

Your body function better when your lean.

Between 8% to 10%.

Theres really no point in going over 12%.

 

[Shelby]

I'm a little confused here by your words...

You've always stayed pretty lean and you seem to have put on a lot of size this past year and I consider you to be in pretty damn good condition (leanness wise) for off season. You still have that bodybuilder look, can see your abs, etc.

I think what you consider "fat" or "off season" is entirely different from other people's definition.

I always get up to 30 pounds or more over my contest weight in the offseason. I keep my abs to a certain extent, but that's probably more of a genetic thing than anything else. Some guys don't have clear abs until they're 6% body fat.

My body fat right now is probably pretty close to what Shawn Ray's is in the pic on the first page of this post... maybe slightly leaner.

 

[betito]

I'm a little confused here by your words...

You've always stayed pretty lean and you seem to have put on a lot of size this past year and I consider you to be in pretty damn good condition (leanness wise) for off season. You still have that bodybuilder look, can see your abs, etc.

I think what you consider "fat" or "off season" is entirely different from other people's definition.

Shelby gets extremely lean for contests and his offseason is not that long, keeping in mind that he eats very clean, starts hyperlean, goes progressive and doesn´t bulk for too long... he would need a lot of time and weight gain to lose his abs... also remember, losing your abs is a secondary effect, not a goal, the goal is to add weight and strenght eating clean, if you can do it staying lean more power to you, but most people can´t gain a lot of muscle without gaining some fat ("some fat" is not geting fat as a cow), but remember that we are talking about substancial mass gains, if you go for small refining and maybe adding 1-2 pounds then it´s easier to stay ripped, it depends on your goals and the shape you are happy with...

 

[Lenny]

I say, if you can put on 20lbs in the offseason and still see your abs, more power to you! Nothing wrong with growing on the quality side until that stops working for your body and you need to reset your body into a higher muscle mass level. Do not get me wrong sometimes we all need a whole year off or more to actually catch a true offseason stride...so set YOUR goals accordingly.

I plan on being 10 more pounds heavier than this offseason come next offseason, then the next offseason try to be better than that previous offseason. Than so on if that is what my body allows me too do. Obviously, we all need to progress/increase on are eating, supplements, training, recovery each offseason, even a slight increase can go along way (shit, I found myself being pretty damn conservative, but now I am understanding that just set the damn goal and do it) Quality is great thing, it feels good and looks good. Assess your each offseason differently each time due to the added muscle. Offseason is will true bodybuilders are made...while prepping is exactly that, more discipline and dedication...and a different eating strategy to a certain extent.

Sometimes I need to be told that, one reason I am working with Alex because I now he knows his stuff and I like being accountable to him. These great members here are also great at giving advice and saying step it bro, honesty is always motivating!

 

[Thebigone]

theres no point in being Fat.

Your body function better when your lean.

Between 8% to 10%.

Theres really no point in going over 12%.

But remember when your b/f is slightly higher you have much more lubrication on your joints and are much less prone to injuries. I agree no need to go over %12 but thats only if your naturally an ectomorph.

 

[tazzie]

I put on over 30 pounds since my last show in October... the pics will tell if I have abs or not.. they were taken last week

My point is you can put on weight without getting fat