I'm not too worried about low bodyfat at the moment, but once I'm at a bigger size of course I'll be looking to trim down a bit and not sit at 20%+ , but I've got some time to bulk till then
The bodyfat is just an estimate, really should get it measured properly sometime - I've posted recent pics in the pic thread not long ago.
Just remember, it's a lot easier to bulk and add muscle then it is to cut and maintain muscle
An interesting article here.http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance/the_truth_about_bulking
I'm not too worried about low bodyfat at the moment, but once I'm at a bigger size of course I'll be looking to trim down a bit and not sit at 20%+ , but I've got some time to bulk till then
The bodyfat is just an estimate, really should get it measured properly sometime - I've posted recent pics in the pic thread not long ago.
I like dense, solid and well defined muscle rather than podgy bulk, but then again I don't do bulk/cut cycles.
Good luck either way, but don't go crazy on the bulking, concentrating on training more.
I remember seeing your pics (smiley face over your face right?). You don't look like 20% bf but then again you don't look bulky at all. How tall are you? I'm surprised you're even 195lbs! I don't mean to sound nasty, I just want to make sure you're going to hit some decent realistic targets and develop yourself a body that you're after. Your body composition looks very young how old are you, I'm guessing about 20? You have a LOT of muscle to develop IMO - but that's just me. I like dense, solid and well defined muscle rather than podgy bulk, but then again I don't do bulk/cut cycles.
Good luck either way, but don't go crazy on the bulking, concentrating on training more.
however my muscle density is high and very solid and I prefer that. That's also partially down to age, and length of training, but also genes. AS you get older and the longer you train your muscle fibres do become denser and your look more "solid" so to speak.
Eat well, sleep well and train like a mother******
I eat what I want, I just don't go mad - I eat crisps sometimes if I feel like it, and sometimes I'll have some cake and a chocolate bar. I don't believe in restricting everything you eat - however, conversely I do watch what I eat and do eat a lot but I train hard minimum of 3x a week, up to 4x a week plus rugby training/games.
I'm not into the ripped to shreds look either as that's just too much dedication and hard work for the lifestyle I lead - I work long hours (up at 5am every day and leave work at 6pm) and so although I have a lot of commitment I can't dedicate my life to it in such an absolute manner.
I may not be "big" though people on here seem to disagree
I eat well, good quality foods, lots of fruit and veg, and 2 meals with meat in them every day and a hearty breakfast. I probably take in well over 3k cals, probably touching around 3.5k, though some days I'll take in a lot less, some days i'll take in in excess of 4k... it just depends on what my body's telling me - I'm quite good at working out what it needs and respond accordingly.
For cardio which is soft on the knees swimming is your answer. Yes it's boring, but it's also very very good.
There are a lot of basic guidelines to follow.
1. Don't eat crap food.
2. Be honest with yourself.
3. Train hard, and always push yourself to achieve more than you think you can.
4. Maintain your motivation (hard to achieve at times.)
5. Keep a journal, with pictures - you can then SEE your progress.
6. Choose a goal/target.
7. Be patient, work hard.
8. Sleep well.
9. Drink less alcohol (boring I know but it does help) - note, I said, less, not cut it out.
10. Be ready to modify your life a little around your training.
11. Get to bed earlier, and sleep well.
The list can go on....
I'm fortunate I've been training hard for a couple of years now and I know when my body responds and when it doesn't. I can tell if I'm need of carbs/sugars or when I feel I need more fruit/veg or even more meat/protein based foods. I focus on when my body is feeling tip top to gauge the rest of my training around it. Supplements can help this feeling, but you need to try and achieve this without them first. IF you can do it without supplementing your diet then supplements WILL be beneficial to you - until then, you need to learn what your body is telling you.
It's just practice and experience. There is no one answer, everyone is different. My training is completely different to a lot of people's here but I'm achieving the goals I want.
Nearly drowned about 8 years ago I think But it'll certianly be a good workout.
