is being lean all that actually matters? I just want to look somewhat like picrel, but my muscles look soft from bulking, and im getting a little belly and love handles for the first time in my life. is this fit??
is being lean all that actually matters?
what exactly is your question?
idek, im just unhappy man. been training over 2 years now and I still look like shit despite all my efforts. Ive dedicated so much of my life to this and barely have anything to show for it. I am dialed into my diet, my training, and I never skip a workout unless im sick or something, etc. im starting to think maybe im just not even built for this shit... maybe its a waste of time. maybe I dont have the genetics for this, and I will never get the body I want, or the strength numbers I want. made this thread cause ive been thinking maybe I should just cut, then maintain a bodyfat % im okay with. I will never be big, but I at least I will be sorta lean and look decent enough ig.
>I am dialed into my diet, my training, and I never skip a workout unless im sick or something, etc
height, weight, what are your lifts?
5'11, currently 185lbs
bench: 225 for 3
squat 205 for 5
deadlift 295 for 5
hop 145 for 3
(not sure what 1 rep maxes are)
It could be that I need a better program, or maybe should switch things up. I only have a home gym so only have access to free weights. barbell, dbs. my squat rack.
The guy in the picture is a lot stronger than you. You can cut if you want to focus on short term appearance though
>I only have a home gym so only have access to free weights
that's plenty
>need a better program
what are you currently running. how varied are the rep ranges you're working with?
I won't believe for one second that you are not looking your part with those stats. probably body dysmoprhia. Post body let's see that bfp
upper lower split
dont feel like writing out the whole thing but basically I do bench 5x5, then all my accessories, squat 5x5 accessories, OHP 5x5 accessories, and deadlift 5x5 accessories.
however, I am open to a new program. maybe it'll refresh and motivate me. I sorta made it all up myself based on what ive learned over time.
and I dont feel totally comfortable posting body on here but if I had to guess I would say im around 17ish body fat? maybe a little lower? not sure.
maybe give submaximal stuff a try. 531 is the only one i know but there ought to be other programs. if it is looks you are after more volume can't hurt you.
>dont feel totally comfortable posting body
that's allright. Let's assume you're about 17% then you have about 69,6kg lean mass. Which would set you up for weighting 80kg while being at 13% right now. I do not believe that you lack musclemass. The pic you posted is way below 10% with good lighting, dehydrated etc.
you're probably doing fine
probably. most likely body dysmorphia fucking with me.
>the day you started lifting is the day you became forever small
did you take fotos before you started and along the way? might be good to just look at them and see the differences
Firstly set real expectations, the dude in that pic has probably been training 5-7 years you may have a different athletic history and starting point, you can get to that level of leanness but you might not have that chest fullness and definition he has for whatever reason
2. Relook at your regiment, not all training is the same, if you’re lifting like a powershitter eating 3500 cals a day that’s not optimal for that body type, you have to start working out and dieting in a way that will give you the lean results
Why dont you try different stuff?
Enjoy the moment if you can and atleast try to have fun working out. Try some other stuff than lifting weights, maybe calisthenics, rock climbing or anything you think that it will be fun.
It sounds like you are forcing yourself to look a certain way or have certain numbers in your lifts.
None of that matters if you arent happy, do what makes you happy and you will make it.
Godspeed Anon.
>my muscles look soft from bulking, and im getting a little belly and love handles for the first time
>my muscles
HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH STUPID FAT moron HAHAHAHHAHAH
All that matters? No. But low BF helps all muscles look better and males in particular are geared to be lower BF in general
for women? yes. ideal physique for women getting is lean and athletic. big muscles are unironically for fags. back in the day bodybuilding magazines were primarily for gay men to jack off to since they were not as accepted in society.
yes
That's shooped
Increase training volume rep heavy weights, do some 3h cardio a week, stay in maintenance like an athlete in-season mdoe, that's it.