ProPower
Trainer Locator
Find a Trainer
Nationwide Trainer Locator
Workout Calendar
“Strive for progress, not perfection.”
Download your January and February 2012 DR. Squat workout Calendar today!
Weights-Plates
For the best prices on all Troy Products call DrSquat.com for quote 800 732-2004
YouTube VCut
Navigation
Doc: How does zig-zagging reduce ORIGINAL BF%?
In the "Hardcore BB" book diet chapters the idea is outlined as follows:
If you're 190 lbs and 20% BF and you want to weigh 240 lbs sub 10% BF you eat 4-5 days calorie surplus, followed by 1-2 days of calorie deficit.
So far so good.
But...how does eating 4-5 days of calorie surplus followed by 1-2 days of cutting reduce the original BF %? As it's written in the book the basic idea is you add some muscle, a little fat. You then, during the cut phase, cut off the little fat you gained and try to minimize muscle loss...
sooo how does that reduce the original BF?
--- is it because you simply add more muscle, thereby increasing your LBM and makin your BF percentage-wise less? I am guessing this is not...
but looking at the ratios I don't see then how the original BF is reduced.
Proudly Sponsors
ISSA Certifications
Privacy/Return Policy
Newsletters
Sign up for Free Newsletters
Doc: How does zig-zagging reduce ORIGINAL BF%?
Simon, in order for carb Cycling or Zig-Zaging to work, the body has to use the principle of Hysteresis http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hysteresis
Therefore the only way it would work is if during a surplus, a greater amount of proportion muscle is gained than is lost in a deficit. The actual ratios of muscle gain to fat gain, and conversely, fat loss to muscle loss while in a deficit, would determine the optimal ratio of bulking to cutting. I assume there must be a way to determine this and there is probably a way to optimally influence the ratios. Macro nutrient ratios and adequate micro nutrients would obviously be important and so would a proper training program.
Doc: How does zig-zagging reduce ORIGINAL BF%?
Stu...ugh! You just twisted my brain! I spent a full HOUR reading your link and sub-links in an attempt to understand hysteresis. I think you're right, though!
Doc: How does zig-zagging reduce ORIGINAL BF%?
---
BUMP for Doc.
BUMP for Doc.
Ok Doc, I have been followin a Zig Zag diet now for 5 months. I have along the way adjust my calories so they've been:
- 4500 on upzag training days
- 4100 on upzag off days
- 3300 on downzag off days
And on a weekly basis I've had 5 up zigs and 2 down zags, as outlines in your book. I don't see that my bodyfat has fallen. I do feel however I've added lean mass without adding fat, which is good, but accordin to the book the original BF% should be falling as well.
(note: I was on 3500 on down zag rest days for some time, which was probably a bit much - this may have held it back some).
My question...question #1: Assuming the calorie numbers are right and the rules are followed would bulking for 5 days and cutting for 2 days per week give the desired result in not only added lean mass without fat but also cutting off the original fat mass?
I mean I understand 100% how zig zagging allows for lean mass gaining as you're cutting off gained fat as you go. But I don't understand how it reduces the original BF, and as I want to lose some of the original BF (and not only add lean mass only) I am obviously curious.
Question 2: Do the above calorie numbers sound right theoretically speaking?.
Instead of "it's a guideline" I'd LOVE an answer like "do this".
If your average caloric
If your average caloric intake falls short of your energy needs, fat will be reclaimed over time. You cannot ignore your muscles' protein needs, so it must be done carefully.
Remember the most recently stored fat is reclaimed first.