“They” say it’s inevitable you’ll lose strength on a fat loss programme.
And on this occasion…
… “they” are correct.
Outside of a few specific circumstances, some reduction in strength is basically guaranteed when you start training for fat loss.
But here’s the thing: Provided you’re not training and dieting like an idiot, this isn’t anything to worry about.
For sure, your strength will decline at a modest rate in response to the increased demands you’re placing on your body (namely, less food and more cardio). Additionally, as you lose fat your posture will improve as will the range of motion of your joints. This takes a little getting used to and will, at least initially, likely have a negative impact on your top-end strength.
However, this strength loss will eventually “bottom out” once your body adapts to the above, and from there reclaiming it is relatively straightforward.
How much strength will you lose?
Depends. Generally, the fatter you are, the more you’ll lose – but even then, you’re probably looking at 20-25% at most. For reference, on a 140kg squat, a 25% loss equates to just 35kg. 35kg you’ll quickly get back once you’re in shape.
And I don’t know about you, but trading a temporary loss of strength for feeling embarrassed to take my shirt off in public and “enjoying” a higher likelihood of getting sick and/or dying from a bunch of preventable diseases sounds like a pretty good deal to me.
Or maybe I’m crazy?
Who knows.
Anyway, you can learn more about The Phil Tyreman Letter below:
www.philtyreman.co.uk/information
Thank you,
Phil