Newbie Trying To Loose Body Fat

Hi Guys,

Ive been on various workout routines etc over the years to try and get my weight down. I was heading towards 266 pounds and after about 4 years of doing random bits of cardio and some weights im down to about 231.
 
But ive been lacking a real routine for ages now so adopted the "maximuscle cover model diet" - the only reason ive been using maxi muscle products in the past is that they are a big name and i feel i could trust them not to destory my liver using there products lol.
 
You can see what ive been upto @ http://www.maximuscle.com/cover (sorry id list it all here but it would be a big big post)
 
I dont really think im seeing the gains i should be, should i just focus more on cardio than weights? will that take my body fat down more?

Here are my stats & photos at the minute - any advice is welcome!

Weight: 231 pounds
Height: 189cm
Body Fat: 32.7%
Body Water: 52.3%
Muscle: 55.7%
Bone Mass: 1.18%
 
(Got these using some avon body analysis scales but doubt they are 100% accurate)
 
 
 
           
 
 
Cheers

I take it your wanting to build a little muscle but your main goal is to lose fat? So in that case I would say do high intensity cardio at start of workout, then some low weight high rep exercises with weights, then finish with cardio again. And make sure your diet is in check, find your maintainence calorie amount and decrease it by 300-500.

V,
    You're the Clipart Photoshop GOD!

 

I used to use maximuscle products very very expensive but i did like them............looked over the cover model plan and think its ok but not enough leg work for my liking.
 
how long have you been doing this routine because if your following that amount of exercise a week and following that diet (about 2000kcals a day) I would expect you'd make some good progress?????

I have stuck with there plan for 2 months now, to be honest i have lost around a stone and a half in weight.

But i feel there plan is more for people who have lost the weight and are ready to gain the muscle.

I think maybe i should take a back seat on the muscle and try and drop the weight.

Im taking in around 2100 calories a day - if i drop anymore off that would i risk holding my fat?

Also - do i need alot of protien if i want to lose weight? surely not as much as gaining muscle?

Thanks for the replys guys!

EDIT: The gains in muscle mass ive had are amazing - i mean i wish i had my scales before i started this routine but i can see 100% improvement in them - its just all my fat covering them is annoying

Stone and a half is good in 2 months bro!!! congrats! Secondly resistance training is the way forward as far as fat loss is concerned.........the more muscle you have the higher the capability your body has of burning fat.........not to mention the hormonal changes of having more muscle. More muscle = more testosterone = more fat loss! In the long run the weight training will also give you shape to fill out any lose skin and make you look fit rather than like you jus been starving yourself.
 
I think that routine is ment for people who want to look like cover model! at jus 2000kcals a day it really is more for fat loss than muscle gain. not many ppl would make muscle gains with that small amount of grub.
 
If i where you id give myself a pat on the back for that stone 1/2, change the exercises in that routine for new ones eg bench press change to dumbell press, bent over rows for somthin like 1 hand rows, so your body has new stimulation to adapt to, dont eat less than 2000 in my opinion thats to low unless your shooting for the skeletal look. As far as protein goes id shoot for 1g/1.5g of protein per pound of lean mass.........any good at maths? find out what 55% (your lean mass) of your total body weight is and aim for that.
 
very long winded lol but shortened, Eat same (work out protein), change exercises (keep doin 3 days of weights), keep the cv goin aswell but change the exercises.
 
jus a side comment, to your body fat is the most important tissue as it helps with hormones. If you starve yourself your body will cannabilise muscle for energy rather than fat........so eat every few hours small healthy meals. like what the maximuslce diet says. Have fun

Make sure your 2000cals is in healthy foods. Eat lots of salad and vegetables to lose fat faster!

Add me on facebook!

Thanks everyone esp mmamonster :)

Yeah i soon figured out that diet is more of a "once your at your ideal weight start getting - the look" kinda thing. But im not down to my ideal weight yet.

Im going to be sticking to the food plently of people have mentioned how great my skin looks now - must be all the water and vit e from the nuts.

I was considering doing 3 days of cardio and 2 of weights but ill stick to 3 days of weights if its what you reccomend to fill me out.

Is there anything stopping me doing cardio and weights on the same day? just smaller amounts of weights and more focus on cardio?

Cheers again! big help everyone :)

cardio after the weights if you wanna to both on the same day or leave a big enough gap between both sessions morning cardio, eve weights.
 
weights first because it will require the most concentration and is a higher intensity.......plus if you do cardio right before weights it'll sap your glycogen which is the energy your muscles will run on.
 
may be worth reading up on energy systems in the body if you want the science behind it!

You know "The new rules of lifting" fat loss routines are really excellant for you goals. I really think the fat loss routines are the strongest routines in that book. The book is worth checking out especially iwhen you get to the point where you want to change from what you are doing. Very intense workouts, high cardio stimulation, does a good job of keeping strength, gaining muscle, fat melts away. Simular principals to what you are already doing, like I said might be good for you when you need a change..

It is just a suggestion, your doing very well, and congratulations on you successes so far.