cutting and am losing strength...

[seizer]

Not TOO much strength, but I've been cutting about 3 weeks now and I cant perform the full 5 reps of a 5 set scheme that I could prior to my cutting diet implimentation. So, now instead my repping say 315 on squats for 5, i only get 3.

Mind you, this is single factory training of the 5x5 method. Does anyone have any ideas of how I can minimize strength loss. I care alot about my strength, its grown in importance to me far beyond my aesthetics goals, and I dont care to lose it, atleast I want to maintain.

 

[coolcolj]

not me!

keep your protein levels up and don't drop the calories to much, but then again I'm only eating around 1500-1900 on average and I'm actually gaining musclemass and getting a tiny bit stronger, low carbs and all

 

[RipStone]

Some tips for cutting fat without losing muscle/strength...

-lose weight slowly. aim for 1/2-1lb a week.
-eat clean.
-dont change your lifting routine. you got big for a reason, so keep the routine the same while cutting.
-drop calories slowly over 2-3 weeks until you start losing 1/2-1lb a week. if you drasticlly, cut cals overnight you will shock your body and lose muscle.
-do HIIT cardio or low-intensity cardio on days you dont lift. but have at least 1 day a week where you rest...no cardio, no lifting.
-look into timed carb diets.

 

[riverrock]

Yes, don't starve yourself. Keep calories modest.

 

[BOOEY]

Yes, don't starve yourself. Keep calories modest.

Word. Slow and steady wins the race. Drop the calories slightly each week, but drop them from carbs or fats, keep the protein intake high as usual. Don't sacrifice the importance of post-workout meals. But most importantly, don't psyche yourself out that cutting = losing strength - keep the intensity high and you should be alright.