Having Trouble Improving My Training

[cg2333]

Hey guys,

I’m still a skinny runt, but I’ve progressed to the point where I’m satisfied with some of my body parts and my overall mass. My two goals now are to cut the bodyfat I gained while bulking and to modify my workouts to improve my lagging body parts (biceps, triceps, calves). Is it possible to accomplish both of these at once or do I need to focus on one at a time? I’m an ectomorph and it seems much easier for me to get lean then it is to gain and hold mass. I’ve focused on bulking for the last couple of years and during this time I’ve only walked for cardio. I recently tried adding cardio for 3 days per week for 30 minutes per day at 55% of my maximum heart rate. My bodyfat did begin to go down, but I noticed that I lacked my usual “oomph” in the gym and I wasn’t able to “blast through” the end of my sets like I was when I was only walking. I want to cut the bodyfat I’ve gained, but I’m concerned that I won’t be able to improve my lagging body parts while doing cardio this way. My diet is already as clean as I can see to make it. Any advice about how to handle this would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
cg2333

 

[SgtSlaughter]

Firstly, Congratz on the progress.

Secondly, if by improving you mean to make bigger... no, not likely unless your a genetic freak that can pack on mass while your body undergoes a caloric deficet cutting diet.

You can most definetly shape those muscles more while dieting.

What really makes bis, tris, and calves grow are the compound movements.... most newbs do curls til' the sun sets and never see results that they're looking for. Stick to compound movements, Bench, Deadlift, Squat... the big 3. That's how you pack on size while eating like a monster.

Post a typical daily diet.... or even better do some research in the diet forum for a good cutting diet and post in there, great stuff in there bro! Check it out!

 

[cg2333]

sgtslaughter,

What you said made a lot of sense about training. I currently hit the compound movements hard, and lately I've felt like I might benefit from doing less on my biceps, triceps, and calves. Do you have a program or style of training that you recommend for the smaller muscle groups?

Thank you,
cg2333

 

[nelmsjer]

Respectfully, I think you missed the point. You really don't need to focus on the smaller muscle groups...IF you are working diligently and intensely on the large compound movements. Work hard on Squats, Deadlifts, Bench, Military, Rows, and Pullups. Your arms will grow as they continue to support the primary movers for the exercises.