how to avoid muscle loss when bulking??

[Martian]

Hi.. I am pretty new to weightraining and have been using the DC training method with good results for the past 3 months gonig from about 190 and peaking at 205 (im 6'1") when I started supplementing a bit more with creatine/wheyprotein... however, I took a 1 week rest about 2 weeks ago and going back into another bulk cycle.. however, I've dropped down to 200 (5-lb lost) and also lost a bit strength (2.5-5lb drop on some exercises) but also was stronger on some...

any tips on what may have happened for me to the lost the 5 lbs?? I still feel that Im getting bigger and leaner.. could this weight loss be fat that Im losing at the same time since my muscles are growing (i've also recently switched to a low-fat diet to stay lean)?? if i drop below 200, im going to think its because Im still eating the same when Im supposed to eat more while i gain..

 

[Legion Kreinak2]

Well you might have dropped due to your little layoff there, give it another week or so and see what happens.

I've found that I can come back stronger on exercises after a layoff, and weak on others. Maybe your body just needed a rest.

 

[from zero]

Wait, wait. AVOID muscle while BULKING? I'm not sure this is even possible. I'm sure the week off did not make you lose 5 pounds of muscle. It was probably just all water.

 

[FatRat]

Did your diet change in your week off? Less apitite, or less dedication to it?

 

[overhead]

If you switched to a low fat diet that could do it. I can't imagine training DC style on a low fat diet. But if it works for you ......

 

[Exodus]

i belive dc calls for an enormous amount of protein. like 400 grams or so a day. if you take in that much, i doubt you will loose a lot of muscle.

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