How weak do you guys get when cutting?

[rikishi]

Since I started cutting 5 weeks ago, I've lost 8 lbs. of bodyweight (presumably mostly water). The sickening part is that I've lost 40 lbs. on my bench press. I'm cutting natty, so perhaps this has impacted my strength. I've been natty for the last 6 months and did not start losing strength until the cut. I have also noticed that my chest looks smaller, for what that's worth.

I'm new at cutting; I've never had to do it before because I've always been trying to add size due to my lean frame. Anybody else become incredibly weak while they cut? Any tips on countering this massive strength loss, or is it just a part of the game? Thanks for the insight.

 

[oso0960]

That's quite a lot especially for 5 weeks. I've never lost that much in that short of time, you must be starving yourself? Toward the end of a 5 month cut and 60lbs lighter I lost quite a bit also, but nothing that drastic, I probably also lost 40lbs off my bench after the 5 months.

 

[rikishi]

That's quite a lot especially for 5 weeks. I've never lost that much in that short of time, you must be starving yourself? Toward the end of a 5 month cut and 60lbs lighter I lost quite a bit also, but nothing that drastic, I probably also lost 40lbs off my bench after the 5 months.

While I admit that I have been taking in less calories than originally planned, I am still meeting my minimum protein requirements each day. Perhaps I need to increase my carbohydrate intake?

 

[moya]

post your diet?
...and how long have you been lifting?... the more recent the strength gains, the easier they are lost...

 

[Tblock1]

Lift really heavy, consume bcaa's to stop your body from eating muscle, and cut carbs.

 

[bruce9241]

I used to bench press 225x5 easily. Could do that for 5 sets.

Now I can do 225 about once or twice. Infact 235 is my max now that I've lost about 26 pounds of weight.

Same with squats. Before cutting all this weight I was doing 265x5 now 265 is probably my 1 rep max. Overhead press 135x10 was something I could now. Now I could only do it 5-6 times.

 

[ExtraMile]

im havin the best strength gains of my life and im on a clean bulk diet with slightly restricted carbs. I also do as much cardio as I can be bothered to do which is usually once a week pre breakfast and 2-4 times a week post workout.