Losing strength during cut

[AirWolf]

I'm currently in my 4th week of 5's in my first HST cycle. While going through the cycle I have also been on a cutting diet. I've lost about 23lbs since the beginning of November. While a lot of my lifts have gone up I've noticed a lag and decline in others recently and I'm wondering if it can be attributed to the weight loss.

My bench has been feeling weaker during my past 5-6 workouts and my squats rose to 285 during the 3rd week of 5's, however in my last workout I could barely complete a set with 275.

The only thing different about my last workout was that I went later in the day, around 5pm instead of at lunch.

So - I'm wondering, how much strength is usually lost during a clean cut?

 

[wnt2bBeast]

correct me if im wrong but hst is all about hypertrophy..I wouldnt expect strength gains and doing sets of 5 for 2 weeks is not going to allow you to recover lost strength..

youve lost a nice amount of weight and im hoping most of it is fat..perhaps your just tired from dieting refeeding for a few days might help..it will also help you lose as well if its been stagnant

 

[JohnnyCoho]

Sounds like yer ready for some Strategic Deconditioning Bro!!

agree also with 2bBeast, eat some more!!!

What does your diet look like now? Whats your current BMR?

 

[Lee]

HST isnt designed from strength at all. when cutting do a standard 3x8 and u should see good strength retention.

 

[AirWolf]

Well - its my last week of this HST cycle so the next 9 days is deconditioning. I'm also going on a cruise next week - so I'm guessing that I'll be eating plenty. My diet has been cycling 2500-2900 cals/day...I put my maintenance at around 3200.

 

[Deathbydefault]

how was your hydration? I find if i haven't drank alot during the day i lose some strength/energy at the gym, especially if its later then usual