Embracing progress not perfection brings
enjoyment and sustainability to the fat loss process.
Two weeks into this cutting phase and things are going well. Progress is being made and I’m still “living a little” as some like to call it.
As I mentioned in the initial post about my goals and challenges, sticking to the nutrition plan during the week is relatively easy. It’s the weekend that I struggle with. Especially this time of year where every weekend is filled with events and gatherings.
All in all, I’m really happy with how the first two weekends have gone. I’ve enjoyed some beers with friends and family, but I’ve kept my nutrition under control (for the most part).
In the past, any time I drank alcohol I would over consume food at the same time. So it pleases me to see the progress I’ve made so far. There is still work to be done, but I will continue to improve with each week.
I know I could cut back just a bit on the alcohol and could reduce the amount I indulge on the weekend. There was one point this past Saturday when I grabbed two more slices of pizza and I wasn’t even hungry. Why the heck would I do that to myself? Old habits I guess. But I’m aware of it and will improve upon it.
One thing that has been working for me is eating less during the day leading up to the events and gatherings. That way I have more calories to play with and people are less likely to question why I’m not enjoying some of the tasty foods (not that there questions or opinions have much of an impact on me).
Now here’s a quick physique update to check out the visual progress that’s been made;
My stats
Age: 40
Height: 5′ 6.5″
Weight: 153 pounds
Body Fat: 11% according to the Skulpt Chisel 24 site measurement. 12 sites in the front (6 per side) and 12 sites in the back (6 per side)
So, I’ve dropped 2 pounds during the past two weeks. A little lower than I was aiming for. Ideally I’m looking at 1.5 pounds per week.
Training
Training has been going great! We’re now on a 4 day body part split routine where we’re hitting each muscle once every 5 days.
Day 1: Chest
Day 2: Back
Day 3: Shoulders and Arms
Day 4: Legs
Repeat
The volume is pretty damn high for chest and back. You would think I was in a hypertrophy phase when you look at the plan, but I really enjoy high volume training during a cutting phase.
The extra volume comes from isolation exercises, which aren’t overly taxing on my body. The isolation exercises are great toward the end of the workout when energy begins to fade. It allows me to get in a bit more work without running myself into the ground.
Cardio
For cardio I’ve just been going for daily 30 minute brisk walks with my dog Chief.
Last Tuesday I went for a nice 35 minute bike ride along the country side and absolutely loved it. I’m going to try to keep that up once or twice a week, while paying close attention to my recovery and appetite.
And That’s A Wrap!
So progress has been made and I’m stoked to step things up this week. Again, weekdays should be a breeze. We’ll see how I handle the weekend. That’s where I have room for improvements.
Thanks for sharing this journey with me.
Sculpt a Masterpiece,
Scott Tousignant
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About The Author
Scott Tousignant, BHK is a Physique Coach and Elite Natural Bodybuilder with the UFE.
Scott specializes in helping regular guys sculpt their body into a work of art by pulverizing stubborn belly fat and painfully embarrassing love handles… swapping them with ripped abs, rock hard muscle, and soaring confidence.
The art of molding and chiseling an aesthetically pleasing physique with spectacular symmetry, proportions, and carved out detail is one of life’s most rewarding and fulfilling experiences…
…It’s an opportunity for self growth and self discovery that will impact every area of your life.
Learn more about Scott’s physique-focused training programs:
AMPlify Aesthetic Muscle Gains and Strip Away Stubborn Fat with AMP – Aesthetic Muscle Plan