What is Cutting?

Cutting in fitness refers to a strategy of reducing body fat while maintaining muscle mass. Typically, it is done by reducing calorie intake and/or increasing exercise and other physical activities. The goal of cutting is to achieve a leaner and more defined physique, usually for aesthetic or performance purposes. The term is commonly used in bodybuilding, powerlifting, and other weight-based sports.

Examples of Cutting

One common example of cutting is a bodybuilder who wants to compete in a competition. They may spend several months reducing their body fat percentage through a combination of diet and exercise, while also trying to preserve the muscle mass they worked hard to gain during the off-season.

Synonyms and Antonyms of Cutting

Synonyms: fat loss, shredding, leaning out. Antonyms: bulking (the process of gaining muscle mass and size).

Related Terms of Cutting

• Calorie deficit: A state in which a person consumes fewer calories than they burn. This is usually necessary to achieve fat loss.
• Cardio: Short for cardiovascular exercise, cardio refers to any activity that raises the heart rate and improves cardiovascular health. It is often used as a tool for fat loss during cutting.
• Strength training: Any form of exercise that involves resistance to build strength and muscle mass. It is often used in conjunction with cardio during cutting to help preserve muscle while losing fat.

Cutting vs. Bulking

As mentioned earlier, cutting is the opposite of bulking. While cutting is about reducing body fat, bulking is about gaining muscle mass and size. These two strategies are usually done in alternating cycles for bodybuilding or other weight-based sports.