Transform Your Weight: a Personal Journey From 205 Lbs to Strength and Fitness

Setting Fitness Goals: Gain Strength and Cut Down BF

Birch_Ent's ultimate fitness goal was to gain strength while cutting down his body fat percentage. At the start of his transformation, he weighed 205 lbs and estimated his BF to be around 21%. He sought advice from other fitness enthusiasts on Reddit on whether he should start bulking or cutting first.

Choosing the Right Fitness Program: Starting Strength (SS)

After receiving helpful suggestions and guidance from fellow Redditors, Birch_Ent decided to enroll in the Starting Strength program to gain strength and improve his overall fitness. The SS program is designed to help beginners build strength and muscle mass through compound exercises, such as squats and deadlifts.

Initial Progress: Bulking Up

As Birch_Ent progressed through the program, he noticed significant improvements in his strength and energy levels. He also gained some weight in the form of muscle mass, which was expected during the bulking phase of his journey. He continued to follow the SS program, while adjusting his diet to meet his macronutrient needs.

Transitioning to Cutting Phase

After several months of bulking, Birch_Ent felt ready to transition to the cutting phase of his transformation. He continued to follow the SS program, but adjusted his diet to be in a caloric deficit and increase his protein intake. This allowed him to maintain his strength while promoting fat loss.

Final Results: Improved Health and Fitness

Birch_Ent's dedication and hard work paid off, as he was able to achieve his fitness goals and transform his body. He lost weight and reduced his body fat percentage to around 15%, while gaining significant strength and muscle mass. His journey demonstrates the importance of setting clear fitness goals and following a structured program that meets your individual needs.