From 140Lbs to 188Lbs and Back Down: a Successful Weight Journey

Introduction

Follow the inspiring weight journey of a Reddit user, u/OooPieceofCandy, who gained 48lbs before cutting back down to his current weight of 188lbs. Despite suffering from a sweet tooth, this user stuck to an IIFYM-style diet to ensure all macros were hit within a set calorie limit.

Workout routine

During the first six to eight months, u/OooPieceofCandy experimented with different workout routines to figure out which ones worked for his body type. Since he aimed to compete in men's physique shows, he did a lot of 4x8-12 sets on his chest, back, and legs, while sticking to volume for his accessory muscles like bis, tris, and shoulders. For these, he did 10 sets of 10 reps, nearly failing on the final reps of sets nine and ten. Although this workout routine favored growth over strength, it allowed for plenty of blood flow to his muscles, aiding in growth and repair.

Diet plan

Diet was a difficult concept for u/OooPieceofCandy, being that he didn't have anyone guiding him to a diet plan. Being a sweets lover (he even smoked weed, which led to cravings), he stuck to an IIFYM-style diet. He made sure that he hit all of his macros within a set calorie limit, and if he had any remaining calories, he filled the space with whatever he craved.

Tangible results

Despite the difficulty of sticking to a diet plan and finding the right workout routine for his body, u/OooPieceofCandy managed to gain 48lbs in two years, with his weight spiking to 195lbs. However, recognizing that his hard work had paid off, he began his cutting phase, which led to him successfully cutting down to his current weight of 188lbs. He even noted that, already one week into his cut, he was seven pounds lighter, showing the effectiveness of his cutting strategies.

Take home message

u/OooPieceofCandy's motivating journey shows that hard work, dedication, and a little bit of flexibility can go a long way in achieving weight goals, whether it's bulking up or cutting down. It's important to recognize one's weaknesses and strengths to tailor workout routines and diet plans accordingly. Additionally, honoring one's personal preferences in a diet plan and allowing for some flexibility is key for staying on track and remaining consistent. Try these strategies out for yourself and see results!