Hello again,
Flex Chronicles community!
Jonn here with some important insights as we approach the end of my off-season and prepare for a well-deserved break/begin prep.
So I just wanted to discuss how to navigate this transition period effectively while prioritising rest and recovery.
Transitioning from Off-Season to Cutting Phase: As the off-season comes to a close, many of us start gearing up for a cutting phase to shed excess body fat and reveal those hard-earned muscles. It's essential to approach this phase gradually and with a well-planned strategy. Gradually reduce caloric intake while maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein and essential nutrients. Honestly please stop only giving yourself 6 weeks to get shredded, this only makes it 1,000,000 times harder and you just feel sh*t for it. Yes a 20 week diet sounds bad also but at least it’s sustainable
Listen to Your Body: It's great that you're paying attention to the niggles and signs of fatigue in your body, I currently am in this position. It comes down to pushing heavier loads and generally being heavier in myself. This is a crucial time to be cautious and prioritise recovery. Incorporate active rest days, gentle stretching, and perhaps alternative forms of exercise like swimming or yoga to alleviate stress on joints and muscles.
Importance of Rest and Recovery: Rest is just as important as training when it comes to achieving optimal performance and avoiding injuries. I’ve gone from a 6 day split, to a 5 day split to now I only train 4 times a week. You need to allow your body adequate time to recover and repair during this transition phase. Quality sleep, hydration, and nutrition are paramount.
Mindful Nutrition: During the cutting phase, focus on nutrient-dense foods that support your fitness goals. Incorporate plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your meals. Consider consulting with a nutritionist or dietitian to fine-tune your meal plan for optimal results.
Incorporate Mobility Work: Address those niggles and minor discomforts through targeted mobility work. Foam rolling, stretching, and mobility exercises can improve flexibility and alleviate tightness, reducing the risk of injury. It’ll also help you with your posing, after all that’s why you’re here in the first place.
Mental Preparation: Prepare yourself mentally for the upcoming holiday and cutting phase. Set realistic goals, stay disciplined with your nutrition and training, and visualize success. Remember, consistency and determination are key to achieving your fitness objectives.
Enjoy Your Holiday: Lastly, embrace the upcoming holiday as a chance to recharge and rejuvenate both body and mind. Take time to relax, unwind, and enjoy yourself while staying mindful of your fitness goals. Try not to stress about your food not being weighed out or that you didn’t train or hit your step goal. After all it’s a holiday and this might be the only week all year that you actually give your body the rest it deserves. For me my holiday is the last chance to recharge my batteries before I start prep as soon as I come back.
As always, I'm here to support you on your fitness journey. Stay tuned for more tips and inspiration on Flex Chronicles.
Jonn
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