Potential to look great?

[theJamAbides]

OK, I've been doing WBB1 for 2 weeks. I did some random lifting for about 3 weeks prior to start WBB1 (I hadn't found this great site yet).

Now I'm on a solid routine, and I'm keeping tabs on my diet like crazy. I have the willpower and the tenacity to stick with this and my journal should prove it over the next few months (Maybe years).

I just ordered calipers and measuring tape off eBay and should be getting those soon, but feel free to guess my BF %. I just want to know what you guys think of me as I start out. I'm currently trying to cut some of the fat to get down to a reasonable start weight. I've been overweight since 2001, ranging from 210 - 240 and recently lost it down to 208. it was then I decided to start lifting and watching my diet. I'm down to 196 now.

I know I need to bulk to grow some serious muscle, but I'm tired of the manboobs and the gut enough to cut down and see where I am without all the excess BF. Is that a smart decision?

Here are my stats:

26 yo Male
5'11"
196 lbs

http://www.myimagehosting.com/u/5628/5644/51769.jpg

http://www.myimagehosting.com/u/5628/5644/51770.jpg

[bill]

I wouldn't say it's a bad decision, just know that your lifts may suffer. It may be more difficult that you think. I would say if your really serious about losing fat. Rather than cut, which often times just means typical diet. Get your diet as clean and close to what a bodybuilder would be doing. You will probably lose fat and gain some muscle by doing that alone initially. Then slowly cut after your body stops losing fat. Probably one of the few here that thinks like that. ha ha

[Unholy]

I like Bills approach as well but honestly what your doing is great too. I have never bulked in my life and wont do so till I get to 12-14% BF first for once in my life. Personally I think that at 27 you still have a great deal of time to change your life around and look like a beast.

[theJamAbides]

Whoops, I meant to type 26... so that's even better right? :)

[danisleet]

Looks like you have a pretty good start, seems like your not fat at all so I would say just hit the weights,get good nights rest and eat well.

[bill]

With all I wrote you still can't go wrong to continue the cut.

[theJamAbides]

Thanks for the replies guys!

[theJamAbides]

OK, to give some perspective...

I got my calipers today. According to them I'm 22.9% BF which gives me about 150 lbs of lean body mass. It was alot higher than I thought. :swear:

That's ok though, I'm not discouraged and now I know how to gauge my BF %.

[theJamAbides]

Well, I was using the calipers wrong. My Mom set me straight (nurse). My BF is 18.1%.

I can tell in the mirror I'm getting bigger, but less fat.

[Mik]

Whoops, I meant to type 26... so that's even better right? :)

Pfffft! You've got years and years. You're doing well so far.