minimum to maintain strength

[Scott Mahn]

I do so forlornly, but for a variety of reasons I'm choosing to leave the novice program for more of a crossfit/GPP/caloric deficit cycle. Naturally, while doing so, I'd like to maintain as much strength as possible, and I'm just wondering what is reasonable to shoot for.

I'm thinking to do 4 workout per week with at least one being strength, the other 3 mixed bag, crossfit inspired.

Assuming I will allow adequate recovery and not drop "too far" below maintenance calories, is it a reasonable expectation that I will be able to do the "big lifts" once per week within 10% of current PR's?

Is that a reasonable/realistic endeavor to strive for?

[Mark Rippetoe]

Strength is a fairly persistent adaptation, depending on how long you have been training. A rank novice would lose strength over 6 months that an advanced lifter would retain.

[banderbe]

I do so forlornly, but for a variety of reasons I'm choosing to leave the novice program for more of a crossfit/GPP/caloric deficit cycle. Naturally, while doing so, I'd like to maintain as much strength as possible, and I'm just wondering what is reasonable to shoot for.

I'm thinking to do 4 workout per week with at least one being strength, the other 3 mixed bag, crossfit inspired.

Assuming I will allow adequate recovery and not drop "too far" below maintenance calories, is it a reasonable expectation that I will be able to do the "big lifts" once per week within 10% of current PR's?

Is that a reasonable/realistic endeavor to strive for?

I'm not sure why you would have to go below your PRs at all. If you lose any strength you've probably lost some muscle.

I know some of the guys on clutchfitness.com have dieted down and actually had continued albeit slow strength gains.