Early intermediate…Lose a little weight or maintain?

[Tank50]

I’d like to get some feedback on this if possible.

Stats:
Age: 42
Height:6ft.
Weight: 265 lbs

Squat: 355 x 5x 3
DL: 440x 5
Bench: 270 x5 x 3
Press: 172.5 x 5x 3

Been training for about 2 years, but about a year using SS. Had a session a few months ago with an SSC and he suggested I transition to early intermediate programming. I would estimate body fat around 30% based on the US marines calculation method. In the last year I definitely appear much more fit than I did a year ago despite my weight being 10 lbs heavier because I have gained a lot of muscle size. I have gained most of that weight in the last 5 months or so. I am not looking to have abs or anything like that (I like my food too much) but would like to be leaner than I am currently. I am actively trying to eat at least 200g protein per day, and probably hit that goal 6 out of 7 days. I don’t eat totally clean…I do drink soda and eat potato chips on the regular. That being said I am very happy with my progress and want to continue to progress or at the least maintain my strength numbers. I have heard Rip say multiple times that someone 6ft tall can carry 275lbs.

My question is…is it better to slowly lose down to 245 or 250 and then build back up? Or is it better to just maintain weight and try to continue making progress on the bar? Thanks for your thoughts.

[Robert Santana]

You have to decide what you want to do next. Sounds like you are getting stronger so if you want more strength then keep pushing along and dont' lose any weight yet. When you finally hit a plateau then scale back and work it back up. At the very least, clean up your diet and get the junk out of it, keep the protein and fiber up (to 40 g), and do your conditioning so you aren't heavy and deconditioned.

[HailMary]

If you give it a couple years and focus on getting stronger, I bet you will be very happy with the body comp changes. Consistency, recovery, good programming, conditioning, and a sane sustainable diet. Do you have to give up soda and chips? Of course not. But there will always be trade-offs. Make your choices accordingly.

[Tank50]

Thank you guys for your responses. I think I may just hold my weight where it is and keep making the gains while I can, while cutting back on some of the junk.

I have recently started doing some HIIT on the Elliptical Machine. I know it’s not as ideal as a prowler or rower, but it’s what we have and I think it’s doing what I need it to.

Thanks again.