Programming Advice

[Mahendra]

Hi Andy,

I'm 5'5, 159lbs. While I was 150lbs, my maxes were the following:
Squat 5RM - 230lbs
Deadlift 5RM - 320lbs
Bench 3RM - 207.5LBS
Press 5RM - 135lbs

Long story short, life got in the way and I couldn't find much time to exercise, and I wasn't eating the greatest, and thus gained some unwanted weight.

I'm currently running 5/3/1 (although I got to those maxes using the TM on the 3 day and then 4 day split.

Not sure what my true current maxes are... But I'm somewhere around
Squat 5RM - 195lbs
Deadlift 5RM (as of last night) - 275lbs (still have more in the tank to keep going)
Bench 5RM - 185lbs
Press 5RM - 125lbs

I haven't tested to see if I could go higher...

According to one of those Tanita bodyfat scales, it says I'm 20%. Then again, who really knows the accuracy of those scales.

Another caveat... I generally have about 50-60 minutes to workout due to many other commitments.

What would be your advice given my scenario? Try to drop some weight first? Or continue lifting. I lift generally just for good health and to just be stronger...

Thanks for your time,

~ Suspenders

[Andy Baker (KSC)]

Always continue to lift during weight loss phase. That's what maintains muscle mass and ensures you are dropping fat