I have the muscle, but not the "cuts." How do I get cut?

Question

Right now, I just look bulky. Only my forearms and calves are showing definition.

I use 3 and 5 pound dumbbells for upper body, high reps and low sets; and 5 and 8 pound dumbbells for lower body, high reps low sets. 3-4 days a week. Abs everyday.

I do at least 30 minutes of cardio, 4 days a week (OK, I TRY...I'm getting better and more committed now). Treadmill, running hills outside, Spin class, Step aerobics.

Answer 1

Good job on getting where you are now. Gaining decent muscle can be a challenge.

First of all, I suggest adding more weight and reducing the number of reps. It's a common misconception that cutting requires really high reps with low weights.

So, the next step would be starting what bodybuilders call the "cutting phase". This is where you continue your normal activities, perhaps increase intensity a bit, but reduce your overall caloric intake a little. You'll also reduce hypertrophy as well, but that's ok because the goal is to reduce bodyfat not gain more muscle. If you can afford it, see about picking up some amino acids. Keep your current protein levels up but reduce mostly carbs and a little of the fat intake as well. It's a balancing act that takes time to learn.

Just be sure not to reduce caloric intake too much because you don't want to catabolize the muscle you've worked hard to gain.

Answer 2

You first have to develop muscles then you can work on the lean muscles so if your looking bulky that may be a side effect of not enough muscle to create definition or it may just be that it's your body type.
I'm a large frame man and even when rigorously working out I still had lots of bulk and not much tone.
So high reps at a decent weight should help.

Answer 3

You need to monitor your nutrition because it is more important than exercise.

Eat 6 small but balanced meals per day. Your carbs should be high in fiber, your proteins should be lean, and your fats should be sparing but high in the omega 3 & 6 fatty acids. Avoid greasy foods, alcohol, and candy.

Here is more info about nutrition:
http://www.spartafit.com/nutrition/nutrition.html
http://www.spartafit.com/nutrition/sample%20meal%20plans.html

Answer 4

The "cut" shows up when you lose fat. If you want that, reduce the amount of fatty foods, as well as total calories that you have in your diet.

Since you're working out, you need to remember to keep up the protein...Lots of low-fat meats such as turkey & chicken are good.

Answer 5

u need more heavier dumbells just try 5 more pounds of dumbells then u r and see in a month if not then try 5 more and keep goin till u get it

Answer 6

I've been through this, it's probably your diet. you should try to alkalize your body. if your body is acid it won't let go of fat because it put the acids into your fat to protect your arteris and vital organs. try this if you can, it's called a green drink, it will give your body the alkalinity it needs to neutralize the acids in your body, and when that happens, your body begins to cleanse naturally, then your body can let go of the fat. http://www.luckyvitamin.com/074312452253.html

Answer 7

first of all u really need to add heavier weights like seriously

Answer 8

just get some scissors and cut ur self ez as that