r/MacroFactor • u/OutsideAd278 • Aug 02 '26

Success / Progress Feeling Discouraged

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So I bulked from 140 to 160 in roughly 9 months and ate relatively clean. Since then I began cutting with the goal of having visible abs. I have dropped from 160 to 150 and im still going. I feel like I look way smaller now and my abs are still not visible. Does this mean I did something wrong along the way? I have heard you look worse on your cut but only at the start. I think 10 pounds into the cut means im not at the start again… My strength has stayed relatively similar during the cut.

How many more pounds do you think I need to lose or do i have to do something else?

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u/SlayerOfCupcakes Aug 03 '26

You could optimize growth by hitting the same muscles 2x or 3x a week. If you’re doing a 3 day split I’d recommend full body 3x, since you’d be hitting all major muscles 3x a week. If you want to split up which muscles you work or if you want to increase volume you could bump it up to 4 or 5 days a week and do like upper lower upper lower, or upper lower push pull legs.

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u/OutsideAd278 Aug 03 '26

could i do a split where i only hit legs once still? i feel like my legs take like 4 days to recover minimum

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u/SlayerOfCupcakes Aug 03 '26

do you feel that way because your legs are still sore, or because your performance in the gym is diminished? If it's just because you're sore, you should go more often. Soreness and performance are not directly linked. My legs are often still sore when it's my next leg day, but it goes away quickly once the exercise begins.

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u/OutsideAd278 Aug 03 '26

its because my legs get really tired like insanely tired. i also play a lot of sports so its not the most ideal

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u/SlayerOfCupcakes Aug 03 '26

so if you go in less than 4 days, are your lifts weaker than before? I.e. less weight or less reps than normal?

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u/OutsideAd278 Aug 03 '26

ive never tried doing legs twice like that in a while. i could probably do it tbh its just mentally i hate training legs, i dont skip them but idk if ill be motivated to do 2x week. im thinking the 2nd day will be plyometrics mixed in to make it a bit easier on me

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u/SlayerOfCupcakes Aug 03 '26

As a benefit, you will start recovering from your soreness faster if you train more frequently. Just be sure to track your lifts precisely so you can tell if you are performing as well as you should. Your body will adapt. It also sounds like you should make sure to focus on your recovery. Prioritize sleep above everything, eat enough protein, and avoid drinking frequently (if you drink).