[Repo]

I hear you Rex. But as someone not on gear, the amount of effort it takes to get to that next level just isn't worth the reward in my opinion. Maybe part of it is genetics. But I've gone months on a very low carb, high protein/vegetable diet, and yet by the end of one "cheat weekend" drinking at the beach my six pack is barely visible. I go to the gym 6 days a week and do lots of core/ab work, so I don't think that is the problem either. I personally just think that looking at this from a lifestyle perspective, I'd rather just focus on building a bigger upper body slowly than take the extra steps of losing that last few percent of body fat. Maybe if I lives in a warmer climate than Northeast US, I would think differently.

[RexImperator]

Actually I think it's good to change things up when they get stale. Sounds like you might want to do a slow bulk and then diet down again later. And things do take a long time.

I don't know the answer, but is there a better "core" builder than back squats? I never had any ab muscles I could feel until I started doing them, even going way back to when I was a skinny guy (in college).

Anyway, check out this blog
http://rippedbody.jp

[RexImperator]

This whole talk is worthwhile but the relevant portion starts at 6:00 in:

TL;DW: Very intense exercise such as lifting heavy weights reverses insulin resistance.

[Foolsgo1d]

So much complex stuff flying around.

If you hate cardio (which I do) then just move weights over a set distance. I did a fencing job with concrete posts weighing in between 130-150kg. Moving concrete bags and other medium-heavy shit over distances no more than 200m.

That will cut your fat down and build strength.

Look at how strong men train and compete. Without the excessive weight the same principle applies. A lot of those guys are big with definition.

[samsamsam]

There has been some discussion about cortisol in this thread.

I am on an intense weight cut and it is advised to minimize the cardio.

However, I love to box and just can't give it up.

I have been looking at some supposed cortisol blockers.

I don't think my life stress is overwhelming, but with the low calories and cardio (about 3 to 4 times a week for 30 minutes of intense work - sparring or mitts), wondering if there is anything I can take to offset anything bad I am doing.

Thanks.