Do you feel like you're putting in the work but not seeing the physique you want (and know is there)?

Ever wondered what it takes to truly "look like you lift"?

You're not alone, and there's a strategic approach to make your efforts count.

It's not just about fat loss; it's about building muscle first and then using fat loss to reveal what you've built.

Sound obvious right?

Have you ever spent 6 months straight building muscle?

In a calorie surplus, with no mini-cuts or breaks?

Then you may have never put in the effort to get the "lift" part of the "look like you lift".

Here's an interesting perspective to consider:

For most people, the key to achieving that chiseled appearance isn't to start with dieting to "lean out" first and then build muscle.

Instead, it's to embark on a journey of strength training, first and foremost to get strong, and as a side benefit to build muscle.

Once that foundation of neuromuscular strength, force production, and bigger, badder muscles is established, fat loss is how we sculpt away the extra 20-30 pounds of body fat to reveal that hard-won physique.

Let's break this down:

1. Start with Strength Training

Building muscle requires resistance training with hard sets and progressive overload, high protein intake, and plenty of energy (fuel/carbs) and recovery (sleep and stress management). If you've never lifted before or have been out of the game for a while, your body will respond impressively to a well-designed strength training program.

2. Focus on Muscle, Not Just Weight

Muscle gives your body shape and definition. Weight loss alone can leave you looking lean but not necessarily strong or sculpted. By building muscle first, you set the stage for a physique that actually looks like it lifts. You can do this with very little increase on the scale if you're a new lifter.

3. Reveal with Fat Loss

Once you've built a muscular base, using fat loss strategically can uncover those muscles, making them pop. This phase should be handled with care (that is--based on what the evidence says is needed to HOLD ONTO YOUR MUSCLE and prioritize mostly fat loss). This is important!

4. Avoid Crash Dieting

Going all-in on a crash diet without focusing on muscle building can lead to muscle loss, ravenous hunger, and a rebound effect that leaves you farther from your goals. It's the opposite of "looking like you lift."

5. Personalize Your Approach

Just like the aggressive fat loss strategy we discussed previously, the journey to "look like you lift" must be tailored to YOU. What you prefer, can adhere to, and helps you reach your goal as fast as possible without losing muscle mass is what matters. The mantra here is, "Build, then reveal."

Why am I sharing this?

Because sometimes the road less traveled is the one that leads to success, and I want you to have every possible tool at your disposal to create the physique you desire.

And if you're a lifter (new or advanced) who wants to know the best path to build and reveal, reach out to me to chat about your options.

I'll help you get to your goals in the fastest, most efficient, most sustainable way to look like you lift.

Ready to transform? Let's talk.