Recomp?

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1

At the risk of sounding horribly obtuse, can someone offer an explanation of what is considered recomp? Based on the TBAB macros, I’d been operating under the assumption that recomp was the slow process of increasing muscle mass while losing fat, and that this was accomplished by eating in a mild deficit. However, there seem to be a lot of conflicting ideas around the internet on what constitutes a recomp. Some folks suggest recomp is achieved through maintenance calories, others suggest a slight surplus, and others suggest some form of calorie cycling on training and non-training days. Since I’ve not yet seen a precise BBM certified definition for recomp, I’m slightly confused.

So just to be sure I’m in the right conceptual ball park, what do folks in this neck of the woods tend to mean when they talk about recomp?

2

Recomp is losing fat while maintaining strength.

Around here things get sporty if you mention gaining muscle and losing fat at the same time.

3

Recomposition is nuanced and probably only works in a couple of situations: beginners and unfit, some genetic freaks who are intermediates. Otherwise if you are past your beginner phase, look to bulk and cut over longer and slower cycles.

This is a good summary: Alan Aragon on Instagram: "Mostly big picture with some of the important details. It always helps to have the right conceptual framework when it comes time to individualize programming. You are the artists & architects of the physiques you build. Have a great weekend, everyone. May the gainz be with you. #inthetrenches #knowledgeispower #wegotthis💪" (I hope that is the right link and it works.)

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4

My understanding is that a recomp is when you gain muscle and lose fat while maintaining weight. That’s different than gaining muscle and losing weight at the same time.

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5

I think recompinng is a myth tbh. Regular natty joes and janes should probably stick to the basics which as I understand them are basically:
(1) If you want to lose fat, eat less.
(2) If you want to gain size, eat more.
(3) If your waist is over 40 inches probably best to eat less and
(4) you can gain strength while eating less if you’re waist is over 40 inches and bodyfat is over 20%.