getting big AND small

[kickureface]

i have some belly fat and some fat legs, but my upper body is pretty lean. im kinda like a beer bottle shape. obviously, i want to lose that fat. but i also want to get some muscle too. im not a skinny guy, im toned/fat, if you know what i mean.

should i work on cutting down first then build up or build up then cut down?
what are hte advantages and disadvatnages of either?

oh, and i want to keep lifting weights either path i take. is this feasible?

 

[TheLazy]

yes you can keep lifting weights regardless of wether you want to cut the fat or put on lean mass.

lifting weights while you are cutting fat will allow you to retain your muscles and even gain a bit more (if you are new to bodybuilding).

if you want to go straight to bulking, that would be great too, it all comes down to whats important to you right now.

 

[WC2]

I'm cutting up right now. Main thing in the gym is I keep my reps mid to high range (12 - 16), and allow 30 seconds or less in between sets. This lets you maintain a faster heartbeat through the exercise, and in turn burns fat also. My meals are high in protein, low in carbs and sugar. Of course there are other guidelines to follow, but that is the meat of what you're going to need to do if you want to cut up and still maintain muscle.

 

[mrRuckus]

I'm cutting up right now. Main thing in the gym is I keep my reps mid to high range (12 - 16), and allow 30 seconds or less in between sets. This lets you maintain a faster heartbeat through the exercise, and in turn burns fat also.

http://www.exrx.net/WeightTraining/Myths.html#anchor9628175

 

[WC2]

It's no myth that an increased heart rate will result in burning more calories. With less rest between sets, you do achieve a higher heart rate. I've heard many different ways of cutting up.. there's always one constant though; you need cardio or at least to simulate cardio during a work out.