Home / Blog / Podcast / Ep. #1033: Chris Barakat on the Science of Body Recomposition
Written by Michael Matthews
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify | Listen on YouTube
Most people know newbies can gain muscle and lose fat at the same time, but can intermediate or advanced lifters accomplish a body recomposition? In other words, if you’re already fit, can you optimize your body composition by building muscle and losing fat simultaneously, or do you have to cycle through bulks and cuts? More importantly, how do you actually do a body recomp? Is there a difference between recomping and bulking or cutting, and what are the key factors and variables to adjust if you want to build muscle while burning fat? To help answer these questions, I tagged in my friend and scientist, Chris Barakat, who’s actually published research on this topic.
If you’re not familiar with Chris, he’s a published scientist, educator, coach, and natural bodybuilder, and he’sarepeatguest on the podcast for good reason. His years of developing his book smarts along with his practical knowledge of gym know-how means he knows how to get results while also having something interesting to say, and I always learn something new in our chats.
In this interview, Chris and I discuss . . .
What a recomp is, and whether more trained individuals can build muscle while losing fat
Who should aim for a recomp and how to do so (as both a beginner and more advanced trainee)
Common mistakes that prevent people from recomping
The signs you’re recomping effectively and how to track it
How to adjust your training volume and rep ranges while in a deficit and why
Strategies for advanced lifters to recomp
What to expect in terms of strength loss while cutting (and how to know when to make an adjustment)
And more . . .
So, if you’re interested in learning about body recomposition in intermediate and advanced lifters, and the best ways to ensure you’re recomping effectively, listen to this podcast and let me know your thoughts!
Timestamps:
0:00 – Try Pulse today! Go to https://buylegion.com/pulse and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points!
4:41 – How should body comp training look like for intermediate lifters?
26:22 – How should people approach recomp if they are no longer hyper responsive to training?
33:17 – What about rep ranges?
45:00 – What are your thoughts on traditional recomp methods?
52:28 – Why do people get stronger when they gain body weight?
59:58 – Can muscles be more responsive with proper training?
1:01:53 – Where can we find you?
Mentioned on the Show:
Try Pulse today! Go to https://buylegion.com/pulse and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points!
Chris Barakat’s Website: https://schoolofgainz.com/
Chris Barakat’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopher.barakat/
The Ultimate Guide to Body Recomposition (listen to the podcast for a special promo code!): https://www.schoolofgainz.com/digital-products/the-ultimate-guide-to-body-recomposition
What did you think of this episode? Have anything else to share? Let me know in the comments below!
Legion Featured Author
Mike Matthews
Mike Matthews is the founder of Legion as well as the author of several award-winning fitness books, including Bigger Leaner Stronger, Muscle for Life, and The Shredded Chef.
His simple and science-based approach to building muscle, losing fat, and getting healthy has sold over a million books and helped thousands of people build their best bodies ever, and his work has been featured in many popular outlets including Esquire, Men’s Health, Elle, Women’s Health, Muscle & Strength, and more, as well as on FOX and ABC.
You can find Mike on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.
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