If you’re not careful, all your gains could go to waste.

These days it seems you can’t go a day without hearing about some kind of sickness or disorder that’s sure to kill your gains in the gym. If it’s not overtraining and going catabolic, it’s hearing how a hot new diet will render your muscle building moot. Metabolic Damage may not necessarily be a new concept, but it’s one that’s been getting some attention and definitely a subject that every bodybuilder should be aware of.

First things first. Metabolic Damage by definition, is when an individual lowers their calorie intake while at the same time maintaining or even increasing the intensity in their workouts. At first glance it doesn’t sound all that horrible of an idea. Less calories in your diet while you’re burning away at all the fat. Who in their right mind wouldn’t try it out?  It seems like a totally logical, reasonable thought process right?  Wrong. What does metabolic damage mean exactly? Well, it means that no matter how hard you workout, no matter how diligent you are, you can’t seem to shed the fat and build muscle.

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The funny thing about calories is that on one side they can be your best friend and on the other, your worst enemy. Have too many calories and you’ll be sure to pack on fat by the pounds, which really relates more to those who don’t engage in any exercise. But for those of us planning to pack on muscle and get shredded, calories prove to be the very thing that gives us the energy to lift weights in the first place. Sure, if you’re looking to cut for a competition or just want to loom more ripped cutting the calories can be ideal. But if you plan on getting your ass in the gym for a hard leg day, then you better believe you’re gonna need some calories to avoid metabolic damage and losing all you’ve worked for.
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So what are your thoughts on metabolic damage? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned as later this week we’ll share some much needed tips on how to avoid metabolic damage. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter for all you bodybuilding needs.