[Clare Barks]

If this is the way you prefer to run a cut and have had success before, then go for it. As you say, you’re not looking to be competitive and just want to achieve a physique that you’re comfortable with.

It may not be the best option for most in terms of adherence and being able to be disciplined coming out the other side, but if it works for you then great.

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[Clare Barks]

It’s normal

Some people like to train the weak side first to failure then just match that with the strong side. Some like to train first and then match the weaker side with rest pause reps

I’ve been doing the latter. Strong side first and rest pause for the weaker. It’s good to hear different perspectives and experiences.

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I would do this. Train the stronger side first, then fight on the weaker side to match reps. If you fall short, then rest/pause until you match.

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[Clare Barks]

Back in the gym today for an upper session. I haven’t done this routine for a while due to either training at a different gym, being away or having a rest, so it was good to do it again.

I love the machine RDL at this gym and I managed to work back up to my previous top weight, with an extra rep. The rest of the session went really well too.

Close grip Lat Pull down x2
Machine row x 2
Reverse Hyper x2
Machine RDL x2
Incline chest press x2
Tricep ext/DB Bicep curls x 3
Hanging Leg raises x3

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[Clare Barks]

I just add hot water slowly and stir. I don’t measure the water I use. If I add frozen fruit, I may put in in the microwave for a minute to warm it back up or if I’m out and about I’ll just use cold water. I don’t really have a method. To me, it tastes amazing hot or cold, smooth or a bit lumpy!

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[Clare Barks]

You can’t change the fact that you need to train earlier on some days, so just crack on and make the most of every session. Just make sure you’re still fueled and hydrated going into those early sessions and have a decent meal post.

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[Clare Barks]

You’re not in a bad position here to push up, but I would ideally stick it out for another couple of weeks, possibly 4, and then slowly start your transaction into a gaining phase.

I know you’re eager to get going, so be patient and take your bodyweight up slowly, keeping an eye on your composition. You don’t want to blow things after all the hard work you’ve put into getting yourself into this position. You’ve done a fantastic job so far, well done.

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[Clare Barks]

Keep an eye on your body composition, but with the feedback you’re getting so far with the slow increase in scale weight and if performance is progressing well, I’d say you’re doing just fine as you are right now. There’s room to bump protein up a little, as advised, but otherwise keep an eye on everything and only make adjustments if something stalls, the rate of gain increases or body comp begins to soften too much.

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[Clare Barks]

A typical working rest day for me. A run, housework, coaching clients, a couple of online posing clients, one massage and out for a walk. Nothing really exciting to report.. haha!

Excited to be back in the gym tomorrow.

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[Clare Barks]

Ideally to give yourself a bit more time to add some more size, I would aim for 2026. However, there’s always an argument that you’re never quite ready and there’ll always be room for improvement, so if you just want to gain some experience and see if you even like the whole competing world and stepping on stage, then it’s completely your choice as to whether you want to go for it sooner.

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[Clare Barks]

I had a fantastic Leg session this morning. My lower back felt a little off, so I opted for 4 sets of leg press in place of the hack today, which felt good.. 12 reps, 8 reps, 15 reps, 20 reps.

Lying Hamstring curl x 2
Adductor x 2
Banded Leg Press x4
Leg ext x 2
Abductor x2

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[Clare Barks]

I think it may be worth using pre cardio if you’re natural, but not for prolonged periods; as I find it can cause some fatigue and stress the longer the duration.

Dosage can be worked up to a maximum of 0.2mg per kg/bodyweight.

There’s no issue using it alongside clen, but in all honesty if you’re assisted and have additional supplements to play with, I wouldn’t bother.

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[Clare Barks]

Softness will be excess bodyfat.

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[Clare Barks]

Today is a rest day for me. I did a 5k run first thing this morning, caught up on some house work, then went into the studio for a couple of one to one posing sessions with clients. I’ve been out for a walk this afternoon, then will be getting ready shortly to go out for a meal for a friend’s birthday at a beautiful Thai restaurant.

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[Clare Barks]

I wouldn’t jump into an aggressive cut here. If you take things more steady you’ll be able to hold onto your strength and continue to progress for some time before you have to dig. Drop 500 calories from your training day diet and 300 calories from a rest day straight away. Hit a daily step count (If you’re fairly sedentary, then start at 8,000 a day. If you have an active job, figure out a count that you’re likely to hit) and add in 30 minutes cardio on your rest days initially.

Make sure you continue to train hard and be adherent to your diet, steps and cardio. Adjust your diet and output as necessary as you go to see a steady loss of an average 1-2lbs a week.

If you’re disciplined with this, you’ll be able to put yourself in a much better position to begin a more successful gaining phase when the time comes and put on some decent tissue. Be patient though and get as lean as possible first.

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[Clare Barks]

Friday is my glute focussed leg day. I hit Legs 3 times a week, so I’ve adjusted my volume along the way to find a sweet spot where I’m able to continue to progress and recover between sessions, as well as being able to still run on my rest days.

A really, really good session today.

Seated ham curl x2
Reverse Hyper x1
Belt Squat x2
Glute Drive x3
GHR x1
Walking Lunges x 2 lengths
Ab crunches x3

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