The Do’s and Don’ts of a Cut Phase

A cutting phase can bring out the definition you’ve worked hard to build, but it’s also where many people go wrong. Rush it, and you’ll burn out. Do it smart, and you’ll reveal muscle while keeping your strength and energy intact. Here’s how to approach your cut with clarity and balance.

✅ Do: Build before you trim 

Think of cutting as sculpting. You can’t shape what isn’t there. Spend time developing strength and lean mass before moving into a calorie deficit. That way, when you lean down, there’s actual muscle to showcase instead of just losing size.

❌ Don’t: Crash your calories 

Dropping your intake too quickly may give you fast results on the scale, but it also tanks your energy, stalls your training, and leads to endless cravings. Instead, scale back gradually. Small, steady adjustments give your body time to adapt and keep you progressing without the crash.

✅ Do: Stay in tune with feedback 

Your body is constantly giving you signals. Are your lifts getting weaker? Do you feel drained all day? Are you recovering poorly between sessions? Use those signs to fine-tune your nutrition. Sometimes a bump in carbs or better meal timing is all it takes to get back on track.

❌ Don’t: Live in a deficit 

A cut isn’t meant to be permanent. If you drag it out endlessly, you’ll run into plateaus, hormone shifts, and muscle loss. Think in cycles: build, cut, then maintain. That rhythm lets your body reset and sets you up for better long-term results.

Cutting isn’t about punishment — it’s about precision. When you pair patience with strategy, you’ll carve out a leaner look without sacrificing the strength you’ve built.

👉 Want a roadmap tailored to your goals? Visit my website to explore coaching and tools that can help you cut smart and sustain your progress.