Most people see stage shredded physiques on social media and assume they can or should walk around looking like that year round. What they do not see are the physiological costs, the metabolic adaptations, the low energy availability and the trade offs that come with pushing down to essential levels of body fat.

In this episode of the CHASING CLARITY HEALTH & FITNESS PODCAST, I sit down with Dr Eric Helms to break down what it really takes to get into stage condition, what happens to your body along the way and how to approach contest prep in a smarter, more sustainable way if you decide to go down that road.

We cover the science, the case studies and our own experiences from multiple seasons on stage so that you have informed consent before chasing extreme levels of leanness.

HERE IS WHAT WE COVER:
WHAT “STAGE SHREDDED” ACTUALLY MEANS FOR MALES & FEMALES

TYPICAL BODY FAT RANGES COMPETITIVE PHYSIQUE ATHLETES REACH FOR STAGE

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET DOWN TO VERY LOW LEVELS OF BODY FAT

METABOLIC ADAPTATION: HOW ENERGY EXPENDITURE, NEAT & HORMONES CHANGE

LOW ENERGY AVAILABILITY & REDS: HEALTH, PERFORMANCE & HORMONAL CONSEQUENCES

THE CALORIC COST OF GETTING SHREDDED: WHY CALORIES OFTEN HAVE TO GET VERY LOW

HOW MUCH METABOLIC ADAPTATION IS EXPECTED VS EXAGGERATED ONLINE

THE ROLE OF RATE OF LOSS

WHY A HIGH PROTEIN INTAKE IS CRITICAL DURING PREP

SMARTER PREP STRATEGIES LONGER TIMELINES, INTERMITTENT DIETING & PROPER CARDIO MODALITY

If you have ever thought about getting stage lean or wondered why you cannot stay “contest ready” year round, this episode will give you clarity on the trade offs, the physiology behind them and the strategies that make the process safer and more effective.

WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:

Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/

Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.com

For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry