I am sure this is a middle ground but I have not found it for myself yet.

The Goal so far was this.

Phase 1 - get as lean as I can, under 5% (12-14 weeks)
Phase 2 - get as big as I can, around 12-15% (4-6 weeks)
Phase 3 - Pull off excess fat, drop back to 8-10% (4-6 weeks)
Phase 4 - Add muscle was staying around 8-10%
* This would be the middle ground you are asking about.

I wanted to take full advantage of the diet rebound to add a much muscle as I could. Understanding that I really could care less about "abs" this is easy for me to do. I also know from my past experience that I gain muscle and strength very fast when I am eating tons of food.

I will pull the body fat back to the 10% range as I knew I can still build ( but it will be much harder and slower to do) but will stay within a healthier body weight.

Right now I am at the start of Phase 3. I will post my BF in my log later tonight when I get more time.


I hope this helps.

,
Dave Tate