[josh123]

I was wondering, is it possible to get a visible six/eight pack without the use of fat burners? I understand that they are only visible when your overall body fat is low enough for each individual, I think somewhere between 8-12% or close to that range. I also understand that you can't "spot" burn fat. If anyone has any evidence (photos, etc) or personal stories, please share. Also, were you able to get to a low enough body fat without losing a large amount of muscle mass if you did do it? I have thought about trying the get shredded diet, but doing it without the fat burners, has anyone tried this without using them? Thanks everyone!

P.S. - I have also heard of people using green tea supplements, are there any negative side effects with these? Also, since fish oil is completely natural, I am not opposed to it.

[josh123]

One more thing, I have heard about CLA & L-arginine being used for fat burners also, can someone please give more information about these. Are they found in certain types of food,etc. Thanks!

[tjs]

Well, no, you don't need fat burners. I would suggest that if you are looking to get down to 8-12% body fat, then the GSD is not a good option. The GSD is starting at the higher end of those bf levels and working down to the 5% mark.

The thing is, this is a game of patience. You need a plan and then you need to stick to it. Chip away at it and you will get there.

Now, I think it would be wise for you to post some stats about where you currently sit. What do you weigh? How tall are you? What are your bf levels if you know them? How long have you been working out? What has your eating been like? Are you in total control of your eating habits?

[Mike T Nelson]

I would second the response above and fat burners are not needed.

At best, they may help you get there a bit faster at the end; but not a place to put your focus atll; esp starting out



"One more thing, I have heard about CLA & L-arginine being used for fat burners also, can someone please give more information about these."

Pretty overrated and I would not start there. CLA may have a slight effect, but it is very very slight (works great if you are a rat though!). L-arginine is basically worthless for fat loss.

Again, not a place to start, so focus on getting in a good nutrition and training program such as the ones featured here and you will be well on your way!

Rock on
Mike N

[Light Horse]

Fat burners increase your metabolic rate, meaning you burn more calories. You can accomplish the same effect by simply reducing the number of calories you're eating.

CLA is not a traditional fat-burner per se, but does have some fat burning effects, although extremely minor, maybe not even noticeable outside of a study.

You'll save a lot of money and have much better results if you address these problems nutritionally.

I spend my days around people who hover consistently between 3.5-4.5% body fat, and none of them use fat burners, so it's absolutely possible.

[josh123]

Thanks for all the replies! using the jackson-pollock 3 point method, my body fat is around 15-16%, my weight 200 lbs, height 6 ft 3 in. I eat healthy, very similar to the precision nutrition way (healthy meats, vegetables, whole grains, etc.). I take carlson's fish oil sometimes, but not faithfully. I have been weight lifting since around 14 years old, but ended up losing most of muscle after several surgeries I went through. Then, for about the past 3 1/2 years I have faithfully weight lifted (complex, such as squats, deadlifts, benching, pull-ups, etc. and isolation styles). I have seen great progress in gaining muscle mass, but am at the point that I would like to cut down my excess fat. Just recently, I have started to add HIIT workouts back into my exercise plan. Currently, I'm trying to weight lift 4 times a week and do 1 HIIT workout.

[ghomann]

"Currently, I'm trying to weight lift 4 times a week and do 1 HIIT workout."

Once a week for your HIIT is probably not enough. You might add another HIIT day or add some aerobic work.

[Anthony Mychal]

It just takes time, but you don't need any fat burners. I've gone from a soft 200 to a lean 180 to a soft 230 and now to a lean 210 without any fat burners (unless you count coffee).

I have some pictures on my website.

http://anthonymychal.com/2012/02/sol...t-ii-my-story/

More recent ones in the "About" section.

[nadolsky]

No need for fat burners... just consistency with PN down to the 12-8% range and then you can do some GSD to get down further. You can check out my log for pics.

I hover around 215-220ish at 6-7% body fat. I can't emphasize consistency and patience enough

[bar2k]

I second this sentiment. I have been able to get down to single digits body fat % without fat burners. I hover around 174-177 at 8-9% (abs are always visible). Check out my log for photos.

I know that fat burners are attractive and promise you a lot, but there is nothing better than learning how to apply proper mindset, nutrition and exercise to get really lean.

Originally Posted by nadolsky

No need for fat burners... just consistency with PN down to the 12-8% range and then you can do some GSD to get down further. You can check out my log for pics.

I hover around 215-220ish at 6-7% body fat. I can't emphasize consistency and patience enough