Training

Body Recomposition: Lose Fat and Build Muscle

By Coach V2 min readJan 27, 2026

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What is Body Recomposition?

Losing fat while building muscle simultaneously. Your weight stays the same, but your body transforms.

Example:

  • Before: 180 lbs at 25% body fat
  • After: 180 lbs at 18% body fat

Same scale weight. Completely different physique.


Who It Works For

Ideal candidates:

  • Beginners (untrained)
  • People returning after a break
  • Overweight individuals

Harder for:

  • Already lean (below 15% men, 22% women)
  • Advanced lifters near genetic potential

How to Do It

Calories: Eat at maintenance or slight deficit (0-300 below)

Protein: 0.8-1g per pound of bodyweight daily

Training: Strength train 3-4x per week with progressive overload

Sleep: 7-9 hours per night


Expected Results

LevelMonthly Fat LossMonthly Muscle Gain
Beginner2-4 lbs1-2 lbs
Intermediate1-2 lbs0.5-1 lb
Advanced0.5-1 lb0.25-0.5 lb

The scale may not move. Track progress with photos, measurements, and strength gains.


Common Mistakes

  1. Eating too little — you need calories to build muscle
  2. Not enough protein — aim for 0.8-1g per pound
  3. Skipping strength training — cardio alone won't build muscle
  4. Expecting fast results — recomp takes 3-6+ months

When to Switch to Bulk/Cut

If you've trained 2+ years and progress has stalled, consider traditional bulk/cut cycles instead.

Related

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