My transformation March 2023-March 2024

Hey I’m John, I’m new to the group and I’ve been working on getting in shape on and off since 2018, i was 23. Started out 230lbs 5 foot 9 with very little muscle. I was dedicated until Covid hit, had a 405 lb deadlift, 275 bench, and 365 squat. At 185 body weight. I was much bulkier then. Lost a lot of progress and strength not lifting for 2 years and I just started again March 2023 at 189.These past few months have been the first time seeing abs begin to show. I’m weighing In about 162 lbs. the heavier photo was last March weighing about 189. About a year progress between the two! 28 years old, first time seeing my abs and the leanest I’ve been as an adult. At the beginning I started out my cut more aggressive, trying to lose 2 lbs of fat a week. Lately as I’m getting leaner, I’m aiming for .8 to 1 lb a week.

I’m hoping to cut down maybe 10 more lbs and see what happens! I am interested in maybe trying some bodybuilding shows just for fun, no plans of winning. I’m curious what info you guys have in regards to keeping strength and muscle and possibly even build some while doing a slow cut? I am very interested to do more focused training of SBD for powerlifting.