I've learned by reading and through trial and error. Yes, the body is smart and very adaptable, but once you learn how your body responds then you just plan and stay one step ahead! In the example I gave, I meant 45min of cardio per week. Those are just figures i used to illustrate how I increase my cardio in a controlled manner over time to prevent a plateau. My maintenance calories are 2500, so going into a cut I drop them to 2000. As the body begins to adapt, There are 2 options. Decrease calories further or increase energy output (cardio). I prefer to increase my cardio - pyramid - because I already feel starved on 2000cal. But, there comes a time when you simply can't add anymore cardio without impeding on recovery. Beyond a point, more is not better. That's when I back out of the cut, eat at maintenance for a few weeks, recovery then go back into another cut. No AAS as of yet, but I am on Doctor prescribed TRT which brings my levels to above average range. I take an AI because I am prone to having high estrogen levels. I have some SARMS (LGD), but have not taken them as of yet. Saving the LGD for my bulk. I have taken some GW this past month. I will say it is fantastic for endurance, but haven't taken it long enough to say whether its has aided in fat loss.