Am I ready to bulk? Female at 5' 6" 132 lbs approx 24% BF?

lauramillat

Hello,

For about 6 months now I have been trying to maintain my weight (128-130) but attempt a recomp to gain muscle. (before that I was dieting, SLOWLY)

I get a gram (or more) of protein per lb of body weight everyday. I weight train 3x a week (a variation of strong lifts 5x5), one day of intense (strengthening) yoga and a couple days of relaxing (stretching) yoga. I also love walking. Some days if I am motivated I will "attempt" pull ups (right now I am doing slow negatives).

I decided about two weeks ago to try and bulk (by using MFP's "gain 0.5lb/week" setting).

Am I ready for this? Again, I am 5' 6" and 132 lbs now after just a couple weeks of "bulking". I am assuming the 2 lb gain isn't a "real gain". From visual comparisons of my body to charts online (photos) I would say I am anywhere between 23-26% body fat depending on what area of my body we are talking about...

Right now I want to gain muscle in my butt and legs. My strength training (3x a week) consists of deep weighted squats everyday, and some version of dead lift.

Am I on the right track? Should I be bulking? Or should I continue maintaining?

Thanks!

MagnumBurrito

Post pics.

rainbowbow

reasonle wrote: »

Hello,

For about 6 months now I have been trying to maintain my weight (128-130) but attempt a recomp to gain muscle. (before that I was dieting, SLOWLY)

I get a gram (or more) of protein per lb of body weight everyday. I weight train 3x a week (a variation of strong lifts 5x5), one day of intense (strengthening) yoga and a couple days of relaxing (stretching) yoga. I also love walking. Some days if I am motivated I will "attempt" pull ups (right now I am doing slow negatives).

I decided about two weeks ago to try and bulk (by using MFP's "gain 0.5lb/week" setting).

Am I ready for this? Again, I am 5' 6" and 132 lbs now after just a couple weeks of "bulking". I am assuming the 2 lb gain isn't a "real gain". From visual comparisons of my body to charts online (photos) I would say I am anywhere between 23-26% body fat depending on what area of my body we are talking about...

Right now I want to gain muscle in my butt and legs. My strength training (3x a week) consists of deep weighted squats everyday, and some version of dead lift.

Am I on the right track? Should I be bulking? Or should I continue maintaining?

Thanks!

It's up to you. As a female, i wouldn't start bulking until i was atleast under 18%BF and KNEW that i was unhappy with my current mass. With that higher BF% it would be hard to see what you're working with or make measureable goals.

That's just MY thing. It's up to you.

lauramillat

rainbowbow wrote: »

It's up to you. As a female, i wouldn't start bulking until i was atleast under 18%BF and KNEW that i was unhappy with my current mass. With that higher BF% it would be hard to see what you're working with or make measureable goals.

That's just MY thing. It's up to you.

Just curious, are you at 18% in your profile pic? Because my abs look similar to that... Maybe I am lower than I think? I used to be overweight all through highschool so I am plagued with "fat kid syndrome" to this day at times.

rainbowbow

reasonle wrote: »

rainbowbow wrote: »

It's up to you. As a female, i wouldn't start bulking until i was atleast under 18%BF and KNEW that i was unhappy with my current mass. With that higher BF% it would be hard to see what you're working with or make measureable goals.

That's just MY thing. It's up to you.

Just curious, are you at 18% in your profile pic? Because my abs look similar to that... Maybe I am lower than I think? I used to be overweight all through highschool so I am plagued with "fat kid syndrome" to this day at times.

Nope, i was closer to 20% in that photo as measured with calipers.



Even still, I would try and lean out enough to where you can visibly see muscle separation in your legs or clear definition. Just to see what you have/where you are so you can make plans to bulk.

Alternatively, you can post a pic and I can try and give some advice.

lauramillat

Hmm, from that I am DEFINTELY at the 21-23% range. Definitely.

Allelito

I'm also 5'6", and I currently weigh ~128 lbs. I also eat at least 1 gram of protein per day and lift weights 3x a week.. Hi twin!
I'm actually still losing right now, but I think I won't lose for much longer and I am also considering when it's time for me to start maintaining/bulking. Idk what my bf% is either though.

3laine75

It'd be more effective/optimal to wait till you're leaner but it can be done. Both my bulks, I've been well over what is considered optimal, bf% wise, but I've been delighted with my results.

It's more a personal thing, if you can stand the unavoidable fat gain that comes with bulking then go for it.

Your initial gain will include a bit of water weight so don't panic, just keep an eye on things. 0.5 lb a week gain is perfect and if you find yourself getting a bit 'fluffy' for your liking, you can always cut again.

JLoRuthie

rainbowbow wrote: »

reasonle wrote: »

rainbowbow wrote: »

It's up to you. As a female, i wouldn't start bulking until i was atleast under 18%BF and KNEW that i was unhappy with my current mass. With that higher BF% it would be hard to see what you're working with or make measureable goals.

That's just MY thing. It's up to you.

Just curious, are you at 18% in your profile pic? Because my abs look similar to that... Maybe I am lower than I think? I used to be overweight all through highschool so I am plagued with "fat kid syndrome" to this day at times.

Nope, i was closer to 20% in that photo as measured with calipers.



Even still, I would try and lean out enough to where you can visibly see muscle separation in your legs or clear definition. Just to see what you have/where you are so you can make plans to bulk.

Alternatively, you can post a pic and I can try and give some advice.

rontafoya

Some of us will need to see pictures to make a better determination.

rainbowbow

hey JloRuthie, sorry i didn't respond to you.

The ideal weight for someone 5'8 is 140. So for someone being 50 pounds overweight it is ABOSLUTELY POSSIBLE to look like the 50%-ish range. I would say it's probably 40%-ish but the chart i posted doesn't do a good job of showing the higher ranges.

here's another incase you want to start a thread using it. Just quote me, and then copy and paste the image inside the brackets saying img below. good luck!

lauramillat

Updating an old post, but my profile pic is updated now, hopefully that will help determine if I am ready!

auddii

I think you look a lot leaner than 24%. I'm definitely not an expert, but it looks like you should be good for a bulk. Hopefully some people with more experience will chime in with advice.

lauramillat

Yeah, the BF scale I have (yes I know, horribly inacurate) says 21.9%. My profile pic is just a bit flexed in abs, but nowhere else.

sweetochiken

I am 5'7" 122 lbs, and i am at 22% bf (july 1st i measured might be less now) i went to do a bod pod to get an accurate number. (I highly recommend btw). I started my weight loss journey 2 months ago dropped 15 lbs and now im trying to gain muscle.

For booty bulking, tons of squats, lunges, bridges, donkey kicks with weigh between calf and hamstring (my favorite ), and also weighed calf raises. I'd say you are ready to start bulking. Looking good lady.

lauramillat

Thanks guys! I will have to wait till after November (getting married and I have to fit in the dress!!!) but now I know I can try bulking before cutting again! Right now I am maintaining (recomping) till wedding.

sweetochiken

You can take the dress in on the sides lol. ;-). Jk. Congrats.