Need help deciding direction

mnalette96

Hey, guys. Need a bit of help here, so I'll give some info to help (alongside the pics I uploaded since I don't know my body fat %).

I'm an 18 year old male weighing in roughly around 140 (usually sits between 135-140 give or take) and I'm 5'9". Throughout HS I was always relatively active, especially in track. I'm pretty sure I have a high metabolism, since I can basically eat whatever I want and not have to worry too much about gaining weight (though after a while obviously weight accumulates). The last time I was chubby was as a little kid. From about middle school onwards I've always been slim.

I recently decided that I'm going to start going to the gym to put some muscle on, and regularly (minimum 5 times a week). I also bought whey protein for after my workout, and I've been paying attention to what I put in my body. I haven't started counting calories, but that will be soon. Here's my issue: I have a small amount of body fat in my abdominal area, as you can see from my pics. It isn't much, but it's there (only when I'm not flexing, doesn't seem like there's too too much fat when I flex). Now, I know the routine for burning fat and the routine for building muscle are complete polar opposites. However, I want to develop my core and abs while I'm building muscle, but I'm worried that my abs won't be able to be seen because of that small layer of fat.

I posted 4 pictures. A front and side view of me flexing my core, and of me just completely leaving my stomach loose. I posted these pictures so that you guys can see the amount of fat I'm referencing and tell me if its negligible or not. I know I'll put on at least some muscle because of "newbie gains", but should I focus my workouts on burning that extra fat first? Or is it small enough where I don't have to worry about tailoring my routine to burning fat?

Basically, I want to know if I can continue building muscle and eating (proper) calories, or should I focus on burning that small amount of fat first? If not, I'm assuming it'll get toned/burned from my regular workout schedule. I was originally doing a 5 minute warm up run before my workout and then a 25 minute run (on a decently fast speed, around 6.5-7) after. Someone suggested I tone down the cardio since I'm looking for muscle, but I'm not sure if I should continue the running until the fat is gone?

Thanks for any and all help!!

Pinnacle_IAO

I think you're poised to build some muscle.
Just take things slow and train hard but smart with lots of clean bulking and proper rest.

I see no reason for you to cut fat at this time.

As for protein supplements, I think they're of little value, but that a personal decision. My suggestion is stick to whole foods with a macro balance around 20% protein, 50% carb and 30% fat. Again, this is just a suggestion. You must decide.

My strength routines are below..


GOOD LUCK

Giolis

Start bulking now. No need to loose any additional fat.

Here's a link with a lot of good information on starting a bulk.

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10049766/bulking-a-complete-guide-for-beginners/p1

Make sure you have a good core routine, Strong Lifts 5x5 is one I like but there are others.

Just like @Pinnacle_IAO protein supplements aren't that important. You do need to make sure that you have your macros properly set and that your getting enough calories to add bulk. To minimize fat gains keep your calories to no more than 500 over your TDEE.

Good Luck.

toothpastesandwiches

Eat big, lift big bro! Monitor what goes in and record it all and hit the gym hard and you'll start to bulk up. Keep us updated on the journey and add me to friends if you need any motivation or have any questions.

ndj1979

go ahead and bulk now …check out the below link and also the link contained within that one…

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10226536/bulking-for-beginners#latest

ohmscheeks

Hot.