Bulk, get leaner and then bulk or recomp?

Keladelphia

So i've been lurking the forums for a while (this is my first main forum post) and think I have a good general idea on how to run a bulk/cut but i'm still a bit confused on if it's what I should attempt at this point. At 5'6 and about 137 pounds (no idea of accurate BF% unfortunately) I really like the physical size that i'm at but I eventually want to be this size (or slightly bigger) with more muscle definition. Just curious of others experiences when trying to achieving a similar goal or for opinions on the best way to achieve this; bulk, get a little leaner and then bulk or recomp? Any input is appreciated!

GSixZero

For me, after a bulk I will cut down to 10% BF or below and then reverse diet out and bulk again. I try to cut and bulk as slow and clean as possible, but it doesn't always go down like that. I've had bulks get slightly out of hand.

GSixZero

And to add...I've also cut too hard and too fast and ruined a lot of off season gains.

AsISmile

I'm no expert at all, but I do remember there is a recommended minimum bf% before you start bulking.
(Can't recall it, sorry). So knowing about where your bf is now can really help.

ETA: you can kind of guess bodyfat by looking at these charts

Keladelphia

AsISmile wrote: »

I'm no expert at all, but I do remember there is a recommended minimum bf% before you start bulking.
(Can't recall it, sorry). So knowing about where your bf is now can really help.

ETA: you can kind of guess bodyfat by looking at these charts

A minimum body fat or a maximum body fat? Looking at that chart I'd guess I'm about 17%

Kimo159

You certainly look lean enough to bulk...but if you bulk you'll gain fat as well as muscle and have to cut later on. If you like your body already you might want to just recomp. Or just try a clean bulk at a small deficit. I'd probably be doing the clean bulk if I was you.

AsISmile

Sorry, probably maximum. Sometimes stuff goes wrong in translation when I'm tired.
Still don't remember the number, but I'm pretty sure 17% is low enough for a bulk.

Have you read both the bulking for beginners posts yet?
It might help you decide.

Anyway, no expert, but at 17% bf I don't think recomp can get you much further.

Eta: this one, and the one it links too
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10226536/bulking-for-beginners

stephxo1

You look more than ready to start a bulk. Last year I got down to around 19% before starting a gradual increase of cals and into a successful bulk. Now don't go mad and increase cals by 500 straight away. Take your time and build up to it. I took 6 months overall gradually increasing from 1800/1900 cals to 3000cals for the final few months. Don't be scared to gain some fat along the way (I finished up at 25% before cutting again) but the strength gains more than make up for it. It ain't for the faint hearted but stick with it and trust the process. And carbs are your friend for both strength and recovery so oats, pasta, bread, wraps, beans, potatoes, mass gainers are all your friend. If you want, send me a FR and I'll give you a few more pointers. Nearing the end of my cut at the mo but will be back on the bulking bandwagon at the end of the year again after a few months maintenance after my cut. Good luck!!

Keladelphia

AsISmile wrote: »

Sorry, probably maximum. Sometimes stuff goes wrong in translation when I'm tired.
Still don't remember the number, but I'm pretty sure 17% is low enough for a bulk.

Have you read both the bulking for beginners posts yet?
It might help you decide.

Anyway, no expert, but at 17% bf I don't think recomp can get you much further.

Eta: this one, and the one it links too
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10226536/bulking-for-beginners

I was just taking a vague guess at the 17%. I guess what I was kind of looking for was the range to start so thanks for linking to that post, I see it says 18-20.

Keladelphia

stephxo1 wrote: »

You look more than ready to start a bulk. Last year I got down to around 19% before starting a gradual increase of cals and into a successful bulk. Now don't go mad and increase cals by 500 straight away. Take your time and build up to it. I took 6 months overall gradually increasing from 1800/1900 cals to 3000cals for the final few months. Don't be scared to gain some fat along the way (I finished up at 25% before cutting again) but the strength gains more than make up for it. It ain't for the faint hearted but stick with it and trust the process. And carbs are your friend for both strength and recovery so oats, pasta, bread, wraps, beans, potatoes, mass gainers are all your friend. If you want, send me a FR and I'll give you a few more pointers. Nearing the end of my cut at the mo but will be back on the bulking bandwagon at the end of the year again after a few months maintenance after my cut. Good luck!!

I'm totally prepared to gain some fat that comes along with a bulk and SUPER exited for the strength gains I just wasn't positive if it was the best approach for where i'm at. Thanks, i'm going to send you a FR as i'd love the pointers and i'm sure i'll have more questions.

ndj1979

AsISmile wrote: »

Sorry, probably maximum. Sometimes stuff goes wrong in translation when I'm tired.
Still don't remember the number, but I'm pretty sure 17% is low enough for a bulk.

Have you read both the bulking for beginners posts yet?
It might help you decide.

Anyway, no expert, but at 17% bf I don't think recomp can get you much further.

Eta: this one, and the one it links too
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10226536/bulking-for-beginners

For females 18-22% is the generally accepted range to run a bulk...

arditarose

This is the question I ask myself every day. I WISH I felt lean enough to bulk, or could even cut further in order to do so (I seem to go crazy when I try to lose again). I'm doing a recomp and it's annoying. I'd say if your body fat % is low enough, go for the bulk.

psuLemon

If you want results faster, a bulk/cut would be ideal. If you don't care about the timeline and want to concentrate on performance, then a recomp can be ideal as you won't really lose your current look. One thing to note, recomps can easily take 12-18 months. Some take longer if you are at a higher body fat %.

terar21

Your profile picture definitely reads bulk-ready to me. Go for the bulk. From what I can tell in your picture, I don't think you'd be very happy with a recomp. Don't think it'll make the impact you're looking for.

DavPul

Recomp is almost never the correct answer is you want to accomplish a goal in any particular time frame.

Keladelphia

arditarose wrote: »

This is the question I ask myself every day. I WISH I felt lean enough to bulk, or could even cut further in order to do so (I seem to go crazy when I try to lose again). I'm doing a recomp and it's annoying. I'd say if your body fat % is low enough, go for the bulk.

I question whether i'll ever feel lean enough to bulk which was perhaps what drove me to thinking I should get leaner first (honestly I think years of being overweight has put me at a point where I don't think i'll ever really feel "lean"). Looks like the consensus is it's a good time to bulk. I'll be looking into starting once summer winds down so thanks for all of your feedback everyone!


*By the way you look pretty darn lean to me @arditarose