How to transition from a cut to a bulk?

AsrarHussain

Whats up all. I have begun a bulk, it is coming to December, it is now time to gain some size.
I was cutting on 2400 or so, I think my maintenance is around 2800 maybe, I am not 100% sure.
Shall I increase my calories from 2400 to 2800 then see or shall I increase it to 2900

sammyliftsandeats

To bulk, you have to increase your caloric intake. By how much is up to you. I believe +250 calories of your TDEE is a slower process, but you can minimize fat gains.

+500 would increase potential for fat gains, but also increase potential for strength/muscle gains.

Maybe eat at maintenance for a few weeks to try and find your true maintenance level.

peaceout_aly

Interested in responses. I am transitioning as well. Bump.

Dano74

Slow and steady. Jumping 500 calories overnight will lead to weight gain. To keep it minimal, add 100 calories or so per week. Typically, this reduces protein (needed more in cutting than bulking) and increases carbs and fats.

Case Study (This is ME... results may vary): I'm currently on a "reverse diet"- adding calories from a 2300 cutting deficit. I'm now up to 2600 calories over the course of 4 weeks... and amazingly I'm actually still dropping fat. I'll continue this route until I hit "traction" and stop dropping and start gaining.

Measuring progress with a 3 site caliper test and weight once a week.

PS- Bulking. Is. Heaven.

BoxerBrawler

Funny... I just started a cut cycle today! I've been bulking for a while and totally happy where I am. But yeah, I am interested in reading the responses here.

jessef593

Id aim for a 250 calorie surplus. After reaching your maintenance and taking a week or two to go to your surplus. No point in doing 500. You may have the potential for slightly more muscle, but then it means your body fat % will climb even faster meaning you'll likely cut your bulk short compared to if you just stayed at 250. If you end up hitting a weight plateau for 2-4 weeks. Up your calories by another 100-200 and give it another couple weeks. Another big thing will be progressive overload in your training to ensure you're constantly providing stimulus for muscle growth. Minimize simple carbs and you do fine.