Unsure on a bulk or cut (PLEASE READ)

charlieaulert

Hey all,

Currently unsure if I should go for a lean bulk for about 2 months and then cut for about 3 months? I am going to book a holiday for July/august and want to be looking in good shape/lean by then. (Maybe how I look in my pic).

Basically I’ve hardly been to the gym since August and lost quite a bit of definition/size. My diet has been reasonable and I’m active playing football 3 times per week, so I haven’t exactly gone off the rails.

In short, what I’m trying to say is, if I …

Cut for the duration (Now through to August) - I think I’d be looking too skinny (But potentially quite lean).

An 8-10 week LEAN bulk, followed by a cut – Would I really notice much muscle added over this period of time? Would I really look that much better for my holiday?

Stick around maintenance for around 4 weeks and then begin a cut?

Info:
Weight – 72 kg
Height – 5ft 8
Bodyfat = 15% roughly.

Will add photos when I can! Thanks!

quiksylver296

In theory, on a lean bulk with an optimal lifting program, you would gain approximately 4-5 pounds of muscles on an 8-10 week bulk. Your lifting program must be on point.

It's down to personal preference. Would you rather bulk/cut, or just recomp - eating maintenance calories and using an optimal lifting program?

bcradio1

I prefer to start bulking at 10-12% myself, but it is personal preference.

Wheelhouse15

Honestly, with 5 months and starting back after a long layoff from workingout what's the difference? You might put on a few pounds of muscle during the bulk, then you'll lose some of it when you cut, or you can eat around maintenance and try to recomp but either way, your time frame isn't long enough to make a substantial difference as a natural lifter. I guess the big thing is what are your preferences? Do you want to look bigger or have more ab definition?

Just take whatever route feels the best for you psychologically.

Davidsdottir

With that short of a bulk and then a cut, I would just recomp for 5 months, personally.