Is this Normal?

patrickrea2002

With so much information available about fitness nowadays it makes me think of what I’m doing right now is correct, I’m 5,9 and 146 lbs I’m 17% body fat and I feel I have a decent amount of muscle for my age, currently I’m trying to get leaner with a goal of getting to 10% bf but I see people saying you can get lean and build muscle at the same time it just makes me think despite me wanting to get leaner, should I bulk. I’m really not sure am I too lean as it is, should I bulk or should I keep doing what I’m doing

I have been cutting for a month and already lost 1% bf

quiksylver296

Please refer to the answers in your other threads.

Commander_Keen

Lets see a current photo

sardelsa

You really need to pick a goal and stick to it. How do you feel about your physique? Do you feel like you want to be bigger with more muscle base or do you want to be more lean with smaller muscles. You can recomp but you really have to be patient and it will depend on your goals. I feel like you want everything all at once and unfortunately it doesn't work that way since you seem to be going in circles. Pick a goal, stick to it for at least 6-12 months. Go from there.

sardelsa

I just want to show you an example. I am in no way comparing you to the person on the right or anything, it's just for demonstration purposes. Now the man on the right does not have as much muscle base as the one on the left. The right could cut or recomp until the cows come home and he will not look like the guy on the left, who has at least 20lbs+ I'd imagine. I just wanted to show you that you need to build a base before you can cut if you want your muscles to pop.

patrickrea2002

My current physique

patrickrea2002

Me at 17%bf

patrickrea2002

I was going to continue cutting but what do u guys recommend I do based on the picture?

sardelsa

What is your goal? What do you want? If you are happy with your shape go for a recomp. Progress can be slow and can obtain a bit more definition and maybe build a bit, but you will stay around the same size.

If you want to be bigger keep bulking.

Commander_Keen

I wouldn't cut, I would bulk, or get thicker.. Not smaller.

CharlieCharlie007

You look solid man. Good job so far. It all depends on what you want to do first. You can cut and then bulk, or bulk then cut, or attempt to clean bulk, minimize additional fat and lower the bf% by upping the muscle %. But, you need to decide, they make your game plan.

patrickrea2002

If I cut to say 10% bf does that mean I’m going to get smaller in general and lose the muscle I have?

jdog022

What’s with the ten percent obsessions people have. True 10% is near stage ready lean. Usually unsustainable. Not the ten percent people claim and are really 15%

But anyways no if you keep lifting, have a reasonable deficit and hit protein goals your muscle loss should be minimal down to 10%

I think you should run a nice long lean bulk after. For like a year+

patrickrea2002

I hear that I’ll bulk Till I’m happy with how lean I am and then il do a long lean bulk