Bulk/Cut

JamieM8168

I saw this mentioned in a thread a few times. I get the concept I guess but i'm wondering if anyone can explain it more to me?
Like what you do in the phases and why/how it helps?

JayWalk39

The simplified answer:

* If you are trying to gain weight or put on muscle (bulk) you need to be in a calorie surplus.
* If you are trying to lose weight (cut) you need to be in a calorie deficit.

You cannot do both at the same time (except in rare cases of body recomps) so you need to cycle between the two.

mperrott2205

Cutting - Losing weight. Eating at a caloric deficit to lose body fat.
Bulking - Gaining mass/strength. Eating at a caloric surplus to gain muscle.

Usually it goes like this. You bulk to a certain weight or till you put on too much fat so you're unhappy with your appearance. People who are serious usually have several month long bulk periods. Then once they hit their goal weight, they cut back on their calories, whilst still working out, so they lose their body fat, but not their muscle gains.