first bulk phase advice

jimlambrt2

My journey started 18 months ago, at about 180#. In July, I weight 137# and I was happy with my progress, but it was time to reevaluate my goals. After some careful thought, I decide it was time to try and put on some lean mass. My long term goal is 160# at 10% BF. My short term goal was to reach 150# this yr at 10%BF. Since the start of my bulk 13 weeks ago, I've gained 9#. I'm looking for advice at this point: when should I stop bulking and begin a cut? BTW, I'm 48 yrs old.


Here's a pic of where I started at 137#


Here's a current pic of me at 146#

SideSteel

Successful bulk so far IMO. I would keep going if I were you. Bulk to about 15% give or take, or until you look in the mirror and think you're getting fat.

So far you still look quite lean, great job.

Sarauk2sf

You really have managed to stay lean. Definitely keep going imo as you have put on very minimal fat and yet gained the 9lbs. Really good going.

DopeItUp

You've still got a 6pack, keep going until it's a keg.

jimlambrt2

Thanks for the advice and encouragement. Funny, I see the pics and I'm still pretty lean, but I feel HUGE compared to 137#. I just have to keep my focus on my long term goal of 160# at 10% BF and just as important: a 400# DL for my 50th birthday next year!

Will_Thrust_For_Candy

Yeah, my first thought was "cut what??!!!" You look great! Nice work!

_benjammin

Great job man! Yeah, you are still ripped, I see pounds added to your chest and shoulders. I'll assume more on the legs and back if your working towards 400#DL. Gotta keep going til some abs disappear.

junlex123

You look really good - was just wondering for personal comparison, how tall you are?

jimlambrt2

Just a wee bit over 5ft. 6in.

jimlambrt2

I've reached my goal of 150# At this point, I'm just staying with the bulk to 155# and see how I look.

SideSteel

Great work and I think continuing to bulk is a good plan.

TriLifter

Holy cow, your bulk is going amazingly! I started almost 6 weeks ago and I already feel fat LOL

DopeItUp

You look like you've barely raised your bodyfat percentage, if at all. Keep riding that bulk train. Great work. I hope my bulk goes that amazingly.

jimlambrt2

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm VERY happy with my progress. I've added 40# to my max squat since I started this bulk. 350# DL is going to happen before my birthday on Jan 2.

BTW, I've definitely put on some fat. But I think, it helped that I started so lean. One thing I've learned: it's harder to eat properly for a bulk, than it is to simply eat a deficit and lose weight.

SideSteel

One thing I've learned: it's harder to eat properly for a bulk, than it is to simply eat a deficit and lose weight.

I'm curious what you mean regarding the eating statement. Is the issue in getting total calories high enough, or managing rate of gain, or something else?

I find cutting easier than bulking in many ways but I'm not sure how much of that exists in my head.

I'm curious what your experiences are so far and what you mean by the above quote.

jimlambrt2

I know it's all in my head. Basically, I'm being neurotic about my age and whether or not I can actually add muscle... and for how long. Here's my internal dialog:
"You're almost 49, so it's hard to gain muscle."
"Better hit your macros when you bulk.... since your age is working against you"
"You don't have a lot of bulk cycles left to get this right."
"You lost 50lbs... don't screw this up and gain just fat and not muscle"

All this silly internal dialog makes me worry far too much about my intake, so it seems harder to eat properly for a bulk.

slim6637

Great work! I'm 43 and also trying to bulk and gain strength. What workout program are you doing?

haroon_awan

I know it's all in my head. Basically, I'm being neurotic about my age and whether or not I can actually add muscle... and for how long. Here's my internal dialog:
"You're almost 49, so it's hard to gain muscle."
"Better hit your macros when you bulk.... since your age is working against you"
"You don't have a lot of bulk cycles left to get this right."
"You lost 50lbs... don't screw this up and gain just fat and not muscle"

All this silly internal dialog makes me worry far too much about my intake, so it seems harder to eat properly for a bulk.

I too was rather curious about what you meant by that and I find your answer above incredibly fascinating. Thank you for being so honest.

If you don't mind me asking, how often do you have this conversation with your self? (if it makes any difference I am just interested as my father is a psychiatrist and I am currently studying depression - not that I am saying in any way you have a mental disorder so please do not take it that way).

jimlambrt2

What program: I do CrossFit with a focus on heavy lifting and less metcons. I've been squatting 3 times a wk and deadlifting at least once a week.

How often do I have my internal dialog about food/bulking? I never really thought about how often before... Maybe a couple times a week, but that's complete SWAG (simple wild *kitten* guess). When I'm cutting, I just focus on making my deficit consistently, and I know I'll lose weight - no worries. Bulking is just a bit different for me I guess. Silly, since I'm so blessed with the good health and mobility to get stronger.

jimlambrt2

155# and I'll finish my bulk after Christmas and start a cut to begin the New Year. I'm very happy with the results... I don't anticipate cutting too much (maybe 5# and see how it looks).

mister_universe

155# and I'll finish my bulk after Christmas and start a cut to begin the New Year. I'm very happy with the results... I don't anticipate cutting too much (maybe 5# and see how it looks).

Incredibly jealous of this, you've done so well. Congrats.

Sarauk2sf

155# and I'll finish my bulk after Christmas and start a cut to begin the New Year. I'm very happy with the results... I don't anticipate cutting too much (maybe 5# and see how it looks).

Incredibly jealous of this, you've done so well. Congrats.

Me too and agreed.

DopeItUp

Extremely jealous, you're killing it man. Keep up the great work.

V0lver

Mind = blown!

MickeS

Wow! Really good work! Impressive!

Chieflrg

Nice work dude...

jimlambrt2

Thanks for the encouragement. This community is a BIG part of my success over the past few years.

I still have one thing to do before Jan 2 (my birthday), and that's a 350# DL. I pulled 335# a month ago and got 350# off the ground that same day- but lost my grip before I could stand up. I've added 25# to my back squat since then so I'm excited to go back an pull 350#.

I'm actually looking forward to the cut. I need a break from heavy squats, physically and mentally. I haven't done much cardio since July, so it will be great to work on my motor again.

Sarauk2sf

I was going to lock this as it's easier for us to track active threads...but am going to keep it open for a few more days to see how you do with your DL goal.

I have backed off DLs a bit myself (my last PR wiped me out for a while) and am also hoping my squat progress will translate into DL progress when I do try to go heavier again.

DopeItUp

Best of luck, I think you've got 350 in you easy.

jimlambrt2

I will keep you posted on how the DL goes. thanks for keeping the thread open until then.

jimlambrt2

update: I didn't get 350# today. 335# was easy. 350# came off the floor about 8" and that's it. Disappointing, but that's what progress looks like. I will get it this year and more! Happy New Year everyone.