My Bulk...Time To Actually "Bulk"?
GymRatGirl13
Posts: 157 Member
Hey ladies. First of all, I LOVE this group. I just found it today and have been reading endlessly through it. I am gaining courage to actually do a bulk, rather than continue to say I am bulking, when in fact, I am actually just hanging onto the same body and refusing to add any fat. Confession time...I'm scared. I cut down to such a low amount of body fat when I first began lifting and working out, and didn't have the muscle mass to look optimal. I was lean as probably possible with the muscle I had on my frame. Looking back, I should have just started lifting, kept calories where they were and put on some muscle for six months or so, then cut. But no...like many first starting out, I fell into the cut as many calories as possible, lose quick, and you will look ripped idea. So wrong. So, after getting down to dangerously low body fat levels, doing a few figure shows (I am embarrassed to show people my pics because I looked like a walking tan skeleton), then realizing that I need muscle, I began to work towards maintenance. I found it at about 1700-1800 calories and have been there for the past 18 months. I have been saying for 18 months that I am building, but I can't build much without eating more. So, around May I began increasing calories, but every time I start to see an increase in size and a decrease in definition, I panic and cut back. So much time wasted! I really want to make some gains in muscle at this point. I am ready to sacrifice the lean look for awhile, but need confidence that I will be better in the end. I kept thinking that I am right back to where I started 3 years ago, when I started lifting, but after looking at pics yesterday from the past 4 years, I realize that I have come A LONG way. I have so much more shape and definition to my body. I have work to do, but I won't get there without doing a bulk. So, I am attaching a few pics of my journey and will keep you all updated, if you keep me accountable! Someone please tell me...does your body come in and out of "looking good" throughout this whole process? One week, I look in the mirror and want to puke and think, wow, you have let yourself go, then the next week, I look in the mirror and think, wow, you're putting some muscle on. EAT MORE! Is this normal as my body "fills out" in areas? Thanks guys!! Comments and advice welcome!! Oh, I'm 5'7" 148-150 and size 3-5 now.
First Day 3 Years Ago 155 pounds Size 13
Almost to My First Figure Show 125 size 1
Now...currently. 148-150 pounds size 3-5
First Day 3 Years Ago 155 pounds Size 13
Almost to My First Figure Show 125 size 1
Now...currently. 148-150 pounds size 3-5
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Replies
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welcome to the forum! i can definately see changes in your body shape through the years, good job!
And yeah its scary goign into a real calorie surplus bulk, i got my calorie level up to around 2300 for the last two months and im' still freaking out about it. I'm scared to step on the scale, and i have to keep telling myself over and over "the only way you will build muscle is in a calorie surplus" I'm also worried that when it comes time to cut will i be so used to stuffing my face that i will struggle with a reduction in calories. Then i remind myself when i was on 1500 calories for a year, i survived just fine and got used to it and i can do it again and to just enjoy the 2300 calories and not stress over it.
All the support here and seeing everyones progress through all these changes helps to know that this is ok and it will work.
I can't wait to see your progress! you sound very dedicated and ready to make this work!0 -
Glad you found the group and thanks for the story. I get you--I'm scared too. Three weeks in and it's still hard. We're here for you!0
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Thanks ladies. I don't fear the scale too much. I don't weigh myself because I haven't really needed it since I switched from fat loss to maintenance, but I suppose it will be useful again now. I REALLY fear outgrowing my clothes. How do you resist the temptation to cut calories again when your jeans and dress pants are feeling like they will burst!?0
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Oh, one more question? Do you ladies cut calories or carbs at all on rest days? I have been trying to cut carbs a little bit, but am thinking I am going to just eat consistently and take out the worry and complexity. Thoughts?0
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I just remind myself that this is something I want to do. I'm almost outgrowing my "normal" pants, but have a few pairs of a larger size still, so I just wear those. It's temporary.0
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I could have written your post in terms of the fears and therefore not making many gains. I'm seriously considering a bulk too but definitely am concerned about my clothes (since I bought many new ones over the last year) and just feeling crappy. I gained a few pounds back from my low, got used to that and think that now might be a good time to give it a try. But I know I will start freaking out when my pants don't fit. Like was said though, I am trying to remind myself that it would only be temporary. I'm curious to see how you feel about it in the coming days/weeks!0
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Oh, one more question? Do you ladies cut calories or carbs at all on rest days? I have been trying to cut carbs a little bit, but am thinking I am going to just eat consistently and take out the worry and complexity. Thoughts?
I guess technically. I try to increase my carbs directly following training and I've been trying, unsucessfully, to have higher cals on lifting days.0 -
Welcome to the group!
Just remind yourself that you know how to cut. You've don't it before.
I think it's good to remind yourself that the first 3-4 weeks will be a major mind f@$k as you'll probably initially gain a handful due to glycogen/water stores. Especially since you were/are so very lean and thus probably very glycogen depleted.
For me....I know I want to be bigger. I want to be stronger and perform at my lifting better. I just remind myself that this is the way to do it.0 -
Oh, one more question? Do you ladies cut calories or carbs at all on rest days? I have been trying to cut carbs a little bit, but am thinking I am going to just eat consistently and take out the worry and complexity. Thoughts?
You really don't want to cut carbs or go low carb on a bulk. Carbs will be your friend on a bulk...carbs will give you your extra energy and are actually the fuel that your muscles will use to GROW! In fact....all the reading i've been doing states that your carb macros should increase the most during a bulk.
As for me...no, I don't cycle carbs or calories on rest days. Your muscles are actually doing their repair (thus growth) on rest days...not work days. And...I've personally noticed that my workouts suck following a rest day when I've tried to cycle down on carbs/calories.
IMO, if you are going to bulk and actually commit to gaining weight....you can't be afraid of carbs or weight gain. I know it sounds obvious, but I think you'll just be spinning your wheels if you try to make each meal so 'perfect'. If you are going to be succesful at gaining any new muscle, you WILL gain new fat...accept it and do what needs to be done. Chances are...with the new muscle you add, the new fat you add won't be that noticeable. As long as you keep your gains slow and steady...you are going to have a nice, relatively lean bulk. Obsessing about keeping the fat gain to an absolute minimum is only going to hinder your muscle gain, IMO. Obviously...I'm not advocating for gaining a **** ton of weight in a short time. I'm talking about a nice, slow and steady gain....take the fat with the muscle. In fact...I'm actually looking forward to cutting in the spring. It will be like unwrapping a present to see all my new muscles. Plus....seeing the scale and measurements steadily move down is also nice motivation
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Nice post, Sarah, I actually needed that reminder as well!0
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Oh, one more question? Do you ladies cut calories or carbs at all on rest days? I have been trying to cut carbs a little bit, but am thinking I am going to just eat consistently and take out the worry and complexity. Thoughts?
You really don't want to cut carbs or go low carb on a bulk. Carbs will be your friend on a bulk...carbs will give you your extra energy and are actually the fuel that your muscles will use to GROW! In fact....all the reading i've been doing states that your carb macros should increase the most during a bulk.
As for me...no, I don't cycle carbs or calories on rest days. Your muscles are actually doing their repair (thus growth) on rest days...not work days. And...I've personally noticed that my workouts suck following a rest day when I've tried to cycle down on carbs/calories.
IMO, if you are going to bulk and actually commit to gaining weight....you can't be afraid of carbs or weight gain. I know it sounds obvious, but I think you'll just be spinning your wheels if you try to make each meal so 'perfect'. If you are going to be succesful at gaining any new muscle, you WILL gain new fat...accept it and do what needs to be done. Chances are...with the new muscle you add, the new fat you add won't be that noticeable. As long as you keep your gains slow and steady...you are going to have a nice, relatively lean bulk. Obsessing about keeping the fat gain to an absolute minimum is only going to hinder your muscle gain, IMO. Obviously...I'm not advocating for gaining a **** ton of weight in a short time. I'm talking about a nice, slow and steady gain....take the fat with the muscle. In fact...I'm actually looking forward to cutting in the spring. It will be like unwrapping a present to see all my new muscles. Plus....seeing the scale and measurements steadily move down is also nice motivation
That was fantastic Sarah! I especially like the present metaphor.0 -
Oh, one more question? Do you ladies cut calories or carbs at all on rest days? I have been trying to cut carbs a little bit, but am thinking I am going to just eat consistently and take out the worry and complexity. Thoughts?
You really don't want to cut carbs or go low carb on a bulk. Carbs will be your friend on a bulk...carbs will give you your extra energy and are actually the fuel that your muscles will use to GROW! In fact....all the reading i've been doing states that your carb macros should increase the most during a bulk.
As for me...no, I don't cycle carbs or calories on rest days. Your muscles are actually doing their repair (thus growth) on rest days...not work days. And...I've personally noticed that my workouts suck following a rest day when I've tried to cycle down on carbs/calories.
IMO, if you are going to bulk and actually commit to gaining weight....you can't be afraid of carbs or weight gain. I know it sounds obvious, but I think you'll just be spinning your wheels if you try to make each meal so 'perfect'. If you are going to be succesful at gaining any new muscle, you WILL gain new fat...accept it and do what needs to be done. Chances are...with the new muscle you add, the new fat you add won't be that noticeable. As long as you keep your gains slow and steady...you are going to have a nice, relatively lean bulk. Obsessing about keeping the fat gain to an absolute minimum is only going to hinder your muscle gain, IMO. Obviously...I'm not advocating for gaining a **** ton of weight in a short time. I'm talking about a nice, slow and steady gain....take the fat with the muscle. In fact...I'm actually looking forward to cutting in the spring. It will be like unwrapping a present to see all my new muscles. Plus....seeing the scale and measurements steadily move down is also nice motivation
This post couldn't be said anymore perfect. Sarah is a sound of reason! Welcome to the group and take day by day and remind yourself of your goals. It is difficult at first to grasp it clearly but you can overcome anything.
As far as cutting cals etc on rest days, I agree with the above but I also plan to do things a little different bc this isn't my first rodeo. Now it won't be much bc I lift 4-5 days but on lift days I plan an even higher surplus and on rest days I will be at maintenance. My macros percentage wise will be about the same which my carbs will be around 50%. This is actually a form of lean gains and very successful but I don't recommend it until you've bulked or already have a decent amount of muscle mass. Now of course this is my plan and those who know me well know I like to change things mid sentence. I adapt to what my body tells me and what I learn/like. 0 -
Welcome to the group! Gaining weight is scary for me too,...I think it is for most of us! But I'm just trying to trust the process. Lift like you mean business; that's the way you can make sure your bulk isn't just a fulk.0
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Welcome to the group! Gaining weight is scary for me too,...I think it is for most of us! But I'm just trying to trust the process. Lift like you mean business; that's the way you can make sure your bulk isn't just a fulk.
I agree with Sara, that was very well said. Love that last part Wesrcoastgrl! :drinker:0 -
Excellent info ladies! Thank you. I really appreciate the time you took to respond. I will keep you all posted and add notes to my bulk diary. :-)0
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My carb intake has truly helped me with my gains in the gym. 40% carbs (30p/30f) plus the calorie surplus has done wonders to my body in 2 short months. Wasn't happy when I pulled out my winter pants and couldn't fit ANY of them. I was like: NO WAY. Went up a size already?! Quads are super size now LOL And so is my bicep ; ) I weigh myself weekly just to keep track and the scale went up a whopping 1.25 lbs every week for 2 months. Going into month three and the weight has stalled... (whew! LOL)
I try to hit my macros every day, regardless of my exercise.
Congrats on your progress thus far! Amaze balls!0 -
Great news! Thanks for the feedback. This is the kind of info I need to keep going!0
