I'm Done Bulking...On to Phase 2

TriLifter

I started bulking in October, and had originally decided to make it a 16-week bulk. I only started making measurable gains closer to the end of my bulk and decided to extend it 6 more weeks, through the middle of March. So many things have happened in my personal life to make the additional eating and progressive lifting less and less enjoyable. After 20 weeks (4 weeks longer than originally planned, but 2 weeks less than my new plan) , I have decided to move on from bulking and move to cutting on Monday.

I will post stats this weekend when I take final measurements.

My plan is to lower calories slightly (from 2400-2600 down to 2200-2400) and start running again. I have a 10K in June that I'd like to break 46 min. in...and I know I can if I ramp up the training now. I will also continue to lift, but only 3 days a week and a compound A/B-style program.

I will definitely bulk again next winter, and am already kind of looking forward to it.

JoRocka

YAY for cutting and results!!!!

although boo for being hungry LOL

Good luck and good job with being flexible- I think a lot of people get wrapped up on a particular thing- and they forget- there is no workout police- if somethings not working for whatever reason over a period of time- CHANGE the thing so it works!!!

No harm no foul.

Good job- how do you feel with the bulk? do you feel like it was successful?

what are you cutting goals other than the 10K?

sarahstrezo

I love hearing your being so flexible.
You did a great job on this bulk and I know the feeling of looking forward to a cut.
I can't wait to see your post bulk progress!

jdaley90

Way to go Leena!! So proud of you for sticking with it You did such a great job and I know what a struggle it was for you!

HMVOL7409

You've done an amazing job and your attitude and willing to be flexible is contributed to that success!

caseythirteen

I agree, you've done great!! You already have done longer than you're original plan and made a great gain.

TriLifter

So, my official weight stats make it look like I did not gain a lot of muscle, but I feel like my measurements speak for themselves. My goal for this cut will be to retain the muscle that I earned and cut body fat down to 18%, which would put me at 118 lbs (and I'd like to get my six-pack back). I don't have a specific timeline for this--I'm not in a hurry. I'd just like to get there before next fall and bulk #2. I've learned a lot on this bulk and will definitely be making some adjustments next time around. I'd like to do the same lifting program next year, but my food intake will be substantially higher.

MARCH 1, 2014 STATS

My stats have been all over the place depending on when I weigh in, etc., so I'm just going to go with my March 1 numbers.

Weight: 127.0 lbs
Body fat: 21%
LBM: 100.33 lbs (+2.09 lbs LBM)

Neck: 12.5 in. (down .25 in.)
Shoulders: 39 in. (up 1.5 in.)
Biceps: 10.75 in. (up .75 in.)
Forearms: 9.75 in. (up .75 in.)
Bust: 33 in. (no change)
Strapline: 28 in. (down 1 in.)
Waist: 26 in. (no change)
Bellybutton: 28.5 in. (up 1.5 in.)
Hips: 36.5 in. (up .5 in.)
Thighs: 21 in. (no change)
Calves: 13.5 in. (no change)

OCTOBER 13, 2013 STATS

Weight: 122.8 lbs
Body fat: 20%
LBM: 98.24 lbs

Neck: 12.75 in.
Shoulders: 37.5 in.
Biceps: 10 in.
Forearms: 9 in.
Bust: 33 in.
Strapline: 29 in.
Waist: 26 in.
Bellybutton: 27 in.
Hips: 36 in.
Thighs: 21 in.
Calves: 13.5 in.

yogaga1

Great Job!

aubyshortcake

just have to say you look awesome! You did great

TriLifter

just have to say you look awesome! You did great

Thank you!