Cutting after bulking?

JoRocka

There is no "right body fat" percentage to bulk at- it's wildly goal dependent and what you are willing to sacrifice.

I know I bulked on the meaty end- I think I was still in the 20's- low 20's but twenty's none the less. I am having a harder time shaking weight off now- but it's also a completely very very low priority for me (training for a powerlifting meet and cutting at the same time is just unwise)

It really depends on how much you are willing to work- and give up and what your goal is. If you're goal is to get stronger- than go ahead- bulk on the high end- it's not a priority to stay uber lean at any one point.

It is much easier at a lower % to manipulate what you have going on and get back down to it. At the top of my bulk I was 180 pounds. Wanting to get to a stage ready place would require me dropping 35 pounds.

Not a priority. Didn't/don't care. But that doesn't mean it's not difficult- and it's not daunting- that's a lot of weight.

So a lot of it boils down to how much work you want to do on which end of the cycle and WHY you are bulking the first place.

Sarauk2sf

So, if my goal is to be a competitive athlete then I assume I want to be in the 14-20% range. I have no idea what my body fat % is right now. But let's say it's over 20%, then I still want to bulk because I'm so puny muscle-wise ... and then, will want to cut or go back to a maintenance calorie level later? I assume that will lower my BF% if it is too high.

What are you goals?

If someone has a lower than average muscle mass, then often it makes sense to bulk at the higher BF% range (again, individual factors apply).

However, you may just want to focus on recomping (eat at maintenance) - especially if you are new to lifting.

Do you lift? How long have you been lifting for if you do, and what is you routine like?

Springfield1970

So, if my goal is to be a competitive athlete then I assume I want to be in the 14-20% range. I have no idea what my body fat % is right now. But let's say it's over 20%, then I still want to bulk because I'm so puny muscle-wise ... and then, will want to cut or go back to a maintenance calorie level later? I assume that will lower my BF% if it is too high.

Hi

Did you mention what kind of competitive athlete you want to be? The optimum body compositions vary wildly.

Also you need to bulk and cut in your off season if you have one. Lots of variables.

AliceDark

So, if my goal is to be a competitive athlete then I assume I want to be in the 14-20% range. I have no idea what my body fat % is right now. But let's say it's over 20%, then I still want to bulk because I'm so puny muscle-wise ... and then, will want to cut or go back to a maintenance calorie level later? I assume that will lower my BF% if it is too high.

Not everyone cuts after bulking -- you may be happy with where you are and just decide to switch to maintenance. Bulking can change your perspective on a lot of things, including your goals for your body shape and how you think about food. It's okay to wait and see how you feel after you're done bulking.

Springfield1970

So, if my goal is to be a competitive athlete then I assume I want to be in the 14-20% range. I have no idea what my body fat % is right now. But let's say it's over 20%, then I still want to bulk because I'm so puny muscle-wise ... and then, will want to cut or go back to a maintenance calorie level later? I assume that will lower my BF% if it is too high.

Not everyone cuts after bulking -- you may be happy with where you are and just decide to switch to maintenance. Bulking can change your perspective on a lot of things, including your goals for your body shape and how you think about food. It's okay to wait and see how you feel after you're done bulking.

True words!

I loved my body in February after my bulk when I put on 8lbs. I was in my bikini and my measurements were great. I couldn't believe it really. I only cut because the extra fat made me slower at running, I've now cut about 4lb fat off since and I got measured at 15.6% body fat today in a bodpod. I'm probably more like 18% but it will be easier on my heart to get that 21min 5k back.

I cut for the speed as I have a crazy triathlon goal to do in the next couple of years.

I have to add that I've been at these weights in my previous life, and I was much higher fat and didn't look in good shape at all. I looked like someone's Mum. Now I look like someone's sister lol!

JoRocka

So, if my goal is to be a competitive athlete then I assume I want to be in the 14-20% range. I have no idea what my body fat % is right now. But let's say it's over 20%, then I still want to bulk because I'm so puny muscle-wise ... and then, will want to cut or go back to a maintenance calorie level later? I assume that will lower my BF% if it is too high.

Not everyone cuts after bulking -- you may be happy with where you are and just decide to switch to maintenance. Bulking can change your perspective on a lot of things, including your goals for your body shape and how you think about food. It's okay to wait and see how you feel after you're done bulking.

True words!

I have to add that I've been at these weights in my previous life, and I was much higher fat and didn't look in good shape at all. I looked like someone's Mum. Now I look just look hawt lol!

fixed that for you

Springfield1970

So, if my goal is to be a competitive athlete then I assume I want to be in the 14-20% range. I have no idea what my body fat % is right now. But let's say it's over 20%, then I still want to bulk because I'm so puny muscle-wise ... and then, will want to cut or go back to a maintenance calorie level later? I assume that will lower my BF% if it is too high.

Not everyone cuts after bulking -- you may be happy with where you are and just decide to switch to maintenance. Bulking can change your perspective on a lot of things, including your goals for your body shape and how you think about food. It's okay to wait and see how you feel after you're done bulking.

True words!

I have to add that I've been at these weights in my previous life, and I was much higher fat and didn't look in good shape at all. I looked like someone's Mum. Now I look just look hawt lol!

fixed that for you

Lol! Lifting makes us all hawt! Thank you JoRocka you star!

JoRocka

yes- yes we are.

alereck

[/quote]
Are your lifts increasing?

The first place you will gain fat for most women is butt/thighs and for men is the stomach. Just like this is the last place you typically lose it from.

As long as your surplus isn't too large (and IMO it shouldn't ever be for a female as the muscle building process is so slow) then I wouldn't worry about it.

It's like guys worrying about having visible abs year round. It's a sure fire way to stay at the same strength/LBM level basically.
[/quote]

I do progressively increase weight when lifting. Some exercises I’ve been able to add more than others but once I can reach 3 x 12 I increase the weight.

I’ve been reading more and more about bulking and I guess I have to let go. I read that I will add some fat while trying to gain muscle but it’s so hard to let that happen after finally getting to an idea weight.

I’ve been told over and over again to weight and take pictures of myself weekly but I’m seriously considering looking away for the next 4 weeks and see how it goes. I find myself cutting back in calories every time I see my stomach sticking out, lol.

Thanks for commenting.