question - men and bulking (muscle)

stephyy4632

if you are on a calorie negative is it possible for a man to bulk? I have a friend that is saying he can loose fat and gain muscle at the same time. I suggested that he try to either cycle cut and bulk or cut first then bulk. ( other than starter gains can he bulk on a negative cal ).

links would be great if you have them either way I just am looking for the right answer to help him

jimlambrt2

You cannot add muscle on a caloric deficit. In fact, you will lose some lean mass while cutting.

You can get stronger while cutting. - stronger doesn't equal more lean mass.

How do you add muscle: progressing overload + surplus calories + sufficient rest/sleep

Lift heavy + eat BIG + EPIC sleep = more muscle.

Eric Helms has a great 6 part series that covers deficits, surpluses and all the other basics.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAvW6xBZjSk&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLYdkxp9hJ4i58l583rJV7r2LMAiYFJ9gm

fivethreeone

People who believe they can gain muscle on a deficit (exception for the morbidly obese, who actually can, though studies show the muscle they gain is not appreciable) usually believe it because they see muscles popping. That's not new muscle. The deficit is helping them lose the fat over their existing muscle, and that's what they are seeing.

MityMax96

Not really possible while in deficit.

He may be getting stronger....that can be possible.

Or as fivethreeone pointed out.....it is prolly the fact that he is losing body fat, so his muskles are "popping"

stephyy4632

thank you all that is exactly what I have been saying and he is hearing NON of it

jmt08c

thank you all that is exactly what I have been saying and he is hearing NON of it

Ignorance is bliss

stephyy4632

lol it really is LMAO

sjaplo

Tell him to take measurements. I'm a heck of a lot stronger than when I started lifting (NROL) in Feb - but no gains in biceps, forearms, thighs etc.