Why can't bodybuilders always be cut?

suv_hater

I don't understand this bulking and cutting stuff.

Why can't a person look cut all the time? I know I would want to be.

So you have to bulk up and then cut, but why does this cycle repeat itself? Why can't you just bulk up, get cut, and then stay cut forever and ever?

Bodybuilders aside, all the guys I know are always bulking and cutting and playing mad scientist with their bodies. If you know how to get cut, why not do it year-round?

Chrisgrz

You have to bulk to build muscle. So yes they could stall their muscle growth and stay cut. But they wouldn't be able to build new muscle as easily or gain strength as easily.

SideSteel

I don't understand this bulking and cutting stuff.

Why can't a person look cut all the time? I know I would want to be.

So you have to bulk up and then cut, but why does this cycle repeat itself? Why can't you just bulk up, get cut, and then stay cut forever and ever?

Bodybuilders aside, all the guys I know are always bulking and cutting and playing mad scientist with their bodies. If you know how to get cut, why not do it year-round?

If your goal is to gain muscle mass, it's generally more efficient to do so by eating in a caloric surplus.

Bodybuilders would stay fairly cut if they didn't have a desire to get larger. They bulk to get bigger and cut to strip the fat off.

iulia_maddie

Do you understand what bulk/cut means and what the purpose of that is?

Lugemachine

Essentially, they pig out (and cycle 'roids) and just build insane amounts of muscle. It takes calories to build muscle, so they pack on some fat as well.

When they cut, they enter into a phase that is, for all intents and purposes, an eating disorder... they trim their bodyfat as low as they can and still be alive. They also lose muscle during the cutting phase, but they try to minimize that. They really are not examples of fit athletes... (personally, I believe they're the equivalent of models, not athletes)

It's actually a very unhealthy existence.

GlutesthatSalute

Do you understand what bulk/cut means and what the purpose off that is?

^^^^ This

cmcollins001

Essentially, they pig out (and cycle 'roids) and just build insane amounts of muscle. It takes calories to build muscle, so they pack on some fat as well.

When they cut, they enter into a phase that is, for all intents and purposes, an eating disorder... they trim their bodyfat as low as they can and still be alive. They also lose muscle during the cutting phase, but they try to minimize that. They really are not examples of fit athletes... (personally, I believe they're the equivalent of models, not athletes)

It's actually a very unhealthy existence.

Not exactly a true representation, but you did get the broad broad broad broad outer strokes right.

suv_hater

Do you understand what bulk/cut means and what the purpose off that is?

I am asking why not look cut for the long-term (post-competition).

Spartan_Maker

They bulk and cut because they are trying to add muscle until they reach their genetic potential, which is fairly easy to figure out mathematically. For those who aren't satisfied when and if they ever reach their genetic potential, they use "Gear."

I wouldn't call it "mad science." It's pretty easy to do. Plenty of very average people do it all the time.

Bakkasan

because when you build muscle you also put on fat, it's almost entirely unavoidable.

eric_sg61

Competition level bodyfat levels are unsustainable. Beside, most bodybuilders do not bulk beyond 12-15% bodyfat. At that lower level you can still look decently "ripped". Bulking shouldn't be used as an excuse to get fat.

suv_hater

Essentially, they pig out (and cycle 'roids) and just build insane amounts of muscle. It takes calories to build muscle, so they pack on some fat as well.

When they cut, they enter into a phase that is, for all intents and purposes, an eating disorder... they trim their bodyfat as low as they can and still be alive. They also lose muscle during the cutting phase, but they try to minimize that. They really are not examples of fit athletes... (personally, I believe they're the equivalent of models, not athletes)

It's actually a very unhealthy existence.

Why do so many young, normal men adopt these methods?

BusyRaeNOTBusty

If you are happy with your level of muscle then yeah, you could just stay at a reasonable body fat level forever.

BUT most people like continued improvement. You're never really "at goal" if the goal is to always try to be better than you already are.

MoreBean13

Are you asking why they can't maintain the ultra-low bodyfat they achieve for competition?

kaitlynelkins9

Do you understand what bulk/cut means and what the purpose off that is?

I am asking why not look cut for the long-term (post-competition).

Remaining at an extremely low body fat percentage for an extended length of time is dangerous. It predisposes one to physiological dysfunction and hormonal disruption. Additionally, it would be exceedingly difficult psychologically to continue eating habits that would so thoroughly undermine proper metabolism.

iulia_maddie

Do you understand what bulk/cut means and what the purpose off that is?

I am asking why not look cut for the long-term (post-competition).

An extremely low BF% is hard (and most likely unhealthy) to mantain over an extended period of time.

suv_hater

Do you understand what bulk/cut means and what the purpose off that is?

I am asking why not look cut for the long-term (post-competition).

Remaining at an extremely low body fat percentage for an extended length of time is dangerous. It predisposes one to physiological dysfunction and hormonal disruption. Additionally, it would be exceedingly difficult psychologically to continue eating habits that would so thoroughly undermine proper metabolism.

Do you know what the lowest % a man can be at and still function normally?

MoreBean13

Do you understand what bulk/cut means and what the purpose off that is?

I am asking why not look cut for the long-term (post-competition).

Remaining at an extremely low body fat percentage for an extended length of time is dangerous. It predisposes one to physiological dysfunction and hormonal disruption. Additionally, it would be exceedingly difficult psychologically to continue eating habits that would so thoroughly undermine proper metabolism.

Do you know what the lowest % a man can be at and still function normally?

3-5% is essential BF% for men, so higher than that. The closer you come, the riskier it gets.

ninerbuff

Why do so many young, normal men adopt these methods?

Alpha male competition.

A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

DrMAvDPhD

Essentially, they pig out (and cycle 'roids) and just build insane amounts of muscle. It takes calories to build muscle, so they pack on some fat as well.

When they cut, they enter into a phase that is, for all intents and purposes, an eating disorder... they trim their bodyfat as low as they can and still be alive. They also lose muscle during the cutting phase, but they try to minimize that. They really are not examples of fit athletes... (personally, I believe they're the equivalent of models, not athletes)

It's actually a very unhealthy existence.

Why do so many young, normal men adopt these methods?

I wouldn't use the words "normal" or "many" to describe competitive bodybuilders--it's a small group of people with extreme behavior for extreme outcomes. However, eating disorders are prevalent in other competitive sports such as gymnastics, cheerleading, and wrestling.

BEERRUNNER

DANCE PUPPETS DANCE!!!! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA this guy is playing you all!!:devil:

infamousmk

Essentially, they pig out (and cycle 'roids) and just build insane amounts of muscle. It takes calories to build muscle, so they pack on some fat as well.

When they cut, they enter into a phase that is, for all intents and purposes, an eating disorder... they trim their bodyfat as low as they can and still be alive. They also lose muscle during the cutting phase, but they try to minimize that. They really are not examples of fit athletes... (personally, I believe they're the equivalent of models, not athletes)

It's actually a very unhealthy existence.

Please let the record show that it's not only women who make broad, sweeping generalizations about other members of their sex for the purpose of putting down an entire subgroup of that sex.


Hey guy who I quoted ... how about don't be so judgmental of men who are achieving their health goals, mmkay?

diodelcibo

Can't build muscle without a calorie surplus

usmcmp

Part of why we look the way we do on stage is simply dehydration. A bodybuilder might not put much on as far as fat, but even two days after when fully hydrated they will look different.

wareagle8706

First of all, the cycle repeats itself because the "cutting" process is extremely strict regarding the diet involved, therefore it is not something a person should continue on long term. Secondly, like someone else said, a bodybuilder wants to add more and more muscle mass, which means they have to eat A LOT to help build that muscle up and it is well known that you will gain fat while doing that, just like you will lose some muscle when you cut. It's just the way the human body works.

wellbert

Jamie Lewis has some very interesting ideas on bulking and cutting. It clearly works for him.

dstromley1

Essentially, they pig out (and cycle 'roids) and just build insane amounts of muscle. It takes calories to build muscle, so they pack on some fat as well.

When they cut, they enter into a phase that is, for all intents and purposes, an eating disorder... they trim their bodyfat as low as they can and still be alive. They also lose muscle during the cutting phase, but they try to minimize that. They really are not examples of fit athletes... (personally, I believe they're the equivalent of models, not athletes)

It's actually a very unhealthy existence.

Hater.. there not athletes? hahah you are clueless dude.

hazelovesfood

Essentially, they pig out (and cycle 'roids) and just build insane amounts of muscle. It takes calories to build muscle, so they pack on some fat as well.

When they cut, they enter into a phase that is, for all intents and purposes, an eating disorder... they trim their bodyfat as low as they can and still be alive. They also lose muscle during the cutting phase, but they try to minimize that. They really are not examples of fit athletes... (personally, I believe they're the equivalent of models, not athletes)

It's actually a very unhealthy existence.

does not sound healthy too me either.

ptjolsen

I'm just rolled my eyes and shook my head as I read the original post....WTF????

Alrondon2

,its to continuing improving in the gym and outside the gym. without a caloric surplus gaining strength will take ALOT longer and muscle gains will be extent .its always a personal decision , if you want to build LBM ( lean body mass)and have a better symmetrical body than you bulk for a long period of time while trying not to get too heavy. i wouldnt say its an eating disorder, that will vary by peoples mindset and methods they use. someone with the physique they feel they desired all along can maintain it and not have to bulk.

IronMikeFox

Essentially, they pig out (and cycle 'roids) and just build insane amounts of muscle. It takes calories to build muscle, so they pack on some fat as well.

When they cut, they enter into a phase that is, for all intents and purposes, an eating disorder... they trim their bodyfat as low as they can and still be alive. They also lose muscle during the cutting phase, but they try to minimize that. They really are not examples of fit athletes... (personally, I believe they're the equivalent of models, not athletes)

It's actually a very unhealthy existence.

Sees bait. Walks up to bait. Sniffs bait. Walks away! )