Jdaley90 Bulking Log

jdaley90
jdaley90 Posts: 259 Member
Hi All!

Just started my first bulk officially 2 weeks ago. Here's a little about me...

Age: 23
Height: 5'5
SW: 120.0
CW:131.6
Exercising 4x/week and following 5/3/1.

-Did Jamie Eason's LiveFit over the summer. Ate 1400-1700 net cals daily depending on workout. Went from 125.4/20.41% BF (7/6/13) to 120.0/16.53% BF (8/31/13).
-I was sick and only walking on a treadmill from 9/16/13 through 9/26/13. I did not weigh in before leaving so I'm not sure how much I weighed then.
-Got back from vacation on 10/12/13 and weighed 125.4.
-Have switched to TDEE method. Maintenance is 1878. Bulk is 2066-2100.

Since 10/12/13 I have gained 6.2lbs. I've put on a total of 11.6lbs since 8/31/13 in just over 9 weeks. Over the 9 weeks span its over a lb per week but that's still ok. I'm more concerned about the fact that 2.5 weeks I've put on 6.2lbs. Can this usually be expected?

---

ETA:

I've been lifting for about a year and a half

Stats:
Deadlift: 155lbs x 1 (10/22/13), currently 1.24x BW
Squats: 145lbs x 1 (10/22/13), currently 1.16x BW
Bench Press: 75lbs x 1 (10/22/13), currently 0.60x BW
OHP: 65lbs x 1 (10/22/13), currently 0.52x BW

I take a multi vitamin, fish oil, aminos, preworkouts, and protein powder. During the week I eat pretty well, weekends are obviously messier and not logged quite as well.

Replies

  • TriLifter
    TriLifter Posts: 1,283 Member
    Everything looks good! This is my first bulk, so I really can't tell you what's normal. I was up 3 lbs my first week and .8 lbs my second. I'm only two days into week 3. Best of luck to you!
  • jdaley90
    jdaley90 Posts: 259 Member
    Thanks for the response, I appreciate it! I'll be keeping an eye on it :) I am wondering if me doing back to back months of BC (because I went on vacation and didn't want to deal with it) had something to do with it or if it's totally normal.

    When I joined MFP I started at 134 and there's definitely an improvement to the way I look at 134 then and 131 now.

    Just have to keep pushing forward mentally!
  • TriLifter
    TriLifter Posts: 1,283 Member
    You never know...hormones influence a lot!
  • sarahstrezo
    sarahstrezo Posts: 568 Member
    Welcome to the group!

    a handful of lbs the first few weeks of increasing cals to TDEE or surplus can be expected. Especially if you were at a pretty high deficit. Your body is going to replenish glycogen/water stores right away.
  • jdaley90
    jdaley90 Posts: 259 Member
    Welcome to the group!

    a handful of lbs the first few weeks of increasing cals to TDEE or surplus can be expected. Especially if you were at a pretty high deficit. Your body is going to replenish glycogen/water stores right away.

    Thank you! And good to know!!
  • karenboy29687
    karenboy29687 Posts: 61 Member
    My first bulk as well. For the first 4 or 5 weeks I cruised along at a lb per week gain. Then things began to level off, and I went 2 weeks with no weight gain, then jumped up a couple more pounds when I added creatine. During this time there were a number of factors that influenced my weight (TOM, sodium etc.) I think we just have to get used to the fact that there are a number factors that influence our scale weight, and that it fluctuates. I often go back & forth on how long I intend to bulk, and how much weight I'm willing to gain.
  • Barbellgirl
    Barbellgirl Posts: 544 Member
    My first bulk as well, and I gained 2-3 pounds very quickly after eating above TDEE but after four weeks it leveled off and even dropped. I think the majority of the ladies experienced similar initial weight gains. Glad to have you join us. :flowerforyou:
  • TriLifter
    TriLifter Posts: 1,283 Member
    My first bulk as well. For the first 4 or 5 weeks I cruised along at a lb per week gain. Then things began to level off, and I went 2 weeks with no weight gain, then jumped up a couple more pounds when I added creatine. During this time there were a number of factors that influenced my weight (TOM, sodium etc.) I think we just have to get used to the fact that there are a number factors that influence our scale weight, and that it fluctuates. I often go back & forth on how long I intend to bulk, and how much weight I'm willing to gain.

    Best comment ever! Yes, there are so many factors we have to remember!
  • jdaley90
    jdaley90 Posts: 259 Member
    My first bulk as well. For the first 4 or 5 weeks I cruised along at a lb per week gain. Then things began to level off, and I went 2 weeks with no weight gain, then jumped up a couple more pounds when I added creatine. During this time there were a number of factors that influenced my weight (TOM, sodium etc.) I think we just have to get used to the fact that there are a number factors that influence our scale weight, and that it fluctuates. I often go back & forth on how long I intend to bulk, and how much weight I'm willing to gain.

    Best comment ever! Yes, there are so many factors we have to remember!

    I agree! Thanks for the reassurance ladies!

    I'm thinking about starting creatine as well. Any thoughts on that?
  • TriLifter
    TriLifter Posts: 1,283 Member
    I started creatine when I started my bulk...it might also account for the big weight gain my first week. I don't know if it helps, but I don't think there's really a downside to trying it out,
  • maruby95
    maruby95 Posts: 204 Member
    My first bulk as well. For the first 4 or 5 weeks I cruised along at a lb per week gain. Then things began to level off, and I went 2 weeks with no weight gain, then jumped up a couple more pounds when I added creatine. During this time there were a number of factors that influenced my weight (TOM, sodium etc.) I think we just have to get used to the fact that there are a number factors that influence our scale weight, and that it fluctuates. I often go back & forth on how long I intend to bulk, and how much weight I'm willing to gain.

    Thanks Karen- great reminder!!! Needed it :0.
  • jdaley90
    jdaley90 Posts: 259 Member
    Officially hit 134.0 today. I weigh the same today as I did 2 years ago when I first started MFP. My body shape as changed and I look slimmer now but It's scary and I'm starting to hit a mental block!
  • karenboy29687
    karenboy29687 Posts: 61 Member
    You said it yourself, your body has changed, you look slimmer. Hey, I go through it too, no matter how much I hear that the scale should not be the judge of our progress, I continue as well to give it too much power. DAMN THAT SCALE! I weigh fairly frequently to make sure I'm not gaining too quickly, my goal is to gain at this point, yet every time in gain an ounce I shutter. How ridiculous is that?
  • jdaley90
    jdaley90 Posts: 259 Member
    You said it yourself, your body has changed, you look slimmer. Hey, I go through it too, no matter how much I hear that the scale should not be the judge of our progress, I continue as well to give it too much power. DAMN THAT SCALE! I weigh fairly frequently to make sure I'm not gaining too quickly, my goal is to gain at this point, yet every time in gain an ounce I shutter. How ridiculous is that?

    I definitely understand how you feel! I'm afraid I am gaining too quickly though. It seems like every time I step on the scale I'm up 2 lbs. I did had a very food filled weekend and am just finishing my cycle but it's still frustrating! Just need to keep toughing it out! Must think of the muscles!
  • TriLifter
    TriLifter Posts: 1,283 Member
    I totally understand--I was in a deficit for 5 our of the last 7 days. Not on purpose, really, but I think mentally it's hard to get into the surplus mindset!
  • jdaley90
    jdaley90 Posts: 259 Member
    Quick Update:

    So I've been chilling between 133 and 134.6 for the last 10 days or so. I think my weight gain has finally evened out/slowed down. I've taken cals down to about maintenance for the time being and am on the 3rd week of 5/3/1-- deload time next week! As I get into december I'll consider adding more cals back in. I was considering starting creatine but haven't done so yet...
  • TriLifter
    TriLifter Posts: 1,283 Member
    Sounds good. Slow is usually better when it comes to weight, so I think you made a good decision. You'll probably retain water when you start the creatine, so don't freak if the scale goes up when/if you start taking it.
  • jdaley90
    jdaley90 Posts: 259 Member
    I haven't weighed myself since my last updated (no scale lol) but I figured I'd do a quick update since. I'm finishing my first 5/3/1 cycle and deloading this week. I've been feeling really powerful lately. Last week for my 5/3/1 week I pushed 65x6 on OHP, 130x6 on DL, 65x11 on Bench Press, and 125x5 on Squats. Looking forward to starting my next cycle and really getting those reps closer to one at a higher weight! On another note my work pants are starting to get really tight in the quad and butt areas.. not a bad problem to have I suppose! My family has noticed the extra weight and is especially jealous of my butt :) Happy bulking!
  • TriLifter
    TriLifter Posts: 1,283 Member
    Awesome job! I'm about to have a deload followed by a rest week (it's how the paln I'm doing is designed). Hopefully that will allow me to rip it up when I start stage 2!

    I'm not looking forward to seeing my mom for Thanksgiving. My work pants are also tight in the butt and quads and I know ther will be some not-so-nice things said about me then. Fun times.
  • pandorakick
    pandorakick Posts: 901 Member
    I haven't weighed myself since my last updated (no scale lol) but I figured I'd do a quick update since. I'm finishing my first 5/3/1 cycle and deloading this week. I've been feeling really powerful lately. Last week for my 5/3/1 week I pushed 65x6 on OHP, 130x6 on DL, 65x11 on Bench Press, and 125x5 on Squats. Looking forward to starting my next cycle and really getting those reps closer to one at a higher weight! On another note my work pants are starting to get really tight in the quad and butt areas.. not a bad problem to have I suppose! My family has noticed the extra weight and is especially jealous of my butt :) Happy bulking!
    That powerful and strong feeling is a really cool part of bulking, isn't it? I'm digging it a lot myself as well :wink:
  • yogaga1
    yogaga1 Posts: 182 Member
    Hurray for more booty & power! My favorite parts of bulking!! :) LOL
  • jdaley90
    jdaley90 Posts: 259 Member
    Update:

    I'm feeling slimmer these days and better about myself! No idea why and I haven't weighed myself. I'm too lazy to go into the other room with the scale, I guess ignorance is bliss! During the week I'm doing pretty well but during the weekends I just don't bother to log :)

    Tonight I start my 2nd cycle of 5/3/1. I'm really excited to see what this cycle brings with the numbers I achieved in the last.

    Also... an early Happy Thanksgiving to all! What a great opportunity to stuff ourselves and not feel bad about it ;) I plan to hit the gym tonight, Tuesday before work, Wednesday before work, and Friday during the day (I'm off hooray!). Thursday no working out shall be done but I figured running around for 6 hours cooking covers it :)
  • HMVOL7409
    HMVOL7409 Posts: 1,588 Member
    Great attitude and wonderful job on the lifting numbers! Have a great holiday!
  • jdaley90
    jdaley90 Posts: 259 Member
    Wow it's been a while since I updated this thread.

    To recap Nov 25-last week. Holidays were all good. I had my family home with so all meal planning went to s***. While they were home I also had my scale taken from me so I basically didn't weigh myself.. at all. Prior to that I had been holding steady at 134 after putting on the initial 10 lbs very very quickly. I didn't log food for the entire month of December.

    So, last week my family left and I got my act together. Stepped on the scale and was 138.6. That's the highest I've ever weighed. Going to lie.. it freaked me out!!

    But then I did measurements and it's not so bad after all, so I wanted to share...

    8/31/13 - 1/4/14
    Chest: 30.5" - 32.75", +2.25"
    Waist: 24" - 26.5", +2.5"
    Arm: 10.5" - 12", +1.5"
    Hips: 37" - 40.5", +3.5"
    Thigh: 19.5" - 22", +2.5"
    Weight: 119.8lbs - 138.6lbs, +18.8lbs

    BF% (Calc'd using calipers and 7 site fold test): 16.53% - 21.73%, +5.2%
    LBM: 99.99lbs - 108.48lbs, +8.49lbs
    Fat: 19.8lbs - 30.11lbs, +10.31lbs

    I'm going to continue to eat a maintenance, add in some HIIT training a couple of times per week, to try and get rid of some of the fat. A group of folks at work is doing a biggest loser contest and the person who won last year only lost 4 lbs but did more on the BF% and won $750.. that's worth a try! My attitude is more of 'if it happens, great, if not, oh well!'

    Going through this process I've learned A LOT. I was so scared and still don't know why I put on 10lbs in the last 4 weeks. I'm PR'ing lifts EVERY week on 5/3/1 and I LOVE IT! I've also had a lot of first.. I ripped my first shirtin the sleeve and got asked if I was preggo for the first time. Although I have days where I feel really fat and uncomfortable most of the time I'm very happy in my skin.
  • TriLifter
    TriLifter Posts: 1,283 Member
    Wow, that is awesome! I especially love your firsts! Not sure why you gained 10 lbs in the last 4 weeks either, but I know you'll drop the extra weight no problem :heart:
  • caseythirteen
    caseythirteen Posts: 956 Member
    That's a great update! I especially love the part where you (mostly) feel great in your own skin. That's not always easy for a lot of us so I love hearing when women do.
  • jdaley90
    jdaley90 Posts: 259 Member
    It was basically in the first 4 weeks I gained the 10 lbs. 8/31/13 I was 119.8 and then I got sick and went on vacation until 10/12/13. When I got back from vacation I was 125.4 which I was totally fine with and assumed that was extra water weight blah blah blah. Then I shot up to 134 in the 4 weeks after that so Mid Oct-Mid Nov. I think I held at 134 from mid November to beginning of December and then in December I put on another 4 lbs which was totally fine cos of the extra eating and it was only 1lb/week.

    Next time I bulk though I'll know better and when starting will perhaps trying eating at maintenance for a couple weeks first. I had been at a deficit for SO long that I guess it must have messed with my body a lot?
  • 89nunu
    89nunu Posts: 1,082 Member
    If you jumped straight from cut to bulk your body might just have been shocked because of all the extra food. Also you would have replenished your glycogen stores wich would account for 2-5 lbs of the initial jump.

    Good luck on the cutting :)