Bulking vs. Cutting Program
RaeLB
Posts: 1,216 Member
I have another question for your collective knowledge/experience!
When you switch/ed into cutting did you continue with your same lifting program or did you change it?
I've been focusing on hypertrophy, should I switch to strength training since I can't grow my muscles while cutting? Which is better to keep my current muscle and keep increasing my strength?
When you switch/ed into cutting did you continue with your same lifting program or did you change it?
I've been focusing on hypertrophy, should I switch to strength training since I can't grow my muscles while cutting? Which is better to keep my current muscle and keep increasing my strength?
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Replies
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Keen to see your answers. I have done this with, literally, no clue
ETA: which hypertrophy programme did I you use for your bulk (info for next time)? Think I lucked out as I had already decided to do smolov to get my squat weight up but I'd probably be better working on all over next time.0 -
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1211765-what-does-your-cutting-routine-look-like
might help you a little as some thoughts will be repeated.
I didn't do anything different other than stuff my face- up until the last six weeks.
Six weeks ago I switched to the 20 rep squat breathing program- purely to build size and help push your bottom squat number/working range UP.
I definitely gained sized- it was mentally significantly more difficult than I was prepared for- but I survived. Taught me a lot.
Had I not wanted to see specific gains I would not have changed my program so much as just upped the number of reps I was shooting for- created a little more structure rather than shooting for high numbers and lower reps. But the lifting style would have been the same.
I haven't changed lifting- I'm tailoring that for a peaking program- really all I'm doing is throwing in some cardio and eating a a hell of a lot less!!!0 -
Keen to see your answers. I have done this with, literally, no clue
ETA: which hypertrophy programme did I you use for your bulk (info for next time)? Think I lucked out as I had already decided to do smolov to get my squat weight up but I'd probably be better working on all over next time.
All Pro's SBR0 -
Awesome, thanks for the link!
When cutting, shouldn't I be focused on strength since cutting won't build muscle? If I continue with hypertrophy focused sets/reps won't I stall with strength gains?0 -
Awesome, thanks for the link!
When cutting, shouldn't I be focused on strength since cutting won't build muscle? If I continue with hypertrophy focused sets/reps won't I stall with strength gains?
oh- sorry- bulking.
nothing but stuff my face while bulking.
I switched to a hypertrophy program while bulking.
cutting- I've gone back down to my regular lower reps more weight - so yes.
you are going to stall strength gains at some point- that's a down side of cutting- you just aren't going to see as much progress what you were while bulking- the best hope is to not lose strength.
Sorry I'm multi tasking. I did a terrible job answering that question. iFail. LOL0 -
Cheers Rae, will google that one for next time.
Jo, this looks awesome. I hate, hate cardio but I could totally kid myself with the 'bear complex, lunges superset' thingy, thanks.0 -
Awesome, thanks for the link!
When cutting, shouldn't I be focused on strength since cutting won't build muscle? If I continue with hypertrophy focused sets/reps won't I stall with strength gains?
oh- sorry- bulking.
nothing but stuff my face while bulking.
I switched to a hypertrophy program while bulking.
cutting- I've gone back down to my regular lower reps more weight - so yes.
you are going to stall strength gains at some point- that's a down side of cutting- you just aren't going to see as much progress what you were while bulking- the best hope is to not lose strength.
Sorry I'm multi tasking. I did a terrible job answering that question. iFail. LOL
hahah no problem! Thanks!0 -
You don't have to change a thing about your lifting when switching between the two. Often a misunderstood concept. You want strength? Focus on that. Some prefer the hypertrophy range out of preference. Muscle is built through a surplus and progressive overload which is achieved in both ranges. Don't fall in the trap that during cutting you do a million reps at lighter weight; such a bro move.0
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yeah a million reps is over rated- I was *****ing when I moved from 5 up to 8 reps.
I kept saying- 8 who the hell does 8. was not happy.
no- don't have to- can keep doing what you're doing.
Yes if you're goals change.0 -
Umm now I find these answers confusing but maybe my question isn't worded well lol.
My understanding is
Strength: lower reps
Hypertrophy: higher reps
While bulking I’ve been focused on hypertrophy so I’ve been doing 8 reps (3 sets).
My understanding is you can’t achieve hypertrophy while cutting so my question is while I’m cutting should I lower my reps and focus on strength, for example a 5x5 program.
If I can’t achieve hypertrophy during cutting what's the point of sticking with my same routine? I might as well focus on strength and switch up my routine. UNLESS sticking with the same routine will help keep my recently obtained muscle mass better than a strength training program.0 -
Umm now I find these answers confusing but maybe my question isn't worded well lol.
My understanding is
Strength: lower reps
Hypertrophy: higher reps
While bulking I’ve been focused on hypertrophy so I’ve been doing 8 reps (3 sets).
My understanding is you can’t achieve hypertrophy while cutting so my question is while I’m cutting should I lower my reps and focus on strength, for example a 5x5 program.
If I can’t achieve hypertrophy during cutting what's the point of sticking with my same routine? I might as well focus on strength and switch up my routine. UNLESS sticking with the same routine will help keep my recently obtained muscle mass better than a strength training program.
You're way overthinking this. Work in the rep range that you like. Hypertrophy can still be worked with heavy *kitten* weight to MAINTAIN your muscle gained. Many prefer hyper as well during cutting bc it's easier to superset and dropset for more if a cardiovascular endurance.0 -
Yes, I probably am overthinking it! I'm just so worried about losing my gains.
Thanks for the info!0 -
Yes, I probably am overthinking it! I'm just so worried about losing my gains.
Thanks for the info!
keep lifting- that's the best way to not loose your gains
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The program which you successfully used to build muscle is the best one to help you retain it
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thanks y'all. you have eased my mind :drinker:0
