When should I stop bulking?
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OP, that right there is a good example of what someone at your height and a higher end of the scale with a low bf looks like. That's years of training. At the point where that guy is he is towards the top of his genetic makeup as far as lbm goes. I don't know him but chances are if he still runs bulk/cut cycles he likely adds very little muscle over the course of a year. Going much higher than that like you are talking about means being generically elite, very elite, which you would know by now if you were or if not then you're looking at using enhancers which isn't smart.To the OP, this is my best friend. He is 5'7 and around 180-185 in this pic with a low BF%. Not sure of the number.
karrysalexi wrote: »sjohnson__1 wrote: »karrysalexi wrote: »I think I should return to 215lbs. Besides might compete in sports again and I will need that weight.
Bud. Do me a favor and erase this from your mind. You don't need to be heavier to play sports... You should be lean and mostly made up of muscle for optimal athletic performance. Genetically, you're not going to be healthy at 215. I would listen to EVERYONE else and erase whatever has made you believe you should be heavier, when you're already likely at 20-25%bf. I don't mean to be rude, but you're not taking any of the advice you asked for. And you're not making any logical points supporting why you would opt not to follow the advice you've been given.
I used to play football as running back. Being lean and muscular would be bad trust me haha.
I really don't know what anyone here will be able to say to you about your goals being lofty.
Fine. I just won't try out for football then. That guy looks perfect for my size.0 -
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karrysalexi wrote: »
OP, that right there is a good example of what someone at your height and a higher end of the scale with a low bf looks like. That's years of training. At the point where that guy is he is towards the top of his genetic makeup as far as lbm goes. I don't know him but chances are if he still runs bulk/cut cycles he likely adds very little muscle over the course of a year. Going much higher than that like you are talking about means being generically elite, very elite, which you would know by now if you were or if not then you're looking at using enhancers which isn't smart.To the OP, this is my best friend. He is 5'7 and around 180-185 in this pic with a low BF%. Not sure of the number.karrysalexi wrote: »sjohnson__1 wrote: »karrysalexi wrote: »I think I should return to 215lbs. Besides might compete in sports again and I will need that weight.
Bud. Do me a favor and erase this from your mind. You don't need to be heavier to play sports... You should be lean and mostly made up of muscle for optimal athletic performance. Genetically, you're not going to be healthy at 215. I would listen to EVERYONE else and erase whatever has made you believe you should be heavier, when you're already likely at 20-25%bf. I don't mean to be rude, but you're not taking any of the advice you asked for. And you're not making any logical points supporting why you would opt not to follow the advice you've been given.
I used to play football as running back. Being lean and muscular would be bad trust me haha.
I really don't know what anyone here will be able to say to you about your goals being lofty.
Fine. I just won't try out for football then. That guy looks perfect for my size.
That's your choice if you try out or not.
How long do you think it would take you to achieve that physique?
I'm not sure but I don't want to anymore. You guys made it clear that I will probably be obese and die young.0 -
Everyone's advice has been great I have just been ignorant in thinking I can be that heavy. It's more of a short man complex. I feel that because I am so short I have to make up for it in weight. But that's more of a psychological problem I guess.0
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This all makes sense. I can gain a maximum of 145lbs of lean body mass. The rest would be fat.
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When you can't fit into your fat pants anymore.0
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karrysalexi wrote: »To the OP, this is my best friend. He is 5'7 and around 180-185 in this pic with a low BF%. Not sure of the number but probably 8-10%.
Just trying to give you a visual of what 5'7 and 185lbs shredded looks like.
He looks better than I ever will and kudos to him. Is he all natural? I don't have enough money to buy anything other than Creatine or protein shakes. He looks natural though. He's shredded but I feel like he has better genetics than me.
Definitely not natural. Don't focus on what other people look like and how good their genetics are. Compete with yourself.0 -
If you decide to use protein shakes, I vote for whey protein. It doesn't cost a fortune at all, but husband and I have been having excellent results with it. I wish I had known about it a year ago when I started this whole physical improvement thing!0
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karrysalexi wrote: »
This all makes sense. I can gain a maximum of 145lbs of lean body mass. The rest would be fat.
@MrM27, I actually had stumbled upon one if these articles and it was of major help to me!
Alexi, I am only about half an inch taller so my LBM potential is 147.5 pounds but my long term goal would be to hit close to your weight is (~162 pounds) since according to that formula that would put me around 10% body fat. So I think with that formula, it shows that 216 is not a good goal for you bro.
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karrysalexi wrote: »To the OP, this is my best friend. He is 5'7 and around 180-185 in this pic with a low BF%. Not sure of the number but probably 8-10%.
Just trying to give you a visual of what 5'7 and 185lbs shredded looks like.
He looks better than I ever will and kudos to him. Is he all natural? I don't have enough money to buy anything other than Creatine or protein shakes. He looks natural though. He's shredded but I feel like he has better genetics than me.
Definitely not natural. Don't focus on what other people look like and how good their genetics are. Compete with yourself.
It's hard haha. When I walk into the weight room everyone else is bigger.0 -
^^ I feel the same way sometimes. I'm at the heaviest that I've ever been at 158. But, when I load up more than double my body-weight for my deadlifts, I can't say that I mind being the small guy anymore. Perhaps a focus on strength would help?0
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I only w^^ I feel the same way sometimes. I'm at the heaviest that I've ever been at 158. But, when I load up more than double my body-weight for my deadlifts, I can't say that I mind being the small guy anymore. Perhaps a focus on strength would help?
Well I'm weak too on top of it lmao. Small and weak haha.0 -
karrysalexi wrote: »karrysalexi wrote: »To the OP, this is my best friend. He is 5'7 and around 180-185 in this pic with a low BF%. Not sure of the number but probably 8-10%.
Just trying to give you a visual of what 5'7 and 185lbs shredded looks like.
He looks better than I ever will and kudos to him. Is he all natural? I don't have enough money to buy anything other than Creatine or protein shakes. He looks natural though. He's shredded but I feel like he has better genetics than me.
Definitely not natural. Don't focus on what other people look like and how good their genetics are. Compete with yourself.
It's hard haha. When I walk into the weight room everyone else is bigger.
I can relate to that Alexi. Just went to the gym for the first time (officially for working out) this week and I did see a bunch of guys who are a lot more muscular than me. However, I also saw some people who are smaller than me, and a little more overweight, basically of all sizes. But it is important to remember that we all have the same basic goal: to get in shape and lead a healthier lifestyle. So yeah, seeing those big dudes can be pretty daunting but if you work out hard enough and eat appropriately for your goals, you will get results you will be proud of
That is what drives me to keep going when I am feeling self-conscious seeing those dudes or just feeling a little defeated that day!
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Don't worry about all the guys being bigger than you because that shouldn't affect what you do. Chances are they don't even notice you much and are too busy involved in there own stuff. Just go do your weight lifting, practice good form and have good gym etiquette and handle your business. Those bigger guys are also likely to have been doing it a long time and were in your position at some point in their lives.
You're right. I'm gonna start cutting . I really want some vascularity haha. 0 -
I'm shocked at how many regular looking dudes keep adding plates to the bench press or do some serious squatting. Just go and do you.
You'd be amazed at the numbers you'll be able to put up if you work at this for a few years.0 -
karrysalexi wrote: »I only w^^ I feel the same way sometimes. I'm at the heaviest that I've ever been at 158. But, when I load up more than double my body-weight for my deadlifts, I can't say that I mind being the small guy anymore. Perhaps a focus on strength would help?
Well I'm weak too on top of it lmao. Small and weak haha.
Ok, I'm confused. You want to be a RB, which you say shouldn't be lean (wtf?), and now you are saying you are small and weak and if you get to 216 again you'll be even weaker because you won't have the muscle to move yourself. I'm sensing a disturbance in the Force. All of the RB's I've know are cut and strong since it's hard to shake a tackle from a LB when you aren't in good shape.0 -
karrysalexi wrote: »To the OP, this is my best friend. He is 5'7 and around 180-185 in this pic with a low BF%. Not sure of the number but probably 8-10%.
Just trying to give you a visual of what 5'7 and 185lbs shredded looks like.
He looks better than I ever will and kudos to him. Is he all natural? I don't have enough money to buy anything other than Creatine or protein shakes. He looks natural though. He's shredded but I feel like he has better genetics than me.
My guess is that he's put in a lot of time and effort. You aren't going to get instant results. It seems like for now, if you're happy with your weight, you could try a recomp where you would eat at maintenance and lift heavy. However, that is a slow process, and you would likely see quicker results by eating at a deficit to cut while lifting heavy, and then bulking once you get leaner.
Hopefully people with sports experience can chime in; I'm not sure which would be better for sports performance; it may be worth consulting with the coach as well. Keep in mind that either way will be a long process, so you will be working on improving your body while playing (if you make the team) regardless of which direction you go with.0 -
Wheelhouse15 wrote: »karrysalexi wrote: »I only w^^ I feel the same way sometimes. I'm at the heaviest that I've ever been at 158. But, when I load up more than double my body-weight for my deadlifts, I can't say that I mind being the small guy anymore. Perhaps a focus on strength would help?
Well I'm weak too on top of it lmao. Small and weak haha.
Ok, I'm confused. You want to be a RB, which you say shouldn't be lean (wtf?), and now you are saying you are small and weak and if you get to 216 again you'll be even weaker because you won't have the muscle to move yourself. I'm sensing a disturbance in the Force. All of the RB's I've know are cut and strong since it's hard to shake a tackle from a LB when you aren't in good shape.
Yeah... agree. Why wouldn't you be able to be lean and a running back? I'm not really aware of too many overweight running backs...0 -
LolBroScience wrote: »Wheelhouse15 wrote: »karrysalexi wrote: »I only w^^ I feel the same way sometimes. I'm at the heaviest that I've ever been at 158. But, when I load up more than double my body-weight for my deadlifts, I can't say that I mind being the small guy anymore. Perhaps a focus on strength would help?
Well I'm weak too on top of it lmao. Small and weak haha.
Ok, I'm confused. You want to be a RB, which you say shouldn't be lean (wtf?), and now you are saying you are small and weak and if you get to 216 again you'll be even weaker because you won't have the muscle to move yourself. I'm sensing a disturbance in the Force. All of the RB's I've know are cut and strong since it's hard to shake a tackle from a LB when you aren't in good shape.
Yeah... agree. Why wouldn't you be able to be lean and a running back? I'm not really aware of too many overweight running backs...
Well. It's just that there really isn't any professional 150lb running backs guys. Marshawn Lynch is over 200lbs. Legarette Blount is over 200lbs but it doesn't matter anymore. I'm not going to try out anymore. I don't have the height to add that weight and it would look ridiculous on my frame. I have to be realistic so I'll just cut and maintain lean muscle.0 -
karrysalexi wrote: »LolBroScience wrote: »Wheelhouse15 wrote: »karrysalexi wrote: »I only w^^ I feel the same way sometimes. I'm at the heaviest that I've ever been at 158. But, when I load up more than double my body-weight for my deadlifts, I can't say that I mind being the small guy anymore. Perhaps a focus on strength would help?
Well I'm weak too on top of it lmao. Small and weak haha.
Ok, I'm confused. You want to be a RB, which you say shouldn't be lean (wtf?), and now you are saying you are small and weak and if you get to 216 again you'll be even weaker because you won't have the muscle to move yourself. I'm sensing a disturbance in the Force. All of the RB's I've know are cut and strong since it's hard to shake a tackle from a LB when you aren't in good shape.
Yeah... agree. Why wouldn't you be able to be lean and a running back? I'm not really aware of too many overweight running backs...
Well. It's just that there really isn't any professional 150lb running backs guys. Marshawn Lynch is over 200lbs. Legarette Blount is over 200lbs but it doesn't matter anymore. I'm not going to try out anymore. I don't have the height to add that weight and it would look ridiculous on my frame. I have to be realistic so I'll just cut and maintain lean muscle.
Dude.... they are NFL Athletes and about a 99.999999% chance they are enhanced as well.0 -
LolBroScience wrote: »karrysalexi wrote: »LolBroScience wrote: »Wheelhouse15 wrote: »karrysalexi wrote: »I only w^^ I feel the same way sometimes. I'm at the heaviest that I've ever been at 158. But, when I load up more than double my body-weight for my deadlifts, I can't say that I mind being the small guy anymore. Perhaps a focus on strength would help?
Well I'm weak too on top of it lmao. Small and weak haha.
Ok, I'm confused. You want to be a RB, which you say shouldn't be lean (wtf?), and now you are saying you are small and weak and if you get to 216 again you'll be even weaker because you won't have the muscle to move yourself. I'm sensing a disturbance in the Force. All of the RB's I've know are cut and strong since it's hard to shake a tackle from a LB when you aren't in good shape.
Yeah... agree. Why wouldn't you be able to be lean and a running back? I'm not really aware of too many overweight running backs...
Well. It's just that there really isn't any professional 150lb running backs guys. Marshawn Lynch is over 200lbs. Legarette Blount is over 200lbs but it doesn't matter anymore. I'm not going to try out anymore. I don't have the height to add that weight and it would look ridiculous on my frame. I have to be realistic so I'll just cut and maintain lean muscle.
Dude.... they are NFL Athletes and about a 99.999999% chance they are enhanced as well.
True.0 -
Anyway, I wouldn't be deterred from at least trying out. If you don't make the cut, you don't make the cut... but at least you tried and you'll become a better and smarter person for it.
FWIW - My dad played RB (and a few other positions) at 5'8" 185 lbs or so in High School and College (all state if I'm not mistaken as well).0 -
Hi mate, Well done for bulking and for posting your progress.
You can definitely tell that you have put muscle on from the bulk, but as others have said, maybe think about cutting (just 200 cals below maintenance) to see where your at and reveal the definition from your hard earned gains. Whilst cutting, keep lifting heavy, eat under maintenance, keep protein high, maybe add cardio, take it slow (do not try to drop weight to quickly). well done and good luck.0 -
LolBroScience wrote: »Anyway, I wouldn't be deterred from at least trying out. If you don't make the cut, you don't make the cut... but at least you tried and you'll become a better and smarter person for it.
FWIW - My dad played RB (and a few other positions) at 5'8" 185 lbs or so in High School and College (all state if I'm not mistaken as well).
This. Don't give up before even trying. Do everything you can to improve your chances; ignore other people and just get into the gym to lift, do speed work, practice running routes with friends, etc. Are you on a progressive strength program, or are you just doing random lifts in the gym?0 -
karrysalexi wrote: »To the OP, this is my best friend. He is 5'7 and around 180-185 in this pic with a low BF%. Not sure of the number but probably 8-10%.
Just trying to give you a visual of what 5'7 and 185lbs shredded looks like.
He looks better than I ever will and kudos to him. Is he all natural? I don't have enough money to buy anything other than Creatine or protein shakes. He looks natural though. He's shredded but I feel like he has better genetics than me.
Well, he is 41 years old and has been lifting heavy (competing in power lifting competitions when younger and a competitive body builder when he was in his late 20s/early 30s) since he was 14 years old. Genetics? I dunno. Just a lot of dedication for a long time. The point was just to show you what a ripped 180 something looked like, and you are wanting to go to 214 (at least you did at the time of that post)? I won't go in to whether he is all natural or not. I will make one comment though....there aren't many people in this world (maybe .5%) that looks like that and are all natural.
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