Should I bulk or keep cutting?

How long have you been lifting? I'd try a "recomp" (search on here for it, or Lyle McDonald's site has some good stuff). Basically, eat at maintenance, lift heavy, get good protein, be patient. Re-assess after 6 months and again at a year.

2 hours seems like insanely long lifting periods. The longest I've lifted is 1 hour and 45 minutes and that was alternating with a lifting buddy who always took forever lol.

Are you following a structured program? If not I would start one, and specifically I would look for one utilizing compound lifts (bench, deadlift, squat).

To me it seems like you're ready for a bulk based on your weight.

If you're concerned about gaining fat I would do a slow bulk, eat around 200 calories above maintenance. Also if you have a history of anorexia just be prepared, during any bulk you will see some increases in fat, the lower your calorie surplus the less fat you'll gain but you will see some. I think the key to bulking is focusing on your muscle/strength gains. I didn't mind that I gained some fat during my bulk when I'm see fantastic strength gains.

I also agree you could look into a recomp. a recomp typically works best for people who are new to lifting.

I've lifted for 4 hours before (2 hour split). You can't just look at the time frame as a reference to the level of intensity being applied. I wouldn't worry too much about the little pouch. If you put on more muscle, you'll likely cut off the extra bit of fat. You can do a body recomp, eat at maintenance which includes exercise calories, increase protein intake and adjust as necessary if you don't see any gains. Reassess your lifting routine, volume and intensity if you don't see any progress and lift heavy (75% of max). Otherwise, in order to really see muscle gains, you have to eat (a lot) and not worry about the extra fat that comes along with the muscle growth and then after about 6 months go into a cut cycle (caloric deficit).

15bbarrett wrote: »

quiksylver296 wrote: »

Didn't you say in your other thread that you are in recovery for an eating disorder?!?

I said it in this thread, too.

And reading further, you also said "cutting any further than I am is kind of out of the question." So, what is your question? Bulk, honey.