Keep bulking or start to cut?

gundon
gundon Posts: 32 Member
edited April 2016 in Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
Hey guys so this year I went on a 11 month cut from 270 to 150. I was kinda neurotic and went over board with my cut and got down to around 5% bf. Finally went to a nutritionist and got on a clean and lean bulk 250 carbs 330 protein and 40-60 fat about 2600 a day. So now I'm about 175-180 still have visible abs. But I've stopped gaining. I'm trying to decide if I should up my calories or start cutting? I've been bulking for almost 4 months. I'm in the gym about 6 days a week I do a push , pull, legs with a day of core. Here's some pics of what I look like before and after
Before https://imgur.com/vFIVj5M
After cut https://imgur.com/GUYeMu7
And now https://imgur.com/qfDGpk6
Any suggestions would be awesome... Also depending on how my body looks at the end of this year I would love to consider a competition , I don't even know if that ever going to be a possibility but it would be a dream for me

Replies

  • kvalhion
    kvalhion Posts: 16 Member
    Those are pretty amazing results! When it comes to a bulk, cut, or re composition, you really want to stick to one choice. For example, if you are in the gym 6 days a week, you probably would not want to cut because you need a surplus of calories to gain new muscle. Doing all that work and not getting a lot stronger would be a waste.

    My advice would be to eat as clean as possible with your food choices and aim for calories 300 to 500 above your TDEE. That's enough to support muscle growth without gaining new fat in the process.

    If you are going to cut, I would drop the number of days you go to the gym to 3 or 4 and really focus on a calorie deficit.

    If you are going to recomp, I would do 3 to 4 days at the gym. On gym days, eat 300 to 500 calories over your TDEE. On off days, eat 300 to 500 calories under your TDEE. Recomps take more time but since you are already strong and lean you can afford the extra time. :)

    Whatever you decide, keep it up and good luck!
  • pwillis20
    pwillis20 Posts: 30 Member
    First off if competing is a dream of yours, make it happen. Ignore the nay sayers and don't let anyone's opinion become your reality.
    If considering a show, and looking at your current physique I say bulk. As you gain weight, (150 to 175) your maintenance caloric intake will rise. Since you still have abs I'd say your diet is good, just up your calories but I would remain the same ratio of protein:carbs:fat that you have because from your previous weights you seem to respond well and have the capability of packing on weight (270). If you still don't gain increase your carb percentage.
    On a cut I still go to the gym 6 days a week, eat more protein less carbs, supplement with BCAA's, creatine, and glutamine to preserve muscle. Keep in mind weight training keeps your body burning more calories more efficiently for an extended period of time, versus cardio only burns calories while your actively performing the task. Taking days off ypull burn less, which means to be in a deficit you have to eat less, which can be a struggle mentally and it gets you out of a routine sometimes. Experiment with it and see what you prefer and what your body responds to best. Everyone is different and will have different opinions
  • codsterlaing95
    codsterlaing95 Posts: 221 Member
    Good job thus far. I'd keep bulking personally. You're still plenty lean.

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