Skinny fat: Cut or bulk?

beepeear
beepeear Posts: 12 Member
edited November 2024 in Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
I’m 21 years old, I’m 5ft 8 inches tall and weigh in at 160lbs.

My body is skinny fat, and I’m not sure whether I should cut, or bulk. I have been cleaning up my eating for a week now and I was initially planning to cut the weight and then bulk up later on, but thinking of it, that didn’t make much sense.

I have a few questions about bulking, how many calories should i consume? Can I eat mostly anything I want as long as I am hitting my proteins. And finally, where can I find some good workout routines so I can hit the gym with a plan, and stick to it.

Thanks for reading, all help appreciated!

Replies

  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    stanmann571 wrote: »
    Your BMI puts you at the upper edge of normal weight.


    If you're not already on a progressive strength training program. You'd probably do well to just do a 4-8 month recomp while you adapt to a new program. Starting strength is pretty much the gold standard.

    Other options can be found here:

    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

    Pretty much this...

    You definitely don't want to bulk. To run a bulk cycle, you want to start at a very low BF%...like 10% or less because you're going to put on fat as well as muscle.
  • beepeear
    beepeear Posts: 12 Member
    edited June 2018
    stanmann571 wrote: »
    Your BMI puts you at the upper edge of normal weight.


    If you're not already on a progressive strength training program. You'd probably do well to just do a 4-8 month recomp while you adapt to a new program. Starting strength is pretty much the gold standard.

    Other options can be found here:

    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    stanmann571 wrote: »
    Your BMI puts you at the upper edge of normal weight.


    If you're not already on a progressive strength training program. You'd probably do well to just do a 4-8 month recomp while you adapt to a new program. Starting strength is pretty much the gold standard.

    Other options can be found here:

    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

    Pretty much this...

    You definitely don't want to bulk. To run a bulk cycle, you want to start at a very low BF%...like 10% or less because you're going to put on fat as well as muscle.

    So you guys just suggest staying at a calorie deficit maybe 500 below maintaining and just start doing a strength programme?

    Thanks for the replies

  • Stockholm_Andy
    Stockholm_Andy Posts: 803 Member
    stanmann571 wrote: »
    beepeear wrote: »
    So you guys just suggest eating just below my maintenance (maybe by 500) and then just do strength training?


    IF that's how you want to do it.

    Or you could just eat maintenance while you learn the basic lifts, and then cut from there.

    You may decide that just running through a beginner program gets you hard enough that you're then content with your body image.

    You certainly can run a 250-500 cut, and because you're a beginner you'll still see good gains, but since you're NOT overweight or obese, you're not going to progress as fast in your newbie gains as you would at maintenance.

    And if you disregard the calories from your training(and you should) you'll probably drop 6-8 lbs over your newbie period even eating at calculated maintenance.

    ^Some good advice there.
  • beepeear
    beepeear Posts: 12 Member
    stanmann571 wrote: »
    beepeear wrote: »
    So you guys just suggest eating just below my maintenance (maybe by 500) and then just do strength training?


    IF that's how you want to do it.

    Or you could just eat maintenance while you learn the basic lifts, and then cut from there.

    You may decide that just running through a beginner program gets you hard enough that you're then content with your body image.

    You certainly can run a 250-500 cut, and because you're a beginner you'll still see good gains, but since you're NOT overweight or obese, you're not going to progress as fast in your newbie gains as you would at maintenance.

    And if you disregard the calories from your training(and you should) you'll probably drop 6-8 lbs over your newbie period even eating at calculated maintenance.

    Thanks for the great advice, do you know anywhere that offers some good workout programmes just so I can get an idea of what I have to do. Also, one more quick question, is it best to just use free weights or could machines also be used?

    Thanks once again

  • AnvilHead
    AnvilHead Posts: 18,343 Member
    beepeear wrote: »
    stanmann571 wrote: »
    beepeear wrote: »
    So you guys just suggest eating just below my maintenance (maybe by 500) and then just do strength training?


    IF that's how you want to do it.

    Or you could just eat maintenance while you learn the basic lifts, and then cut from there.

    You may decide that just running through a beginner program gets you hard enough that you're then content with your body image.

    You certainly can run a 250-500 cut, and because you're a beginner you'll still see good gains, but since you're NOT overweight or obese, you're not going to progress as fast in your newbie gains as you would at maintenance.

    And if you disregard the calories from your training(and you should) you'll probably drop 6-8 lbs over your newbie period even eating at calculated maintenance.

    Thanks for the great advice, do you know anywhere that offers some good workout programmes just so I can get an idea of what I have to do. Also, one more quick question, is it best to just use free weights or could machines also be used?

    Thanks once again

    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    beepeear wrote: »
    stanmann571 wrote: »
    beepeear wrote: »
    So you guys just suggest eating just below my maintenance (maybe by 500) and then just do strength training?


    IF that's how you want to do it.

    Or you could just eat maintenance while you learn the basic lifts, and then cut from there.

    You may decide that just running through a beginner program gets you hard enough that you're then content with your body image.

    You certainly can run a 250-500 cut, and because you're a beginner you'll still see good gains, but since you're NOT overweight or obese, you're not going to progress as fast in your newbie gains as you would at maintenance.

    And if you disregard the calories from your training(and you should) you'll probably drop 6-8 lbs over your newbie period even eating at calculated maintenance.

    Thanks for the great advice, do you know anywhere that offers some good workout programmes just so I can get an idea of what I have to do. Also, one more quick question, is it best to just use free weights or could machines also be used?

    Thanks once again

    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

    That's a good link...

    I'm partial to Starting Strength for beginners. I think it's probably the best starter program out there.
  • beepeear
    beepeear Posts: 12 Member
    AnvilHead wrote: »
    beepeear wrote: »
    stanmann571 wrote: »
    beepeear wrote: »
    So you guys just suggest eating just below my maintenance (maybe by 500) and then just do strength training?


    IF that's how you want to do it.

    Or you could just eat maintenance while you learn the basic lifts, and then cut from there.

    You may decide that just running through a beginner program gets you hard enough that you're then content with your body image.

    You certainly can run a 250-500 cut, and because you're a beginner you'll still see good gains, but since you're NOT overweight or obese, you're not going to progress as fast in your newbie gains as you would at maintenance.

    And if you disregard the calories from your training(and you should) you'll probably drop 6-8 lbs over your newbie period even eating at calculated maintenance.

    Thanks for the great advice, do you know anywhere that offers some good workout programmes just so I can get an idea of what I have to do. Also, one more quick question, is it best to just use free weights or could machines also be used?

    Thanks once again

    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    beepeear wrote: »
    stanmann571 wrote: »
    beepeear wrote: »
    So you guys just suggest eating just below my maintenance (maybe by 500) and then just do strength training?


    IF that's how you want to do it.

    Or you could just eat maintenance while you learn the basic lifts, and then cut from there.

    You may decide that just running through a beginner program gets you hard enough that you're then content with your body image.

    You certainly can run a 250-500 cut, and because you're a beginner you'll still see good gains, but since you're NOT overweight or obese, you're not going to progress as fast in your newbie gains as you would at maintenance.

    And if you disregard the calories from your training(and you should) you'll probably drop 6-8 lbs over your newbie period even eating at calculated maintenance.

    Thanks for the great advice, do you know anywhere that offers some good workout programmes just so I can get an idea of what I have to do. Also, one more quick question, is it best to just use free weights or could machines also be used?

    Thanks once again

    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

    That's a good link...

    I'm partial to Starting Strength for beginners. I think it's probably the best starter program out there.

    Much appreciated guys

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    This content has been removed.
  • steveko89
    steveko89 Posts: 2,223 Member
    beepeear wrote: »
    AnvilHead wrote: »
    beepeear wrote: »
    stanmann571 wrote: »
    beepeear wrote: »
    So you guys just suggest eating just below my maintenance (maybe by 500) and then just do strength training?


    IF that's how you want to do it.

    Or you could just eat maintenance while you learn the basic lifts, and then cut from there.

    You may decide that just running through a beginner program gets you hard enough that you're then content with your body image.

    You certainly can run a 250-500 cut, and because you're a beginner you'll still see good gains, but since you're NOT overweight or obese, you're not going to progress as fast in your newbie gains as you would at maintenance.

    And if you disregard the calories from your training(and you should) you'll probably drop 6-8 lbs over your newbie period even eating at calculated maintenance.

    Thanks for the great advice, do you know anywhere that offers some good workout programmes just so I can get an idea of what I have to do. Also, one more quick question, is it best to just use free weights or could machines also be used?

    Thanks once again

    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    beepeear wrote: »
    stanmann571 wrote: »
    beepeear wrote: »
    So you guys just suggest eating just below my maintenance (maybe by 500) and then just do strength training?


    IF that's how you want to do it.

    Or you could just eat maintenance while you learn the basic lifts, and then cut from there.

    You may decide that just running through a beginner program gets you hard enough that you're then content with your body image.

    You certainly can run a 250-500 cut, and because you're a beginner you'll still see good gains, but since you're NOT overweight or obese, you're not going to progress as fast in your newbie gains as you would at maintenance.

    And if you disregard the calories from your training(and you should) you'll probably drop 6-8 lbs over your newbie period even eating at calculated maintenance.

    Thanks for the great advice, do you know anywhere that offers some good workout programmes just so I can get an idea of what I have to do. Also, one more quick question, is it best to just use free weights or could machines also be used?

    Thanks once again

    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

    That's a good link...

    I'm partial to Starting Strength for beginners. I think it's probably the best starter program out there.

    Much appreciated guys

    I'm a little late to the party, wanted to weigh-in saying the advice given thus far is spot on; Stanmann, Wolfman, and AnvilHead are some of the most sensible posters out there when it comes to lifting.

    If you're partial to reddit, I've found the r/fitness sub to be a very good resource, particularly the wiki and some of the archived posts.

    I didn't see where anyone directly addressed your question about free weights vs. machines; the general consensus is that free weights (when used correctly) get the edge over machines for not restricting range of motion and better recruit stabilizing and accessory muscles in compound lifts due to the extra need for stability in holding/balancing the weights. Most of the popular programs are designed to be barbell/free weight-centric. That said, most allow for modification as necessary for equipment availability, etc.

    Good Luck!
  • joemac1988
    joemac1988 Posts: 1,021 Member
    beepeear wrote: »
    I’m 21 years old, I’m 5ft 8 inches tall and weigh in at 160lbs.

    My body is skinny fat, and I’m not sure whether I should cut, or bulk. I have been cleaning up my eating for a week now and I was initially planning to cut the weight and then bulk up later on, but thinking of it, that didn’t make much sense.

    I have a few questions about bulking, how many calories should i consume? Can I eat mostly anything I want as long as I am hitting my proteins. And finally, where can I find some good workout routines so I can hit the gym with a plan, and stick to it.

    Thanks for reading, all help appreciated!

    I think you need to clarify your own goals to yourself first. Some guys are happy being 150lbs and shredded, some want to be bigger and aren't as worried about being cut.

    I know I'm not answering your question but I know what it is to always be looking over the fence and making no progress where if I determined what I wanted more and worked on that, I made progress.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    This content has been removed.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories