When is the right time.

fitplundy
fitplundy Posts: 47 Member
edited November 27 in Health and Weight Loss
When is the right time to bulk, preferably as a female. And what is the best way to bulk without gaining a whole bunch of unexpected and unnecessary fat. I am about 18-19% BF but still feel as if I have an inch or two to lose but at the same time feel as if I’m ready to be gaining muscle. Any advice ?

Replies

  • malibu927
    malibu927 Posts: 17,562 Member
    You might get better answers to your first question in the gaining weight forum. As for the second question, the best way to minimize fat gain is to have a small surplus (about half a pound a week).

    Have you looked into a recomp instead?
  • sardelsa
    sardelsa Posts: 9,812 Member
    Honestly .. sometimes you just have to dive in especially if it is your first bulk. How long have you been lifting? What are your goals?

    You might not have the muscle base to keep losing weight, so you may look soft even if you go lower in weight. Once you run more bulk/cut cycles you can usually get a better feel for when to start gaining.

    But if you feel ready and are lean enough, I'd say go for it.
    If you truly feel not ready and don't think bulking is for you (at least not right now) recomp is another option.. even for a few months to get your feet wet and see where you want to go.
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  • sardelsa
    sardelsa Posts: 9,812 Member
    Oh and if you want to bulk without gaining too much fat, as mentioned keep the surplus smaller, I would say no more than 0.5lb per week gain or 250 extra cals per day or less. Any more than that and your fat gains will be more likely to increase.

    Get adequate protein 0.8-1g per lb bodyweight

    Make sure you are following a progressive lifting program, something geared towards your goals.
  • sardelsa
    sardelsa Posts: 9,812 Member
    fitplundy wrote: »
    sardelsa wrote: »
    Honestly .. sometimes you just have to dive in especially if it is your first bulk. How long have you been lifting? What are your goals?

    You might not have the muscle base to keep losing weight, so you may look soft even if you go lower in weight. Once you run more bulk/cut cycles you can usually get a better feel for when to start gaining.

    But if you feel ready and are lean enough, I'd say go for it.
    If you truly feel not ready and don't think bulking is for you (at least not right now) recomp is another option.. even for a few months to get your feet wet and see where you want to go.

    I’ve been seriously lifting for almost 8 months now however I’ve been on the fitness “journey” for about a year. My goal is to build muscle without being very bulky and to be lean and tone

    Have you been in a deficit that whole time? If so, I would start eating at maintenance and spend some time there first before bulking
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