Bulk and cut VS lean muscle gain

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What is your approach to getting that shredded beach body? To bulk up and then cut back the fat, or to build muscle and cut fat at the same time?

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  • Chieflrg
    Chieflrg Posts: 9,097 Member
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    I don't have a aesthetic goal personally. My goal is strength on the platform and add mass in spurts of training blocks.

    If I wanted to be shredded as a goal today, I would lower some body fat points first.
    Though I have quite a lot of muscle and some visible abs even at 16-17%...I would able to bulk longer and get a better ROI on hypertrophy style training for mass gain or fat loss if I shed a 15lbs or so first.

    In other words, recomp though a valid option at my weight/age isn't my preference nor is the best option for me.

    If you have already a lower body percentage currently you might have success either way depending if you are resistant or sensitive to training.

    Another option is just to cut while running higher volume/protein and you can achieve a shredded look as well.
  • sardelsa
    sardelsa Posts: 9,812 Member
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    If I want to lean out, I cut.. so eat in a deficit and try to keep as much muscle as possible. However I have the muscle base to back it up as a result of multiple bulk cycles. I haven't spent too much time recomping (doing both at the same time) so I can't comment on that one, but for me I prefer to gain then lose.. over and over again.