Cut then Bulk, or Bulk then Cut? confused newbie?

[Max Powers]

This is my first post in this area i have done a LOT of research some sources say it is impossible to cut and build muscle .. others disagree here is my situation.

I am 6ft3 17 stone (238lbs) obviusly a little overweight im big built though also. From the comments i have read over time, i believe it would be best to cut then bulk (this makes sense to me)


My goal is to increase muscle mass while losing body fat i am currently following this routine
http://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/21-compound-exercises-only-workout.html
if you could take a sec to check it out thanks i have seen mass increase + fat loss i have lost 7 stone (98lbs!) i am new to weights though only 4 months now just getting used to the machines etc
i am taking protien powder eating chicken etc i just need advice on the next step.. thank you for your time

 

[Mr. Dan]

Losing body fat and trying to increase muscle mass at the same time will prove to be difficult. Here's the reason. When building muscle mass, you need to eat a lot in order to get in a sufficient amount of calories to promote growth. Unfortunately, consuming so many calories can lead to weight/fat gain. You can minimize the amount of fat by eating healthier foods when trying to get to X amount of calories. And vice-versa, losing body fat will require you to take in less calories which won't help when you're trying to build muscle mass.

To answer your cut or bulk first question, people recommend that you cut before you bulk. The main reason is when you bulk after cutting, the nutrients will be absorbed for muscle building and less likely will be gained as body fat. You haven't been feeding your body as generously during the cutting phase so when you decide to bulk, your body will be like a sponge soaking up all the nutrients from the food you consume.
Secondly, bulking when you still have quite a bit of body fat will more than likely build up more body fat than muscle mass. It might be harder to cut afterwards...

They say that you should get your body fat down to the point where you can see the top 4 muscles of your abdominals. If you have questions, e-mail me.

 

[Dick Buttkiss]

Bulking and cutting rarely works for drug free lifters. You may put on some mass during the bulk but you usually wind up losing it during the cut. Better to stay fairly lean while slowly trying to add mass. Better yet....forget about being "cut". There is nothing wrong with not being able to see your abs. There is something very wrong with a male that weighs below 200 (unless he's pretty damn short).

 

[Steve E]

Eat a good healthy diet high in protein low on carbs and work out with weights at least 3 times a week then cardio 3 days and rest day 7. Work out 2 body parts a day. I do chest and tris on mon. back and bis wens. shoulders and legs fri. cardio and abs sun.,tues,thurs. Then switch it around a little after 6 weeks so you don't get bored. Consistancy is the key. Good luck

 

[superspooky78]

The way it goes is if you're over weight then you drop bodyfat first then clean bulk and if youre scrawny you bulk up then cut.

 

[chairmanlmao]

Forget about bulking and cutting. Carb cycling, or IF are better systems for cutting weight while retaining muscle mass. Maybe take a BCAA powder as well, just to mitigate catabolism on non feeding days.

 

[killacam]

There is no way to effectively bulk and cut at the same time. Even if you were to somehow master your diet to make this possible the outcome would take years. the only exception to this rule is using AAS and even that is dangerous, if done incorrectly could have consequences for life. I don't know your BF% but if it's anything over 15% i would recomond cutting for the simple fact is your going to bulk and only gain more BF, and in the process of burning the fat loose most of the muscle you worked for, basically caught in limbo for years. Best thing is to get on a low carb diet (research Keto diet) keep the fat and protein caloric intake at -500 maintenance, lift weights and LIIS cardio on off days (to preserve whatever muscles you do have). Take EC stacks, fish oil caps, BCAA's (waking up), whey (post workout), casein (night) during your cut, stay on it for 12 weeks and you should be below 15% BF (best to be 11-13%), after that you can bulk and start the cut process all over again this time when something underneath.

 

[jasonvee]

hi, i never followed a true cult bulk regimen but i started out around 20% bf and dropped down to 6% bf while maintaining the same size
it took about 1 and 1/2 years to do though... i am sure the traditional bulk cut regimen is faster but i wanted to fit in my old clothes (slim fit)