How Do I Know If I Should Bulk Or Cut?

aren · 06-25-2008, 05:16 AM

I'm wanting to get back into shape. I worked out a little last year but lost motivation and focus.

Right now I'm at 180 lbs, 5'11/6'0, and I'm 19. I have a lot of fat from what I can tell, but somewhat visible abs and muscle. However, I can't lie to myself, it's mainly fat.

Problem is, I'm kinda skinny as is. I don't want to become a bodybuilder, I just want to get shape and good health.

Working out will be very simple as well, nothing too heavy because of a physical disability. So please take that into consideration (limited range of motion in my right arm/shoulder).

FronttaBackThickness · 06-25-2008, 07:21 AM

well if you you're telling yourself that u got fat
the baseline is cut
and when u get below 10% body fat preferably around 8ish but thats just an aim not a requirement.
then with that low bodyfat you're ready to bulk without putting on too much fat.
go for it.

**Kirk** · 06-25-2008, 11:33 AM

build up from a lean base, so imo if you feel you're a bit heavy then do a clean cut until you're satisified with how defined you are.

**Kaboom** · 06-25-2008, 01:06 PM

Yore the only one that can make that decision.Its up to you if you want to gain now with the extra fat you say you have.keep in mind though if its a good clean bulk you will gain a little fat but youll be bigger all over so you might look better.

**ibanezman88** · 06-25-2008, 09:47 PM

i like fronttabackthickness' idea.

get down to roughly 9% and then start a CLEAN bulk.

aren · 06-25-2008, 10:08 PM

I do want to gain mass though, especially my chest.

FronttaBackThickness · 06-25-2008, 11:58 PM

the leaner you get
the more anabolic your body is gonna be when u shock with some carbs and calories
take it from me
after my contest
my body just ate it up, no pun intended
plus, even on a clean bulk, since it is a bulk you should and will put on a little fat and since its necessary to attain the size you desire, it's best to start with as little as possible so you don't get to fat on the bulk.
bulk, cut
bulk, cut
then do it again
welcome to bodybuilding.

FronttaBackThickness · 06-25-2008, 11:58 PM

as long as you view it as consistency and no monotony
you'll grow to love it.

**ibanezman88** · 06-26-2008, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aren

I do want to gain mass though, especially my chest.

what the hell are you trying to do then?

aren · 06-26-2008, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FronttaBackThickness

the leaner you get
the more anabolic your body is gonna be when u shock with some carbs and calories
take it from me
after my contest
my body just ate it up, no pun intended
plus, even on a clean bulk, since it is a bulk you should and will put on a little fat and since its necessary to attain the size you desire, it's best to start with as little as possible so you don't get to fat on the bulk.
bulk, cut
bulk, cut
then do it again
welcome to bodybuilding.

So you recommend CLEAN bulking?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibanezman88

what the hell are you trying to do then?

I want to build my upper body; I want to gain more mass. However, I do have a lot of fat now. If I had to guess my body fat %, it would be ridiculously high.

illnino · 06-26-2008, 05:37 AM

looks like another person who is not guna train legs haha

aren · 06-26-2008, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by illnino

looks like another person who is not guna train legs haha

Actually, because of my limitation, the only thing I can train fully are my legs.

FronttaBackThickness · 06-26-2008, 10:52 PM

yes. clean bulking.
especially if fat is an issue.
that should be a given.