Start my cut now, or try to gain more size?

[Whiteknt]

I am not a noob when it comes to the technical aspects of lifting but I'm looking for some guidance regarding my goals and current workout regimen.

I am 24, 5'11", low 180s. I've been lifting regularly for about three years but I was completely plateaued for quite a while until about a month ago when I decided to gain some weight. I'm started eating more and taking some weight gainer shakes, and now I'm up to the low 180s. Body fat seems to be holding fairly steady at about 12-13% by my scale and about 11% according to calipers. My macronutrient distribution is roughly 40p/40c/20f, sometimes a bit higher on the carbs due to the high carb content in the weight gain shakes. I've made some nice lifting gains in the past month, my DB bench is up 40 lbs, and other exercises have seen comparable improvement. I have certainly gained strength, but I don't see too much of a difference in my appearance. Maybe it's just because I see myself every day, but I feel like it's hard to tell a difference. I must be at least a little bigger, since I've gained 15 lbs.

I currently do 4-6 reps, with 4-6 sets per muscle group spread over 2 or 3 exercises for each group. I was planning on starting a cutting phase next week, but I'm wondering if I shouldn't stick with my higher intake diet for another two weeks or so and change to slightly lower weight with higher reps, perhaps 6-10. Or, maybe I should go ahead and change to the lower weights anyway and also cut back my diet.

My end goal isn't to be huge, mostly just defined. Also, I don't have access to a gym currently and I've been lifting at home where I have an adjustable bench and max. 75 lb. dumbells. Any advice is appreciated.

[Whiteknt]

bump

Originally Posted by Whiteknt

My end goal isn't to be huge, mostly just defined.

Keeping strength is going to be difficult while cutting, which it sounds like you are going to do. Cardio was not mentioned so I'm going assume you aren't doing any. With that in mind I would make the work sets around 10 reps each and keep the rest between sets to a minimum. The lactic acid burn is supposed to help with the release of GH while the shorter rest periods can take the place of cardio. Keep your protein intake high to help prevent muscle catabolism.

[Lady C]

I think there are better ways of gaining mass without adding fat. I don't like weight gainer products because they usually add fat. Try using whole foods instead of the shakes for adding calories.

[Whiteknt]

Thanks for the replies. As for cardio, I'm currently doing martial arts 2-3 times a week for an hour per session. It is alternating medium/high intensity. I usually bike or swim several times per week but I've cut back during my gaining phase. The gainers I've used haven't added more than 10-15g of fat per day to my diet and although I'm shooting for 40/40/20, it usually looks more like 45c/40p/15f, so I'm not too concerned right now about my fat intake. When I go to my cutting phase I'm thinking about giving Guerilla Training a try, though I'll probably have to ramp up to it.