cutting vs. bulking

[tuffgrl]

I'ts been about 5 years since I have been big into lifting weights, and I have forgotten some of the basics. Which phase should I begin with. Should I bulk first then cut, or cut then bulk? And how long should each phase last? Can anybody tell me any concrete rules to successfully complete each phase? (Diet and nutrition) :confused:

[cursor]

To answer your questions, I have to ask:

1. What is the current condition of your body?
2. What kind of goals have you set for yourself?

[threenorns]

personally, i wouldn't do either - i'd just get right into the weights and leave the diet as-is for the moment. you'll get all kinds of great results because your energy intake hasn't change but your expenditure has gone up. either fat gain will slow down or cease, or you'll even begin to lose size.

after a couple months when the results aren't happening any more, then i'd begin work on the diet - i find it just gives a lot more incentive because you get hooked on the great results and it's easier to give up the cheetos if you have the beginnings of the body you've always wanted.

[tuffgrl]

Currently my diet is:
7am
1/2 c. plain oatmeal (w/ water)
1/4 c. raisins

9am
1 slice whole wheat bread
2 tbsp. peanut butter (Laura Scudder's all natural low fat)
or
1 slice whole wheat bread
2 egg whites/mushrooms/f-f cheese

11am
peice of fruit

1pm
salad w/ 1 can of tuna
tomatoes/cucumbers/onion
balsalmic vinegar

3pm
peice of fruit

6pm
chicken breast/
1/2 sweet pot.
spinach (just an example, its usually very similar)

8pm
protein bar or shake as my PWO meal

Currently my shape is:
I'm not sure of my measurements right now, but I'm 5'2 122 lbs. I'm pretty muscular as it is right now. Everybody at work freaks out on my legs or when I flex. I need to take measurements though I'm not sure how or where. I'm doing this all on my own, and with M&F mags. I hate the gym. Right now I am doing heavy weight low reps on my routine. Which is:
Mon. legs
Tues.shoulders
Wed. bi's / chest
Thurs. tri's / back
I'm doing about 3 sets of 8 reps, 10 lbs on each.
Does it sound like I'm off to a good start, or does anybody have any reccomendations?

[tuffgrl]

Oh, and as far as goals....all I have to say is Monica Brandt. :

[Naturalhit]

I say neither. You need to find your maintainance level and work it through there.

Bulking up is not a good idea because it makes cutting up all the more harder. Trust me, I know. It also not healthy doing both extreme. Cutting is OK if you plan on competing in Bodybuilding.

Focus more on developing you muscles and making sure that you are getting enough Kcal. to supply raw material for it to develop. I have a section on my site for women www.hitbodybuilding.com/forwomen.htm