Cutting/bulking cycle

[mattjf]

Just wondering how I should do this cutting/bulking cycle. I am at about 215lbs right now, and 22% body fat. Should I cut down to 10% body fat and then bulk? Or do some bulking and then cut? The main goal is to look tone and muscular this summer. I would think cutting then doing a clean bulk would be best?

-Matt

[s.eichers]

I'd say cut first. I don't see much sense in bulking with 22% bf, and it may take you a while to figure out the right diet to get yourself down to your desired bf %. Just my opinion. Good luck. ~Steve

[Cort]

I'd say cut now...if you want to be in better shape for the summer. If there wasn't a time restriction to be down I'd say it isn't a huge deal which you start first, though I personally think it is better to not be overweight (though in general it'll probly be easier for you to shed the fat than to build muscle)

[Tuna Fish]

Originally Posted by mattjf

The main goal is to look tone and muscular this summer.

Since your main goal is vanity, think about whether or not you can handle putting on extra fat today, or closer to the summer. If you bulk now, you can cut from, say, March, and on into the summer.

If you cut first, then bulk, you'll spend the winter cutting, and then go into a spring bulk, where fat will be gained just in time for summer.

In reality, it makes no difference. You can do it either way.

Personally, I bulk in the winter. :thumbup:

Tuna

At 215 pounds and 22% bf it means you are carrying about 168 pounds of lean body mass. If you lose 1 pound per week you will have lost about 25 pounds by the end of June. By combining proper eating habits with a good lifting program and a little bit of cardio you should be able to bring yourself to a very good looking 190 pounds. Does that sound like a worthwhile goal to you, Matt?

[mattjf]

Originally Posted by IronMan

At 215 pounds and 22% bf it means you are carrying about 168 pounds of lean body mass. If you lose 1 pound per week you will have lost about 25 pounds by the end of June. By combining proper eating habits with a good lifting program and a little bit of cardio you should be able to bring yourself to a very good looking 190 pounds. Does that sound like a worthwhile goal to you, Matt?

Yes, very much so. Thank you for the reply. I had not looked at it like that.

-Matt