can't decide when to start cutting...

[nimbus]

i'm 5'8.5,'' and went from 145 to 175 bulking from july to november. I was always pretty smal so i was eating a huge amount of calories. Then i sprained my ankle badly in late november, and with christmas vacation right after i didn't lift for like 6 or 7 straight weeks. I started getting kind of chubby in the time off from lifting, and i was losing weight. when i started again in jan. i was 170, but because i'm scared of getting chubby again im not eating like i used to. i'm only at 173 right now, though i think i'm leaner. Last semester my plan was to cut at 180, which is where i was hoping i'd be at right now, in time for spring break or at least pool season. Now i feel like i won't get there till like may at the earliest. As much as i want to try and be lean for the spring, i don't think i'm big enough to cut yet, and i don't feel like dealing with another set-back.

So i was wondering how you guys decide when you want to start cutting? Is it when you reach your weight goal, or when you hit a certain bodyfat percentage, or based on appearance? I don't think i have a way to measure my body fat, and i don't have any friends who actually know anything about bodybuilding who could tell me whether i should cut based on appearance.

 

[ChefWide]

Dude, a decent body fat caliper and log book can be had from any vitamin shop for about 5 samolians. Invest.

I said in a thread a minute or two ago, but here it comes again: WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS?

bulk, cut, bulk, cut... I think Mr. X has said it in about a gazillion different ways but maybe not in so many words (Mr. X, feel free to flog me if I'm wrong...) but if your eating smart and clean while 'bulking' there is no major headache involved in 'getting lean'. Why pack on so much fat durring your bulking phase?

Ask Mr. X about it in terms of specifics, but if you do the math, and use the same level of strict dedication that you do durring your cutting phase and apply it to your growth phases, you wont need to put your body, mind and schedule through the seesaw of 'bulk and cut'. The added benefit is that you will almost certainly save cash on 'sups' and food if your not tossing half the year by building fat and then burning muscle over and over.


NOW comes the real question, that most dont answer openly right away: are you dedicated enough to do VERY VERY strict bulking cycles? Or, like most, and dont get pissed at me for guessing, are you into super strict cutters and basicly 'fuck it, damn near anything goes' bulking diets? Hey, if thats your gig and you find it works best for you, go for it, no worries.


Ok, i talk too damn much. Give up some measurements, get the calipers and get some numbers up so that you can guage where you're at NOW and tell us where you WANT TO BE in 3, 6 and 12 months. With that info, its possible to START to plan, without it, you're just whiping yer ass with and endless rope, as granddaddy smoove used to say.

cheers,

Chef

 

[Lee]

as small as you were, i would keep bulking to about 200 then cut. especially since you took time off, cutting right now would be pretty pointless.

 

[ChefWide]

as small as you were, i would keep bulking to about 200 then cut. especially since you took time off, cutting right now would be pretty pointless.

Hmmm... i disagree, get to within a few points of your desired BF% THEN put on LEAN muscle mass... you will feel better, LOOK a LOT better and live a hell of a lot better.. probably longer as well.

 

[Makavelli]

I don't agree with letting the scale tell you when to start dieting. Like was stated above let your BF % tell you. I believe that you shouldn't get over 10% BF off season. I always laugh at those guys that are constantly bulking. They are fat as shit and nobody would guess that they are bodyuilders. In my mind they aren't. They're fat slobs.