When starting anew...

[heatherrae]

Okay to cut for several weeks first before building muscle? I just don't want to build muscle and have a fat layer at the same time. I would rather lose the fat first then work on building muscle. Opinions?

 

[scorpiogirl]

Well, I personally chose to cut first and then bulk. You are going to gain a little fat with a bulking cycle, it's pretty inevitable (sp). So the lower bf you start with, the lower (hopefully) you will end up with when done bulking.

 

[*Bunny*]

Well, I personally chose to cut first and then bulk. You are going to gain a little fat with a bulking cycle, it's pretty inevitable (sp). So the lower bf you start with, the lower (hopefully) you will end up with when done bulking.

I'm actually going to say the opposite for arguement sake ...

Why not use the fat you already have to provide the energy your body needs to build new muscle tissue? The bulking may be fun but it can be hard on the body & mind (and closet) if not done 'properly'

You can add muscle with minimal fat gain.

On the flip note, newbs (or those getting back into the lifestyle) can gain a decent amount of muscle while losing fat (Speaking from MY personal experience).

I once read this: focus on one of two goals—
(1) Build muscle while minimizing fat gain, or
(2) Lose fat while preserving muscle

Which is the larger priority?

I would suggest looking more long term here, even though the immediate satisfaction of weight/fat loss is VERY pleasing on all levels...

 

[scorpiogirl]

I once read this: focus on one of two goals—
(1) Build muscle while minimizing fat gain, or
(2) Lose fat while preserving muscle

Which is the larger priority?

I would suggest looking more long term here, even though the immediate satisfaction of weight/fat loss is VERY pleasing on all levels...

OK, when put in these words, I started with #2 and am now working on #1.

What is more important to you?....and...do you want to bulk in summer or when it's still cold out and you can cover up and hide any fat gain a little more.

 

[Sassy69]

And probably "bulking" & "cutting" are relative terms - just how much muscle & fat are we starting with and how much are we looking to gain / lose? Someone w/ not much muscle to start with might lose more of it trying to "cut". Also if you have a higher bodyfat % due more to less muscle than more fat, probably better to build the muscle & not worry so much about the fat because on a change of diet to much cleaner, some will come off anyway.

 

[heatherrae]

I'm about 135 and 5'3" I actually think I have pretty solid muscle under this layer of fat, but I have not had my body fat tested lately. I think that I will try to lose the fat but to eat enough protein that I am not sacrificing muscle. Then, in summer, I will work on adding some muscle. For reference, I would like to look like the girls in figure contests, but I don't actually want to compete.

 

[*Bunny*]

I'm about 135 and 5'3" I actually think I have pretty solid muscle under this layer of fat, but I have not had my body fat tested lately. I think that I will try to lose the fat but to eat enough protein that I am not sacrificing muscle. Then, in summer, I will work on adding some muscle. For reference, I would like to look like the girls in figure contests, but I don't actually want to compete.

Well then, I think you've you made your decision

Can't wait to see your progress ...

 

[heatherrae]

Thanks! We will see. I can probably do a little of both. I'm so out of shape...lol.