I’m currently trying to put on some weight. In the past 12 weeks I’ve managed to put on 12 lbs while keeping my body fat constant (14.8%)
I’ve put an inch on my arms, but also an inch on my stomach. Now, I’m not one of those that is scared of losing my abs (I didn’t have a 6-pack to begin), but I’m starting to put a little more fat on in my stomach than I’d like.
I’ve been putting on about 1 lb/wk, which I may need to reduce calories slightly to go at a slower pace to keep the fat gain down some, but even so according to calculations I’ve put on the majority of lean mass.
My goal was to get to 190 lbs and cut before my mid-July beach vacation, with starting to cut about 4 wks out (not looking to be ripped, just lose some fat).
A few people have commented on that they can see my stomach is getting bigger (which I know can be expected, but it still sucks).
For those that have gone through bulking phases, how do you get through the mental part of it all? Do you just say fuck it, and think long-term?
It’s just all starting to add up on me about not wanting to do this anymore (expensive food bill, expensive supplements, eating every 2 hrs, pooping 3 times/day, etc).
Now on top of it all, the weight gain in the stomach sucks, but at this point I still want to keep going to see what I’m capable of, plus I’m liking my increased strength.
As a FFB, I was always terrified of regaining fat. I finally convinced myself to do a true bulking phase this past fall/winter. It went pretty well, but I ended up cutting it short because of perceived fat gain.
Now that I’m in the middle of cutting, I wish I had seen it through.
You could always take a cyclic approach, 3week bulk, one week cut. I prefer to do just about everything in a fashion similar to this, whether it is a 4 week cut 1 week bulk, etc.
just depends on what your real “end goals” are. if your only putting on a pound a week your probably not putting on much fat so personally I wouldn’t worry. but, if it bothers you, drop a 100 to 300 calories and reevaluate in a couple weeks. since you want to cut a bit for mid July this might be the best answer and then when you get back, hit the weights super hard and eat big.
Completely individual. I don’t give a shit if someone thinks my stomach is bigger when bulking up. I know my muscles are growing faster anyway. But then, I don’t have quite the problem you seem to with self image.
[quote]Zagman wrote:
You could always take a cyclic approach, 3week bulk, one week cut. I prefer to do just about everything in a fashion similar to this, whether it is a 4 week cut 1 week bulk, etc.[/quote]
If you want to start becoming leaner and tighten that stomach again, and stop building muscle for a little then…
OR if you dont care what others say, and in a few months when you have got to your desired weight, and then strip for 2-3 more months… you will be bigger and better than if you did it now.
It is upto you whether you think you are big enough, or are you gonna diet down, just to lose “some” of your gains, just to go back up again in a short period? If so, you may as well keep packing on!
It’s just all starting to add up on me about not wanting to do this anymore (expensive food bill, expensive supplements, eating every 2 hrs, pooping 3 times/day, etc).
Now on top of it all, the weight gain in the stomach sucks, but at this point I still want to keep going to see what I’m capable of, plus I’m liking my increased strength.
Thoughts, experiences?[/quote]
You have great results like this and you’re thinking about not wanting to do this anymore? Because your tummy got a little bigger? Who the hell cares? I would be thrilled if I had gains like that and imo guys look fine without a six pack or with a little fat on their waist.
I say keep up the good work.
It’s just all starting to add up on me about not wanting to do this anymore (expensive food bill, expensive supplements, eating every 2 hrs, pooping 3 times/day, etc).
Now on top of it all, the weight gain in the stomach sucks, but at this point I still want to keep going to see what I’m capable of, plus I’m liking my increased strength.
Thoughts, experiences?
You have great results like this and you’re thinking about not wanting to do this anymore? Because your tummy got a little bigger? Who the hell cares? I would be thrilled if I had gains like that and imo guys look fine without a six pack or with a little fat on their waist.
I say keep up the good work.
[/quote]
Most women I’ve known are the same way. The only ones who aren’t are little girls who still put “cuteness” over whether the idiot has a job.
[quote]eigieinhamr wrote:
Zagman wrote:
You could always take a cyclic approach, 3week bulk, one week cut. I prefer to do just about everything in a fashion similar to this, whether it is a 4 week cut 1 week bulk, etc.
I don’t think that’s a good strategy personally.[/quote]
Agreed. Most who follow this will find they make tyhe least progress. Give your body time to grow. Putting abs over muscles makes very little sense. It takes months to diet down and YEARS to gain muscle mass.
Obviously someone is going to assume this means “become obese”…because some people are just that retarded.
Actually, most women do not give a rat’s ass about a muscle or a six pack or the bodybuilding lifestyle at all!
Most would rather see you in a suit or a pair of dirty overalls over preparing egg whites and stopping to eat every 3 hours and fussing over time and food.
Ummm…I would have no problem adding four inches to my arms if it meant four inches on my waist. Sounds like a fucking kick-ass ratio to me. What does it take, all of a couple months to diet that off?
Keep bulking…maybe throw in a little bit of cardio…some sprints a few times/week or some low-intensity stuff (walking).
Also, look at nutrient timing. I try to get the majority of my carbs in the morning and around my workout. I don’t fuss over it too bad if I have some later, but I try to not do that too often.