Bulk or Cut

[ElliotH11]

Hey guys, new to the forum but I'm a long time reader. Im 19, been training for about 2 years now, and currently weigh 178. Currently I'm eating around 2600 cals a day with my macros being 45% carbs, 35% protein and 20% fat. I lift 5 times a week and hit every muscle group twice a week. My maintenance is believed to be at right around 2350 calories, so right now I'm eating just slightly over, but mainly just maintaining. Im at a crossroads of whether or not I should increase calories to 500-600 over maintenance and continue on with a slow bulk, or whether I should cut back to around 2000 calories and try to cut down. I put on fat fairly easily when I increase my calories, and I know that it is better to start a bulk when your body is really lean. Id hate to run through a bulk stage then end up playing catch up when I decide to lean out since I will have started the bulk without being very lean. Here are some current progress pics, any advice or helpful tips would be great!

[OregonBaller]

Unlike most new members asking this, you actually have some decent mass. Good job! I would cut down to 10% and then you can start bulking again. Don't waste time with clean bulks-- keep the bulks done properly and you'll have a great physique before long! Keep hustling brah

[grateful99]

Good looking! Dont cut, go bulk.

[samt1533]

Cut

[ElliotH11]

Alright guys, decided to start a cutting diet today. I plan on running it for atleast 16 weeks. my maintance calories is around 2800, (believed it to be 2300-2400 but was wrong) so with that being said I'm gonna dial back about 4-500 calories and eat around 2300 per day. Ill make a list of the sups I'm taking as well as my macros below, let me know your thoughts and if i should change anything!

current weight today- 180.00lb

My macros are: 45% carbs
20% fat
35% protein

What I'm taking:
-alphamine
-erase pro
-fish oil-( 5000mg, 1500mg EPA, 1000mg DHA)
-Carnitine- 3000mg
-Tonalin CLA- 3000mg
-Kre Alkalyn- 3 grams

and of course protein to help stay with my macros. I plan on lifting heavy throughout the entire cut, because I find my best results to be made while lifting heavy. Ill be doing a 5 day split and hitting every muscle group twice. I don't plan on doing any cardio, but am open to the idea of some HIIT if anyone thinks it would be a good idea. If y'all have any suggestions or changes that I should make, lemme know what you think!

[SindreLaupstad]

You already have quite a bit of muscle, so just do a short cut and you may look aesthetic as fuack in no time

[OregonBaller]

Alright guys, decided to start a cutting diet today. I plan on running it for atleast 16 weeks. my maintance calories is around 2800, (believed it to be 2300-2400 but was wrong) so with that being said I'm gonna dial back about 4-500 calories and eat around 2300 per day. Ill make a list of the sups I'm taking as well as my macros below, let me know your thoughts and if i should change anything!

current weight today- 180.00lb

My macros are: 45% carbs
20% fat
35% protein

What I'm taking:
-alphamine
-erase pro
-fish oil-( 5000mg, 1500mg EPA, 1000mg DHA)
-Carnitine- 3000mg
-Tonalin CLA- 3000mg
-Kre Alkalyn- 3 grams

and of course protein to help stay with my macros. I plan on lifting heavy throughout the entire cut, because I find my best results to be made while lifting heavy. Ill be doing a 5 day split and hitting every muscle group twice. I don't plan on doing any cardio, but am open to the idea of some HIIT if anyone thinks it would be a good idea. If y'all have any suggestions or changes that I should make, lemme know what you think!

Cut very slowly. Aim to lose about 1 pound a week-- you'll have optimal muscle and strength retention if you do that. Also increase your protein intake for the duration of your cut. Keep your training the same as before you cut

[ElliotH11]

Cut very slowly. Aim to lose about 1 pound a week-- you'll have optimal muscle and strength retention if you do that. Also increase your protein intake for the duration of your cut. Keep your training the same as before you cut

Should I instead only dial back my calories 300 from maintenance?

[OregonBaller]

Should I instead only dial back my calories 300 from maintenance?

Only dial back if you're losing more than a pound a week