To Bulk or to Cut?

NewMomma09 · 03-06-2009, 02:54 PM

Okay, I'm obviously not a man, so I've never really paid attention to a "man's routine", but my husband wants to start changing his body and I'm not sure how to help him. He was always naturally thin and was in the Navy for 10 years doing PRT's, so he never really worked out (he was one of those guys that could eat anything he wanted and never gain an ounce). Now he's getting older and obviously the metabolism is slowing a bit and he's wanting to lose the "early 30's belly" that snuck up on him, and bulk up his chest and arms, (he's one of the lucky ones with naturally big legs...although his calves could use some work). My question is, should he try to bulk up first, or should he try to lose weight first? (I'm trying to get him to sign up for BB too!

). He is 6'1" and 200lbs. Also, any tips on a good routine to get him started? He's going to be working out at home with various weights and equipment (like an elliptical, etc). Thank you guys! Now if only he'd put down that darn Mountain Dew......

CorruptSilence · 03-06-2009, 02:57 PM

The general consensus from most is that it is far easier to cut first, then do a slow clean bulk once you have your body fat under control. There are several reasons for this, but the main one being you are in better shape and can more easily push it in the gym on the bulk cycle. The only types this really wouldn't apply to would be small framed skinny/fat types.

Tanulean · 03-06-2009, 03:01 PM

Cut the fat. Bulk the musclularzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!!

raypressburger · 03-06-2009, 03:41 PM

I would suggest bulking first. Dropping weight through a "cut" will be hard to do because there is not a base of muscle to maintain. Therefore, he will likely do more of a pure weight loss, which isn't necessarily going to change his body type the way he wants. For example, he may get a bit thinner but get stuck with a small belly.

My experience (I'm 25) was that I was a small framed guy in my earlier 20's (165ish) and got a beer belly. Started running A LOT and although I saw some results, I still had a belly. I stopped cardio on advice of a pro bodybuilder, added 25 lbs over 10 months or so and now find it much easier to cut.

The other nice thing about bulking first is you tend to see results rather quickly which can be pretty motivating.

Best of luck to him!

NewMomma09 · 03-06-2009, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raypressburger

I would suggest bulking first. Dropping weight through a "cut" will be hard to do because there is not a base of muscle to maintain. Therefore, he will likely do more of a pure weight loss, which isn't necessarily going to change his body type the way he wants. For example, he may get a bit thinner but get stuck with a small belly.

My experience (I'm 25) was that I was a small framed guy in my earlier 20's (165ish) and got a beer belly. Started running A LOT and although I saw some results, I still had a belly. I stopped cardio on advice of a pro bodybuilder, added 25 lbs over 10 months or so and now find it much easier to cut.

The other nice thing about bulking first is you tend to see results rather quickly which can be pretty motivating.

Best of luck to him!

That sounds alot like him too.... kind of skinny and tall, and most of the weight seems to be in his middle too.

Thank you all for your suggestions. Whatever he decides is best, I personally like the idea of quick results

, but I want him to be safe. I think the biggest change needs to be in his diet, but I'm working on that.

Wild_Weasel · 03-06-2009, 05:02 PM

Well, as a guy of similar build (6'2'', formerly 200 lb) I can say from my experience that cutting first will help.

First of all, cutting forces you to change your diet, and pretty much change to a healthier lifestyle. Once that change is made, bulking (i.e. eating more) should be easy.

Second, at least this is/was true of myself, there is more fat than you would expect. Your husband is surely not overweight by any means, but there are more pounds of the flabby stuff than he thinks. He/you will be amazed at the transformation that he can undergo. Cutting first to see the muscle you do have is a great motivator to continue a healthy lifestyle.

Third, bulking is a much longer process than cutting is. It also usually results in a bit of added fat (depending on how strictly controlled the diet is) so I think, from the mental side of looking at things, a cut would be the way to go. Losing the fat to reveal the muscle may not make the muscles actually get bigger, but they will look better, and that more than anything is probably what your husband wants. At his size, and being in the Navy, he probably has a good muscle base to work with.

Fourth, substitute Diet Mt. Dew.

Fifth, seriously, it's about the diet.

Lastly, a guide to cutting: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showpo...73&postcount=2

Todd_A · 03-06-2009, 06:12 PM

from what I can gather, it seems to be the general consensus that if you are over 15% BF then start with a cut, if under 15% then go ahead and bulk first.