New to Figure Competition: Need help on how to diet!!

[mommymakeover]

No matter how much you like her, your trainer is out for HER in this case, not for YOU. It is a great "hook" for her to rope you into this. Not only does she have you buying her services all the way through the show but she'll get you after the show for another few months because you will end up crashing and binging due to the way she is going to have to bring you in. A great "hook" that I see all the time in the gym with trainers and clients.

Here's the deal in simple terms. You have no real muscle base to start with given that you have just started to lift. Given that you will have to come in at about 115lbs (possibly less even) to hit the stage in lean condition for a show. This means that you have 16 actual scale lbs to lose and 20 weeks to do it. Doesn't seem so bad until you realize that is nearly 1lb a week. 1 lb a week for a "normal" or "overweight" person is nothing BUT when you hit the 120lb mark, you will be dropping muscle faster than fat (if you manage to drop fat at all) at that rate and end result is that you will look very small up on that stage.

Also consider that you have xmas and Thanksgiving and New Years in that timeframe. All these Math equations are assuming you have ZERO mistakes in your training. (HIGHLY unlikely)

Finally consider this fact. Your first 2 years of lifting are "golden" years for GROWING muscle. You will never again have the advantage to grow like you do during this time. Growing muscle for women is DEADLY hard and as a beginner you cannot really appreciate 1. How little muscle you really have under that fat and 2. How hard it is to get more. If you could appreciate it, you would know that ANY trainer that advises a newbie to diet down so hard that first year is really NOT looking out for the good of the client.

Dieting down under 20% bf is really not that healthy girls. It especially isn't healthy for a person just starting out. They simply (in most cases) do not have the muscle to do it right. If you want to do it correctly and not burn out or come back via binging you really need a good base to start with (a good muscle base which takes YEARS to earn) and then you need a goodly amount of time to dial in.


So here is the score at the end of this show...

Cons:
You:
* Lots of money spent (posing coach, suit, fees and that trainer)
* Wasted first year of lifting and possible injury
* Lost muscle
* Lots of struggle doing a diet that is too hard (will likely be on a "bro" diet as well)
* You will either place well in a crappy class or place poorly in a good class (neither is good)
* You diet down to an unhealthy bf% and feel like crap
* Binging on the other side
Trainer: Non really

Pros:
You:
* Bragging rights that you did it despite all the "haters". (You may even come back here to LOL at us)
* You may look better than you ever have in your life
Trainer:
* All your $$$
* Gains an "instant" long-term client and she doesn't have to do anything "special" to make you hers
* Uses you to sell other girls on same path (adds you to her stats)

I don't know... I just don't really see the "up" side to this for a beginner client, and I haven't even BEGUN to touch on the industry reputation issue that Kim brings up... People tend to look at the one PRO of looking better than ever before and get blinded by anything else. The facts are that you can look better than you ever have in your life so much more intelligently and with so fewer downsides...

Because it is so unregulated and because there is so much money to be made by trainers, etc... this is a common theme around here. Lots and lots of confusion regarding the subject of when to show and when not to show. I am currently in the process of a sticky type thread to help people see some of the truths about showing that do not always get advertised. Hopefully that will benefit girls. Until then here is my personal post to you.


There is a MUCH better/healthier and cheaper way to do competition. Enter one of the many challenges this board offers. Set realistic goals and learn about your body, nutrition, etc through that. THEN you will have the tools you need to actually go to this other arena. You do not want to go completely unaware of these things to a stage.


BTW: Just looked at your pic MommyMakover. You have a really nice potential for doing well if you actually built that base. With those genetics would be hard to beat. You are a tiny bit thick waisted so building up the lats will be essential for you. I actually see you as a bber if you wanted to be.

Don't quite want to get that huge, but I would love to do maybe NABBA style. I see some shows are adding this category.

I personally don't think the person I was working with is money hungry and trying to set me up for failure. She knows my financial situation and how I like to work and that I'm not somewhere to go looking for consistent $$$. She seems genuine. I told asked her advice, she gave it, and I told her I'd see where I was at by December and then I would decide what I wanted to do. But I do understand what you are saying.

Frankly, for myself, there is nothing set in stones, a date, a contest, a federation. Its a desire, a goal to have a reason and to maybe beat the hands of fate that keep knocking things out of my reach.

However, I'm not like many where they are in a panic because they never picked up a dumbell and HAVE to do THIS contest by THIS date and I have to WIN. The only thing I'm panicking about is if my math is correct when using formulas to figure out my caloric needs and how my body works. I like researching supplements and training methods. I like lifting the heavy weights and seeing things take shape. I will say that, as with most people, "being healthy" doesn't motivate me enough to not want fatty, sugary, delicious foods, and lots of them. I need some sort of reason that will make me accountable.

So we'll see.

[kfisherx]

Don't quite want to get that huge, but I would love to do maybe NABBA style. I see some shows are adding this category.

You do realise (I hope) that natural female bodybuilders and female figure women are not significantly different in muscle size right? No. I don't think you do. That is why you are so gung-ho right now. You really do not get this game at all. The women who are competing in figure classes and doing well have a LOT of muscle on them. They just have a higher bf% than their bodybuilding sisters so you do not see all the muscle that they have. I will say it again. It is not just about getting lean. It is about having a base upon which to build.

I personally don't think the person I was working with is money hungry and trying to set me up for failure. She knows my financial situation and how I like to work and that I'm not somewhere to go looking for consistent $$$. She seems genuine. I told asked her advice, she gave it, and I told her I'd see where I was at by December and then I would decide what I wanted to do. But I do understand what you are saying.

Of course she seems genuine. She isn't going to be "obvious" to you about it. Just read the pros and cons. ANY trainer worth their salary knows about these cons and will not start a beginner. Your trainer is either clueless or looking out more for her own interest than yours She could be a bit of both. In either situation it doesn't bode well.

However, I'm not like many where they are in a panic because they never picked up a dumbell and HAVE to do THIS contest by THIS date and I have to WIN. The only thing I'm panicking about is if my math is correct when using formulas to figure out my caloric needs and how my body works. I like researching supplements and training methods. I like lifting the heavy weights and seeing things take shape. I will say that, as with most people, "being healthy" doesn't motivate me enough to not want fatty, sugary, delicious foods, and lots of them. I need some sort of reason that will make me accountable.

So we'll see.

You are EXACTLY like every other beginner who starts on here who thinks the rules do not belong to them. Everyone thinks they can handle the hard work. Everyone loves the gym work and some try to out train their poor diets. It is the diet that everyone fears and they almost always use motivation as one of the reasons to do a show. Sound familiar? (That is one of the worse reasons you can possibly pick to do a show IMHO.)

But just like every other beginner hell bent to do the show, you will make up every reason why you are an exception. And just like all the rest we will witness you making the same mistakes that all the others do because you were more focused on the contest than on learning to do it right. Good luck to you in any case with it.

Ib4ustopeatingfruitprecontest

-Karla

[mommymakeover]

You do realise (I hope) that natural female bodybuilders and female figure women are not significantly different in muscle size right? No. I don't think you do. That is why you are so gung-ho right now. You really do not get this game at all. The women who are competing in figure classes and doing well have a LOT of muscle on them. They just have a higher bf% than their bodybuilding sisters so you do not see all the muscle that they have. I will say it again. It is not just about getting lean. It is about having a base upon which to build.



Of course she seems genuine. She isn't going to be "obvious" to you about it. Just read the pros and cons. ANY trainer worth their salary knows about these cons and will not start a beginner. Your trainer is either clueless or looking out more for her own interest than yours She could be a bit of both. In either situation it doesn't bode well.



You are EXACTLY like every other beginner who starts on here who thinks the rules do not belong to them. Everyone thinks they can handle the hard work. Everyone loves the gym work and some try to out train their poor diets. It is the diet that everyone fears and they almost always use motivation as one of the reasons to do a show. Sound familiar? (That is one of the worse reasons you can possibly pick to do a show IMHO.)

But just like every other beginner hell bent to do the show, you will make up every reason why you are an exception. And just like all the rest we will witness you making the same mistakes that all the others do because you were more focused on the contest than on learning to do it right. Good luck to you in any case with it.

Ib4ustopeatingfruitprecontest

-Karla

Got it.

[mommymakeover]

You do realise (I hope) that natural female bodybuilders and female figure women are not significantly different in muscle size right? No. I don't think you do. That is why you are so gung-ho right now. You really do not get this game at all. The women who are competing in figure classes and doing well have a LOT of muscle on them. They just have a higher bf% than their bodybuilding sisters so you do not see all the muscle that they have. I will say it again. It is not just about getting lean. It is about having a base upon which to build.

Well if we are talking natural. Yes.

Are we comparing natural bodybuilding and natural figure. I've been told that because women do figure and don't look as big as what the stereotype of a female bodybuilding is doesn't mean they aren't using. I guess the type of show would dictate that.

I don't want to derail the OPs thread on this. I'm sure there are post on it already.

[kfisherx]

Well if we are talking natural. Yes.

Are we comparing natural bodybuilding and natural figure. I've been told that because women do figure and don't look as big as what the stereotype of a female bodybuilding is doesn't mean they aren't using. I guess the type of show would dictate that.

I don't want to derail the OPs thread on this. I'm sure there are post on it already.

OPs thread is done. She is showing no matter what too.

"Using" can mean a lot of things. There are steroids to make you BIG and then there are steroids that help with the "cut". In a non-natural show you will have both figure and bbers who use. Most of the figure women are not using the "Big" steroids in the same amounts and frequencies as the bbers. All of them will likely use winstrol or some other "cut" drug to get that "dry" look.

I pray (for your sake) that we are talking natural competition for you. Please do not be talked into taking anything like "winstrol" or Winnie or any of the other drugs. Steroids should NEVER be used until you understand your body 100% in a natural state and have reached your natural potential. The benefits NEVER outweigh the risks for women to start earlier.

[ItaliaPrincess]

OPs thread is done. She is showing no matter what too.

"Using" can mean a lot of things. There are steroids to make you BIG and then there are steroids that help with the "cut". In a non-natural show you will have both figure and bbers who use. Most of the figure women are not using the "Big" steroids in the same amounts and frequencies as the bbers. All of them will likely use winstrol or some other "cut" drug to get that "dry" look.

I pray (for your sake) that we are talking natural competition for you. Please do not be talked into taking anything like "winstrol" or Winnie or any of the other drugs. Steroids should NEVER be used until you understand your body 100% in a natural state and have reached your natural potential. The benefits NEVER outweigh the risks for women to start earlier.

I would never use drugs, and the whole idea for me doing a show is not me winning or even placing, but just looking the best I can look at a particular point in time that exceeds anything I have ever done. I know the rules apply to me, and if I do compete I'll probably get my ass handed to me, but that doesn't matter to me. What matters is that I am happy with myself, and I have a lot of friends who have worked out for years but they're afraid to step on stage.

I think if many of you understood why I want to compete you might not have such a strong opinion against me doing it. In all cases it's for me, and only me.

[erinlee01]

I would never use drugs, and the whole idea for me doing a show is not me winning or even placing, but just looking the best I can look at a particular point in time that exceeds anything I have ever done. I know the rules apply to me, and if I do compete I'll probably get my ass handed to me, but that doesn't matter to me. What matters is that I am happy with myself, and I have a lot of friends who have worked out for years but they're afraid to step on stage.

I think if many of you understood why I want to compete you might not have such a strong opinion against me doing it. In all cases it's for me, and only me.

You're forgetting about the spectators, the other competitors, and the integrity of the sport as a whole. It's not just about you.

[kfisherx]

I would never use drugs, and the whole idea for me doing a show is not me winning or even placing, but just looking the best I can look at a particular point in time that exceeds anything I have ever done. I know the rules apply to me, and if I do compete I'll probably get my ass handed to me, but that doesn't matter to me. What matters is that I am happy with myself, and I have a lot of friends who have worked out for years but they're afraid to step on stage.

I think if many of you understood why I want to compete you might not have such a strong opinion against me doing it. In all cases it's for me, and only me.

Do you have ANY clue how many un-prepared, crappy figure competitors I have to watch as a paid spectator? Surely you must if you have watched your husband compete. Again you guys are cracking me up thinking that your story is somehow unique and that I might change my mind about you if "only I understood".... No... Your attitude is more the "norm" than not in today's world of this sport. I pay 25 bucks for a ticket to sit there and watch class after class of girls that are up there un-prepared. (Literally hours of time) Your husband's class doesn't end for HOURs and HOURs after it should due to this and he has to wait backstage. If he is properly conditioned, this really sucks for him. Female competing (figure and to a lessor degree bbing) is a "joke" right now due to this problem of people caring only about themselves and showing anyway and for all the wrong reasons.

No. You are impacting MUCH more than just you.

[hieronymous]

I would never use drugs, and the whole idea for me doing a show is not me winning or even placing, but just looking the best I can look at a particular point in time that exceeds anything I have ever done. I know the rules apply to me, and if I do compete I'll probably get my ass handed to me, but that doesn't matter to me. What matters is that I am happy with myself, and I have a lot of friends who have worked out for years but they're afraid to step on stage.

I think if many of you understood why I want to compete you might not have such a strong opinion against me doing it. In all cases it's for me, and only me.

Then why is it necessary to compete? There are loads of people who train and look spectacular and have exceeded themselves and they don't compete. They leave the competitions to the people who take it seriously and who do want to win or place and want to compete with others who feel the same and have taken the time necessary to build their physique and attain a level of conditioning that is competitive.

If you need a deadline - book a photoshoot or a vacation.

[mommymakeover]

OPs thread is done. She is showing no matter what too.

"Using" can mean a lot of things. There are steroids to make you BIG and then there are steroids that help with the "cut". In a non-natural show you will have both figure and bbers who use. Most of the figure women are not using the "Big" steroids in the same amounts and frequencies as the bbers. All of them will likely use winstrol or some other "cut" drug to get that "dry" look.

I pray (for your sake) that we are talking natural competition for you. Please do not be talked into taking anything like "winstrol" or Winnie or any of the other drugs. Steroids should NEVER be used until you understand your body 100% in a natural state and have reached your natural potential. The benefits NEVER outweigh the risks for women to start earlier.

Don't know about any of that stuff, don't plan on using it. If my genetics only take me so far than that's how far I'm going to go. Unless I'm in a coma or got attacked by a swarm of bees I'm not going near any of that stuff.

[mommymakeover]

Then why is it necessary to compete? There are loads of people who train and look spectacular and have exceeded themselves and they don't compete. They leave the competitions to the people who take it seriously and who do want to win or place and want to compete with others who feel the same and have taken the time necessary to build their physique and attain a level of conditioning that is competitive.

If you need a deadline - book a photoshoot or a vacation.

I'm curious.

Is this grand point of all this stop people from mucking up the sport? Meaning people that don't look like, say, a Jenny Lynn or Gina A. The folks you usually see at the top. Like they diet down and you just see skinny.

And I'm only saying this because the from the footage and photos (including this site) I've seen online from different shows the physiques of the women seem to range. But a lot of them don't look they spent 2 years building any muscle. Alot of them look extremely good though. Some I admit don't even look like they 6 months building muscle. And I've also been kinda of surprised who placed when up against other contestants. I'm attending a couple of shows in the future wondering if I'll see the same thing there. I've read that Figure has become extremely popular because the average woman thinks it is obtainable to them.

[priceor]

If you need a deadline - book a photoshoot or a vacation.

I think the photoshoot is a great idea!! OP I think you should really think about doing this instead of a comp!

[erinlee01]

I'm curious.

Is this grand point of all this stop people from mucking up the sport? Meaning people that don't look like, say, a Jenny Lynn or Gina A. The folks you usually see at the top. Like they diet down and you just see skinny.

And I'm only saying this because the from the footage and photos (including this site) I've seen online from different shows the physiques of the women seem to range. But a lot of them don't look they spent 2 years building any muscle. Alot of them look extremely good though. Some I admit don't even look like they 6 months building muscle. And I've also been kinda of surprised who placed when up against other contestants. I'm attending a couple of shows in the future wondering if I'll see the same thing there. I've read that Figure has become extremely popular because the average woman thinks it is obtainable to them.

I think you'd be surprised at how much muscle mass they have compared to non-fitness people. Could you provide an example of someone you've seen who doesn't look like they've spent time building muscle?

[mommymakeover]

You're forgetting about the spectators, the other competitors, and the integrity of the sport as a whole. It's not just about you.

I don't think it is fair to lay the integrity of the sport solely on the shoulders of people that want to compete. Obviously if this is such a problem, someone is letting these girls compete even though its offensive to the audience and other competitors.

Its almost like the shows themselves have no standards. They just want $$$. Otherwise there wouldn't be this explosion of type of women competing leading to more women competing.

There has to be a reason why the OP and I, until you told u otherwise, thought we were good to go. I'm guessing because the images we are seeing don't tell us any different and you constantly read about that mother of 5 who just turned fourty and wanted to get her grove back so she decided to a figure competition in 6 months and won her pro card.

[mommymakeover]

I think you'd be surprised at how much muscle mass they have compared to non-fitness people. Could you provide an example of someone you've seen who doesn't look like they've spent time building muscle?

I can't post links or pictures yet.

[mommymakeover]

I can't post links or pictures yet.

I need 30 post

[chelly88]

Having done a show within a year of having my son and dropping 50+ pounds... and encouraging others to follow their hearts... and now beginning to try to build on what I have (barely anything really... but in a novice show here in Manitoba the bar really was set kinda low and I placed 3rd of 10... there were several who didn't even look like they dieted...)... my advice has evolved with my knowledge of the sport. I say wait, or geeze, try for bikini because from what I see all you need to be is skin and bone (1st ever provincial winner here had jutting ribs...probably 80 pounds soaking wet and covered in mud to boot). Mind you I know basically nothing about bikini because it hasn't never sparked much of my interest.

BUT going on stage and proving something is one thing. And it might work... BUT it might also backfire if you place lower than you hoped. I've seen lots of people do this now and end up never going back to competing because they feel so discouraged.

Waiting is hard... I know, been there, didn't wanna wait but I think it would have been worth it and maybe I would have chosen a better approach and not had such hell during contest prep. Now I'm left with no supports behind me, no family/friends to push me on.

But in the end it's your choice and these are just a bunch of words

[mommymakeover]

Having done a show within a year of having my son and dropping 50+ pounds... and encouraging others to follow their hearts... and now beginning to try to build on what I have (barely anything really... but in a novice show here in Manitoba the bar really was set kinda low and I placed 3rd of 10... there were several who didn't even look like they dieted...)... my advice has evolved with my knowledge of the sport. I say wait, or geeze, try for bikini because from what I see all you need to be is skin and bone (1st ever provincial winner here had jutting ribs...probably 80 pounds soaking wet and covered in mud to boot). Mind you I know basically nothing about bikini because it hasn't never sparked much of my interest.

BUT going on stage and proving something is one thing. And it might work... BUT it might also backfire if you place lower than you hoped. I've seen lots of people do this now and end up never going back to competing because they feel so discouraged.

Waiting is hard... I know, been there, didn't wanna wait but I think it would have been worth it and maybe I would have chosen a better approach and not had such hell during contest prep. Now I'm left with no supports behind me, no family/friends to push me on.

But in the end it's your choice and these are just a bunch of words

I don't even understand bikini. Could you even compete in that without a boob job?

[erinlee01]

I don't think it is fair to lay the integrity of the sport solely on the shoulders of people that want to compete. Obviously if this is such a problem, someone is letting these girls compete even though its offensive to the audience and other competitors.

Its almost like the shows themselves have no standards. They just want $$$. Otherwise there wouldn't be this explosion of type of women competing leading to more women competing.

There has to be a reason why the OP and I, until you told u otherwise, thought we were good to go. I'm guessing because the images we are seeing don't tell us any different and you constantly read about that mother of 5 who just turned fourty and wanted to get her grove back so she decided to a figure competition in 6 months and won her pro card.

I disagree. It is absolutely fair to lay the integrity of the sport on the shoulders of the people who are looking to compete. They should be interested in keeping the bar high. Winning against people who don't belong in the sport shouldn't be satisfying.

Not to mention, how would you weed out who belongs and who doesn't? These shows don't make enough money to take on the extra overhead of having a pre-screening.

The reason the OP and others like her think they are good to go is because they don't realize how much of the size that they see is fat and not muscle. They would be shocked if they dieted down and saw how little was there.

[erinlee01]

I don't even understand bikini. Could you even compete in that without a boob job?

Bikini requires very little muscle mass and no real dieting. Yes, you can compete without a boob job if you bring the better overall package.

[Linds33]

Then why is it necessary to compete? There are loads of people who train and look spectacular and have exceeded themselves and they don't compete. They leave the competitions to the people who take it seriously and who do want to win or place and want to compete with others who feel the same and have taken the time necessary to build their physique and attain a level of conditioning that is competitive.



If you need a deadline - book a photoshoot or a vacation.

^^^ This^^^

I don't want to beat a dead horse over the head as i think we have all tried to get our points across here. The biggest issue isn't becoming lean in this case, it is having muscle to show once you get lean. Otherwise you will look sick and probably feel sick as well.

We all understand why you want to do this as I am sure most of us have been there before. I have been lifting for on and off 8 years (have been lifting on and very consistently for the last 3 years) and thought very seriously about doing shows because i thought it was going to get me motivated or give me something to look forward to.

But even after all these years of good eating and heavy lifting I still do not have enough muscle or the right shape in order to compete (at least in my opinion). It is very hard for women to build and maintain muscle, and if you don't know what you are doing, there is the possibility you can wreak havoc with your body.

In the end, I decided that I will probably never compete. Does that mean I am not going to have the body that I want? No it doesn't, in fact now that i have decided i do not wish to compete and have focused more on sports performance i feel that i look BETTER and am more motivated to "workout". I am eating better, and am enjoying life more.

That isn't to say that figure and BBing competitions aren't fun and good for those that are serious. But like others have said, it is something that a lot of women have worked hard for their entire lives, and are very pationate about it. Everyone has their reasons for doing competitions, and yes, there are some lucky girls that are able to go from 0-60 in a short period of time. In my experience, these are women with a history of athleticism, have been gymnasts or have weightlifted in the past but never were very serious about it, so they already have a "base" of sorts to start with.

[mommymakeover]

So the consensus is to wait about 2-3 years and then try to compete in figure? What kind of stats does the person need to be at to figure into that recommendation? I'm assuming someone who is overweight would need more than that?

[birdiefu]

So the consensus is to wait about 2-3 years and then try to compete in figure? What kind of stats does the person need to be at to figure into that recommendation? I'm assuming someone who is overweight would need more than that?

Actually, as the heavier a person weighs the more muscle mass they need to move the weight around (assuming same height and frame), someone who started out overweight can have an advantage over someone who started small and skinny. It takes longer to put on muscle than it does to take off fat. However, it probably depends on how they dieted down, too (lots cardio, very low cals = more lean tissue lost).

I think the general recommendation for someone new to lifting and thinking of competing is *at least* a good year to bulk. So maybe more along the lines of 1-2 years, depending on the individual, though the longer the better, of course.

[mommymakeover]

Actually, as the heavier a person weighs the more muscle mass they need to move the weight around (assuming same height and frame), someone who started out overweight can have an advantage over someone who started small and skinny. It takes longer to put on muscle than it does to take off fat. However, it probably depends on how they dieted down, too (lots cardio, very low cals = more lean tissue lost).

I think the general recommendation for someone new to lifting and thinking of competing is *at least* a good year to bulk. So maybe more along the lines of 1-2 years, depending on the individual, though the longer the better, of course.

Okay. I'm wondering how you know when its good enough. Is it visual? Currently I'm 131 pounds and 21% bodyfat. At that percentage what would be recommended? Do I need to lower my BF at all or should I bulk up from that? I'm not sure what BF makes a good bulk.

When I first started this my timeline was a year from June to start competing. I asked the trainer about an March or April show because some of the physiques I saw looked to me as if I could do it. Now I'm hearing that's not possible. Since I have to plan this I'm wondering how do you determine when you are ready? Especially if you are putting more fat on the bulk?

[birdiefu]

Okay. I'm wondering how you know when its good enough. Is it visual? Currently I'm 131 pounds and 21% bodyfat. At that percentage what would be recommended? Do I need to lower my BF at all or should I bulk up from that? I'm not sure what BF makes a good bulk.

I asked that same question in this thread:

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=126019623

The Lyle McDonald article I think is a pretty good reference, but really it comes down to you. I started my bulk two months ago somewhere around 20% BF even though in an ideal world I would have liked to start with less fat on my bum. But looking at the long term picture, I am going to continue this bulk until I hit around 24% BF or until I get as chubby as I can stand. It's a great time of year to bulk!

[mommymakeover]

I asked that same question in this thread:

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=126019623

The Lyle McDonald article I think is a pretty good reference, but really it comes down to you. I started my bulk two months ago somewhere around 20% BF even though in an ideal world I would have liked to start with less fat on my bum. But looking at the long term picture, I am going to continue this bulk until I hit around 24% BF or until I get as chubby as I can stand. It's a great time of year to bulk!

I'm really not wanting to get chubby at all. I got obesity genes in my blood all around. Its just waiting for me.

[erinlee01]

I'm really not wanting to get chubby at all. I got obesity genes in my blood all around. Its just waiting for me.

24% is nowhere near obese.

[JBW5485]

subbed for my wife to read later. good info

[mommymakeover]

24% is nowhere near obese.

What I meant was I'm afraid chubby will translate into a downward spiral into obesity for me. I am scared to go near chubby.

[birdiefu]

What I meant was I'm afraid chubby will translate into a downward spiral into obesity for me. I am scared to go near chubby.

You won't go to sleep slim and wake up obese one morning while bulking. Just like cutting, you still need to manage your caloric intake and workout appropriately. If you start to feel like you are putting on too much fat (past the initial bloat, which freaks most people out), it's easy to adjust cals. It sounds like you have some issues with getting your mind around the fact that weight gain (*including* fat) is necessary during a bulk to put on muscle most efficiently.

I don't think anyone can get far in the fitness world without being able to bring themselves to bulk. From what I read, a lot of newbie gains are wasted from over-extreme cutting when they could have been put to better use doing a bulk from the start.