Calories and cutting vs bulking

[johnom24]

Hey guys hoping for some good advice here. Im a 26 yr old male, height is 6ft, weight is 178lbs and bodyfat I estimate to be at 12-15% (see profile pic?) My diet typically consists of 40% carbs, 30% Protein and 30% fats. As regards exercise I weight lift three times per week and do 1 hour long cardio sessions 3-4 times per week (that being made up of swimming and surfing)

Im looking ideally within the next 3 months to drop some body fat for abs to be visible but also to gain 3-5lbs of muscle. Right now Im eating 2,500 calories per day (what I have already worked out as my maintenance calories), however Im wondering with the goals I have in mind should I be either trying to bulk first and then later shed some excess body fat or cut first and then try to bulk up?

Or.. is it realistic to believe I can achieve both at the same time by continuing to eat my maintenance calories, in effect hoping to build muscle whilst also shedding some body fat! .....or am I being completely unrealistic! Thanks very much for any helpful imput!

[WonderPug]

Im looking ideally within the next 3 months to drop some body fat for abs to be visible but also to gain 3-5lbs of muscle.

Dreams are good.

FYI: You should read this and then read this.

[johnom24]

Dreams are good.

We all have to start somewhere!

[FunkymonkAW]

We all have to start somewhere!

Did you even read the rest of his post?

[johnom24]

Thank you Wonderpug. I did however already read the sticky. My question I think is a specific enough one and Im asking for advice on whether this goal is possible? (Although I do realise that I may be better off either deciding to stick the bulking and then cutting or vice versa, hence the reason for my post )

[WonderPug]

^ Read the second link in my prior reply.


P.S. I looked at your avi photo and I'd guess you're sitting at about 17% or 18% BF.

[johnom24]

If bf was at 18% I'd be far better off cutting then first right?

[WonderPug]

If bf was at 18% I'd be far better off cutting then first right?

Ordinary so, but you have relatively little lean body mass, which makes it a harder call.

If it were me, I'd bulk to build a base from which to cut more effectively.