Still unsure what I should be doing...

[xcessive1]

I'm down to 14-15% BF and my goal is 10%. I've debated between cutting & "improving my physique". Cut till July, eat at maintenance, then bulk. Or keep cutting.

Being 6'1, 15% BF and 190-192 lbs I don't have a lot of mass as you can see in my avi.

Any and all critiques / advice welcome & repped.

[T3hGiggles]

Personally, I'm in your boat. Close to your weight and height, and I'm cutting right now. I'm trying to get lean enough for that six pack. I've never been that lean, and I just wanna' see what I'm working with as far as what little LBM I already have, and then bulk from there. I also feel I'd be more comfortable slow bulking AFTER I already look fit and tight.

[xcessive1]

Personally, I'm in your boat. Close to your weight and height, and I'm cutting right now. I'm trying to get lean enough for that six pack. I've never been that lean, and I just wanna' see what I'm working with as far as what little LBM I already have, and then bulk from there. I also feel I'd be more comfortable slow bulking AFTER I already look fit and tight.

I completely know that feel. Used to be big like 250+ and never seen my abs either. If the consensus is bulk it will be a slow one cause I will never be that fat kid again. Slow as in 200-300 over maintenance.

[phoenixr2]

Whats your goal or physique youd like? Im about same stats, I dropped all the way down to nearly 180, I was lean and it was fun but I realized I had about half the LBM I thought I had. over winter I went bulk mode which got nasty as it got me back into old habbits. It already sounds like you are worried about LBM, I would say recomp. eat at or above maintenance and keep lifting heavy, You will put on some quality mass and lean out too. or if you want it sooner clean bulk for a while and then cut down the road? Just make sure you have a plan in place !

[dmacdonal9]

I think you've got the right idea cutting till July, maybe even a little longer. That way you can be as lean as possible through the summer. It looks like you have enough lean mass to pull it off, and you'll probably be happier that way. I find it's easier cutting through the summer when you're out doing fun stuff that counts as cardio.

[xcessive1]

Whats your goal or physique youd like? Im about same stats, I dropped all the way down to nearly 180, I was lean and it was fun but I realized I had about half the LBM I thought I had. over winter I went bulk mode which got nasty as it got me back into old habbits. It already sounds like you are worried about LBM, I would say recomp. eat at or above maintenance and keep lifting heavy, You will put on some quality mass and lean out too. or if you want it sooner clean bulk for a while and then cut down the road? Just make sure you have a plan in place !

My ultimate goal for now is 200lbs at 8-10% BF. I've thought about a re-comp so I'm glad you brought it up.

I think you've got the right idea cutting till July, maybe even a little longer. That way you can be as lean as possible through the summer. It looks like you have enough lean mass to pull it off, and you'll probably be happier that way. I find it's easier cutting through the summer when you're out doing fun stuff that counts as cardio.

This could be possible as well. I figured get lean through the summer and then enter bulking after it's winding down and school starts back.

If it makes a big difference I've been cutting since October 2011. I've had maybe 2 weeks in that time where I took a full diet break.

[xcessive1]

Bump for a couple more opinions if I could...

[msm00b]

Unless a person is completely skinnyfat, I don't ever really recommend starting a bulk at 15%. Cut down to the low teens (11-12) and give yourself some room to grow on your bulk without growing fatceps.

[cuckfonformity]

I started my cut at 6'1, 190 15%, dropped to 170, and I'm fairly happy with the room I have to bulk now.

You're like, what, 15 lbs from being overweight, and 43 lbs from being underweight? Why wouldn't you cut?

[krete77]

Unless a person is completely skinnyfat, I don't ever really recommend starting a bulk at 15%. Cut down to the low teens (11-12) and give yourself some room to grow on your bulk without growing fatceps.

There's nothing like a person braggin about 18" fatceps..

OP; Do what you think is right for yourself! Only you know what is going to make you happy.

[xcessive1]

Thanks guys. Would a recomp be a viable option?

I'm slowly losing weight doing IF and eating at 2100 on training days, 1600-1800 on "Off" days.

[krete77]

Thanks guys. Would a recomp be a viable option?

I'm slowly losing weight doing IF and eating at 2100 on training days, 1600-1800 on "Off" days.

You could just eat 2k each day, make it simple. But do what works for you honestly. Can't answer the RECOMP question (no experience there)