How Important are Cycles?

[phillycheese92]

When it comes to cutting and bulking, it seems that the most popular method by far is to have 6-8 week cycles of one at a time.
the method I have used most recently, and that fits most comfortably in to my lifestyle, is this:
I make sure to get 200-250g of protein a day (more than i probably need, but cant hurt) and then I just let my appetite decide how much I eat for the rest of the day. While I dont normally count out my calories, when i do i tend to fall just above or beneath my maintenance for the day.

is there anything wrong with this method? is it somehow advantageous to only bulk or cut, rather than switch off on a daily basis?

I havent seen any problems with my gains, but im wondering if the body responds better to a regular diet, rather than one thats a bit more disorganized like mine

[cldillmann1]

i am currently on a 26 week bulk (just extended it another 6 weeks cus i could.) went from 8.5%BF and im at 12.5%... so far very happy with this... i wouldnt swtich back and forth b/c your body needs consistancy to activly gain weight over tiem or lose weight. Atleast this is what i have read on these forums or i could be wrong... ill wait for the pug

[chameleonism]

Well, if you are consistently slightly above maintenance (say 100-200calories), you may just be doing a nice slow bulk. If you are at maintenance or slightly below over time, you are most likely taking advantage of beginner strength/muscle gains (which based on your stats is very possible). Once you get passed this beginner phase, it is possible you will stall if not eating above maintenance.

I like to keep things simple so if you are making progress and sure you are hitting protein/fat/calorie needs, I would keep it up. However, if you are looking to take advantage of all potential gains, I would shoot for a surplus that would let you gain .5lb/week and perform a proper routine based around the compound lifts.

Muscle protein synthesis tends to lasts up to 48 hours in natural athletes so doing a standard 5x5 program and eating at +250calories/day should work well for you (or anyone else who is a beginner/intermediate).

[germaine07]

When it comes to cutting and bulking, it seems that the most popular method by far is to have 6-8 week cycles of one at a time.

More like 6-8 months.

[SayMilesAway]

More like 6-8 months.

This ^

I plan to bulk the entirety of 2013.

[CytoRoc]

bulk in fall and winter, cut in late spring

somehow its just a whole lot easier to bulk in cold weather

[Jhuth13]

bulk in fall and winter, cut in late spring

somehow its just a whole lot easier to bulk in cold weather

I know that 'somehow' for me is the cold weather and limited daylight. I like to be active outside in the summer, but no chance of that in the winter. Less activity = more weight gain for me.

[BWC101]

i am currently on a 26 week bulk (just extended it another 6 weeks cus i could.) went from 8.5%BF and im at 12.5%... so far very happy with this... i wouldnt swtich back and forth b/c your body needs consistancy to activly gain weight over tiem or lose weight. Atleast this is what i have read on these forums or i could be wrong... ill wait for the pug

THIS^

If there is one thing I've learned, it's to take your time with both bulking and cutting for the best and most sustainable results.

As long as you keep a handle on your bodyfat and don't get out of control, I would suggest extending bulking and cutting 'cycles' out to periods of around 6 months each with slower gains/reductions in order to put on and retain muscle growth.