Familiar with macros and bulking/cutting principles, but not sure which is for me

[eRickety]

Quick rundown so you guys don't spend too much time on this:

I'm 5' 10'', 175 lbs. I'd say I'm probably about 18% bf, but that could be totally off. I don't know if I have enough muscle to cut down to trim, athletic body and I don't want to diet myself into skinny-fatness. There are pictures attachedfront.jpgside.jpg

So basically I'm asking your guys' opinions on this on the basis that you know more about body types than I do. For the next 6-12 months, would it be more beneficial to me healthily and/or aesthetically to cut or to bulk? I'll be lifting weights 3 times a week and playing ball twice a week regardless, I think.

Thanks

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[cjowns76]

from your description and pictures I think you should clean bulk. What program are you on, and what are your planned macros?

[KALLISBROTHERS]

What are your goals?

[cjowns76]

What are your goals?

Yup, forgot to ask this.

[eRickety]

What program are you on, and what are your planned macros?

I don't particularly care to get real bulky. I like feeling quick and flexible, so I don't mind staying a little smaller and just getting really lean and in shape. I'd say my goals are to get down to around 12-13% body fat and maintain. In a perfect world I'd get under 10% but that's too high maintenance for me.

Lifts will be:
Monday: Chest/back
Wednesday: Legs
Friday: Arms

6 forms per day, plus Ab Ripper X at the end of each one. I play basketball Tuesdays and Thursdays for an undetermined amount of time.

I just started keeping track of my diet a few days ago (not that it was completely disregarded before that) and my macros look like this:
2100 cals
200g protein
70g fat
rest carbs

Diet is mostly comprised of fresh vegetables, chicken breast, protein supplement, milk, whole grain bread, eggs, with some other things here and there where I desire.

Thanks!

[EjnarKolinkar]

Build muscle, caloric surplus. You are not going to blow up like a balloon and get too, bulky. If it starts to happen you will have months/years to react before it gets out of hand.

[eRickety]

Build muscle, caloric surplus. You are not going to blow up like a balloon and get too, bulky. If it starts to happen you will have months/years to react before it gets out of hand.

Alright, I dig. Is lifting 3x a week still appropriate for rocking a surplus of 500-1000 cals?

[Kittycat26]

Remember man you have to eat clean so that you can build muscle and burn fat at the same time. 5-6 meals a day with lean protein and complex carbohydrates. Remember hardcore lifters always eat clean man. Don't be weak and eat desert and sugary stuff. Eat almonds and celery for snack because they are fat burning foods

Remember to get your protein shake right after your workout along with your fast digesting carbs. Don't eat carbs late at night because those end up going right to the midsection.

In terms of your lifting. Remember to lift moderate weight with high repetitions so you can build lean muscle and burn fat at the same time. You don't want to get huge or anything. You want the toned physique with the chiseled six pack.

[oceanus99]

Alright, I dig. Is lifting 3x a week still appropriate for rocking a surplus of 500-1000 cals?

Why would you ever do a 500-1000 cal surplus? You will just put on unnecessary fat. A 200-300 calorie surplus is enough to maximize muscle gains while minimizing fat gain.

[eRickety]

A 200-300 calorie surplus is enough to maximize muscle gains while minimizing fat gain.

Oh alright cool. This works out perfectly on account of I don't want to feel like I'm stuffing myself and I can't afford (financially) to eat an absurd amount of calories daily. I'll start at 3,000/day and see how things go (5'10" 175lb 21 y/o male).

[RyGla]

maybe you should try a recomp, on days you workout, eat at around a +250-400 cal surplus, and on off days, eat 250-400 cal deficit.
seems to suit your goals