mini cut opinion

[terjim]

im 18 years old, have done some endurance sports, but been lifting now for 6 months on a 5x5 program jason blaha's.
Seen GREAT progress, squat 5x5 145lbs -> 295lbs, Bench 5x5 120lbs -> 170lbs -> Deadlift 1x5 200lbs -> 330lbs:
Im eating at a non excessive surplus, but IMO im starting to get a little too soft. Im thinking about doing a 3-4 week mini cut, probably a slighlty assertive deficit, just so i can continue gaining. I dont plan on doing a long cutting phase at my age.
Plannign on starting the minicut at feb 10. i know im not gonna get ripped in 3-4 weeks, i just wanna cut some softness and bloat.


Whats your opinion? should i do it? how big of a deficit? will i loose a large amount of strength?
pic attached, note: i dont have a pump im cold.

[Tommy W.]

I wouldn't go less than 6 weeks. It takes 2 weeks just to get your body adapted to lower cals before it really gets the momemtum going. That leaves 4 weeks to actually see the scale move besides just seeing waterweight loss. You'll probably drop around 5 lbs of fat in 6 weeks realistically based on where you are now. Looking at your photos I'd shoot for about a 10 lb loss before you start adding mass again

[terjim]

I wouldn't go less than 6 weeks. It takes 2 weeks just to get your body adapted to lower cals before it really gets the momemtum going. That leaves 4 weeks to actually see the scale move besides just seeing waterweight loss. You'll probably drop around 5 lbs of fat in 6 weeks realistically based on where you are now. Looking at your photos I'd shoot for about a 10 lb loss before you start adding mass again

I used to be fat at around age of 14-15, so im quite scared of becoming too fat again.. I just feel that if i bulk all the way to like april im gonna have too much fat to loose, and i dont want to do a long cutting phase at my age.

[Tommy W.]

I used to be fat at around age of 14-15, so im quite scared of becoming too fat again.. I just feel that if i bulk all the way to like april im gonna have too much fat to loose, and i dont want to do a long cutting phase at my age.

If you bulk correctly you'll put on minimal fat. The fat doesn't go on overnight. If you're gaining too much fat just lower calories. Eating more than necessary won't build more muscle it just adds excess fat

[vismal]

You won't get fat again if your surplus is in check. I would keep bulking a little bit longer then do a normal length cut.

[terjim]

You won't get fat again if your surplus is in check. I would keep bulking a little bit longer then do a normal length cut.

alright maybe i will consider gaining a little longer,and perhaps slow cut/ recomp in late spring, its just being lean really motivates me. im kinda confused about how lean i am, depending on the lightning i can be soft as hell or ripped. my face tough is lean.
but how long would a normal cut be?


ps: keep the good videos up on youtube man been subscribed almost since you started.

[terjim]

maybe I should slow bulk to like may and then slow cut until after summer

[vismal]

If you want to be lean by summer, start cutting in April. If you don't mind waiting until mid summer to be cut then may is fine