Should I bulk, cut, or recomp??

[HtotheOV]

Over the years i've gone through plenty of cutting phases and have always just ended up as a "smaller" version as myself, prob because I do not have much to show underneath right now im 6"3 218 and ive basically been maintain/really slow bulking but now questioning if I should cut. i dont care about bodybuilding anymore as i dont have the genetics for it and I really just want to be strong, conditioned, and somewhat muscular/rather lean. My routine now is 3 days full body where ive been getting progressively stronger, 4 days running (jogging or hill sprints),and I will also be starting BJJ back up again soon. pic below

[livin101]

It almost sounds as if you want someone to tell you which route to go. I'd say go with whatever decision is most compatible with your overall goals. Do you need to be lean for Brazilian JJ or is the physical challenge of weight training what provides you with a sense of fulfillment? I think sometimes it's good to just step back and occasionally ask why do I enjoy this (or that).

[HtotheOV]

It almost sounds as if you want someone to tell you which route to go. I'd say go with whatever decision is most compatible with your overall goals. Do you need to be lean for Brazilian JJ or is the physical challenge of weight training what provides you with a sense of fulfillment? I think sometimes it's good to just step back and occasionally ask why do I enjoy this (or that).

No I don't need to be lean for it its just a hobby too no plans on competing. I enjoy getting stronger and I also want to look decent. I also don't want to even slow bulk and end up fat. As long as I'm strong sort of lean and muscular I'll be happy.

[stingray72]

Over the years i've gone through plenty of cutting phases and have always just ended up as a "smaller" version as myself, prob because I do not have much to show underneath right now im 6"3 218 and ive basically been maintain/really slow bulking but now questioning if I should cut. i dont care about bodybuilding anymore as i dont have the genetics for it and I really just want to be strong, conditioned, and somewhat muscular/rather lean. My routine now is 3 days full body where ive been getting progressively stronger, 4 days running (jogging or hill sprints),and I will also be starting BJJ back up again soon. pic below

Your just disappointed with where you are now its normal. Based on your build at the present im confident you have a ton of potential to grow into. Sometimes we just get a little impatient to see the results but one day youll step back like the poster above said and realize this. To me it doesnt appear that getting leaner would be the right option. Dont let your current disappointment get you down youll get where you want to be in time meanwhile enjoy the process.

[HtotheOV]

Your just disappointed with where you are now its normal. Based on your build at the present im confident you have a ton of potential to grow into. Sometimes we just get a little impatient to see the results but one day youll step back like the poster above said and realize this. To me it doesnt appear that getting leaner would be the right option. Dont let your current disappointment get you down youll get where you want to be in time meanwhile enjoy the process.

What do you suggest I do?

[HtotheOV]

Bump

[stingray72]

What do you suggest I do?

If you do cut i wouldnt cut much more instead id train at maintenance or a tad more and keep lifting if your new to the weight lifting thing. How long have you been consistently lifting? Also how old are you?

[IFBBJENC]

Patience in huge in the realm of building a physique. The body takes time to learn and grow new ways! I think you're at a good point to start building some more muscle. I encourage you to do your research and really know what youre doing and why....perhaps working with someone who can help guide you would be beneficial. Dont get sucked into the idea of eating tons of calories to gain muscle...learn what works for your body and you'll be on the right track. Remember, more muscle reaps soooo many benefits to overall body composition. Best wishes!

[HtotheOV]

If you do cut i wouldnt cut much more instead id train at maintenance or a tad more and keep lifting if your new to the weight lifting thing. How long have you been consistently lifting? Also how old are you?

I'm 23 and if I told you how long I'd be lifting you'd laugh.

To be honest though, I've had periods where I couldn't lift much with injuries and being sick. I'm not making excuses but it's clear my genetics are utter ****.

[xHKOx]

time to keep cuttingm8

[WaterSnatcher]

You said you wanted to get lean so keep on cutting., and at 6'3 218lb you can def go a bit lower.

[stingray72]

I'm 23 and if I told you how long I'd be lifting you'd laugh.

To be honest though, I've had periods where I couldn't lift much with injuries and being sick. I'm not making excuses but it's clear my genetics are utter ****.

Your talking to a guy whos been through alot as well so trust me I wouldnt judge you. Ive been lifting 27 years with a lot of setbacks but it has taught me persaverance. As far as your gentics dont worry my brother was just like you but eventually he just broke out of that somehow and he was well past his teen years too. You just never no whats in store for you but also do what the above poster said and also youll see it have value even in more areas in your life and remeber to have fun too while your on your fitness journey.

Reps for you as well.

[HtotheOV]

Thanks guys I'll cut. Hopefully not too much and hopefully I have at least some muscle underneath.

[HtotheOV]

bump

[phoenixr2]

Over the years i've gone through plenty of cutting phases and have always just ended up as a "smaller" version as myself,

If you keep cutting, this will keep happening. Nothing changes.

People cut and expect to have some crazy amount of muscle mass underneath just waiting to be uncovered. Doesnt happen that way. You want to look good while lean you have to put in some serious effort to intentionally gain LBM.

[HtotheOV]

If you keep cutting, this will keep happening. Nothing changes.

People cut and expect to have some crazy amount of muscle mass underneath just waiting to be uncovered. Doesnt happen that way. You want to look good while lean you have to put in some serious effort to intentionally gain LBM.

Exactly why im afraid to cut.

Let's say I cut 20-30lbs which would take me anywhere from 4-6 months doing it right...then bulk for at least 6 months to a year..i'll have wasted a whole year and i'll look how I do now.

What do you suggest I do? Like I said, I do BJJ (well starting up again soon) and I also like running, mostly sprinting. I could just eat well, not crazy much, keep getting stronger, do my cardio and see how I look a year from now. I can't imagine me looking the same.

[stingray72]

Exactly why im afraid to cut.

Let's say I cut 20-30lbs which would take me anywhere from 4-6 months doing it right...then bulk for at least 6 months to a year..i'll have wasted a whole year and i'll look how I do now.

What do you suggest I do? Like I said, I do BJJ (well starting up again soon) and I also like running, mostly sprinting. I could just eat well, not crazy much, keep getting stronger, do my cardio and see how I look a year from now. I can't imagine me looking the same.

Sounds like you found your plan my friend. Go with it and make adjustments as you go. Youll learn how your body works along the way and it will fit your lifestyle. You dont even have to go to the gym each time you could play basket ball or whatever fits the bill for your desired goal for that day. Might as well mix things up and enjoy yourself while your doing it.

[IFBBJENC]

Exactly why im afraid to cut.

Let's say I cut 20-30lbs which would take me anywhere from 4-6 months doing it right...then bulk for at least 6 months to a year..i'll have wasted a whole year and i'll look how I do now.

What do you suggest I do? Like I said, I do BJJ (well starting up again soon) and I also like running, mostly sprinting. I could just eat well, not crazy much, keep getting stronger, do my cardio and see how I look a year from now. I can't imagine me looking the same.

Sounds to me like you would be best to stop trying so much and just do...in other words. Eat good healthy whole foods. Lift weights daily and enjoy moderate cardio. Try just eating an training for a good solid year and see where it takes you. Everyone wants to be cut and look like something so fast. This stuff takes years to accomplish! Whatever you end up choosing...good luck!

[HtotheOV]

Sounds like you found your plan my friend. Go with it and make adjustments as you go. Youll learn how your body works along the way and it will fit your lifestyle. You dont even have to go to the gym each time you could play basket ball or whatever fits the bill for your desired goal for that day. Might as well mix things up and enjoy yourself while your doing it.

Agreed.

I think I just have to stay with something consistently for a year or more and stop overanalyzing. Let's be real, im not going to look that much better with pounds lost.

[HtotheOV]

Last bump