Rate of clean bulk

[alewisdvm]

Hello all,
5'9"
SW Feb 11 was 173.5
CW is 162.0
GW is about 158
Age: 40

Trying to get to about 14% body fat before doing a clean bulk. Not much of a core to work with and definite arms and abs underdeveloped but wanted to lean out before bulk.

Question:
When I start a clean bulk, I am not sure how much weight I should be willing to add on before cutting again. Of course, I will have to sacrifice some body fat gain, but not sure how much weight gain is reasonable to ensure I allow some muscular growth.
I also assume the goal of adding 1 pound per week is still typical?

[Cronos1247]

Slower you add it the better. I would aim for closer to .5lb a week if you can. Regarding how much weight, a lot of people suggest starting a bulk at around 8% BF and not going above 12/13%, but it's very individualistic. Whatever you're comfortable with.

[CommitmentRulz]

Slower you add it the better. I would aim for closer to .5lb a week if you can.

This ^^^.

OP, stop the bulk when you are unhappy with the weight/fat gain. What weight program are you (already, I hope) following?

[zGwild]

Hello all,
5'9"
SW Feb 11 was 173.5
CW is 162.0
GW is about 158
Age: 40

Trying to get to about 14% body fat before doing a clean bulk. Not much of a core to work with and definite arms and abs underdeveloped but wanted to lean out before bulk.

Question:
When I start a clean bulk, I am not sure how much weight I should be willing to add on before cutting again. Of course, I will have to sacrifice some body fat gain, but not sure how much weight gain is reasonable to ensure I allow some muscular growth.
I also assume the goal of adding 1 pound per week is still typical?

Drop down to where you are comfortable with your weight/ waist size. Take a waist measurement at your belly button. We will say 34 inches for example

Then start you bulk aiming to add 2 lbs a month. Give yourself a waist size where you will stop bulking and start a cut. Example: a 2 inch gain in waist size

When you reach a waist size of 36 inches it is time to cut back down.

There are other ways to manage bulks and cuts but this is the way I like to manage it.

[alewisdvm]

This ^^^.

OP, stop the bulk when you are unhappy with the weight/fat gain. What weight program are you (already, I hope) following?

Thank you

[alewisdvm]

Drop down to where you are comfortable with your weight/ waist size. Take a waist measurement at your belly button. We will say 34 inches for example

Then start you bulk aiming to add 2 lbs a month. Give yourself a waist size where you will stop bulking and start a cut. Example: a 2 inch gain in waist size

When you reach a waist size of 36 inches it is time to cut back down.

There are other ways to manage bulks and cuts but this is the way I like to manage it.

Thank you