[QUOTE=Diabulus;1594940171]5'9", 160 lbs.
I've started going to the gym almost daily as of late. Not sure whether to bulk or cut. I'm mostly interested in aesthetics.[/QUOTE]
18-19%
How long have you been weight training for?
[QUOTE=Diabulus;1594940171]5'9", 160 lbs.
I've started going to the gym almost daily as of late. Not sure whether to bulk or cut. I'm mostly interested in aesthetics.[/QUOTE]
18-19%
How long have you been weight training for?
[QUOTE=hardyboysare;1594941011]18-19%
How long have you been weight training for?[/QUOTE]
For about a couple of months in the summer and then I resumed about a week ago. In the time between, I was barely paying any attention to my calories or the nutrition.
[QUOTE=Diabulus;1594941251]For about a couple of months in the summer and then I resumed about a week ago. In the time between, I was barely paying any attention to my calories or the nutrition.[/QUOTE]
You should train at maintenance TDEE or slightly less (300-500 calories) and follow a decent weight training program I advise this one:-
[url]https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?p=1266579371#post1266579371[/url]
At this stage there is no need to pick either bulking or cutting, you need to be consistent with weight training for aesthetics.
I know where I am now, but I just want to see roughly where I was 18 months ago, as I did not weigh or take any measurements at that point, but I have photos.
[QUOTE=rlouise94;1595136781]I know where I am now, but I just want to see roughly where I was 18 months ago, as I did not weigh or take any measurements at that point, but I have photos.[/QUOTE]
Ummm that really is no help being fully clothed, blurred image, angle of the image and many other problems.
I will take a wild guess due to the physical structure of the image. You legs seem lean (although in leggings are difficult to tell) so the average female size I would say 25-26%.
Height and weight at the time would help.
5ft 6, 63.6kg (140lbs), 22 M
https: // imgur . com/a/icFW4A6 (all pics are relaxed, right after waking up)
I've literally made zero progress in the past year, and I'm really fed up.
What's my current body fat % ? I'm guessing it's about 15%.
My goal is to build as much muscle as possible (maybe an end goal of about 150lbs body weight at 10% body fat, if thats reasonable) and to get a decent bench press (currently 65kg for 7 reps which is godawful considering I've been training for over 2 years now). What's the quickest way to my goal, given my current physique? Bulk or cut, or recomp?
Last week I started a fairly aggressive cut (750 cal deficit) and I was planning on doing that for a month to try and get my body fat to close to 10% so I could start a bulk at the bottom of that magical 10-15% range but I wanted to get some feedback from experienced people. I've wasted so much time and I really don't want to waste anymore.
[QUOTE=RedFeathers;1595174081]5ft 6, 63.6kg (140lbs), 22 M
https: // imgur . com/a/icFW4A6 (all pics are relaxed, right after waking up)
I've literally made zero progress in the past year, and I'm really fed up.
What's my current body fat % ? I'm guessing it's about 15%.
My goal is to build as much muscle as possible (maybe an end goal of about 150lbs body weight at 10% body fat, if thats reasonable) and to get a decent bench press (currently 65kg for 7 reps which is godawful considering I've been training for over 2 years now). What's the quickest way to my goal, given my current physique? Bulk or cut, or recomp?
Last week I started a fairly aggressive cut (750 cal deficit) and I was planning on doing that for a month to try and get my body fat to close to 10% so I could start a bulk at the bottom of that magical 10-15% range but I wanted to get some feedback from experienced people. I've wasted so much time and I really don't want to waste anymore.[/QUOTE]
Not sure on bodyfat, but you don't need to cut as you're lean enough, however you lack a solid muscle base and you need to slow bulk. Probably the reason you've made no progress in the last year is because you're not eating enough - strength and muscle won't appear out of thin air.
[QUOTE=RedFeathers;1595174081]5ft 6, 63.6kg (140lbs), 22 M
https: // imgur . com/a/icFW4A6 (all pics are relaxed, right after waking up)
I've literally made zero progress in the past year, and I'm really fed up.
What's my current body fat % ? I'm guessing it's about 15%.
My goal is to build as much muscle as possible (maybe an end goal of about 150lbs body weight at 10% body fat, if thats reasonable) and to get a decent bench press (currently 65kg for 7 reps which is godawful considering I've been training for over 2 years now). What's the quickest way to my goal, given my current physique? Bulk or cut, or recomp?
Last week I started a fairly aggressive cut (750 cal deficit) and I was planning on doing that for a month to try and get my body fat to close to 10% so I could start a bulk at the bottom of that magical 10-15% range but I wanted to get some feedback from experienced people. I've wasted so much time and I really don't want to waste anymore.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=MrCarrot;1595175571]Not sure on bodyfat, but you don't need to cut as you're lean enough, however you lack a solid muscle base and you need to slow bulk. Probably the reason you've made no progress in the last year is because you're not eating enough - strength and muscle won't appear out of thin air.[/QUOTE]
^^^^
That OP.
You a lower then 15% more like 12-13%.
You need to get on a balanced workout program whilst consuming to begin with maintenance TDEE calories and then start adding around 200-300 calories above this after around a month or when you can no longer progress at the gym.
Cutting IMO is out of the equation and time to add some weight on. I would say around 1lb a month would ensure fat gains are at there minimum and mainly muscle is built.
Thanks for the input both of you. I have a few extra questions:
Do I not need to get down to 10% for the best muscle:fat gain ratio? Whenever I search around online, I keep seeing the "cut to 10%, bulk to 15%" recommendation pop up. If I'm 13% then that would mean I've only got 2% body fat to gain before i'm at the cutoff point.
What is the reasoning behind eating at maintenance for a month? I don't have an issue with that, I'm just curious as to why. I'm perfectly content to eat at maintenance or bulk slowly because I really hate cutting (as i'm sure most people do). I just want to take the best course of action to reach my goal as quick as possible.
Also would there be any difference between the two scenarios you mentioned: eating at maintenance until performance stalls or gaining 1lb/month?
[QUOTE=RedFeathers;1595183791]Thanks for the input both of you. I have a few extra questions:
Do I not need to get down to 10% for the best muscle:fat gain ratio? Whenever I search around online, I keep seeing the "cut to 10%, bulk to 15%" recommendation pop up. If I'm 13% then that would mean I've only got 2% body fat to gain before i'm at the cutoff point.
What is the reasoning behind eating at maintenance for a month? I don't have an issue with that, I'm just curious as to why. I'm perfectly content to eat at maintenance or bulk slowly because I really hate cutting (as i'm sure most people do). I just want to take the best course of action to reach my goal as quick as possible.
Also would there be any difference between the two scenarios you mentioned: eating at maintenance until performance stalls or gaining 1lb/month?[/QUOTE]
Getting down to 10% might be just a guide, although 10% is pretty damn lean and not a particularly good look if you don't have a great deal of muscle to begin with. If you keep cutting you will just look skinnier and skinnier and nothing good will come from it, apart from wasting time (you said yourself you've made no progress in 12 months which means you've already wasted a year).
The reason for eating at maintenance for a month, amongst other things, is so you can figure out what your maintenance actually is. It's hit and miss, so you don't want to just increase calories by say 1,000 and overshoot the mark. So estimate what your maintenance is, start there for a while and then adjust calories either way depending on how much you gain (or don't gain, as the case may be).
[QUOTE=RedFeathers;1595183791]Thanks for the input both of you. I have a few extra questions:
Do I not need to get down to 10% for the best muscle:fat gain ratio? Whenever I search around online, I keep seeing the "cut to 10%, bulk to 15%" recommendation pop up. If I'm 13% then that would mean I've only got 2% body fat to gain before i'm at the cutoff point.[/quote]
No cutting to 10% is just an arbitrary number that is thrown around by professionals based on two things:-
- You can look leaner for longer when you have the mass aka six pack look
- 10% is kinda the lower level you should aim for as lower then that your hormones are more prone to add fat instead of lean mass. Therefore technically on paper its the longest period you can go before hitting another arbitrary number 15% but again this is due to the showing that below 15% bf produces the optimal hormones for growth but that said the research is quite lacking and again its [b]optimal[/b] not essential as you will still build muscle at higher bf%
This kinda explains it:-
[url]https://bodyrecomposition.com/muscle-gain/initial-body-fat-and-body-composition-changes.html/[/url]
[quote]What is the reasoning behind eating at maintenance for a month? I don't have an issue with that, I'm just curious as to why. I'm perfectly content to eat at maintenance or bulk slowly because I really hate cutting (as i'm sure most people do). I just want to take the best course of action to reach my goal as quick as possible.[/quote]
This advice comes from the fact you don't really know what your maintenance TDEE is because when you diet your NEAT will drop, hormones and other factors have changed, therefore its best to spend some time adjusting out of a diet. Likewise it will hopefully minimise water gains and also you can actually build muscle whilst at a small deficit or maintenance. This explains my view on transition from cut to bulk:-
[url]https://bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/transition-phase-between-dieting-gaining.html/[/url]
[quote]Also would there be any difference between the two scenarios you mentioned: eating at maintenance until performance stalls or gaining 1lb/month?[/quote]
The first one means you increase calories based on gym performance (of course after you have discovered your maintenance TDEE) therefore there are times where you will have no need to increase calories by 200-300 as your weight training has improved aka strength has increased/ more volume lifted. Again you can build muscle at a maintenance stage.
The second one means you plan to increase weight every month by 1lb no matter what happens at the gym.
Both are effective it depends how honest you are to yourself and if you are concerned by small amounts of fat gains. The second option technically will offer better growth potential but also has the higher risk of fat increase as you are trying to force growth through eating more and not solely through weight training as the first does.
Like I said both option I stated are strict methods of maintaining leanness and neither will cause significant weight gain but that depends if you adhere to the 1lb rule and don't take it faster as that leads to greater fat gains.
Thanks for taking the time to write all that, it’s a big help.
If I bulk very slowly like you suggest, is it possible that I won’t even have to ever do a dedicated cut for an extended period of time ?(I’m never gonna compete in physique shows so I doubt I’ll ever want to go below 10% body fat). So in a way I basically can just be permanently recomping if you know what I mean?
Ive got my training sorted out now (it’s been a mess this past year) so I’ll do everything you suggested regarding nutrition and I can now put this past year behind me and focus on putting on some muscle.
[QUOTE=RedFeathers;1595191901]Thanks for taking the time to write all that, it’s a big help.
If I bulk very slowly like you suggest, is it possible that I won’t even have to ever do a dedicated cut for an extended period of time ?(I’m never gonna compete in physique shows so I doubt I’ll ever want to go below 10% body fat). So in a way I basically can just be permanently recomping if you know what I mean?
Ive got my training sorted out now (it’s been a mess this past year) so I’ll do everything you suggested regarding nutrition and I can now put this past year behind me and focus on putting on some muscle.[/QUOTE]
Basically yes. I have seen a lot of lean individuals on this forum adopt that style and remain lean all the time its more of self-control some people can do ad lib feeding by hunger cues and some (like me) have to count every calorie it depends on your appetite and general natural TDEE maintenance. That said if you want to add significant amount of size gaining fat is highly likely (you stated 10lbs weight gain you could aim to add that in one year and you should be able to maintain your lean level and probably only add a couple of % bf if taken slowly enough).
[QUOTE=hardyboysare;1595195691]Basically yes. I have seen a lot of lean individuals on this forum adopt that style and remain lean all the time its more of self-control some people can do ad lib feeding by hunger cues and some (like me) have to count every calorie it depends on your appetite and general natural TDEE maintenance. That said if you want to add significant amount of size gaining fat is highly likely (you stated 10lbs weight gain you could aim to add that in one year and you should be able to maintain your lean level and probably only add a couple of % bf if taken slowly enough).[/QUOTE]
Hell yeah, I like the sound of that. The less cutting, the better! I'm excited to make some gainz this year :D
Thanks again for your help dude
I don’t post here often, but I was hoping for a quick body fat % estimate, based on my avatar (got another one in my gallery).
5’7 158 lbs if that helps.
Thanks for your input!
[QUOTE=rhanlan;1595326951]I don’t post here often, but I was hoping for a quick body fat % estimate, based on my avatar (got another one in my gallery).
5’7 158 lbs if that helps.
Thanks for your input![/QUOTE]
Around 13%
[QUOTE=hardyboysare;1595334091]Around 13%[/QUOTE]
Ok, got my work cut out.
Thanks man, I appreciate it 👍
Hi everyone, I’m 20 years old, approx 6’0” flat and 188 lbs. If I had to guess I’d say I’m 15ish% bodyfat and I’m trying to cut to 12%, I’d like to get some other opinions though in case I’m being too generous with myself. Pics are on bodyspace here since I don’t have enough forum posts to have images. Appreciate any feedback, thanks!!
[QUOTE=WillyFuss;1595342321]Hi everyone, I’m 20 years old, approx 6’0” flat and 188 lbs. If I had to guess I’d say I’m 15ish% bodyfat and I’m trying to cut to 12%, I’d like to get some other opinions though in case I’m being too generous with myself. Pics are on bodyspace here since I don’t have enough forum posts to have images. Appreciate any feedback, thanks!![/QUOTE]
About right I would have you around 15% maybe a touch higher. Aiming around 175-178lbs will probably have at 12% near enough.
[QUOTE=hardyboysare;1595374801]About right I would have you around 15% maybe a touch higher. Aiming around 175-178lbs will probably have at 12% near enough.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the input man, just curious, if I was 15-16% now wouldn’t 12% be more like 180-181? I feel like 175 would be like 10%?
[QUOTE=WillyFuss;1595389081]Thanks for the input man, just curious, if I was 15-16% now wouldn’t 12% be more like 180-181? I feel like 175 would be like 10%?[/QUOTE]
The only problem with general maths for fat percentage loss is that the loss of water weight is not considered likewise other factors such as lean mass may reduce and the proportional divide over the body of your current fat may cause some areas to be lower bf% then others so visually the whole percentage looks higher. Likewise usually you have to be lower then you expect in order to reach your given body fat percentage.
Bf% estimate for the left and the right picture ? Been cutting for 6 weeks from 203lbs to 182lbs, I'm 5f11.
[url]https://imgur.com/a/8b7Yrgg[/url]
[QUOTE=Naite123;1595460341]Bf% estimate for the left and the right picture ? Been cutting for 6 weeks from 203lbs to 182lbs, I'm 5f11.
[url]https://imgur.com/a/8b7Yrgg[/url][/QUOTE]
Left:- Around 23-24%
Right:- 18-19%
Hello, what is the current bodyfat you think? 5ft 8inches 166lbs
[url]https://imagecdn.bodybuilding.com/gallery-photo/232446081/20cd2f0d35e94534b500d54521a53670-610xh.jpg[/url]
Do you see any improvement in muscle mass since the last picture in bodyspace gallery?
I got tired of cutting and spinning wheels at maintenance so To take a break, I’m eating a slight surplus right now - aiming to gain 1lb per month.
P.s. I think I look exactly the same as before (maybe a slightly bigger gut). lol...this definitely ain’t easy but I’m not quitting. At least I’m getting stronger and most (not all) lifts Are going up
Estimates for both pictures please. Thanks in advance!
First pic is 2 months ago. I feel like I've made progress but I dont have a scale anymore so I cant say for sure
htt ps://imgur. com/a/X806DbT
5'9 147lbs, debating as to whether I should bulk on a small surplus or cut.
Can I get Bodyfat estimate please. Pictures in bodyspace. I used the measuring tape and it says about 20.7% bodyfat and how much weight do you reckon I need to lose before lean bulking.
Thank you
[QUOTE=shahzoo;1595657061]Can I get Bodyfat estimate please. Pictures in bodyspace. I used the measuring tape and it says about 20.7% bodyfat and how much weight do you reckon I need to lose before lean bulking.
Thank you[/QUOTE]
Around 20% sounds about right depends on your current weight but most likely around 10-15lbs would be probably be fine before you bulk (you won't be 10% but in a good place to bulk)
[QUOTE=Suther2;1595653711]htt ps://imgur. com/a/X806DbT
5'9 147lbs, debating as to whether I should bulk on a small surplus or cut.[/QUOTE]
14% around you should be bulking.
[QUOTE=hamo685;1595609841]Estimates for both pictures please. Thanks in advance!
First pic is 2 months ago. I feel like I've made progress but I dont have a scale anymore so I cant say for sure[/QUOTE]
Yes it seems you have (of course could be the picture, you really should take weight and measurements) but I would say around 18%.
[QUOTE=TryingBB;1595539261]Hello, what is the current bodyfat you think? 5ft 8inches 166lbs
[url]https://imagecdn.bodybuilding.com/gallery-photo/232446081/20cd2f0d35e94534b500d54521a53670-610xh.jpg[/url]
Do you see any improvement in muscle mass since the last picture in bodyspace gallery?
I got tired of cutting and spinning wheels at maintenance so To take a break, I’m eating a slight surplus right now - aiming to gain 1lb per month.
P.s. I think I look exactly the same as before (maybe a slightly bigger gut). lol...this definitely ain’t easy but I’m not quitting. At least I’m getting stronger and most (not all) lifts Are going up[/QUOTE]
I honestly I can't see any difference but even I can't notice if you have gained 1lb of muscle since December. Just keep at it and ensure you keep the surplus to 1lb a month and then review in 6 months. You have to stick to one way or the other providing your numbers are going up then nothing to be concerned about as getting stronger and a small weight gain will not get you excessively fatter not will any muscle loss occur.
[QUOTE=hamo685;1595609841]Estimates for both pictures please. Thanks in advance!
First pic is 2 months ago. I feel like I've made progress but I dont have a scale anymore so I cant say for sure[/QUOTE]
Bump.
Thanks hardboysare! What about my before picture if you could?
Thanks! Just trying to figure something out lol.
[QUOTE=hamo685;1595697971]Bump.
Thanks hardboysare! What about my before picture if you could?
Thanks! Just trying to figure something out lol.[/QUOTE]
Sorry missed that part. Looks like 23/24%
[QUOTE=hardyboysare;1595695471]I honestly I can't see any difference but even I can't notice if you have gained 1lb of muscle since December. Just keep at it and ensure you keep the surplus to 1lb a month and then review in 6 months. You have to stick to one way or the other providing your numbers are going up then nothing to be concerned about as getting stronger and a small weight gain will not get you excessively fatter not will any muscle loss occur.[/QUOTE]
Thanks. What do you think the current bodyfat is? [url]https://imagecdn.bodybuilding.com/gallery-photo/232446081/20cd2f0d35e94534b500d54521a53670-610xh.jpg[/url]
I keep wondering what if I tried gaining 2lbs a month instead of 1lb a month?
Would my muscle gain be similar in both situations? At 1lb per month weight gain will my body try to use the fat stores for energy and MUSCLE GAINS will be the same as 2lbs per month?
Thanks
P.s. I’ve read it’s normal to feel fat on a bulk. I’m gaining only 1lb per month and still I feel like I’m actively getting Fat and bloated. lol. Like around my love handles and stomach region there is this creepy feeling that tells my brain that I’m getting fat. In the mirror I’m looking better imo but the fat feeling is not good specially after loosing so much weight. Question is, is this feeling normal even at such a slow bulk?
Could i get a bf% estimate? 1,80m, 72 kg~ and 19 years old. htt ps://imgur. com/a/FnD6mtx
Been on a lean bulk for 1,5 month now ( obviously not a long time to see any body change really but asking can't hurt )
i have greatly increased my strength though.
Squat 65kg 8x to 87.5kg 6x
OHP 32.5kg 6x to 50kg 4x
Deadlift 85kg 6x to 107.5kg 6x
Bench 65kg 4x to 77.5kg 4x
Hello,
Can I get an estimate of my bodyfat? I'm 5'9'' and down to 205 from 230. 27 Years old
(Imgur) /a/FiSQ7xC
**cant post link because new account**
Hello!
New poster but have been lifting for ~3 years but the past year has been focused on BJJ.
5’7 ~160lbs and I want to know body fat. I’m guessing around 16% but idk.
I’ve been on a perpetual mild cut/maintenance but I’m stalling HARD now (I follow CICO well but idk).
B: 220
S: 275
D: 335
Posting again because I'm getting impatient with my 5 1/2 month long cut now...
Down from 194 lbs to 163.5 lbs currently. My lifts have not dropped in strength (they've been stalled for a long time), but I'm extremely grateful that I haven't lost any significant strength.
My goal is to get cut enough to where I can start doing a lean bulk. How much longer should I cut for before I lean bulk? What do you think would be an ideal weight for me to start slow bulking at?
Attached are some pictures with my current state.
[QUOTE=Moelijk;1595716321]Could i get a bf% estimate? 1,80m, 72 kg~ and 19 years old. htt ps://imgur. com/a/FnD6mtx
Been on a lean bulk for 1,5 month now ( obviously not a long time to see any body change really but asking can't hurt )
i have greatly increased my strength though.
Squat 65kg 8x to 87.5kg 6x
OHP 32.5kg 6x to 50kg 4x
Deadlift 85kg 6x to 107.5kg 6x
Bench 65kg 4x to 77.5kg 4x[/QUOTE]
18% near enough
[QUOTE=bbporter1;1595717321]Hello,
Can I get an estimate of my bodyfat? I'm 5'9'' and down to 205 from 230. 27 Years old[/QUOTE]
About 25%
[QUOTE=GrapplingSloth;1595725271](Imgur) /a/FiSQ7xC
**cant post link because new account**
Hello!
New poster but have been lifting for ~3 years but the past year has been focused on BJJ.
5’7 ~160lbs and I want to know body fat. I’m guessing around 16% but idk.
I’ve been on a perpetual mild cut/maintenance but I’m stalling HARD now (I follow CICO well but idk).
B: 220
S: 275
D: 335[/QUOTE]
Tad higher in view at 17-18%. If you wish to lose more weight you will have to put yourself in a greater deficit. Drop calories by 300 and the weight will start dropping.
[QUOTE=Zelqui;1595765681]Posting again because I'm getting impatient with my 5 1/2 month long cut now...
Down from 194 lbs to 163.5 lbs currently. My lifts have not dropped in strength (they've been stalled for a long time), but I'm extremely grateful that I haven't lost any significant strength.
My goal is to get cut enough to where I can start doing a lean bulk. How much longer should I cut for before I lean bulk? What do you think would be an ideal weight for me to start slow bulking at?
Attached are some pictures with my current state.[/QUOTE]
You are at 15-16% near enough in my view. You look pretty lean but I imagine you want slight more leanness for the warmer months coming therefore personally you don't look small therefore you can carry on cutting. 6 months is quite a long time but not extreme therefore you could go to maintenance TDEE (minus 200 calories for good measure) and run that for a 2 weeks - 1 month to give yourself a break and then hit a cut again until you hit between 150-155lbs that way you will look lean for the summer.
If you aren't struggling to lose weight then I would just crack on and suffer and lose more fat. I know the feeling cuts suck but the occasional break can help with mental aspect and some small hormonal issues.
[QUOTE=TryingBB;1595707001]Thanks. What do you think the current bodyfat is? [url]https://imagecdn.bodybuilding.com/gallery-photo/232446081/20cd2f0d35e94534b500d54521a53670-610xh.jpg[/url]
I keep wondering what if I tried gaining 2lbs a month instead of 1lb a month?
Would my muscle gain be similar in both situations? At 1lb per month weight gain will my body try to use the fat stores for energy and MUSCLE GAINS will be the same as 2lbs per month?
Thanks
P.s. I’ve read it’s normal to feel fat on a bulk. I’m gaining only 1lb per month and still I feel like I’m actively getting Fat and bloated. lol. Like around my love handles and stomach region there is this creepy feeling that tells my brain that I’m getting fat. In the mirror I’m looking better imo but the fat feeling is not good specially after loosing so much weight. Question is, is this feeling normal even at such a slow bulk?[/QUOTE]
Around 21-22% I would say.
Personally adding more weight is no guarantee that more muscle will be built it depends if you wish to risk gaining more fat, technically being in a caloric surplus will ensure that you have enough energy for growth and its very unlikely you will utilise stored fat as the energy supply that only occurs in a caloric deficit. Being in a greater caloric surplus is no certainty for more muscle. Personally if I was getting stronger and increasing work volume I see no point adding more calories as you are already improving.
[url]https://sci-fit.net/bulking-deficit-gaining/[/url]
[QUOTE=hardyboysare;1595802191]18% near enough
About 25%
Tad higher in view at 17-18%. If you wish to lose more weight you will have to put yourself in a greater deficit. Drop calories by 300 and the weight will start dropping.
You are at 15-16% near enough in my view. You look pretty lean but I imagine you want slight more leanness for the warmer months coming therefore personally you don't look small therefore you can carry on cutting. 6 months is quite a long time but not extreme therefore you could go to maintenance TDEE (minus 200 calories for good measure) and run that for a 2 weeks - 1 month to give yourself a break and then hit a cut again until you hit between 150-155lbs that way you will look lean for the summer.
If you aren't struggling to lose weight then I would just crack on and suffer and lose more fat. I know the feeling cuts suck but the occasional break can help with mental aspect and some small hormonal issues.[/QUOTE]
Yeah, I'm definitely not struggling to lose weight. I also don't really mind how lean I am during the warmer months, as my main concern is just being able to slow bulk to put on some quality mass and increase strength. Because of this, I don't mind continuing the cut especially if I'm closer to the tail end.
I've been losing about 2 lbs per week for the last couple of months, and honestly it's not really affecting my ability to workout too much or anything like that. Do you think I can continue to lose at this rate as long as I'm feeling fine and can lift? What bodyfat do you estimate that I would be at around 155 lbs? Seems like a low weight to me, but damn I'd be curious to see how much leaner I am at that point.
Also -- thank you so much for your detailed replies. They have been extraordinarily helpful to me and everyone else.
Hi ive been bulking for 3 months can i have a bodyfat % estimate. Im now 160lbs at 5'7
[url]https://m.imgur.com/a/H2IX8Cf[/url]
Thanks in advance
Hi. Looking for some feedback based off the following photos I took yesterday. I've been cutting since the beginning of August after a LONG hiatus from the gym. I am 6'5". Starting weight was ~111kg. The photos below I weighed in at 95kg. So, 16kg lost which I'm very pleased with. Weight training has been either minimalist full body or an upper/lower split. Calorie intake has been between 1500 and 2000 calories (maintenance is ~2400 calories). While I've lost a good deal of fat, there are still a couple of problem areas I'd like to trim down, but I'm reasonably happy with where I've got to. Unfortunately energy levels have suffered and I'm concerned if I keep persevering with the cut I'll just look like a smaller version of what I currently am, rather than coming out the other end with the lean, defined look I'm after.
I am VERY keen to switch to a long-term muscle building focus and start eating at maintenance. My main concern was retaining whatever muscle I had when I started cutting and I think I've done an okay job on that front. So, do you reckon I've trimmed enough off to justify switching gears? Thanks in advance.
PS - just to note re: the front pic - I am quite wide in the hips. So where it flares out a bit is partly my skeletal structure rather than just fat (just in case it's not obvious in the photo).
[QUOTE=Zelqui;1595817321]Yeah, I'm definitely not struggling to lose weight. I also don't really mind how lean I am during the warmer months, as my main concern is just being able to slow bulk to put on some quality mass and increase strength. Because of this, I don't mind continuing the cut especially if I'm closer to the tail end.
I've been losing about 2 lbs per week for the last couple of months, and honestly it's not really affecting my ability to workout too much or anything like that. Do you think I can continue to lose at this rate as long as I'm feeling fine and can lift? What bodyfat do you estimate that I would be at around 155 lbs? Seems like a low weight to me, but damn I'd be curious to see how much leaner I am at that point.
Also -- thank you so much for your detailed replies. They have been extraordinarily helpful to me and everyone else.[/QUOTE]
You can build muscle at any given fat percentage really so that shouldn't be your concern if you are planning to cut lean for that reason alone. The idea of cutting within the 10-15% range is very much an arbitrary statement based on theory of testosterone producing is optimal during this phase, that said I have seen no solid science that backs that statement, yes getting overweight seems to have an effect but again this is really only noticeable when obese.
The main reason for the 10-15% range is basically you can see your work and less time needed to cut for the leanness you wish to achieve. If that is not a concern then their is absolute no harm bulking in the 15-23% bracket really you just won't see your work as easily.
I always believe in just finishing one route before moving on I find moving to maintenance just prolong the pains. From what I have seen you will always be lower weight wise then you expect once you cut to basically lean so remember its just a number it doesn't really matter. If I took a best guess I would think around 12-13% maybe possible lower depending on the water loss but around that percentage seems about right.
[QUOTE=wickedsushi;1595829601]Hi. Looking for some feedback based off the following photos I took yesterday. I've been cutting since the beginning of August after a LONG hiatus from the gym. I am 6'5". Starting weight was ~111kg. The photos below I weighed in at 95kg. So, 16kg lost which I'm very pleased with. Weight training has been either minimalist full body or an upper/lower split. Calorie intake has been between 1500 and 2000 calories (maintenance is ~2400 calories). While I've lost a good deal of fat, there are still a couple of problem areas I'd like to trim down, but I'm reasonably happy with where I've got to. Unfortunately energy levels have suffered and I'm concerned if I keep persevering with the cut I'll just look like a smaller version of what I currently am, rather than coming out the other end with the lean, defined look I'm after.
I am VERY keen to switch to a long-term muscle building focus and start eating at maintenance. My main concern was retaining whatever muscle I had when I started cutting and I think I've done an okay job on that front. So, do you reckon I've trimmed enough off to justify switching gears? Thanks in advance.
PS - just to note re: the front pic - I am quite wide in the hips. So where it flares out a bit is partly my skeletal structure rather than just fat (just in case it's not obvious in the photo).[/QUOTE]
Yes you are plenty lean enough to start bulking. Keep a small surplus aiming gain around 2lbs a month. I would say you are about 16%
[QUOTE=GeofGolden;1595828361]Hi ive been bulking for 3 months can i have a bodyfat % estimate. Im now 160lbs at 5'7
[url]https://m.imgur.com/a/H2IX8Cf[/url]
Thanks in advance[/QUOTE]
Around 18-19% cant see any obvious fat gains since your previous request so keep up the progress providing you are getting stronger.
[QUOTE=hardyboysare;1595840131]Yes you are plenty lean enough to start bulking. Keep a small surplus aiming gain around 2lbs a month. I would say you are about 16%
[/QUOTE]Cheers! I was expecting the "keep cutting" mantra, so I'm relieved to have an objective opinion backing up my preference to move towards muscle building.
[QUOTE=hardyboysare;1595837131]You can build muscle at any given fat percentage really so that shouldn't be your concern if you are planning to cut lean for that reason alone. The idea of cutting within the 10-15% range is very much an arbitrary statement based on theory of testosterone producing is optimal during this phase, that said I have seen no solid science that backs that statement, yes getting overweight seems to have an effect but again this is really only noticeable when obese.
The main reason for the 10-15% range is basically you can see your work and less time needed to cut for the leanness you wish to achieve. If that is not a concern then their is absolute no harm bulking in the 15-23% bracket really you just won't see your work as easily. [/QUOTE]
Funny you should mention that as I was reading about this ideal range before I posted. I'd be under 90kg at 10%. The only other time I got under 90kg everyone thought I was too skinny and/or unwell! So far as optimal hormonal production at 10%. Well, I can't imagine pushing my body down to 90kg with my present LBM would do my testosterone any favors.
I'll look into lean bulking and target 2lbs a month as you suggested. It's funny trying to rewire your brain for a calorie surplus. I'm thinking I'll target 100kg which - if I stay within the 2lbs / month range - I ought to ideally hit mid-2020. Then I can reevaluate my progress / physique.
Thanks again [B]hardyboysare[/B].
Please could someone give me a quick idea of my BF% - I think its somewhere between 18-23% - my scales say 18.5%. Pics are uploaded now.
Thanks in advance!
[QUOTE=schrickm5;1595958171]Please could someone give me a quick idea of my BF% - I think its somewhere between 18-23% - my scales say 18.5%. Pics are uploaded now.
Thanks in advance![/QUOTE]
I have you near the upper end around 23-24%
[QUOTE=hardyboysare;1595961621]I have you near the upper end around 23-24%[/QUOTE] Thanks!
New member here just trying to get a estimate From someone if I can!
Age:24
Height:5’11
Current weight: 205.8 lbs
Waist:32”
If anyone could give me a estimate would be much appreciated photos are on my profile.
Thanks
Hi all
I'd really appreciate an estimate on my body fat %. Picture is on my profile.
I'm 6ft 1 and currently 189 lbs after cutting from 220 lbs.
Getting fed up of cutting now so just wondering if I should carry on or start a lean bulk.
Cheers
Can someone have a look at my progress photo on my profile and give an estimate. I'm currently 5ft 10 and 184lbs.
Also should I keep bulking or cut because honestly I'm totally lost on what to do now.
Anyone care to give me an estimate. See avi and bodyspace. 6'2" 190lbs