Keep Cutting or Start Bulk????

[cniel25]

Hey guys...first post here.

First off, a big THANK YOU to everyone's input to these forums. I've been reading posts for a while and based on your input I think I have made a decent transformation. I feel like I actually have somewhat of a handle on my nutrition now and it has definitely payed off. Still got a lot to learn!

A bit of background. I have always been active in sports and stayed in relatively good shape. I think both my job and age finally caught up with me and I realized I had let myself go. I am 35 years old and 6' 2". As of December 1, 2011, I had ballooned up to 239 lbs. Sorry, I don't have a before picture...wish I took one myself. Anyway, I felt like crap and decided to take my diet serious and started working out with a purpose. It has truly been a lifestyle change and one I wish I would have done sooner. Based on the info I got from you guys on this forum, I think I have done a pretty decent job at losing body fat and keeping the muscle I had.

As of today, I am down to 193. I am to the point where I am questioning whether to keep cutting or if it is time to bulk a bit. I'm curious as to your thoughts and suggestions. Any input you could give would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry for the low quality cell phone pic.

Also, could you give me estimate on what my bf % might be now?

Thanks!

[69cam]

You look ready to start a slow bulk.

[cniel25]

Ok cool...thanks for the input. Is there anything I should concentrate on more than others? I'm thinking I need some work on my traps.

[onelifenoregret]

You look ready to start a slow bulk.

Agreed! You are lookin lean man! Probably ~12%bf. Kinda hard to tell with this picture what all to work on but I can say I would definitely hit the traps.

Almost forgot, congrats on the progress and weight loss!!!!

[cniel25]

Thanks! Yeah...sorry about the crappy pic. I need to get some better ones up, but I have been a bit gun-shy to post any. Still lacking in confidence a bit since I am a giant newb!

Ok...so slow bulk it is. Should I eat at maintenance for a couple weeks and then a small surplus then?

[LarryAppleton]

All of this is just personal preference, but if I were you, I'd keep cutting for a little bit longer. Why? You have good muscle mass and are so close to seeing an awesome finished product.

You deserve to see yourself looking aesthetic as can be after having to deal with being out of shape for a while. Plus, if you start your bulk with a ridiculously low bodyfat percentage, you'll be able to gain 20-25 pounds while still looking great.

[JAB06]

bulk up another 20 lbs and do a lean cut for next summer!

[cniel25]

Thanks Larry....how much more are you thinking for me to cut? What are you thinking is "ridiculously low"? If I am at an estimated 12%, are you thinking down to 10% or lower? I'm definitely not disagreeing with you, just trying to get an idea.

[Cuttinghard]

Depends what your goals are, me personally I would cut till those abs are fully showing.

[LarryAppleton]

Thanks Larry....how much more are you thinking for me to cut? What are you thinking is "ridiculously low"? If I am at an estimated 12%, are you thinking down to 10% or lower? I'm definitely not disagreeing with you, just trying to get an idea.

I'll echo Cuttinghard above me and say until your abs pop. You're pretty damn close. Looks to be within a couple months of happening. Yeah, I'm talking about sub 10%.