Should you cut or bulk first to maximize beginner gains?

[IronMack]

So for someone like myself with high bodyfat (25%... 6' 200#), with a goal of balancing becoming both very physically fit (high endurance), and at the same maximizing muscle/minimizing body fat (physique & strength), would it be smart to first do endurance stuff and cut, or lift & bulk?

I ask because I want to start bulking, even though my body fat % is extremely high, because I don't have much of any strength.

But wouldn't it be smarter to cut first? Mainly because if you use your beginner gains on a bulk, then cut down even more, it will be harder to gain muscle back. Whereas if you cut first, you can start at a low bodyfat (albeit thin & weak), and end up with a decent balance of both?

Basically I don't want to gain a good amount of muscle starting out, then lose most of it cutting.


My last question is for someone with an endurance goal mixed with a bodybuilding goal, should you cycle that type of workout too? Should I do P90x or crossfit or cardio stuff for like 6 months, then weight train for 6 months, or are there hybrid routines for stuff like this? I realize you probably can't optimize both areas if you're trying to balance, but I'm okay with that.

[Jasonk282]

at your weight with that picture. cut and lift heavy at the same time. No need for P90X. just eat less food, hit your macros and lift weights.

[IronMack]

For that I was thinking 1800 cals/day & rippetoe's SS...

Would it be possible to adjust that routine to mix in some cardio/HIIT somewhere?

In addition to being weak I'm also very unfit (fml).. Both are equally important to me..

[Jasonk282]

For that I was thinking 1800 cals/day & rippetoe's SS...

Would it be possible to adjust that routine to mix in some cardio/HIIT somewhere?

In addition to being weak I'm also very unfit (fml).. Both are equally important to me..

I would do SS with HITT after working out. Doing it on your off day will cut into your recovery and affect you the other days.

Actually that what I did when I ran SS.