Should I bulk or cut?

[loquacity]

Hey guys,

This is my first thread here. I've been working out for about 1.5 years, and while I've made some progress, I've reached a point where I'm unable to decide whether to cut or bulk. It's my summer break right now, and I've always dreamt of having abs. I have a fair bit of flab covering my stomach right now that I'd love to get rid of. However, my lifts aren't that great. I max out at 185 or so for barbell squats and 160 for benches (somehow I can hit 300 on the deadlift but my form probably isn't the greatest). I'd like to build more muscle, but I'd also think I'd look better if I cut down a bit. What do you guys think? Should I bulk through the summer, or start a cut and resume my bulk come fall?

Thanks!

[x2lvlarcher]

Two things are not adding up:
I've been working out for about 1.5 years,
160 for benches

[nrcreate]

What's your body fat percentage? I think you should try cutting for now until you get to your goal % (assuming you're not already skinny). Without picture or more info I don't really have any more suggestions... except that don't focus only on your abs when working out, also pay attention to obliques and middle back. Goodluck!

[x2lvlarcher]

Hmm also should have noted OP doesn't state rather male or female so the 1.5 years for 160 pounds could be normal.

[cls91]

Hmm also should have noted OP doesn't state rather male or female so the 1.5 years for 160 pounds could be normal.

That's the first thing that comes to mind? You don't think height, weight, or bf% are important things to consider when talking about someones lifts?


OP has really given 0 relevant info for the advice he/she is seeking.

[DAaaMan64]

need pics preferably.

[stealth_swimmer]

Pics would be nice. I think the most relevant info we could get would be your bodyfat % (or just post pics of yourself) and your current caloric intake. If your caloric intake is really low, there's no sense in cutting even if you're flabby. It would be more productive to bulk but just slowly add in calories so that your metabolism slowly builds up and you have more calories to cut from later. If you are eating quite a bit, then you can start cutting if you feel you got too much flab. Just make sure to keep lifting hard while doing so and lose about 1-3 lbs a week so that you don't lose too much muscle.

[mzzxx11]

Most people cut for definition. Is that your goal for the summer? if so, cut.

If your goal is adding mass & you dont care so much about physique, you should bulk.

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[MetilHed]

If this has been helpful, please vote my rep, tnx

Quit begging, it will only end up worse.

[tara19]

Quit begging, it will only end up worse.

Just irritated me so bad.

[Mrpb]

need pics

This.

[MetilHed]

If this has been helpful, please vote my rep, tnx

Well, that worked out great.