Should I bulk or cut first?

[PrinceOfAutumn]

Hey all,

I only recently began going to the gym regularly (Starting going for 40-70 minutes 4/5 days a week starting in April), and I've seen some decent gains in strength and size. Problem is, I don't know whether to continue gaining muscle or start cutting fat. I have a general idea that I should be gaining weight in the autumn and cutting it in the spring, but I don't want to throw on too much weight so early in my "career" so to speak. But I also don't think I should try cutting a lot of weight while out of cutting season. Should I just maintain for now and wait for spring to start a healthy cut/bulk cycle? I prioritize muscle size over fat content but I eventually want to get rid of what's left of my love handles.

Thanks for any advice in advance.

[xsquid99]

Which bothers you more, your lack of muscle or the amount of fat you're carrying?

For me, I don't let myself get over 18-19% bodyfat. So if my gut is starting to extend over my belt, its time to shed some fat. I don't buy into that "cutting season" stuff, sure everyone wants to look good for the summer, but you may need to be flexible based on the conditions of your body and not have your life dictated by a calendar. In fact I just finished a cut a couple weeks ago.

[sunsean]

Which bothers you more, your lack of muscle or the amount of fat you're carrying?

For me, I don't let myself get over 18-19% bodyfat. So if my gut is starting to extend over my belt, its time to shed some fat. I don't buy into that "cutting season" stuff, sure everyone wants to look good for the summer, but you may need to be flexible based on the conditions of your body and not have your life dictated by a calendar. In fact I just finished a cut a couple weeks ago.

This. Don't make decisions based on the calendar. I'm about to start a cut myself.

[PrinceOfAutumn]

Which bothers you more, your lack of muscle or the amount of fat you're carrying?

For me, I don't let myself get over 18-19% bodyfat. So if my gut is starting to extend over my belt, its time to shed some fat. I don't buy into that "cutting season" stuff, sure everyone wants to look good for the summer, but you may need to be flexible based on the conditions of your body and not have your life dictated by a calendar. In fact I just finished a cut a couple weeks ago.

They both bother me equally, and it depends on the day. If I stick my hand under my gut it only covers my pinkie finger, but I don't feel great without a shirt on. But I also want some more mass up top just because it looks good. I'm torn because I know if I cut, the muscle I do have will look nice, but if I focus on getting more muscle mass, it will overtake the gut I have.

Pics of me attached.

[vadimmoda]

cut to 12% before your mid section blows up when you bulk then you're forced to cut and lose most of your gains.

learn from my mistakes

[xsquid99]

Definitely cut, you have some pretty good sized love handles going on there, you're 20%+ bodyfat.

[Maverick2015]

Cut. Just make sure you keep lifting with a good program while you do.