Bulk, Cut, Maintain?

[dylanthom66]

Hi, so over the course of working out since July or almost 6 months, my strength has went up pretty well. My lifts right now are, 295 bench, 425 dl, and a 405 squat. When I started in July I was weighing in at 173lbs now I’m 191lbs. Recently I’ve gotten some stretch marks on my biceps, triceps and shoulders and also my inner thighs. Recently people have been telling me to slow it down and some people saying I’m doing good. Right now I’m in a debate of keep doing what I’m doing or to do a cut. I can’t post images due to the 50 limit, but I posted them on my profile. Any advice would be helpful Also the post with me in the bathroom heside the garbage can was about a year and a half ago, just wanted to put it there too show kind of where I started

[Mrpb]

Nice progress. Based on the Jan 23 pic I recommend cutting. Try to continue getting stronger while losing about a pound per week.

[dylanthom66]

Nice progress. Based on the Jan 23 pic I recommend cutting. Try to continue getting stronger while losing about a pound per week.

What’s a good way to calculate your macros and calories for a cut. I’ve never really bulked, just eat the way I do but most of the food I ear is healthy.

[faithbrah]

https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showt...hp?t=173439001

[LittleIronGirl]

What’s a good way to calculate your macros and calories for a cut. I’ve never really bulked, just eat the way I do but most of the food I ear is healthy.

Check the sticky about calculating your TDEE. I would go maybe 200-300 calories below maintenance. Smaller calorie deficits are better for maintaining strength and lean body mass. Also, minimum of 1g of protein per lb of lean body mass.

[ezra76]

If you are 190 I'd keep doing what you're doing, maybe add in 10-15min. of cardio like incline treadmill or stair stepper at the end of your workouts. Switch to maint. calories for 185lbs. until you get to 185 then see where you are at. If all is going well then move to maint. for 180. This is just what worked for me in the past.

Personally I'd want to get 315 on that bench before going down too much though.

[Mrpb]

What’s a good way to calculate your macros and calories for a cut. I’ve never really bulked, just eat the way I do but most of the food I ear is healthy.

Check the link given by faithbrah: https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showt...hp?t=173439001

[Tommy W.]

What’s a good way to calculate your macros and calories for a cut. I’ve never really bulked, just eat the way I do but most of the food I ear is healthy.

the absolute best way to figure how many calories to take in is to bypass the calculators and take a week, eat normally and count those calories. The following week start takin in 500 calories a day less. The calculators can set you in the wrong direction and then it can take a month or more to sort everything out.

As far as macros it’s always safe to take in 1g of protein per lb of body weight and a fair amount of fat and the remaining calories will be whatever you want.

[Fandar]

Sounds like you're doing good.