Should I start cutting now? First time bulking.

[GMan2495]

I'm 5'6" (167.64cm) and 143lbs (64.68kg).
I have been lean bulking, gaining 2 pounds a month. I've included pics below (no pump in those pics). First time bulking and just wanted to make sure I was doing this right. My main concern is my midsection and it's the reason I'm asking this question.

Should I start cutting now or am I clear to keep bulking? Thanks. I'm also available to respond to any questions.

[safcpaul]

Personally I'd bulk for another year if I was you

[SuffolkPunch]

You could try slowing down the rate of mass gain if you wanted (maybe 1lb a month) - as long as you can keep gaining strength. It does look like you are making gains which is good.

[GMan2495]

You could try slowing down the rate of mass gain if you wanted (maybe 1lb a month) - as long as you can keep gaining strength. It does look like you are making gains which is good.

Alright, thanks. I will keep bulking. Is there a weight you'd suggest I start cutting? I was thinking 160lbs but what weight do you think will be best? Thanks.

[dalec1081]

Bulk to 170, cut to 155.... re-evaluate then.

[xsquid99]

Bulk to 170, cut to 155.... re-evaluate then.

No, just no...

27 more pounds is insane and will mostly end up being fat. Another 10-ish lbs over the next 6-10 months, then cut.

[RapidFail]

No, just no...

27 more pounds is insane and will mostly end up being fat. Another 10-ish lbs over the next 6-10 months, then cut.

This. I'd be interested to know how long OP has been bulking already - he's in a position where he could do either.

[GMan2495]

This. I'd be interested to know how long OP has been bulking already - he's in a position where he could do either.

I started bulking around September 2020, when my gym reopened. So it's been about a year. I started at 124lbs.

[air2fakie]

I'd keep doing what you're doing until you hate what you see in the mirror midsection-wise, otherwise the gains are worth it since you seem to be bulking well.

You have some freakishly long limbs compared to your torso btw.

[RapidFail]

So you've been bulking for a year and have gained 19lb. Firstly, congratulations on a job well done. I think after a year of successful bulking, you should do what excites you more. There's also the option of a mini cut, which could set you up for another long, lean bulk.

[GMan2495]

No, just no...

27 more pounds is insane and will mostly end up being fat. Another 10-ish lbs over the next 6-10 months, then cut.

So you've been bulking for a year and have gained 19lb. Firstly, congratulations on a job well done. I think after a year of successful bulking, you should do what excites you more. There's also the option of a mini cut, which could set you up for another long, lean bulk.

Thanks. Just wanted to ask what you meant by a mini-cut? Like 5 or 10lbs? Will probably take xsquid99's suggestion of 10 more pounds before I cut but I just wanted to ask what you think would be an ideal mini cut.

[RapidFail]

Thanks. Just wanted to ask what you meant by a mini-cut? Like 5 or 10lbs? Will probably take xsquid99's suggestion of 10 more pounds before I cut but I just wanted to ask what you think would be an ideal mini cut.

It's a good suggestion. If you're looking to get a shredded 6-pack (which I have never done BTW) then you're better off doing a longer cut. If you just want to lose a little fat from around your midsection to give yourself room for another long lean bulk, then a mini cut can get you there. It's up to 6 weeks of losing 0.75-1.25% of bodyweight per week, accompanied by resistance training and a high protein diet to avoid muscle loss.

[GMan2495]

It's a good suggestion. If you're looking to get a shredded 6-pack (which I have never done BTW) then you're better off doing a longer cut. If you just want to lose a little fat from around your midsection to give yourself room for another long lean bulk, then a mini cut can get you there. It's up to 6 weeks of losing 0.75-1.25% of bodyweight per week, accompanied by resistance training and a high protein diet to avoid muscle loss.

Sorry for the late response. Alright, I understand what you mean by mini-cut now. Thank you very much. I'll add 10 more pounds as suggested by "xsquid99" then cut. Thanks to everyone for the help.