A Reddit User's Weight Journey: Balancing Surplus and Aesthetics

Introduction

Reddit is a great platform for sharing fitness journeys and getting advice from the community. One user, GusTTSHowbiz214, shared his weight journey in a post titled "[BoC] M/23/5'9"/180 lbs." and received valuable feedback on balancing caloric surplus and aesthetics.

Adjusting Caloric Surplus

GusTTSHowbiz214 started with a 500 kcal surplus while doing Stronglifts and later lowered it down to 400 kcal when he switched to ICF. However, he was advised to go for a 200 kcal surplus with priority on protein intake for natural trainees gaining muscle with minimal fat. He considered whether to cut the belly while it's "manageable" or continue building muscle and fill out and deal with the belly later. He was aware that the latter would result in a long cut.

Balancing Strength Progress and Aesthetics

The advice offered to GusTTSHowbiz214 depended on his main consideration, which was to continue a bulk without going overboard. He had a personal preference for aesthetics and considered cutting to a more manageable body fat percentage at the expense of his strength progress taking longer. Alternatively, he could continue bulking with just a slight caloric surplus, monitoring fat and strength gains, and adjusting as he goes.

Experts' Recommendation

Most experts agree that a 200 kcal surplus with priority on protein intake is best for natural trainees gaining muscle with minimal fat. Additionally, it's important to adjust caloric intake according to body's response, monitor fat gain in relation to muscle gain, and be patient with progress. Fitness and body goals vary from one individual to another. Trying things out, incorporating advice from the community, and listening to the body's response, determine what works best.

Conclusion

Sharing weight journeys on platforms like Reddit can offer a wealth of information and support from the community. Through this Reddit post, GusTTSHowbiz214 was able to receive valuable advice and guidance on balancing caloric surplus and aesthetics according to his fitness goals. It's essential to remember that everyone's fitness journey is unique, and it's important to try things out for oneself while incorporating advice from experts and the community.