Bulking Up: a Journey to Gaining Muscle and Losing Fat

Bulking Phase

Reddit user throwawaykratomboy shared his weight journey on the platform, showcasing his progress from 158 to 168lbs in four months. However, some users pointed out that a slower bulk would have been better, as gaining 8lbs primarily in fat is not ideal. It's recommended to gain only 5-10lbs of muscle in the first year of training before bulking slowly to avoid excess fat gain.

Recomp Phase

After bulking, throwawaykratomboy received further advice from the community to switch to a body recomp phase. This involves eating below maintenance levels while still lifting weights to help build muscle and burn excess fat. The goal is to get back to a similar body fat percentage as before the bulk. Recommendations for a calorie deficit ranged from 250-500 calories per day.

Community Support

The Reddit community provided support and advice throughout throwawaykratomboy's weight journey. Users recommended taking progress pictures and assessing how clothes fit, rather than solely focusing on the scale. Honest feedback was given on which progress picture looked leaner, but throwawaykratomboy ultimately decided to continue bulking for another month before beginning a cut.

Lessons Learned

Throwawaykratomboy's weight journey showcases the importance of slow and steady weight gain, as well as seeking advice from the community. It's important to prioritize protein and avoid excessive calorie surplus during bulking phases. Recomp phases can also be beneficial for reducing excess fat while still building muscle.

Try It Out for Yourself

While throwawaykratomboy's weight journey is unique to him, there are valuable lessons to be learned from his experience. Experiment with bulking and recomp phases, but remember to go at a pace that works for you and prioritize protein intake. Seek advice from the community, but ultimately make decisions that work for your individual goals and lifestyle.