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A Year Long Journey: Gaining 13Lbs Through Bulking and Cutting

Follow one Reddit user's 12-month bulk and 12-week cut journey, and learn why many fitness enthusiasts bulk and cut to achieve their desired physiques.

Article by Madeleine Smith

A before and after photo of a 5'10" male showing a weight gain from 156 pounds to 169 pounds. A respectable gain of 13 pounds.
M/30/5’10” [156 lbs < 169 lbs = 13 lbs gained] 12 month bulk & 12 week cut
Originally posted on /r/progresspics

Why Bulk and Cut?

Building muscle is difficult and takes time. An individual might expect to gain a maximum of 2lbs of muscle per month, which can slow down as gains are made. To support muscle growth, one needs to be in an energy surplus or gaining weight. A reason for many fitness enthusiasts to bulk is to gain muscle mass, which often comes with some fat gain alongside muscle gain. A subsequent cut is required to shed the excess fat to reveal the new muscle mass.

A Successful Bulk and Cut Journey

The Reddit user, JustSnilloc, took us through his year-long journey of bulking and cutting, resulting in a gain of 13lbs. He noted that despite adding weight, he managed to maintain a lean physique on both ends of the journey. According to him, he needed the middle stage to achieve his desired physique, as he needed some fat to fuel muscle growth.

A Variety of Goals

The Reddit user, JustSnilloc, mentioned that he enjoys periodically pursuing new goals, and the constant variation seems productive to him. While bulking, he focuses on continually setting higher goals in the gym, and during cutting, he enjoys the process of slowly uncovering the results of his hard work. The process helps him stay motivated and focused on attaining his goals.

Benefits and Caveats of Bulking and Cutting

While bulking and cutting can help an individual achieve desirable physical results, it's important to consider some caveats. First, it's crucial to note that carrying too much body fat may negatively impact health. Also, it's essential to keep the weight gain and loss sustainable and healthy. For those considering a bulk and cut journey, it's best to consult with a professional to create personalized plans.

The Big Picture

Bulking and cutting are effective for many fitness enthusiasts who wish to gain muscle mass while maintaining a lean and fit physique. It's important to note that every individual has their unique journey, and the bulk and cut method may not work for everyone. Nonetheless, it's essential to pursue individual goals and stay motivated while enjoying the process.

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Madeleine Smith

Content Lead at MyProgressPics.com

Madeleine is passionate about empowering individuals with the information and tools they need to transform their bodies and lives.