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How This Redditor Put on 15 Pounds in a Year Without Ever Bulking or Cutting

Read about one man's impressive transformation journey without tracking macros, bulking, or cutting. Learn how he put on muscle mass through a healthy diet and consistent exercise routine

Article by Madeleine Smith

A before and after photo of a 5'10" male showing a muscle gain from 150 pounds to 165 pounds. A net gain of 15 pounds.
M/24/5’10” [150lbs>165lbs = 15 lbs] 1 year later, linear progression. Never bulked and have never cut!
Originally posted on /r/progresspics

Introduction

Reckenear, a 24-year-old man, shared his weightlifting transformation on Reddit after putting on 15 pounds in a year. An outstanding fact is that he hadn't bulked or cut at any point during the transformation. This caught the attention of many Redditors, with curious users wanting to know how he achieved such results.

Diet and Routine

This Redditor did not track macros but instead maintained a healthy diet during the week while having cheat days and drinking every weekend. He takes protein and creatine supplements after every workout and also occasionally in the morning. In terms of his exercise itinerary, he works out four times per week, focusing on compound exercises and training either chest/tris, back/bis, legs/core, and shoulders including any other accessory muscles he couldn't train effectively. Reckenear also runs a 5k on his off-day and takes the weekends off.

Putting on Mass Without Bulking

Many Reddit users were perplexed by the fact that Reckenear stated that he had never bulked or cut. While some may argue that he had bulked unconsciously, he maintained the same body fat all through the year, and statistically, his transformation was lean. Reckenear's transformation strategy does not follow traditional bulk and cut cycles. Instead, it involves eating in slight excess and training consistently to put on muscle mass progressively.

Genetic Factors?

Some Redditors were in awe of Reckenear's physique and argued that genetics played a role. Reckenear humbly responded that he's not in the top 1% genetically but is merely in tune with his body and understands what he needs to do to maintain and train it. He also mentioned that he eats healthy and has done so throughout his life, implying that building a routine of healthy eating and regular exercise is replicable.

Conclusion

Reckenear's transformation proves that traditional bulking and cutting cycles can be challenged. By consistently following a healthy diet and workout regimen, body transformation and even muscle mass gain can be realized without necessarily bulking or cutting. While Reckenear's dietary and workout regimen may not suit everyone, it's worth trying out for those who have been frustrated by traditional bulking and cutting cycles.

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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.