A Journey of Weight Gain: Should You Stick to Bulking or Start Cutting?
Follow the weight journey of a Reddit user, and discover the pros and cons of bulking and cutting for weight loss and muscle building.
Article by Madeleine Smith
Introduction
Join the weight journey of a young Reddit user who gained 15 pounds since August last year. With 206 pounds on a 6'3'' frame, he wonders whether he should continue bulking or start cutting. While it seems like a straightforward question, it's essential to consider the benefits and drawbacks of these two weight management strategies.
Bulking
Bulking refers to the process of consuming more calories than your body burns in a day, usually with the goal of building muscle. This weight gain includes fat, which is a side-effect of the extra calories, but it's essential to gain mass to build muscles. Generally speaking, bulking is recommended for people with a BMI of less than 25. Bulking can make you feel stronger and increase your metabolism, but it can also lead to unwanted weight gain if one is not careful.
Cutting
Cutting is a strategy aimed at reducing body fat while maintaining muscle mass. Those with a BMI of over 25 are recommended to cut. During cutting, one should eat fewer calories than the body requires to start burning fat. This can lead to weight loss, reduced body fat levels, and better muscle definition. However, cutting can also lead to muscle loss if not approached with caution, so it's essential to track protein intake carefully.
What Our Reddit User Should Do
Based on the available information, our Reddit user should consider a few things before deciding to cut or bulk. Firstly, he should check his BMI to have an idea of where he sits in terms of weight management. Additionally, he should consider his fitness goals - building muscles or losing fat. It's also important to be aware of the positives and negatives that come with both strategies.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're trying to build muscle or lose weight, it's essential to find the strategy that works best for you. While bulking can be beneficial in some instances, it may not work for everyone. Similarly, while cutting can be a great way to lose weight fast, it's not always effective. Our Reddit user could try both strategies, making sure to approach them safely with adequate nutrition and exercise. And remember, weight management is a journey - don't be discouraged by setbacks or lack of progress, and always consult a healthcare professional before starting a weight loss or muscle-building program.
Weight Snapshot Summary
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.
A 28 Year Old Male's Weight Loss Journey Week 1 Update
Male at 6'5 Loses 66 Pounds in 10 Months Sober
2 Year Progress: M/20/6'2'' Goes From 189Lbs to 206Lbs
19 Year Old Male Loses 81Lbs, 31Lbs Lighter Than When He Was 15