I have been lifting weights 3 times a week for about 4 months straight, and the week after next I will begin cutting for summer. (More cardio, less lifting and calories) Do you recommend that I take next week off totally before I transition into a cutting phase? It seems that many say you should, but I wonder if that won't cause me to lose muscle. I don't feel like I need a week off, but you think it would be beneficial I certainly could. Thanks for any suggestions!

Do you recommend that I take next week off totally before I transition into a cutting phase? It seems that many say you should, but I wonder if that won't cause me to lose muscle. I don't feel like I need a week off, but you think it would be beneficial I certainly could. Thanks for any suggestions!
Take a week off you won't lose anything in a week.

But I see some misguided thinking on cutting. You never cut back on lifting. I won't even touch the cardio thing, but muscle builds metabolism not fat. Diet is the primary tool for doing anything with your body. Resistance exercise(weights) comes next.

So are you suggesting that I take a week off because it will be beneficial to me, or because you think I just need a break? Unless there is a compelling reason I'll just keep going, after I get in a routine it's hard to stop. (Nothing to do during lunch anyway) Maybe just start up the cardio next week, no lifting? Also, do you recommend dropping the creatine?

I currently have the following 3-day split-

M - Chest/Tris/Shoulders
W - Back/Biceps
F - Legs/Abs

I was planning on moving to a 2-day split, and add in 3 or 4 days of HIIT cardio.

Previously I was trying to do both - lose fat and gain muscle, doing the 3-day split and 3 days cardio, and it worked quite well. (Newbie gains) However, based on the advice from both yourself (RTE) and a trainer, I started a bulk, quit cardio and ate more. It was a good idea, as my newbie gains were slowing, and that really helped pack on more muscle.

I really appreciate the advice that I get here, especially yours, as I'm sure everyone else does as well.

So are you suggesting that I take a week off because it will be beneficial to me, Maybe just start up the cardio next week, no lifting? Also, do you recommend dropping the creatine?

I currently have the following 3-day split-

M - Chest/Tris/Shoulders
W - Back/Biceps
F - Legs/Abs

I was planning on moving to a 2-day split, and add in 3 or 4 days of HIIT cardio.

Previously I was trying to do both - lose fat and gain muscle, doing the 3-day split and 3 days cardio, and it worked quite well. (Newbie gains) However, based on the advice from both yourself (RTE) and a trainer, I started a bulk, quit cardio and ate more. It was a good idea, as my newbie gains were slowing, and that really helped pack on more muscle.

I suggest you take break for benefit.

Well, did you gain fat on your bulk? You packed muscle on, muscle is not fat. Do you feel you lack definition, is that the problem why you want to stop? How much weight did you gain in a month's time? BF%?

I forgot I suggested bulk as I remember you were 14.7% at 196 and 6'2" and you were going to continue cut. I could imagine that you could carry 210 of muscle at that height.

Yes, I did gain some fat during my bulk, but also muscle. Here are my past bf% and weights:

11/15 - 18% - 200lbs - 36/164
2/15 - 14.7% - 196lbs - 28.8/167.2
3/21 - 15.4% - 200lbs - 30.8/169.2

Note that the first two measurements were taken by a trainer, today's is based on my own measurement with my new digital calipers, so it might be off. Seems about right according to what I see in the mirror though. At one point in late February I was even down to 192 or so.

I do feel I lack definition, and my waist and lower stomach have gained a little fat back since late Feb. I do look more muscular though, and can lift a lot more. I'd like to finish getting that elusive 6-pack that I've started to see before summer time, just hope I don't lose muscle doing it.

If I kept bulking up to 210 I think I would be too fat. I try to eat pretty clean, but nowhere near as clean as a lot of folks on here. I can't survive on tuna fish and oats. ;)

(Edited for fuzzy math)

Note that the first two measurements were taken by a trainer, today's is based on my own measurement with my new digital calipers, so it might be off. Seems about right according to what I see in the mirror though. At one point in late February I was even down to 192 or so.

I do feel I lack definition, and my waist and lower stomach have gained a little fat back since late Feb. I do look more muscular though, and can lift a lot more. I'd like to finish getting that elusive 6-pack that I've started to see before summer time, just hope I don't lose muscle doing it.

If I kept bulking up to 210 I think I would be too fat. I try to eat pretty clean, but nowhere near as clean as a lot of folks on here.

OK, notice you have lost 0 pounds since nov. yet, you have lost 5.2 pounds of fat that has been displaced by 5.2 lbs of muscle. Now all these numbers are just estimates not written in stone. The small changes you are making are hard to get any firm aspects from.

Take the week off, start reviewing where you want to go, what your goal weights and measurements are. You can find clean food to eat, if you want your goals. Don't cut down on the weights, if anything increase them. Cardio burns calories, but diet can do that.