View Full Version : Should i bulk up to 170-180?


optheta
Thu, February 21st, 2008, 08:33 PM
okay so i am about to hit 160 pounds from my lowest recorded weight 138. I debating if i should bulk up another 10-20 pounds before i start cutting. I gained the weight in about 2 and half months. So here are the pictures:
http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/6403/dscn6980xp4.th.jpg (http://img120.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn6980xp4.jpg)
at ~138
http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/8800/dscn7160ki5.th.jpg (http://img412.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn7160ki5.jpg)
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/3498/dscn7156ya8.th.jpg (http://img521.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn7156ya8.jpg)
these 2 are at 160

Well here they are any input will be appreciated.

MannishBoy
Thu, February 21st, 2008, 08:55 PM
I wouldn't. I think going up in weight as fast as you did was too fast for you to make a high percentage of the gain muscle. You added some, but brought a bit more fat along to the ride than might be optimal. So I'd not try for another 10-20 pounds now.

I'd reasonably cut down a bit. Not too fast, so you don't lose the muscle.

Do you do many rows, deadlifts, pullups, etc? Those would be good to improve your upper back posture (something I have always had issues with as well). You seem to have a bit of an imbalance. Doing back work along with concentrating on it through the day should help.

nksmith
Thu, February 21st, 2008, 08:59 PM
I don't know if I would go for an all out bulk. If it were me, I would probably focus on healthy, clean eating, right at your maintenance levels. Lots of veggies, clean carbs, and lean protein. Work on increasing your lifts and play around with different reps schemes. Heck, even throw in some cardio.

I think you will see some nice changes by simply eating well and putting in intense workouts. Just my opinion...

optheta
Thu, February 21st, 2008, 09:16 PM
I wouldn't. I think going up in weight as fast as you did was too fast for you to make a high percentage of the gain muscle. You added some, but brought a bit more fat along to the ride than might be optimal. So I'd not try for another 10-20 pounds now.

I'd reasonably cut down a bit. Not too fast, so you don't lose the muscle.

Do you do many rows, deadlifts, pullups, etc? Those would be good to improve your upper back posture (something I have always had issues with as well). You seem to have a bit of an imbalance. Doing back work along with concentrating on it through the day should help.

Yeah i have been doing Rows and deads, assisted pull-ups but for not to long. I was wondering i still eat alot like i have been but just add cardio would that workout?

MannishBoy
Thu, February 21st, 2008, 09:22 PM
Yeah i have been doing Rows and deads, assisted pull-ups but for not to long. I was wondering i still eat alot like i have been but just add cardio would that workout?

Just adding cardio would be a decent start, but I think I would drop from "bulk" calories to closer to maintenance (without cardio) and do add the cardio to burn calories from that level.

rtestes
Fri, February 22nd, 2008, 12:05 AM
Yeah i have been doing Rows and deads, assisted pull-ups but for not to long. I was wondering i still eat alot like i have been but just add cardio would that workout?

How many calories are you eating a day? What is your BMR figures? You gained 15 lbs in 1.5 months. Stop the bulk. What is your present workout, have you posted it?

NCNBilly
Fri, February 22nd, 2008, 07:59 PM
Yep, if you are adding more than about 4 pounds a month chances are it wasn't lean.

You need desperately to add lean mass, but it takes time. If it were me, I'd take this as a lesson learned - start a cut, then bulk again. You might want to get a trainer (Swole is definatly worth the money) if you can't figure things out on your own..