Bulking and Cutting...is this the best approach?

[cleverlandshark2001]

Let me know cuz I'm a rookie, but in order to build muscle and burn fat...is the smartest way to go by doing seperate cycles of one and then the other?????????
Do any of you build and lean out at the same time?
-Bash

 

[Creatureofnight]

Definately choose one and focus on it . Its near impossible to build any appreciable mass and get cut to ribbons in the process. Bulking is not just about getting fat, its about getting as heavy as you can but staying solid (gain as much lbm as possible).

While dieting is about stripping away the fat and preserving the muscle that you gained while bulking. The finished product should be an improvment in from year to year. I think this is where many screw up and stay looking the same year after year.

They simply try and do both at the same time and ultimately end up spinning their wheels.

 

[Canadian Cobra]

You must alternate the cycles for best results. Even alternating for periods as
short as 8 weeks will provide better results over the long term.

Most people tend to bulk for longer periods - usually many months, then do
a cutting cycle of between 8 and 16 weeks, depending on your condition and goals.

 

[Creatureofnight]

I see where your coming from canadian cobra, but you just blindly say after 8-16 weeks i Must switch gears because that what im supposed to do.

Example: Say after 10 weeks he hasnt reached his bulking goals, it wouldnt make much sense to start cutting just because its good to alternate.

Ultimately i think this is an individual thing. If your a real skinny guy w/ a fast metabolism, you will be in bulking phase longer than say a guy who always has to lose a bit of fat or puts fat on easily. The latter will most likely be in a cutting plan most of the time.

But i can only advise from my expierances and from what i wintessed, that you should pick one or the other and focus on accomplishing goals for it. If you want to put on 20lbs. Focus on putting as much quality weight on as possible and strip away the fat later.