cutting/bulking question

[regurgitator]

I was asking a similiar question in the training forum and got some good info, but I thought I would get some input from some peeps in here as well. I am not sure if I should cut my BF% or bulk. I am 5'11",around 180 pounds at 11-13%BF(all the fat is on my waist and I really wanna lose it). My arms are 15.5,chest is 42,thighs 25 and calves 15.5- my goal is to be a lean 195(6-9%BF). I am going for the Vin Diesel,Vitor Belfort size. So...would it be wiser to lose the fat I currently have around my waist and then bulk or just bulk now and cut the fat later? Obviously I will need to gain at least 15 pounds of muscle and there will be some fat with that as well. I have been on an Iso-Caloric diet lately- running about 1900 cals a day(200g/pro,200g/carbs,75g fat)- I use Fitday and keep track of everything I eat. I have a Saturday cheat day- which is usually just one bad meal and some margarita's(yum). What do you think is my best approach to this? Cornhollio suggested I up my cals and do a bulking cycle. I am just so sick of having this little roll of flab around my waist(I recently moved to the West Coast and have not worked out since Oct, so it is my own fault). I think either way I am going to try the old school 3 day a week program- looks like it might work well for me. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[diamonddiceclay]

cut out cheat days and wait for the results from that before anything else changes

 

[VRider]

You could be my twin. I'm 5'11" 185 lbs. at about 12% BF. Like you, mostly around my waist I'm a bit older though (I'm 40).

I would guess that most will say to bulk then cut. I personally am going the cutting route first, just because I've had this "spare tire" for so long that I'm sick of it. I'd rather start bulking from the point of being lean, so I can stay closer to my BF goal. If I start bulking now, I'll put on more fat than muscle. I know because I've tried it. That's just how my body works. I'd rather concentrate on getting lean, then take my time putting on quality muscle with minimal fat. The trade-off, unfortunately, is that it will take me longer to reach my overall size goal, but at least I can enjoy being relatively lean while I'm doing it. Everyone's body and goals are different, just my $.02.

 

[regurgitator]

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Yeah I feel the same way, I would rather lean out first then bulk, but I will do as the big guys say- if it is better to bulk first I will. I HATE having this little spare tire. I have to lose it first. Shouldn't take long. I have lost a half inch on my waist in the past couple weeks since I started watching my diet more carefully. I have a pinched nerve in my back right now that I am praying will go away soon and I am thinking maybe I can lose allot of this fat by dieting alone, then when I hit the gym in a couple weeks(my back better be healed by then!!) I will burn whatever is left just by lifting. Man, pinched nerves suck! My friend from NY is always talking about how he blew this chicks back out or how he is gonna blow this other chicks back out, well I think my girl blew my back out! haha. I am in a band and like to have my shirt off when we play cause it gets so freakin hot, so I need to get in mad shape for next years Ozzfest. I dont want to look like Fred Durst when we play in front of that many people- you dont see his fat ass running around shirtless, thank god. By the way, how long does back pain last? I have had this pinched nerve thing for like two weeks!

 

[VRider]

Dude, be careful with that back. Are you sure it's a pinched nerve? If you haven't already had a doc look at it, do so. Don't take the chance of blowing it out further when you start back lifting. That's when you're most likely to injure yourself. You're muscles have to readjust to stress of working out, and you're more than likely going to try to start back at the same level you stopped at, even though your muscles aren't used to it anymore. And believe me, when you REALLY blow out your back, you'll be out of commission for a LOOONG time. Take it slow at first and have someone qualified look at that back first.

 

[regurgitator]

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I didn't do anything specific to hurt it, not like from lifting or anything, I think it just happened from everyday stuff. It definately feels like a pinched siadic(spelling?). I'm not sure a doctor can do much for it besides pain pills.