What is the optimal bulking / cutting rotation schedule?
3 min read
Asked by: John Ginocchio
In general, you should expect to spend at least 4-6 weeks in any bulking or cutting cycle; any less time makes it unlikely that you’ll see much in the way of results. Longer cycles can be more effective with a few caveats. First, the most effective bulking cycles are generally at least 3-4 months, if not longer.
How often should you alternate between bulking and cutting?
Generally it doesn’t matter a whole lot the frequency you choose what’s important is to keep going until you achieve the desired results. However, for most I recommend bulking for 2-3 months, then cut down for however long you need to get rid of the unwanted amount of fat. Everyone will need a different amount of time.
How many weeks should you bulk before cutting?
If you are at a satisfactory lean starting body composition start with a bulk for 12 weeks, then rest for four to eight weeks, followed by a six to 12 week cut – depending on how much fat you gained.
What time of year should you cut and bulk?
As for bulking season, the best time to start packing on size is almost always in the fall and winter.
How long should your cutting cycle be?
A cutting diet lasts 2–4 months, depending on how lean you are before dieting, and is normally timed around bodybuilding competitions, athletic events, or occasions like holidays ( 4 ). A cutting diet aims to get you as lean as possible while maintaining muscle mass.
How do I transition from bulk to cut?
8 Bulking Tips After a Long Cut Phase
- Start with a Weight Maintenance Period. …
- Increase Calories Gradually. …
- Increase Carb Intake. …
- Track Weekly Weight Gain. …
- Train for Muscle Hypertrophy and Strength. …
- Increase Training Frequency (If You Can) …
- Monitor Body Fat Percentages During Bulk. …
- End Your Bulk with a Maintenance Period.
Should I bulk or cut 20 body fat?
You should probably bulk if you are below 15-20% body fat (25-30% for women) and don’t have much muscle to show if you did cut. ? Your training should consist of good form, correct volume (not too many or too few reps and sets a week per muscle group), and always trying to lift heavier in some aspect when possible.
How do bodybuilders cut fat so fast?
To lose weight quickly for a show, bodybuilders lower their carbohydrate ratio while increasing their protein ratio. The increased protein helps maintain their muscle mass, and the lower carbohydrates help them to shed weight.
Is a 4 week cut enough?
How Long Should You Mini-Cut? As a rule of thumb, it will need at least 2 weeks to lose enough fat to be worthwhile. At the other end of the spectrum, dieting for more than 6 weeks will start to increase your risk of muscle loss. So, 2-6 weeks is the range for mini-cuts.
How do I cut without losing muscle?
Exercise plans
- Do cardio. To lose fat and gain or maintain muscle mass, do moderate- to high-intensity cardio for at least 150 minutes per week. …
- Increase intensity. Increase the intensity of your workouts to challenge yourself and burn calories. …
- Continue to strength train. …
- Take a rest.
Should you lift heavy while cutting?
Despite what many novices (and even some strength coaches believe), lifting heavy is still an essential part to cutting. Lifting heavy, relatively speaking, is ideal for preserving strength and muscle mass during the cutting phase.
Can you lean bulk?
When following a clean bulk, also called a lean bulk, you tightly regulate your calorie surplus in an effort to prevent excessive fat gain. The diet is mainly comprised of minimally processed whole foods. High calorie junk foods are limited to promote a leaner body composition.
