Bulking Phase?

[Corporate Thug]

Ok guys, so here is my story:

In June of the year, I was 199 pounds (5'11.5'')...I started working out for the first time in my life starting in August.

I'm down to 180 now and my arms are getting toned. I started squatting with no weights, then the bar, and now I'm at 120 pounds and progressing steadily using the 5x5 regime -- making good progress all around.

So, here is the million dollar question: when do I start a bulking phase?

Reading around, it seems that I shouldn't be doing it until my body fat is under ~15% or so...the problem is I have no idea where my body fat is at. All I know is that I can my top 2 abs and that's about it.

Advice???

 

[Whisper]

This is just for me personally--I'd want to be working out for a good amount of time before thinking of bulking. In essence, I'd want to get close to "maxing out" my strength for my current size (and have that size be predominantly lean mass) before wanting to up my body weight.

If you began in August, you're still pretty early into the process, and can likely continue making solid gains without bulking. Anytime I've considered it, it's been when my lifts have stalled somewhat (or at least stopped making relatively steady progress). When I first began working out, that was probably around the 1-year mark or so.

But again, this is all just me. Others who have more experience with bulking and cutting phases (I was never big into it myself) can probably offer more helpful insights.

Edit: Then again, it's going to depend in part on what your goals are.

 

[darkxshade]

| = midpoint = maintenance
Cut<----------|---------->Bulk
................^---^

Aim for that[range] instead of being on either of the spectrum all the time. I tried the cut and bulk and never did like it. Bulking was a PITA because you have to gain the right weight and cutting was even more PITA and miserable. Now I just settle into a lifestyle I can live with for the rest of my life where I'm a little over maintenance or a little under but through time, I'm overall under maintenance.

Meanwhile I continue to lift heavy with the occasional cardio or extra-curricular activity. Right now is snowboarding season

 

[mple]

Depends on your goals. 5x5 and other strength oriented routines benefit greatly from a caloric excess otherwise you'd hit a brick wall fast. Not to mention it's fairly miserable squatting out of the hole when your body is weak from prolonged caloric deficit . I suggest around 10-20% above maintenance calories while on 5x5. More once you squat 1.5x bodyweight