Bulk & Mini Cut Q’s

[Max Sheppard]

Hi Joe! I have recently started my first bulk ever, as I have always strived to be “shredded” year round, which I’ve now come to realize is not optimal for my muscle building potential. I just have a few of questions regarding the specifics of this, as I want to take advantage of this time given I have never been in a surplus in about 2 years.

Do you believe a lean bulk is more advantageous for maximal/continual progress and results (250-500kcal surplus), and how long might you go about staying in a surplus for if that’s the case?

How might you go about changing your training frequency whilst bulking? I know you keep the same exercises in essentially year round, and increase the volume when recovery is great (which mine, as of right now is), but should I train more frequently, as in, less rest days if I can recover from it. Or is a 3 on, 1 off (my split as of right now) adequate?

Should I switch immediately to a recovery phase training style once I start a mini cut after bulking, or should a gradual decrease in frequency dictated by my performance/top sets be the dictator? Also, how much of a deficit during this period would you recommend? Something a little more agressive (500-100kcals), or slower paced (250-500kcals).

I know that what A LOT to read, but I just hope to nail this first bulk, and put on significant size during this period. Thanks again!

Current physique:

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[Max Sheppard]

(physique photos only seem to show up on a web browser, not the app unfortunately)

[Joe]

Hi Joe! I have recently started my first bulk ever, as I have always strived to be “shredded” year round, which I’ve now come to realize is not optimal for my muscle building potential. I just have a few of questions regarding the specifics of this, as I want to take advantage of this given I have never been in a surplus in about 2 years.

Do you believe a lean bulk is more advantageous for maximal/continual progress and results (250-500kcal surplus), and how long might you go about staying in a surplus for if that’s the case?

How might you go about changing your training frequency whilst bulking? I know you keep the same exercises in essentially year round, and increase the volume when recovery is great (which mine, as of right now is), but should I train more frequently, as in, less rest days if I can recover from it. Or is a 3 on, 1 off (my split as of right now) adequate?

Should I switch immediately to a recovery phase training style once I start a mini cut after bulking, or should a gradual decrease in frequency dictated by my performance/top sets be the dictator? Also, how much of a deficit during this period would you recommend? Something a little more agressive (500-100kcals), or slower paced (250-500kcals).

I know that what A LOT to read, but I just hope to nail this first bulk, and put on significant size during this period. Thanks again!

Current physique:

[Max Sheppard]

Joe wrote:

[quote quote=0]Hi Joe! I have recently started my first bulk ever, as I have always strived to be “shredded” year round, which I’ve now come to realize is not optimal for my muscle building potential. I just have a few of questions regarding the specifics of this, as I want to take advantage of this given I have never been in a surplus in about 2 years.

Do you believe a lean bulk is more advantageous for maximal/continual progress and results (250-500kcal surplus), and how long might you go about staying in a surplus for if that’s the case?

How might you go about changing your training frequency whilst bulking? I know you keep the same exercises in essentially year round, and increase the volume when recovery is great (which mine, as of right now is), but should I train more frequently, as in, less rest days if I can recover from it. Or is a 3 on, 1 off (my split as of right now) adequate?

Should I switch immediately to a recovery phase training style once I start a mini cut after bulking, or should a gradual decrease in frequency dictated by my performance/top sets be the dictator? Also, how much of a deficit during this period would you recommend? Something a little more agressive (500-100kcals), or slower paced (250-500kcals).

I know that what A LOT to read, but I just hope to nail this first bulk, and put on significant size during this period. Thanks again!

Current physique:

[/quote]
Thank you so much for that extremely detailed answer Joe! I have been lean bulking for the last 5 days, and my progress has sky rocketed thankfully. I appreciate your helpful and educated insight on my situation. Thanks again. ????????

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