· diet · 7 min read
When To Stop Bulking: (WARNING Its Probably Too Late)
Knowing when to stop bulking is going to save you from being too fat or too skinny. Here's the complete guide.
When to stop bulking is the #1 question people ask themselves in the middle of a bulk. It’s going well and you’ve probably put on a good amount of weight but… health and aesthetics are still important. When it comes to sculpting your body, it’s not just about hitting the gym and piling on the weights. It’s about timing, balance, and understanding your body.
Tired of the workout guesswork? – The real challenge should be lifting weights, not racking your brain about last week’s reps. Enter MyLiftLog App. All the sets and reps you did last time? Right there, pre-filled, ready for you to break records and use progressive overload. Set up tailored workout templates and with a single click, you’re on – whether it’s a push day or a leg day. Schedule? Done. All you’ve got to do is roll in and crush it. Intensity matters, right? So why not apply the same to tracking your workouts? Start now with our 30-day free trial.
When To Stop Bulking And Start Cutting
When we talk about muscle growth, picture it like building a statue. When to stop bulking isn’t a date you circle on the calendar or a weight goal you hit. It’s art.
It’s knowing when you’ve added enough clay and when it’s time to sculpt. Just like when you’ve been enjoying your feasts and your mirror shouts, “Where have the abs disappeared?”, it’s a sign. A sign that it’s time to transition and chisel out that masterpiece hiding beneath.
When To Stop Bulking Female
Alright, to all the warrior women out there, while you might be loving intermittent fasting, and it’s been doing wonders, there’s more to the game. The muscle-building journey isn’t about strict timelines; it’s about syncing with your body’s rhythm. When to stop bulking for women can be a tricky question. As the scales tilt close to the 25% body fat mark, it’s a hint. Beyond that, you risk shading the fabulous muscular definition you’ve been working so hard on.
When To Stop Bulking Male
Lads, ever noticed how our bulking phase feels like a good Netflix series? Just one more episode, or in our case, just one more week of bulking! But pushing past that 15% body fat? That’s like binge-watching till 3 am and regretting it the next morning.
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The mirror doesn’t lie. If you’re resembling a balloon more than Thor, it’s time to cut. Aesthetics are just as important as strength and size. Knowing when to stop bulking is about preserving your aesthetics while remaining a strong beast. Sure, it’s challenging to do, but nothing worth having is easy.
At What Body Fat Percentage Should I Cut?
Let’s break it down. Men, aim for that sweet spot around 15% body fat. Ladies, you’ve got a bit more leeway, targeting around 25%. Beyond these numbers? You’re in the realm of diminishing returns. Bulking indefinitely is like putting more icing on an already perfect cake. It’s excessive and hides the deliciousness underneath. Remember, it’s about flaunting those muscles, not hiding them beneath a layer of fluff.
How To Stop Bulking The Right Way
Pace Yourself
You’ve been in beast mode, bulking up with a high-calorie diet for weeks, maybe even months. It’s like you’ve been cruising on the highway, and now you’re approaching a city limit. Slamming the brakes and drastically slashing calories is a no-go. Why? Your body will think there’s a famine and go into a dreaded starvation mode. That metabolism you’ve nurtured? It’ll nosedive. Those hard-earned muscles? They’re on the chopping block. The key is not to rush. Gradual calorie reduction is your best bet. Give your body the respect of a smooth transition.
Use Proper Nutrition
Alright, so you’re cutting down on calories. But, and this is a big ‘but’, you’ve got to keep feeding your body its essential nutrients. Picture it this way: You’re reducing the fuel, but the engine’s quality shouldn’t drop. Dive into the deep end of diet planning before you even think of starting the cutting phase. Find a plan that’s a blend of taste and discipline. And hey, while you’re at it, throw in some supplements like protein powder and creatine.
Tune Down The Workouts
The enthusiasm to shed that extra fat is real. But jumping straight into intense lifting while on a calorie-restricted diet is like to trying to run a marathon after a fast. It’ll leave you drained, both mentally and physically.
The trick? Begin with easy-going exercises. Still lift weights and try hard but don’t do as much volume. As your system gets accustomed to the new dietary regime, start turning up the workout heat, bit by bit.
Tracking your workouts is the real key here. With MyLiftLog, we help track your workouts for you so you can worry about doing the exercise rather than the weight.
Let’s say that last week you benched 135 for 10 reps on your first set. But, you’re not going to remember that unless you type it out. With our app, we track everything for you so all you do is increase the weight or reps to ensure you’re getting the right progressive overload in.
Conclusion
Cracking the code on when to stop bulking is like to becoming the maestro of your own symphony. Smooth transitions, listening to your body’s cues, and ensuring enough recovery is the trifecta of perfection. It’s not just the kitchen, the gym, or the barbells. It’s the bed too. Recharge with quality sleep, and watch those muscles pop!
Just as a quick reminder for more hard guidelines: If you are over 15% bodyfat as a man, or 25% as a woman, it’s time to stop bulking. If your abs completely disappear (men), it’s time to stop bulking.
FAQs
Tired of the workout guesswork? – The real challenge should be lifting weights, not racking your brain about last week’s reps. Enter MyLiftLog App. All the sets and reps you did last time? Right there, pre-filled, ready for you to break records and use progressive overload.
Set up tailored workout templates and with a single click, you’re on – whether it’s a push day or a leg day. Schedule? Done. All you’ve got to do is roll in and crush it. Intensity matters, right? So why not apply the same to tracking your workouts? Start now with our 30-day free trial.
When should you end the bulk?
Consider the 15% and 25% body fat landmarks for men and women, respectively. It’s your body’s subtle nod to switch gears.
Is it bad to bulk for too long?
Absolutely. Prolonged bulking can overshadow your muscles and amplify health concerns. It’s about balance, not excess.
Should I bulk or cut at 20% body fat?
At 20% bodyfat, you should cut, especially if you’re a man. Your testosterone drops after being over 15% bodyfat, so get it back asap.
Will you lose muscle if you stop bulking?
With the right methods, your muscles won’t disappear when you stop bulking. Fuel them properly, trust the process, and keep lifting to ensure you don’t lose muscle.
Should you bulk past 15% body fat?
For men, you should not bulk past 15% bodyfat. Unless you’re an advanced powerlifter, bulking past 15% bodyfat is pointless because it kills your testosterone.
Should I bulk or cut if I am 25% body fat?
If you’re at 25% bodyfat, it’s time to cut. Testosterone drops, you look worse, and it’s just not healthy to be that much bodyfat (for men). Women can maintain at 25% bodyfat, but should probably cut a little.