When to Stop Bulking & Start Cutting?
My lifts are up and I’ve definitely added size, but I can also see that I’ve put on a noticeable amount of fat. My abs are pretty much gone, and clothes fit tighter around the waist. I’m torn because part of me wants to keep pushing for more mass, but another part thinks I might be going too far. How do you actually know when it’s the right time to stop bulking and switch to a cut? Is there a certain body fat range or is it more about how you feel?
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For me, the decision usually comes down to performance trends and body composition. If strength is still climbing steadily and I’m not feeling sluggish, I’ll continue the bulk. But once fat gain starts outpacing strength progress, that’s my signal to switch. I also use photos every 4–6 weeks instead of just the scale. I’ve seen random discussions online, even on sites like https://www.whoseliveanyway.com/ , where people drift into extreme topics like buy injectable steroids online with credit card as if there’s a magic way to stay lean and keep bulking forever. In reality, most of us need phases. If you’re around 18–20% body fat and not comfortable there, it might be time for a controlled cut. The key is making the transition gradual instead of panicking and slashing calories.