Should I cut or Bulk up first?

A

adbrickhouse

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I'm 32 , 5'10" 223 lbs (low 20's % bodyfat). I've worked out most of my life just for enjoyment but have let myself go the past 2 years due to work & a baby. It's time I take care of myself again. I would like some input though. I've never been overweight so it's new for me to approach it from this direction. I thought it would be best to do a cutting phase first to lose 20 or so lbs of fat but I live in PA and it's the middle of winter so I can't go outside to run or bike which is what I like. Could I do a bulking phase now to gain some muscle mass and then when the weather warms up I'll switch to a cutting phase, or is it best to lose the fat first?
 
I'd say go for a clean bulk now, for at least 8-12 weeks. It will allow you to improve your strength, build some muscle and maybe even loose some fat, just from the benefits of getting up and moving. In a few months you can see where you are at and decide to cut your caloric intake gradually (like 100-200 calories per day every couple of weeks until you loose the fat you want to loose).
 
you could take that approach or just cut up and then once you are happy with the definition you have got, look to up the weight, lower the reps, increase the calorie intake and build on the muscle, whichever route suits you!
 
If you are looking to get toned, there are two ways to do it, build muscle, and lose fat. Try doing different exercises in each category to find out which you like more. If you are looking to become stronger, go on the muscle building side. If you are looking to become skinnier, go to the fat burn.
 
I would say do the cut as its harder to do the workouts when you don't have the energy but you have the impetus and your just starting so basically its still fun and your can still increase as you have the drive. Then when the novelty is starting to wear off a bit, you looking loads better so that keeps you going, then you can look forward to the bulk up after. Just my advice but that's what I normally tend to do when I get out of shape and I like it.
 
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