How long should you bulk before your first cut?

In general, you should expect to spend at least 4-6 weeks in any bulking or cutting cycle; any less time makes it unlikely that you’ll see much in the way of results.

Should I go straight from a cut to a bulk?

Generally speaking, your maintenance phase should be roughly 25-50% the length of your cut. You will often gain a few pounds initially during the maintenance phase, but then find some stability for a few weeks prior to starting your bulk.

Should I bulk at 15 body fat?

Any time that you want to prioritize muscle and strength gains, you should be bulking, even if you’re gaining weight very slowly. When you’re under 20% body fat, it’s perfectly fine to bulk, but most people will have better luck by cutting down to 15% or lower first.

At what body fat percentage should I bulk?

While advice differs, it’s generally said that a bulk should begin when one reaches 10% body fat for men and 20% for women, or under. Of course, this is all up to you. If you’re comfortable putting on slightly more weight in fat to get some gains, then that’s up to you.

Should I cut at 12% fat?

Bulking and cutting is the fastest way to improve your body composition. The trick is to keep a healthy body-fat percentage as you do it. That typically means staying between 8–20% body fat, with most people preferring to stay between 12–17%.

How do I flatten my stomach while bulking?

Techniques that may help people get a flat stomach include:

  1. Add cardio. Share on Pinterest Running is effective in trimming a person’s midsection.
  2. Eat more fiber.
  3. Limit refined carbs.
  4. Increase protein intake.
  5. Do exercises while standing, not sitting.
  6. Add resistance training.
  7. Eat more monounsaturated fatty acids.
  8. Move more.

When should I start cutting?

For 10 pounds or less, start cutting 2-3 months ahead. For 20 pounds or more, start cutting 4-5 months ahead. Add 1-2 weeks for any major foreseeable obstacles. If such extended time is not on your side, I recommend at minimum six weeks for any cutting program.