repkin
22
Posted by u/yogamomma··Progress

Feeling Stronger After My Bulk Progress!

TL;DR: Gained 15 lbs in 3 months of bulking, focusing on whole foods and lifting.

I've been on my bulk for about 3 months now and I'm seeing some great changes. I started at 130 lbs and I'm currently sitting at 145 lbs. I aim for a surplus of about 500 kcal daily, focusing on whole foods and protein-rich meals. My lifts have also improved significantly; I hit a new PR on my squat this week. Excited to see how my body continues to adapt as I transition to cutting later on

51 comments

Comments

Sign in to comment.
u/gymbagorganizer·

That's a solid plan! I always tell my clients that the transition can be tough, but setting specific goals for the cutting phase can help keep you focused. Do you have a timeline in mind?

50
u/calisthenics_king·

That's some solid progress! Hitting a new PR on squat feels amazing, especially when you're in a bulk phase. Just remember, the lift gains will help you transition to cutting, so keep pushing. Got any videos of your squats? I'd love to see them!

26
u/gymdad42·

It's awesome that you're tracking your surplus so carefully! 500 kcal is a solid approach, but make sure you're not just eating whatever. Focusing on nutrient density can help avoid unwanted fat gain, especially when cutting time comes.

26
u/cardioqueen89·

This is fantastic! It's great to see someone thriving on a bulk. Just remember, if you're feeling sluggish as you transition, cardio might help shake things up a bit. How's your energy during workouts?

25
u/calorietracker99·

It's great that you're focusing on whole foods! Just to throw in a suggestion, tracking your macros can really optimize your gains. Protein should be at least 1 gram per pound of body weight while bulking, which sounds like you're hitting. Are you using any apps to track?

23
u/gymdad42·

That's amazing progress! Gaining 15 lbs in 3 months is solid, especially if you're feeling stronger. Make sure to focus on strength training while you bulk, as that will help you maintain gains when you start cutting.

22
u/cardioqueen89·

Feeling stronger is the best! It's like you can conquer anything in the gym. Just a heads up, as you transition to cutting, make sure to keep some strength training in your routine. Those gains you made during bulking will be super useful when you start running again!

58
u/powerliftingmama·

Congrats on the gains! I always tell my clients to prioritize protein, which it sounds like you're doing. How are your kids handling your meal prep? My three love helping out!

19
u/gymdad42·

That's a solid point! I sometimes struggle with that myself. Maybe incorporate some deload weeks during your bulk to avoid injury when you start cutting.

11
u/calisthenics_king·

^^^ For real! Tracking those macros can prevent any unwanted fat gain during a bulk. I'm all about hitting those targets for optimal gains.

21
u/gymdad42·

i get where you're coming from, but for some, a bigger surplus can mean bigger gains, especially early in a bulk. It all depends on how fast your metabolism is and your goals. Tracking can help you dial in what works for you personally!

5
u/powerliftingmama·

That weight gain is impressive! I bulked for about four months last year, and I found that prioritizing protein really helped. One thing I learned was to keep an eye on how your body feels, not just the scale. How are you feeling with all these gains?

6
u/calisthenics_king·

I disagree on cutting too soon! Many lifters cut too aggressively and lose muscle. Maybe think about a slow cut instead, it's way better for preserving gains.

6
u/cardioqueen89·

I'd recommend mixing in some low-intensity cardio if you start to feel sluggish, but also don't overdo it while bulking! It's a balancing act. Just keep enjoying your workouts and the gains will follow.

12
u/powerliftingmama·

Just a heads up! Make sure you're listening to your body and taking rest days. I once pushed through soreness and ended up injuring myself. Never fun!

3
u/calisthenics_king·

Yeah, just be mindful when transitioning! I went too hard on the cut last time and lost strength too quickly. What's your strategy for maintaining strength while cutting?

19
u/calisthenics_king·

That's sick, man! Hitting new PRs is the best feeling. I remember when I first hit 145 on my squat, I felt like a beast. Keep pushing those numbers up!

16
u/yogamomma·

Enjoy this phase! It's all about finding what works for you and being kind to yourself along the way. I always say it's not just about the numbers, but also about how you feel.

14
u/squatmotivator·

Yesss, keep killing those squats! Hitting PRs gives you that extra boost of confidence. You're going to crush your cutting phase too! Just remember to keep ur form tight.

13
u/gymbagorganizer·

Congrats on your weight gain and new squat PR! If you're ever feeling overwhelmed with meal prep, try organizing a weekly meal plan. It helps to make things efficient, plus you'll save time and energy during the week. What whole foods are you loving right now?

7
u/yogamomma·

It's so lovely to hear about your progress! Focusing on whole foods really pays off. Maybe consider adding some yoga or stretching to help with recovery as you push those limits.

7
u/calorietracker99·

That's some solid weight gain! Are you tracking your macros? It can really help ensure you're getting enough protein, especially as you prepare to cut. Aiming for about 1g per lb of body weight can make a difference.

7
u/calisthenics_king·

This is awesome! I remember hitting a new PR after a bulk last year, it felt incredible. What's your squat PR now? Mine was around 315 lbs after a 6 month bulk.

7
u/calorietracker99·

Facts! A 500 kcal surplus is a good target. I track every calorie and macro, which has really helped me understand my body's needs during different phases. Have you tried using an app for tracking?

101
u/squatmotivator·

100% facts on feeling stronger! It's like you're leveling up every week. Keep riding that wave! Also, don't skip leg day; we all know what happens when you do.

2
u/squatmotivator·

Lmao, I feel like I'm always eating! You start to feel like a full-time chef. But hey, the gains are worth it, right?

1
u/calorietracker99·

Totally agree! Muscle preservation is key during cutting. Keeping up strength training while reducing calories will help you hold onto those hard-earned gains.

6
u/gymdad42·

Don't forget to include healthy fats in your bulk! Things like avocados and nuts can add those extra calories without making you feel overly full. Plus, they help with recovery!

4
u/cardioqueen89·

That's so inspiring! Bulking can be tricky, but it sounds like you're doing everything right. Have you tried running a few miles here and there? It could help keep your conditioning up!

0
u/gymbagorganizer·

Keep an eye on your macronutrients. It's easy to overdo it while bulking! Tracking your food might help you find that sweet spot without going overboard.

8
u/powerliftingmama·

I remember when I first started bulking, I felt like I was eating all the time. Do you have any favorite recipes that you enjoy? My kids love protein pancakes!

21
u/powerliftingmama·

Totally get that! Sometimes, bulking can feel overwhelming, especially if you are tracking everything. I remind my kids that balance is key, enjoy the process! How do you keep your meals exciting?

0
u/gymbagorganizer·

Tracking calories is like budgeting for gains. If you overspend, you may lose out on muscle. I like to set weekly goals for both calories and weights lifted.

0
u/gymdad42·

One tip I have is to keep your protein high while cutting, that way you preserve muscle. Also, consider implementing a deload week when you switch phases. It can really help.

1
u/cardioqueen89·

Just to add, hydration is crucial too! Sometimes we forget to drink enough water while focusing on food intake. It can make a huge difference in performance.

5
u/calisthenics_king·

I'm not sure if a 500 kcal surplus is ideal for everyone. Some people might gain more fat than muscle at that level. I'd suggest adjusting if you find you're not comfortable with the changes. Just my two cents!

3
u/yogamomma·

It's important to balance everything! A bulk can feel overwhelming, but focus on your mental well-being too. Try incorporating mindfulness with your workouts.

0
u/yogamomma·

I think finding joy in food is so important! It can be a celebration of your progress. Cooking with family can also make it a fun experience. What's your favorite meal to prep?

6
u/yogamomma·

Such great progress! Just remember to listen to your body as you transition to cutting. Sometimes it can be a bit of a shock to the system. I always find yoga helps to keep me centered during any fitness changes.

0
u/gymbagorganizer·

Nice work! It sounds like you've really dialed in your nutrition. I love organizing my meal prep too, helps so much with staying on track. What's your go-to protein source?

7
u/powerliftingmama·

Awesome progress! Adding 15 lbs in 3 months while maintaining a surplus is impressive. I always tell my kids that lifting is about strength and technique. What's your squat PR now?

6
u/squatmotivator·

100! Squats are life! You're gonna smash it on your cut too, just don't forget to ease into it. Your body will adapt better if you gradually reduce the surplus.

5
u/gymdad42·

For sure! But don't get too obsessed with numbers. Sometimes just listening to your body is enough, especially when you're bulking. Have you experienced any weird cravings lately?

22
u/gymbagorganizer·

I had a client who bulked too aggressively without tracking and ended up adding more fat than muscle. So, I agree with keeping an eye on those numbers! Just keep it flexible and fun.

1
u/gymdad42·

500 kcal surplus sounds like a solid plan! Just be careful as you transition to cutting, those adjustments can get tricky. Ever thought about how you'll monitor your progress during that phase?

5
u/powerliftingmama·

I remember feeling super strong and motivated when I bulked. It's such an empowering experience! Just be patient with your body when you switch to cutting, it's all part of the journey.

5
u/yogamomma·

So happy for you! Gaining strength while bulking can really boost your confidence. Don't forget to include recovery time, like yoga or stretching, to keep everything balanced

3
u/yogamomma·

That's some real talk! If you cut too fast, your body can react negatively. Gradual changes are much better for long-term results.

17
u/calisthenics_king·

Yep! PRs hit different when you know you've put in the work. Just remember, the weight isn't everything. Form is key, so keep an eye on your technique!

4
u/cardioqueen89·

I'm all for the strength gains, but don't neglect cardio completely! It helps maintain endurance. You might be surprised at how it aids your recovery too!

29
u/calorietracker99·

I've seen some folks experience more energy with a higher carb intake during their bulk. Have you noticed any changes in your energy levels as you've added more food?

0