Posted by u/gym_noob·14 days ago·Beginner

Just finished my bulk after 4 months, but where the hell did the weight go?

TL;DR: Completed my 4-month bulk, gained 10 lbs, but I feel like I didn't see the muscle gains I expected.

Yo, I just wrapped up my 4-month bulk and honestly, I'm kinda confused. Started at 150 lbs, now I'm at 160, but I feel like I barely put on muscle. Did my lifts go up? Yeah, hit a 225 lb bench press for 5 reps, which is sick! But like, where's the beef? I've been smashing protein and trying to hit my macros, so idk if it's just a slow process or what? Anyone else feel like their bulk was a bit underwhelming? Do I need to eat more?

Before and After Stats:

Start Weight: 150 lbs
End Weight: 160 lbs
Bench Press PR: 225 lbs for 5 reps

Lowkey thought I'd see a bigger difference. What gives?

9 comments

Comments

u/gym_noob·7 days ago

Wait, so you got a 10 lb gain but you feel like it's not enough? That's kinda wild, I thought bulking was all about eating a ton. Like, how much are you eating daily?

u/powerlifting_panda·14 days ago

Congrats on the bulk! Gaining 10 lbs is a solid achievement, but it sounds like you might be focusing too much on the scale rather than your lifts. Your bench press PR went up significantly, which indicates progress in strength. It could be that you've put on muscle but also gained some fat, which is normal during a bulk. Have you considered taking progress photos or measurements to track changes more accurately?

u/mealprep_mike99·10 days ago

It sounds like you're on the right track with your protein and macros, but maybe it's time to assess your overall calorie intake. Are you logging everything accurately? i suggest using an app like MyFitnessPal or Cronometer to ensure you're hitting your targets consistently. You might need to eat more if you want to see more substantial gains

u/no_squats_no_service·13 days ago

Honestly, focusing too much on the scale can mess with your mindset. Are you tracking everything meticulously? If you're not keeping a detailed log, it's easy to underestimate your intake. I usually suggest finding an app that allows you to track your food visually as well, like MacroFactor, to see how things are going

u/fit_with_kids·14 days ago

Im a mom of 5, so i totally get it! Balancing meals and workouts can be tough. If your energy levels are up, you're lifting well, and you're feeling good, that's progress too! Sometimes the scale doesn't tell the whole story, especially for us busy folks.

u/keto_kingpin·14 days ago

If you're smashing protein and still not seeing results, maybe check your carb intake too. You need energy for those lifts! When I was bulking, I found that a good balance of macros made a huge difference. I typically aim for a higher carb intake during bulks while keeping fats moderate. It helped me get the most out of my workouts.

u/bodypositive_bro·10 days ago

Facts. I've bulked before and sometimes you just don't see the difference right away. Try to focus on how your lifts feel and the progress there. Muscle gains can be slow, so be patient. Plus, it's not just about the weight; it's about how you feel in the gym and outside of it.

u/squat_mama_2024·13 days ago

I get the frustration, especially after working hard for those gains. It's common to focus on weight instead of how you feel and perform. Have you tried to incorporate more compound lifts in your routine? They can help build muscle faster. And don't forget to celebrate that bench PR!

u/cardio_catastrophe·14 days ago

Sounds like a classic case of 'where's my muscle at?' I feel like I bulked for a whole year once and still looked the same 😂. But seriously, you might just be experiencing a slow recomp. Don't stress too much over the scale.