Posted by u/nonbinary_nutritionist·2 months ago

Anyone else struggling with winter bulk photos after 16 weeks?

TL;DR: Struggling with winter bulk photos after 16 weeks, gained weight but not seeing the visual changes i expected. Any advice?

I've been on a winter bulk for the last 16 weeks, and I recently took my progress photos. I'm feeling a bit mixed about them, honestly. I've gone from 145 lbs to 160 lbs, but I feel like my body composition hasn't changed as much as I hoped it would. I was aiming for a clean bulk, focusing on whole foods and hitting my protein goals, but I'm just not seeing the definition I thought I'd gain along with the mass.

I think part of it might be my expectations. I've seen people share impressive before/after shots, and while I understand everyone's journey is unique, I can't help but feel a bit discouraged. I've been lifting heavier too, just hit a new PR on squats at 225 lbs for 5 reps, but the visual progress doesn't seem to match the numbers.

How do you all cope with this? Do you find the scale or the mirror to be more motivating? I'm trying to stay focused on strength gains and overall health, but I also want to see some visual progress. Any tips or advice would be appreciated. What do you look for in your winter bulk photos?

Thanks for reading!

11 comments

Comments

u/sugarfree_susie·2 months ago

I hear you! I did a winter bulk last year, and while I gained about the same amount, I felt really frustrated at times. Tracking my food helped me stay accountable, and I used MyFitnessPal to log my meals. Seeing the numbers was motivating, and it kept me from second-guessing my progress. Have you thought about keeping a food diary? It might help clear up those expectations

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u/no_squats_no_service·1 month ago

Dude, it sounds like you're just getting stronger, which is what matters! Visuals can be deceiving, so focus on your performance. Just remember, if you're hitting PRs, your muscles are growing, even if they don't show right away. Don't forget to switch up your rep ranges and maybe add some volume too!

u/keto_kingpin·2 months ago

I went through a similar phase last year. I was all about the bulk but not seeing the results in the mirror. I switched to a keto approach, and it really helped my body composition. Not saying you have to go keto, but adjusting your macros might make a difference. Have you thought about it?

u/sugarfree_susie·2 months ago

^^^ That! And don't forget to include some variety in your meals. Adding different protein sources can make a huge difference in how your body responds. Variety not only helps with nutrition but keeps you excited about your meals! Have you tried any new recipes lately?

u/squat_mama_2024·2 months ago

You're doing great! It's super easy to compare yourself to others, but remember that everyone's journey is different. I have three kids and juggling workouts with family life can be challenging. Just focus on what you can control and make sure to get those whole foods in! You'll see changes over time.

u/the_caffeine_chaser·2 months ago

Lifting is great and all, but remember to have fun with it! I'm all about that caffeine boost before workouts. Maybe try a new pre-workout or some coffee if you haven't already. Just keep things light and enjoy the process! You got this.

u/tired_and_toned·2 months ago

As a busy mom, I know how hard it is to stay motivated. I find that taking progress photos every few weeks helps me see the subtle changes I might miss daily. Winter bulks can feel like a slog, but don't forget to take care of your mental health too. Sometimes it's okay to take a break and just focus on how you feel, not just how you look.

u/tired_and_toned·1 month ago

I honestly think a lot of this comes down to mindset. If you focus solely on the visual aspect, you're going to set yourself up for disappointment. Look at those strength gains as proof that you're progressing! And maybe do a fun photo shoot when you hit a big milestone? Could change your perspective on those photos!

u/aerobic_anomaly·2 months ago

Honestly, maybe it's time to switch up your cardio game. You can't just lift heavy and expect to see those gains in the mirror without some conditioning. Cardio helps with fat loss and can reveal that definition you're looking for. I do HIIT twice a week, and it makes a difference.

u/squats_and_sass·2 months ago

I think you're on the right path! Those new PRs are no joke! Just keep hitting those weights and remember that muscle takes time to develop. Try to enjoy the process instead of stressing over the visuals. Plus, you're probably looking better than you think.

u/nonbinary_nutritionist·2 months ago

It's totally normal to feel this way, especially when you're seeing others' impressive transformations. Remember, bulk photos can be misleading. Gaining weight doesn't always equate to visual change, and many factors play into body composition. Focus on your lifts and the improvements you're making, like hitting that PR on squats! That's a huge achievement. Celebrate those strength gains!