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Posted by u/cuttingseason_2024··Cutting

Anyone else feel like bulking makes you feel invincible?

TL;DR: Is the strong feeling from bulking just a novelty that fades during cutting?

I'm currently cutting but I've been reflecting on my last bulk. It was wild how strong I felt all the time, hitting PRs left and right. I mean, I was lifting heavier than I ever thought possible. Now I'm back to cutting and it feels like I'm losing that edge. Anyone else experience this? Does the novelty of always feeling strong go away once you get back to cutting?

26 comments

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u/6footdadbod·

Dad life here, I totally get it. When I bulk, I feel like I can lift my kids with ease! But during cuts, it's like I'm back to struggling with the grocery bags. Just keep your mindset positive and remember to enjoy the process.

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u/veganpowerhouse·

I hear you! During my last bulk, I felt unstoppable too. But cutting has its perks, like being able to really see muscle definition. I make sure to stay on point with my plant-based macros to keep energy levels up. Try incorporating more legumes and whole grains, and remember, this is just a phase!

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u/veganpowerhouse·

Just remember, ur body needs time to adjust! i found that keeping a consistent training schedule while cutting helps maintain strength. I make sure to get enough sleep and stay hydrated; those factors really do play a role. Plus, focusing on strength reps instead of pure volume can help maintain gains!

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u/muscledmomma·

I think it's normal to feel that way! Sometimes, cutting can feel like you're losing muscle, but remember that you're preserving hard-earned gains. Switching focus can help; maybe aim for better endurance or flexibility in your workouts during this time. I try to include family workouts too, it makes it more fun!

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u/strongmommy22·

I totally understand! It's almost like you go from superhero to mere mortal during a cut. I'd recommend tracking your lifts and seeing how you can still improve. Strength doesn't vanish overnight, even if the scale says otherwise.

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

100, bulking feels like a cheat code! i hit my all-time PRs on bench and squat during my last bulk. Now that I'm cutting, I'm just waiting for the day I can shred and lift heavy again

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u/muscledmomma·

I feel you on the invincible feeling! As a mom of four, my bulking phase was my superhero era. I was lifting weights like they were nothing! It's a bit of a mental game when cutting, though. Try incorporating some more varied workouts during this phase. Maybe even a new class or two to keep the excitement alive. Also, don't forget to prioritize your recovery; with all your hard work, it's easy to overlook that. Keep it fun and fresh!

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u/recipequeen44·

I get it! Bulking feels like a power-up. My favorite smoothie recipe while bulking had spinach, banana, and peanut butter, and it was just pure energy! But during cuts, I try to make it lighter and pack in the protein. It's all about balance.

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u/squat_to_pizza·

Ngl, bulking made me feel like a beast! But cutting? I just feel like a sad pizza without toppings

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

Facts, when I was bulking, I felt like I could lift a car. Now that I'm cutting, I'm struggling to find that motivation. It's hard to keep pushing when you feel weaker.

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u/running_sucks_bro·

Cutting sucks, bro. i just want to lift heavy and eat pizza. It's a struggle to stay motivated when you're not feeling strong. I say just push through, you'll find your strength again.

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u/proteinpancakes22·

My bulking phase was lit! Hitting PRs was a high like no other, but now that I'm cutting, it's like my gym spirit animal is on vacation. You just gotta keep it fun, bro.

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u/proteinpancakes22·

For real, when I bulked up, I felt like I was on top of the world. I could rep out 80s on dumbbell bench! Now that I'm cutting, I feel like a ghost in the gym. Gotta keep that energy high, tho!

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u/strongmommy22·

That's a good point about maintaining muscle! I've read that it's possible to retain strength with the right diet and training split. You don't have to give up everything while cutting, just adjust your mindset.

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u/saltyngl·

Look, bulking is nice and all, but if you're not tracking your intake properly during your cut, you're gonna feel like crap. It's a common misconception that you can just lift heavy and eat whatever when bulking. If you want to retain strength while cutting, you need to be on point with your macros and plan your workouts accordingly. Also, this whole 'invincible' feeling fades pretty quick if you aren't managing your nutrition and recovery well during cuts.

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u/muscledmomma·

It's so easy to feel like you've lost everything during a cut, but think of it as a challenge. Maybe set a new goal, like improving your form or learning a new lift. I always tell my kids, small steps lead to big changes, and that applies to fitness too!

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u/running_sucks_bro·

Ngl, cutting can feel like you're losing strength for sure, but it's also about knowing how to manage your lifts. For me, it's all about keeping the intensity high and focusing on form during this phase. Just cause you're cutting doesn't mean you can't go for heavy singles. I usually still work my 1RM during cuts but adjust my volume. Running sucks, but I've learned to cope!

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u/veganpowerhouse·

I totally get that sense of strength when bulking! It's like your body just wants to lift heavier. But I think it's also about mindset. I find that maintaining a positive outlook during a cut helps me push through. Plus, don't forget to focus on your protein intake; it's essential for muscle retention. Eating plant-based doesn't mean sacrificing strength either. I actually had a great cut while still PRing on deadlifts with my vegan diet.

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u/running_to_breathe·

Yep! Bulking can be such a confidence booster. I just hit a 5K PR while cutting, but lifting feels tougher. You just gotta find new ways to challenge yourself!

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u/muscledmomma·

Bulking does have this amazing effect! It's like you can feel the strength radiating from every rep. I remember hitting a PR on my squat while pregnant, which was wild. I'd suggest focusing on the positives during your cut, like refining your form or working on cardio. You can always set new goals that excite you!

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u/squat_to_pizza·

Not trying to sound like a jerk, but if you're not hitting PRs during a cut, it might be time to rethink your strategy. What's your split looking like? Maybe it's time for a new plan.

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u/saltyngl·

Honestly, that's a common struggle. Some lifters think cutting means you can't progress, but it's just about adjusting your approach. You can still make gains, but you have to be smart about your training and nutrition. Don't just focus on lifting heavier, try working on hypertrophy or even just improving technique!

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

True, but it can also feel demotivating when you can't hit those PRs anymore. Cutting doesn't mean you have to stop getting stronger, just gotta shift focus, I guess

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u/running_sucks_bro·

Skill issue for sure. Cutting isn't fun, but it's a part of the game. Just keep grinding and don't let the scale define your worth.

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u/macrocounter98·

You know what's wild? When I bulked, I didn't realize how much strength I gained until I cut. I tracked everything, my lifts, my macros, and I was shocked at the muscle retention. You might be surprised how little strength you lose if you keep lifting smart during your cut

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u/proteinpancakes22·

facts! I mean, who doesn't feel like a beast when bulking? But cutting can be tough. Pro tip, just focus on your protein pancakes for breakfast! Those are my lifesaver. I also try to switch up my cardio with some fun stuff like dance workouts to keep my spirits up. It makes the cut less of a grind.

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