30 Seconds SummaryShould Strength Athletes do Bulk and Cut Cycles?
- Strength athletes can benefit from bulking and cutting cycles to maximize body composition improvements and strength gains over the long term.
- Body recomposition (losing fat and gaining muscle simultaneously) is possible but may not be the most effective strategy for trained lifters seeking optimal strength performance.
- Muscle growth requires energy, and maintaining an energy surplus through bulking can enhance muscle gains more efficiently than maintenance or recomposition approaches.
- The evidence suggests that an energy surplus is likely necessary for maximizing muscle growth, as seen in both research studies and observational data on athletes.
- The ratio of muscle to fat gain can be optimized with a controlled energy surplus, minimizing unnecessary fat gain during bulking phases.
- Individual variability plays a significant role in how effectively one can bulk or recompose their body, with genetic factors influencing the response to energy surpluses.
- Testing personal responses to different diet strategies, like maintaining an energy surplus or weight maintenance, helps individuals find the most effective approach for their goals and body type.
Data Driven Strength
Josh Pelland
