Should You Bulk or Cut First - The Real Answer

Summary

Greg from Kinobody.com addresses the common query of whether to bulk or cut first in fitness journeys. He suggests cutting first to quickly see results and improve hormonal balance for better muscle building. He explains that while bulking takes longer, cutting can be achieved in months and sets a solid foundation for lean muscle growth. Greg also offers tailored advice through the Kinobody survey for personalized fitness plans.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Greg from Kinobody addresses the common question of whether to bulk or cut first in fitness journeys.
• 📊 The Kinobody survey on the website helps determine the best approach for individuals based on their current stats and goals.
• ⏱️ Greg recommends cutting first for those with higher body fat percentages to achieve quicker visible results.
• 💪 Building muscle takes longer (potentially years) compared to cutting fat, which can be done within months.
• 📉 Cutting fat first can improve hormonal balance, increasing testosterone and reducing estrogen levels, which aids in muscle growth.
• 👕 Lean muscle building allows for better nutrient partitioning and insulin sensitivity, making it easier to maintain a lean look.
• 🤔 People who look 'skinny fat' after significant weight loss might benefit from a muscle-building phase before cutting again.
• 🏋️‍♂️ For those new to fitness or with excess fat, focusing on cutting can lead to immediate improvements in appearance and confidence.
• 🍽️ Greg advises against extreme calorie surpluses during bulking, suggesting a more moderate approach to avoid excessive fat gain.
• 🔄 An aggressive muscle-building strategy might involve a 3-week high-calorie phase followed by a week of cutting to refine physique.

Q & A

What is the main topic of Greg's video from kinobody.com?

The main topic of Greg's video is to address the common question of whether individuals should bulk or cut first in their fitness journey.

What tool does Greg recommend for a personalized fitness approach?

Greg recommends the Kinobody survey on his website, which asks a series of questions to help determine the best approach to training and nutrition based on an individual's unique situation.

Why does Greg generally suggest cutting first before bulking?

Greg suggests cutting first because it is faster to lose fat than to build muscle, allows for immediate short-term results, and hormonally prepares the body for better muscle building while being lean.

How long does it typically take to go from 14% body fat to 8% according to Greg?

Greg mentions that it typically takes about 3 months to go from 14% body fat to 8% if an individual is doing everything right.

What is the advantage of having higher testosterone levels when trying to build muscle?

Higher testosterone levels, which can be achieved by being leaner, help in better nutrient partitioning and enhanced insulin sensitivity, making it easier to build muscle.

Why might someone who has already lost a significant amount of weight consider bulking first?

For someone who has lost a lot of weight and is 'skinny fat,' bulking first can give their body a break from dieting, allowing hormone levels and metabolism to recover, setting the stage for more effective fat loss in the future.

What is the recommended body fat percentage to aim for before starting to build muscle, according to Greg?

Greg suggests aiming for a body fat percentage of around 10-12% before starting to build muscle, although going down to 8% is also fine for some individuals.

What does Greg suggest for someone who feels too skinny after losing weight but still has abdominal fat?

Greg suggests that it's okay to be a bit lean for a short period of time, focusing on the long-term goal of achieving a better physique in 6 months rather than immediate appearance.

How does Greg describe the process of lean bulking and its benefits?

Greg describes lean bulking as a process where one can eat slightly above maintenance calories and focus on getting stronger to ensure muscle gain while staying lean, resulting in an enjoyable and aesthetically pleasing physique throughout the process.

What is Greg's opinion on the approach taken by Bradley Cooper for the movie 'American Sniper'?

Greg believes that Bradley Cooper's approach of gaining a significant amount of weight for the movie was inefficient and involved unnecessary training and dietary restrictions, suggesting a more balanced approach would have been more effective.