![Bulking vs. Cutting](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/is-protein-powder-really-good-for-you.jpg?output-quality=75)
Cutting and bulking are two phrases related to bodybuilding and gaining muscle.
- Bulking involves consuming too many calories to gain muscle. Bodybuilders frequently bulk up to add to their muscle mass before competitions.
- Cutting is the process of losing body fat while maintaining your muscular mass.
Both approaches are focused on diet. Bulking means eating more calories than your body burns and cutting means consuming fewer calories than you expend.
What is bulking?
The process of bulking involves gaining muscle mass. You should aim to consume more calories than your body expels. This will enable your body to develop muscle.
Weightlifting and resistance training is necessary to bulk up. Additionally, maintain a balanced diet high in protein and carbohydrates.
Bulking is typically where competitive bodybuilders invest most of their time. After that, three to four months before a tournament, they switch to cutting.
6 pros of bulking
- Builds more muscle
- Increases performance
- Amplifies bone density
- Promotes recovery time from workouts
- Increases strength
5 cons of bulking
- Must increase exercise to counterbalance weight gain
- If not done incorrectly, it increases body fat
- When your body fat percentage exceeds 20 percent, you are at an increased risk for negative health effects
- You might feel lethargic if you allow your body fat to get too high (this point will be different for each person)
- Due to your higher body fat percentage, your abs and muscle definition will appear less defined
What is cutting?
Cutting is the method for reducing body fat and weight. When trying to lose weight, you should try to consume fewer calories than your body expels. As a result, your body will start to lose weight and fat.
To lose weight, cardio is necessary. Also, concentrate on eating a balanced diet with lots of vegetables and protein.
Cutting can help you lose weight, but this process might reduce some muscle mass (slightly). The length of the cut depends on how much body fat you need to shed. You might need to go on a cutting regimen for several months if you have a lot of body fat.
4 pros of cutting
- Reduced body fat
- Greater muscle definition and a quicker reduction in body fat frequently result in increased self-assurance, motivation, and joy
- Improved blood values
- Improved athletic performance
![](https://images.medicinenet.com//images/slideshow/foods-that-arent-as-healthy-as-you-think/foods-that-arent-as-healthy-as-you-think-s1-bulletproof-coffee.jpg)
SLIDESHOW
Foods That Aren't as Healthy as You Think See Slideshow8 cons of cutting
Bulking vs. cutting
The main objectives of “the bulk phase” involve increasing body weight, strength, and muscles through an excess calorie intake. Bulking is referred to as “prioritization” or “targeting period” because it develops weaker muscle groups.
During the “cut phase,” the major objectives are to lose body fat, drop pounds, grow leaner, and keep the muscle mass that was built up during the “bulk phase.” To establish an energy deficit, calories are decreased and cardio could be increased. Cutting is also called “ripped,” “peeled” or “shredded.”
Make sure to get advice from an experienced and certified nutritionist before you start bulking and cutting.
Health News
- One Death, 10 Hospitalizations in Listeria Outbreak Tied to Peaches, Plums
- Charity Scams Get Active Over the Holidays: Expert Tips to Avoid Them
- Too Few Seniors Get Follow-up Care After a Serious Fall
- AI Could Predict a Nonsmoker's Risk for Lung Cancer
- Breast Cancer Rates Higher in Urban vs. Rural Areas
More Health News »
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
The Effects of Overfeeding on Body Composition: The Role of Macronutrient Composition – A Narrative Review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5786199/
Nutrition Recommendations for Bodybuilders in the Off-Season: A Narrative Review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31247944/
Effect of Calorie Restriction on Mood, Quality of Life, Sleep, and Sexual Function in Healthy Nonobese Adults. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4905696/
Calorie Restriction and Fasting Diets: What Do We Know? https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/calorie-restriction-and-fasting-diets-what-do-we-know
Nutritional strategies of high level natural bodybuilders during competition preparation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5769537/
Top Bulking vs. Cutting: Pros, Cons, and Comparison Related Articles
Healthy Aging: Causes of Muscle Weakness
From aging to illness, many things can cause your muscles to get weaker. Learn about the causes and what you can do to make it better.How Can I Build My Back Muscles at Home?
The spine supports our weight and posture. A healthy spine is essential for supporting our body weight. Poor lifestyle habits, such as faulty posture, constant sitting, bending over, being overweight, put stress on the back muscles. Hence, regular exercises and stretching are essential to maintain spine health.Is Muscle Gain Good for Your Health?
Muscle gain is good for your health as it can strengthen bones, improve balance, help you reduce weight, lower blood sugar levels, and prevent cognitive decline.Muscle Cramps: Foods That Help and Prevent Cramping
One way to prevent muscle cramps is to get enough of these nutrients: potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium. They’re called electrolytes, and you can find them in these foods.Pain Management: Why Does My Calf Muscle Hurt?
There's a group of muscles on the back of each lower leg that doctors call "calf muscles." They play a key role in helping you walk and run. Learn the things that can make them hurt, from a minor sprain to more serious problems like deep vein thrombosis.Pain Management: Signs Your Muscle Pain Is Something Else
Could your achy muscles be a sign of more than a tough workout? Learn when a twinge might warrant a visit to the doctor's office.What Are Shoulder Muscles Called?
Shoulder muscles are required for movements of the upper limb. They also give the shoulders their characteristic shape. The shoulder has multiple muscles. Shoulder muscles include the intrinsic muscles or scapulohumeral group, including the deltoid, teres major and four rotator cuff muscles. The extrinsic shoulder muscles are the trapezius, latissimus dorsi, levator scapula and rhomboids (rhomboid major and rhomboid minor).What Are the Muscles in the Arms?
The arm is the part of the upper extremity between the shoulder joint and the elbow joint. It has a bone called the humerus, which is attached to the trunk with the help of the shoulder blade (scapula). The joint between the scapula (shoulder blade) and humerus is called the glenohumeral joint.What Does Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Do?
The latissimus dorsi muscle is the largest in the body and is up to 20-40 cm.What Does the Trapezius Muscle Do?
The trapezius is a large superficial back muscle that resembles a trapezoid in shape. It is broad, triangular, and runs at the back of the neck and upper trunk.What Is Neck Muscle Called?
Several muscles are present in the neck to allow the movement of the neck and maintain its shape and structure. One of the major muscles in the neck is the trapezius. The trapezius muscles are the large muscles of the upper back.