One of the main keys in the world of bodybuilding is bulking and cutting, and some may confuse the difference between bulking and cutting, despite the fact that they are both key in any training program.
So if you want to know the difference between bulking and cutting, what is suitable for your body, and how to organize each of them, continue reading this article to learn all that and more.
The difference between bulking and cutting
Bulking and cutting are two opposing, yet complementary concepts for achieving an ideal body.
The meaning of bulking : A process in which the athlete aims to enlarge the muscles and increase the body mass in general, while the meaning of cutting is focused on burning and getting rid of excess fat in order to emphasize the muscles and obtain a tight and well-defined body, and usually the bulking phase needs a longer period than cutting; as the process of building muscle is a complex process and needs a longer period than losing fat.
The main factor for bulking and cutting is the diet and the amount of calories that the athlete gains, and we will explain how to organize and implement each of them separately in the coming paragraphs.
How to bulk in the world of bodybuilding
You will be able to achieve your goal in the process of bulking by developing a solid plan to increase muscle mass and growth:
- Develop a proper training program to increase muscle mass: During the bulking phase, you should practice strength training using heavy weights, with a low number of repetitions, while being careful not to lift heavier weights than necessary, as it may increase the chances of injuries and fatigue.
- Proper diet for bulking: The athlete must increase the amount of calories gained above his daily need, by 300-500 calories per day, by eating high-energy meals, rich in carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats; to provide the nutrients needed to build muscle, with attention to drinking water; for its role in keeping the muscles hydrated, in addition to reaching the nutrients to the muscle cells to enhance the process of muscle building.
But be aware of excessive weight gain and body fat percentage, by constantly monitoring your weight, and making sure to increase your weight and muscle mass in a healthy way.
How to lose body fat for accentuating muscles
After mentioning the most important steps for bulking, what about how to slim down?
- Exercise: As someone who aims to burn excess fat and reach a low fat percentage, aerobic exercises such as walking, running, and cycling play an important role in burning calories, in addition to the importance of weight training; it raises the metabolic rate throughout the day, thus burning more fat.
- Follow a calorie-counted diet: Reducing your body’s need for calories – by 300-500 calories – is important in the cutting phase, just eat small meals – 4-5 meals a day – rich in protein, with moderate amounts of carbohydrates and fats; as they are high in calories and cause weight gain, while including fiber such as fruits and vegetables in your meals.
- Drink enough water: Water helps you feel fuller for longer, and drinking 3-5 liters of water a day prevents water retention under the skin.
What bulking and cutting have in common
After mentioning the difference between bulking and cutting, and what regimen is suitable for both, there are still several things they have in common, including the following:
- Getting enough rest and sleep: Rest is one of the main keys to the success of both processes because of its prominent role in rejuvenating you, providing you with energy and vitality, improving physical and mental performance during exercises, and eliminating nervous tension and stress.
- Regular monitoring: The results should be monitored continuously in order to know the level of progress and make the necessary adjustments to the training system and diet to achieve the best results in the long run.
- Discipline and stick to your schedule: Discipline and adherence to a realistic plan that reflects your goals is the most important factor for success in the world of bodybuilding, whether the goal is to increase muscle mass or lose fat.
The difference between bulking and cutting
The length of time needed for bulking and cutting varies from person to person, depending on each person’s goal, physical condition, and adherence to the exercise schedule and diet, but on average:
- The duration of bulking ranges from a few months to a year or more (6 months to a year)
- The duration of cutting and fat loss ranges from a few weeks to a few months (2-3 months).
After shedding light on the difference between bulking and cutting and how long it takes to achieve an ideal body, the common question is, which is better, bulking or cutting ?
Which is better, cutting or bulking?
The answer to this question is based on several factors, the most important of which is the physical condition of the body. If a person is overweight and has a high percentage of body fat, it is best to start with cutting, while if you want to gain weight and muscle mass and increase physical strength, you only need to bulk.
Another factor that helps determine what is right for a person is their daily habits, such as the type of diet they follow and their favorite exercises.
Frequently asked questions about the difference between cutting and bulking
How do I know if I need cutting or bulking?
If you are overweight and have a high percentage of body fat, it is best to start with cutting, but if you want to increase weight and muscle mass and increase physical strength, you only need bulk.
What does cutting mean in the gym?
The meaning of cutting is centered on burning excess fat and getting rid of it in order to accentuate the muscles and get a tight and well-defined body
Does bulking increase the percentage of fat?
Yes, so be aware of excessive weight gain and body fat percentage, by constantly monitoring your weight, and making sure to increase your weight and muscle mass in a healthy way.
What are cutting meals?
Small meals – 4-5 meals a day – are rich in protein, with moderate amounts of carbohydrates and fats; as they are high in calories and cause weight gain, while including fiber such as fruits and vegetables in your meals.
How long does it take to lose fat?
The time required for slimming and fat loss ranges from a few weeks to a few months (2-3 months)
Is it possible to cut down without exercise?
As a person who aims to burn excess fat and reach a low fat percentage, aerobic exercises such as walking, running and cycling play an important role in burning calories, in addition to the importance of weight training; it raises the metabolic rate throughout the day, thus burning more fat.
In conclusion
We advise you to start with the bulking phase if your goal is to gain weight and muscle mass, while if your goal is to lose fat, you should start with the cutting phase.
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