The second is a bulk and cut approach whereby you push calories high (above maintenance) in a growing phase and then go on a mini bulk to lose the unwanted fat built up in the process.īoth approaches have merits and drawbacks so the best approach will depend on your views around body composition and also your physiology. The first is a sustained lean bulk whereby you stay very close to your maintenance calories and look to build muscle while minimising fat gains. A diet phase from a programming point of view is pretty straight forward, it’s the optimal way to build muscle that has a multitude of views.įor most it usually comes down to two popular approaches. The key point of this article is to look at the best long term strategy when it comes to building muscle. The same is true for overall physique development, to see the best progress you need to focus on one specific goal at any one time when it comes to body composition. Whilst exercises like a deadlift have carry over to different aspects of physique development if you wanted to specifically build your calves then you would need to make them a priority in your training and put everything else into maintenance mode. When it comes to training, a sole focus on a specific goal will often reap the best results. There are arguments to say that you can lose fat whilst building muscle and there is definitely truth to this for a select few individuals (those that lack training experience and carry a significant amount of body fat already) but for the vast majority of people you will need to spend a dedicated amount of time in a bulking or cutting phase to really build your physique. To grow muscle, lose fat and ultimately build a pretty decent physique you will have to adopt phases based around building muscle or losing body fat, these phases are more commonly known as bulking and cutting.

Lean bulk vs bulk and cut is a decision that many struggle with when it comes to physique development.

Bulking and cutting workout plan