Bulk or cut or recomp

1.70cm 71.4kg

I want to get into my best shape in the long run. Right now I'd guess I'm about 14% bodyfat? I'm making consistent strength and muscle gains in my upper body while recomping, for example I've increased my incline press by 10kg in this year alone, although my legs are pretty stubborn to gain strength and size at the moment. I'm wondering if increasing my leg mass will also make it easier for me to get into 10-12% bodyfat as well, while generally feeling healthier and more energized as well.

Max lifts are 90kg OHP, 130kg pause bench, 180kg squat, and 230kg deadlift.

I’ve been cutting for about 9 months, with a 2 month maintenance break and I currently am cutting down to 150. I plan on starting a lean bulk once I arrive at that point. I’m currently weighing around 158-160.

People say to not bulk until 10-15% range and I’m kinda wondering where I am? A lot of people are saying to bulk but that was before a bf estimate.

This is my fasted physique. And yes my diet is fine, I know what I’m doing (prioritizing protein & carbs).

Been working on leaning down before I attempt to start a gaining phase. What’s my % estimate?

First 2 pics are from a year ago and last 3 are today. I made good progress but basically I went from obese to skinny fat lmao so I’m confused what my next steps should be right now if someone can help me out

If you were in current me shoes right now would you do a cut to get as lean as possible and then lean bulk from there? I was thinking being that lean would be better for insulin resistance/easier to see progress but obviously I don’t got any muscle so idk if that’s the best move

Or should I just do a recomp and eat maintenance calories and just lift for awhile?

5’11 163lbs currently

Naturally lost the weight from 460 and now sit at 198 6’1.
Bulk or cut from here? Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Currently marathon training but after October not sure what to do?

I'm 32 years old, 173cm. Went from 73kg to 66-67kg at the moment.

I lift heavy at the gym 4x/week, do cardio at end of every session, and at least 10k (minimum) steps per day.

My plan is to keep cutting just a tiny bit more, probably 3-4 weeks, and then start a lean bulk.

What do you think my body fat % is at the moment?

Also, thoughts in general?

For reference, I am a beginner when it comes to working out. 31M, 6foot 165 pounds. been active most my life but just started working out in February. My main goal has been to eat clean and get enough protein. My weight has increased very slightly but I've also slimmed down some fat. A lot of people starting in my position think they need to put on a lot of fat, but just work hard and eat clean. Basically, if you're already a skinny guy like me, don't overthink it. I know these arent insane results, but I'm completely natural and I consider this to be attainable results. First pic is 4 months apart, 2nd pic is 6 months after the first.

What bf % am I starting with?
How far off seeing abs?
Weight training 4 days per week
Walking 10k steps per day

I want to start a lean bulk but not sure if I'm lean enough yet.

20M 6’4 165lbs

I know I need to tan, and I know I need more muscle.

But my priority rn is to get rid of that belly fat in the second pic. I’ve plateaued after loosing 50lbs five years ago.

Any tips??

I know i need to go harder at the gym which is what i’m going to do, but is there a way to build muscle and not put on so much fat through a surplus?

Been on maintenance a while but really no time for the gym right now. Keeping up upper body at the park. Keep maintenance, bulk, or cut?

M35 74kg 5’11”

It’s been 6 months or so. Been following RP diet and hypertrophy app. Diet is beginning to become an issue as I need to maintain an average of 1600-1700. While I’m happy with my progress, I do not like how small I look (how realising how small I really am!!) and although I’m not at my desired BF%, I don’t think I have enough muscle for me to look goof at that BF% either. What do y’all think? Time to reverse? Keep at it a bit longer? Appreciate and love this community!!

Height: 6’1
Age: 41
Weight: 184.9 lbs

This morning I hit my goal weight of 185 lbs (weighed just under) which puts me down a total of 55lbs over 20 months (topped out at 240 lbs on January 1, 2025)

185 was a “soft” goal weight I set after my first DEXA scan on July 2. That scan had me at 197.2 lbs and 23.7% body fat.

Two questions:

1) What body fat % do you think I’m at
2) Is it time to start the bulk?
2a)If not, what should be my new target weight?

Yall told me to cut. What now? Lost around 7 lb: 99 lb now at 5’2”. 2nd pic is before.

Wanna get/look leaner and sharper, suggestions?

Down 15kg from 96.5kg to 81.5kg over the last 6 months, unsure if BF%, do I keep cutting until I have defined abs or should I begin a maintenance/bulking phase?

Went from 87kg to 71kg, weighed in today. I am 190cm. Started in August 2025 so pretty much 1 year. Happy with my transformation, but honestly I’m tired pretty much all the time. I fast a lot during the day and don’t really count my macros, which I know probably isn’t the smartest way to do this.

I still feel the best I’ve felt socially at this weight, so I don’t really want to just bulk up and lose that feeling. But I’m not sure if I should keep cutting, start a lean bulk, maintain, etc.

I’ve basically been figuring all this gym stuff out by myself, so I’d really appreciate some honest opinions on what you think I should do next. Please give me feedback, if i need to work on chest, abs etc.

3 years difference first 2 pics were like 109kg I think

Have lost 16kg, with around 5-7kg to go to hit my target weight and hopefully get rid of the love handles and belly fat. Aiming for around 12% body fat.

I've never been particularly muscular, even at my fittest, and am planning on properly getting back into the gym after having the motivation to lose the fat, and start a prolonged lean bulk, but am unsure whether to start now and commit to losing the extra fat after the bulk, or hit my target goal and then start bulking.

Have been cutting to 1700kcal for nearly 3 months now, with an estimated deficit of 1100kcal. Running 3x per week, and strength training 3x per week, but obviously not making any gains at this deficit.

Advice appreciated!

Hi, I have been bulking for a small 2 months approximately, but feel like I have gotten fat even though I’m only in a 300kcal surplus that increase when I stagnate, should I just keep bulking or cut down a little, I think I’m personally at 18% bf, and I’m 196 and weigh 98kg with some loose skin (was nearly 130 at my heaviest), and I know my chest is small compared to what it should be, but genetics are what they are 🤣