I have been on a bulk programme for a few months now and have seen some great progress over the cooler period of the year. Initially, my plan was to continue on the bulk plan until August. But things don’t always go to plan.
Over the past few months, whilst I have seen some excellent progress strength and muscle mass wise, the amount of fat tissue that I am carrying. It’s increased to the point at which I am now in the mid-teens with my body fat percentage and am unwilling to go any higher just to continue on a bulk plan for one more month. Admittedly, I’m still within the “normal” range for my bodyfat, but in all honesty, I like a bit more room in the legs of my pants (normal bodyfat + larger than average quadriceps and hamstrings = tighter pants!)
Now my goal is to reduce my body fat fairly gradually to around 10% whilst maintaining muscle mass (as a minimum). Upon reaching this goal, I will re-assess and decide where to go from there.
Something that I want to stress is that your goals will change as you make progress. In my case, I am uncomfortable with my current body fat levels so I’m ditching the “full-on bulk” and opting for a fat loss programme in the short/mid-term. Whilst your long-term goals may remain the same, the short-term goals may vary from time to time and it is important to assess your progress, and then reassess your fitness goals.
Having said this, it is important to have a long-term goal which provides a clear sense of direction. Whilst this may change slightly from time to time, try not to change it often. By continually dramatically changing your long-term goal, you are effectively changing direction to the point where you become so confused you don’t know where you’re headed!
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