Quote:
Originally Posted by vtec to vvel
I keep logs of each cut/bulk phases and goes back about 10 years. Whether I cut from a clean or dirty bulk, the misery is almost the same. The most recent cut phase was a bit more difficult because my only source of carbs came from fruits/veggies and cut out anything processed, whereas before I would incorporate rice cakes/wheat bread.
I've noticed that a clean bulk takes me twice as long to get the gains I target, though there are pro's/con's to both types of bulking. For my particular goals, a clean bulk would have meant eating about 6 meals a day (and for a longer duration), whereas a dirty bulk meant less meals with more calories and hitting my macro's. I also saw a pattern of being able lift more weight and with more reps/sets on a dirty bulk than clean.
In regards to age and metabolism, there has been many new studies that a person's metabolism doesn't start to decline until the 60's. Perhaps it's different for each individual person, but looking back at my records, my calorie surplus/deficit for bulking/cutting have been consistent so far.
https://www.healthline.com/health-ne...than-you-think |
Fair enough, I’m coming at it from a long term health aspect as much as a bodybuilding/weightlifting one. Even with all the exercise and rotating into a clean eating phase periodically, consuming all those chemicals and bad fats and processed foods is still bad for long term health. Its also hard on the body to constantly cycle from one extreme to the other.
I agree about metabolism not having to decline with age, a proper diet and exercise can work Miracles. I was more referring to our hormonal profile. Testosterone peaks in your mid twenties (not withstanding the temporary boost during puberty), growth hormone peaks mid thru late 20s. Assuming someone stays healthy and injury free and continues to train, gains can be made/maintained thru mid to late 30s. But after that it’s a slow road downhill.
Now, to be fair, when I was young and dumb and full of cum, I wasn’t bodybuilding and powerlifting with longevity or health benefits in mind, I was just focusing on being the most muscular and strong version of myself I could be. Age and disability have a funny way of changing one’s perspective though.
