Longer cycles can be more effective with a few caveats.įirst, the most effective bulking cycles are generally at least 3-4 months, if not longer. In general, you should expect to spend at least 4-6 weeks in any bulking or cutting cycle any less time makes it unlikely that you’ll see much in the way of results. The best answer for an ideal duration per cycle will vary with your goals. You might hear these durations referred to as bulking season or cutting season.

How long should I spend bulking? How long should I spend cutting? If you already have substantial muscle mass, but your body fat percentage is higher than you'd like to see, cutting is a good starting point.įor most gym-goers and weightlifters, you’ll likely want to follow a pattern of bulking then cutting to progressively achieve your dream body. A bulking cycle is a great place to start if you don't have much muscle mass, and your body fat percentage is on the lower side. Where to start: bulking vs cutting?ĭeciding where to start depends on several factors, including your current body fat percentage, lean muscle mass, and short- and long-term goals.

Bulking focuses on putting on weight and getting bigger whereas cutting focuses on getting lean and removing excess body fat to achieve better definition and tone. While both bulking and cutting are strategies for better definition, tone, and muscle mass, the difference between bulking and cutting tends to come down to your current priorities.

Bulking and cutting science