Hello Everyone,
29-year-old software developer reporting in.
5’10"
I feel a bit stuck with what is probably a pretty common issue. I’ve been bulking since the beginning of the year and packed on about 40lbs of body weight (from 150 to 190) while running through my SS Novice LP. I wanted to reach 200lbs but continuing to gain weight has become increasingly difficult. My shoulders, glutes and chest have all grown but unfortunately so has my belly. I’m starting to push that 40" waistline which seems like a health concern. I feel like growing has helped me get a lot stronger, and I’m still very lean from the from the hips down and the chest up. The lifts are starting to get very heavy and I’m afraid that if I drop body weight now my strength will be comprised.
I guess what I’m saying is that I’m simultaneously afraid to bulk and afraid to cut. I sort of feel like “body recomposition” is a myth, my understanding being that it’s not realistic to lose fat and gain muscle at the same time.
So for the sake of health and strength, do I stay the course in a surplus, run maintenance or try to slice off the belly?