To cut or not to cut?

Nutrition Q&A [Moderated]
1

Currently coming to the end of Powerbuilding 1 and wondering what to do next regarding nutrition and training.

I’ve been in calorie surplus (about 1.5 lb month) since starting Beginners Template In August 2019 and then went onto Hypertrophy1.

Stats: Male, 160lb, 5’ 9”, waist 33.5”. Estimate BF 20% (calipers and visual).

Would you advise a calorie deficit, maintenance or continue in surplus and if so what program?
I’m interested in both hypertrophy and strength development.

Thanks in advance.

2

I don’t know that I’d advise you to lose weight unless you want to. I think if you’re on the fence, I’d do Powerbuilding 2 at maintenance.

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3

Thanks for your reply Jordan. Can you explain your reasoning for a maintenance approach to nutrition? Would it still be possible to increase hypertrophy and strength while in maintenance just as effectively as being in a surplus? I’m not adverse to higher body fat though not sure if my age (51) is a consideration from a health standpoint.

4

My recommendation is based on your desire to maybe cut, existing numbers, and training history. I think it’s likely you’ll reduce your waist circumference while getting stronger and maintaining your current weight. While I wouldn’t push your waist over ~34" voluntarily, I’m not worried about your waist at all right now other than keeping a theoretical ceiling at around 34".

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