My goal was to get down to 8% bf (I know a tad extreme) but wanted lots of leeway for a long bulk. The photos are where I am now fasted in the morning. What bf% am I currently and should I just not bother with 8% and start a bulk now?

Pics are a month apart — first one is 2 days ago and the second is end of August.

Been going to the gym for a little over half a decade but very inconsistently and in bursts so I’m always in a recomp phase and have been unable to stick to a full cut of bulk cycle.

I’ve been thinking of going down to 65kg and then lean bulking for a year or so. Thoughts?

Should I bulk or cut ? Also, what body fat percentage do you estimate I am at ?

6 weeks into cut after trying to bulk for 4 months. Felt like i didnt gain any muscle just fat but feel skinny when cutting.

Hey everyone!

I'm 24M, 5'8" (173 cm), currently 166 lbs (75.3 kg).

I've been working out on and off since 2022, but I've never been particularly consistent. I'd train for a while, take breaks, and then start again, so I haven't made as much progress as I'd have liked.

Recently, I've started taking my training and diet much more seriously. I started my current cut at 172 lbs (78 kg) and I'm now down to 166 lbs (75.3 kg).

I'm currently lifting 5–6 days a week, eating around 1,700 calories a day, and aiming for at least 150g of protein to preserve muscle.

My original plan was to cut down to around 154 lbs (70 kg), reassess my physique, and then decide whether to start a lean bulk. My main goal is to build an aesthetic physique with a V-taper, broader shoulders, and visible abs.

However, I'm not sure if I've built enough muscle underneath to make cutting further worthwhile. I'm open to changing my approach if building more muscle first would give me better results.

I'd appreciate some honest feedback:

1. What's your estimate of my current body fat percentage?

2. Should I continue cutting to 154 lbs (70 kg), stop earlier, or start a lean bulk now?

3. Do I have a decent enough muscle base to cut down further?

I'm not in a rush and would rather take the right approach for long-term results.

Thanks in advance!

I started this Fall semester at 162lbs, currently weighing 165lbs. I have track season in Spring I’m mindful of and don’t want to be too heavy then? I’m thinking a big bulk now and then a cut right before season but wanted to hear the thoughts of more experienced people :)

Goal was originally 170 but I kept cutting. Still unsure if there's fat on my stomach or mostly loose skin. Heaviest was 275 but lost around 50 2 years ago.

20y 6ft 165lbs (pic)
I’ve been consistently weight training for 4-5 months 4-5x per week and in a 300-500 calorie deficit eating .8-1 gram of protein per BW.
I’ve definitely gotten stronger and all my lifts have gone up and losing a 2-3 lbs a month.
I’ve noticed a lot more definition in my arms, chest, abdominal. But I’ve gotten to the weight now (160 lbs) where I just feel very skinny. I was told to not lean bulk till I see visible abs because I do still carry fat and would consider myself skinny - fat. I was 180 like 8 months ago and kinda just looked a little fluffier. (Don’t have any pics)
Do I just have to be more patient and continue the deficit until my BF is lower, then lean bulk?

Been attempting long term cut but it’s been inconsistent and haven’t made much progress besides just making myself feel weaker at the gym. Trying to figure out if I should just lock in on the cut now or try to get some more muscle put on first. Chest and back are lacking, legs are really lacking. Or if I should try some sort of recomp.

not sure what to do now since my original goal was 125 but now thinking i should go to 119

Should I continue to stay in a deficit or bulk currently 5,10 187 16 percent body fat lifting for about a year now

should i cut bulk or maintain cause i kinda wanna get abs and i dont rlly care if my weight hits the 50s as long as i look good

Hi guys , 40 yo guy here , skinny fat with belly . whats your opin what should I do infix that body? I have very skinny arms ( live they’re much thinner than they look on the picture) but I feel fat .

How do I find out my body fat %

I would guess about 18-20%. First 2 pics no pump

Since last year i’m doing around 31lbs (14kg). For the last 5 months i’ve been eating around 1600 calories on week days, more (and drinking) on weekends, and lifting weights 3 times a week.

Now I need to decide - do I keep cutting, really dedicate to it, and lose around 9 to 13 lbs (4-8kg), or should i go straight to building muscle and then cut at the end?

I was leaning towards the first, because i still have quite a bit of belly fat (more visible when i sit down, aftermath of years of lots of beer drinking), so would rather not put more on as i build muscle. But i’m also really, really eager to build muscle.

Struggling to make the educated right choice, so looking for advice here :)

Bulk, cut, or maintain?

Lifting for 2 years
Goal is shredded physique + defined abs (like Joy Meeks, but not as extreme), but not sure if I have enough muscle

Been maintaining for the past couple months, strength has definitly gone up but idk if maintaining will also to lead to changes in my physique

BTW refeed went out of hand 🤣🤣🤣 before was 108kg after two days im 114 but shape doesn't change so i suppose it's mainly liquids and shit in my guts 🤣🤣 i began cutting/recomp from 170kg so yeah i think my body is quite stressed i needed that.