Diet or Bulk up first?

[Shogun1204]

I am 6'3" and about 220 to 225lbs...just starting off weight training. My goal is to bulk up, get a big build..not interested in competing or anything. I would like to have some definition showing, not just look like one of those guys with muscle under a lot of fat if that makes sense.

I figure I am probably just about 20 to 30 pounds over weight..most of my extra weight sits in the stomach. My question is, should I really concentrate on dieting / extra cardio with my weight program to lose weight first or should I just go for bulking up by increasing my protein, etc? I am just afraid if I go the bulking route it may make my build look shitty where I look more fat then muscular...

Any advice on this?

[Stubborn]

In short, both.



If you use proper nutrition along with effective exercise you will lose fat while gaining mass. 30 mins cardio 3-4 times a week along with a good training split will cut you up fast. If you are unsure about diet then check out the Nutrition board. If you need a training protocol then look at the stickys in Training.



Have you chosen a training schedule yet?

[Shogun1204]

Yes, as recommended on the board I am doing a 3 day weight program to start with covering full body. I just started up. I assume I should be thinking of splitting my routine up to cover each muscle group once per week down the line....

[Stubborn]

Always think ahead. Its best because if you come to a point where you think you are ready to up the work load or things are just getting "stale" you can quickly change. In BBing, PLing, whatever....change is key. If you are feeling good about what you are doing right now then stick with it. Research all the training articles you can get your hands on. Try a new one from time to time. Have fun with it!

[MidniteRambo]

Newbies are in the enviable position of being able to add muscle size and lose fat all at the same time.  Relish the opportunity, it gets harder later on.

[Stubborn]

Newbies are in the enviable position of being able to add muscle size and lose fat all at the same time.  Relish the opportunity, it gets harder later on.

This is true. When I started I dropped fat off and gained muscle without even trying.

[Carmello]

I say bulk up, this way you're not dissapointed. When u can't see your abs, or look like shit, you'll know it's cause you're bulking up, and u wont feel bad. Ok, maybe it's just me

[blondmusclhunk]

YOu can add muscle mass while eating clean and burn fat at the same time.  If your  6'3 225 you probably have quite a bit of fat if you say its all in the stomach.  Id have to see a pic to really judge.  But you should be eating 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight to start with .  Eat 5-6 meals a day getting in those calories you will bulk and burn fat if your working out heavy and getting the cardio in.   Im six foot 243 and I eat pretty clean  but restrict those carbs after 7pm.  Weekends Ill eat anything I want but still see my abs I don't do a lot of cardio maybe once a week.  Once you have been training for awhile you will see how fast the fat comes off when you eat well and enough of all your nutrients.  The more muscle you build the more fat you will burn.