Are you stuck in a skinny fat rut? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with this body type, characterized by low muscle mass and high body fat percentage. It can be frustrating to look slim but still feel flabby.
The good news is that you can change your body composition with the right approach. Bulking and cutting are two strategies that can help you achieve your body goals. In this article, we’ll explain what these terms mean and how to use them effectively.
What is Bulking?
Bulking is consuming more calories than you burn to build muscle mass. This typically involves consuming a surplus of protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, weightlifting, and resistance training to stimulate muscle growth.
Bulking is an effective way to gain muscle mass, but it can also increase body fat. This is because you’re eating more calories than you need, and some excess energy will be stored as fat. However, bulking aims to gain more muscle than fat, so you should keep your calorie surplus moderate and focus on nutrient-dense foods.
If you’re interested in bulking, it’s a good idea to consult a fitness trainer or nutritionist to help you create a personalized plan. They can aid you in determining your calorie needs, macronutrient ratios and recommend exercises to maximize muscle growth.
What is Cutting?
Cutting is when you eat tinier amounts of calories than you burn to reduce body fat. Cutting aims to maintain muscle mass while losing fat, which can be achieved through a combination of diet and exercise.
Cutting typically involves reducing your calorie intake while increasing your protein intake. You also want to do cardio and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to burn more calories. This creates a calorie deficit, which forces your body to use stored fat for energy.
Cutting can be challenging because it requires a lot of discipline and consistency. You need to be patient and stick to your plan to see results. However, the payoff is worth it – cutting can reveal the muscle mass you’ve built during your bulking phase and give you a leaner, more defined physique.
Bulking vs. Cutting: Which is Right for You?
The decision to bulk or cut depends on your goals and body composition. You may benefit from both strategies at different times if you’re skinny fat.
If you’re starting from a low muscle mass, it’s best to begin with a bulking phase to build a solid foundation of muscle. Once you’ve gained significant muscle mass, you can switch to a cutting phase to reduce body fat and reveal the definition of the muscle.
If you’re already at a healthy muscle mass but have excess body fat, you should begin with a cutting phase to reduce fat and improve your body composition. Once you’ve achieved your desired level of leanness, you can switch to a bulking phase to build more muscle mass.
It’s important to note that bulking and cutting should be done in a structured and controlled manner. Rapid weight gain or loss can harm your health and produce undesirable results. A fitness trainer or nutritionist can help you create a safe and effective plan based on your needs.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling with a skinny fat body composition, don’t despair. You can change your body using bulking and cutting strategies to build muscle mass and reduce body fat.
Remember to work with a fitness trainer or nutritionist to create a personalized plan that is safe and effective for you. With patience and consistency, you can obtain the body you desire.
Looking to transform your skinny fat body into a lean, muscular physique? Look no further than Fission Fusion Fitness, your go-to fitness coach in Dubai. Our expert trainers will guide you through a personalized bulking and cutting plan that is safe and effective, helping you achieve your fitness goals. Contact us today to schedule your first session!