Wits & Weights | Fat Loss, Nutrition, & Strength Training for Lifters Q&A - Is Bulking and Cutting REQUIRED (vs. Body Recomp) for a Great Physique? | Bonus Episode
Can you transform your physique without the traditional bulk and cut cycles? Or is this possible with body recomposition at maintenance calories?
Today we have a question from from Wyatt about whether you can only make progress with your physique while bulking and cutting rather than attempt body recomposition. He also asks whether there is a difference between staying at maintenance calories and body recomp.
In this episode, we explore how new or detrained lifters might benefit from this approach and the limitations of its effectiveness. We also hit on food tracking, protein intake, and training intensity, while considering the emotional and social implications of constantly oscillating between bulking and cutting phases.
We then tackle the pros and cons of the bulking and cutting method for physique development, establishing healthy habits during a maintenance phase, obsessive behaviors and stress, especially for those susceptible to yo-yo dieting, and time-efficient muscle gains.
These questions are from the Friday LIVE Q&A in the free Wits & Weights Facebook community. Just post a specific question relevant to your unique, individual situation and have it answered in these live Q&As.
👉 Experience it yourself by joining the FREE Wits & Weights Facebook group.
Episode resources
📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork.
🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN).
👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.
👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram