Newby question!… What is this cut and load routine that people talk about?

[CouchSpud]

I know it’s cutting calories and then bulking again. But for what reason? And how? What is your routine? Do you cut for a week then bulk for a week? Or are the stages longer?

Idiot question, I’m sure!

I've never done it myself but been around people who have. The bulk part is done to increase muscle, so extra protein, extra healthy calories and still working out to literally add muscle bulk. The cut/lean part is then I think restriction of calories/fat to allow the muscle to show through better.

I think that's the gist. Different people do it for different amounts of time so 3 weeks bulk, 3 weeks cut etc.

Thanks! I wonder what the reason is for wanting the muscles to show through better? Is the cut beneficial in any other way?

if you want to look toned there needs to be muscle there so doing a bulk builds that muscle mass, and then cut body fat and show them muscles!! For me personally I do a 12-16 week bulk then 4-8 weeks in calorie deficit. Rinse and repeat. It takes TIME to gain the muscle.

As @bouncingaround said, the cut phase is simply a diet to reduce your body fat levels. In the bulk phase you are in a calorie surplus with the goal of adding muscle but you inevitably add some fat too hence the cut that follows.

Honestly for most people it's not necessary, it's more relevant for body builders. My goal is to add muscle and get stronger, I have done a bulk and played around with different levels of calorie surplus. My conclusion was that for me maintenance calories or just above it is the sweet spot in terms of fueling muscle growth without adding too much extra fat.

I would also add that it can quickly turn into disordered eating if you are vulnerable to that. You need to be comfortable adding body fat and then dieting back down and you will spend a lot of time thinking about food intake and managing it very closely. If you have any food issues then I think it can be a bad idea.

Long story short, it's a useful tool for some people but not necessary for most. Maintenance or just above is a better place to spend most of your time.

@CouchSpud what are your goals at the moment, are you training for muscle growth?