Start Cutting, or Continue Bulking?

[ChargerWolf]

I got a question for the guys who's been bodybuilding or weightlifting for a while now (witch is most of you haha)

Currently I'm 160 LBS, 5'10, and 13% BF. Should I continue bulking, or start cutting?

I know bodybuilders go on a bulking/cutting cycle and switch every 3-4 months, I've been bulking for about 1 year now just because I'm starting and wanted to pact on mass to start off before cutting for the first time.

I'll also admit I'm also nervous to start cutting since I know I can lose muscle mass if not done correctly, and I don't want to lose progress on my physique.

So, I need advice on where is the best way forward from my position right now.
I feel like bulking is playing it safe, but I have a feeling to really start growing, I need to suck it up and take the risk.

What do you think?

 

[tommyguns2]

It's my understanding that you're a teenager, and so my answer may differ if you were older.

First, 13% is not chubby. Are you shredded, no. But you're not carrying significant bodyfat. Good for you, in your year of bulking you've put on some good lean tissue without accumulating significant bodyfat. I'd continue eating at a calorie surplus for now. Perhaps pull back your calories slightly, but stay in a caloric surplus. Hormone-wise, at your age in you're a sweet spot, and your body will use those calories very efficiently.

A good goal for this next year will be to gain another 10 pounds of lean mass, and hold your BF steady.

 

[Bigtex]

My wife and I both sat down with Branch Warren a few years back at a meet here in Houston. We talked about diet. He said he keep his caloric intake high pretty almost year round and eats high protein and high cabs during a bulk. When he cuts he adjusts calories by dropping carbs and increasing cardio. He still keeps the protein very high.

Chris Aceto has his clients doing what he calls carb cycling which is the same concept but by the week. Here are the basics:

When trying to gain mass
Protein and fat intake remains constant during the week. Only carbs fluctuate up and down. During high carb day are 2g/lb of body weight. During medium carb days, intake is lowered to 75% and low carb is lowered 25%.

When trying to lose fat
Protein and fat intake remains constant during the week. Only carbs fluctuate up and down. During high carb day are 1.5g/lb of body weight. During medium carb days, intake is lowered to 75% and low (er) carb is lowered 25%.

 

[ChargerWolf]

It's my understanding that you're a teenager, and so my answer may differ if you were older.

First, 13% is not chubby. Are you shredded, no. But you're not carrying significant bodyfat. Good for you, in your year of bulking you've put on some good lean tissue without accumulating significant bodyfat. I'd continue eating at a calorie surplus for now. Perhaps pull back your calories slightly, but stay in a caloric surplus. Hormone-wise, at your age in you're a sweet spot, and your body will use those calories very efficiently.

A good goal for this next year will be to gain another 10 pounds of lean mass, and hold your BF steady.

Yes, I'm eighteen so your right. I'll adjust my needs as I grow older. I'll continue then, one issue I've been facing though is that I've been in a plateau for a while now. That was what got my thinking I might need to switch up my diet in the first place. Maybe growing is just slower then I'm imagining it would be. I'll keep you posted, and thanks for the advice as always!