Duration of Bulk

[DNoMac]

Being that summer is coming up, I wanted to stay as lean as possible while bulking (was gonna cut but I want the mass). My question is- is there a minimum duration of time that one should bulk (i.e. at least 4 weeks)? I was even thinking about adding 500 or so extra calories to the diet for a few weeks then going back to maintenance for a few weeks and cycling back and forth. Do you guys think this would be beneficial? I know I wouldn't be packing on the mass as quickly, but like I said, I wanna attempt to stay pretty lean for the summer.

Stats:
6'
185
8-9% bf (just an estimate, I have a 6-pack and can see the veins a bit below the abs)

[Undecided09]

I would say three months is a pretty good time slot for a bulk. Also, if you gonna bulk, then bulk, if not then don't, but commit either way...

[novastepp]

ahhh, the "i want to looked ripped for summer syndrome" we all suffer from it in one way or another. but i think you could try it out. nothing bad would come from it.

[DNoMac]

ahhh, the "i want to looked ripped for summer syndrome" we all suffer from it in one way or another. but i think you could try it out. nothing bad would come from it.

Exactly. I've only been doing it for this week, but I think I'm gonna try it out for a bit. I still have a bit of time before I'll be chillen pool side.

[CENADICT]

Exactly. I've only been doing it for this week, but I think I'm gonna try it out for a bit. I still have a bit of time before I'll be chillen pool side.

Go for a lean bulk. I believe you will have no problems.

[DNoMac]

Crazy thing is, before I modified my diet, I was only getting around 2100 calories. I thought I was way above that. According to the formula in one of the stickies, my maintenance is around 3000, however I wasn't really losing weight. I'm hoping by upping the calories 500 kcals or so (nothing but clean cals), I'll be able to pack on the lean mass I've been missing out on.

[mitch911]

up the cardio

[BOBBY D]

if that is u in ur avatar, i would say u r all set for the summer.. im trying to do the same thing, just up ur carbs (clean low glyclemic carbs) & keep the protein high.. have a cheat meal 2x a week & do the cardio to balance it out.. its what im doing & im staying hard & thick, & slightly cutting.