Joining military and want more muscle...Cut or Bulk?

[Boost n Juice]

I'm pretty much out of shape, I've been practicing running and pushups, but I'm very weak at both...Want to pack on some lean muscle, but don't want to be counter productive to military training...I need to practice running but not sure if I could work that into cutting...Also with the bulking, it's going to make me weigh more which in turn would make pushups more difficult for me...

[SwoleCat]

Not quite sure what you are looking for?

(No pics/stats/plans/etc.)

~SC~

[thegeneral]

yah... what are your stats? height, weight, bf %, etc... and show us a pic or two

[Boost n Juice]

Sorry about lack of stats...
6'0 206lbs 22% BF, no pics today...

I'm trying to increase my muscle mass but need to practice running...I thought running would be counter productive for cutting...

[SwoleCat]

It is actually.

What is best to do is choose a focus (either bulking or cutting) and work towards that goal. Anything on top of that is a "bonus", and you won't waste time spinning your wheels or doing one or the other "1/2 assed" so to speak.



~SC~

[D7M]

what branch are you joining? when you shipping?

having been there myself, I wouldn't really worry about either cutting or bulking right now. Just start running your butt off, and get a good pair of combat boots (get used to running in them!).

Thing is, whether you cut or bulk, you'll end up loosing alot in boot. You'll come out real lean.

[DNoMac]

Depends on which branch like derek said. I would focus on cardio right now. Obviously you can still lift, but i wouldn't focus on bulking or cutting specifically. You will lose a decent amount of gains in basic since you can't lift/rest/eat properly. Prepare yourself to succeed in BMT then go from there. Most bases have pretty tight gyms and all you can eat chow halls. You should have no problem bulking or cutting after that, whichever route you choose.

[bombguy]

...Just start running your butt off, and get a good pair of combat boots (get used to running in them!).

...unless he's joining the AF!!


Depending on what a service you're going into also bro. If you're at 6' and 206, you're obviously carrying a little weight around...that is not so good for the running. I'm the same height and when i do my PT tests I can tell the difference between running at 205 and 195. Set a goal, like running straight for 10 minutes and increase by about 2 minutes a week. Get up to about 20 and your bases will be covered. Then concentrate on speed. Set a specified distance and then try to improve each week. You can still lift and continue to put size on...if that's your goal. My job is a joint service career field, so I see the routines of all the services...you'll be fine.

[SwoleCat]

206 at 6 feet tall doesn't sound like he would be carrying that much bodyfat at all. Then again, pictures would be invaluable to help assessment.

~SC~

[D7M]

...unless he's joining the AF!!


Depending on what a service you're going into also bro. If you're at 6' and 206, you're obviously carrying a little weight around...that is not so good for the running. I'm the same height and when i do my PT tests I can tell the difference between running at 205 and 195. Set a goal, like running straight for 10 minutes and increase by about 2 minutes a week. Get up to about 20 and your bases will be covered. Then concentrate on speed. Set a specified distance and then try to improve each week. You can still lift and continue to put size on...if that's your goal. My job is a joint service career field, so I see the routines of all the services...you'll be fine.

lmao @ the AF!

I know what you're talking about bombguy. When I did my first PT I was 180 now I'm 210, and you can def feel the difference!

Yah, SC, still waiting on that pic. where'd this guy go?

[SwoleCat]

I dunno, some come and are never seen again.

~SC~

[D7M]

true.

[Boost n Juice]

Thanks for all the advice bros...I am joining the AF, lol...Ship out Sept 29th... I ate only chicken breast and salads for two weeks straight to make the 202lbs (for 6'0) weight requirement...I have been eating like crap for the past couple weeks but want to get back to a good diet...Again, I'm pretty much out of shape...Not only do I need to step my running but I also need to increase pushup output making lifting with those muscles more difficult...What exactly should I have for a diet for a running and lifting routine?

Edit, also would I still take a dex/pro shake after lifting?

[bombguy]

I'm in the AF myself. Just start slow on the running like I mentioned above and you'll be good. You're not that much heavier than me, and I score in the 90's on the PT test...I hate running with a passion.


Also, you're going to lose weight during basic...probably on the 10-20 lb. side. I would concentrate on leaning up a bit just because when you go to your tech school and you start having to comply with standards, you don't want to be any where near carrying too much weight...I'm not saying 206lbs @ 6' is fat, I'm just saying you'll be scrutinized if you look like it. Just cut a bit and work on the running.

[steve0]

i dont see the need to cut now, if u will be in the military only eating 3 x day and running like a mofo evrey day im sure you will get pretty lean doing that

[Boost n Juice]

I do have quite a large stomach and minor love handles...I do want to start lifting so I get can get some muscle with summer around the corner...But I'm going to be running my ass off every morning and didn't know what the best routine would be...Also what do you guys think I should do with the diet aspect? 4 pro/carb meals, 2 pro/fat meals? pro/dex shake good or bad after lifting?

[D7M]

you should start training now for what you will be doing. In other words, you won't be lifting weights in boot, you will be doing lots of cardio, pushups, etc. imho, this will help your performance the best (they don't care how much you can bench, but if you get there and can do mad pushups, you'll get some respect).

military.com has some good advice on PT, running, etc. Also, talk to your recruiter.

As far as diet, try to eat a few small clean meals throughout the day. Keep your carbs up, too, as you will need them if you're running your a$$ off.

[Boost n Juice]

you should start training now for what you will be doing. In other words, you won't be lifting weights in boot, you will be doing lots of cardio, pushups, etc. imho, this will help your performance the best (they don't care how much you can bench, but if you get there and can do mad pushups, you'll get some respect).

military.com has some good advice on PT, running, etc. Also, talk to your recruiter.

As far as diet, try to eat a few small clean meals throughout the day. Keep your carbs up, too, as you will need them if you're running your a$$ off.

Thanks for the advice...I'm looking to lose my gut, increase muscle mass (since summers almost here) and practice running...
I'd like to find a solid routine in diet, exercise and supplements...Should I just have 5 pro/carb meals and one pro/fat?

[bombguy]

Thanks for the advice...I'm looking to lose my gut, increase muscle mass (since summers almost here) and practice running...
I'd like to find a solid routine in diet, exercise and supplements...Should I just have 5 pro/carb meals and one pro/fat?

When do you get shipped to basic?

[Boost n Juice]

Sept 26th...

[bombguy]

Sept 26th...

Pleeeennty of time...lift however you want for now and put on the size you want. Just make damn sure you are running and can run at least 3 miles consistently by the time you ship off. You'll be able to lean up by then, just get the diet in check...the rest you'll lose at basic.

[Boost n Juice]

Alright, so what does everyone think...Follow the cutting sticky, but instead of low intensity cardio to do Running (first thing in the morning on an empty stomach?)

[TexN343]

Come on man challenge yourself and join the best branch. The Marines. The AF bootcamp is childs play. Make sure you can do your pullups.

[SwoleCat]

I myself couldn't join any branch as you pretty much get yourself owned once you do. I like to make my own life decisions and don't like to have others control me. Especially being into fitness and such, that shit goes right out the window.

~SC~

[D7M]

Come on man challenge yourself and join the best branch. The Marines. The AF bootcamp is childs play. Make sure you can do your pullups.

ooh-rah, tex!