My Bulking Journey

Cut vs Bulk

If you’re into fitness, you’ve probably heard about bulking and cutting. They’re basically opposite phases of shaping your body, and each has a very different goal. Bulking is all about building muscle. During this phase, you eat more calories than your body burns so that it has enough energy to grow. Sure, you might gain some fat along the way, but that’s normal—it’s part of the process. The focus in the gym is on lifting heavier weights over time and challenging your muscles so they actually grow. Bulking usually lasts a few months because building real muscle takes time, consistency, and patience.

On the flip side, a cut is when you try to shed fat while keeping as much muscle as possible. Here, you eat fewer calories than you burn, forcing your body to use stored fat for energy. Your workouts still involve lifting weights, because keeping your muscles active is the best way to prevent them from shrinking. Many people also add some cardio to burn extra calories. Cuts are typically shorter than bulks since staying in a calorie deficit for too long can start affecting performance and energy levels.

The big difference between bulk and cut comes down to calories, body goals, and training focus. During a bulk, you’re aiming to grow, even if a little fat sneaks in. During a cut, you’re trying to get lean while keeping the muscle you worked so hard to build. Most people go through both phases in a cycle: bulk first to gain size and strength, then cut to trim fat and show off the results. This approach helps you slowly improve your body composition without losing progress.

In short, bulking is about growth and eating more, cutting is about leaning out and eating less, and both are essential if you want a balanced, strong, and defined body. Doing them in the right order makes a huge difference, and honestly, it’s also a lot more satisfying to see the results you’ve worked for.