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[Stupid Question] Why cut/bulk in cycles instead of doing it all in one go? (self.fitness)

submitted 10 months ago by T156 to c/fitness

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You often see people in fitness mention going through a cut/bulk cycle, or mention one, with plans to follow up with the other. Why is it that cutting and bulking so often happen in cycles, rather than said person just doing both at once, until they hit their desired weight?

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[–] [email protected] 12 points 10 months ago

In basic terms, ignoring certain situations like being significantly overweight or being completely untrained, you build muscle (and add some fat) during a caloric surplus, and you lose fat (and a bit of muscle) while being in a caloric deficit.

Naturally, it's logically impossible to simultaneously be in a caloric surplus and deficit. It's not possible to build a large amount of muscle while also being in a caloric deficit, and you won't ever lose a meaningful amount of fat without being in a deficit.