If your goal is to have visible six pack abs, the decision to bulk or cut is determined by your current body composition and the amount of muscle mass you have on your abdomen. Let’s break it down:
- Current Body Fat Percentage: The visibility of abs is primarily about having a low enough body fat percentage. For most men, abs start to become visible around 10-15% body fat, and for women, it’s typically around 15-20%. If your body fat percentage is above these ranges, you’ll need to cut or reduce your body fat to make your abs visible.
- Muscle Mass on Your Abdomen: Having strong, developed abdominal muscles can make them more pronounced and visible even at slightly higher body fat percentages. If you feel your abs aren’t developed enough, you might consider a bulking phase to build more muscle. But remember, bulking can also come with an increase in body fat, which may temporarily obscure your abs.
Now, based on the above:
- If you have excess body fat covering your abs: It’s advisable to cut first. By reducing your body fat, you’ll unveil the muscles underneath. Once you’ve achieved a lower body fat percentage, you can evaluate if you need more muscle mass on your abs and then possibly move into a controlled bulking phase.
- If you’re already lean but lack abdominal muscle definition: Consider a clean bulk, focusing on abdominal exercises to build those muscles. Ensure that the caloric surplus is moderate to avoid gaining unnecessary fat. After your bulking phase, you might need a short cutting phase to shed any fat gained and reveal your newly built abs.
Your approach should be personalized based on where you currently stand. It’s a balance of shedding the fat that hides your abs and building the muscle that makes them pop. Monitoring your progress and adjusting your strategy as you go will get you to your goal of visible six pack abs.