Hey all, my progress over 4 years and 2 months (June 2022 to August 2026). Left photo taken around 9 months after starting in the gym, right photo is recent (nearly 5 years in the gym). No bulk-cut cycles, just always been bulking (hard gainer) with occasional unintended cuts due to injury/travel.

Been a journey of learning and trialling different programs so progress has been variable. Pretty happy with the progress I'm making at the moment as I've been locked in for this year's bulk.

Plenty of gains still to make but was intending to start cutting now for summer down under - would love to get down as low as I was in the left photo.

Should I continue to bulk or start the cut for summer now?

Wanted to go under 10% bf on the dexa but failed. Lost 12 lbs in the last 3 month not sure to bulk or push for a sub 10% scan.

In the 3rd pic the before pic was taken in July

recent Dexa scan at the end

I have been on a gentle bulk since May (from 202lbs). My plan was to push the bulk through the winter into early spring. I have a holiday booked for August next year. It’s some time away, yes, but I’d like to plan my cut to coincide with that date so I’m looking my best for photographs.

Given I’m already past the 100kg mark and I’m beginning to display visable pudge, would anyone have any recommendations about how I pace the remainder of my bulk? Cheers.

Lots of food noise on 1800 kcal/day, lifts stalling, look pretty small in clothes :( I follow a hybrid schedule where I lift full-body 4 times a week and run/swim 3 times, so the fatigue is real 😴

Also, body fat estimate? Between Navy method and online comparison charts, I'm guessing 13% to 15%. Both pictures are post-gym.

20 yrs old 150lbs 5’8 been lifting almost a year started at 130lbs. Lifting ppl x2. I lift 6-10 rep range to failure. I track my lifts making sure in progressive overloading. I run 3-4 times a week totaling about 15-20 miles every week. What’s the best approach with my cals rn? I just started on 2250 cals, 165 G protein, 45-60g fats, 250ish carbs. MacroFactor says maintaining at 3250 cals but idk if I believe that. Have gyno

So for context over the last 3 years I have lost about 75lbs I was 285 and now I’m 210 at around 5’11, the thing is my hips I hate them? I hate the fat around my waist and it doesn’t seem to want to go away? I also feel like I don’t have much muscle mass, I feel like I’m supposed to have a lot more muscle for training for so long mind you I’ve been in a deficit for majority of that period I’m eating around 145-165 grams of protein everyday and around 2200 calories. How much more weight do you think I need to loose?

previously very overweigjr so excess loose skin obscures ab definition

I’m currently at 155 (farthest left) and was previously at 190 in April.

To get to 145 lbs and get the physique at the very far right, do I need to cut some more while preserving muscle? or do I bulk up to tone what I currently have?

Bulk or cut

Hello,

I have been overweight/fat majority of my life and finally committed to changing that a couple years ago.

The first pic is from July of 2024 weighing ~370
The second pic is from June 2025 weighing ~310
The next 3 pictures are from today, 10/14/2026, weighing ~195

Also attached is a dexa scan I got at the beginning of August in this year when I weighed ~186

Currently unsure which direction to proceed and seeking advice as well as clarification.

Is majority of what I see loose skin or is there still fat to be cut? I am interested in looking into loose skin removal (probably) and unsure where to start. Would it be with a dermatologist?

Currently in a deficit averaging ~2300 calories a week.

Any and all advice/insight is appreciated.

25M 5'8 for reference

Feeling like I don’t have enough muscle for my weight. 21” width from shoulder to shoulder, 36-37” waist. Been on a consistent bulk since I started lifting 4 months ago, should I cut or continue lean bulk?

38 y.o. 5'9" 163 lbs. Ive dropped about 22 lbs since last March. Thinking I'll cut just a few more (maybe 5-6lbs) to get the abs to pop then lean bulk for awhile. Is this a solid plan or should i just start a bulk now?

Been working out for a couple years still absolutely tiny. How to properly bulk up/ put on mass?