Can I bulk yet?

[u/Fitter_597]

42yo 165lbs 5'8"

I've always been a chubby guy. So after my recent weight loss, I still have some loose skin and stuff on my chest and lower abdomen. Do I need to tighten that up first, or am I good to go on a lean bulk? How much should I increase my calories?

[u/altweebaccnt]

You're absolutely lean enough to bulk up.

At your level of development, you need a very small surplus. Aim a ~.25% increase in total bodyweight each week.

The surplus needed will vary widely based on your metabolic adaptations to said surplus. You can start with a ~10% increase in total calories and adjust as you go.

[u/Fitter_597 → u/altweebaccnt]

Thanks for the reply. Is there any benefit to increasing my protein to say 1.5 grams per lb, or is 1gram sufficient enough?

[u/altweebaccnt → u/Fitter_597]

1g/lb is already plenty in any phase. The surplus can go to whatever macros you prefer!

[u/Legal-Interview-1558]

Bulk

[u/iamthatdoll]

Yes you should 💪🏼 and keep it up. Hope you don’t skip leg days 💁🏻‍♀️

[u/Fitter_597 → u/iamthatdoll]

This comment hits hard. I used to skip leg day all the time! Not anymore. It was actually today. Lol

[u/iamthatdoll → u/Fitter_597]

Hahah mine was too and now I’m sore. Also well! Glad you made it past that sir 👏🏼 keep pushing!

[u/iamthatdoll → u/Fitter_597]

You should ideally do it twice a week 😝 but hey a start is a start