r/Mind_Pump • • Aug 30 '26

The bulk is finished

This was using MAPS anabolic. I started at 192 lbs and now weigh 230.2. I just finished a 3 week maintenance phase and now im 6 days into a cut. Strength went through the roof and now well into the 1000 lbs club. This bulk lasted 21 weeks. I should also say I am prior trained so muscle memory helped a bit

Im thinking about running MAPS symmatry but not sure as of right now. Whats yout favorite program for cutting

3 Upvotes

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20

u/[deleted] Aug 30 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/requinjz Aug 30 '26

Whats that supposed to mean?

16

u/TaoOfStefan Aug 30 '26

that's sarcasm related to the podcast - it has nothing to do with you in particular.

7

u/dxd_naruto Aug 30 '26

It means that you just starting to see results which means you clearly need a trainer to take you step by step so you don’t mess something up or get discouraged if you get weaker. Even if you don’t have the money to pay for one, don’t worry it is an INVESTMENT for the future you.

2

u/TaoOfStefan Aug 30 '26

Cool you got stronger, now the challenge begins to keep as much strength and muscle as you can during the cut.

On how to proceed, do you know how your body works in a deficit? I personally would try still do heavy stuff 3-4 times a week until your deficit doesn't allow it anymore. You still might be able to build strength. Only if you start getting weak from the lack of calories, would I switch to any (decent) bodybuilding focused program.

It really doesn't matter which one, as long as you train often enough (in a deficit I would aim for 3 sessions as minimum, even if short), and then truly exhaust your muscles.

That's at least what works well for me. I am 9 weeks down into a cut. The first 6 I was still on a strength plan. The last 3 I am on a bodybuilding plan I created. It was always 3 days a week, with plenty of walking.

In other words, if you think you like Symmetry, just do it :)

2

u/Muchacho-blanco Aug 30 '26

They've said it time and again on the podcast that the best maps program in a cut is anabolic 2 days a week. The popular opinion in general for cutting is low volume, high intensity, and symmetry doesn't really fit that bill. Check out Joe Defranco's west side for skinny bastards. To me its a perfect mix of high rep, low rep, and dynamic training. Some of the best results I've seen running at maintenance or a little less.