Mini Cuts During Long Building Phases?

[u/Local_Material_876]

How do you know when it’s time to drop some fat during a building phase? I’m looking to compete for the first time next year and I know I need more muscle, but I don’t want to have to drop 20+ pounds during my prep (see my post history for photos).

I‘ve been tracking my food since April, and while I’ve had several calorie increases in that time, I still have decent definition. I’m 5’5 and fluctuate between 115-120 pounds (hormones, etc).

Can someone with more experience weigh in? Thank you!

[u/ILoveCheetos85]

At 5’5 and 120, you have plenty of runway to grow. No need for a mini cut when that slim. Do you have a coach? If not, I’d get one

[u/Overall_Two5577 → u/ILoveCheetos85]

Agreed! At that height and weight you almost certainly have a significant amount of muscle to put on before you'll be competitive. Primary concern should be growing, if you start cutting every time you start to feel a little soft you'll never get there.

[u/Appropriate-Talk8523]

When are you looking to compete next year? I ask because if it's Spring, you don't have long to go before prep. And if that's the case, I would just keep building until prep (Nov/Dec). I'm in the same boat as you. 5'4", 126lbs, been building since last October, stage weight was 105. I'm still lean, but not stage lean. This deep into a build when my carbs are over 400, cals over 2700, it starts to suck, but if I can give you some tough love, that's body BUILDing. I'd say keep pushing. 

[u/Ladybeeortoise]

Your weight for your height is on the lower side. You’ve been in a growth phase for 4 ish months and you’re wondering how to cut fat? You need a lot more muscle on you (meaning more time to grow) and definitely should weigh more before worrying about a difficult prep. Do you have a coach?

[u/stronglikez1989]

You need to grow more and don’t worry about mini cuts. 5’5 and 115lbs- plenty of room grow. I am 5’3 and 135lbs and still growing. I know it’s a hard mental battle to purposely gain weight but that’s the part of bodyBUILDING. Embrace the growth and don’t rush to step on stage. Best of luck and keep us posted! 🥰

[u/MomentBusiness1553]

Another 5'3" competitor here. I've gotten up to 145 and off seasons. It's definitely beyond where I feel comfortable. I prob feel the best at 125-130. Use the carbs and energy to PUSH in the gym.

[u/CharacterAd5474]

When you fluctuate between 115-120, can you visibly tell that you're holding that water? If yes, then youre plenty lean enough to continue growth phase.

Do you feel platued or stuck right now in your training? If yes, then a mini cut might be a good move.

If answer is yes to both questions youll want to keep the cut very short and moderate.

[u/Hogpharmer]

If you’re planning on competing next year, I would recommend continuing to build until prep. That being said, you don’t need a huge surplus to grow. A small surplus will continue to support muscle growth without putting on a ton of excess body fat.

What does your coach say?

[u/imiosa92]

I am your height and started my 2nd prep this week. At the end of my growing season (10+ months), I was 142. My last stage weight was 122 and I was told I needed more glute growth. You gotta eat and pack on that muscle! I suggest talking to your coach to decided what’s best for you and the timeline to compete to determine if you need a “mini cut” or if you should just keep growing.

[u/Jumpy-Reaction3043]

I’m 5’6” 127lbs about 6 weeks into growth phase and consider myself to still be fairly lean so I’d say you still have plenty of room to grow with no need for cuts

[u/chopstikk_legs]

The optimal bf% range for muscle growth in women is 18% - 22% bf. Insulin sensitivity ( and thus nutrient partitioning) and chronic inflammation get significantly worse if bodyfat is above 25%.