253 – Should I Bulk or Cut?

Welcome to episode 253! Today, we’re diving into the whole bulk or cut dilemma in bodybuilding. The key? Knowing what your body needs — more muscle or less fat. It’s not just a short-term thing; we’re talking long-haul commitment here…think years, not just weeks or months. This process can’t be about quick fixes; we’re in it for the long run. Next, we dive deep into the crucial aspect of training volume. Understanding the right training volume for you is the key to progressing over time. While volume can vary from person to person, it’s generally a controlled variable with some flexibility. My new course Hypertrophy University discusses auto-regulation, teaching you to adjust volume based on training feedback. Many lifters lean towards overtraining, doing too much volume, while some undertrain. It’s about finding the sweet spot tailored to your body and goals. Always emphasize quality over quantity, ensuring every set counts. Beware of “junk volume” and prioritize proper execution over piling on more sets. Low volume can work for beginners or advanced lifters, while moderate volume is preferred for most. High volume can lead to overtraining, reduced performance, and longer recovery times, so finding the right balance is key. And finally, I share some behind-the-scenes updates my prep (7 weeks out!) I discuss the challenges I face as a self-coach and how I’m pushing through tough moments. Despite doubts and setbacks, I remain (mostly) committed to seeing this prep through and aim for significant progress in the weeks ahead. Join me on Instagram @darin_starr or on YouTube for more updates on my journey. https://www.youtube.com/@fivestarrphysique 0:00 – Intro 3:57 – Should I Cut or Bulk? 20:36 – Finding the Right Volume 39:56 – Darin’s Prep Recap (so far) Call in and leave a question! Drop me a voicemail at 865-518-6569 Check me out on YouTube and subscribe to see what’s coming up next: https://www.youtube.com/@fivestarrphysique Check me out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedropsetpodcast https://youtu.be/lidTfv-3JNQ