Bulk (2023)

I followed this program & didn't track nutrition closely (just +200g protein / day).

I'm stronger & fatter on the right. This took 3 months... summary (in pounds):

Weight:
186 -> 205

Bench:
290 -> 315

Squat & Deadlift:
They're way up, but my back hurts a little & I don't want to get injured, so I skipped this 1-rep max (booo).

This was really fun. I was surprised by how light the weight felt & how well I could move it by the end of this cycle, you really do grow strength faster when you're in a caloric surplus, not doing much cardio, and lifting consistently.

I didn't track my energy or diet closely -- I chose to focus elsewhere, and I think that was the right call. It pays to be meticulous when cutting, but I think that bulking is pretty simple. I can say, with confidence, that I feel fatter, though. Not in a body-dysmorphia sort of way... but like, I've put on a lot of fat, and I'm anxious to get rid of it.

Now that I've built the fat-boy strength, it's time to cut it off!