Hi guys,

I've been reading a lot of threads on here as I am new and really trying to learn more about techniques and recommendations.

One thing I've read quite a lot and sounds like it could apply to me is what peole call 'Bulking and then cutting'.

From what I have read this seems to consist of bulking for 3-4 months, eating loads of calories and working out 3-4 times a week. Then cutting for 4-6 weeks to lose the body fat.
Am I right so far?

I have just a few questions about this and hope someone could clarify.
Firstly the bulking as this is the stage I am at right now. Does the workouts have to be 3-4 times a week as I only have time at present for 2 a week. Will it just take longer? or could I end up putting on to much body fat?

And on the cutting side of things, I really am not sure what is required during this period.
Do you stop your weights completely or just less frequently? Or do you just replace certain days weights with more cardio eg. running more?

Do you lower your calorie intake when cutting?

Also somethings I've read and am slightly confused about is the talk of 'are your sets 4-6 or 8-12?'. I have been lifting weight heavy enough so that my sets are something like 10/10/8, then maybe up the weight for the next session so mayby will then be 10/7/6 until I progress to 10/10/10, then up the weight again etc.

What is the difference and what would I benefit more from?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Yeah, you got the whole bulk then cut thing down right. As far as working out twice a week, you could make that work. It would probably take a little longer to gain the mass you want. You wouldn't necessarily gain more fat, as long as your diet is keyed in properly. You should tell us what your routine is like along with height and weight, that way everyone can help to make sure you're doing an efficient workout.

When cutting, you would want to keep up with lifting as you want to tell your body to lose weight, but to keep the muscle and burn the fat. The most important thing to do is to lower your intake of calories, just make sure you are eating plenty of protein. You can also increase your cardio activity.

You're set range looks fine. Some people (myself included) will do 3 sets x 8-12 reps. I'll start with 3 x 8 and up the reps to 3 x 10 when I can, once I can do 3 x 12, its time to up the weight and go back to 3 x 8.

Thanks for the advice Evan, much appreciated.

I have another thread with all my details and that of my workout. I'm just trying to put together the best workout for me now and have already had plenty of good advice to help me (including from yourself).

http://training.fitness.com/weight-t...ing-31914.html