Hey Everyone,
After watching Scott's awesome new "Should You Lose Weight Or Bulk First" video, I decided to risk asking the community which option might benefit me the most.
Stats:
Height: 6'1"
Age: 35
Weight: 180
Body Fat%: 19%?
I've trimmed down over the past few years and have my nutrition at a point where I'm comfortable. I'm currently sitting at a TDEE around 2500-2600 and have my macros broken up as follows (approximately): 45% carbs, 35% protein, 20% fat.
I've always been on the larger side, and have spent the past year-and-a-half or so in the dreaded hellscape that is "too little to gain muscle, but not enough to lose weight". My end-goal is to pack on some muscle and replace much of the soggy midsection that I currently have.
So the question is, should I cut down to about 170-pounds prior to bulking, or would a lean bulk with the added muscle associated with it be more beneficial? Either way, what would be a good stopping point (either for cutting or bulking) so I don't lose what little muscle I have nor get more spherical in nature? And do my approximate ratios seem reasonable for whatever choice is made?
And as an aside, have I completely destroyed the potential for newbie gains by training without the adequate surplus for the 18-months I've been lifting weight?
Thanks for the input!