Caloric surplus plus gear

[ToxicOverwatch]

Hey guys, I have been working with a local trainer with the goal of an aggressive but lean bulk and just wanted to compare strategy/philosophy with more experienced guys. My concern is that I’m in TOO much of a surplus as I’m gaining 2.5~ lbs per week.

35 male
6ft
Training for a few years as a novice, and could probably be labeled as intermediate experience.
Currently training 6 days a week in PPL, daily zone 2 cardio for 30 minutes.
TRT for 7 years.
Prior sarm cycling experience.
Prior test only cycle.
Current primo/NPP/test cycle. (450T, 300NPP, 400Primo) (labs in 2 weeks)

I started at 193 lbs at roughly 10%-15%BF and was eating about 2200 cal at 50% protein, 35% carbs, 15% fat clean. My trainer bumped me to 2600 cal for a couple weeks, 3000 for a couple weeks, 3600 for three weeks, and just now bumped me to 3850. Macros are about 60% carbs, 25% pro, and 15% fat. I am now at 216, gaining roughly 2.5 lbs per week.

The positive is that I am defiantly growing. Measurements in chest, shoulders, arms, thighs, and waist are growing. Waist being a large concern for me has grown from 36.5” to 38 in a bit over a month.

My apologies for the longer post, I just wanted to give enough information. My question is, is this dysmorphia and my worry about getting too fat, or is this too aggressive on calories? Thank you very much in advance for your time.

 

[FuzzyFella]

2.5 lbs per week is insane, you are correct. That's going to be mostly fat and water.

1lb per week is fast.

You probably should've stuck closer to 2400 calories per day, max ( guessing based on your stats )

 

[Brocksamson2.0]

Hey guys, I have been working with a local trainer with the goal of an aggressive but lean bulk and just wanted to compare strategy/philosophy with more experienced guys. My concern is that I’m in TOO much of a surplus as I’m gaining 2.5~ lbs per week.

35 male
6ft
Training for a few years as a novice, and could probably be labeled as intermediate experience.
Currently training 6 days a week in PPL, daily zone 2 cardio for 30 minutes.
TRT for 7 years.
Prior sarm cycling experience.
Prior test only cycle.
Current primo/NPP/test cycle. (450T, 300NPP, 400Primo) (labs in 2 weeks)

I started at 193 lbs at roughly 10%-15%BF and was eating about 2200 cal at 50% protein, 35% carbs, 15% fat clean. My trainer bumped me to 2600 cal for a couple weeks, 3000 for a couple weeks, 3600 for three weeks, and just now bumped me to 3850. Macros are about 60% carbs, 25% pro, and 15% fat. I am now at 216, gaining roughly 2.5 lbs per week.

The positive is that I am defiantly growing. Measurements in chest, shoulders, arms, thighs, and waist are growing. Waist being a large concern for me has grown from 36.5” to 38 in a bit over a month.

My apologies for the longer post, I just wanted to give enough information. My question is, is this dysmorphia and my worry about getting too fat, or is this too aggressive on calories? Thank you very much in advance for your time.

do you have before and after pics?

 

[ToxicOverwatch]

do you have before and after pics?

Yes I do. They’re not GREAT but they’re basic check in photos. The left photos are from sept 9, the right were last week.

 

[Virtues]

Wow, that's a big step up in calories. I bet you're pooping 3 to 4 times a day lol. Outside of training, what do you do for work? Is it labor-intensive? How’s your metabolism? What are you specifically eating to increase your intake? Do you feel bloated? You know your body best. I can see a little water retention, but it’s minimal. Keep up the great work!

 

[Flocci]

an aggressive but lean bulk

aggressive bulk and lean and words that dont belong together. As stated above, even 1lbs a week is aggressive.

I'd aim for something like 2-3lbs a month.

This coach of yours doesnt sound like he knows what hes doing, maybe you could get him to explain the logic behind these diet changes and the rate of gain.

 

[ToxicOverwatch]

Wow, that's a big step up in calories. I bet you're pooping 3 to 4 times a day lol. Outside of training, what do you do for work? Is it labor-intensive? How’s your metabolism? What are you specifically eating to increase your intake? Do you feel bloated? You know your body best. I can see a little water retention, but it’s minimal. Keep up the great work!

You nailed it lol. I supervise a contracting group, usually making 8k steps per day or so. Not super active. All of my calories come from chicken, rice, oatmeal, fruit, veggies, PB, Greek yogurt, and cottage cheese. And of course the whole gallon of water per day. It’s like a full time job. I do plan to cut rice due to bloating. But other than that, digestion is just fine tbh.

 

[Brocksamson2.0]

Yes I do. They’re not GREAT but they’re basic check in photos. The left photos are from sept 9, the right were last week.

Adding muscle takes time and patience, regardless of how much gear you run... everyday youre just trying to get 1% better than the day before.. Trust the process

 

[tenny]

I bet you're pooping 3 to 4 times a day

if thats the case, then you answered ALLLLLL his questions.

 

[bjjgear]

3850 calories at that level of activity will definitely have you gaining. I agree the growth in waist size isn't ideal. 38" at 6' is pretty large.

Kind of depends on your goal, and in my opinion, your tolerance for experimentation. I was never able to get into the headspace to accept getting fat, so I never bulked (or got very big. 5'11" and maxed out at 220 before I said fuck it).

My opinion is you should do what makes you happy. If your current diet is giving you anxiety, then pivot. Crank your calories back.

15% body fat as a starting point for a bulk could work for some people, but probably not you given your concerns. I think you'd be happier cutting to single digits and then focusing on growing if that's your goal.

 

[tenny]

i would have you at 30% carbs......40% protein......30% fats.

your fats are low.

btw....you should be pooping ONCE per day.