The bottom line is that it is important to keep bulking in perspective. Aim to gain no more than one pound of body weight per week. If you're gaining more, it's likely due to a fat gain versus muscle growth.
The sweet spot for a lean bulk is to gain no more than 0.5-1 pound of body weight each week. For most people, this will be split 50/50 between muscle and fat gain. So, basically, you'll gain one pound of fat for each pound of muscle—which is a good ratio.
However, someone who has a way to go in making gains, but is not a total gym neophyte, can gain from 1 to 2 pounds of muscle per week initially,” says Wisconsin-based strength coach Pat Gilles, C.S.C.S.
Healthy weight gain
The key to gaining weight is to consume more energy (calories) than you burn. As with weight loss, gaining healthy weight (primarily muscle mass) takes time. Healthy weight gain of 1-2 pounds per week can be expected when reasonably increasing energy intake.
Aim to lose 1 to 2 pounds (0.5 to 1 kilogram) a week over the long term. To do that, you'll need to burn about 500 to 750 calories more than you take in each day. Losing 5% of your current weight may be a good goal to start with.
Overview. A lifestyle with good nutrition, regular physical activity, stress management, and enough sleep supports a healthy weight. People who lose weight at a gradual, steady pace—about 1 to 2 pounds a week—are more likely to keep the weight off than people who lose weight quicker.
You want to build muscle but not increase your body fat—at least not to the point where it is unhealthy. The bottom line is that it is important to keep bulking in perspective. Aim to gain no more than one pound of body weight per week. If you're gaining more, it's likely due to a fat gain versus muscle growth.
While it's a myth that muscle weighs more than fat—after all, a pound is a pound—it is denser, which means it takes up less space in the body. This may explain why you look slimmer but the scale hasn't budged. Water weight could also be a factor, according to strength and conditioning coach Brandon Mentore.
According to the American Heart Association , weight gain of more than 2–3 pounds (lb) over 24 hours or 5 lb in a week could be a sign of heart failure. If blood is flowing slowly to and from the heart, it affects the function of other major organs in the body.
Nutrition: The Foundation of Bulking
Caloric Surplus: You want to eat in a caloric surplus to bulk up in 7 days. This means consuming more calories than your body burns. Calculate your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) and add 500-1000 calories per day to it. This extra energy will fuel muscle growth.
In general, weight gain from fat will result in a softer appearance, while weight gain from muscle will leave you looking leaner and feeling stronger. The most accurate way to assess any change in your body composition is through body composition testing.
There are other terms for this, such as build mode, but bulking is a common term for this caloric surplus. Dirty bulking is when an individual is in a caloric surplus to build muscle (build mode). However, the individual is eating foods that are carb dense, unhealthy, and ultra-processed out of convenience.
When your caloric surplus is too large and contains too many carbohydrates and fats, you'll put on body fat. To maintain a lean bulk, you'll need to eat at a calorie surplus that consists of extra protein and wholegrains, without containing too much fat. Aim for 20% of your intake coming from good fat as a maximum.
A good rule of thumb for lifters is at least 8 - 12 weeks for bulking and then you can go into your cut phase if you're happy with the results. How long does it take to cut after bulking? The cutting phase varies per person, often cuts are around 8 - 16 weeks, dependent on your goals and achievements.
Muscle is denser than fat, meaning a kilogram of muscle takes up less space in your body than a kilogram of fat. So, even if you gain muscle and your weight on the scale increases slightly, you can appear slimmer and more toned.
The Scale is Going Up
Muscle growth is often slow and gradual, even if your training is on point. You might not see your biceps pop right away. The first sign that you're building muscle may be an increase in body weight. The number on the scale goes up because muscle tissue is denser and heavier than fat.
How Long Does Water Weight Last? The span can vary depending on the cause. Temporary water weight caused by high sodium intake or premenstrual syndrome can last a few days to a week. Permanent water weight caused by underlying health conditions may last longer and require medical treatment.
What is a healthy weight loss target per week? For gradual weight loss, national guidelines recommend that a reduction in calorie intake or an increase in activity levels equivalent to 500-600kcal a day is needed. This may lead to a weekly weight loss target of 1-2 pounds (0.5-0.9kg).
Now, for the age-old question: should you do cardio during bulking? The answer is yes, but with a balanced approach. Too much cardio can counteract the calorie surplus you need for muscle growth, making it harder to see progress.
Water weight is not usually a cause for concern, but it can be uncomfortable and recurring. Reducing salt and carbohydrate intake, keeping hydrated, and frequently exercising are all good ways to lose water weight and prevent it from returning.