Do you really believe and have experienced this work?

Besides Beverly and AST, who both claim with precise nutrition you can gain muscle and lose fat at the same time, everyone else claims that bulking and cutting is the only way to go, and the few who claim it works but it's much slower than bulking.

Thanks,
Lance

Lance,

I found this same issue confusing as so many companies are telling you to bulk and cut to make progress. I attended one of Beverly's seminars and learned their nutritional theory if you will. Later I spoke with a VPX rep and natural athlete basically his explanation is that for a natural person this is the only way to make real gains. The bulking and cutting diets seen in most publications and promoted by other supplement companies typically do not result in a net gain of lean tissue unless blood chemistry is chemically changed (i. e. Steroids). I think you will find as I have most successful natural lifters weather BB'er or powerlifter eat very clean and make gains in lean mass while adding as little fat as possible. I was able to add 10lbs of lean mass on Bev's lean gain diet and supplementation program in less than 3 months. Actually resulted in BF% drop because I added no lbs of fat. Biggest gain in my life. I am currently dropping my BF to under 10% from 15% when I get there I will again go through a period of three months where I will try to gain as much muscle as possible without gaining any fat. It is my goal to stay under 10% BF and still gain muscle each year. My experience with bulking and cutting has never been good. I tend to gain more fat that muscle and when cutting I lose both at equal rates and end up with a net loss. Went through this for years. Everyone is different, but I can say without a doubt that Bev's programs have accomplished for me exactly as advertised if not better. They have also worked well for my wife. For me the proof is in the results that you can measure.

I am new to this, but have been faithful to the diet. I am through my 2nd week - gain 2 lbs on the scale, but lost 2 belt sizes - not sure if this is typical - I also do a lot more cardio - about 4 times a week at 30 - 45 minutes - anyadvice that would help me is appreciated as well - great topic!

It is true that as a natural athlete you can and will gain lean mass while dropping fat.

The key is the right supplements and the right approach to overall nutrition and training.

The bulk route, here is the problem for every 4 lbs of fat lost you will lose, if you are lucky, only 1 lb of lean mass. This tends to be the case for someone that starts dropping fat gradually, again with the right supplements and nutrition.

The problem is that most people that bulk are not in the category above. They end up losing most of the muscle they have gained and then some of the fat. The end result, as described above is that you end up with a pound or two of lean mass over what you started with. I guess a gain is a gain, but I would rather "look" like a bodybuilder while gaining then like a swolen puffy blimp. Not too mention I would rather save dieting for precomp.

Here is something else for you. I just turned 29 and was overweight at one point in my life. When I lost weight going from a 36 inch waist to a 30 I had very little loose skin. Today when I compete I am noticing a bit more loose skin every year when I compete. Not a lot but it is noticeable, and no I do not get fat in teh off season my waist stay at 30 in the off season. Something to keep in mind folks, skin does loose its elasticity as we age and may not always come back to its original size.

Regarding other companies, very few of the other companies have reps that are athletes. Often times they are skilled sales people that may not have ever been a bodybuilder or anything else. Next time you are at an industry trade show take a look at the booths, who is workign and how do they look and do you want to look that way? Then check out the staff at Beverly (by the way they have the benefit of having worked with thousands of athletes and know what works first hand), ugh most are athletes and bodybuilders and look the part.

Best of luck

Those interested should do a search as there have been many posts concerning gaining and bulkign and what really works.

Ray