Hi all, I'm taking a break from CrossFit at the moment to concentrate on bulking and gaining strength. I'm currently 6'2, 198 lbs, approximately 12-14% bodyfat after four weeks of bulking and have been seeing results (the calipers say 11% but I believe I am higher) using the German Volume Training method.

However, I'm wondering what the general consensus is on fat gain during the bulking phase (i.e. limits of %bf gain). When I started I was 190 lbs with three site caliper readings of 4mm chest, 18 mm abdomen, 8mm quads (9.8% on the calipers), and after four weeks the readings are 5mm chest, 20mm ab, 10mm quads (approx 11-12% on the calipers). I also do 2-3 HIIT sessions a week on my off days.

I'm clearly bigger and stronger but have definitely gained a bit of bf. Is this acceptable fat gain after four weeks? My diet is the same one posted in the "Gain Maximum Size and Strength" in the FAQ minus the Mass Maker, so my carb intake is actually lower than prescribed. It doesn't seem like this diet would put someone of my size in a caloric surplus but obviously it does.

Any advice would be beneficial--I want to continue to grow before a cutting phase, but I don't want to gain too much fat. Thanks!

Everyone is a little different and carries fat differently. Also, bodyfat readings can vary depending on who does it and the type of caliper they use. If you are not comfortable with your current look, then try to lean out. One really effective way to gain lean mass with reduced bodyfat is doing shorter gain/lean cycles. I used a 3 week gain/3 week lean out years ago and it was very effective. You could also do like a 4 week lean/ 2 week gain.

just an opinion based on what i have dealt with, but if you gain much more body fat and you are natural, you will lose a considerable amount of muscle when you cut down, which means all you really accomplished was stretching your skin! the concept of "BULKING" for a natural is flawed in my opinion. the leaner you stay, say 8% or less, the easier it will be to maintain the muscle with a minimal amount of "dieting".
just a thought.

Hey guys, thanks for the responses. I'll probably cut the carbs and calories down a bit to lean out and try to gain incrementally. I'm following the Beverly diet to a T and not cheating at all, so perhaps my body is more carb or calorie-sensitive than others in that I'm gaining a bit of bodyfat. Given my height and body type I will never look huge, so perhaps I should take what I can get and be thankful!