Should You Bulk or Cut? The Simple Way to Decide (And What to Do Next)

If you’re stuck wondering whether to bulk or cut, let me save you weeks — maybe months — of spinning your wheels.

Because the truth is, there’s a ridiculously simple way to make this decision. And once you know it, you’ll wonder why you wasted so much time overthinking it.

But here’s the part most people miss: what you do after you decide is just as important as the decision itself.

So let’s break it down — not just how to choose between bulking or cutting, but how to actually follow through and make real, visible progress over the next few months.

How to Know if You Should Bulk or Cut

Here’s one question to ask yourself:

“If I gained more fat over the next 6 months, would I be okay with that?”

Because here’s the truth: when you bulk properly — when you actually focus on building muscle — some fat gain is going to happen. It’s just part of the process.

So if the idea of gaining any more fat makes you more uncomfortable than asking your entire family who they voted for at Thanksgiving… it’s probably time to cut first.

Get leaner.

Feel better.

Build confidence.

Then bulk from a place of strength.

On the flip side, maybe you’re looking in the mirror and thinking:

“Did I just get out of a concentration camp? I’m just skin and bones.”

If the idea of gaining some fat sounds appealing — like at least you’ll finally fill out a t-shirt — then guess what?

You should bulk. Full send. No shame.

What If You’re Skinny-Fat? (Welcome to No Man’s Land)

Let’s be real: if you’re reading this, chances are you’re not shredded… and you’re not a twig either.

You’re stuck in the middle — that frustrating “skinny-fat” zone where you’re not lean, not muscular, and just kind of… there.

This is where most people stall out. Not because they don’t have the right workout or the perfect diet. But because they lack one thing:

Commitment — in either direction.

So here’s the harsh truth:

  • Pick a direction.
  • Stick with it for at least 3–6 months.
  • Get jacked, be happy, win life.

If you’re still unsure, flip a coin. Seriously. It’s not that deep. What matters more is how well you follow through after the fact.

Okay, You Picked a Goal… Now What?

Good news: whether you’re bulking, cutting, or escaping no man’s land, I’ve got a system that makes it 10x easier.

It’s called Project Reset — the same system I use with my coaching clients to dial in their nutrition, training, and progress tracking, all in one place.

Let’s walk through exactly how it works.

✅ Step 1: Set Realistic Expectations (Weight Loss Forecast)

Let’s say you decided to cut. First, stop hoping for magic.

If you’ve got 20 pounds to lose and expect to drop it in four weeks… sorry. Unless you’re on a hunger strike and giving up all your muscle with it, that’s not happening.

Here’s what’s realistic:

Most people can lose 0.5–1.0% of their bodyweight per week — sustainably.

So if you’re trying to lose 15–20 pounds?

👉 That’s 3 to 5 months of consistent, structured effort.

The good news? That’s more than enough time to:

  • Reveal muscle you already have
  • Build momentum
  • Feel like a new person by summer

Inside Project Reset, I walk you through this exact forecast — so you’re not stuck guessing or expecting impossible results.

✅ Step 2: Use the Calorie & Macro Calculator (Know Your Numbers)

This is where 90% of people mess up.

They either under-eat, burn out, and lose muscle… or they overestimate their calorie burn and eat way too much.

Project Reset has a built-in Calorie & Macro Calculator that does the math for you.

Just enter your age, weight, height, activity level, and your goal. It’ll give you:

  • Daily calorie targets
  • Macro breakdowns (protein, carbs, fat)
  • Optional per-meal targets (for 3–4 meals/day)

Not into counting every gram? No problem.

You can use the Palm Portion Guide to estimate your meals visually — no tracking required.

Either way, you’re fueling your body based on actual data — not vibes or TikTok trends.

✅ Step 3: Follow a Real Training Plan (Not Just Random Workouts)

Calories matter. But training? That’s where the magic happens.

You don’t need to be in the gym 6 days a week grinding yourself into the ground.

3–4 focused workouts per week is more than enough when it’s actually structured.

Project Reset gives you:

  • A full training plan builder
  • A video-based exercise library
  • Weekly program templates to follow

Every lift, every set, every rep — tracked. No more guesswork. No more asking “what should I do today?” or “how much should I be lifting?”

You’ll see your strength go up, your body change, and your motivation stay high because you’re actually seeingprogress.

Final Thoughts: Bulk or Cut? Doesn’t Matter If You Don’t Follow Through

Hopefully by now, you know which direction to go — bulk or cut.

But the real challenge isn’t choosing. It’s following through.

And most people fall short because they:

  • Guess their calories
  • Half-ass their workouts
  • Quit tracking after a week

That’s why I created Project Reset.

To give you the structure, tools, and confidence to finally execute on your goals — whether it’s getting lean, packing on muscle, or building out of skinny-fat purgatory.

So if you’re tired of spinning your wheels and ready to take action?

👉 Click here to check out Project Reset

Your future self will thank you.