[quote]Bull_Scientist wrote:
Sry to jack this thread, but in relation to both bulking and measurements, if measuring your bodyfat percentage gives you inaccurate and inconsistent results with regard to how much fat you have lossed or gained then how can you precisely track how much muscle you’ve gained during bulking (assuming of course you consistently lift weights)?[/quote]
BF measurements are effective it done correctly. I personally don’t bother though
Tape measurements of waist, arms, legs etc
Pictures to assess weekly using same lighting, relaxed on empty stomach, no pump
Strength changes throughout your bulk(if you gain 10 pounds, your lifts should reflect this)
Best method is to use a combination of these and assess throughout[/quote]
how do tape measurements show whether or not the size you gained on each body part was not fat, but muscle instead?
Also, if you are bulking alot then how can weekly assessment pics, even when they are shot with good lighting and you begin relaxed in all of them, show how much dry muscle you actually gained?
Furthermore, what if during a period of when you bulked a lot, you got stronger only because you just got fatter and not more muscular?
[quote]Bull_Scientist wrote:
how do tape measurements show whether or not the size you gained on each body part was not fat, but muscle instead?
Also, if you are bulking alot then how can weekly assessment pics, even when they are shot with good lighting and you begin relaxed in all of them, show how much dry muscle you actually gained?
Furthermore, what if during a period of when you bulked a lot, you got stronger only because you just got fatter and not more muscular?
[/quote]
Men tend to gain weight on their bellies first, their hips second etc. As a general rule of thumb, Brad Pilon has suggested to assume a five pound fat gain for every inch added to your waist measurements. Your thighs and upper arms, on the other hand, will likely carry very little fat unless you are pretty flabby - so any mass you gain there while being somewhat lean will be muscle. You do have a point, however - the only way to really know what you’ve gained would be a DEXA scan.
They just will, over the course of many months. The changes will be subtle but still.
This may happen with certain lifts such as squats or benches - your chin up numbers won’t improve by getting fat, the opposite is the case. This is one of the reasons why doing stuff like chin ups and dips is useful.
As an simple, easy to prep eating guide for skinny guys. The BBB 3 month challenge meal guide is some pretty solid work. Just needs some avo/nuts/evoo thrown in for some meals.
If you’re getting fat, you drop some potatoes or rice. Easy.
[quote]Bull_Scientist wrote:
Sry to jack this thread, but in relation to both bulking and measurements, if measuring your bodyfat percentage gives you inaccurate and inconsistent results with regard to how much fat you have lossed or gained then how can you precisely track how much muscle you’ve gained during bulking (assuming of course you consistently lift weights)?[/quote]
BF measurements are effective it done correctly. I personally don’t bother though
Tape measurements of waist, arms, legs etc
Pictures to assess weekly using same lighting, relaxed on empty stomach, no pump
Strength changes throughout your bulk(if you gain 10 pounds, your lifts should reflect this)
Best method is to use a combination of these and assess throughout[/quote]
how do tape measurements show whether or not the size you gained on each body part was not fat, but muscle instead?
Also, if you are bulking alot then how can weekly assessment pics, even when they are shot with good lighting and you begin relaxed in all of them, show how much dry muscle you actually gained?
Furthermore, what if during a period of when you bulked a lot, you got stronger only because you just got fatter and not more muscular?
[/quote]
My last sentence answers all of your questions. On a side note, “bulking” is stupid as hell for this exact reason. There is no excuse to become a fat ass if your goals are to look better.
Let’s say you are 200 lbs and 15% body fat. Now you focus on eating enough to gain but not become fat. You gain 10 lbs of muscle over 4 months. You are now bigger, more muscular and leaner than you were previously.
Okay, I get it The-German and Nighthawkz. The methods that you both have suggested are the most practical and accurate ways for measuring gains/loss in fat and muscle. Otherwise, from what you guys are saying one just has to do the best they can with all of the above mentioned methods of measuring. Thanks guys.