Question about bodyfat and gains

[Dirkmcgirk]

Does keeping a low bodyfat (under 10%) hinder the efficiency of gaining muscle if trying to bulk or is it just perception?

I see the men's physiques guys consistently trying to bulk on 7-8%bf, but it seems to me bulking for the purposes of adding muscles would be easier at a higher bodyfat (12-15%). Is there a hormonal advantage to bulking with a higher bodyfat vs lower?

 

[Roush]

This is really going to be dependent on if your bulking while using AAS or bulking naturally..
Much easier to bulk and stay lean on AAS

 

[Dirkmcgirk]

This is really going to be dependent on if your bulking while using AAS or bulking naturally..
Much easier to bulk and stay lean on AAS

assume in both situations aas is involved

 

[halfwit]

The only advantage of bulking while at a higher body fat that I can think of would be the slight caloric cushion that having some fat would provide. Other than that, some folks prefer to bulk and maintain low bf while others go crazy and cut afterwards.

I think it's more of a personal preference really. If you have no problem cutting afterwards, bulking on a tremendous surplus is probably easier. If you hate cutting or perhaps need to maintain a low bf (many physique guys are models) for their job - clean bulks are the way to go.

This would be a great topic for 3J to give some input on imo.

My .02c

 

[Hypnotix]

The only advantage of bulking while at a higher body fat that I can think of would be the slight caloric cushion that having some fat would provide. Other than that, some folks prefer to bulk and maintain low bf while others go crazy and cut afterwards.

I think it's more of a personal preference really. If you have no problem cutting afterwards, bulking on a tremendous surplus is probably easier. If you hate cutting or perhaps need to maintain a low bf (many physique guys are models) for their job - clean bulks are the way to go.

This would be a great topic for 3J to give some input on imo.

My .02c

I feel like a lot of pro bodybuilders.. although they are elite by nature (low bodyfat, excellent symmetry, and great muscle building capabilities).. blow the fuck up for their bulks, they get around 315 and then cut down. Just look at a picture of Dorian Yates bulked, or Flex Lewis.. insanely large, pretty bloated and fat looking too. I'd say depending on the persons preferences and career would determine how they go about lean mass building.