2817: Should You Bulk or Cut First? (Most People Get This Wrong)

Should you bulk, cut, or try to recomposition your body? In this episode of the Mind Pump Podcast, Sal, Adam, and Justin break down one of the most confusing decisions in fitness: when to bulk, when to cut, and when body recomposition actually makes sense. They explain why most people struggle with fat loss long term, why starting with a bulk or reverse diet can actually make fat loss easier, and how building muscle creates the metabolic "runway" needed for sustainable results. The guys discuss the psychological challenges of dieting, the mistakes many trainers make when cutting calories too aggressively, and why recomposition is often a "black belt level" strategy that requires patience and discipline. If you've ever wondered why fat loss plateaus happen, why people regain weight after dieting, or how to structure your nutrition phases properly, this episode breaks it all down. They also explain the reverse dieting process and how gradually increasing calories can rebuild metabolism, improve strength, and set you up for a much more successful fat loss phase later.   Reverse Dieting 101 Guide 50% off ($23.50) ⁠mindpumpreversediet.com⁠ Code: Diet50   This Episode is brought to you by ORGANIFI ⁠http://organifi.com/mindpump⁠ Code "MINDPUMP" for 20% off   (00:00) Intro (01:24) Should You Bulk, Cut, or Recomp? (09:01) Why Most People Should Bulk First (16:37) The Problem With Cutting Calories Too Soon (25:46) Why Recomposition Is the "Black Belt" Diet Strategy (33:30) The Psychology of Bulking vs Cutting (42:47) Real Coaching Example: Fixing a Broken Metabolism (50:37) Why Building Muscle Changes Your Metabolism (01:00:13) Reverse Dieting Explained  (01:15:21) Reverse Dieting Guide & Episode Outro

In this episode of the Mind Pump Podcast, Sal, Adam, and Justin coach live callers on fitness, training, and nutrition strategies. They open the show discussing why fat burner supplements are mostly a waste of money, the science behind probiotics and gut health, and surprising research around PDE5 inhibitors (like Viagra) and cardiovascular health. They also debate supplements, discuss parenting and teaching kids financial habits, and explore emerging tech like Tesla tunnels in Las Vegas. Later, they coach listeners on training goals after 40, fat loss struggles, bulking vs cutting, and overcoming workout plateaus.   The Spring Bundle: Symmetry ($187), Prime ($107), Advanced Training Techniques Guide ($47) all for $147 (over 50% off) mapsmarch.com    This episode is brought to you by SEED ⇨⇨go to ⁠seed.com/mindpump⁠ Code "20MINDPUMP" for 20% off your first month of Seed's Daily Synbiotic   This episode is also brought to you by Pre Alchohol by ZBIOTICS ⇨⇨go to ⁠zbiotics.com/MINDPUMP26⁠ Code '"MINDPUMP26" for 15% for first time purchasers on either one-time purchases, (3, 6, 12-packs) or subscriptions (6, 12-pack)   Typical children's vitamins are basically candy in disguise. Hiya is made with zero sugar and zero gummy junk. Hiya fills in the most common gaps in modern children's diets to provide the full-body nourishment our kids need. It's non-GMO, vegan, dairy-free, allergy-free, gelatin-free, nut-free and everything else you can imagine. Hiya is designed for kids of all ages and sent straight to your door so parents have one less thing to worry about. ⁠hiyahealth.com/MINDPUMP⁠ Receive 50% off your first order   (00:00) Intro (02:23) Why Fat Burner Supplements Are a Waste of Money (09:27) The Real Supplements That Actually Help (15:43) Gut Health, Probiotics & Fat Loss (22:09) Viagra-Type Drugs & Health Benefits (26:53) Tesla Tunnels & Random Life Talk (55:42) Coaching Zach: Training Goals After 40 (01:05:13) Coaching John: Weight Loss, TRT & Consistency (01:17:03) Coaching Rebecca: Bulking vs Cutting (01:27:01) Coaching Angela: Perimenopause Training Plateau

In this episode of Mind Pump, Sal, Adam, and Justin break down why cutting body fat isn't always the best strategy; especially for women already around 22% body fat, and explain why building muscle often produces a leaner, healthier physique. They discuss the physiological effects of dieting too lean, including hormonal disruptions, reduced metabolism, and performance declines. The conversation also explores strength gains, muscle memory, recovery, sleep optimization, and the surprising cognitive benefits of creatine. Later, the hosts highlight the impact of good coaching and education in the fitness industry while sharing stories from clients seeing life-changing results. In the listener Q&A, they help callers with physique competition prep, weight-loss plateaus, strength programming, postpartum training, and balancing fitness with a newborn. The episode wraps with practical advice on building muscle, improving metabolism, and creating sustainable long-term fitness habits. March Sale !  The Spring Bundle: Symmetry ($187), Prime ($107), Advanced Training Techniques Guide ($47) all for $147 (over 50% off) ⇨⇨go to mapsmarch.com Get KION AMINOS !  ⇨⇨go to getkion.com/mindpump 20% off, No code needed automatically applied at check out! Crisp Power Protein Pretzels !  ⇨⇨go to https://crisppower.com/ use code MINDPUMP10 for 10% OFF JOOVV RED LIGHT PANELS ! ⇨⇨go to joovv.com/mindpump Code "Mindpump" to get $50 off your first purchase (00:00) Intro (02:06) Why Women Shouldn't Cut Below ~22% Body Fat (07:46) Build Muscle Instead of Chasing Lower Body Fat (10:45) Reverse Dieting Example and Coaching Mistakes (18:29) Social Media's Unrealistic Fitness Standards (26:00) Creatine Benefits for Brain and Sleep Deprivation (32:24) Myostatin Peptides and the Future of Muscle Growth (38:08) Sedentary Lifestyle vs Physical Labor and Recovery (43:03) Coaching Success Stories and Trainer Development (50:06) AI Content and Social Media Authenticity (01:08:46) Caller 1: Program Advice for a Physique Competitor (01:20:07) Caller 2: Weight Loss Plateau and Reverse Dieting (01:29:03) Caller 3: Strength Training and GLP-1 Considerations (01:38:18) Caller 4: Training with a Newborn and Home Gym Setup  

The hosts discuss the growing popularity of Pilates and explain why it can improve movement and stability but isn't the best tool for building a sculpted physique compared to strength training. They also share stories from family life before diving into a conversation about the risks of people using AI chatbots for companionship and therapy. In the listener Q&A portion, the hosts explain Hyrox competitions, how to adjust training volume when cutting, considerations for training after breast augmentation, and simple strategies for improving pull-ups. The episode blends fitness education, cultural discussion, and practical coaching advice. The Spring Bundle: mapsmarch.com  Symmetry ($187), Prime ($107), Advanced Training Techniques Guide ($47) all for $147 (over 50% off)   This Episode is brought to you by LMNT ⁠⁠http://drinklmnt.com/MindPump⁠⁠ 12oz Sparkling Cans are now available!  Get a free Sample Pack of LMNT's most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase! Find your favorite LMNT flavor, or share with a friend. As always, LMNT offers no-questions-asked refunds on all orders. This Episode is also brought to you by Paleo Valley ⁠⁠http://paleovalley.com/mindpump⁠⁠ Discount is now automatically applied at checkout 15% off your first order! Fatty15 is on a mission to optimize your C15 levels to help support your long-term health and wellness - especially as you age. Based on over 100 studies, we now know that C15 strengthens our cells and is a key healthy aging nutrient, which helps to slow biological aging at the cellular level. Fatty15 is clinically proven to raise C15:0 levels, resulting in lower cholesterol levels, healthier liver function, improved gut microbiome health, and improved red blood cell health within 3 months.  ⁠⁠fatty15.com/MINDPUMP⁠⁠ You can get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit with code "mindpump"  00:00 Intro and Episode Overview 01:56 Pilates Hype vs Reality 07:16 Benefits of Pilates 21:53 Family Stories and Humor 32:44 AI Therapy Risks 01:04:35 Hyrox Explained 01:07:03 Best Training When Cutting 01:10:14 Training After Breast Augmentation 01:12:28 Pull-Up Progression Tips

Walking might be the most underrated fat loss tool. In this episode, the hosts break down five reasons why simple daily walking can be more effective and sustainable than many traditional cardio methods. If you're trying to lose fat without overcomplicating your routine, this episode explains why walking should be part of your strategy. How to lose fat in 3 steps: ⁠mpfatloss.com⁠ This episode is brought to you by HUEL ! ⁠https://huel.com/MINDPUMP⁠ Use code MINDPUMP For MP exclusive offer of 15% OFF . New Customers Only.   00:00 Intro: Why Walking Is an Underrated Fat Loss Tool 00:35 Free Fat Loss Guide + Sponsor Mention 01:38 Why Trainers Used to Ignore Walking 03:26 Why Walking Is Valuable for Everyone 05:59 Reason #1: Walking Is Low Skill and Low Injury Risk 07:13 Walking Builds Sustainable Habits 10:20 Walking Helps Recovery and Muscle Growth 11:30 Walking Preserves Muscle During Fat Loss 13:03 Stacking Walking With Other Habits 16:11 How Daily Activity Burns More Calories Than Workouts 19:17 Why Walking Is So Easy to Stay Consistent With 21:09 Getting Outside and the Hidden Health Benefits

Blended fruit smoothies are often marketed as healthy, but the hosts explain why they can actually sabotage fat loss by spiking blood sugar, reducing satiety, and making it easy to overconsume calories. The conversation shifts into humorous cultural trends, including animal fashion, historical wigs, and strange beauty customs. The hosts also share personal updates, including struggles balancing cardio and lifting, upcoming DEXA results while increasing calories, and intense DIY yard work projects. In the coaching segment, trainers guide callers on choosing the right MAPS programs between phases of training. They also address physique competition strategy, hip replacement rehab training, and the challenge of exercise compulsion. The episode wraps with practical advice on training smarter, eating enough to support progress, and building a healthier relationship with fitness. The Spring Bundle: Symmetry , Prime , Advanced Training Techniques Guide all for $147 (over 50% off) mapsmarch.com This Episode is brought to you by Vuori: vuoriclothing.com/mindpump No code to receive 20% off your first order. This Episode is also brought to you by Vita Bella: http://mphormones.com/ Code: MINDPUMP365   To unlock this deal, patients must enroll in our Annual Membership ! What They Get:  $150 in savings when they pre-pay for the annual membership FREE Essential Lab Panel (market value: $1,100) WHAT IS BUTCHERBOX? Better Meat for a Better You! Convenience. Get our meat delivered, for free, right to your door. Each box is perfectly packed and portioned for your needs. Quality. We're committed to premium meat: 100% grass-fed beef, free-range organic chicken, pork raised crate-free, and wild-caught seafood. Our goal is to make high-quality meat accessible to as many people as possible. We're able to deliver you the best products for less than $6 per meal. And shipping is free! Mind Pump's top picks: Ribeyes, Bone-in Chicken Thighs, Premium Steak Tips , Baby Back Ribs, Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets , Flat Iron Steaks butcherbox.com/mindpump No Code ! New users will receive their choice between free Chicken Breast for a year, shrimp for a year or ground beef for life! 00:00 Show Intro, Sponsors, and T-Shirt Winners 03:01 Why Fruit Smoothies Can Sabotage Fat Loss 07:48 Rethinking Breakfast and Food Habits 15:35 Improving Your Relationship with Food 21:02 Weird Fashion Trends and Cultural Humor 34:40 Balancing Cardio Weeks and Lifting 40:42 DEXA Results and Increasing Calories 46:48 Justin's DIY Yard and Septic Work 01:03:13 Coaching Call: Program Selection and Training Phases 01:10:03 Coaching Call: Physique Competition Strategy 01:26:36 Coaching Call: Training After Hip Replacement 01:35:05 Coaching Call: Exercise Compulsion and Balance

 Why Most January Transformations Fail Success isn't losing weight; it's keeping it off for the rest of your life. (1:56) 5 Reasons Why Most January Transformations Fail 1. People set the wrong goal. (5:09) 2. People will start in an unsustainable way. (10:48) 3. No plan. (17:13) 4. They adopt a "diet." (19:03) 5. They don't focus on building strength first. (22:54) Related Links/Products Mentioned MAPS Transformation Diet Guide – Visit: www.mapstransformationdiet.com  Visit Troscriptions for the exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Promo code MINDPUMP for 10% off your first order. ** March Spring Sale: Symmetry ($187), Prime ($107), Advanced Training Techniques Guide ($47), all for $147! (Over 50% off!) Visit: www.mapsmarch.com  Mind Pump Store Mind Pump # 2220: How to Stay Consistent With Your Workouts Mind Pump # 2257: Why Hitting Fitness Goals is a Bad Idea Mind Pump # 2763: Eat as Much as You Want, but Don't Get Fat (JUST follow these 2 rules) Mind Pump # 2442: How Strong Should You Be? The Fastest Way to Get Bigger & Stronger at the Same Time Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources People Mentioned Corinne Schmiedhauser (@mindpumpcorinne) Instagram  

Mind Pump Fit Tip: Cardio is Good for Fat Loss for 2-3 weeks. After that, it is a Waste of Time! (2:00) 1-minute cardio strategy. (21:58) I do not want to work out with you. (31:05) An INSANE commercial for fat-loss. (33:26) The Hydro Layer from Caldera is voted BEST for anti-aging by Men's Health Magazine. (41:05) Makeup for men. (42:36) PSA: Close your toilet seat before flushing. (45:56) Experience the difference of liposomal technology. (50:32) Homeschooled vs public school. (52:16) #ListenerCoaching call #1 – Megan from Alberta: Can an injury/imbalance on one end of the body negatively affect the complete opposite end of the body? (59:32) #ListenerCoaching call #2 – Nicole from AZ: How to make changes to work smarter, not harder. (1:25:48) #ListenerCoaching call #3 – Elissa from CA: What program to start with when recovering from anorexia and very sarcopenic? (1:39:46) #ListenerCoaching call #4 – Sara from CO: Is there a meaningful added benefit to deliberately training VO₂ max for longevity? (1:54:29) Related Links/Products Mentioned Get Coached by Mind Pump, live! Visit https://www.mplivecaller.com Visit Caldera Lab for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Code MINDPUMP20 for 20% off your first order of their best products. ** Experience the difference of Liposomal Technology. Use code MINDPUMP for 20% OFF everything. Visit: https://www.rhonutrition.com/discount/MINDPUMP March Spring Sale: Symmetry ($187), Prime ($107), Advanced Training Techniques Guide ($47) all for $147! (Over 50% off!) Visit: www.mapsmarch.com  Mind Pump Store Mind Pump #2655: Ten Cardio Hacks for Fat Loss, Health & Endurance Dorian Yates IG clip – Cardio tip Lilly's next-gen obesity drug delivers major weight loss in Phase 3 trial, but with many discontinuations A new picture of modern homeschooling in America Visit Dose for the exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! ** Code MINDPUMP for 25% off your first month of subscription. ** Mind Pump #2337: Is Hidden Household Mold Making You Sick? Mind Pump #2272: The Dangers of Heavy Metals & How to Flush From Your Body With Dr. Stephen Cabral Mind Pump #2652: How Undereating is Making You Fat & Unhealthy Mind Pump #2560: How to Break Free from Destructive Body Image Issues Mind Pump #2320: Throw Away the Scale! Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources People Mentioned Dorian Yates (@thedorianyates) Instagram  Andrew Huberman, Ph.D. (@hubermanlab) Instagram Michael Israetel (@drmikeisraetel) Instagram Scott Sherr (@drscottsherr) Instagram Dr. William Seeds (@williamseedsmd) Instagram Dr. Stephen Cabral (@stephencabral) Instagram  

Mind Pump Fit Tip: Build a Butt or Get Abs? Where Do I Start? (2:15) Society's role in our lack of strength. (19:39) Creating artificial adversity with today's youth. (22:49) Did our generation eat worse than this generation? (26:17) Not built for cold weather. (29:32) The difference in how boys and girls play. (33:01) Teaching your children how to save, give, and invest. (34:16) On a ketone kick, and shout out to Scared Shitless Fitness. (41:57) The cartel is scary. (47:28) Project Artichoke. (49:09) Trade freedom for safety? (51:00) Is this really protein?! (54:22) Oreo-verse. (58:15) #Quah question #1 – Is adding daily calisthenics (100 pushups, pull-ups, squats, etc.) on top of a MAPS training program overdoing it? (1:05:20) #Quah question #2 – Would Great 8 be a good program for a 40-year-old doing BJJ? (1:07:26) #Quah question #3 – What is the most important thing when it comes to sleep? Sleep length, sleep quality, same wake time, same bed time, leading up to bed time, waking up routine (for example, exposure to sunlight to help with circadian rhythm), and any other factors? (1:08:25) #Quah question #4 – Have any of you used BPC-157 and TB-500? (1:12:00) Related Links/Products Mentioned 30% OFF your subscription order PLUS receive a free gift with your second shipment—fun surprises like a free 6-pack, Ketone-IQ merch, and more! Or find Ketone-IQ at Target stores nationwide. Visit: https://ketone.com/MINDPUMP Visit Legion Athletics for the exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! ** Code MINDPUMP Buy one, get one 50% off for new customers, and 20% cash back for returning customers! ** March Spring Sale: Symmetry ($187), Prime ($107), Advanced Training Techniques Guide ($47) all for $147! (Over 50% off!) Visit: www.mapsmarch.com  Mind Pump Store Mind Pump #2187: Why Building Muscle Is More Important Than Losing Fat With Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Strength Of Grip Declines In Young Adults Scared Shitless Fitness - YouTube Declassified CIA files reveal chilling blueprint to manipulate Americans' minds through covert drugging with vaccines Poll: Majority of likely Dem voters want fines, home confinement for the unvaccinated Get a free Sample Pack of LMNT's most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase! Find your favorite LMNT flavor, or share with a friend. As always, LMNT offers no-questions-asked refunds on all orders. Visit: DrinkLMNT.com/MindPump Mind Pump #1927: Performance Training Secrets from a Top NBA Trainer With Cory Schlesinger Use the 3-2-1 Formula for Best Sleep Results | Cabral Concept 2526 Visit www.mphormones.com for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources People Mentioned Dr. Gabrielle Lyon (@drgabriellelyon) Instagram Cory Schlesinger (@schlesstrength) Instagram