Advice Needed...

[vanillamountain]

Hey! I don't know this is the right section of the site for this, but I have a question and I'm curious to hear what others think.

Been lifting and bulking since September. Started at around 143/144ish, now up to about 150. I'm looking at some of the gains I've made, and I'm really happy with what I've achieved - my arms and pecs are much bigger and meatier. However, I've also gained a bit of fat around my middle, and I don't know if it makes sense to lose it now or to keep bulking (I'd thought of going as high as 160 or 170 and then cutting in the summer. If I could gain 6-7 pounds in 4 months, I'm sure I could gain another 12-20 by August.)

Anyway, here are some pictures of me so far. Do you think I should keep going? Or should I go less? I was willing to go higher before I'd realized how much I'd gained - and now I'm wondering if it makes sense to lose a little bit.

http://i43.tinypic.com/33voz1c.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/2ni5ron.jpg


Here's me from the side:http://i41.tinypic.com/2wlyav7.jpg

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So thoughts? Keep bulking or start cutting? I'm really undecided on what I want to do, so I would love to hear brutally honest suggestions. I'm "slim," I know that, but genetically predisposed to being "soft." So I'm not sure what the best course of action is.

[GunMetalGrey88]

feel fat work out, feel good keep eating get your friends opinions

[monstermusclebe]

From what I can see of your bod in the pictures, you are just getting started. The first "level" of real solid muscle growth in some ways is the most difficult to achieve, because you begin with, well, not much. You still haven't completed this first level of growth yet.

I would recommend you focus on maintaining your weight and work on upping the intensity of your workouts, for now. Don't try to lose the weight, just turn what you have into more muscle. Be sure that with each set you are taking the set to failure (truly unable to lift another rep). Get a spotter for your bench presses, if you can (most guys in the gym are happy to oblige).

Also, be sure your workout routine is really a good one for you. I've tried a lot of routines. Some work... and some just work you out. Even with a bad workout program you can make gains at first. The question is will the program you are on help you over the long term.