Bulk vs Definition

[annoyingone]

How do you differ your lifting for either?

[Ragetiger]

Not sure how much the lifting aspect is changed, maybe lighter with more reps for definition. However, what does change is the amount of calories that are taken in. Increased during bulking and, probably, a sustained calory intake for definition.

[inflated]

You will probably be able to lift heavier when bulking, but lifting heavy with good form is a good idea when bulking or cutting. Its more about diet lowering carbohydrate intake especially.

[Aielyn]

"definition" has nothing to do with how you lift. Definition is entirely to do with fat levels, and is addressed through modifying diet, increasing cardiovascular exercise, and building muscle (thereby boosting metabolism).

Many will speak of "light weight and high reps for definition" - it's utter nonsense. Going light at high reps just turns the exercise into a cardiovascular exercise, and gives no greater benefit than, say, running on a treadmill, or using a rowing machine, except that you're not likely to spend 10 continuous minutes doing, say, bicep curls.

Variations in how you lift do have an effect, though. If you tend to go heavy, with low reps (say, fail after 1-4 reps), you will tend towards building strength. If you go just the right weight range to fail after 6-12 reps, you will tend towards building bulk (muscle size). If you go for a little lighter still (say, fail after 20-30 reps), you will tend towards increasing muscle endurance. That said, you will do all three in any of the three cases, it's just a matter of proportion.