Newbie to training: Should I bulk up first or cut first?

[ike1]

Hey all, I am fairly new to the forums as far as writing goes but I have read them for quite a long time. I am starting my training regime very soon, and I just had a few questions (that i have already searched for, but have not found a clear answer for me personally).

I am 27years old, male, 13% body fat, and 170lbs. I have always been relatively NORMAL as far as body type goes, all my life. I really want to get bigger,stronger, but not exactly RIPPED to the point of having bulging veins... aside from feeling healthier i just want to basically fill out my clothing a little better (in not so many words)... i hope you understand what i mean, i dont want to get huge i just want to be...bigger lol.

i have fat over my stomache to the point of having a NO pack, but its just to the point of where its just enough to cover... i want (and am going to get) bigger shoulders, back, chest, and abs... everything else i think will fall into place.

what SHOULD i start first? bulking up, not so much cardio, eating eating and more eating, and progressively working out harder... or should i cut the fat to see what i am working with first?

i work on the cruise ships as a photographer and i am gone for 6 months at a time, but that means i have access to some really healthy foods any time of the days and a free gym too... so that wont be a problem.. i certainly have the will and the need to start things off right even though i know it will take time to get where i want to go...

can anyone lead me in the right direction? i am on holidays for another 4 weeks before my next 6 month contract (probably the caribbean...so i can work on the tan too!)

thanks in advance everyone!

-michael-

[Alex.V]

Neither. Avoid the traditional "bulk" or "cut". Either one involves unwanted fat or unwanted muscle loss. Ramp up the workouts, clean up the diet, and see where your body goes. Give it a few months there, build up some more strength, THEN decide which way you want to go. You'd be amazed the changes your body will make on its own while remaining in caloric balance.

[Jordanbcool]

I agree with belial.

You will have much more success with cutting or bulking when you know the ins and outs of the dynamics involved with each. My cuts have become much better/efficent from the knowledge I got on this site. I've also bulked alot better. I used to bulk and just get fat. Now I actually get bigger and stronger.

[Unreal]

"Belial is 100% accurate. Nothing more to be said." -----Chris Mason

[ike1]

thanks everyone! i am going to just stick to eating healthy and progressivley work out harder and stronger... i'll give it to the new year to see where i am going with it! cheers!