When to start and stop bulking & cutting?

rubadub

I lost a fair bit of weight in the last year. I was down to about 13%, maybe 12% bodyfat but still had a belly. I was still on a calorie deficit and my weights had just plataued (i.e. I wasn't raising reps or weights for many weeks). About 3 weeks ago I started eating more and have made strength gains. In that time I am up about 7-8lb. Looks like I am about 15% bodyfat again, with a bigger belly again.

I am just wondering when I should stop bulking? is it when you hit a certain BF%. I am not worried about having to get a 6-pack, but do not want a gut. I have heard above a certain BF% that you would be more likely to have calories turned into fat rather than making new muscle. I have also heard people saying they do not start bulking until they go below 10% BF, and that there was some biological reasoning (not just aesthetic bodybuilding reasons).

Any good links/advice would be appreciated.

Dragan

I can't remember a reference right now, but i believe it is accepted that between 8 to 13% for a male is the best body fat range to stay in to promote anabolism.

When your happy with what you have done check out

http://teamtest.freeforumsite.com/teamtest-about761.html

to keep the muscles big and waist small.;)

rubadub

Thanks, sounds pretty logical. Seems a better option too, I am not too fond of over/under eating for long periods, but 1 day on/off is fine.