Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
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Bulk and cut cycles are tried and true approach to building muscle. However, this strategy doesn't seem to work well for some lifters. After a hard bulk and a long cut, it's common for intermediates to return to the same body weight - which indicates that they didn't gain muscle
More often than not, this is caused by poor training. If the training stimulus is not good enough, a high calorie surplus will not build much muscle - you can't force feed muscle growth.
But another explanation is that the calorie surplus is too large: if the lifter gains fat too quickly they may put the breaks on the bulk before having the time to accumulate any significant muscle mass. In this video I suggest a different approach: slow bulking (or sometimes called lean gaining). This involves running a very small caloric surplus which can be alternated with short periods of cutting. With this approach, lifters that build muscle slowly can bulk for long periods of time and have the time to accumulate new muscle before needing to cut.
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Written and edited by Radu Antoniu using Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Canva
I filmed the workout footage at Schreiner gym, Bistrița
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Support my work by using my affiliate codes
MacroFactor app - use code RADU at sign-up to get a 2-week free trial
Boostcamp app - use code RADU at sign-up or download the app through my link: https://www.boostcamp.app#radu
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About me: I'm a Romanian content creator known primarily for my fitness content. In recent years I've also produced content related to the transition to sustainable energy, animal consciousness, and plant-based diets. This content is available on my new community platform Think Eat Lift.
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Disclaimers: Radu Antoniu is not a doctor, licensed personal trainer, or medical professional. Always consult a physician before starting any exercise program. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Radu Antoniu will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of information contained in this video including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.
My NEW coaching app: raduantoniu.com/ai
Book a consultation with me: raduantoniu.com/strategy
Join my community: skool.com/radu
FREE Training Programs: raduantoniu.com/bi-programs
Bulk and cut cycles are tried and true approach to building muscle. However, this strategy doesn't seem to work well for some lifters. After a hard bulk and a long cut, it's common for intermediates to return to the same body weight - which indicates that they didn't gain muscle
More often than not, this is caused by poor training. If the training stimulus is not good enough, a high calorie surplus will not build much muscle - you can't force feed muscle growth.
But another explanation is that the calorie surplus is too large: if the lifter gains fat too quickly they may put the breaks on the bulk before having the time to accumulate any significant muscle mass. In this video I suggest a different approach: slow bulking (or sometimes called lean gaining). This involves running a very small caloric surplus which can be alternated with short periods of cutting. With this approach, lifters that build muscle slowly can bulk for long periods of time and have the time to accumulate new muscle before needing to cut.
-----------------------------
Written and edited by Radu Antoniu using Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Canva
I filmed the workout footage at Schreiner gym, Bistrița
-----------------------------
Support my work by using my affiliate codes
MacroFactor app - use code RADU at sign-up to get a 2-week free trial
Boostcamp app - use code RADU at sign-up or download the app through my link: https://www.boostcamp.app#radu
-----------------------------
About me: I'm a Romanian content creator known primarily for my fitness content. In recent years I've also produced content related to the transition to sustainable energy, animal consciousness, and plant-based diets. This content is available on my new community platform Think Eat Lift.
-----------------------------
Disclaimers: Radu Antoniu is not a doctor, licensed personal trainer, or medical professional. Always consult a physician before starting any exercise program. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Radu Antoniu will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of information contained in this video including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.
