31M, 5’5”, 125 lbs
Repost from r/physiquecritique
M31 55kg 5’5”. Should I bulk or cut?
31M, 5’5”, currently 125 lbs.
I’ve been lifting consistently and have had my diet dialed in for the past 3 years, averaging around 90–100g of protein daily.
However, I still feel like I haven’t built enough muscle to achieve an aesthetic physique. Sometimes I look decent right after a workout, but outside of that I still feel soft or skinny-fat.
Background:
I used to be somewhat overweight at around 141 lbs (64 kg). At one point, I decided I wanted to get lean, without realizing I probably needed to build muscle first before cutting. I think I took the cut too far and eventually dropped down to 108 lbs (49 kg). No bulk after that. Just body recomp and always stayed between 56 kg ≈ 123.5 lbs - 58 kg ≈ 127.9 lbs.
Photos:
• Photo 1 – 141 lbs
• Photo 2 – 108 lbs
• Photo 3 – Current (125 lbs)
• Photo 4 – Current vacation photo where I feel like I still look soft/out of shape naturally
At this stage, my goal is to build more muscle, improve my abs and obliques, and finally get rid of the remaining belly fat while looking athletic year-round.
What should I focus on from here?
Should I continue lean bulking, do a proper bulk, recomp, or cut again?
And based on my history, what do you think I may be doing wrong?
Is there any chance I will have 6 pack abs? It seems like only have 4 have never seen lower two.
Note: haven’t taken gear or peptides. Just creatine.
Edit: Adding my PR number with consistent 8-10 reps
**Biceps, Shoulders & Chest**
Bicep curls — 35 lbs each hand
Hammer curls — 40 lbs each hand
Incline chest press — 37 lbs per side + bar
Chest press machine — 80 lbs
Decline chest press — bodyweight dips
Lateral raises — 30 lbs each hand
Shoulder press — 35 lbs each hand
Rear delt fly / rear shoulder pull — 60 lbs
**Triceps & Back**
Tricep pushdown (long head) — 70 lbs
Seated tricep push machine (lateral head) — 130 lbs
Lat pulldown — 110 lbs
Seated cable row — 110 lbs
Back extensions — 130 lbs
Shrugs — 65 lbs each hand
**Legs**
Squats — 90 lbs with barbell OR 180 lbs on squat machine
Leg extensions — 115 lbs
Hamstring curls / reverse leg extensions — 90 lbs
Calf raises — 70 lbs