You often see people in fitness mention going through a cut/bulk cycle, or mention one, with plans to follow up with the other. Why is it that cutting and bulking so often happen in cycles, rather than said person just doing both at once, until they hit their desired weight?
You can.
It is called body recomposition. A lot of people do it.
The problem is that while it is arguable more or less efficient than bulking or cutting, it is a psychological difference.
During a bulk & cut, you see massive differences on both the scale and your body in a short amount of time. That gives a ton of motivation and makes for good progress photos.
If you gain 5 kg mass, some fat, some lean in 6 months then lose 5kg mostly fat, some lean in 6 months for a total of 4kg lean muscle you will see much bigger differences than if you stay the same weight but trade 4kg of lean muscle for fat in 1 year.
Seeing the change is extremely motivating for most people and motivation and discipline are the two most important factors on fitness. They are what help you stick to your diet and training regime.
In basic terms, ignoring certain situations like being significantly overweight or being completely untrained, you build muscle (and add some fat) during a caloric surplus, and you lose fat (and a bit of muscle) while being in a caloric deficit.
Naturally, it’s logically impossible to simultaneously be in a caloric surplus and deficit. It’s not possible to build a large amount of muscle while also being in a caloric deficit, and you won’t ever lose a meaningful amount of fat without being in a deficit.
