General
lean bulk
What does lean bulk mean?
Building muscle with a moderate calorie surplus from quality foods, prioritizing minimal fat gain over rapid size.
"A lean bulk is slower, but you stay looking good year-round."
Origin
Bodybuilding diet term, essentially a synonym of clean bulking with an emphasis on staying lean.
Frequently asked questions
What is a lean bulk?
A lean bulk is building muscle on a moderate calorie surplus from quality foods, prioritizing minimal fat gain over rapid size.
How big should the surplus be on a lean bulk?
The whole point is a small, controlled surplus, enough to fuel muscle growth without adding much fat, so progress is slower but leaner.
What's the difference between a lean bulk and a clean bulk?
They overlap heavily; a lean bulk specifically stresses keeping the surplus small to stay lean, while a clean bulk emphasizes food quality.
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