Who needs to bulk?

Bodybuilding is all about making great gains and improving your physique. If you want to look impressive then you’ll have to get into the gym and put in the work. You have to structure your workout routines and make all the right moves if you intend to see gradual and consistent improvement. The thing is, you can’t rely solely on lifting weight to shape your body.

Yeah, yeah, we’ve all heard the notion that diet has a great deal to do with shredding your physical form. In order to see the right kind of gains you have to follow a strict diet plan. Your macronutrients have to be balanced in order for your body to have the energy to train, the power to grow, and the ability to absorb nutrients. Because of this, bodybuilders from the average Joe to those on the pro stage stick to a plan that works best for them. But what can be universally agreed upon is the concept of bulking on the off season and cutting when getting ready for a show or simply just to get a more dry and shredded look.

But not everyone is an advocate for this method of dieting. Many people believe they can bulk on the off season by eating any and everything their eyes lock onto. The reality is that if you have a crappy diet you’re more likely to look like crap. You’ll gain fat which can be used for strength training and energy, but the point is to be as lean as possible isn’t it?

Frank Zane is a man that many people believe was the most aesthetic bodybuilders to ever compete. The Golden Era legend is one man who believes that bulking on the off season and cutting down before a show is a flawed approach to bodybuilding. Instead, Zane liked to remain lean year round and to do so he adhered to the same diet throughout the year while still making gains. He’d up the calorie count, but it didn’t mean he started eating cheeseburgers and french fries everyday.

If you’re an aspiring pro or just a person who wants to get into the best shape possible then you should definitely try to achieve an off season physique much like Zane. Here’s a picture of the legend during his time on the off season in between the major shows.

Do you agree with Frank Zane’s approach? Should you be bulking on the off season or remaining lean? Let us know in the comments and forums. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.