Cut or continue "bulk"?

[pmdied]

A little background: 39, 5'10. 196lbs. Bodyfat 17% Chest/shoulders 44, upper arms 14 1/4. Neck 17. Thighs 23, calves 16.
I've have an athletic background for most of my life but only started a serious, regimented weightlifting and diet program 17 months ago.
My basic program consists of dead lifts, squats, bench, rows, pull ups, overhead presses, etc. All the fundamentals.

My question is should I try going on a cut (which I've never done) or continue on my mass training regimen.
Ive spent a bit of time building this physique and would like see what it would be like at say, 8% body fat but am a little afraid of undoing all the hard work done so far.
I like the idea of having a true "six pack" but I would also like to achieve my goal of having 16 inch arms..
I am interested to know what others think and their experiences are. Thanks again.

 

[Young Gotti]

just a general rule....15% or more, you should cut

 

[pmdied]

So maybe I should start adding a bit of cardio..

 

[cumminslifter]

really depends on you op. if you want to continue to get stronger then bulk if you feel you are getting to fat then cut

 

[vidapreta]

just a general rule....15% or more, you should cut

I thought it was 20% or more cut...
No wonder I can't see my abs....lol

 

[pmdied]

I thought it was 20% or more cut...
No wonder I can't see my abs....lol

Funny thing is I can see my top 2 abs and some of my obliques. Just wondering if there is any benefit to cutting and then going back to another "bulk"

 

[SlyCamaro]

At 5"10 196 your gonna get pretty skinny if you cut! I would keep pushing for size, just eat clean and add some cardio.

 

[pmdied]

At 5"10 196 your gonna get pretty skinny if you cut! I would keep pushing for size, just eat clean and add some cardio.

Thanks. I think I'll keep eating the same and just add 10-15 minutes of cardio at the end of each lifting session. And cut out the beer!

 

[asooneyeonig]

you can try things like intermittent fasting or carb backloading and just pack on size while not packing on much fat.