Do I need to cut?

[physical]

I am 5' 7.5" and I weigh around 165-170lbs. My current 1RM are..
Bench: 295
Squat: 385
DL: Haven't tested lately due to no DL gym but would guess around 405

Few months ago when I was on M-Sten I was at

Bench: 325
Squat: 425
DL: 455

The main issue I had with PH is it interfered with my cardio. Gave me real bad calf pumps and would make my ankles hurt/lose feeling. So I have been clean for about 3 months and I am working on my cardio getting better.

So my goals are to improve strength/physique while not hindering my cardio. I also want to get stronger. Right now I feel that I am small so loosing weight will be hard mentally so not sure if it is the best way to go, however if recommended then I will.

So for end game I want to be around the 200 pound range and look around 15% BF. What would be the route to take to keep my cardio improving but getting to my end game? I am going to attach pictures to get some feedback on my current bodyfat.

 

[SLW2]

So my goals are to improve strength/physique while not hindering my cardio. I also want to get stronger.

You might be able to do both get leaner and stronger for a short time. Unfortunately, having both goals at the same time can make it difficult to achieve either.

I would say cut down to around 12-15% then start focusing on strength while your are eating slightly above maintenance.

 

[EMPIREMIND]

I think you will actually look bigger if you were leaner. Its all about illusion. The smaller your waist it the larger your upper body will look. Just work on cutting fat and i think you will.be alot happier. Another thing to keep in mind is cardio and strentgh will sometimes interfere with one another. You may need to either limit one to push harder with the other, or compromise a little from both to find a balance of the two. When i am looking to grow, i do as little cardio as i can. I keep it really just for health and to stimulate my metabolism.

 

[mrgoomba]

I agree with the other replies. Based on the picture, I would guess you are 22-25% BF, although its tough to tell in a picture. At your height, it does though look like you built pretty good muscle mass, especially at your weight. If it were me, I would cut to a minimum of 12%, and at that point why not go all the way to single digit or 10%? I think you will be very pleased with your appearance.

Yes, you might feel small, but guess what.. you always will we all have the same problem.