Winter is almost here and if you’re a bodybuilder at any level you know what that means, BULK SEASON! Everyone’s favorite time of the year where they can relax a bit with their diets, lay up on the cardio a bit, and jump on their favorite bulk cycles. But what is it about winter that makes it so appealing for bulking? Is there a reason for this trend? Allow me to break it down.

Winter is extremely valuable for a bodybuilder. It’s the perfect time to stop worrying about the six pack, and focus on making big gains. All science aside, the main reason for bulking in the winter is due to the simple fact that no one is going to see you with your shirt off for a while. Why not use this time to pack on the pounds? Don’t be afraid to put on a little fat over the winter. If you want the big gains, you have to be willing to put on some fat. There will be plenty of time to uncover those muscles in the summer.

Now the question arises; “Is there any hard science behind the benefits of bulking in the winter?” The answer to that is, not really. But what can we infer using what most of us already know? For starters, we know our bodies naturally slow down their metabolisms as the temperatures drop. It’s our way of adapting to the cold. We slightly slow down our metabolic rate to conserve calories for heat to keep our bodies warm. Modern humans are not exposed to much cold anymore so this adaptation is not of much use to us. Many will notice an increase in weight (fat) during the winter months because they are not using these stored calories for body heat, simply because they don’t need to. This can be used to the bodybuilders’ advantage. This reduction is metabolic rate theoretically makes it easier to gain weight. It is up to YOU how you utilize the extra calories. If you are an average human who lives a moderately sedentary lifestyle then chances are, you will gain some fat. If you are an active bodybuilder who spends a lot of time in the weight room, then these calories will be put towards building muscle. How’s that for bro science?

On top of that comes the winter holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, etc.) where everyone gets together to eat themselves into a coma, and drink merrily. Then there’s the week of high calorie leftovers that you know you’re going to eat. Who needs that temptation when you’re trying to cut? Why not do it when you actually need the extra calories? Who wants to feel guilty on the holidays?

Another good reason to bulk in the winter has nothing to do with muscle. It has more to do with health. A lack of calories is stressful on your body. Your body needs calories for proper hormone production as well as immune system function. Believe it or not, cutting calories lowers immune system function. Your immune system needs fuel to run too so cutting its fuel supply is going to slow it down. I can’t think of a worse time to suppress your immune system than right smack in the dead of winter, aka flu season! Nothing ruins a bulk like losing 10 lbs and having a week off lifting because of illness.

Convinced yet? Good. Now everyone go get those bulk cycles planned out, set a goal, and start eating! HAPPY BULK SEASON.