So I've been on a cut for a few months and probably have about another month before I'll reach my goal of DEXA 10%. I'd like to start planning for the switch over. I feel like there is consensus regarding using the lean gains strategy for macros and calories; keep your foods and macros the same but up the calories. My plan is to eat at maintenance on rest days (maybe plus 100 cal) and divide up 1750 (1/2 lb) on training days; this part is easy and seems cut and dry for our methodology. However, there seems to be a mixed opinion on how to proceed in terms of training program, mostly in regard to volume, especially now that we have the whole updated cut template that offers pretty extensive changes from the 31minutes AMA routine.

For the first two months of my cut i followed a modified 31minutes split:

Day 1-

Deadlift: 2 x 3-5

Seated Shoulder press: 2 x 6-8

Weighted Chins: 2 x 4-6

Seal Rows: 2 x 6-8

Close Grip Chins: 1 x 6-10

Day 2-

Bench Press: 2 x 6-8

Incline DB Press: 2 x 6-8

Barbell Curls: 2 x 6-8

Weighted Dips: 2 x 6-8

Day 3-

Front Squats: 2 x 6-8

Split Squats: 2 x 6-8

Stiff Leg Deads: 2 x 8-10

Calf Raises: 2 x 20

Everything was RPT and 90% 1 (except stiff leg deads, which I eventually gave up anyway) and one weighted Ab exercise every training day.

I like this routine and saw pretty decent gains from start to finish, most of which were probably from transitioning from a dumbell only routine (albeit heavy lifts). Over the past 3-4 weeks I decided to make a change because of a few caveats I noticed with this routine.

1) Chins and deads on the same day was ruining my chins (especially 2 types) because my grip was completely shot by the end

2) My weights weren't moving (acceptable for cut)

3) Stiff leg deadlifts were stupid for a guy with a fused ankle

4) Seated shoulder presses are cheating

5) I was failing my lifts, but i wasn't feeling "burned/tired" at the end of the set This was the biggest impetus. Hard to explain, but basically i was failing to move the weight more, but wasn't gassed or tired, i just couldn't physically move it anymore.

My need for adjustment came around the same time as the updated cut template showed up so I've made some changes. So far i like this routine better, I seem more spent at the end of the workout and it kind of helps with the grip issues.

Day 1-

Deadlift: 3 x 4-6

Standing Shoulder press: 3 x 6-8

Seal Rows: 3 x 6-8

Abs

Day 2-

Bench Press: 3 x 6-8

Weighted Dips: 3 x 6-8

Barbell Curls: 3 x 8-12

Tri Extentions: 3 x 8-12

Abs

Day 3-

Front Squats: 3 x 6-8

Weighted Chins: 3 x 4-6

Calf Raises: 2 x 20

Abs

All RPT, but no 90% 1. Just dropping enough to stay in the prescribed range.

So.... I digress. What kind of changes should I make when switching over to a bulk routine? What has everyone had success with or vise versa? I'm of the understanding that more volume is better, but should it be in the form of an additional day training or more reps/sets? Preferably, i would like to keep the days per week to 3 just because summer is more active (moto, pedal bikes, hiking, yard work, yada yada) and all of this will probably interfere with recovery.

Most folks on this sub have probably seen these at this point, but...

Cut Progress Photos: (177lbs - 166 lbs) - Dexa 18.5% -> 14.5% -> 12-13%???? (not scanned yet)

Start: http://imgur.com/2gIUOcB

Midway: http://imgur.com/vHiSsZM

Recent: http://imgur.com/IsIJSkb (im in the process of shedding some water and glycogen from a 4 day camping trip filled with cookies, beer, and campfood........haha, no one is perfect)