Off-time for bulking?

[texasmax]

All-

I've been traveling for work, and am in a situation where I can't reliably get in the gym for more than one day per week for maybe 3 weeks. I can do plnety of moves based on bodyweight, but nothing serious. I've been clean bulking for the last 8 weeks, putting on about 2 lbs/week. Question is, should I stop the bulk and just maintain for those 3 weeks, and just lift to maintain lifting weight? Can I cut for 2-3 weeks, and then get right back on the bulk?

Thanks!

Question 2- On my bulk, I've been eating 3,000 calories a day, with the result of gaining 2 lbs/week. I'm 160, 5'8", 32, on Rippetoe starting strength, 190 squat 3x5/140 bench 3x5/190 dead 1x5 after a recent reset. Is 2 lbs/week here "in the range", or should I adjust calories? I lot of people on here are doing 3,500-4,000 calories/day, but for me, the 3,000 gives me the 2 lbs/week. Wanted to know your thoughts on whether this amount is appropriate.

[Darkhorse]

Question 1: If you cannot be consistant, then there's nothing to be gained.

If you can get in the gym once a week, don't have a plan. Just go in there and get some full body work done. If you see a machine you like, incorperate it. If you don't feel like doing something, then don't. Either way, just maintain some strength and prevent your body from being too deconditioned.

Question 2: 2 lbs is very good. I wouldn't look for too much over that if you want to stay lean.

[Eric3237]

I would at least hit up the core exercises at the same weight at a minimal volume. That way you could even hit the deads and the squats on that one day a week. Even if your were to take the weight you're currently working at and just do 3 sets of 3 that should help a lot to maintain motor pathways. And then whatever else you feel like doing for that one day.

On the other days while you are traveling you could do things like handstand pushups, one-legged squats, deadlift anything that's heavy , pullups if you can....basically just do things to let your body know that it's not over if you get my meaning. But your basic muscular strength should be fine. It's the neural pathways that will decondition the soonest so that's why I say to hit up the low volume core moves to help maintain that. Because it's a big drop in intensity that will do the most damage, not necessarily the drop in total work. Nothing complicated.

[texasmax]

Thanks for the excellent advice!

[widdoes2504]

Eric and 0311 gave excellent advice and I would also suggest that if nothing else make sure to hit the big 3 (squats, deads and bench) to maintain as much core strength as possible. Enjoy!!