THE BIG WINTER BULK-UP PLAN

MAX OUT YOUR GYM EFFORTS NOW, REAP THE REWARDS IN SUMMER. FOLLOW THIS FOUR-WEEK BLUEPRINT TO STACK ON FULL-BODY MUSCLE, AND GROW STRONGER WHILE YOU'RE AT IT.

We know, we know. One is not supposed to talk about "bulking and cutting" any more-that is, consuming surplus calories while putting on muscle, followed by a period of restriction and fat loss. Boom, bust. It's all very 2005, right?

But the reality is the seasons have a real impact; they affect our decisions and our behaviour. No matter how enlightened we think we are, it's easier to stick with certain habits in the summer, when the weather's warmer, than when the days grow shorter. Research has shown that winter brings with it a drop in activity levels, paired with an increase in appetite. Scientists have theorised that this could be driven by everything from hormonal changes due to decreased daylight to a primitive impulse to stockpile energy when the temperature drops.