Recomp vs cut? 176 cm / 70 kg, glute-biased split, want fat loss not scale loss

Looking for advice on whether I should maintain or cut given my current goals and training.

Stats:

• 176 cm / 70 kg

• Female

• Carry more fat in stomach, thighs, and arms

• Thighs are more developed than glutes (quad-dominant)

Goals:

• Fat loss visually (recomposition), not focused on scale weight

• Build glutes while staying balanced

• Avoid losing muscle or flattening glutes

Training (4 days/week):

Day 1 – Glutes (Upper / Med Bias)

• Hip thrusts 4×6–10 (15s iso hold before each set)

• Hip abductor 3×15–20

• Glute-biased Bulgarians 3×8 each leg

• 45° back extensions 3×10–12

• Hamstring curls 2×12

Day 2 – Upper Push + Core

• Chest press machine 3×8–10

• Knee cable crunch 3×12–15

• Seated shoulder press 3×8–10

• Cable lateral raises 3×12–15 each side

• Assisted dips 2–3×8–10

• Hanging knee raises 2×8–12

Day 3 – Glutes + Hamstrings (Lengthened Bias)

• RDLs 4×6–8

• Standing calf raises 4×12–15

• Lighter hip thrusts 2–3×12–15

• Weighted back extensions 3×12

• Cable glute kickbacks 3×10 each leg

Day 4 – Upper Pull + Core

• Lat pulldowns 4×8–10

• Kneeling cable crunch 3×12–15

• Seated cable row 3×10

• Face pulls 3×12–15

• Straight-arm pulldowns 2×12–15 (optional)

• Leg raises 2×8–10

• Overhead rope triceps extensions 2×10–12

Cardio:

• 1 day/week treadmill walking

• 5-6% incline, 2.8mph, 1 hr

Diet:

• Eating at maintenance or very slight deficit

• High protein, tracking consistently

Main question:

Given this setup, would you recommend:

1.	Staying at maintenance for recomp

2.	Small deficit

3.	Short cut followed by maintenance

4. Increase cardio and keep current split?

Trying to lose fat in stomach/thigh/arms without sacrificing glute progress. Appreciate any insight!