If you can’t gain naturally, you will have trouble maintaining off of the gear. Just so I am not off base, what are you numbers on the big lifts? Maybe you are stronger than I think.
I’ll say right now I’ve been on trt for a couple weeks, but prior to that I trained in a low T state, and haven’t cycled. Still was able to lift 475, 325 and 485 on squat, bench and deadlift. It took a long time to get there. My lifts are already starting to shoot up, but the point is that it is possible for almost everyone to get bigger and stronger.
If I can get 40 lbs per year on the big lifts, and 25 on bench, I’m pretty happy with that. You need to think long term. If you are just looking to get big and maintain, I really think you are gonna struggle.
Damn these forums do get passionate at times 
. Again guys thank you all for your input it’s really made me consider some stuff and will go back to the drawing board and revisit my options.
@mnben87 I’m not as strong as you think lol. I wouldn’t consider myself a “gym guy”. I took it up due to not being able to play sports anymore and wanted something else and I do like working out but it’s not a passion of mine. So I can’t see myself in the gym more than 4 times a week. But as I’m getting older I want to get back into proper shape and better in physique then I have ever been. I keep fit in other ways and my job is pretty demanding.
I was hoping to gain enough strength for it to keep me going with regard to maintaining. I really only wanted to do one cycle as a boost and just keep with the natural side.
At my peak/plateau weights (I’m from the UK so work in kg)
Bench:80kg (90kg 1rm)
Squat: 85kg (125 1rm)
Overhead press: 40kg (can’t go passed 40kg)
Deadlift: 140 kg (165 1rm)
Row: 65kg (can’t go passed this)
These are my peak numbers. With bench, row and overhead press I tend to feel the injuries that I’ve incurred in the past.
I’ll just say that the risks are probably not worth it, unless you are a “gym guy”.
Thanks bro. I think I’ll shelve the idea for the time being with everything said on the thread. I’m clearly not ready and knowledgeable enough at the moment and I’ll just see how the next 12 weeks go naturally and push as hard as I can. Maybe try mass gainer shakes, I’ve got one from ON lol. Anyone recommend a good pre work out?
I just mix Crystal Light and caffeine powder lol. Mass gainers just made me get fat, but they can work for some.
I think you are smart to shelf the idea for now. Get into training, and see what you can do in a year. You might be surprised what you can do.
5x5 will eventually run you into the ground (I’ve done it). I will only recommend what I’ve tried, and that is the cube method, and the Calgary barbell free program. Both work well, and manage intensity and volume which 5x5 does not really do once the weight gets heavy.
I’ll have to check what crystal light is lol.
I hear that a lot about mass gainer shakes just putting on fat and I’m around the 14-15 bf% last time I checked about 5 months ago so may consider normal protein shakes and high clean calorie diet. It’s just hard due to my lifestyle at the moment hence the enquiry into using aas.
Those programs sound VERY interesting I’ll need to check them out and maybe give them a go.
I know EXACTLY what you mean about 5x5 when it gets heavy and felt like that was my ceiling. Once I get there again I’ll switch to one of the programs suggested on the thread. 