[quote]Jelly Roll wrote:
Definitely I’m not as strong. I’d guess, and say that my strength is 80-85% of what it was when I was on. And I’m good with that, because my 1RM (estimated) is substantially improved from prior to my cycle.
December 2007, my 1RM bench press was 285 , squat 405, and deadlift 495. Now, May 2008, 6 weeks into my PCT, I BP 285 x 3-4 reps, squat 405 x 5-6 reps, and DL 495 x 3-4 reps. So, not as strong as when I was on cycle, but not too bad considering I only lift twice a week to supplement my grappling training.
I’m expecting to make some small progress strength-wise once my PCT is over and my body’s natural hormones are back to normal, because I’ll start training harder again. I’m thinking of my 8 weeks of PCT as “maintenance” time, to work on stretching and technique.
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Indeed very true. Yeah we can never really hope to keep the strength now can we. Test taper is good for keeping muscle in terms of size but the inevitable loss of strength cannot be combatted I’m afraid. Like you pointed out just trying to limit the loses is about all your can do. In your case you are up from pre cycle though and that’s always a plus.
Week 7 of PCT was going so well thus far, seamlessly really, that I decided to see if it would make a difference if I cut out the last two weeks of the testosterone taper. And going into week 8 I still feel great. I tested my deadlift on Thursday, and got 10 reps with 405 for 2 sets, same as when I was on cycle (week 5 or 6 I think).
My libido is great, and I’m waking up with morning wood everyday. It’s not the same as when I had 500mg of test-enanthate coursing through me, obviously, but I’m still a horny guy. I’m going to guess that taking TRIBEX from week 5 of PCT (end of the stasis, start of the taper) has helped ramp up my natural testosterone levels a little faster. The only other supplements I’m taking are 2 HOT-ROX and 10g of Creatine a day plus 3 ZMA before bed. I’m going to try the Rez-V soon I think.
Indeed very true. Yeah we can never really hope to keep the strength now can we. Test taper is good for keeping muscle in terms of size but the inevitable loss of strength cannot be combatted I’m afraid. Like you pointed out just trying to limit the loses is about all your can do. In your case you are up from pre cycle though and that’s always a plus. [/quote]
It’s a big plus for me, getting stronger. I suppose I could’ve made similar strength gains naturally if I’d followed a training plan specifically for powerlifting (Sheiko, Rippetoe, etc.), but I got stronger WHILE improving upon my conditioning, stretching, and skill for grappling. I was able to make considerable progress in every aspect of my training without having to take time off to focus on building up my strength.
So this is my last and 8th week of PCT, although I only really did the stasis/taper for 6 weeks. I feel good and I’m increasing my training volume back up week by week since I’m training/cornering my training parter for a fight in August.
As promised, here’s some after-PCT photos, taken this morning during my strongman/conditioning circuit.
In case you’re wondering, the workout is 5 minute “rounds” of 1 minute each of 1)tire flipping, 2)sledgehammer, 3)keg tossing, 4)bicep curl/shoulder pressing, and 5)bear crawl sled-dragging. 1 minute rest between rounds, and repeat for 3 to 5 rounds.
Well, I think that’s it for this log. I hope some of it is useful for anybody who reads it. For my last post, I just wanted to say a big thanks to everybody who contributed to and supported the thread.
