Hey guys just looking for some advice on what you guys think of my first cycle and plans for cycles going forward. My goal would be to reach the best physique I could have by the end of next May when I go to Europe. That being said, I am planning on doing test e 300mg/week for 10-12 weeks, cruising, then doing a similar cycle with a second compound depending on how I responded to my first cycle and how my blood tests look. I’m 31 years old, 5’ 8" and 185lbs. Have been lifting since I was 18 and religiously 4 days a week for the last 2 years. My calories will be at 3000 with macros at 300c, 200p and 100f and increasing depending on need. I also have an AI on hand. What would you guys recommend my second cycle should consist of? I also play Irish football (a mix between rugby and soccer) between March and August so I’d like to stay at less than 220. I have always been able to play even at my heaviest which was 215. Are there compounds that will also help with endurance and speed? I originally wanted to do a 14-16 week cycle of test then cruise, then do a cycle while on a cut. But I don’t think I have enough time for that. My trip is in exactly 32 weeks. Any thoughts on my planning would be greatly appreciated.
Seems like a normal approach to dipping your toes into the world of anabolics. Cruising (Avoiding PCT phase) will help you keep your new tissue. I don’t give exact dosage or layout recommendations due to liability and personal reasons. Still, I don’t see anything wrong with what you’ve stated and it’s pretty conservative. Don’t expect massive gains either due to your conservative approach. I wouldn’t expect major changes in BF without changing nutrition and strength routines. You’ll just end up a slightly bigger you. My only recommendation would be to drop a few % in BF before starting.
Everything you said sounds accurate once again and I like the honesty with realistic expectations. Cutting always includes some muscle loss which is definitely a knock to our egos. I just went through it myself with a 20lb cut so I know where you’re coming from. Have you considered starting a log on here do document your progress over the next 32 weeks?
Hey man sorry for not replying sooner. Been super busy lately. So my test results came back from before I started my cycle 1.5 weeks ago at 908. I understand this is high fo natural test and am trying to figure out what to do. Do I stop and count my blessing that my test is so high? Do I increase my dose or keep it the same? Will this just mean that I can bounce back easier with a pct? Any insight would be awesome
Impossible to know for sure, you didn’t test the Free T. SHBG could be what’s elevating the Total T while Free T is low.
The difference between a guy with a Total T at 908, SHBG 68, and low normal Free T and a guy with Total T at 250, SHBG 15 and low normal Free T, the only difference is the SHBG.
Both men have low-T.
There was a member years ago who had a natural Total T at 1995, SHBG 148, had the lowest Free T I’ve ever seen.
My free test was 12.5 pg/ml
The Direct method, I wouldn’t rely on that testing method. Use the equilibrium dialysis or calculate the Free T using the Total T and SHBG.
I didn’t test for SHBG unfortunately. I had added a la carte tests through marek. I then asked a guy I know who is a coach if I should add anything else and was told I was g2g
So not sure if I’m missing something but I’m not sure how much this matters (in the context of this post)?
OP is 31, good body and not mentioning any symptoms of low T, if his free T is low it obviously isn’t affecting anything obvious at the moment (definitely worth getting if possible for future reference, especially if you’re going to cycle).
If we look from a cycle perspective, he’s decided his current body with his current (until now unknown) test level wasn’t quite what he wanted and so he cycles steroids. I cant see what his natural levels currently are will change that as he isn’t where he wants to be? (Even if we say stop I’d expect many would start thinking about it the next time summers on the horizon).
From a medical perspective I’m guessing no doctor anywhere would say you have issues even if free test low, maybe they’d say come back when you’re feeling symptoms? I’m also guessing many clinics would say here’s some test, but not sure if needed at present?
Honestly not trying to be argumentative here as I cant see how his natural levels at present change the idea of a cycle when he’s not happy at natural levels?
Obviously you should stop all drugs that are not prescribed by your doctor. If your free test is high/low will that change how you feel about future cycles?
For the record, I am not a med pro but take drugs recreationally for exercise when I have no medical need, and I love it. (And whatever you do I agree you should get the other tests @systemlord mentions when back to natural levels).
That’s an obvious one. I think people fall short in other areas, other than hormones, like genetics.
That’s what performance enhancement therapy is all about, basically not happy with their genetics.
I’ll recall a member with a Total T at 158, and very muscular. It’s so much more than the absolute hormone value.
Before I had medical problems, I was pretty muscular for a skinny, 160 lbs guy without ever having been in a gym. That’s with a crappy heavily processed food diet.
I’m now exceeding my previous physique due to improvements in my diet.
If I had a natural level of 400 to 500, SHBG 30, that’s more than optimal for me.
I started this original test cycle because I eventually wanted to add additional compounds in the future. From what I understood through my research was that these compounds can give you a greater output of muscle mass/weight loss when combined with proper diet/exercise. The two main points I understood when starting to get into PEDs was to get your test levels checked to know where you started and start with test only to see how your body reacts. For the record I do not have any low test symptoms. Tbh I never heard anyone say not to start test if my test was already high