Update 2018: old thread where I was somewhat bashed. Progress posted one year later(scroll down), following the plan I had written here elongating each period to 2-3 months.
AAS idea scrapped until age of 24 at least as I seem to be making good enough gains, as suggested.
****Hey guys,
First of all this my first post on here(or any bodybuilding forum to be honest) but I am posting after heavily researching almost every aspect of bodybuilding that I could have for around 2 years.
Basically, I require opinions on the structure of my bodybuilding āschedule,ā and Iāve chosen this site as it seems this forum has the most experienced members compared to all the others Iāve come across.
Some background info:
Currently 19 years old. First started lifting at the age of 16 but was not 100% serious (I was serious in the sense that I went regularly, ate clean but not the right amounts but relied heavily on supplements and wasnāt aware of various training methods. I was just following a 12 week program over and over again lol.)
However at the age of 17 I stopped going and completely gave up (got too hooked on partying, drugs, girls all of that. Past that phase now.)
Now Iām 19 and Iām 100% serious about adapting to the bodybuilding lifestyle, and I have been since I joined the gym back in September 2016. Since then Iāve combined the knowledge Iāve gained over the years to come up with this āschedule,ā which I would like input on for improvements.
Note: I always had an ectomorphic frame, weighing 55kg at 5ft 11 in September. However Iāve always had broad wide shoulders, large traps (rarely train them for that reason) and a wide chest.
Firstly diet, Iāve stuck to this diet since September day in day out:
Meal 1
Cup of green tea
8 egg whites + 2 whole eggs scrambled
Shake made of:
500ml Avonmore protein milk (25g protein)
50g frozen blueberries
150g Oats
occasionally add 1-2tbsp to shake
Meal 2 (about 1-2hr later)
Protein shake, Apple, handful of almonds of peanuts
Meal 3
Toasted bagel
125g turkey breast
Banana
Meal 4 (before gym)
Either
300g combination of sweet potato, normal potato and baby potato for carbs
Or
125g pasta for carbs
With 250g chicken breast
Meal 5 (after gym)
125-150g rice (brown or white basmati)
300g lean beef steak
Meal 6
Full tub of cottage cheese (around 330ml I think)
Meal 7
200g Greek yoghurt with 100g protein granola (Kelkin hi protein brand granola)
Meal 8
Avonmore Protein Milk 500ml (25g protein)
2L of liquid water consumed/day
I stick to the above diet as itās easy for me as a college student to prep my meals before hand and have them with me on the go. If thereās any changes one would make, what would you(s) suggest?
Also, as Iām trying to gain weight I do not stay 100% clean 24/7. Once a week or maybe 2 weeks I add a subway, or a pizza, or a burrito (something clean but bulky? I guess) to the diet, usually when Iām on a strength training period.
Next, the training regime, which is split into 3 āphasesā (I have not researched or included a ācuttingā phase as I donāt see a need for it in the near future for me personally)
Phase 1: strength training period of 5 weeks
Lots of sets (6-8 sets not including practice sets, done at maximum weight loss possible)
Low reps (4-6)
This is done at the start of the workout on the main āliftsā
Eg for chest either incline bench or flat bench (alternate every couple weeks)
For legs either front squat or back squat (alternate every couple weeks)
For back deadlifts
For shoulders barbell press (seated or standing)
Then after the main lifts I pick 2-3 other exercises involved on the muscle Iām focusing on, and do a set of 5x10 or 3x10 on them.
Rest period is 2-5 mins. As long as I need to recover fully.
All lifts are done at maximum weight load, in order to build strength, and rep speed is quick and explosive, in order to move the maximum amount of weight.
During this phase my muscles feel solid, strong and dense.
Phase 2: The bodybuilding phase - 4 weeks
This phase I move away from constantly staying at maximum weight load and involves rep ranges of 8-12, usually a pyramid of 12,10,10,8 on compound exercises or 5x15 on isolation exercises. Weight increases each set followed by a drop set.
This phase I focus more on muscle definition and size rather than strength, which involves slow muscle contractions, controlled movements for as many reps as I can and then once Iām unable to keep the slow movement, I finish the rest of the set with some speed. More of a mind-muscle connection compared to phase 1.
This time I do 5-6 exercises, with structure eg
Chest: 2 strength exercises, 1 fibre (x2)
(eg barbell bench, dumbbell bench, dumbbell fly) finish off with dips and push-up superset
Every week I try to change the exercises as much as I can, however during this phase I focus more on cable work.
Rest period 60-90s for compound
30s for isolation
During this phase my muscles feel less dense, lighter, but larger and more ābloatyā
Phase 3: Hypertrophy training (2-3 weeks)
Pick 5-6 exercises of muscle group Iām focusing on. Pick 60% of maximum weight Iām able to lift, and do 8x8 with 30s rest.
This type of workout is more of a cardio type workout for me, but at the same time forces muscles to grow well for me( I get stretch marks easily during this phase). Due to the short rest periods, cardiovascular exercise is included in this period, while in other phases I do cardio just once a week.
Lastly, supplementation:
When I was younger I went overboard on these, but now I realised all I need is a multivitamin, protein, creatine and bcaas.
I keep a pre workout but I use it sparingly (once a week maybe 2 weeks) and I only use it on a muscle group that Iām weak in (chest and legs).
I use the following:
Animal Pak
Animal Rage
My protein whey isolate
Myprotein 4:1:1 bcaa
5g micro creo everyday
I have made progress, morning weight went from 55kg to 66kg in 4 months, which may be due to some muscle memory from the past, not sure to be honest. Basically, I plan on keeping this āscheduleā and would just like advice from people who are more experienced in this industry.
Also, regarding AAS, I have many friends that have been juicing since the age of 16, and now theyāre huge beasts (100kg lean at 5 ft 8 for example lol), some donāt even use pct yet they seem to not get any of the sides Iāve read so much about on these type of forums. The only thing that has kept me from hopping on the juice is the advice and warnings on these forums.
I do not plan on using any AAS for at least 2 years, it depends on what level Iām at then, but I would still like advice on this first cycle plan.
Cycle 1:
Test E 500mg Wk 1-7 250mg Wk8
Dianabol (ED values) 30mg wk1 40mg wk2 50mg wk3-5 40mg wk6 20mg wk7 10mg wk8
Nolvadex (ED Values) 20mg wk 8+9, 10mg Wk10+11
Clomid (ED Value) 50mg Wk 9+10 25mg Wk11+12
Iām aware of the need of an AI when running such a cycle such as arimidex, but Iām unsure of how I would dose it and fit it in this cycle. Any input is appreciated.
Also, Iāve researched HCG and decided itās a compound Iād leave out, if thereās anyone that vouches for such a compound, please explain why, and if possible share experiences with/without the use of HCG if possible.
And lastly, Iāve come across this āTime on + PCT = Time offā rule a lot, how true is this to stick to? Iām aware blood tests would be the best bet, however is there anyone that goes by this equation?
Any advice is appreciated, and if youāve read up to here, I congratulate you, and appreciate your time.
OMG! Iām sorry. I just cracked when I read that.