Can you stop with no lost?

[ImBlue]

I am currently not on any steroids or have any experience with them.. I have a question that has been edging in the back of my mind.. Lets say I took it, and hard work, dedication and I'm at the strength I want to be (or body shape).. If I stop taking steroids but keep up on the dieting and conditioning could I keep what I gained or is going to disappear?

I'm for getting an edge on strength, not to concern about bulking up, but if happens cool...

[Atomini]

You will keep whatever is within your genetic limits. If you gain beyond your genetic limits, and stop using but maintain proper diet and training, you will slowly (VERY slowly) but surely revert back to your genetic limit. If your diet and training go to shit, you lose it all far quicker. Strength, for the most part, does seem to remain more than size most of the time.

[gixxerboy1]

I agree. But most guys after 1 cycle arent at their genetic limit

[Razor]

I am currently not on any steroids or have any experience with them.. I have a question that has been edging in the back of my mind.. Lets say I took it, and hard work, dedication and I'm at the strength I want to be (or body shape).. If I stop taking steroids but keep up on the dieting and conditioning could I keep what I gained or is going to disappear?

I'm for getting an edge on strength, not to concern about bulking up, but if happens cool...

I've got my next 3 cycles planned out. No its very hard to stop at 1

[stpete]

It gets old but....Diet and training is what it boils down to. I managed to keep 15lbs after my first cycle at 27 years old. I continued to gain after several cycles and now i maintain 235lbs and sometimes jumping to 250lbs on cycle. Trial and error w/diet is the biggest concern. Took me a long time to figure out what foods are best for me, and at what time of the day to eat certain foods. Once i got all that down, it was strictly getting my ass in the gym and working.

So yes, if your diet and training are on, you can keep gains. But more difficult if you're a part-timer.

[ImBlue]

I agree. But most guys after 1 cycle arent at their genetic limit

I think I know what you mean, but not certain how to even measure one's genetic limits. Is it like when one plateaus and can't get over that hump?

Thank you all for responding, I've been wanting to ask this question for awhile

[< <Samson> >]

It's more like your body does what it wants to < To a point at least.

The genetic limit must be pushed, look at a pro's workout. They do work for what they look like. Then genetics put it all together better for some than others.

[lovbyts]

I think I know what you mean, but not certain how to even measure one's genetic limits. Is it like when one plateaus and can't get over that hump?

Thank you all for responding, I've been wanting to ask this question for awhile

NO, most plateaus are due to diet and training flaws. Most people dont even come close to their genetic limits unless they are very well disciplined and have a great diet. It takes many years to reach your genetic limits and I would venture to say even with perfect training and diet you wont reach it until you are in your mid 20s at best if not late 20s to early 30s depending on what you are shooting for.

[Misery13]

Can you stop after one cycle and still maintain your gains. Yes. It will take dedication to training, rest, and most importantly your diet. I was 95lbs at 5-4 when I started training back in 1994. Joined the Army February 1996 at 125lbs. Which is the weight I was at for years. I managed to get up to between 175lbs-185lbs in 2002. May of 2003 I deployed to A country where AAS are sold over the counter. In the time I was there I did my first cycle. (Well my second, I started and stop my first in 1997. I was to young and not ready) I came home weighing 205lbs. I was hooked. I was able to maintain that weight for years. Joined this website. Educated myself, which I still continue to do daily. Worked on my diet. Tried different training styles. I have cycles many times over the last almost 10 years now. I'm 36yrs old. I have no problems with my libido or anything else that can come with AAS use. I'm in great shape despite a lot of injuries from time spent in Afghanistan and other places. So again could I have done just one cycle, stopped and been happy. Sure I could have. But why would I. I have gotten as big as 237lbs at 5-6. Benched 425lbs. Squated 785lbs for 2 reps. Deadlifted 455lbs for 5 reps. Straight bar curled 185lbs for 7 reps. I don't think I will ever stop.

[ImBlue]

Wow.. guess its a race against time for me to get to my genetic limits.. damn.. no rest for the wicked...

[Misery13]

Wow.. guess its a race against time for me to get to my genetic limits.. damn.. no rest for the wicked...

To a certain degree.

[ImBlue]

I wish I was focusing on weights rather then running when I was 18... damn.. now its a race to slow the downhill incline since I'm much older