As a newbie I made a few mistakes. Having learned from this experience i'm passing along a list of pointers for newbies to follow when planning the first cycle. This is a mental checklist of common-sense truths that even those with experience may find helpful. Read and heed:
1) Set reasonable and specific goals. Decide up-front as specifically as possible exactly what you expect to get from anabolics and exactly what price you're willing to pay to reach them. Keep your actions consistent with these goals and within the limits you set for yourself. Don't let the never-ending thirst for improvement push you to take unreasonable risks.
2) Do alot of research BEFORE you buy your gear. Do not buy a bunch of gear and then come here to learn the best way to use it! Plan cycles that are consistent with your goals; then buy the gear for the cycle you planned. The right kind of gear is as important as the right amount of gear!
3) Buy all your gear and have it in your hands BEFORE YOU START your cycle. Do not plan on picking up more down the road no matter how reliable you think your sources are.
4) It's a good idea whenever possible to buy a little extra gear to cover anything you drop, lose or spill. If you're a newbie taking dosages smaller than what most people recommend, you're "starting out light", then have enough extra gear on-hand before you start to cover an increase in the dosages just in case you decide you really do need the full dosages. Don't waste your first cycle on too low doses! It's potentially your best cycle ever!
5) Make sure your gear is in a very safe place that preferably noone else knows about. Gear that grows legs and walks away doesn't give great gains.
6) Always always always use estrogen blockers and/or anti-aromatase agents such as Arimidex/Liquidex, Nolvadex, Proviron, Teslac. Always always always use Clomid post-cycle. Learn how to use them and USE THEM.
7) Buy your "extras" such as Proviron and Clomid BEFORE you buy your gear. That way you will not be tempted to start your cycle without them!
8) You should already have a routine planned up-front consistent with your goals. You already know what works best for you. If you're still learning this stuff then you need to spend more time in the gym before you do anabolics.
9) You should already have a diet planned before you start. If you've never eaten a controlled diet then you most likely have an entire plateau of natural gains to be achieved before you start anabolics.
10) Check your blood pressure before, during and after a cycle. Watch for unusual signs and pay attention to what your body tells you. Push your body - don't injure it! And drink plenty of water!
11) Tell at least one other person you trust exactly what and how much stuff you're taking just in case something happens to you, an accident or whatever. The doctors may really need to know about what's in your body.
12) Do not jump into a heavy cycle right after a layoff from the gym. It's too easy to tear muscles and injure joints when the muscles grow so quickly in size and strength. You should spend time in the gym and be in your absolute top physical and mental condition when you start a cycle. It's not a bad idea to get a physical first also.
13) More gear does not always mean more gains. If you're not getting the gains you expected and you're taking reasonable amounts of gear that you're sure is bonafide - you're most likely not eating enough. Try more calories before you try more gear!
14) Do not take the attitide: "I can eat anything - i'm on steroids - i'll burn it up." You should be even more careful than usual about what you eat (and drink). Do not squander the opportunity!
Feel free to add to this list !!!! Success to everyone !!!!
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Originally Posted by metzger66
