Newbie 1st cycle ready for your review!

[splash]

OK first off thank for any input you may give!

Stats: soon to be 41yrs. 6'2" 207lbs. bf% 17%

I'll bring down the bf% to 15% before starting! Also CBC panel and prostate exam for a baseline.

Was athletically active from 8-23yrs old college all-american so I have been very fit before. Been in the gym 5 days a week for the last 3+ years. I started at 215# w/bf of 23% of fat down to 183# and 10% bf (was running 1/2 marathons). And then wanted to put on some size. Basically put on 20# the natural way.

Max then: Now:
Flat Bench 205# 315#
Decline Bench 185# 285#
Incline Bench 145# 245#

Size then: Now:
Arms 15.5" 17"
Chest 43" 48"
Waist 34.5" 37"
Thighs 23.5" 26"
Neck 16" 17.5"

I have a gyno issue on the left nipple and have been on Bino's letro plan for 5 weeks. It got really small but as I have tried to cycle off the letro and now it is getting firmer and bigger again. I'm getting more letro and going to continue with it.

All that being said, I have read this board until I'm numb in the head so here in my idea of my 1st cycle from the MANY post that I have read!

Test E 500mgs for 12 weeks; 2 inj Mon AM 250mgs Thurs PM 250mgs 1st injection of 750mgs (I have read this alot to kickstart) using 23G1.5 pins

Nolva 10mgs ED during cycle.
20mgs during PCT 14 days after last injection. Along with Clomid @ 105mgs (ARR's {3} syringes full) for 1 week than 1 week at 50mgs (ARR's {1.5} syringes full).

Not sure how long to run Nolva & clomid in the PCT is 4 weeks enough?

And if Bino is reading this should I run letro at .5mgs for 2 weeks before 1st inj. and through out cycle.

One last thing that I have gotten from some long time gear heads at my gym. They swear by using creatine during PCT to help "hold on to" size and strength. Does anyone ever heard of this working or is it just in their gearheads?

THANKS FOR YOUR INPUT!

[BG]

If you have a gyno problem already I would run Aromasin throughout.

[SMAN12b]

Looks like you did your homework!! Which is nice to see on here.

Just make sure your diet and training are in check for your goals, and you should be fine!!

Good Luck and keep us posted on the results

[splash]

If you have a gyno problem already I would run Aromasin throughout.

If I run Aromasin do I still run nolvadex ?

[diamonds]

Don't know what your goals are but I would up the dosage of the Test to 750 Mg/week and probably run another compound with it. Also why are you taking Nolva 10Mg every day? You would be better off taking .5Mg of Arimidex every day, IMO. The only benefit to running Nolvadex would be to retain "some" estrogen in your body. Additionally, Nolvadex may have the ability to reduce IGF levels, which are very important for muscle growth.
Just my opinion here though

[splash]

Don't know what your goals are but I would up the dosage of the Test to 750 Mg/week and probably run another compound with it. Also why are you taking Nolva 10Mg every day? You would be better off taking .5Mg of Arimidex every day, IMO. The only benefit to running Nolvadex would be to retain "some" estrogen in your body. Additionally, Nolvadex may have the ability to reduce IGF levels, which are very important for muscle growth.
Just my opinion here though

MY Goals are to gain 10# of real gains. And hopefully some strength will come along with that.

My ideal gains would be 1" in the arms and 1.5" in the thighs. I know you can't spot gain or lose but that would be the perfect results for me.

The reason for only running Test is just about every post for a 1st cycle people reply with "Test-E 10-12 weeks period! Save everything else for your next cycle" I have thought strongly and Deca because of lifting even heavier on the Test and the damage to my joints and tendons at over 40yrs.

I'm open to suggestion for I still have to get the doctor visit done etc. I'm not in any hurry! I got over that 3-4 months ago when I started read this board.

I'm still not sure about what & how to lift on Test to get as close to my goals as possible. I have just started reading about training plans....

This is how I have broken out my week for the last 2 years
Mon Chest / some Tri's
Tues Legs / Abs
Wed Back / some Bi's
Thurs Shoulders / some Forearms
Fri Bi's & Tri's
Sat & Sun is REST body and mind!

[SMAN12b]

Don't know what your goals are but I would up the dosage of the Test to 750 Mg/week and probably run another compound with it. Also why are you taking Nolva 10Mg every day? You would be better off taking .5Mg of Arimidex every day, IMO. The only benefit to running Nolvadex would be to retain "some" estrogen in your body. Additionally, Nolvadex may have the ability to reduce IGF levels, which are very important for muscle growth.
Just my opinion here though

ok, I 'm confused. Can you please tell me why you would suggest test at 750mgs/wk and adding compounds for a FIRST cycle especially when he has gyno concerns?

I agree about the arimidex, but you threw me on the test.

Thanks

[SMAN12b]

OK Splash, this is the basics for how muscles react. maybe it will help with your workouts:



BASICS OF BODYBUILDING
AS INSTRUCTED TO ME PERSONALLY BY A FORMER PROFESSIONAL BODYBUILDER,
PRESENTED HERE FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION BY:

SMAN12B

Muscle Physiology:

Anaerobic Exercise vs Aerobic Exercise

Fuel source burned during weight training = SUGAR (From all Carb Foods)
Fuel source burned during cardio training = FAT (Dietary or stored body fat)



Muscles use as fuel: 1st = Blood Sugar
2nd= Stored Sugars (Glycogen)
3rd= Protein & fat (Catabolic State)

Muscle Fibers used in:

Weight Training= Mostly Fast Twitch Muscle Fibers

Aerobic Training= Mostly Slow Twitch Muscle Fibers

2 Kinds of Fast Twitch Muscle Fibers:
2A- These fibers can expect growth of only 25% greater.
2B- These fibers can expect growth of 100%

GOAL OF BODYBUILDERS IS TO TRAIN TO HIT THE “2B” MUSCLE FIBER
All weight training uses the “2A” fibers FIRST, but they have limited growth potential!
“2B’s” are more stubborn and only come into play in response to TENSION. When tension on the muscle is greatest, THEN and only then do the “2B’s kick in!!!

WORKING 2A FIBERS OVER AND OVER NEVER RECRUIT THE 2B’S
If you hit the 2B’s, you will ALWAYS use the 2A’s first!!
MORE WEIGHT=MORE MUSCLE RECRUITMENT

SO, what determines Total Muscle Recruitment??
HEAVY WEIGHT IN THE 6-12 REP RANGE WITH PROPER FORM

REP RANGES: Less than 6 reps = Increase in strentgth but not muscle size.
From 6-12 reps = Increase in strength AND size.
More than 12 reps = Improves muscle endurance NOT size.

Too many reps produces too much LACTIC ACID which breaks down GLYCOGEN (muscle fuel) and the ACID build-up prevents total muscle contraction!

# OF SETS TO DO FOR BODY PARTS(Just a guideline)

CHEST= 9- 11
BACK= 9-14
QUADS= 9-12
HAMS= 4-6
CALVES= 4-6
BI’S = 6-8
TRI’S = 6-8

In REAL life, More sets are better, HOWEVER do NOT let the INTENSITY fall!!
Meaning, all sets have to be HEAVY in the 6-12 rep range and taken to failure
Failure = last two reps should be extremely hard or require some assist to complete.

NO LIGHT SETS!! Except your warm up sets.

[diamonds]

My bad! I didn't realize it was his first cycle. BUT I would add in another compound to compliment the Test. I think Deca would be a great choice. I'm just saying that is what I would do if it were ME.

Sorry about the confusion.

[diamonds]

OK Splash, this is the basics for how muscles react. maybe it will help with your workouts:



BASICS OF BODYBUILDING
AS INSTRUCTED TO ME PERSONALLY BY A FORMER PROFESSIONAL BODYBUILDER,
PRESENTED HERE FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION BY:

SMAN12B

Muscle Physiology:

Anaerobic Exercise vs Aerobic Exercise

Fuel source burned during weight training = SUGAR (From all Carb Foods)
Fuel source burned during cardio training = FAT (Dietary or stored body fat)



Muscles use as fuel: 1st = Blood Sugar
2nd= Stored Sugars (Glycogen)
3rd= Protein & fat (Catabolic State)

Muscle Fibers used in:

Weight Training= Mostly Fast Twitch Muscle Fibers

Aerobic Training= Mostly Slow Twitch Muscle Fibers

2 Kinds of Fast Twitch Muscle Fibers:
2A- These fibers can expect growth of only 25% greater.
2B- These fibers can expect growth of 100%

GOAL OF BODYBUILDERS IS TO TRAIN TO HIT THE “2B” MUSCLE FIBER
All weight training uses the “2A” fibers FIRST, but they have limited growth potential!
“2B’s” are more stubborn and only come into play in response to TENSION. When tension on the muscle is greatest, THEN and only then do the “2B’s kick in!!!

WORKING 2A FIBERS OVER AND OVER NEVER RECRUIT THE 2B’S
If you hit the 2B’s, you will ALWAYS use the 2A’s first!!
MORE WEIGHT=MORE MUSCLE RECRUITMENT

SO, what determines Total Muscle Recruitment??
HEAVY WEIGHT IN THE 6-12 REP RANGE WITH PROPER FORM

REP RANGES: Less than 6 reps = Increase in strentgth but not muscle size.
From 6-12 reps = Increase in strength AND size.
More than 12 reps = Improves muscle endurance NOT size.

Too many reps produces too much LACTIC ACID which breaks down GLYCOGEN (muscle fuel) and the ACID build-up prevents total muscle contraction!

# OF SETS TO DO FOR BODY PARTS(Just a guideline)

CHEST= 9- 11
BACK= 9-14
QUADS= 9-12
HAMS= 4-6
CALVES= 4-6
BI’S = 6-8
TRI’S = 6-8

In REAL life, More sets are better, HOWEVER do NOT let the INTENSITY fall!!
Meaning, all sets have to be HEAVY in the 6-12 rep range and taken to failure
Failure = last two reps should be extremely hard or require some assist to complete.

NO LIGHT SETS!! Except your warm up sets.

Actually, if you follow the HIT routine (which many on this board do) you will see that there are 3 types of Type II muscle fibers and we need to hit all three types to recruit the most growth.

[SMAN12b]

My bad! I didn't realize it was his first cycle. BUT I would add in another compound to compliment the Test. I think Deca would be a great choice. I'm just saying that is what I would do if it were ME.

Sorry about the confusion.

No brob pro.....

Being that he is over 40, and is concerned about joints and tendons, I might go ahead with a LOW dose of Deca for the joints. Maybe something like this:

Weeks 1-12 Test E @ 500mgs/wk shot 250 Mon Morn, and 250 Thurs evening
Weeks 1-10 Deca @ 200mgs/wk can mix and shoot either on one day or both doing 100mgs/each shot mixed with the Test

I would do the arimidex @ .5mgs/ED throughout

and have Nolva on hand and used in PCT with clomid. you shoudl run PCT a minimum of 30 days, but do not limit it to that, Run it until you are sure your nuts are back or you get bloodwork done

PCT starts 14 days after last Test E shot

just a suggestion

[SMAN12b]

Actually, if you follow the HIT routine (which many on this board do) you will see that there are 3 types of Type II muscle fibers and we need to hit all three types to recruit the most growth.

This theory will hit all type 2 muscle fibers. it is just a general theory of how the muscles react to stimuli and what fuel is used.

[diamonds]

This theory will hit all type 2 muscle fibers. it is just a general theory of how the muscles react to stimuli and what fuel is used.

No bro, don't get me wrong here; your info was great. I was just trying to add to it.

[SMAN12b]

No bro, don't get me wrong here; your info was great. I was just trying to add to it.

Well how dare you .......lolol Just kidding....you can add to my posts anytime bro...I try to learn more and more everyday.......

[PlasticFuture112]

I'd say being that it is his first cycle that he go with the Test only. This way he can further cycle experience with adding on more compounds later. He would benefit just fine IMO with the single ester test alone. Also, him being new he has no clue how it will effect his body once injected so by starting off small and working up to multiple compounds will allow him to pinpoint various adverse effects in each compound. Although he can go with something along with the test, i feel he would be ok with the test alone with either armidex or nolva throughout and proper pct.

[SMAN12b]

I'd say being that it is his first cycle that he go with the Test only. This way he can further cycle experience with adding on more compounds later. He would benefit just fine IMO with the single ester test alone. Also, him being new he has no clue how it will effect his body once injected so by starting off small and working up to multiple compounds will allow him to pinpoint various adverse effects in each compound. Although he can go with something along with the test, i feel he would be ok with the test alone with either armidex or nolva throughout and proper pct.

I would normally agree with you here PF, but considering his age, and concern for joint problems, I think he would be pretty safe with the LOW dose of deca since that will Def help the joints.

[diamonds]

You do have a point here Plastic, but a lot depends on his training experience. I think either way would bring on great gains.

[toofatbuilder]

wow, i actually learned quite a few things from this post.... thanks everyone... and good luck splash

[SMAN12b]

wow, i actually learned quite a few things from this post.... thanks everyone... and good luck splash

GREAT !! That's what we are here for!! Glad you got somethin out of it!!!

[PlasticFuture112]

I would normally agree with you here PF, but considering his age, and concern for joint problems, I think he would be pretty safe with the LOW dose of deca since that will Def help the joints.

Ya you are absolutely correct on that one. I totally brain-farted on the fact that deca is benefitial to the joints. Good call.

[SMAN12b]

Ya you are absolutely correct on that one. I totally brain-farted on the fact that deca is benefitial to the joints. Good call.

No sweat bro, I got your back.....lolol

[cfiler]

If you are going with deca , you could lower the test abit too. You should stick with something over 250mgs to avoid deca dick. I would not go above 500mgs like said above though. But don't be afraid to lower if you'd like.

[PlasticFuture112]

I just noticed the suggestion of using creatine on PCT. Anyone got an answer to this cuz im always interested in creative PCT additives.

[SMAN12b]

I just noticed the suggestion of using creatine on PCT. Anyone got an answer to this cuz im always interested in creative PCT additives.

I think creatine is fine in PCT, not sure of the specifics of how well it will help keep gains though so anyone with more info please chime in!!!

[PlasticFuture112]

Im thinking its benefitial with the fact that creatine has the tendency to inhibit water retention therefore hydrating the muscle tissue? This isnt for certain but just an idea?

[splash]

OK first off thank for any input you may give!

Stats: soon to be 41yrs. 6'2" 207lbs. bf% 17%

I'll bring down the bf% to 15% before starting! Also CBC panel and prostate exam for a baseline.

Was athletically active from 8-23yrs old college all-american so I have been very fit before. Been in the gym 5 days a week for the last 3+ years. I started at 215# w/bf of 23% of fat down to 183# and 10% bf (was running 1/2 marathons). And then wanted to put on some size. Basically put on 20# the natural way.

Max then: Now:
Flat Bench 205# 315#
Decline Bench 185# 285#
Incline Bench 145# 245#

Size then: Now:
Arms 15.5" 17"
Chest 43" 48"
Waist 34.5" 37"
Thighs 23.5" 26"
Neck 16" 17.5"

I have a gyno issue on the left nipple and have been on Bino's letro plan for 5 weeks. It got really small but as I have tried to cycle off the letro and now it is getting firmer and bigger again. I'm getting more letro and going to continue with it.

All that being said, I have read this board until I'm numb in the head so here in my idea of my 1st cycle from the MANY post that I have read!

Test E 500mgs for 12 weeks; 2 inj Mon AM 250mgs Thurs PM 250mgs 1st injection of 750mgs (I have read this alot to kickstart) using 23G1.5 pins

Nolva 10mgs ED during cycle.
20mgs during PCT 14 days after last injection. Along with Clomid @ 105mgs (ARR's {3} syringes full) for 1 week than 1 week at 50mgs (ARR's {1.5} syringes full).

Not sure how long to run Nolva & clomid in the PCT is 4 weeks enough?

And if Bino is reading this should I run letro at .5mgs for 2 weeks before 1st inj. and through out cycle.

One last thing that I have gotten from some long time gear heads at my gym. They swear by using creatine during PCT to help "hold on to" size and strength. Does anyone ever heard of this working or is it just in their gearheads?

THANKS FOR YOUR INPUT!

MORE INPUT ON CYCLE PLEASE!

[SMAN12b]

What hasn't been answered for you yet splash? Thought we covered it all

[splash]

What hasn't been answered for you yet splash? Thought we covered it all

You have SMAN12B I just was looking for others input. I had NOT given Arimdex much thought because everyone seems to suggest Nolva & Clomid.

I agree that the Deca would propably help but I think I'm going to hold it off till my next cycle.

Does age play a role in the amount of time one should take between cycles?

[BG]

If I run Aromasin do I still run nolvadex?

No need to.

[SMAN12b]

No, age has nothing to do with time on-time off, It is all dependant on your blood tests and levels

[Thug Nasty]

Bump on the creatine theory during PCT