Post Cycle Expectations

[Jaxon0408]

Just finished my 12 week test e cycle (1st cycle) and kind of wondering what to expect from here. This is my first week off and will start PCT after 2 weeks. Just kind of wondering how much muscle and tone I will lose. And should I stay on the same diet or lower my calorie and protein intake...etc.

[JohnnnyBlazzze]

I would up your calories to maintain as much LBM as you gained on cycle.

Expect your endurance and strength to decline a bit since you arn't on cycle anymore.

[stpete]

At least maintain cals like johnny mentioned. And for workouts, i like to do moderate weight w/higher reps and a bit more cardio.

[Brick]

I would limit cardio to no more than 3x a week and 30 min intervals.

Up calories to above maintenance.

Limit workouts for the next 6 weeks to 45 or less and do less work but more intense.

I believe Marcus300 has a thread about this.

As for gains. I gained 30lbs and kept 20 of it

[Lunk1]

Honestly I think your fuked...unlike;ly you will keep any gains and more likely your going to be smaller than when you started

[Perseverance1]

Lunk brings a strong arguement...I'm inclined to agree with him.

[Jaxon0408]

Damn I knew I was doomed! Haha. All I have done is for none!

Thanks guys. Shouldn't be hard to up my cardio since it basically non existent anyway except for warm up and sometime cool down. But I am glad to hear I can limit the weight again. I was doing a heavy week, then a light week then a moderate week. I will prob just limit around light to moderate with higher reps and maintain my diet with maybe a few more cals. I've never had a prob maintaining weight but I've never cycled before either so this will be an experience. I just want to make sure I maintain as much as possible to build from on my next cycle. Next few months are going to suck. I was looking forward to pinning days and this past Sunday sucked having to end it. Oh well. Back to the drawing board for my next cycle over the next few months.

[MickeyKnox]

Im in the "up your cals" camp. Eat more during PCT to compensate for your newly added muscle. Redo your TDEE and up your cals accordingly.

In the gym, keep your intensity level up but drop your volume. In and out in less than 45mins, as already suggested.

[Jaxon0408]

Im in the "up your cals" camp. Eat more during PCT to compensate for your newly added muscle. Redo your TDEE and up your cals accordingly.

In the gym, keep your intensity level up but drop your volume. In and out in less than 45mins, as already suggested.

Will do. Thanks Mickey. Quick question though...what's the point of the quick in and out workout? Not exhausting the muscles?

[Capebuffalo]

You won't be building muscle but you want to maintain what you have built.
No over exertion. Lower weight higher reps. In and out. IMO eat more than you ate on cycle.

[MickeyKnox]

Not at all. You dont want to linger around in the gym during this critical time period. The goal should be to get in and out and then EAT. Your endocrine system/CNS are very vulnerable during this time frame. Its very important to exhaust the muscles and then eat asap for repair and to replenish nutrients/macros. Otherwise you body will be eating away at your hard work - mucsles/protein.

Remember that during this time your endocrine system is out of sync and attempting to reboot itself. Your testosterone levels, along with other hormone values are low and your goal is to get them to baseline. During this period your body is vulnerable.

Get in get out and eat more. Thats my best advice based on above.

[Jaxon0408]

Sounds good guys. Quick in and outs it is. I like it that way anyway . I'll keep ya posted.