Recommending low body fat?

[Zodiac85]

Hey guys,

I have yet to run my first cycle and don't have my gear on order, just been hanging around soaking up infomation... (and I'm over 25 :-) )

Anyway, I frequently see the recommendation to cut to a lower body fat before cycling. Sub 15% or even lower. My understanding is that the more fat you have the your body will aromitize the test you're injecting? Is this the only reason?

The reason I'm asking is that I'm currently a little below 15% and working on cutting. Planning to get down to 10, 11ish. However, I lift mainly for strength and not bb purposes specifically (although of course I like to look good too). My lifts have been going up steadily, but I'm nearing prs and have a feeling that soon I will no longer be able to increase the lifts while cutting. So, I was just thinking about the options of cutting for another month or two and probably hitting a plateau, or maintaining here and hopefully continuing to increase.

This is all theoretical for now. As I said, I'm cutting and still increasing lifts so life is good. But I know many powerlifters are not sub 15% so they maybe have a different take on things?

[austinite]

Tons of threads on this topic. under 16 is just a good rule of thumb to actually see results and manage sides better.

[Zodiac85]

Tons of threads on this topic. under 16 is just a good rule of thumb to actually see results and manage sides better.

So the big guys (25+%) generally have more sides on the same amount of gear and would need more to see the same results?

[austinite]

So the big guys (25+%) generally have more sides on the same amount of gear and would need more to see the same results?

Yes. And 25% BF will not see results in the mirror. Waste of time and money.

[Red Bastard]

But, powerlifters aren't going by how they look in the mirror.

I do like that I look good, but for me, it's more about being stronger, and a bit bigger.

Sub 15%. Especially for first timers, who would presumably have more difficulty managing estrogen related sides, as they arise, due to lack of experience. As someone gains more experience, it may not be a serious issue...

[Zodiac85]

Yeah, it's pretty clear that most of those guys don't care much about the mirror. I get what you're saying though.

[austinite]

But, powerlifters aren't going by how they look in the mirror.

I do like that I look good, but for me, it's more about being stronger, and a bit bigger.

Sub 15%. Especially for first timers, who would presumably have more difficulty managing estrogen related sides, as they arise, due to lack of experience. As someone gains more experience, it may not be a serious issue...

powerlifters are a drop in the bucket. Didnt assume the category.

[FRDave]

My understanding is that the more fat you have the your body will aromitize the test you're injecting? Is this the only reason?

I always see "don't cycle if over 15% bf" yet the only downfall I have read is the fact you will aromitize to estrogen more which is easily fixable with an AI such as arimidex.

With this is mind, I think it all comes down to your own personal goals as not all of us care about looks and are more worried about our lifts. Not to mention, cutting on a cycle would make it much easier and more likely to keep your strength gains, making it more of a plus to cycle while at higher body fat in my opinion. Once again, all depends on your goals.

Seems people read it over and over so now it's thrown out there to everyone discouraging them to not cycle if over 15% which is silly.

All of the above is my own opinion of course and am speaking about a cycle only, not the obvious health issues with being obese bs fit.

[austinite]

It's not just estrogen, it's also blood pressure, kidney function, heart rate and a host of other issues.

If someone is too lazy to lower their body fat naturally, they have no business cycling. It's evident that they believe it's magic, otherwise they'd make progress.

[Zodiac85]

It's not just estrogen, it's also blood pressure, kidney function, heart rate and a host of other issues.

If someone is too lazy to lower their body fat naturally, they have no business cycling. It's evident that they believe it's magic, otherwise they'd make progress.

I certainly have no business lumping myself in with real powerlifters. It just seems that many (most?) of the people here use gear for aesthetic reasons. I was just trying to understand if the "strength" guys had a different take on things.

I agree that actual powerlifters are a very small percentage of the population. But I think it'd be a fair statement to say that people that put strength gains over aesthetics constitutes a decent percentage of the steroid population.

[austinite]

I certainly have no business lumping myself in with real powerlifters. It just seems that many (most?) of the people here use gear for aesthetic reasons. I was just trying to understand if the "strength" guys had a different take on things.

I agree that actual powerlifters are a very small percentage of the population. But I think it'd be a fair statement to say that people that put strength gains over aesthetics constitutes a decent percentage of the steroid population.

You can cycle safely at higher BF, by observing regularly scheduled blood work results. 25% is ridiculous for any sport.

Absolutely positively 100% the majority of steroid users do it for aesthetics, not strength. Most could care less so long as they look good. Stupid, but a fact.

[Zodiac85]

You can cycle safely at higher BF, by observing regularly scheduled blood work results. 25% is ridiculous for any sport.

Absolutely positively 100% the majority of steroid users do it for aesthetics, not strength. Most could care less so long as they look good. Stupid, but a fact.

To each his own, I guess.

[austinite]

^^ whatever that means... bottom line is don't be lazy & don't assume steroids are magic.

[Zodiac85]

^^ whatever that means... bottom line is don't be lazy & don't assume steroids are magic.

^^ whatever that means... bottom line is don't be lazy & don't assume steroids are magic.

Lol, I just mean that I'm in the small percent that are more interested in strength. I appreciate the the answers though, for sure. Thank you.

[austinite]

Lol, I just mean that I'm in the small percent that are more interested in strength. I appreciate the the answers though, for sure. Thank you.

I'm with ya, brother. I'm a bigger fan of strength. Nothing like picking up dumbbells 40 lbs heavier than Mr. Shredded next to me

[Zodiac85]

Indeed.

[FRDave]

It's not just estrogen, it's also blood pressure, kidney function, heart rate and a host of other issues.

I know these are typical health issues being obese, but does a cycle actually make the above symptoms worse if over the praised 15% bf?

[Zodiac85]

I know these are typical health issues being obese, but does a cycle actually make the above symptoms worse if over the praised 15% bf?

Good question. I would guess the answer to be yes, but I'd be curious to hear what someone more knowledgeable thinks.

[Red Bastard]

Absolutely positively 100% the majority

Lol! Ya gotta realize how silly that quote sounds, man!

Most could care less so long as they look good. Stupid, but a fact.

So glad I don't work out in that kind of gym...

[austinite]

I know these are typical health issues being obese, but does a cycle actually make the above symptoms worse if over the praised 15% bf?

Yes, it does.

[austinite]

Lol! Ya gotta realize how silly that quote sounds, man!



So glad I don't work out in that kind of gym...

Lol! I really couldn't care less what you think, man!

[Red Bastard]

Lol!
As someone who answers practically every question here, yes you do...

You gotta admit, that it was a pretty bold statement, based more on your opinion, and not on fact... Now, if you had said 99%, I may have cut ya some slack...

Kinda like saying that if ya can't see the results in the mirror, it's a waste of time and money... Your opinion, but still just Your opinion.

Lots of people cycle for strength. And hey, if it makes ya look good in the mirror too, that's a great bonus!

Not trying to bust yer nuts Man, just presenting other valid, relevant, points of view...

[austinite]

What part of "the majority" don't you get? More reading... less jibber jabber.

[itsjayman02]

Austinite in the blue corner......not saying who's in the red I'm a gentleman !!

Play nice lol !!