First Cycle Critique

**Davids22** · 08-25-2017, 11:32 AM

Hey guys.. this post is a long time coming. Been kicking this around for a while.

Stats 45
6'5
210

I have been lifting on and off over the years. Rededicated myself last October to getting the physique I want before I'm too old to make it happen.

Here's the plan

Test C 12 week cycle
500 Mg week, 250 pin Sun night, and 250 pin Thursday AM
Running Arimidex .25 EOD weeks 1-12 (will adjust as needed)

PCT (starting 18 days after last pin)
Nolvadex

Week 1 40mg ED
Week 2 40mg ED
Week 3 20mg ED
Week 4 20mg ED

Will also be taking milk thistle, multi, vitamin D3, creatine, during cycle and PCT.

My goal is to gain enough to keep 15 lbs of lean muscle. (ending after PCT at 225)
I will be getting bloods a week before cycle as well as a Dexa scan before and after cycle. Bloods on week 6, then post cycle as well.

Currently on a 3 day split twice a week, and have been on that for 4 months. Will keep that schedule, doing zero cardio right now. However, I've decided I'm going to be doing 3 nights a week while on cycle to help combat fat gain. God.. I hate cardio. (pointing gun to head)

Nutrition is a bit of a struggle. I have a plan and I'm sticking to it, but I have a hangup against gaining body fat. Finally got lean enough to have abs (struggling with the bottom two) and starting to get vascular. So I subconciously tend to not eat as much as I should.

Right now, I'm at about 2,500 calories a day. 275 grams of protein. Macros are 40% protein, 30% Carbs, 30% fats. The plan is to bump to 3,000/day and see how that goes. I really want to get the most out of this cycle.

I know I'm going to have to eat to grow, but want to avoid bloating and body fat gain. So any advice on that would be helpful.

Also, I'm undecided about using Clomid and HCG . Can some of the experts shed some light on that and give me your opinions? I'm open to all opinions here. (please feel free to comment on nutrition, cycle planning etc, etc)

I'm not going to start this cycle until I have EVERYTHING dialed in.

Gear in hand, waiting for PCT, (ordered twice as much as I needed just in case)

Pics attached, if that helps. Left was Oct '16 right is June.

Thanks!

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**Capebuffalo** · 08-25-2017, 11:41 AM

Hcg ? Clomid?

**Davids22** · 08-25-2017, 11:48 AM

I asked about that in the post (toward the bottom) I'm open to it, just need to understand them both better. I had heard mixed reviews on Clomid.

**charger69** · 08-25-2017, 12:13 PM

You sort of sound like me. I need to force myself to eat.
You should do HCG on cycle up to PCT.
I recommend PCT nolva 40/20/20/20 Clomid 100/50/50/50
I did not see protein and I would also take NAC for the liver. 1800 daily.
Just to mix things up, you might want to try one muscle per day per week. This is only a suggestion. Cardio is fine
I estimate your TDEE at 3000 Cals. I would up about 500 calories to bulk. The diet is the key to all of this. You may also want to try the diet section. Some of the guys on there are real experts. If you do not have your diet dialed in, the rest will be lost once finished. I would go 50/40/10 for p/c/f.

BTW- you put a lot of kids in their 20's to shame with your abs! Just remember that AAS can be used for cutting and bulk but it depends on the diet.
You have to eat and yes, lose some of the abs while bulking. You can take care of that after the bulk cycle.
Good luck!

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**Davids22** · 08-25-2017, 02:41 PM

Good advice.. thanks.

Yeah, getting lean and "beach friendly" abs was a goal of mine, and it's been hard as Hell to do. But, I really want a little size, so I realize I will have to possibly sacrifice that for a while for my long term goal.

I may do the one muscle group a day approach. I recover quickly and twice a week seems to feel right.. however I'm sure it's not going to hurt mixing it up. (should be mixing it up actually) and that would give me more focus on each group. Good tip.

**PT1982** · 08-25-2017, 03:04 PM

I'll just put this right here.....

My First Cycle: Planning and Executing a Successful First Cycle

**Davids22** · 08-25-2017, 04:37 PM

Thanks. I've read that. And used it actually for the basis of this cycle.

**kelkel** · 08-25-2017, 08:53 PM

HCG is to be used on cycle, assuming you care about your testicals and giving yourself the best chance of a successful PCT.
Clomid should be used in PCT along side Nolvadex , again to give you the best shot a successful pct.

**Davids22** · 08-28-2017, 01:52 PM

Got it.. thanks

**Sh0tsf1red** · 08-28-2017, 07:15 PM

Finally, a first cycle post that's actually test only

Big ups! Seems like you've done some homework, diet is always the hardest part if you ask me.

**Davids22** · 08-30-2017, 11:54 AM

Right. That's the part I'm working on now. As for the test only, I didn't see a reason to re-invent the wheel. Pretty much on every board, every informed person that I have communicated with about this, has said the same thing. Test only on your first cycle.

I'm going to have to eat, a lot more than I'm used to. And I have a phobia about gaining belly weight, I've been fighting that battle for a year trying to get abs. Finally starting to get them to pop, now I'm going to go on cycle, gain weight and lose them. Any ideas for keeping water retention and bloat down on cycle?

**Cuz** · 08-30-2017, 12:44 PM

YOu will have good gains for sure your first cycle of test but 15 lb lean mass is doubtful but you have a good foundation and seem fairly educated on it so you should do well

**Davids22** · 09-19-2017, 02:37 PM

Thanks for the feedback. What do you think are realistic expectations.

Also, one of my concerns is bloat. Are there any specific ways to assist in avoiding (or minimizing) that as much as possible during the cycle? I'm assuming that Arimidex will assist?

**Mr. Small** · 09-20-2017, 08:24 AM

Originally Posted by Davids22

Thanks for the feedback. What do you think are realistic expectations.

Also, one of my concerns is bloat. Are there any specific ways to assist in avoiding (or minimizing) that as much as possible during the cycle? I'm assuming that Arimidex will assist?

Arimedex will help the bloat a bit, but realistic expectations would be closer to 10lbs and you will probably lose 2 after PCT along with some water weight.

**Davids22** · 09-20-2017, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by Mr. Small

Arimedex will help the bloat a bit, but realistic expectations would be closer to 10lbs and you will probably lose 2 after PCT along with some water weight.

That's not too bad. If I was able to come away from the first cycle with a solid 8lb lean muscle gain, I would be happy with that. From the sound of what I have read, it seems everyone's first cycle is their best one. So just trying to get everything locked down and make sure I'm on point before pulling the trigger.