New to the forum, looking for first cycle tips

[skinnyinnyc]

Hello,

Just joined and am looking for some advice for my first cycle. I've been working out for three years, have a TINY frame, though I do have a lot of muscle on it. However, no matter what, I have not been able to add muscle weight, or make significant improvements in how much I lift. When I eat to gain weight, I just wind up with a belly. I'd love to gain 10-15 lbs of muscle, nothing crazy. I lift 4-5 days a week, and have tried a bunch of different splits. I change my workouts every time so my body can't get used to the routine, and have a pretty good idea of what I'm doing.

[vBRAH]

Welcome! Whats your current daily calorie intake? If your winding up with a belly and no muscle it means you aren't eating right, might just need a macronutrient adjustment, whats your diet like when you bulk? Age? Weight? All these help us to help you

[fit2bOld]

Welcome Skinny lots of info here check out the diet section and read the stickies lots of great stuff

[skinnyinnyc]

Thanks guys!

I'm 130 lbs, 5'8, 30 years old, 10% bodyfat. I lift 4-5 days a week, really emphasize legs (try and work them in twice a week), have played around with different splits, but always find the traditional chest/ tris, back/ bis, shoulders, legs, the most effective.

I'm talking in about 2500 calories a day, and have stopped running. When I've bulked I was at 3500 calories a day, and I just got fat. I currently take in about 150-200 grams of protein a day, eat 5-6 meals, complex carbs, good fats, etc.

There still may be something I'm not doing right (eating enough), but that's why I'm interested in trying a cycle. Though now I'm realizing I might be too small for it to be effective.

Thoughts?

[vBRAH]

When you bulked at 3500 calories per day, what would you estimate your macronutrient intake was? How much fat/carbs? Go through a basic meal plan for us. Did you do any cardio when bulking? What supplements did you take?

[brazey]

Welcome to the board. You have lots of help here bro.

[skinnyinnyc]

Thanks brazey.

vBrah, When I bulked, I was probably 50% Carbs, 30% protein, 20% fat.

One of my theories why I'm at such a lifting plateau, is that my form has gotten much better over the years, and I was probably lifting WAY too heavy when I started. I really appreciate all of your help!!

[vBRAH]

I think you could fix your problem with diet alone for now, going on cycle and following the same diet isn't going to rid you of your gut unfortunately. Don't know why you would have 50% carbs and only 30% protein when trying to buik ..?

[skinnyinnyc]

Oh that was definitely wrong! Sorry for the misinformation.

I was at 200-250 grams of protein/ day, and tried to keep my fat at 50gm or less. I think I was at 50% protein, 30% carbs, 20% fat. Maybe the percentages are off, but I was consuming A TON of protein.

Thanks for all the help vBrah.

[RZGP]

Welcome to the board. You have lots of help here bro

[skinnyinnyc]

Thanks RZGP. I've already gotten some great advice.

[Tigershark]

Welcome.