Expectations vs reality

[cttoasn]

So today was my first pin of 200mg test cyp.

My cycle is the recommended, 400 mg/ week x 12 week + adex and hcg that is found in the beginner threads.

30yrs old, 1st cycle.

My goals are far less aesthetic or anything to do with body building. I compete in Olympic weightlifting, so like power lifters I am more concerned with pure performance. Strength gains without massive weight gains are my goals. I can always cut before a meet or move up a weight class, so I am really only concerned with how heavy a barbell I can move.

Training looks far different than a BB routine. We train the two comp lifts (clean & jerk + snatch) most days, with accessory work, plus we squat heavy 3 days per week.

It's pretty taxing even with two full rest days per week, and recovery is a huge concern.


So I wanted to ask about some reasonable expectations in regards to the effects of a test cycle. I have read all the threads for first cycle logs, but most are not complete or involve other AAS.

With my US made, pharm grade test, what would be the consensus on when effects such as increased recovery and strength start showing up?

Would there be an expectation of more pronounced effects compared to ugl stuff or foreign gear?

[Bonaparte]

Pharm vs UGL won't make a difference in how fast you see results (assuming both products are properly dosed).

[Buster Brown]

Well. The guy who owns the gym I go to was a competitive power lifter in the 80's and I think he summed it up best "AAS will make you a better version of you but ultimately your genetics will determine most of it". He trained with the Russians and the train of thought was they considered AAS as " restoratives". I personally believe this to be true although I am not a PL but more into bodybuilding with an interest in power lifting and Olympic weight lifting. As far as gear grade goes you can't beat pharm grade gear ....period! A few reasons are : it's dosed correctly and it's not contaminated. When running UGL gear you run many risks. Is it dosed properly? Is it clean gear? Is it even legit?........

[cttoasn]

Well. The guy who owns the gym I go to was a competitive power lifter in the 80's and I think he summed it up best "AAS will make you a better version of you but ultimately your genetics will determine most of it". He trained with the Russians and the train of thought was they considered AAS as " restoratives". I personally believe this to be true although I am not a PL but more into bodybuilding with an interest in power lifting and Olympic weight lifting. As far as gear grade goes you can't beat pharm grade gear ....period! A few reasons are : it's dosed correctly and it's not contaminated. When running UGL gear you run many risks. Is it dosed properly? Is it clean gear? Is it even legit?........

Kind of what my hopes for gear were. I am really looking for a huge improvement in recovery and the ability to handle more volume. Training quality obviously suffers on the last days before rest. I'd love to be able to hit each session with the intensity and quality of the first day after rest.

Olympic weightlifting training days are strange. Most days are just ok, some are bad, and sometimes you get those days where the weights feel light and you can't be stopped. My hope is that gear will let most training sessions be in that later category, and also allow me to train more volume while recovering better

[m314]

You should notice a big change over the next few weeks. The weights will feel light every workout. You'll be able to add either more weight or more reps every week. Enjoy it while it lasts.

[cttoasn]

Thanks!

So the pip from pin #1 showed up yesterday. Very localized though, basically feels like a bruise no larger than a silver dollar. Has zero effect on training or anything else.


Balls still have a constant dull ache. Nothing painful, just an ever so slight feeling.

Training has been good. Nothing exceptional. I think the mental aspect of knowing I have started a cycle has just given me a good focus and determination which made Monday and Tuesday great training days.

Also, judging by the volume, I should feel sore but I instead feel rather fresh and excited to train. Probably placebo this early, but I'll take it regardless ha ha.

[ScotchGuard02]

At 400mg/wk Cyp, you should start noticing gains in strength in a few weeks. That's a long ester and I normally run it for 14 weeks. Do you have your PCT ready? How about HCG and AI during cycle?

[cttoasn]

Nolva/ clomid is in the mail, have adex and the hcg shows up this week.

I only have 12- 14 weeks available before Uncle Sam makes me travel around some for training, so I had to start. Not ideal, but I atleast had the AI and then made sure I had the hcg/ pct enroute before starting.

Again, not ideal to start without things on hand, but paid for + enroute was the compromise I was willing to make.