Bringing it to the next level! 12 week Prop/var cycle. DONE RIGHT!

[ANIMAL]

For the diet ur having right now ur getting exactly the results expected it lean steady gains in muscle while dropping bf and strength gains.

U should not be expecting to gain a lot of weight from a 2000 cal diet even if it's all pure amino acid.

Ur not taking advantage of the test when it comes to cal intake and ur still treating ur body as if ur still natty but on gear 2000 cals is an extreme cutting diet IMHO

You have to take in account every ones body composition and activity level.

I do plan on upping my calories, I do agree with you on there. I'm going to make a few changes and see where it takes me.

Another scenario that I am thinking is that the gear has finally kicked in and I'm exerting myself with the low calories to the point where I am always tired. I much rather think it's something I AM doing wrong then what I am using. Always have to look within before pointing fingers.

Again, just a little frustrated, but posting this up has made me come to the realization that I need to up my calories. Thanks guys!

[Mr_Prop_var_Testen]

Just because 2000 calories wouldn't do it for you, you don't know my body composition and the energy levels I exert on day to day living. You have to take in account every ones body composition and activity level.

I do plan on upping my calories, I do agree with you on there.

Don't try being defensive I know ur body composition from ur pics!!!
if u said u were amazed and happy with ur 17 lbs gain wich is a lot considering it hard with no bloat
I wouldn't have given u any advice but let me tell u what I know about u for sure
ur working out and on 600 mg T and ur not 150 any more actually ur 17lbs heavier and ur ~ or even sub 10 bf and even if u sleep all day ur not getting past this weight with this diet this is if ur goal is to gain lbw if not ur diet would be perfect so u decide on that!
Gear will get u to ur maximum genetic potential pretty easy if u do most things right and ur at that level now that's why it will get a lot harder to gain more muscle after that.
If u don't think I'm right try eating 2000 cals on ur next cycle and I bet u ur not going to see gains even close to 10lbs in the whole cycle if u start at 170 for ex.
And about increasing cals post cycle to keep gains not a good idea as ur just gonna ad bf while keeping ur muscle IMO ur diet right now would be more suitable post cycle and if ur gonna increase ur cals it better be on cycle
As ur ability to deal with extra cals decreases dramatically post cycle


I'm jus trying to help u reach ur goal!!!
I like the way u look and I think ur smart I don't post a lot so for me to write all this u must be st special

[ANIMAL]

Don't try being defensive I know ur body composition from ur pics!!!
if u said u were amazed and happy with ur 17 lbs gain wich is a lot considering it hard with no bloat
I wouldn't have given u any advice but let me tell u what I know about u for sure
ur working out and on 600 mg T and ur not 150 any more actually ur 17lbs heavier and ur ~ or even sub 10 bf and even if u sleep all day ur not getting past this weight with this diet this is if ur goal is to gain lbw if not ur diet would be perfect so u decide on that!
Gear will get u to ur maximum genetic potential pretty easy if u do most things right and ur at that level now that's why it will get a lot harder to gain more muscle after that.
If u don't think I'm right try eating 2000 cals on ur next cycle and I bet u ur not going to see gains even close to 10lbs in the whole cycle if u start at 170 for ex.
And about increasing cals post cycle to keep gains not a good idea as ur just gonna ad bf while keeping ur muscle IMO ur diet right now would be more suitable post cycle and if ur gonna increase ur cals it better be on cycle
As ur ability to deal with extra cals decreases dramatically post cycle


I'm jus trying to help u reach ur goal!!!
I like the way u look and I think ur smart I don't post a lot so for me to write all this u must be st special

That's why I edited my post, because I re-read it and it sounded defensive.

Nutrition/diet I know, but incorporating the correct numbers during cycle and after, this is my first time doing so, so I am still learning.

Would you suggest me upping it to 2500 and seeing where I am at? Or just jump right to 3000?

I appreciate the help sincerely.

[Mr_Prop_var_Testen]

That's why I edited my post, because I re-read it and it sounded defensive.

Nutrition/diet I know, but incorporating the correct numbers during cycle and after, this is my first time doing so, so I am still learning.

Would you suggest me upping it to 2500 and seeing where I am at? Or just jump right to 3000?

I appreciate the help sincerely.

Gotcha think twice before posting st...lol

Ur very lean up to 3000 (clean) imediatelly ull see a huge difference and u will feel much better eating 2000 on test is like eating 1000 natty specially after I've put on that new lbw!
All the other libido issues are due to estrogen being too high or to low in ur case I think it's too low cause for u to control the gyno u might have killed it but getting rid of the gyno is more imp so u did the right thing but ur body will stabilize soon and ull be horny as hell!!!
Happened to me mid cycle and couple of weeks later I want to bang any thing that moves.

[ANIMAL]

Gotcha think twice before posting st...lol

Ur very lean up to 3000 (clean) imediatelly ull see a huge difference and u will feel much better eating 2000 on test is like eating 1000 natty specially after I've put on that new lbw!
All the other libido issues are due to estrogen being too high or to low in ur case I think it's too low cause for u to control the gyno u might have killed it but getting rid of the gyno is more imp so u did the right thing but ur body will stabilize soon and ull be horny as hell!!!
Happened to me mid cycle and couple of weeks later I want to bang any thing that moves.

Yes! I was thinking the exact thing with the gyno and my estrogen levels. I am going to revamp my diet to 3000 calories and I'll check back in. Thanks again!

335g protein/300g carb/50g fat

Oh boy, this should be interesting. I am currently taking in 225g protein/200g carbs/35g fat.

[Mr_Prop_var_Testen]

I read ur diet and it's perfect when it comes to timing and quality but I think u should up the 3oz to 7oz and all ur .5 cup portions to 1cup believe me eating that clean ull never gain significant fat and u can cut on the carbs a little post cycle to stay lean and stay with the high protein!

[ANIMAL]

3000 calorie diet:

Meal 1:
2 ezekial 4:9 bread
4 whole eggs
3 egg whites
Total: 515/30c/17f/47p

Meal 2:
8oz grilled chicken
125g sweet potato
Total:333/26c/2f/55p

Meal 3:
8oz grilled chicken
125g sweet poato
Total: 333/26c/2f/55p

Meal 4 (Pre-Workout):
7oz grilled chicken
400g sweet potato
Total: 553/83c/3f/54p

Meal 5 (Post-Workout):
2 scoops protizyme protein
2 cups bobs red mill oats
Total: 1030/134c/20f/76p

Meal 6:
8oz grilled chicken
3ml Extra virgin olive oil
Total:244/0c/5f/52p

Daily total: 3,008 calories/299g carbs/49g fat/339g protein

Carb sources will interchange with brown rice and protein sources will change with 99% lean ground turkey.

Every meal besides meal 4 & 5 have dark green vegetables.

[ANIMAL]

And I am happy with gaining 17 or so lbs. with no bloat. But now since I've done that, I just want to put on size and change up my goals since I think I reached them. I'm not competing this year, so I see no need to get lower BF %.

[Brohim]

And I am happy with gaining 17 or so lbs. with no bloat. But now since I've done that, I just want to put on size and change up my goals since I think I reached them. I'm not competing this year, so I see no need to get lower BF %.

Man I think you look great right now. You are ripped up. I guess you could up your cals a little and on the test you wn't gain fat. But I think you are plenty big right now.

[Brohim]

Hey bro will you keep this log going through PCT and 6 weeks after when you get your bloods done? That would be fantastic if you could..

[ANIMAL]

Man I think you look great right now. You are ripped up. I guess you could up your cals a little and on the test you wn't gain fat. But I think you are plenty big right now.

I'm exhausted though. I can feel it. None of my pants fit me, all too big. My waist is a size 28-30 right now. I feel drained all the time. My workouts are suffering because my body is absorbing everything so fast I have no reserves.

Hey bro will you keep this log going through PCT and 6 weeks after when you get your bloods done? That would be fantastic if you could..

Yes, I will continue my log through PCT with diet/lifting/how I feel and 6 weeks after when I get blood work done.

[Mr_Prop_var_Testen]

3000 calorie diet:

Meal 1:
2 ezekial 4:9 bread
3 whole eggs
3 egg whites
Total: 515/30c/17f/47p

Meal 2:
8oz grilled chicken
125g sweet potato
Total:333/26c/2f/55p

Meal 3:
8oz grilled chicken
125g sweet poato
Total: 333/26c/2f/55p

Meal 4 (Pre-Workout):
7oz grilled chicken
400g sweet potato
Total: 553/83c/3f/54p

Meal 5 (Post-Workout):
2 scoops protizyme protein
2 cups bobs red mill oats
Total: 1030/134c/20f/76p

Meal 6:
8oz grilled chicken
3ml Extra virgin olive oil
Total:244/0c/5f/52p

Daily total: 3,008 calories/299g carbs/49g fat/339g protein

Carb sources will interchange with brown rice and protein sources will change with 99% lean ground turkey.

Wow now that's a solid diet !!!!
I love the way u put different amount of carbs diff times of day increases around workout time and eliminated before bed good job i to don't think all meals should be structured the same

[havanakid]

Daaaamn bro.That postworkout meal.1030 calories.I gotta get em some of that protizime protein.Honestly never head of it but I like those macros.My postworkout is about 600 calories.Of course about an hour later I do about 600 to 700 more but over 1000 in one shot thats where its at.Keep at it bud Im still watching and learning.....and cycling lol

[ANIMAL]

Wow now that's a solid diet !!!!
I love the way u put different amount of carbs diff times of day increases around workout time and eliminated before bed good job i to don't think all meals should be structured the same

I am a firm believer of putting the bulk amount of carbs around a workout. For energy and recovery/building.

My off days will utilize the same macros but I will spread 50g carbs in each of the 6 meals.

Daaaamn bro.That postworkout meal.1030 calories.I gotta get em some of that protizime protein.Honestly never head of it but I like those macros.My postworkout is about 600 calories.Of course about an hour later I do about 600 to 700 more but over 1000 in one shot thats where its at.Keep at it bud Im still watching and learning.....and cycling lol

I am usually starving after an intense lift. The oats really hit the spot. I use that protein because I am sensitive to gluten as it's gluten free and I'm also lactose intolerant as it is lactose free. The taste is probably the best I have ever had (chocolate cake or the peanut butter cookie are the 2 best). I add in 1 scoop of BCAA in my pre-workout shake as well as in my post workout shake.

I'm excited to start lifting tomorrow with these new macros as I feel like I'm going to put on size relatively fast. 3000 calories MAY have been a bit extreme when thinking about it, because I want to keep fat to a minimum, but I will see how my body reacts to that many calories.

[ANIMAL]

Did 2500 calories yesterday on my off day. Going to do 3000 today as I'm lifting to see how I feel compared to yesterday. But man, I am ready to rock! I have too much energy, feel totally revived and ready to go. I'm shooting for a 425 dead lift today.

I always preach how much nutrition is the key role in body building and this is just proof how much it can affect your overall performance. Just by adding 500-1000 calories my mood/mind/energy is so much better then it was just 2 days ago.

[Mr_Prop_var_Testen]

Did 2500 calories yesterday on my off day. Going to do 3000 today as I'm lifting to see how I feel compared to yesterday. But man, I am ready to rock! I have too much energy, feel totally revived and ready to go. I'm shooting for a 425 dead lift today.

I always preach how much nutrition is the key role in body building and this is just proof how much it can affect your overall performance. Just by adding 500-1000 calories my mood/mind/energy is so much better then it was just 2 days ago.

How long do u have left to pct ?

[tngator]

this cycle is yielding some amazing results for you bud.. i've been cutting for about 10-12 wks.. going to run prop for 8 wks..

my worries have been the transition from cut to cycle and putting on too much fat (doing a comp next yr that's about 17wks from the end of my PCT)

if i continue my cut all the way to the cycle i'll probably end at about 1800 cals with light cardio 5x/wk... and i've been afraid of limiting gains by not doing a good calorie jump at the start.. but it seems as though you did no jump and it worked out fine.. do you regret starting at your cutting diet and not bumping it up immediately? IMO you should have zero regrets because your gains have been beyond amazing.. but interested to hear your take

[ANIMAL]

How long do u have left to pct ?

I'm just finishing up week 8, I have 6 more weeks to go. It's crunch time. With adding 1000 calories, I can't imagine how much size I'm going to put on. My back lift tonight was insane!

this cycle is yielding some amazing results for you bud.. i've been cutting for about 10-12 wks.. going to run prop for 8 wks..

my worries have been the transition from cut to cycle and putting on too much fat (doing a comp next yr that's about 17wks from the end of my PCT)

if i continue my cut all the way to the cycle i'll probably end at about 1800 cals with light cardio 5x/wk... and i've been afraid of limiting gains by not doing a good calorie jump at the start.. but it seems as though you did no jump and it worked out fine.. do you regret starting at your cutting diet and not bumping it up immediately? IMO you should have zero regrets because your gains have been beyond amazing.. but interested to hear your take

Well, I started off doing 1500 carb cycle. I noticed a lot of fatigue and eventually worked my way up to 2000 calories on lift days. This was around week 7-8 when my test has kicked in. I felt drained after 1 heavy exercise and exhausted all day long, even with carb up days. After talking to "mr prop" scroll up a few posts, I decided to up my calories to 3000 every day. Today was the first time I lifted doing that many calories and just WOW!!

I do not regret the way I started off because I put on a good 15-17 lbs of pure muscle and lost BF. I am still keeping my fat intake to 15% for the day of the 3000 calories, so I may not gain as fast or as much if I was to up it to 20% but I feel as though I'm not going to put on any unwanted weight. If I feel as though I'm gaining a little bit of fat I will increase cardio at first. I can usually tell within a day or so depending on how my body feels, so I will make that adjustment. Right now I'm at 165lbs and I'd say roughly 7-8% BF. Who knows, maybe I'll dip into the high 170 range. I MUST take more pics tomorrow. The pics I have really do not do me any justice.

[Mr_Prop_var_Testen]

Happy to hear its working well for u
Ur serious gains haven't even started with test e the last 6 weeks are insane and dont back of the cals its very hard to gain fat with that diet on a cycle with that low bf and ai so don't worry I'm really exited to see ur results!
And taking ur cals up as u progress is the way to go so u did the right thing cause 3000 now can make u grow further like the 2000 made u grow earlier.
Good luck

[ANIMAL]

Changed up my diet a little bit. The 45% pro/40% carb/15% fat was making me really bloated and sluggish taking in 3000 calories. I switched to 40/40/20 and already feel better. Carbs stayed the same at 300g, Protein down to 300g from 340g and fats from 50g to 66g.

Switched out grilled chicken pre-workout and opted for 90% lean beef. That meal is 730 calories/83g carbs/21g fat/52g protein so I'm eager to see if it has any changes in my lifts.

I've been getting bad PIP after each shot, it's kind of annoying. Lasts for 2-3 days and then I get to pin again.

Other then that my lifts have been awesome! I have been lifting solo and that's hindering my results a lot I feel. Last night I did chest, starting with incline dumbbells and got 100 x 8 on my 6th set. I can easily do the 125lb but to get them in starting position by myself is kind of hard. Felt like I was using other muscles in my body to get set so I didn't want to injure myself just to see. I ended up doing 6 chest exercises in total, finishing off with flat barbell bench and was able to do 255 x 8 no problem which I was impressed with, especially ending my workout with these.

My legs are lacking compared to my upper body and I train them so hard. My quads are thick and hard and my glutes are on point, but I really don't have any definition. My calves have come a long way, but I feel like they should be a lot further developed then what they are. But that's not going to hold me back from pushing forward.

Finishing up week 9, 5 more weeks to go... kind of bitter sweet of course.

[Trying-Hard]

Other then that my lifts have been awesome! I have been lifting solo and that's hindering my results a lot I feel.

but to get them in starting position by myself is kind of hard. Felt like I was using other muscles in my body to get set so I didn't want to injure myself just to see.

My legs are lacking compared to my upper body and I train them so hard.
.

Finishing up week 9, 5 more weeks to go... kind of bitter sweet of course.

Man, sounds like my long lost brother..lol

Oh, and nice new Avatar..=)

[Granovich]

LOOKS good bro..im gonna follow this thread

[ANIMAL]

Finally got around to taking a picture of my legs, which I'd like to rip off and beat myself with because I train them so hard and heavy and can't get the same results like I do with the rest of my body. Squat with perfect form for over 300, all leg presses, ham strings, 3 different exercises for calves... you name it I've tried it. I've come to the conclusion that legs just take a lot longer to develop and perhaps I never hit legs as hard as I should have and don't have a good base. But like I said earlier, that won't stop me and I'll continue to bust my ass!!



I have been feeling amazing, lifts have been outstanding. Starting to lose my defined abs from the increase of calories, but I'm putting up heavier weight in the gym, getting thicker and have energy from 7am-11pm. Lifting back tonight and going for 450lb. dead lift! Not bad for weighing only 168lbs

I'm currently taking 250iu HCG 2x/week and will continue to do so up until 5 days before PCT.

[ANIMAL]

Was just looking through some old pictures and found a picture of me 1 year ago from the picture I last posted on here. So here it is, 1 year later:



I thought there was a big difference between when I started this cycle, but WOW. I'm going to take some more pictures over this weekend. I weighed in last night at 172lbs. and look a lot wider and thicker since my last updated picture. I've put on 20lbs in 10 weeks, but more importantly, have put on 7lbs. within the past week which is awesome just from upping my calories.

[Trying-Hard]

Great progress brother. You look awesome!!

Legs are thick, too. Nice job.

[Mr_Prop_var_Testen]

Happy to hear the cals are working their magic

[ANIMAL]

Happy to hear the cals are working their magic

I've been on 3000 calories a little over a week and although I've put on size and have energy, I can barely move. I'm not sure if I'm taking in too much fiber and not enough water, but I can't get through my workouts because of the amount of gas build up/constipation. Is there something I can take to help break down the food so I can absorb this amount of calories? Digestive enzymes before every meal?

I'm taking in 2500 calories today just to see how I feel by tonight/tomorrow. I've calculated over 50g fiber/day. I'd like to be able to continue to eat 3000 calories, but if I can't move and get through my workout because I'm uncomfortable then what's the point?

Any suggestions?

[Mr_Prop_var_Testen]

I've been on 3000 calories a little over a week and although I've put on size and have energy, I can barely move. I'm not sure if I'm taking in too much fiber and not enough water, but I can't get through my workouts because of the amount of gas build up/constipation. Is there something I can take to help break down the food so I can absorb this amount of calories? Digestive enzymes before every meal?

I'm taking in 2500 calories today just to see how I feel by tonight/tomorrow. I've calculated over 50g fiber/day. I'd like to be able to continue to eat 3000 calories, but if I can't move and get through my workout because I'm uncomfortable then what's the point?

Any suggestions?

So else can be more helpful than me
I've always had trouble getting clean macros in not out...lol
Drop cals for couple of days and when u feel good blast for Another week!!!

[ANIMAL]

Here are a few pictures I took last night. Weight: 172lbs.

Front relaxed


Back relaxed






My back was a lot more cut during the summer, now it's more wide. I've been lifting heavy with back as I want to see what kind of mass I can put on. Not concerned so much with definition as I was during the summer.

Changing up my diet to accomodate the 3000 calories. 300g of carbs was too much for my body to take in. I was always feeling bloated, fatigued and constipated. My new split will be: 45p/35c/20f... 338g protein/260g carbs/66g fat

[DanB]

Well porportioned and asthetically pleasing

Great work mate, keep at it!!!!

[OnTheSauce]

Looking good bro. Added more mass and well balanced

[Mr_Prop_var_Testen]

Good job man traps got huge!
U need to taaan

[ANIMAL]

Good job man traps got huge!
U need to taaan

Lol. It's just the picture. Bright lighting took away from definition too.

[ANIMAL]

Today was the second day taking in 2500 calories, 275g carbs/250g protein/45g fat and no problems. Tomorrow I am going to up calories to 2750 and take in 300g carbs/250g protein/50g fat and see where I feel.

I have no objection taking in more carbs then protein, I guess you can say I've watched too many videos of IFBB guys and see how much protein they take in.

This is my diet that I've put together:

Meal 1:
2 pieces ezekial bread
3 whole eggs

Meal 2:
5oz 99% lean grilled chicken or 4oz 99% lean turkey
.5 cup brown rice or 165g sweet potato
dark green vegetable

Meal 3:
5oz 99% lean grilled chicken or 4oz 99% lean turkey
.5cup brown rice or 165g sweet potato
dark green vegetable

Meal 4 (Pre-Workout)
400g sweet potato
6oz 93% lean beef

Meal 5 (Post-Workout)
2 scoops protizyme protein
1.75cup Bobs red mill rolled oats

Meal 6:
5oz 99% lean grilled chicken or 4oz 99% lean turkey
dark green vegetable

Total: 2720cal/305g carb/254g protein/55g fat

I guess each day I will up carbs and see where it takes me at this point. I've read a few places that people suggest drinking .5 gallon water/100g protein. If that's true, then I 100% wasn't taking in enough water. Could explain my dehydration as well.

[Brohim]

Take in more water and also use Protease Enzyme Complex or other digestive enzymes to aid with digestion.

You notice any acne/extra hair growth from your cycle?

Keep up the good work!

[ANIMAL]

Take in more water and also use Protease Enzyme Complex or other digestive enzymes to aid with digestion.

You notice any acne/extra hair growth from your cycle?

Keep up the good work!

Yes, I am taking a digestive enzyme 30 minutes before each meal. I don't notice any extra acne since being on cycle. I've always delt with an occasional break out at least twice a month ever since I was 13. I shave my chest/back so I get light razor bumps from time to time, but no crazy acne. As for the hair growth, nothing crazy. I actually didn't know that was a side effect. I guess my hair on my body IS growing faster then normal now that I think about it.

[Brohim]

Yes Androgen's can cause hair growth. Some drugs very Androgenic like Masteron can cause abnormal body hair. Some guy's get it more than other's.

[austinite]

Outstanding work, Animal. Good eatings, too!

[ANIMAL]

I wanted to wait a little longer before I gave an update on my thread. Last post was 1 week ago and I currently weigh 172lbs. My energy level is through the roof, actually too much to handle sometimes throughout the day especially since I just sit at a desk. I have zero sides and my strength is still sky rocketing with each lift.

I'd really like to see myself get to 180lb. before my cycle comes to an end. I have been contemplating upping my cycle to 16 weeks being that I have zero side effects and still making progress. Currently I am going into week 12.

I have been going back and forth with my diet and I found a sweet spot at 2800 calories taking in 330g carbs/250g protein/57g fat. I do wish I could take in more and I'm still on the subject of how do I take in more calories without feeling bloated 24/7 and having really bad gas pains in my stomach.

[Brohim]

Wow you pretty much doubled your calories from the start. I would assume that Test helps with fat burning and also pushing carbs into the muscle and not storing any fat. Also helps with blood glucose levels. Are you still taking Var, split dose? What did you settle for HCG and AI dosing?