Physique goal to reach naturally before starting AAS?

[marcus300]

There's physique and hormonal IMHO and to be very honest with you like I have in the past starting steroids at 18-19yrs old at your level is a big no. You need to learn how to eat to build mass, size and put down some solid foundations on your frame. You need to learn how to train right to do this and you also need to learn how to eat correctly, like ive stated before you may think your doing both but at 160lbs after 4 yrs worth of training you don't but don't worry not many know how anyway and its a hard learning process understanding your body.

I would also wait till your hormones have fully developed and in the mean time work on the two areas above and build that soild base. Diet and training is screaming at me if you want my honest answer. Keep up the good work and be consistant in your approach but don't do anything stupid listen to the guys who know.

[AllKindsOGains]

There's physique and hormonal IMHO and to be very honest with you like I have in the past starting steroids at 18-19yrs old with at your level is a big no. You need to learn how to eat to build mass, size and put down some solid foundations on your frame. You need to learn how to train right to do this and you also need to learn how to eat correctly, like ive stated before you may think your doing both but at 160lbs after 4 yrs worth of training you don't but don't worry not many know how anyway and its a hard learning process understanding your body.

I would also wait till your hormones have fully developed and in the mean time work on the two areas above and build that sold base. Diet and training is screaming at me if you want my honest answer. Keep up the good work and be consistant in yoru approach but don't do anything stupid listen to the guys who know.

I count out 4,000 calories in a little notebook using a calculator and food scale every day. I have gotten there by slowly increasing calories when I stall gaining weight. I eat every 2-4 hours, and get at least a gram of protein per pound of body weight, with at least 50 grams of fat. The rest is spillover from either of those macros but mostly carbs. Every time I add calories it is in carbs.

Training: My split is Back, bis, abs; Legs, calves; Chest, tris, shoulders; repeat.
4-5 exercises per muscle group, always 3 sets or more (I do not count my sets, I do as many as I want)
I go as close to complete positive failure as I can every set excluding 1 warmup (I do not count reps, I go until I can't move the weight any more)
The last set of every exercise is a drop set or a rest pause (go to failure, rest 15 seconds, go again with the same weight)
The mantra I follow is: Go until I can't go anymore, don't pause for more than a second. Keep the tension on the muscle, so if I do pause pause at the contracted point of the movement. Come as close to complete positive failure as is possible. Give it everything.

No I don't know everything, and I strive to always learn more, but I do believe that this is a solid base of understanding. I have used training logs in the past, hypertrophy "plans", strength training protocols, 5x5, pyramiding routines, military style training, circuits, and more. I know I don't know everything, but I do have some experience. I'll be taking a look at your training and diet logs on this site marcus. Thanks for all your help!

[Khazima]

I count out 4,000 calories in a little notebook using a calculator and food scale every day. I have gotten there by slowly increasing calories when I stall gaining weight. I eat every 2-4 hours, and get at least a gram of protein per pound of body weight, with at least 50 grams of fat. The rest is spillover from either of those macros but mostly carbs. Every time I add calories it is in carbs.

Training: My split is Back, bis, abs; Legs, calves; Chest, tris, shoulders; repeat.
4-5 exercises per muscle group, always 3 sets or more (I do not count my sets, I do as many as I want)
I go as close to complete positive failure as I can every set excluding 1 warmup (I do not count reps, I go until I can't move the weight any more)
The last set of every exercise is a drop set or a rest pause (go to failure, rest 15 seconds, go again with the same weight)
The mantra I follow is: Go until I can't go anymore, don't pause for more than a second. Keep the tension on the muscle, so if I do pause pause at the contracted point of the movement. Come as close to complete positive failure as is possible. Give it everything.

No I don't know everything, and I strive to always learn more, but I do believe that this is a solid base of understanding. I have used training logs in the past, hypertrophy "plans", strength training protocols, 5x5, pyramiding routines, military style training, circuits, and more. I know I don't know everything, but I do have some experience. I'll be taking a look at your training and diet logs on this site marcus. Thanks for all your help!

The theory is good, but as you stated you've only put on 25lb in 4 years of training. That means you definitely haven't found what works for you unless 15 of those pounds came in the last 10-12 months, in which case you still have atleast 3-4 years until your progress is dramatically slow.

[AllKindsOGains]

The theory is good, but as you stated you've only put on 25lb in 4 years of training. That means you definitely haven't found what works for you unless 15 of those pounds came in the last 10-12 months, in which case you still have atleast 3-4 years until your progress is dramatically slow.

25 lbs almost completely lean though Khazima. This isn't the heaviest I have ever been. So 25 lbs almost completely in muscle in 4 years natty? That can't be that bad right? Especially when over the last 4 years I haven't been on the same training program. Most of my gains have been in the last year with my current training style.