My first 300mg cycle

[Small to large]

Hey everybody,

I have been doing research and wanting to do my first cycle, if you can call it that. I have debated doing a simple TRT dose of 300mg Test E a week or even lowering it to 250. I would use a PCT such as Nolvadex or Clomid following the 10-15 week cycle. I would also want Airmidex for an AI in case it would be needed. I have some questions when it comes to taking the PCT And AI. Is there a formula/equation to use to determine the dosage of PCT and AI with the cycle? I see people listing set amounts, but I know everybody is different and those values usually come with a higher base test and with another compounded added. Since this would be my first cycle, I want to have all my bases checked and make sure I am during it accurately. I have not done my pre-cycle blood work, so maybe having those numbers will allow me to better understand and know the measures for my PCT and AI.

I had a couple of more questions, but the draft I had typed out did not save so hopefully I can remember them in a timely fashion.

I am currently 25, almost 26 at 5'10 weighing at 195. I would like to say I'm around 12% body fat, but I do not know. I have been all the way to 6% before due to being a collegiate athlete and gymnast growing up. I have started traveling a lot for work so my diet is not as in tuned as I like it, but with more dedication I can change it to be more strict. I was eating roughly 2800 or more calories a day to have a slight bulk which got my to 200 at my current body comp, but a bit more fat I'd say. I am trying to cut since I am traveling for work, but want to maintain my strength and size as best as possible. I am a chronic marijuana smoker, if anyone knows this may be an issue to my results. Besides the marjiuana, I am a healthy individual working for a Sports medicine program finishing up graduate school.

All and any advice is welcome, I want to make sure this is done correctly and I can squeeze the most gains out of each cycle as possible.

This picture is me flexing around 195lbs

This picture is me relaxed at 195lbs the same day



EDIT: I have read from other sources that for a first cycle of test only shouldn't surpass 7 weeks, does anyone have more information on this? Source: Insidebodybuilding, Dr. Thomas O'Connor
I also forgot to mention that I have torn both of my achilles tendons in the past, but have been almost if not 2 years post op from that. (Mentoning because I am unsure if this would have a negative effect with hormone use, I doubt it but am not sure.)

[s1nc1ty]

you wont gain much and when you come off youl probably loose the little you gained very fast. 250 isnt much, basically trt dose and only for 3 months.

[Test Monsterone]

300 mg/week isn’t going to do much. I would maybe start at 300 mg/week and then bump the dose up each week until about 700 mg/week after a few weeks. There’s no exact science, none of this is the right or wrong way because it’s all wrong at the end of the day.

However, make sure you take HCG during the entire cycle at about 700 units a week. Inject it the day before you inject test. So twice a week. This will help you recover more than any PCT. You probably won’t even need pct… and pct doesn’t do shit anyway imo. You have to go through the lull after a cycle, one say or another, but I’d rather have my balls be functioning during the cycle rather than shut them off and try to restart them with pct.

[Small to large]

you wont gain much and when you come off youl probably loose the little you gained very fast. 250 isnt much, basically trt dose and only for 3 months.

Yeah, I never expected massive gains from the TRT level dosages, but I have been notified and read that its a good basis for a first time user. I want to gain some strength and mass, but I am not looking to compete at the Olympia. Do you suggest a higher first cycle dosage?

My biggest worry is that I overload my hormones and can't control them early on. I also am not sure how my body would react so that is why I cam to the concussion of lower dosages.

[Cylon357]

OP, do yourself a big favor and go read the "planning and executing my first cycle" sticky. Then you can come post any additional questions

Link:
https://forums.steroid.com/anabolic-...rst-cycle.html

[s1nc1ty]

Yeah, I never expected massive gains from the TRT level dosages, but I have been notified and read that its a good basis for a first time user. I want to gain some strength and mass, but I am not looking to compete at the Olympia. Do you suggest a higher first cycle dosage?

My biggest worry is that I overload my hormones and can't control them early on. I also am not sure how my body would react so that is why I cam to the concussion of lower dosages.

Well if you ask me i wouold suggest starting 250 or 300 for 2 weeks to feel it out and if you feeling good then raising it to 400-500 max for the rest of the cycle. That should be enough dose to make decent enough gains in theory

[Mooseman33]

this is stupid. cmon man.

follow the first cycle info. don't listen to TM and start at 300mg and ramp to 700mg while being told to not do PCT as its useless.

man that's just stupid shit to say.

follow the first cycle info buddy. that said, I don't think u are ready to cycle, u have a lot of natural gains to make. I def don't think u are 12%.

[Test Monsterone]

this is stupid. cmon man.

follow the first cycle info. don't listen to TM and start at 300mg and ramp to 700mg while being told to not do PCT as its useless.

man that's just stupid shit to say.

follow the first cycle info buddy. that said, I don't think u are ready to cycle, u have a lot of natural gains to make. I def don't think u are 12%.

PCT is not reliable. Plenty of people have done PCT and came back months later with low T. Just because you did something in the 90s doesn’t mean that’s how it always should be. They weren’t using synthetic HCG in the 90s.

Can you tell me how the HPTA axis works? What clomid does? What FSH and LH does? What HCG does? No, you just take clomid and Nolvadex, intoxicate your liver, fuck your eyes up, and hope your balls come back to life. Good job buddy.

[Cylon357]

PCT is not reliable. Plenty of people have done PCT and came back months later with low T. Just because you did something in the 90s doesn’t mean that’s how it always should be. They weren’t using synthetic HCG in the 90s.

Can you tell me how the HPTA axis works? What clomid does? What FSH and LH does? What HCG does? No, you just take clomid and Nolvadex, intoxicate your liver, fuck your eyes up, and hope your balls come back to life. Good job buddy.

I believe I can answer all those questions. That said, I would say both use HCG during cycle AND do a pct, though I would use enclomiphene instead of clomid, if available.

I came off injections for a little bit (trying to get dht dialed in) and used enclomiphene solo to SORT OF pct. Seemed to work fine with no sides.

The basic first cycle recommendation linked above is almost fool proof and as safe as possible, given the nature of This Thing We Do. It is, IMO, an excellent guide, that needs to be fully read and understood to execute successfully.

But man, I'm just some rando on the net...

[Test Monsterone]

It’s fine to use those drugs if you want to, but prevention is a lot better than trying to restart something that never had to be shut down in the first place.

In my research, I found that the production of LH resumes much faster than the recovery of testes. Many guys will have optimal, and sometimes higher than normal levels of LH after a cycle because HPTA is constantly trying to signal the testes to start producing testosterone while they are recovering. Dormant Leydig cells take a long time to come back, and some never do. That’s why I believe many who PCT don’t fully recover, because they were shut down too long.

Let’s say a typical cycle is 3 months long. After the last injection, exogenous hormones (depending on the ester) can still be in the body for up to a month. Then they say to start HCG and the rest, and now there is additional suppression for the duration of HCG use, except now the hypothalamus/pituitary are being suppressed instead of the testes.

I agree that if you want to cover all of your bases, one should run HCG during the cycle, stop it a couple of weeks after the cycle ends, and then start PCT ancillaries. I just prefer to keep it simple and not take anything that will suppress something else.

[Scorpion0922]

This is a great 1st post.

OP you are on the right track, but a few observations:

1st cycle 350-400 mg's of Test E/C for 12 weeks

Some guys hold off on an AI till needed, I prefer starting the AI from day 1: arimidex .5 mg's 2x week (asses from there)

You mention some holes in your diet game. That's where most of us need help. Can you post a typical day's meals?

You have a good base/starting point.

Gonna give you some tough love here: at 26 you can make progress naturally for a while longer before getting on the juice.

[Mooseman33]

PCT is not reliable. Plenty of people have done PCT and came back months later with low T. Just because you did something in the 90s doesn’t mean that’s how it always should be. They weren’t using synthetic HCG in the 90s.

Can you tell me how the HPTA axis works? What clomid does? What FSH and LH does? What HCG does? No, you just take clomid and Nolvadex, intoxicate your liver, fuck your eyes up, and hope your balls come back to life. Good job buddy.

you are giving this kid bad advice. If you want to follow this I have no issues but cmon man, you really told him to start at 300 and go to 700 then run no pct. the best part is you actually are trying to back it up.
I won't argue with u, I will let others decide who to listen to.

[Mooseman33]

It’s fine to use those drugs if you want to, but prevention is a lot better than trying to restart something that never had to be shut down in the first place.

In my research, I found that the production of LH resumes much faster than the recovery of testes. Many guys will have optimal, and sometimes higher than normal levels of LH after a cycle because HPTA is constantly trying to signal the testes to start producing testosterone while they are recovering. Dormant Leydig cells take a long time to come back, and some never do. That’s why I believe many who PCT don’t fully recover, because they were shut down too long.

Let’s say a typical cycle is 3 months long. After the last injection, exogenous hormones (depending on the ester) can still be in the body for up to a month. Then they say to start HCG and the rest, and now there is additional suppression for the duration of HCG use, except now the hypothalamus/pituitary are being suppressed instead of the testes.

I agree that if you want to cover all of your bases, one should run HCG during the cycle, stop it a couple of weeks after the cycle ends, and then start PCT ancillaries. I just prefer to keep it simple and not take anything that will suppress something else.

man if this aint double talking I don't know what is.

you are all research with very little experience.

[Small to large]

you are giving this kid bad advice. If you want to follow this I have no issues but cmon man, you really told him to start at 300 and go to 700 then run no pct. the best part is you actually are trying to back it up.
I won't argue with u, I will let others decide who to listen to.

I am taking everything with grain of salt and using my own knowledge to start my basis, but gladly accepting other opinions and research. I have known and read about people starting low and then increasing to high amounts throughout their cycle. From that information gathered it is not the route for me. I personally would want it to stay consistent through and not experience the repercussions of starting at 300ish and bumping up to higher amounts.

[Small to large]

This is a great 1st post.

OP you are on the right track, but a few observations:

1st cycle 350-400 mg's of Test E/C for 12 weeks

Some guys hold off on an AI till needed, I prefer starting the AI from day 1: arimidex .5 mg's 2x week (asses from there)

You mention some holes in your diet game. That's where most of us need help. Can you post a typical day's meals?

You have a good base/starting point.

Gonna give you some tough love here: at 26 you can make progress naturally for a while longer before getting on the juice.

You say observations, but what do you mean? Is this your suggestions for me to look into or information you gathered based on what I stated?

I need to better understand AI and HCG to know when to optimally implement them so more research will be done on my end. With my diet, an average day consists of ~2800 calories putting me at a slight surplus to gain .5lbs a week. (says cronometer). This is a very rough estimate on portions for the meals. I just bought a food scale and will be more onto of serving sizes and how much I consume. This is also what I would typically eat when I am at home, but since I am traveling with work I eat what I am offered from Campus cafeterias or I will go for the grilled chicken/beef/veggies. With the listed diet, I try to stick with it throughout the week and only allow myself 1 cheat meal/less strict day a week. I am very tough on myself for eating out.

Breakfast: Overnight Oats (old fashioned oats 1.5servings, Chia seeds, 1 serving, Raspberry Jam 1 serving, Greek yogurt 1 serving. With that I will drink black coffee with half a serving of my high protein mass gainer to help with protein and carb intake.
Pre-Work out: Onion bagel 1 serving, Turkey bacon 2 serving, 2 Eggs, 1 serving 1/3 fat cream cheese. or 5 Eggs and shredded hash browns
Lunch: Ground beef/turkey 2 servings, broccoli 2 servings
Dinner: Ground Beef/Turkey 2 servings, broccoli/Green beans 2 servings, Rice or some type of carb

For dessert I will have Either A sweeter cereal, but lately its been 3 fudge stripes. My sweet tooth is killer. I will also have a can of Tuna with sriracha sauce at some point in the day. At the end of the day, I flaw in portion control and my sweet tooth. I realized after I got the scale, my portions were larger than I thought so hopefully that will allow me to better dial in. I also watch the oils I put into my food heavy. I know the high density of fat they contain, especially vegetable oil, and how caloric dense they are.

I appreciate the full honesty and help. I created this post to expand my knowledge in hopes to better myself with or without steroids. I graduated high school around 145lbs, I know that was a long time ago, but I always felt it was hard for me to gain mass and still is. I did realize when I really focused on my diet around 1 year ago big improvements were made.

[Cuz]

Hey everybody,

I have been doing research and wanting to do my first cycle, if you can call it that. I have debated doing a simple TRT dose of 300mg Test E a week or even lowering it to 250. I would use a PCT such as Nolvadex or Clomid following the 10-15 week cycle. I would also want Airmidex for an AI in case it would be needed. I have some questions when it comes to taking the PCT And AI. Is there a formula/equation to use to determine the dosage of PCT and AI with the cycle? I see people listing set amounts, but I know everybody is different and those values usually come with a higher base test and with another compounded added. Since this would be my first cycle, I want to have all my bases checked and make sure I am during it accurately. I have not done my pre-cycle blood work, so maybe having those numbers will allow me to better understand and know the measures for my PCT and AI.

I had a couple of more questions, but the draft I had typed out did not save so hopefully I can remember them in a timely fashion.

I am currently 25, almost 26 at 5'10 weighing at 195. I would like to say I'm around 12% body fat, but I do not know. I have been all the way to 6% before due to being a collegiate athlete and gymnast growing up. I have started traveling a lot for work so my diet is not as in tuned as I like it, but with more dedication I can change it to be more strict. I was eating roughly 2800 or more calories a day to have a slight bulk which got my to 200 at my current body comp, but a bit more fat I'd say. I am trying to cut since I am traveling for work, but want to maintain my strength and size as best as possible. I am a chronic marijuana smoker, if anyone knows this may be an issue to my results. Besides the marjiuana, I am a healthy individual working for a Sports medicine program finishing up graduate school.

All and any advice is welcome, I want to make sure this is done correctly and I can squeeze the most gains out of each cycle as possible.

This picture is me flexing around 195lbs

This picture is me relaxed at 195lbs the same day

So you are wanting to do a cut? Cutting is damn near all about diet. And we are talking 300mg test here, which will help assist in preserving/building of the present tissue. You are about 16% bodyfat. I commend you for staying natty and building a solid base.

How long have you been training for ? Pardon if i skipped over it already mentioned…

I would definitely do a pct at 26 , in hopes of recovery. You’re kinda in a grey zone here, you want to ease into this and see how you react to testosterone at small dose, you probably wont notice a whole lot you will be a little more vascular and full looking for sure. But it could lead to trt so ask yourself is it worth it..

[Small to large]

So you are wanting to do a cut? Cutting is damn near all about diet. And we are talking 300mg test here, which will help assist in preserving/building of the present tissue. You are about 16% bodyfat. I commend you for staying natty and building a solid base.

How long have you been training for ? Pardon if i skipped over it already mentioned…

I would definitely do a pct at 26 , in hopes of recovery. You’re kinda in a grey zone here, you want to ease into this and see how you react to testosterone at small dose, you probably wont notice a whole lot you will be a little more vascular and full looking for sure. But it could lead to trt so ask yourself is it worth it..

Right now I am in a cut since I am traveling a lot, but I am unsure if I want to go on a slight bulk/ maintain or cut for the cycle. I have been watching my diet, some months harder than others, for just over a year. In regards to lifting, I have been lifting/active since I was 14 ( Over 10 years) but I have been working out with a serious goal and with good knowledge of weight lifting for about 3 years. Finishing undergrad and starting graduate school has made it difficult to stay with my goals. For the most part, The last year and a half is whenI dialed in more aggressively; counting rest periods, working sets and even tracking my lifts to ensure more progressive overload. There was a moment in this last year and a half that I took the diet super hard core for about 2 months to ensure I could follow a strict program if I did want to hop on.

I do want gains, but my safety and future is the priority for sure. The itch for bigger mass is killer though despite asking myself if it is all worth it. I did expect the TRT dosages to give me little gain, but it would be a start to maybe a future of major mass gaining.

I also left out what may be a key component. I have torn both of my achilles tendons in the past, so these tendons repairs may or may not have a negative effect from hormones.

[Test Monsterone]

Hey man, there's no "repercussion" for tapering up your dosage. For my first cycle, I started like you, thinking I'm just going to do a TRT dose around 150 mg/week. I bumped it up each week until I got to 900 mg or thereabout at week 10. Like I said, no repercussions. That would just ease you into a higher dose if you are concerned with how your body will react. And, if there's any truth to "saturating your receptors" then this would ensure that you don't plateau halfway through your cycle. Btw if you do end up running a cycle, don't expect much the first 6-8 weeks with long esters like Test C/E. Trust me on the HCG, though. I ran gear for 4 years straight with HCG throughout and I got off 9 months ago and I feel great. I attribute that to taking HCG. My friend, on the other hand, never did HCG, and after a few years he tried to get off but couldn't handle it. He never recovered. Everyone's different, but HCG will keep your testes producing testosterone and keep them from shrinking down to peanuts. If that sounds like a good idea, it's because it is.

Edit: And btw he went through a well-known Dr. who works with and has been on Seth Feroce's podcast - if you don't know who he is, look him up. Dr. Prisk - he used to bodybuild also. He was taking the whole gamut. Pharma clomid, SERMs, HCG (after stopping). Didn't matter.

[Scorpion0922]

You say observations, but what do you mean? Is this your suggestions for me to look into or information you gathered based on what I stated?

I need to better understand AI and HCG to know when to optimally implement them so more research will be done on my end. With my diet, an average day consists of ~2800 calories putting me at a slight surplus to gain .5lbs a week. (says cronometer). This is a very rough estimate on portions for the meals. I just bought a food scale and will be more onto of serving sizes and how much I consume. This is also what I would typically eat when I am at home, but since I am traveling with work I eat what I am offered from Campus cafeterias or I will go for the grilled chicken/beef/veggies. With the listed diet, I try to stick with it throughout the week and only allow myself 1 cheat meal/less strict day a week. I am very tough on myself for eating out.

Breakfast: Overnight Oats (old fashioned oats 1.5servings, Chia seeds, 1 serving, Raspberry Jam 1 serving, Greek yogurt 1 serving. With that I will drink black coffee with half a serving of my high protein mass gainer to help with protein and carb intake.
Pre-Work out: Onion bagel 1 serving, Turkey bacon 2 serving, 2 Eggs, 1 serving 1/3 fat cream cheese. or 5 Eggs and shredded hash browns
Lunch: Ground beef/turkey 2 servings, broccoli 2 servings
Dinner: Ground Beef/Turkey 2 servings, broccoli/Green beans 2 servings, Rice or some type of carb

For dessert I will have Either A sweeter cereal, but lately its been 3 fudge stripes. My sweet tooth is killer. I will also have a can of Tuna with sriracha sauce at some point in the day. At the end of the day, I flaw in portion control and my sweet tooth. I realized after I got the scale, my portions were larger than I thought so hopefully that will allow me to better dial in. I also watch the oils I put into my food heavy. I know the high density of fat they contain, especially vegetable oil, and how caloric dense they are.

I appreciate the full honesty and help. I created this post to expand my knowledge in hopes to better myself with or without steroids. I graduated high school around 145lbs, I know that was a long time ago, but I always felt it was hard for me to gain mass and still is. I did realize when I really focused on my diet around 1 year ago big improvements were made.

1 serving / 2 servings doesn't tell us help. This is an example of a meal plan (using my current plan)

Meal 2
8oz lean meat (choice of chicken breast, white fish, 93% lean ground turkey)
6-8oz of greens (green vegetables (choice of spinach, cukes, broccoli, etc.)
4oz of guac or 1 tbls. of olive oil

Meal 3
8oz salmon or lean red meat (I choose London Broil)
8oz of white potatoe (no skin, remove potato on non training days)
6oz greens

ETC.
ETC.

A few diet sodas and/or crystal light will help satisfy your sweet tooth.

We all love swets but you will have to incoroprate a new level of discipline with AAS.

[Small to large]

1 serving / 2 servings doesn't tell us help. This is an example of a meal plan (using my current plan)

Meal 2
8oz lean meat (choice of chicken breast, white fish, 93% lean ground turkey)
6-8oz of greens (green vegetables (choice of spinach, cukes, broccoli, etc.)
4oz of guac or 1 tbls. of olive oil

Meal 3
8oz salmon or lean red meat (I choose London Broil)
8oz of white potatoe (no skin, remove potato on non training days)
6oz greens

ETC.
ETC.

A few diet sodas and/or crystal light will help satisfy your sweet tooth.

We all love swets but you will have to incoroprate a new level of discipline with AAS.

My apologies, I supplied with what I thought to be as accurate as possible, but I realized after reading your remark that it does not supply much information since every serving size is different based on its contents lol. Here is a picture of one my days I inputed into cronometer. Hopefully this helps. Ive only had my food scale for a few days so this input is me eyeballing, but it was not far off based on what I learned from weighing my foods. If anything it was slightly more than I inputed.

[Test Monsterone]

There are professional bbers out there who don't weigh their food - I don't know why anyone else would. It's not that complicated. Everyone knows what is good food vs what is garbage. And... every day is different. One day you move more, one day you sit more. One day you have to help someone move furniture. One day you are sick and lay in bed all day. How is a static fixed diet supposed to work?? It's just common sense. Whenever I would see people with a notepad in the gym I just wanted to smack them in the head lol.

[Scorpion0922]

My apologies, I supplied with what I thought to be as accurate as possible, but I realized after reading your remark that it does not supply much information since every serving size is different based on its contents lol. Here is a picture of one my days I inputed into cronometer. Hopefully this helps. Ive only had my food scale for a few days so this input is me eyeballing, but it was not far off based on what I learned from weighing my foods. If anything it was slightly more than I inputed.

This is an example of one day?

[Small to large]

This is an example of one day?

Correct, this is one day. I tend to eat the same things and keep the portions very similar so they stay consistent with each day and they do not vary much. Here in the next week or so I will be able to fully know what I am intaking due to portion control and weighing everything by the gram. I have not been tracking as often since I am traveling for work and most cafeterias I am allowed to eat at surprisingly does not provide a nutrition label for the foods provided. Without the label, I use my best judgement and eat clean as I can and not in a massive excess.

[Small to large]

There are professional bbers out there who don't weigh their food - I don't know why anyone else would. It's not that complicated. Everyone knows what is good food vs what is garbage. And... every day is different. One day you move more, one day you sit more. One day you have to help someone move furniture. One day you are sick and lay in bed all day. How is a static fixed diet supposed to work?? It's just common sense. Whenever I would see people with a notepad in the gym I just wanted to smack them in the head lol.

I get that, it is not hard to determine what is lean or fatty/good or garbage. I got into it because I wanted to become precise with my surplus or cut. I do go off of how I feel that day, but try not to vary far from the original calorie count excessively. I have gotten good at counting Macros without a scale, but my judgement on portions was more off than I thought at the beginning, so the scale has been helpful.

[kelkel]

Agree and disagree with a lot of the posts above:

Knowledge and logic has changed over the years. First cycles do not necessarily have to be test only.
I would not implement an AI unless it is actually needed. Why start another drug when it may not be necessary.
HCG is a must imho. Like a trickle charger for your boys.
Length of shutdown is irrelevant. Your HPTA doesn't have a calendar where after 12-14 weeks you can't restart, etc.
It would be much safer to run a lower dose of test, 3-400 max where you don't need ancillaries and add in mast or primo (ramping up) to drive your androgens up without E2 or DHT issues.

Just my opinion. Best of luck.
Get blood work first to know your baselines. Seriously important. The First Cycle sticky lists them.

[Test Monsterone]

Agree and disagree with a lot of the posts above:

Knowledge and logic has changed over the years. First cycles do not necessarily have to be test only.
I would not implement an AI unless it is actually needed. Why start another drug when it may not be necessary.
HCG is a must imho. Like a trickle charger for your boys.
Length of shutdown is irrelevant. Your HPTA doesn't have a calendar where after 12-14 weeks you can't restart, etc.
It would be much safer to run a lower dose of test, 3-400 max where you don't need ancillaries and add in mast or primo (ramping up) to drive your androgens up without E2 or DHT issues.

Just my opinion. Best of luck.
Get blood work first to know your baselines. Seriously important. The First Cycle sticky lists them.

Kelkel, I respect your opinion - but you really don't think it matters how long a person is shut down for their recovery? From my understanding, that is the crux of the problem. The longer one is shut down, the harder it is to regain function. That is the purpose of HCG - to prevent shutdown.

[kelkel]

Kelkel, I respect your opinion - but you really don't think it matters how long a person is shut down for their recovery? From my understanding, that is the crux of the problem. The longer one is shut down, the harder it is to regain function. That is the purpose of HCG - to prevent shutdown.

I've yet to read anything on length of shut down as a determining factor, other than conjecture. I do understand how it makes sense on the surface. Even the person I consider the best knowledge based educator in the business right now dismissed that notion.

I appreciate how you started your response brother, but it's not necessary. We all know each other here.

[teedoff]

I've yet to read anything on length of shut down as a determining factor, other than conjecture. I do understand how it makes sense on the surface. Even the person I consider the best knowledge based educator in the business right now dismissed that notion.

I appreciate how you started your response brother, but it's not necessary. We all know each other here.

I'd like to research this a bit more myself. Any links I can start with? Who is the person you mention? Thanks

[kelkel]

I'd like to research this a bit more myself. Any links I can start with? Who is the person you mention? Thanks

PM'd you.

[Scorpion0922]

This is an example of one day?

This is not enough food for a guy 5'10/195, you are very likely in a catabolic state. You can very likely accomplish your goals with a caloric increase.

For this you likely need a nutrition coach.

[Honkey_Kong]

This is not enough food for a guy 5'10/195, you are very likely in a catabolic state. You can very likely accomplish your goals with a caloric increase.

For this you likely need a nutrition coach.

^^^ A good nutrition coach is more valuable than running gear. OP you'll bust through plateaus, you'll put mass on AND you'll feel better once you have a diet that supports growth.

[Small to large]

This is not enough food for a guy 5'10/195, you are very likely in a catabolic state. You can very likely accomplish your goals with a caloric increase.

For this you likely need a nutrition coach.

I have been wanting to talk with a nutritionist, but the ones available (for free) are less educated than myself, but it wouldn't hurt to try. My BMR is roughly 1876 calories based on the calculator I used online. I do lift 6 times a week, capping each lift to 1 hour, with an incline walk for 20 minutes 3 times a week. The lifts are two muscle groups a day except for legs and shoulders, I couldn't get an efficient workout when I split those groups with something else. I felt like when I was eating the High 2800s-2900s I was gaining slightly with little fat but I will totally look into a nutritionist and see if they can better my schedule. I would assume a better surplus with less fats and more protein will allow for better growth. The university I work for also has a DEXA scan so hopefully I can get some time in there to better understand my rates and overall body composition.

[Small to large]

^^^ A good nutrition coach is more valuable than running gear. OP you'll bust through plateaus, you'll put mass on AND you'll feel better once you have a diet that supports growth.

I have been more focused on diet in the last year simply because of my energy levels. Just over a year ago I was crashing terribly around 2pm, but when I introduced more complex carbs and more salt into my diet I was able to sustain energy for longer periods in the day. Introducing the surplus also helped. Around the start of COVID-19, I started drinking heavy and obtained a body composition that I was not proud of so I think that memory left an impression leaving me iffy to really eat to a surplus, plus eating around 3000+ per day felt like a whole job along with my busy schedule. They may just be excuses, but I am at the point where I am willing to do what it takes to reach that next level before especially before using enhancements. The drive for AAS is there, but the want to do it correctly and as best as possible to soak up every bit of gains has a bigger drive.

[Scorpion0922]

I have been wanting to talk with a nutritionist, but the ones available (for free) are less educated than myself, but it wouldn't hurt to try. My BMR is roughly 1876 calories based on the calculator I used online. I do lift 6 times a week, capping each lift to 1 hour, with an incline walk for 20 minutes 3 times a week. The lifts are two muscle groups a day except for legs and shoulders, I couldn't get an efficient workout when I split those groups with something else. I felt like when I was eating the High 2800s-2900s I was gaining slightly with little fat but I will totally look into a nutritionist and see if they can better my schedule. I would assume a better surplus with less fats and more protein will allow for better growth. The university I work for also has a DEXA scan so hopefully I can get some time in there to better understand my rates and overall body composition.

You have to HIRE a nutrition expert, that means pay.

I'd advise a show prep coach, a qualified one not some joker who did 2 shows and thinks they're a coach. Competing may not be for you but this particular coach will be the best bet to help yo with your goals.

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You have to HIRE a nutrition expert, that means pay.

I'd advise a show prep coach, a qualified one not some joker who did 2 shows and thinks they're a coach. Competing may not be for you but this particular coach will be the best bet to help yo with your goals.

Sadly, I knew that was the harsh truth. I have been a struggling student who barely gets paid during graduate school so I am a cheap bastard, but I greatly appreciate that advice and I will look into one!! Thank you

[Cuz]

Sadly, I knew that was the harsh truth. I have been a struggling student who barely gets paid during graduate school so I am a cheap bastard, but I greatly appreciate that advice and I will look into one!! Thank you

A decent offeason prep is around 1000 and a 12 week contest prep is around a 1000 for a novice. Increases as you become more advanced. Money well spent imho

[Scorpion0922]

Sadly, I knew that was the harsh truth. I have been a struggling student who barely gets paid during graduate school so I am a cheap bastard, but I greatly appreciate that advice and I will look into one!! Thank you

We all gotta start somewhere. Hopefully your degree will lead you to bigger and better.

To you point tho, going to the level of running anabolics is a very, VERY expensive lifestyle. I was $2,500 deep alone JUST on my 2 shows last year. PLUS all the other ongoing expences during the year.

This is where the patience comes into play.

[Honkey_Kong]

Sadly, I knew that was the harsh truth. I have been a struggling student who barely gets paid during graduate school so I am a cheap bastard, but I greatly appreciate that advice and I will look into one!! Thank you

If I were you, I wouldn't touch a steroid at all until after I was done with school and got a job in your field. Make finishing grad school your priority.

[Test Monsterone]

Yeah, hormones can mess with your psyche, and if you're already stressed out, it could make it worse... But I did get a couple of good jobs while on gear and I swear I think being on gear made me more confident and assertive... so it could go either way.

[Small to large]

Yeah, hormones can mess with your psyche, and if you're already stressed out, it could make it worse... But I did get a couple of good jobs while on gear and I swear I think being on gear made me more confident and assertive... so it could go either way.

Yeah I have heard people with this same experience. On TRT doses they walk around with assertiveness and feel more confident about their day. Grad school is stressful, but I am good at tolerating stress. I have always been overloaded with activities and I like that, but I have had the slight concern with gear and the overload of school. School is a big priority since I only have one year left, but I am very big on investing in myself and taking time for myself despite how intense things get. In regards to money, I am making an abundance this summer while I am off of school so that is why I am looking so much into it now and was willing to drop around $700-$800 on a cycle if that is what it needed. Plus working for a D1 University and their athletics department the idea of ballooning up may be a bit concerning, but I am an adult who isn't affiliated with the NCAA so as long as I don't advertise my use or suggest it to others I do not see that being an issue.