Proximal's First Cycle Experience

[Proximal]

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[NACH3]

Will do Nach. Actually I think it was the initiation of HCG at the beginning of the cycle (never took it with TRT) that gave me a larger bump that expected with E2. I started the cycle with .5 arimidex eod, but have been on 1.0 mg. since my first BW. I'm expecting new BW, so I'll see how I respond. Likely will drop back to .5 or even .25 eod.

Cool Prox I knew you had things in order BW wise etc so just a lil reminder and it very well could've been the hCG that initially spiked your Estrogen - it's been said by others...

Hey I know you don't buy into it but it's said to also open up more hormonal pathways... I'll see what I can dig up

[Proximal]

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[Thespear]

Good thread, ill be following along with your progress prox, Keep it up!

[Proximal]

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[AKD_FitChick]

As I was progressing slowly & injecting sub-Q, I just wanted to be sure that the test was getting into my blood, plus I also wanted to see my E2 amounts. So, a tad early, at week 5, my E2 was 60 (<29 normal), my total test was 2603 (250-1100) and free T was 805 (35-155).

Just got my week 9 BW back, very happy. E2 dropped from 60 -> 28 (I had upped my Arimidex to 1.0 eod). My total test increased from 2603-> 3002 and my free test increased from 805-> 1063.

My body weight is creeping up slowly, and I am now 11 pounds heavier. My strength continues to improve significantly for me.

The mirror tells me I am bigger, but definitely not harder. However, for me it's the "pants test". The second I put on "bad" weight, my pants get difficult to button. That problem only occurred briefly, but not a concern now.

Met with a trainer to have him look over my present diet and discuss training strategy, just to be sure. He works with body-builders that compete - see his results - trust his judgement. He liked everything he saw in my approach, but did want me to very slowly add some small amounts of sweet potatoes and oatmeal as I've currently cut back on my carbs because I was perhaps overly fearful of fat gain.

He assured me that any "negative" weight I have put on is water, particularly at my 525/wk. dosage, which he felt was far too high for a first cycle.

I have 10 days left and am trying to end strong. I am still doing a 3 day on and 1 off, sometimes working out 2x per day (cardio in the evening mostly). I am likely restricting calories and carbs a little too much which very possibly can result in less muscle gained ultimately, but I am just not comfortable looking too smooth, due to starting out so heavy at the beginning of this journey a few years ago.

Great update and great job. I too hired a nutritional coach and he upped my carb intake with oatmeal and sweet potato's and I can feel the fuel in my body! I burn it off daily so I am loving it. I have always been scared of carbs. Not anymore. Also Quinoa! I love it.

Keep up the good work and finish strong! You've got this.

[Proximal]

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[Proximal]

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[InternalFire]

Hey Proxi, glad to hear your mirror showing good changes for ya

I wonder about HCG myself lately... I wonder how does it affect me really since I always from the start been on HCG+TEST, so I am thinking doing short drop of it and see how I feel without it too, lets say for 2-3 weeks or so, should be plenty time to notice changes if any and re-evaluate

[Proximal]

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[bioshocked]

Overall, do you feel you got what you wanted from this cycle?

[Proximal]

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[InternalFire]

Good to hear Proxi, hope your doing well and looking forward loosing the said waterweight. How is your strength and endurance since?

[Mr.BB]

I won't know 100% for what I'm guessing will be another 3 - 4 weeks. Members told me that is how long it ultimately takes for the water to leave (I'm now 3 weeks into a return to lower dosages). I'll also do another underwater weighing at that time and see what the numbers come out to be.

But right now, I'd say I'm happy I did it. I'm still up 8 - 9 solid pounds and my definition has returned to what I recall having pre-cycle (have lost a few pounds since my last post).

If you are measuring sucess by the "pants test" you really shouldnt. If you plan on having more cycles you will need new clothes and also new pants.

All muscles grow, including abs, obliques, glutes, etc. No way your pants size will stay the same, unless you had a considerable amount of fat around your waist, which if that was the case you probably should have cut before cycling. Some of my old suits dont even fit on my quads.

Judge by mirror its the best option.

Nice log!

[Proximal]

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[Proximal]

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[Proximal]

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[bioshocked]

Lets see in a few more weeks, but right now I'd say I am happy and will very likely try another.

As long as you are happy with the outcome overall, that helps make the money and effort worth it. Glad to hear it is still going well.

[Mr.BB]

Thank you!

You would luv the dexa scan.

Maybe you can find an affordable one near you.

[Proximal]

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[numbere]

Just came across this thread for the first time.

Congrats on a on all the progress you've made so far!

Drastic lifestyle changes, such as the one's you've made over the course of the last year, are not easy.

Looking forward to being a observer for blast number two.

[kelkel]

Holding steady at 197, so that is an 8 pound gain.

Nothing wrong with that at all!