Am I a Newbie?

[Getinbgr]

I am a 30 year old male wei***ng 170 pounds at 5' 11" and am primarily an ectomorph. Around three years ago and at 160 pounds, I began lifting weights seriously. This "serious" stage lasted about 14 months. Subsequently, for various reasons, I ceased lifting weights on a regular basis, although I continued to lift intermittently (two months on followed by 2 months off) until this year. At the time I stopped lifting regularily, I had increased by weight to 185 pounds, due in part to an 8 week cycle of Test. Enanthate and creatine.

I have now been working out again "seriously" (5-6 intense sessions per week coupled with strict attention to my diet) for two months and have been pleasantly surprised how quickly much of the lost muscle has reappeared. Although I am still a shadow of my former self, I am considering another cycle of test. However, I have read several threads which advise against newbies, particularly skinny newbies such as myself, from entering a cycle before the body has put on enough pounds to support the extra muscle.

Based on these facts, do I fall in the category of "don't cycle yet" or, does my past experience elevate me somewhere above "newbie" status?

Thanks for any thoughts.

[THE PUMP]

what age are you bro? i no youve being lifting hard lately but in my opinion id say atleast a couple of years training and dieting properley before considering a cycle, youll be surprised with the natural gains you could make if you eat right and train hard.

[Getinbgr]

30 Years Old. My plan was to begin a begin a straightforward cycle of test. once I reach my first significant plataeu, which, based upon past experience, I'm guessing will occur around the 6 month point.

[xtremepwr]

not to sound like a d*ck but its kind of like if you have to ask you are. If youre not totally sure of what you want/need to do waiting more time and training longer + harder can never hurt. Like everyone says here the better the base you build up the happier you'll be with your end results.

[Getinbgr]

I disagree that posing questions is synonomous with being a "newbie". Certainly, the desire to gain more knowledge is not an indicator of weakness, rather wisdom. Didn't someone more smart than we once say "true wisdom is realizing what you don't know"?

Anyway, I agree with you that 14 months of hard training three years ago probably doesn't make me much more than a "newbie", as that term is most often defined.

Thanks for thoughts.

[hardgainer1]

[xtremepwr]

At least you're smart enough to ask dude, there's so many people who wouldnt do that and they're messing up their bodies because of it.

[cj1capp]

IMO you are newbie if you havent lifted to your potential and if you havent done a cycle or two before. You are new to the world of gear that is cycles and pct , just the basic info to keep you safe during the learning process.

[taiboxa]

just going to throw this out there.. i was able to get up in the 200's at your height naturally

[hardgainer1]

At least you're smart enough to ask dude, there's so many people who wouldnt do that and they're messing up their bodies because of it.

off topic that avatar is priceless, xtremepwr

[xtremepwr]

haha its a sign my buddy had posted in out gym...