Advice needed - Getting back to Gym after a year

[WaRose]

Hi all,

Past year and a half has been pretty bad for me. Was laid off at work, moved to a different city looking for work and finally started a family owned business. I haven't seen the inside of a gym since December 2012 (other than a few random visits to the cardio section). My stats when I stopped were:

Weight - 216 lbs. (BF-11%)
I was on the taper off period of a Test Blend and Tren Cycle (my 5th) when I had to stop. So i did the PCT and stopped working out.

My current Weight - 180lbs (BF-21%).

I was hoping to get some insight from fellow members if they have had similar experiences and how to got back into cycle. My original plan was to start going in March and hit cardio and moderate weights for 1 month to get the body used to the stress and then hop on a similar cycle. But I am not sure if thats an appropriate wait. Any input is really appreciated. I can't wait to get back in the game.

Thanks in advance,

 

[SteelM]

Good to hear that you are back in the game. Forget everything that brought you here and start focusing on the change. (I hope I do not sound like all the life couches out there).
Start easy, get used to the weights and proper exercise movements again. Your joints and muscle fibres will thank you in the long run. Try to get your BF down to about 12% with weight lifting and cardio.

I would not advise you to get on cycle before about 1 year of getting back in the gym.(Exception would be TRT, if you have low testosteron). It would be a waste of money as the muscle will most likely come back easily, because of muscle memory, if your diet and workouts are good and if you rest enough.
Plus you will get your body used to the eating schedule again, and adjust your lifestyle to a bodybuilding lifestyle.
I wish you all the best. Keep us posted on the progress!!

 

[snowpatrol123]

Hi all,

Past year and a half has been pretty bad for me. Was laid off at work, moved to a different city looking for work and finally started a family owned business. I haven't seen the inside of a gym since December 2012 (other than a few random visits to the cardio section). My stats when I stopped were:

Weight - 216 lbs. (BF-11%)
I was on the taper off period of a Test Blend and Tren Cycle (my 5th) when I had to stop. So i did the PCT and stopped working out.

My current Weight - 180lbs (BF-21%).

I was hoping to get some insight from fellow members if they have had similar experiences and how to got back into cycle. My original plan was to start going in March and hit cardio and moderate weights for 1 month to get the body used to the stress and then hop on a similar cycle. But I am not sure if thats an appropriate wait. Any input is really appreciated. I can't wait to get back in the game.

Thanks in advance,

Welcome back to the fold!

Waiting SUCKS but you're far more likely to hurt yourself and hinder your progress if you jump back onto a cycle too quickly. If you were a lean 215+ I doubt you'll have much trouble getting back to 200 at a lower, safer bodyfat for cycling.

I'm by no means a professional, but my advice would be - hit 200lbs @ 12% or lower bodyfat. Pick a good push/pull/legs routine, combined with LISS cardio or HIIT once you get a bit trimmer to help you achieve this along with a great diet, which I'm sure you already have an idea of based on your previous stats. Maybe even consider a full-body training routine 3-4 days a week for the first few months, then progress to push/pull/legs. No rush on a bodybuilding split, it would be borderline counterproductive at this point IMO.

At that point, evaluate your goals and design a cycle to support them. Possibly a test + oral, or test+npp/deca cycle for bulking back to 215-225, or tren for a recomp from 12% to sub 10% BF again depending on what you're after.

 

[WaRose]

Thanks guys..I know its hard to get over the past! The only thing I look forward to at this point is being back in the gym.
So I think the consensus seems to be hitting 200lbs with 10-12%BF or a year's wait whichever comes first Is it okay with to take peptides at this point to help with fat loss and cardio or should I stay off everything till I am ready?

Again, thanks your the input, very appreciated.

And I like the Test + Deca cycle to bulk up. I did that before and worked so well, just a little water retention but nothing a little cardio and proper PCT can't take care of.

 

[snowpatrol123]

Peptides are fine but honestly not necessary at this point. In six months you could re-evaluate that, but you're going to make impressive progress naturally for at least that long IMO.

 

[Mad- scientist]

I would personally just hit the gym really hard naturally for 4 to 6 months and see how my body responds and how much I can gain back. Also it is good to incorporate heavy lifts while your natural to so you can build up your tendon strength for when you are on cycle. I recommend you get back on a good diet and work out and do cardio for about 2 months and than get your testosterone levels checked to see if they are low or high before you start cycling again.

 

[WaRose]

I would personally just hit the gym really hard naturally for 4 to 6 months and see how my body responds and how much I can gain back. Also it is good to incorporate heavy lifts while your natural to so you can build up your tendon strength for when you are on cycle. I recommend you get back on a good diet and work out and do cardio for about 2 months and than get your testosterone levels checked to see if they are low or high before you start cycling again.

Thanks MS....yeah thats my new plan too. go all natural and see how things pick up. Get BF close to me on-cycle % and then take it from there. I went to the gym this week and could not lift much! Felt frustrated so just did some cardio and left....Its gonna take some time to get back to where I was.

I am glad I came here for advice or I would have started pinning from April causing a lot of gear & $$ to get wasted! From the look of things, Fall 2014 is when I would probably be ready for it. Will keep you guys posted and also let you know in case I run into problems...which I am sure I will..lol..Thanks again.