first cycle advice (better advice)

[bluehulk]

Hey guys, new to these forums, seems like less BS here compared to others. I've posted my cycle in the past and the advice I've received sounds like a salesman's pitch and a bunch of OTC stuff being thrown at me for post cycle therapy (pct). I could be wrong, just how it felt, and made me slightly confused more than anything. Can someone please review my cycle and let me know if it looks good? thanks in advance.

Stats 32 yrs, 6'2, 205lbs, 13-15% BF, 9-10 years experience, Goals = lean muscle gains/lower BF, sub 375 T levels when last checked


1-10: Test C @ 400mg/week
1-10: Arimidex @ .25mg EOD
1-10 Liver Support (Cycle Assist)

5-10: Anavar (var) @ 50-75mg ED (will adjust accordingly)

PCT:

13-15
Clomid 50\50\25\25
nolva 40\40\20\20
Cycle Assist


Thanks to all.

 

[halfwit]

Looks fine to me, although I'd definitely go 12-14 weeks with the test. You likely won't reach serum saturation levels in your blood until 4 weeks in, so that would only leave you with 6 weeks of optimal testosterone levels. I don't normally advocate going higher with doses either, but you may want to opt for 500-600mg/wk of the test as well given your body mass. I'd also opt for NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) instead of "cycle assist" as that's pretty much the active ingredient in it - saving you a couple bucks.

My .02c

 

[Kazmir]

Beaten again lol ^^^^
Nothing wrong with the cycle or your PCT your good to go as is. Personally I would switch to NAC for liver support and up the test to 500mgs for 12-14 but that's personal preference.

 

[bluehulk]

Sweet, thanks I appreciate the straight forward response - refreshing! Nice avatar by the way, love that.

If I do 12-14 weeks with the test, what about the var? Drop it at week 10? I was sticking to 400mg mainly because I was trying to be cautious being my first time and all, seemed like a reasonable amount. HCGenerate while on cycle, N2Guard, Unleashed, any of that stuff? I'm guessing no? Thanks again dude!

 

[bluehulk]

Beaten again lol ^^^^
Nothing wrong with the cycle or your PCT your good to go as is. Personally I would switch to NAC for liver support and up the test to 500mgs for 12-14 but that's personal preference.

thanks!! I will consider the 12-14 since you guys are tag-teaming the idea now, lol

 

[halfwit]

Sweet, thanks I appreciate the straight forward response - refreshing! Nice avatar by the way, love that.

If I do 12-14 weeks with the test, what about the var? Drop it at week 10? I was sticking to 400mg mainly because I was trying to be cautious being my first time and all, seemed like a reasonable amount. HCGenerate while on cycle, N2Guard, Unleashed, any of that stuff? I'm guessing no? Thanks again dude!

Yeah, I wouldn't go much longer than 6 weeks with Anavar (var). If you get blood panels done checking your liver enzymes, you could potentially go longer as it is fairly mild, but those pumps can make one want to end the oral part pretty quickly haha. Speaking of anavar, don't forget your taurine! Ab/back/calf pumps suck at 3am when you're trying to sleep!

I honestly haven't used HCGenerate or N2guard, but some guys really dig them. I prefer to keep it fairly straight forward and simple. Just makes it easier to diagnose if something goes wrong. There's nothing wrong with 400mg/wk, but as most first timers have a pretty high expectation with AAS cycles, I find that going a hair higher with bigger fellas will give them results closer to what they're picturing mentally.

 

[bluehulk]

Yeah, I wouldn't go much longer than 6 weeks with Anavar (var). If you get blood panels done checking your liver enzymes, you could potentially go longer as it is fairly mild, but those pumps can make one want to end the oral part pretty quickly haha. Speaking of anavar, don't forget your taurine! Ab/back/calf pumps suck at 3am when you're trying to sleep!

I honestly haven't used HCGenerate or N2guard, but some guys really dig them. I prefer to keep it fairly straight forward and simple. Just makes it easier to diagnose if something goes wrong. There's nothing wrong with 400mg/wk, but as most first timers have a pretty high expectation with AAS cycles, I find that going a hair higher with bigger fellas will give them results closer to what they're picturing mentally.

That makes sense. Yeah, I'm pretty much a minimalistic approach kind of guy as well. I've heard good things about those products, but I rather not have to keep track of a bunch of things on my first go. As far as results, I'm looking for really lean gains (no set number of lbs in my head), I'm not going into this like I'm going to fully transform either. My main issue is I have trouble shedding the fat off my waist, it's the VERY LAST thing my body goes for. I've managed to get a 6 pack before, but I had to drop to 165 lbs. for that to happen, so imagine - I look sick at that weight. In theory, I should be able to eat at a slight deficit, really clean, and do a butt load of cardio without wasting away in the process of getting a flat stomach. I'm tight everywhere else, with a solid base. I also couldn't believe my T levels were so low, around 370, never touched gear. Might explain why I'm a moody, cranky, unmotivated bitch these last 6 months. Hopefully I'll feel much better "on".

 

[halfwit]

That makes sense. Yeah, I'm pretty much a minimalistic approach kind of guy as well. I've heard good things about those products, but I rather not have to keep track of a bunch of things on my first go. As far as results, I'm looking for really lean gains (no set number of lbs in my head), I'm not going into this like I'm going to fully transform either. My main issue is I have trouble shedding the fat off my waist, it's the VERY LAST thing my body goes for. I've managed to get a 6 pack before, but I had to drop to 165 lbs. for that to happen, so imagine - I look sick at that weight. In theory, I should be able to eat at a slight deficit, really clean, and do a butt load of cardio without wasting away in the process of getting a flat stomach. I'm tight everywhere else, with a solid base. I also couldn't believe my T levels were so low, around 370, never touched gear. Might explain why I'm a moody, cranky, unmotivated bitch these last 6 months. Hopefully I'll feel much better "on".

Yeah, you're on the lower end of testosterone to be honest. I'm on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) myself, so I can understand that feeling. I've yet to meet someone that ran a cycle properly that didn't feel better on testosterone, so I'm pretty sure you'll be in for a treat. Honestly, diet is going to dictate the vast majority of how you progress; so if you do lack in that department, I'd hit the diet section and start reading as much as you can.

If you REALLY want to do it right, you could always hire 3J (he moderates the diet section) to create a personalized diet for you. I and many others here have done so and we've all had excellent results. I equate him to a super-charger for AAS.

Back to the low testosterone, have you seen a doctor about it? Even though you fall within range, some docs DO take a pretty progressive look at not only the potential cause for low test, but may even end up putting you on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or at least fixing an issue if there is one. Just a thought.

 

[bluehulk]

Yeah, you're on the lower end of testosterone to be honest. I'm on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) myself, so I can understand that feeling. I've yet to meet someone that ran a cycle properly that didn't feel better on testosterone, so I'm pretty sure you'll be in for a treat. Honestly, diet is going to dictate the vast majority of how you progress; so if you do lack in that department, I'd hit the diet section and start reading as much as you can.

If you REALLY want to do it right, you could always hire 3J (he moderates the diet section) to create a personalized diet for you. I and many others here have done so and we've all had excellent results. I equate him to a super-charger for AAS.

Back to the low testosterone, have you seen a doctor about it? Even though you fall within range, some docs DO take a pretty progressive look at not only the potential cause for low test, but may even end up putting you on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or at least fixing an issue if there is one. Just a thought.

Yeah, I've thought about it actually. Haven't seen a doc yet. Will likely do so.


I think I may have a chat with 3J also, thanks for all of your help. Feel much better about my cycle without the other added supps. That was really becoming confusing.

 

[Option#1]

Hey guys, new to these forums, seems like less BS here compared to others. I've posted my cycle in the past and the advice I've received sounds like a salesman's pitch and a bunch of OTC stuff being thrown at me for post cycle therapy (pct). I could be wrong, just how it felt, and made me slightly confused more than anything. Can someone please review my cycle and let me know if it looks good? thanks in advance.

Stats 32 yrs, 6'2, 205lbs, 13-15% BF, 9-10 years experience, Goals = lean muscle gains/lower BF, sub 375 T levels when last checked


1-10: Test C @ 400mg/week
1-10: Arimidex @ .25mg EOD
1-10 Liver Support (Cycle Assist)

5-10: Anavar (var) @ 50-75mg ED (will adjust accordingly)

PCT:

13-15
Clomid 50\50\25\25
nolva 40\40\20\20
Cycle Assist


Thanks to all.

For what it's worth I would do the following.

1. Get blood work done BEFORE you start.
2. I would definitely take Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) during your cycle.
3. I would get blood work done during your cycle to figure out your proper Aromatase inhibitor (AI) dosage for your body chemistry.
4. 400 mg is a decent dose for your 1st cycle especially with your conservative expectations. You could always front load your cycle by taking 800 mg week 1 and week 2 and then going back to 400 mg.
5. I would consider biweekly injections.

 

[bluehulk]

Yeah, you're on the lower end of testosterone to be honest. I'm on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) myself, so I can understand that feeling. I've yet to meet someone that ran a cycle properly that didn't feel better on testosterone, so I'm pretty sure you'll be in for a treat. Honestly, diet is going to dictate the vast majority of how you progress; so if you do lack in that department, I'd hit the diet section and start reading as much as you can.

If you REALLY want to do it right, you could always hire 3J (he moderates the diet section) to create a personalized diet for you. I and many others here have done so and we've all had excellent results. I equate him to a super-charger for AAS.

Back to the low testosterone, have you seen a doctor about it? Even though you fall within range, some docs DO take a pretty progressive look at not only the potential cause for low test, but may even end up putting you on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or at least fixing an issue if there is one. Just a thought.

I notice you said most feel a lot better while on a proper t cycle, I'm hoping for that as my moods have been pretty crappy. I am concerned, however, about the arimidex ruining that feeling - is that a possibility? I've read people feel like crap on that stuff, hopefully at .25mg EoD I don't get any of those nasty sides I've been reading about. Would hate to be feeling even crappier than I do now due to the low t.

Thanks dude!

 

[halfwit]

Yeah, I've thought about it actually. Haven't seen a doc yet. Will likely do so.


I think I may have a chat with 3J also, thanks for all of your help. Feel much better about my cycle without the other added supps. That was really becoming confusing.

Not a problem man. I'm positive you'll be in good hands with 3J.

I notice you said most feel a lot better while on a proper t cycle, I'm hoping for that as my moods have been pretty shitty. I am concerned, however, about the arimidex ruining that feeling - is that a possibility? I've read people feel like crap on that stuff, hopefully at .25mg EoD I don't get any of those nasty sides I've been reading about. Would hate to be feeling even crappier than I do now due to the low t.

Thanks dude!

I'd wager that a HUGE portion of the complaints regarding AI's are from folks that don't dose them correctly. .25mg EOD is a perfect starting point, which can be confirmed by a blood test mid-cycle. Seeing how blood tests are available for most of us (in the US) online for under 60 bucks, I don't see why anyone wouldn't want to get one. It not only can give you an idea on how good your testosterone vials are, but also if you're keeping up on your estrogen and exercising proper habits with regards to kidneys/liver.

Achy joints, sluggishness, depression, and an overall feeling of "bleh" comes from crushing your estradiol, which small doses shouldn't do. Just like losing gains from it won't happen as long as you exercise restraint in trying to down massive doses (think 1mg ED - which I doubt you'll want to do.) of the aromatase inhibitor.

 

[bluehulk]

Not a problem man. I'm positive you'll be in good hands with 3J.


I'd wager that a HUGE portion of the complaints regarding AI's are from folks that don't dose them correctly. .25mg EOD is a perfect starting point, which can be confirmed by a blood test mid-cycle. Seeing how blood tests are available for most of us (in the US) online for under 60 bucks, I don't see why anyone wouldn't want to get one. It not only can give you an idea on how good your testosterone vials are, but also if you're keeping up on your estrogen and exercising proper habits with regards to kidneys/liver.

Achy joints, sluggishness, depression, and an overall feeling of "bleh" comes from crushing your estradiol, which small doses shouldn't do. Just like losing gains from it won't happen as long as you exercise restraint in trying to down massive doses (think 1mg ED - which I doubt you'll want to do.) of the aromatase inhibitor.

PERFECT! thank you, you've been a great help. I'll update this thread with my progress. Should I have estrogen levels checked prior to commencing cycle? For now I just have T and free T - along with a full panel of course.

 

[halfwit]

PERFECT! thank you, you've been a great help. I'll update this thread with my progress. Should I have estrogen levels checked prior to commencing cycle? For now I just have T and free T - along with a full panel of course.

Definitely wouldn't hurt. Just in case something adverse happens, you would know whether or not it was a pre-existing condition or caused by the AAS.

 

[bigben66]

That makes sense. Yeah, I'm pretty much a minimalistic approach kind of guy as well. I've heard good things about those products, but I rather not have to keep track of a bunch of things on my first go. As far as results, I'm looking for really lean gains (no set number of lbs in my head), I'm not going into this like I'm going to fully transform either. My main issue is I have trouble shedding the fat off my waist, it's the VERY LAST thing my body goes for. I've managed to get a 6 pack before, but I had to drop to 165 lbs. for that to happen, so imagine - I look sick at that weight. In theory, I should be able to eat at a slight deficit, really clean, and do a butt load of cardio without wasting away in the process of getting a flat stomach. I'm tight everywhere else, with a solid base. I also couldn't believe my T levels were so low, around 370, never touched gear. Might explain why I'm a moody, cranky, unmotivated bitch these last 6 months. Hopefully I'll feel much better "on".

If you are worried about affecting muscle gains by upping your cardio.. Keep your protein levels high, drop your carb intake after 4pm and change from low-intensity CV to HIIT training...

This method worked really well for me on my last cut

Good luck mate - you've had some great advice ^^^^^^

BigBen

 

[bluehulk]

If you are worried about affecting muscle gains by upping your cardio.. Keep your protein levels high, drop your carb intake after 4pm and change from low-intensity CV to HIIT training...

This method worked really well for me on my last cut

Good luck mate - you've had some great advice ^^^^^^

BigBen

Awesome! Thanks, I will try that.

By change from low-intensity CV to HIIT you mean alternate them or do strictly HIIT? Thanks

Cheers

 

[bluehulk]

also just noticed halfwit you mentioned: "don't forget your taurine" any specific brand or form factor I should get? What's the dosage? As with the NAC as well, just follow what's on the bottle or is there a set time I should take it? Thanks again. Just filling the last few gaps before getting the party started

as for 500mg for 12 weeks, I can only get 400mg for 10 is it really crucial that I go 500? If so then I'll see what I can do about that.

 

[bluehulk]

sorry for flooding this thread, looks like clomid won't be a possibility for me... I have no idea what to do now, any insight would help, Nolva is still in the works, and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is possible, would just those 2 be OK? Everything is on stand by until I get this PCT figured out.

 

[halfwit]

also just noticed halfwit you mentioned: "don't forget your taurine" any specific brand or form factor I should get? What's the dosage? As with the NAC as well, just follow what's on the bottle or is there a set time I should take it? Thanks again. Just filling the last few gaps before getting the party started

as for 500mg for 12 weeks, I can only get 400mg for 10 is it really crucial that I go 500? If so then I'll see what I can do about that.

I'd run taurine at 6g ED and go up to 10g if you still get bad pumps. They'll feel like you have this knot in your back that you just can't get rid of and it becomes unbearable as you try your damnedest to stretch it out, but can't. Taurine will help with this as can an ibuprofen if it becomes unbearable.

NAC can be run from 800 to 1200mg ED depending on what your liver values are at. I'd go 1200 when running the anavar personally. 400mg/wk is fine, but not what I would consider optimal.

sorry for flooding this thread, looks like clomid won't be a possibility for me... I have no idea what to do now, any insight would help, Nolva is still in the works, and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is possible, would just those 2 be OK? Everything is on stand by until I get this PCT figured out.

Click on the red lion logo at the top of your screen. Your PCT problems are now gone.

 

[bluehulk]

I'd run taurine at 6g ED and go up to 10g if you still get bad pumps. They'll feel like you have this knot in your back that you just can't get rid of and it becomes unbearable as you try your damnedest to stretch it out, but can't. Taurine will help with this as can an ibuprofen if it becomes unbearable.

NAC can be run from 800 to 1200mg ED depending on what your liver values are at. I'd go 1200 when running the anavar personally. 400mg/wk is fine, but not what I would consider optimal.

Thanks, mind shooting me a PM? Seems my account doesn't have those privileges yet, tnx.