First cycle log - testosterone only

[n0limits]

Hey guys,

First, a few things...

STATS: 5'7", 22 years old, 175 lbs, between 13-16% body fat
GOAL: 195 lbs, 16ish% body fat
CYCLE: 250mg Test E, twice per week (Mondays and Thursdays) = 500mg per week for 10 weeks. (changed to 12 weeks)

**I do not need a PCT as I am on HRT and will go back to my regular dose, but I will be taking Aromasin 12.5mg ED (or more) next week to deal with sides. **

So far I don't feel anything except some pain in my ass from the shots, haha. I'm assuming that's the dreaded PIP everyone talks about. I never get that with my pharma test, so I was wondering if it has to do with the quality of the gear or something? I read that it's more or less not a big deal for various reasons, but I'd be interested to hear some feedback from someone with experience. I have noticed some extra energy, but I think that may be a placebo effect as I'm only 4 days in. I will update back next week if there are any changes to report!

 

[Austinite]

Hey there,

You should really get your body fat tested properly. 13 to 16 is a massive range and seems like a guesstimate. It looks as if your goal is 20 lean pounds. Nothing wrong with shooting for the moon, just make sure you are somewhat realistic with your goal.

 

[n0limits]

I've had it checked at the gym (16%) and at home on my scale (13%) so I like to just go by the mirror. If I start to notice I'm packing on too much weight too fast I'll cut back calories or add in some cardio after my lifting.

Yeah 20 lbs lean weight would be awesome, but I meant 20 lbs altogether. So, fat and water included. If I could gain 10 lbs lean muscle I would be stoked.

Any ideas about the PIP or is that normal and unavoidable?

 

[Austinite]

Good expectations.

I don't like the term PIP, it's more like light discomfort but that can be avoided by keeping a steady hand and injecting slowly.

 

[Mad- scientist]

I would personally do a 12 week blast in stead of a ten week one. It seems to me that 3 months is about the range where the gains start to slow down. I feel like at the 7 week point I really start to see actual muscle that has been added on to my frame. Honestly you can notice the muscle building up before hand. But I feel like at the 7 Week point it is really obvious that you have gained a lot of muscle. A ten week cycle of test E would still give results. I just personally feel like a 12 week cycle is a little better.

I felt like at the Ten week point in my cycles I had gained the majority of actual muscle that I was going to gain from the cycle. But the extra two weeks gave me a little more time to work on area's that I might have neglected. And also let me shape my muscles the way I wanted them to look. I just gained so much weight so quick I felt like it almost changed the look of my muscles. And it took some time to balance my physique back out. You would be fine with 10 or 12 weeks I just prefer 12 weeks.

 

[MustangDX]

^^^ I agree, do at least a 12 week BLAST...

 

[CanAmBrah]

In on log. Go 12 weeks and good luck!

 

[n0limits]

Thanks for the reply man. I have enough to run 12 weeks, so I'll think about doing that instead. I read a lot that 10 weeks was the "best" time frame for a first cycle, that's why I chose it. How soon should I start noticing any changes? Week 4?

 

[CanAmBrah]

Hmmmm... Almost everyone recommends 12 weeks on a long ester.
Honestly, I think you'll feel changes in the gym at 4 weeks more than you'll see them. That's why those extra two weeks are helpful, give those long esters a couple months to work.

Saying that, diet is everything. Feed them new gainzzzz!

 

[DaBlob]

Hey my friend im mote than interested in how this goes for you.. comparably our stats are similar, and I have been thinking of trying a cycle myself... so yeah post on progress

 

[Mad- scientist]

Real physical gains in terms of muscle that is going to change the way you look for me takes about 7 weeks. I see weight gain in the first 3 weeks usually. And my libido will raise in the first 2 to 3 weeks. But the real size actually kicks in around week 6 through 7. A lot of people respond differently though. But every time I use Test E that is when I have no doubt in my mind that it is fully kicking in.

 

[n0limits]

I will extend it to 12 weeks then. Seems unanimous that 12 weeks > 10 weeks.

Diet is good. I'm aiming to eat ~3,000 calories a day (sometimes a little more). I track everything on my fitness pal just to make it easier for myself.

Protein is around 200-220g, carbs are 275-375g (if it's an off day, then I will taper down and eat more fats) and fat is around 70-100g every day. I usually eat very clean. So far mostly chicken breasts, quinoa, and broccoli 3 times a day. Then I'll have 2 shakes (one Post workout, and one before bed) or I will have pizza or something to make up the extra calories.

I checked the scale this morning and I have already gained 2 lbs. I'm up to 177 today! I can't really tell where the weight has gone because I don't look noticeably bloated yet. My gf says my neck looks thicker and my shoulders look to be wider.

I had my 3rd shot today and so far no PIP!

 

[n0limits]

7 weeks? So it slowly accumulates over the course of 7 weeks, or you find you more or less blow up out of no where? Sorry if that's a stupid question.

I found when I started HRT that I gained strength before I gained muscle, but it has obviously taken a long time (about 2 years) to get to where I am now. I feel like I have a decent physique but anyone could attain it naturally.

 

[DaBlob]

Hey man im subscribed to this thread im interested in play by play please keep posting like your doing.. how your eating, sleeping, training, feeling.. lol inquiring minds

 

[Black Beard]

If you want, put up a picture of your mid-section. we can give you a guesstimate and you can average that out with your other measurements. 13-16 is pretty drastic difference. We can tell you more or less which is the more accurate number. Some people who think they are 15% are actually more like 20%. Especially on the internet.

 

[n0limits]

I will try to add more then if it helps.

Today I hit a new PR! I got 10 easy reps doing flat DB press using the 85's. Before today I had only been able to get 7 reps (to failure) and that is only IF I did flat DB press as my first exercise. Today it was my second exercise. So that's a big improvement! I would like to start moving some big boy weight. Hopefully the cycle will help with that haha

Current PRs I would like to break:
Flat BB Press: 225lbs x6
Incline BB Press: 185lbs x6
OHP: 135lbs x8
BB Back Squat: 295lbs x2
BB Front Squat: 225lbs x2
Deadlift: 350lbs x1 (although I haven't attempted for a few months)
Yates Row: 225lbs x8
Rack Pull: 405lbs x2

I follow a Push, Legs, Pull, rest and repeat cycle. I try to hit a compound movement at the beginning of every training session and then I'll pick 5-6 corresponding exercises. As an example, today I did: Rotator cuff warm-up, OHP (5 sets), Flat DB press (4 sets), Dips (4 sets), Cable Cross-overs (4 sets), Skull-crushers (4 sets), Rope Push-downs (4 sets), and Lateral Raises to finish (2 big drop sets)

 

[n0limits]

That's a good idea, I'll attempt to figure out how to post pictures. I wanted to post before and after pictures anyway.

 

[n0limits]

Woke up this morning with raging wood. Never have an issue getting it up, but I have had a low-sex drive up until now, so this is an awesome feeling! With regards to my HRT dose (100mg/week) is that on the lower end of the spectrum? Anyone know?

I have gained more weight as of today. I'm now 178.6 lbs. I don't seem to be bloated at all. I've gained a total of 3.6 lbs only 3 pins in, so I'm wondering if that is normal or if I should decrease calories a bit or add in some cardio? I'm not too concerned with gaining fat, but that is a huge jump right off the bat!

 

[DaBlob]

Perhaps a little water retention? Keep in mind I only have anectdotal experience never used a cycle myself, but it sounds kinda par for course. As far as HRT goes thay are just trying to keep your levels normal so depending on your need 100 wouldnt be strange.

 

[DaBlob]

Hey anyone know why I cant PM n0limits?