First Cycle - Test E - Can the experts critique?

[xkr_555]

Hey Men,

I'll start off first with my stats, since I think that's what you'll all be asking. I'm 30, 5'10, 170, 9-10% bf, and I've been training since high school. I naturally have a slim frame, and although I've managed to get above 170 before, I can't seem to lose the fat without losing most of my weight gains. My goal is to gain at least 10 lbs of lean muscle, and as little fat as possible. I am very strict on my diet...do it on excel and I'm always adjusting it. I know that many of you will suggest that I not make the plunge into aas yet, but since I have thought this through, would you please critique my first cycle?

Weeks 1-10 - Test E - 500mg - 2 x 250mg Monday and Thursday

Weeks 12-17 - PCT - Nolva - 20 mg ed

- If I have gyno problems I plan to use Nolva at 50 mg ed until it subsides followed by 20 mg to the end of cycle

- If I have extreme effects from the estrogen, lots of bloating, then I plan on arimidex at .25 mg e3d

After PCT I plan to take some ZMA and Tribulus to help increase endogenous testosterone production.

To the experts, I have the following questions:

1) Since I'm running a test only cycle, do I need to include liver supports like ALA or Milk Thistle?

2) Is my PCT fine or do I need to also include an AI?

3) Is Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) necessary for a test only cycle of this length? I've read that Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) can desensitize the Leydig cells? If I were to run Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) I was thinking about doing it as follows:

Weeks 4-12 - Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) 500mg/w - 2 x 250 mg

4) If I use Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) does that mean that I should also use Nolva to combat the desensitizing affect of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) on the leydig cells?

5) I don't want to get bloated, but as far as I have researched it seems to be better to avoid any ai's during a cycle unless needed since they could inhibit gains. Consequently, why do so many people suggest that everyone uses an Aromatase inhibitor (AI) automatically during a cycle? It seems to me that it's more for people who are cutting or who are worrying about looking bloated during a cycle. What are your thoughts?

6) I have heard a lot about the magical first cycle and how well the androgen receptors respond to a first cycle? Do you think this is an adequate first cycle to get the most gains?

7) I'd like to gain the least amount of bodyfat on this cycle and I would also like to keep my body in shape cardiovascularly. What would you recommend for the most cardio one should perform during a cycle without inhibiting gains? I was thinking moderate cardio, 3 x week, for 30-45 minutes.

I appreciate everyone who read my post and will appreciate anyone advice you have to offer. I did do my research, but it still seems that there are so many differing opinions on cycles, ai's, hcg, pcts, and when to use them all.

Finally, I'd like to note that I don't want to combine too many different compounds in my body if at all possible. I just want to have everything I need to be safe, without overdoing it.

Thanks

 

[biggie908]

Weeks 1-10 - Test E - 500mg - 2 x 250mg Monday and Thursday WHY NOT 12 WEEKS?

Weeks 12-17 - post cycle therapy (pct) - Nolva - 20 mg ed[/B]

- If I have gyno problems I plan to use Nolva at 50 mg ed until it subsides followed by 20 mg to the end of cycle

- If I have extreme effects from the estrogen, lots of bloating, then I plan on arimidex at .25 mg e3dSOUNDS GOOD, BUT BLOATING ISNT A BAD THING

After post cycle therapy (pct) I plan to take some ZMA and Tribulus to help increase endogenous testosterone production.

To the experts, I have the following questions:

1) Since I'm running a test only cycle, do I need to include liver supports like ALA or Milk Thistle? NO

2) Is my post cycle therapy (pct) fine or do I need to also include an AI?

3) Is HCG necessary for a test only cycle of this length? I've read that HCG can desensitize the Leydig cells? If I were to run HCG I was thinking about doing it as follows:

Weeks 4-12 - HCG 500mg/w - 2 x 250 mg

4) If I use HCG does that mean that I should also use Nolva to combat the desensitizing affect of HCG on the leydig cells?

5) I don't want to get bloated, but as far as I have researched it seems to be better to avoid any ai's during a cycle unless needed since they could inhibit gains. Consequently, why do so many people suggest that everyone uses an Aromatase inhibitor (AI) automatically during a cycle? It seems to me that it's more for people who are cutting or who are worrying about looking bloated during a cycle. What are your thoughts?

6) I have heard a lot about the magical first cycle and how well the androgen receptors respond to a first cycle? Do you think this is an adequate first cycle to get the most gains?IDK ABOUTTHIS ONE, AS IM RUNNING MY FIRST

7) I'd like to gain the least amount of bodyfat on this cycle and I would also like to keep my body in shape cardiovascularly. What would you recommend for the most cardio one should perform during a cycle without inhibiting gains? I was thinking moderate cardio, 3 x week, for 30-45 minutes. SURE POST WORKOUT

I appreciate everyone who read my post and will appreciate anyone advice you have to offer. I did do my research, but it still seems that there are so many differing opinions on cycles, ai's, hcg, post cycle therapy (pct)s, and when to use them all.

Finally, I'd like to note that I don't want to combine too many different compounds in my body if at all possible. I just want to have everything I need to be safe, without overdoing it.GOOD MOVE

 

[xkr_555]

Hey thanks for taking a look at my cycle. I was planning on doing it 10-12 weeks, but I'll be moving across the country for school this summer so I wanted to finish up the cycle before the move. That's why I opted for a a 10 weeks cycle instead of a 12 week cycle.

 

[CrunchyRoll]

Hey Men,

I'll start off first with my stats, since I think that's what you'll all be asking. I'm 30, 5'10, 170, 9-10% bf, and I've been training since high school. I naturally have a slim frame, and although I've managed to get above 170 before, I can't seem to lose the fat without losing most of my weight gains. My goal is to gain at least 10 lbs of lean muscle, and as little fat as possible. I am very strict on my diet...do it on excel and I'm always adjusting it. I know that many of you will suggest that I not make the plunge into aas yet, but since I have thought this through, would you please critique my first cycle?

Weeks 1-10 - Test E - 500mg - 2 x 250mg Monday and Thursday

Weeks 12-17 - post cycle therapy (pct) - Nolva - 20 mg ed

- If I have gyno problems I plan to use Nolva at 50 mg ed until it subsides followed by 20 mg to the end of cycle

- If I have extreme effects from the estrogen, lots of bloating, then I plan on arimidex at .25 mg e3d

After post cycle therapy (pct) I plan to take some ZMA and Tribulus to help increase endogenous testosterone production.

To the experts, I have the following questions:

1) Since I'm running a test only cycle, do I need to include liver supports like ALA or Milk Thistle?

2) Is my post cycle therapy (pct) fine or do I need to also include an AI?

3) Is Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) necessary for a test only cycle of this length? I've read that Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) can desensitize the Leydig cells? If I were to run Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) I was thinking about doing it as follows:

Weeks 4-12 - Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) 500mg/w - 2 x 250 mg

4) If I use Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) does that mean that I should also use Nolva to combat the desensitizing affect of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) on the leydig cells?

5) I don't want to get bloated, but as far as I have researched it seems to be better to avoid any ai's during a cycle unless needed since they could inhibit gains. Consequently, why do so many people suggest that everyone uses an Aromatase inhibitor (AI) automatically during a cycle? It seems to me that it's more for people who are cutting or who are worrying about looking bloated during a cycle. What are your thoughts?

6) I have heard a lot about the magical first cycle and how well the androgen receptors respond to a first cycle? Do you think this is an adequate first cycle to get the most gains?

7) I'd like to gain the least amount of bodyfat on this cycle and I would also like to keep my body in shape cardiovascularly. What would you recommend for the most cardio one should perform during a cycle without inhibiting gains? I was thinking moderate cardio, 3 x week, for 30-45 minutes.

I appreciate everyone who read my post and will appreciate anyone advice you have to offer. I did do my research, but it still seems that there are so many differing opinions on cycles, ai's, hcg, post cycle therapy (pct)s, and when to use them all.

Finally, I'd like to note that I don't want to combine too many different compounds in my body if at all possible. I just want to have everything I need to be safe, without overdoing it.

Thanks

Although its common to see Test E inject bi-weekly, there is nothing to gain except extra scar tissue by injecting twice a week. The half-life of Test E is long enough where you can inject only once a week and you don't have to be concerned with "stable levels" because Test levels always go up and down naturally. Either way is fine, just something to think about.

Should get ahold of some clomid as well for post cycle therapy (pct) 100/50/50/50

You do not need liver support products while taking only 500 mg of testosterone.

AI's are used during a cycle to help block some of the estrogen, not all, during cycle and the bad side effects that come with very high estrogen.

Whether or not you use Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is up to you, however, if you're only using it for a short period of time, and at low doses, you should not be kill a bunch of leydig cells. However, if you use Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) use an Aromatase inhibitor (AI) or risk getting gyno.

There is not really a point to doing cardio on cycle if you are trying to cut fat. If you want to minimize fat gain, just eat slightly over maintenance instead.

 

[StoneColdNTO]

Although its common to see Test E inject bi-weekly, there is nothing to gain except extra scar tissue by injecting twice a week. The half-life of Test E is long enough where you can inject only once a week and you don't have to be concerned with "stable levels" because Test levels always go up and down naturally. Either way is fine, just something to think about.

Really..?????....LOL

Considering the half life is 5-6 days, injecting once a week will leave your blood hormone levels looking like a rollercoaster and that will lead to increased negative side effects.

 

[RJ]

There is not really a point to doing cardio on cycle if you are trying to cut fat. If you want to minimize fat gain, just eat slightly over maintenance instead.

No shit Stone. I'd also like to know where the hell he came up with this nugget of information.

Since when is cardio a bad thing when trying to cut fat?

And your saying to keep fat at a minimum... you eat more?

 

[AnabolicLove]

Hey thanks for taking a look at my cycle. I was planning on doing it 10-12 weeks, but I'll be moving across the country for school this summer so I wanted to finish up the cycle before the move. That's why I opted for a a 10 weeks cycle instead of a 12 week cycle.

Hey xkr, I am on my first cycle as well and it is almost the exact same as yours. I'm also running 500mg Test E a week at 250mg x 2. I'm using nolva and clomid for my pct.

I was wondering if you'd mind being "friends" on this website, so that we can share information and results that we both have made?

My stats are slightly different, so I'm interested to see how similar our gains are. I'm 24yo, 6'7" tall and 220lbs. Not sure on BF%, although I know it's quite low.

How far are you into your cycle bud? I'm at the 4 week mark right now.

 

[CrunchyRoll]

Really..?????....LOL

Considering the half life is 5-6 days, injecting once a week will leave your blood hormone levels looking like a rollercoaster and that will lead to increased negative side effects.

Its very common to inject Eth once a week. When people do hormone replacement, they inject once a week, or less, and it works for them.

No shit Stone. I'd also like to know where the hell he came up with this nugget of information.

Since when is cardio a bad thing when trying to cut fat?

And your saying to keep fat at a minimum... you eat more?

He isn't trying to lose fat, he is trying to minimize fat gain. So just eat slightly over maintenance to gain muscle and minimize fat gain. Makes more sense to me than eating way above maintenance, and then doing 1 hour of cardio.

 

[StoneColdNTO]

Its very common to inject Eth once a week. When people do hormone replacement, they inject once a week, or less, and it works for them.

Just so you are aware.....there's a BIG difference between HRT and running an actual cycle.

Regardless, you are still WAY better off injecting enanthate more frequently than once a week.

 

[xkr_555]

Thanks for all your replies. I definitely plan to take the test e at 250mg twice a week. I will also rely more on my calorie intake and diet to reduce any fat gain rather than relying on cardio.

AnabolicLove...I haven't strated my cycle as I am currently in the midst of my busy season, but I plan to begin in the middle of April. I will let you know of my progress.

StoneColdNTO, would you recommend clomid and nolvadex together as a PCT?

 

[scotimusprime]

some doctors prescribe a shot of enth every 2-3 weeks for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). doesnt mean its correct or optimal

 

[RJ]

He isn't trying to lose fat, he is trying to minimize fat gain. So just eat slightly over maintenance to gain muscle and minimize fat gain. Makes more sense to me than eating way above maintenance, and then doing 1 hour of cardio.

even if that was the case, you're still wrong. cardio in small amounts does alot more than drop BF%. Especially if your gaining alot of BW in a short amount of time. Goota keep the ticker in good shape.

second, i would never suggest an hour of cardio, and neither did he. IMO, he's actually dead on. 3 times a week low intensity at 30-40 mins will be fine. And to gain muscle on a cycle, you gotta eat more than a 'tad over maintenance'. If he eats clean, he can minimize fat gain and add quality muscle, but it takes calories.

 

[CrunchyRoll]

even if that was the case, you're still wrong. cardio in small amounts does alot more than drop BF%. Especially if your gaining alot of BW in a short amount of time. Goota keep the ticker in good shape.

second, i would never suggest an hour of cardio, and neither did he. IMO, he's actually dead on. 3 times a week low intensity at 30-40 mins will be fine. And to gain muscle on a cycle, you gotta eat more than a 'tad over maintenance'. If he eats clean, he can minimize fat gain and add quality muscle, but it takes calories.

You're just arguing for the sake of arguing. Semantics and shit.

Come at me bro

 

[Liftbig11]

Come at me bro? Now we have an internet tough guy?? Dude you have 3 post and you come in here talking like your some big shit? Your take on cardio is sub par and you really need to do some research before you let other people in on your half ass assessments. Rj is speaking from exp and not claiming its dead in stone. For some reason you are one of those types of people we have been talking about. You claim your word is set in stone and dead truth. Dude back up or get out no one needs your shit here.

 

[speed3]

well, if that's RJ in the picture, I think his advice there is pretty solid lmao. Seriously, why are so many people right of the bat trying to start talking shit like a keyboard warrior...... Quick way for Stone Cold to ban your ass!! He has been on a role, and we have no need for this bullshit. Yep, I'm new on here too, and i'm pretty humble and don't start threatening to beat up admins and people who have been here for a while and know there shit...... Listen up, you might learn something......