need some reassureance on training / diet

[MusclesMarinara]

I have some questions and looking for insight to make sure I'm going about things the right way:

I'm currently on my first cycle of test only (300mg/ ml (blended as 200mg cyp, 100mg prop)) taking this 2x weekly. My 4th shot is tomorrow. Taking .2ml Stane every day (5mg/day)

About me: 25yrs old, 6'1" 250lbs, ~28% BF, training for about 8 years (high intensity last 3 years)

I want to make sure that my diet and training are on point to help me reach my goal (essentially make the most muscle gain for my first cycle - not so concerned with strength or numbers). I've seen some varying feedback on how I should train and I'm looking for clarification. I'll post diet and training regimen shortly with questions

 

[MusclesMarinara]

An example of my diet (today for instance)
6:30 AM- Banana, Baked chicken breast w/ shake n bake (~8oz), Protein shake (1 cup oats, 6oz 1% milk, 4 liquid egg whites, 1 scoop nitro-peak protein powder, 2 tsp Naturally More PB)
9:30 AM- 3 whole eggs, 1 strip bacon, a couple forks of hash browns

11:30 AM- 3 chicken breasts (~4oz each, lightly breaded and baked w/ marinara and mozzarella), broccoli, small side of pasta and sauce

4:30 PM: - Baked chicken breast (8oz same as breakfast), protein shake (1 scoop whey , 1 cup oats, water), banana

6:30 PM - Protein shake (during workout, 1/2 cup oats, 2 scoop whey, water)

8:30 PM - 8 oz chicken breast, protein shake (same as the one made for 6:30AM)

I'm unsure of the total but I'd like to get at least 300 grams of protein per day.

Do you think this is satisfactory for total cal, total protein, total carb, total fat if this represents a typical day?

If I don't eat chicken i'll usually eat lean sirloin (maybe 25% less in quantity)

 

[MusclesMarinara]

Typically I'll work out 5-6 days per week for 2-3hrs per day. I'll do 6-7 sets per exercise (pyramid up then down, hitting the top of the pyramid for 2-3 sets at 3-5 reps each, going to failure each time). I usually get a good pump and try to maintain it for as long as possible. My split is usually, 1) chest 2) back 3) rest 4) arms 5) legs and shoulders 6) rest 7) chest and repeat
Essentially I go 2 days on 1 day off. I struggle with the concept of less time in the gym is more valuable but want to make the most of this cycle. With consideration to my diet above (which I may have a cheat meal on every 3 days or so) and my typical training method, what recommendations can you make for improvement in either area? How many days / week should I be lifting and how much time on each day ( I realize this is different for everyone)? What should my split look like? Today I tried to bang out chest in an hour and while I got a pump, I didnt' feel like I killed it. I targeted about 5 reps for 5 sets (all heavy) per exercise but would have liked to rep stuff out more on the downward side of the pyramid. I got done after about 1 hr and 15 min. Thanks in advance for any input...I've been learning a lot on this forum.

 

[MusclesMarinara]

probably not pertinent to this conversation but my libido isn't the greatest at this time...but I'm dealing

 

[ScottX2]

probably not pertinent to this conversation but my libido isn't the greatest at this time...but I'm dealing

Your libido is slacking with taking that much test ?

Scares me as I just started my first with 200mg cyp 1cc a week.

I dont know much about the numbers was just advised by close friend to go with this.

And sorry if this derailed your thread

 

[MusclesMarinara]

scottx2 - I think it's the Aromatase inhibitor (AI) I'm taking even though I'm not taking much at all. The lower / no estrogen actually has a pretty big impact on libido. Back to it.

 

[numba1scrapper]

imo your training frequency and diet just dont match your stats bro, eating lean meat like chicken and working out 6 days a week and your almost 30% bf???????? I think your way too high in bf to be cycling even such a low dose unless your a powerlifter.

 

[MusclesMarinara]

I hear what you're saying..but my diet before was essentially just high cal, high protein, high fat, high cholest with absurd portions and lots of fast food. So I realize that what I ate today is not a reflection of my current stats which was a result of putting my body through shit for years and years. Furthermore that BF% was taken electronically -so far from accurate. The reason for all of the time in the gym in the past was to burn calories. I was at one point 270 and then got down to 245 by cutting out fast food and keeping the same training schedule. Beyond the fat loss, it was really frustrating to put in that time and not see the results I had expected. I realize that I was only focused on 1 of the 3 factors (lifting only instead of diet and rest as well). That frustration wore on me enough to take the plunge with gear and I'm trying to do it right and continue on that path. I feel like I have the discipline at this point to do things the right way just would like more guidance. Finally, I'm not a powerlifter.

 

[numba1scrapper]

how long have you been eating like your eating and training like you have been training for?

 

[MusclesMarinara]

training 8 yrs (training like I'm training now 3 yrs)...
eating clean or lean 3 weeks. I don't expect it to work overnight..I understand this. I guess my frustration stemmed from not making the gains in muscle mass as I expected (even my previous diet should have supported gains in muscle mass).

 

[numba1scrapper]

Ok, I did not understand you have only been eating healthy for only 3 weeks, I say your doing fine, a little underfed but imo thats ok becuase your trying to cut not bulk. Im not 3j diet specialist but I think if you stay eating like your eating and workout the 5-6 days you say your working out you will have no problem cutting the bodyfat and gaining lean muscle mass.

 

[MusclesMarinara]

I've read some of the stuff 3J has said and that dude impresses me when it comes to nutrition. This may come across as a foolish giving my past history but I'm trying to bulk to take advantage of my first cycle. Do you think that I'll lean out anyway? With that said should I reduce the frequency of lifting and maintain the heavy weight and intensity or maintain the 5-6 day schedule? Should I also keep the same split or consolidate some of my days (chest and triceps day for instance)?
Any other input is appreciated.

 

[numba1scrapper]

I've read some of the stuff 3J has said and that dude impresses me when it comes to nutrition. This may come across as a foolish giving my past history but I'm trying to bulk to take advantage of my first cycle. Do you think that I'll lean out anyway? With that said should I reduce the frequency of lifting and maintain the heavy weight and intensity or maintain the 5-6 day schedule? Should I also keep the same split or consolidate some of my days (chest and triceps day for instance)?
Any other input is appreciated.

imo you shouldnt have started a cycle with such high bf but i guess thats just me.. If i was you, i would forget the thought of even bulking. I personally would lighten the weight and hit 12-15 reps of each exercise. YOU WILL LOOK BETTER AND LOOSE BODYFAT. You will look as IF you were bulking becuase the fat will dissapear and muscle definition will appear. I would def add some cardio 3-5 times a week at the end of your workout, I like ellipticle as it not only melts the bodyfat but works your quads great too.

 

[MusclesMarinara]

anyone else?