Pre-cycle body fat %- does it matter? Is lower better?

[someguyinca25]

Getting ready to run my first cycle. I'm wondering if it is better for me to go into a cycle lean or with some extra weight. Currently about 14%bf -208lbs. In december I was down to 10%bf. I keep hearing different things from different people. I feel like it might be better to start with a lower bf and then start the cylce and eat like hell but not sure. Any advice is appreciated...

 

[MeatHead96]

lower is always better but imo 14 percent is just fine

 

[zephyr_987]

from everything ive read, 15% and under is ideal or as long as your abs are slightly visible. go for it bro

 

[Down Unda Thunda]

Theres a guy in our gym thats dropped 51 kgs and has a powerful build all bar the mid section which has alot of excess skin and adipose tissue I imagine but he is cycling test p and winnie and his is building a great build dropped weight as well, I imagine he would have been 20% plus only by way of his mid section. I have trained with him and he is a deadset animal whilst lower might be better it is not the be all and end all for mine. EVERY BUILD IS UNIQUE!!

 

[BigFella]

I started testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) at about 32%, down to 26% and I haven't got serious yet. (still on cream.) should get to 14% by the time of the Fiji conference in August.

 

[rikta]

15%

 

[dsa8864667]

I started testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) at about 32%, down to 26% and I haven't got serious yet. (still on cream.) should get to 14% by the time of the Fiji conference in August.

Good job Bigfella, How long have you been on and what dose with TRT?

 

[Booger1]

14% is just fine IMHO but lower is generally considered better because aromatizing gear tends to do so more in the presence of excess fat.

 

[someguyinca25]

Thanks for all the advice! I guess I won't worry about it - seems like I am in a good range.

 

[MuscleMind]

You want to go into a cycle as lean as possible. You will feel better, look better, and can start getting used to putting on quality muscle not just quantity. The leaner you are the harder you will look. I would get into the habit of doing cardio and dieting strict before hand. The better shape your in mentally and physically, is the better shape you will be in when your on cycle. Do not forget about your PCT.

 

[mlupi319]

For me leaner is better because I don't like being over 15%bf. I don't like how I look or how I feel (sluggish). And looking/feeling good helps your mindset and performance.

Also I have read studies that myostatin (protein that hinders muscle growth) decreases at lower %bf, but off the top of my head I don't remember if myostatin stays low while you are lean or if it only decreases while you are cutting calories....something to think about

 

[I-Omega]

depends on what your goals are and how big u are. if you're 6'5" 260 and 17%.....you could still look good, but iif you're 5'10" 205 and 17% you'll look fat. just depends what your body type is and what your goals are.

 

[Useless]

The only reason people advocate cycling at lower body fat percentages is because you won't notice the results as much when you're at a higher body fat percentage.

 

[Down Unda Thunda]

The only reason people advocate cycling at lower body fat percentages is because you won't notice the results as much when you're at a higher body fat percentage.

Agree 100% see alot of monsters at the strongman comps here in Aussie they are cycling obviously but being 6ft 1-2-3-4" whatever height and starting at 150 kgs one fella was weighed in at 179 kgs a big boy indeed!! They were not shredded as most people like but these guys are functional monsters massive core strength and arms back and shoulders I wish I could get lol!! I wouldn't imagine any of the 105kg and above class has a competitor with less than 18% bf in it.