Training on AAS

[BrothaB]

I haven’t ran a cycle in almost 15 years. I’ve got my gear/AIs/HCG/PCT, done my bloodwork (everything is solid), diet is straight, have about 7 years of lifting under my belt and have really honed in on execution. Been squeezing the shit out of the muscles and it’s been moving in the right direction. Now it’s time to grow.

I’ve ran several programs and feel strong about my own current programming. I currently hit each muscle group twice per week (some 3x) and with how many sets that accumulates I can mostly recover without any gear. However, I am growing, SLOWLY, but it isn’t as speedy as I’d like hence the gear.

My question is, should I train any different once I’m on my cycle? Or just keep the course and the gear just does it’s thing with the same volume, (although of course progressive overload still a focus)? For example, I normally hit around 16 sets a week per muscle group (split up into 2-3 days) as I can recover within enough time to hit them when they are next scheduled.

My goal is to increase my size in my lower body so I want to just crush my quads, hamstrings and calves but I don’t want to naively overdo it because I’m so eager. I don’t entirely look like I’ve skipped leg day but it took me much longer to figure out my mind muscle connection to those muscles than it did my upper body. Really want to bring up those imbalances.

My cycle will be 12 weeks of Test E 600mg with AIs, HCG and PCT used appropriately.

I’m 34, 5’8”, ~150lbs and conservatively 12% bf for what any of that is worth.

I’d appreciate any advice. Thanks.

 

[Roc]

Train what works for you, only you know how u respond to things, gotta build it up first then worry about cutting it down, can’t do both at once or you won’t gain much. Diet is how you grow so if your looking for dense weight, you need to eat red meat, ditch the fish and the chicken diet. Red meat puts the size on

 

[01dragonslayer]

I’ve been increasing my loads but only to the point that I can still do the exercises with fairly good form and slowly in both directions. I try to make the weight hurt.

I know that I could do more by sacrificing some form or doing the sets faster (which I do make some sacrifice here and there to progress) but in general I’m making a concerted effort to avoid injury.

But generally speaking I agree with Roc. You have to find what routine will work best for you. Start with what you know and go from there. It may take some time so be patient. Just remember to train hard and stay disciplined to both your diet and training. I wish the best in your new journey.

 

[BrothaB]

Definitely Roc. I’ve spun my wheels trying to do both for long enough.

And I hear you on the personal response to training. I will keep on keepin on then. After all this time, I’ve finally been able to figure out the exercise selections that physiologically work for me and the rep ranges I enjoy/see progress in. My question was volume related but reading what I wrote, I didn’t ask that clearly. My bad on that.

Appreciate the advice.

 

[BrothaB]

Dragonslayer, I couldn’t have said your first two points any better. Speaks exactly to my style. Once I slowed down, engaged the target muscle first and controlled the positive and negative, injuries are less frequent by far, my pumps have been fantastic and my sense of accomplishment is higher leaving the gym.

I remember a few years ago my bench form screwed up my shoulder so badly that while on a beach trip, tried throwing a football with the brother in law and it was so painful I couldn’t do it worth a damn. No point in looking “good” but functionally unable to do anything.

Definitely will stay the course, stay patient and will tweak when necessary. Appreciate the advice and the wishes!

 

[01dragonslayer]

Dragonslayer, I couldn’t have said your first two points any better. Speaks exactly to my style. Once I slowed down, engaged the target muscle first and controlled the positive and negative, injuries are less frequent by far, my pumps have been fantastic and my sense of accomplishment is higher leaving the gym.

I remember a few years ago my bench form screwed up my shoulder so badly that while on a beach trip, tried throwing a football with the brother in law and it was so painful I couldn’t do it worth a damn. No point in looking “good” but functionally unable to do anything.

Definitely will stay the course, stay patient and will tweak when necessary. Appreciate the advice and the wishes!

Unfortunately with AS as you become stronger and are able to increase loads hormones does nothing for ligaments and tendons. They will only support so much so form and controlled movements are a must.

 

[BrothaB]

Unfortunately with AS as you become stronger and are able to increase loads hormones does nothing for ligaments and tendons. They will only support so much so form and controlled movements are a must.

Exactly the type of advice someone like myself who is overeager to train needs to hear.

Does stuff like GH doing anything for them though? Not nearly up to speed with research on that as I am AS.

 

[01dragonslayer]

Exactly the type of advice someone like myself who is overeager to train needs to hear.

Does stuff like GH doing anything for them though? Not nearly up to speed with research on that as I am AS.

Thats a great question. You may want to direct that at Hevihead, Roc, Nutpuncher, RamboStallone,....someone who knows a little more than me about GH.

 

[xxplosive]

Use heavier weights, train to failure and up your protein intake.

Gear Use = Higher Protein Synthesis.

Yes, there is a damn near direct correlation between strength and muscle size when it comes to training.

Strength Increase = Lean Muscle Increase

IMO, if you're not trying to lift more, heavier weights each workout and eating 100g more protein per day than you would, you won't come close to making the most of it.

 

[01dragonslayer]

Use heavier weights, train to failure and up your protein intake.

Gear Use = Higher Protein Synthesis.

Yes, there is a damn near direct correlation between strength and muscle size when it comes to training.

Strength Increase = Lean Muscle Increase

IMO, if you're not trying to lift more, heavier weights each workout and eating 100g more protein per day than you would, you won't come close to making the most of it.

Essentially wasting.....right down the......

View attachment 9318

 

[BrothaB]

Use heavier weights, train to failure and up your protein intake.

Gear Use = Higher Protein Synthesis.

Yes, there is a damn near direct correlation between strength and muscle size when it comes to training.

Strength Increase = Lean Muscle Increase

IMO, if you're not trying to lift more, heavier weights each workout and eating 100g more protein per day than you would, you won't come close to making the most of it.

Exactly what I’ll be doing. I’m about to run Jeff Nippard’s Legs, Push, Pull program which is power bodybuilding. Meaning focus on increasing all the compound lifts followed by relative isolation exercises for each muscle group for hypertrophy. Essentially what I have been doing but with a periodization structure built it.

If I feel that it isn’t enough volume given the gear, will regroup and amend the plan.

Appreciate the advice xxplosive.

 

[BrothaB]

Essentially wasting.....right down the......

View attachment 9318

Haha I’m gonna have to steal that gif!

 

[OHBRUTUSIO]

Youre taking a decent mild approach and I think you will be fine. Test isnt gonna jam your strength through the roof. It may however give you "roid muscles" where u start slamming heavy shit cause your brain is in the clouds and you feel like you gotta go heavy or go home. For me, it all boils down to time under tension. I can get a crazy good pump out of some pretty light weights. This also allows me to slow down and bit and be able to visualize the muscle that I am working. Since training like this, I have noted the best changes to my physique. My hardest issue on cycle is eating enough so I have to do a lot of shakes just to get it down. I shoot for 2g of protein per lb and carb cycle but in my own weird way. I also have no carbs for the majority of the day until before and then directly following my workout. Some dudes would lose their minds hearing that. Thats the thing.....It works for me. You gotta find what works for you. Just watch that your b/f doesnt start jacking up. Im not a true believer in the bulk/cut type yearly run. I prefer to look good year round and only slightly elevate cals in the winter. Im in it for a marathon not a sprint and have no desire to ever compete so thats my approach.
Keep up the hard work man!


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[ketsugo]

Youre taking a decent mild approach and I think you will be fine. Test isnt gonna jam your strength through the roof. It may however give you "roid muscles" where u start slamming heavy shit cause your brain is in the clouds and you feel like you gotta go heavy or go home. For me, it all boils down to time under tension. I can get a crazy good pump out of some pretty light weights. This also allows me to slow down and bit and be able to visualize the muscle that I am working. Since training like this, I have noted the best changes to my physique. My hardest issue on cycle is eating enough so I have to do a lot of shakes just to get it down. I shoot for 2g of protein per lb and carb cycle but in my own weird way. I also have no carbs for the majority of the day until before and then directly following my workout. Some dudes would lose their minds hearing that. Thats the thing.....It works for me. You gotta find what works for you. Just watch that your b/f doesnt start jacking up. Im not a true believer in the bulk/cut type yearly run. I prefer to look good year round and only slightly elevate cals in the winter. Im in it for a marathon not a sprint and have no desire to ever compete so thats my approach.
Keep up the hard work man!


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Great post bro !

 

[BrothaB]

Youre taking a decent mild approach and I think you will be fine. Test isnt gonna jam your strength through the roof. It may however give you "roid muscles" where u start slamming heavy shit cause your brain is in the clouds and you feel like you gotta go heavy or go home. For me, it all boils down to time under tension. I can get a crazy good pump out of some pretty light weights. This also allows me to slow down and bit and be able to visualize the muscle that I am working. Since training like this, I have noted the best changes to my physique. My hardest issue on cycle is eating enough so I have to do a lot of shakes just to get it down. I shoot for 2g of protein per lb and carb cycle but in my own weird way. I also have no carbs for the majority of the day until before and then directly following my workout. Some dudes would lose their minds hearing that. Thats the thing.....It works for me. You gotta find what works for you. Just watch that your b/f doesnt start jacking up. Im not a true believer in the bulk/cut type yearly run. I prefer to look good year round and only slightly elevate cals in the winter. Im in it for a marathon not a sprint and have no desire to ever compete so thats my approach.
Keep up the hard work man!


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Absolutely agree with ketsugo, excellent post. It was exactly the type of reply I was looking for so thank you! It had been so long since I had cycled I didn’t want to mislead myself with any unrealistic expectations.

I’m currently on day 33 and the test is in full effect. I feel great. I’m fuller, my pumps are great, recovery is better than before, put on a mixed bag of muscle and fat so far (thanks holidays! Haha) and my strength has increased but not dramatically like you mentioned. I’ve been running that legs push pull routine for 3 full weeks today. I’ve certainly felt times where I could have ego lifted and really increased the weight but that doesn’t always favor my goal. Hypertrophy in my legs and filling out asymmetrical areas is the goal. I’m with you on the TUT concept. I’m the type that really needs to feel it in the area I’m intending or I’m let down with the workout. That’s just me. Over the last couple years, Ive really dialed into the mind-muscle connection, especially in those areas, and have seen improvements everywhere. Wish I would have figured that out so long ago 🤦*♂️.

I have a hard time getting in calories too as I prefer a lean look as well so I have indulged a bit in what I wouldn’t normally. Since I know how to and have properly cut, I’m keeping my bf on the higher end of what I consider an acceptable range is the plan for the remaining 6 weeks.

Really appreciate the advice and encouragement!!

 

[Argon Coagulator]

Sounds good man. Keep it up!

 

[ketsugo]

Exactly the type of advice someone like myself who is overeager to train needs to hear.

Does stuff like GH doing anything for them though? Not nearly up to speed with research on that as I am AS.

Hgh don’t show drastic quick anything, but added to cycle it’s like a steroid cycle on turbo . There synergy between Test GH and if freaky size insulin. Bodybuilding of today if you compare to 70s are freaky huge , contrary to what many think it’s not actually the gh it’s insulin combined . Insulin most anabolic compound period , but simple protocol vital or dangerous. You will over time lose fat without trying . On diet even better .

 

[BobbySweeney]

Use heavier weights, train to failure and up your protein intake.

Gear Use = Higher Protein Synthesis.

Yes, there is a damn near direct correlation between strength and muscle size when it comes to training.

Strength Increase = Lean Muscle Increase

IMO, if you're not trying to lift more, heavier weights each workout and eating 100g more protein per day than you would, you won't come close to making the most of it.

I mostly agree with this, and there are a lot of experienced lifters in this thread, but I want to offer a slightly different opinion.


You shouldn't take it easy or take a balanced moderate approach; you should train with as much weight as you can, to failure, with high volume four days a week. You should keep doing that to the point you're exhausted for about 5 weeks. At week 5, or maybe earlier, you should notice a change: you aren't tired anymore. Your endurance/body has adapted and you feel more like an athlete with a lean and muscular physique. The first five weeks will be nothing but discipline and habit; you won't want to go to the gym and your body will tell you not to. Keep feeding it red meat and Chinese takeout; doing a TKD throughout.
If you're on AAS and under 40 you should be training balls to the wall constantly if your schedule allows. Even with a wife, kid, and full time job you should be able to get in 4 hours a week in the gym.

 

[Blacktail]

I just hit 48 years old and I have been trying out a new approach for a month or so. Using about 60% of max for all my lifts. Higher reps done slowly and with perfect form. Let me tell,you this hurts like hell! So far I'm liking it, will keep it up for a few more weeks then change it up again.

 

[MotorCityMuscleMachine]

I just hit 48 years old and I have been trying out a new approach for a month or so. Using about 60% of max for all my lifts. Higher reps done slowly and with perfect form. Let me tell,you this hurts like hell! So far I'm liking it, will keep it up for a few more weeks then change it up again.

Nice...! , ,& So is that AVI , Lol...!

Damn..., I'd spank that butt