Opinions/suggestions/thoughts on first potential cycle

[titan24]

Hey everyone! As the title suggests, I'm considering going on a cycle. I've seen multiple threads and forums on this site and others, but have gotten a lot of mixed results. I've also asked people from my gym who have been open about their steroid use as well. I originally considered hopping on an 8 week test only cycle, but was told that's a wasted cycle. I saw another suggestion where I should kickstart a cycle on TBOL and end it with Anavar, but I feel like an entire cycle of orals would put my body at a lot more risk. After reviewing a lot of threads I've come up with an idea of a cycle but would definitely love some insight and input. Before I jump in to the cycle, I'll provide my stats and experience.

I'm currently 5'11 and 185 lbs. I managed to bulk up to 207, but got in an accident which resulted in rupturing a few discs in my spine. My sciatic nerve got messed up and there were moments where I'd wake up and not be able to move my legs. I was on bed rest for a while and sidelined for months. When I finished physical therapy and got cleared to go back into the gym, I weighed in at 173 lbs. It took me a while to find a new program and which exercises I could do, and which I had to avoid in order to not put my back in an uncomfortable or painful position. After a lot of experimenting, I finally found a program that worked for me and have been consistent with it!

I worked out about 10 years before the injury, however, a lot of those years I was also doing MMA so had to stay within a weight range and did a lot more cuts during that time, I weighed between 140 and 155. The last 3 years, I stopped MMA and just focused on weight gain and weight training after getting a job as a CO in a jail. I've been sitting at 185 now and just sitting at maintenance. I've done a couple SARM cycles in the past but thinking about hopping on the real stuff now. If any advice or input, that would be greatly appreciated!

Thinking a 12 week test cycle with weeks 8-12 on Anavar. The goal is to gain some weight without gaining a significant amount of fat. For this I've considered the first 6 weeks eating at a 500-700 surplus and the last 6 weeks eating at maintenance or a slight deficit.



Week 1-4 test 350mg
Week 4-12 test 400mg
Week 8-12 Anavar 40mg
Week 1-12 Aromasin (as needed)

PCT
Chlomid 50/50/25/25
Nolva 40/40/20/20/20
Considering adding Ostarine and Cardarine during the PCT in order to keep most gains during the cycle and also avoid weight gain (fat)

If any ideas, suggestions, input, feedback, please feel free to let me know as well as what adjustments should be implemented. Thank you guys so much! Have a great day.

 

[sparky100]

One of the objectives of your first cycle is to see how your body reacts to the testosterone. Learn how to manage your E2. I would suggest test only. 12 weeks. Save the anavar for a later cycle. Run 400mg the entire time. No need to start at 350 then up to 400.

Can't comment on PCT, as I blast and cruise.

Run a 300-500 calorie surplus the entire time. You're trying to put on mass, don't eat in a deficit.

 

[Fletcher]

Hey everyone! As the title suggests, I'm considering going on a cycle. I've seen multiple threads and forums on this site and others, but have gotten a lot of mixed results. I've also asked people from my gym who have been open about their steroid use as well. I originally considered hopping on an 8 week test only cycle, but was told that's a wasted cycle. I saw another suggestion where I should kickstart a cycle on TBOL and end it with Anavar, but I feel like an entire cycle of orals would put my body at a lot more risk. After reviewing a lot of threads I've come up with an idea of a cycle but would definitely love some insight and input. Before I jump in to the cycle, I'll provide my stats and experience.

I'm currently 5'11 and 185 lbs. I managed to bulk up to 207, but got in an accident which resulted in rupturing a few discs in my spine. My sciatic nerve got messed up and there were moments where I'd wake up and not be able to move my legs. I was on bed rest for a while and sidelined for months. When I finished physical therapy and got cleared to go back into the gym, I weighed in at 173 lbs. It took me a while to find a new program and which exercises I could do, and which I had to avoid in order to not put my back in an uncomfortable or painful position. After a lot of experimenting, I finally found a program that worked for me and have been consistent with it!

I worked out about 10 years before the injury, however, a lot of those years I was also doing MMA so had to stay within a weight range and did a lot more cuts during that time, I weighed between 140 and 155. The last 3 years, I stopped MMA and just focused on weight gain and weight training after getting a job as a CO in a jail. I've been sitting at 185 now and just sitting at maintenance. I've done a couple SARM cycles in the past but thinking about hopping on the real stuff now. If any advice or input, that would be greatly appreciated!

Thinking a 12 week test cycle with weeks 8-12 on Anavar. The goal is to gain some weight without gaining a significant amount of fat. For this I've considered the first 6 weeks eating at a 500-700 surplus and the last 6 weeks eating at maintenance or a slight deficit.



Week 1-4 test 350mg
Week 4-12 test 400mg
Week 8-12 Anavar 40mg
Week 1-12 Aromasin (as needed)

PCT
Chlomid 50/50/25/25
Nolva 40/40/20/20/20
Considering adding Ostarine and Cardarine during the PCT in order to keep most gains during the cycle and also avoid weight gain (fat)

If any ideas, suggestions, input, feedback, please feel free to let me know as well as what adjustments should be implemented. Thank you guys so much! Have a great day.

Age?

 

[titan24]

Age?

My bad, 29 years old

 

[titan24]

One of the objectives of your first cycle is to see how your body reacts to the testosterone. Learn how to manage your E2. I would suggest test only. 12 weeks. Save the anavar for a later cycle. Run 400mg the entire time. No need to start at 350 then up to 400.

Can't comment on PCT, as I blast and cruise.

Run a 300-500 calorie surplus the entire time. You're trying to put on mass, don't eat in a deficit.

Thank you for the insight. Would running in a surplus the entire time still give me the defined and shredded physique at the end of the cycle? Since rupturing my disc, ab/core work hasn't been done. I can't do the same exercises that I was able to do before the injury as my physical Therapist has mostly recommended just doing a lot of plans, which was cool at first but has been pretty limiting now. That's why I've stayed at 185 for the last couple months, I just haven't wanted to let myself go and get fat. You've done cycles though, so if you feel a 300-500 surplus would still give a solid physique then I'd definitely consider, I want to gain more knowledge from the experienced ones! I appreciate you taking the time to reply

 

[Meetketchup]

If you're not prepping for a show, photoshoot or important event where you want to be shredded...there isn't a need to do orals IMO. Plenty of injectables that will get the job done and limit toxicity. Why add the undue stress on your liver/kidneys. Just my opinion.

 

[dcdogz]

Thank you for the insight. Would running in a surplus the entire time still give me the defined and shredded physique at the end of the cycle? Since rupturing my disc, ab/core work hasn't been done. I can't do the same exercises that I was able to do before the injury as my physical Therapist has mostly recommended just doing a lot of plans, which was cool at first but has been pretty limiting now. That's why I've stayed at 185 for the last couple months, I just haven't wanted to let myself go and get fat. You've done cycles though, so if you feel a 300-500 surplus would still give a solid physique then I'd definitely consider, I want to gain more knowledge from the experienced ones! I appreciate you taking the time to reply

Despite the test if you over eat you can still get fat. You'll be strong but fat too.

 

[titan24]

If you're not prepping for a show, photoshoot or important event where you want to be shredded...there isn't a need to do orals IMO. Plenty of injectables that will get the job done and limit toxicity. Why add the undue stress on your liver/kidneys. Just my opinion.

That's a very good and respectable opinion! The goal is just to have a nice physique and look better with the shirt off. My diet has been in check so I have no issues with that. As far as the rest of the cycle and mg's, would you say that is a good planned cycle, or would you make changes to the cycle and calories?

 

[titan24]

Despite the test if you over eat you can still get fat. You'll be strong but fat too.

Yeah definitely, and I'm not wanting that. My diet has been in check and I've avoided any weight gain over the last few months and have stayed maintenance. Would you recommend a test cycle with eating at maintenance in order to prevent a huge gain in fat? Or maybe a slight surplus of 300 cals?

 

[Meetketchup]

I’d run 350mg the entire cycle. If your diet, training, sleep is on point you will make great gains and have plenty of room to add test for the next cycle, while playing it relatively safe.

I’d start at 350 calories above maintenance and take it week by week, weighing in every morning and taking the avg for the weeks progress, take photos to see body composition and log your lifts for progressive overload.

 

[titan24]

I’d run 350mg the entire cycle. If your diet, training, sleep is on point you will make great gains and have plenty of room to add test for the next cycle, while playing it relatively safe.

I’d start at 350 calories above maintenance and take it week by week, weighing in every morning and taking the avg for the weeks progress, take photos to see body composition and log your lifts for progressive overload.

Sounds good thank you so much! If I were planning between now, and next May-Juneish to have a really solid aesthetic physique, how many cycles would you run and what should the next cycle be after a test only cycle for this first go around if you could possibly recommend any?

 

[Meetketchup]

Sounds good thank you so much! If I were planning between now, and next May-Juneish to have a really solid aesthetic physique, how many cycles would you run and what should the next cycle be after a test only cycle for this first go around if you could possibly recommend any?

Slow down speedy. lol Put all your focus on this cycle and get every ounce out of it. See how your body responds to the gear combined with consistent training/diet. At the end of the cycle, reassess where you are and where you want to go. That is when you start looking into the next cycle. The body is not a text book so planning 2/3 cycle ahead is not a good idea. Take it one by one.

Plenty of compounds to run afterwards such as nandrolones, DHT’s like Primo/Mast, etc.

These are just my opinions.

 

[302]

One of the objectives of your first cycle is to see how your body reacts to the testosterone. Learn how to manage your E2. I would suggest test only. 12 weeks. Save the anavar for a later cycle. Run 400mg the entire time. No need to start at 350 then up to 400.

Can't comment on PCT, as I blast and cruise.

Run a 300-500 calorie surplus the entire time. You're trying to put on mass, don't eat in a deficit.

I would start lower. Like 200mg and titrate up every 2 weeks. I only say this bc I aromatize like a bitch at 250. I dove right into 400 the first week and it sucked. You’ll mk significant gains on test only first cycle. Diet must be on point though. If you’re gonna put drugs in your body and shut your nuts down then you might as well go all in and get the most out of the shit. Good luck!!

 

[Fletcher]

My bad, 29 years old

Did you get any bloodwork? Just curious where your natural test levels are. You may be at a point where its better to just stay on test after your cycle.

 

[Deeman]

Did you get any bloodwork? Just curious where your natural test levels are. You may be at a point where its better to just stay on test after your cycle.

Like @ Fletcher asked. Did you get any bloodwork done. Its so important brother. See where your natural level is at this point. If its way low you may consider staying on test. If it a good number diet abd training may be the best route since in my opinion your still pretty young.

Bloodwork cant be stressed enough. Thats your base to work off of.

 

[titan24]

I would start lower. Like 200mg and titrate up every 2 weeks. I only say this bc I aromatize like a bitch at 250. I dove right into 400 the first week and it sucked. You’ll mk significant gains on test only first cycle. Diet must be on point though. If you’re gonna put drugs in your body and shut your nuts down then you might as well go all in and get the most out of the shit. Good luck!!

That's awesome advice, thank you brother! Aside from the dosage, do you think everything else is good to go as far as the length of the cycle and PCT after? And also, with the starting dosage being lower, should I adjust the PCT as well?

 

[titan24]

Did you get any bloodwork? Just curious where your natural test levels are. You may be at a point where its better to just stay on test after your cycle.

I got bloodwork through Kaiser but for some reason they tested everything except my test levels, which was what I originally asked for. All other levels were in perfect range though luckily, so I might opt to get a test panel done through a different agency which is annoying considering I just did bloodwork through Kaiser.

 

[titan24]

Like @ Fletcher asked. Did you get any bloodwork done. Its so important brother. See where your natural level is at this point. If its way low you may consider staying on test. If it a good number diet abd training may be the best route since in my opinion your still pretty young.

Bloodwork cant be stressed enough. Thats your base to work off of.

Thank you so much for the thoughtful reply, I got bloodwork done through Kaiser but for some dumb reason they tested everything, but my test levels. So I'll opt to get a test panel through a different provider. Thank you so much man!

 

[Deeman]

Thank you so much for the thoughtful reply, I got bloodwork done through Kaiser but for some dumb reason they tested everything, but my test levels. So I'll opt to get a test panel through a different provider. Thank you so much man!

Your welcome brother. I understand with the whole K drs. They did that to me as well but i went back in and told them to check it. But im older. They did however act like i was putting them out. Were all here to help bro and do what we can.

 

[dcdogz]

I got bloodwork through Kaiser but for some reason they tested everything except my test levels, which was what I originally asked for. All other levels were in perfect range though luckily, so I might opt to get a test panel done through a different agency which is annoying considering I just did bloodwork through Kaiser.

Get another test to see your test.
It's important to know where you're at instead of going in blind.

 

[Matt88]

You can get blood work your self assuming you don`t live in a state that doesnt allow it which is only like 3 states. Just go to Fast Blood Lab Tests. No Doctor Visit. Blood Testing Near You | Private MD Labs and buy what you want. When you add it to cart you have a button for lab cop or Quest. Just see what is close to you. Quest is a lot cheaper but you may not have one. There is a place on their site to put in your zip code to find out Welcome to ASF. If I can be of any help to you please feel free to reach out. Getting labs prior to a cycle is one of the best choices you can make in regards to things you can do prior to getting on test. Otherwise there will be no way to know if you recovered your natural test back to you baseline bc u won`t know what your baseline even is.

 

[[Pinhead]]

Excellent answers here so I'll just echo them a bit and peace out: get that blood work and do test only first cycle.

Good luck dude and welcome to the party!

 

[titan24]

You can get blood work your self assuming you don`t live in a state that doesnt allow it which is only like 3 states. Just go to Fast Blood Lab Tests. No Doctor Visit. Blood Testing Near You | Private MD Labs and buy what you want. When you add it to cart you have a button for lab cop or Quest. Just see what is close to you. Quest is a lot cheaper but you may not have one. There is a place on their site to put in your zip code to find out Welcome to ASF. If I can be of any help to you please feel free to reach out. Getting labs prior to a cycle is one of the best choices you can make in regards to things you can do prior to getting on test. Otherwise there will be no way to know if you recovered your natural test back to you baseline bc u won`t know what your baseline even is.

Good suggestion! Thank you so much, I'll definitely look into a quest and see if I can get it done on my own in the next week or so. Thank you again!

 

[titan24]

Excellent answers here so I'll just echo them a bit and peace out: get that blood work and do test only first cycle.

Good luck dude and welcome to the party! View attachment 98673

I'm glad I was able to get a lot of insight from this thread, thanks man! I've decided on a 12 week test only and starting at 250mg like another comment suggested, and just raising the dosage every couple weeks until I find the sweet spot. Would you make any adjustments to the PCT I gave in the first post since I'd be starting with a smaller dosage? And thanks again man I appreciate it brother!

 

[[Pinhead]]

I'm glad I was able to get a lot of insight from this thread, thanks man! I've decided on a 12 week test only and starting at 250mg like another comment suggested, and just raising the dosage every couple weeks until I find the sweet spot. Would you make any adjustments to the PCT I gave in the first post since I'd be starting with a smaller dosage? And thanks again man I appreciate it brother!

That's awesome news brother! As for the PCT, that looks to be pretty standard to me, however, I run TRT between cycles and have never actually done a propper PCT myself, so I'm not a good dude to ask about that. I do know that you're gonna find a whole lot of info here if you do a search for post cycle therapy.

Good luck dude and keep us posted on how things are going!

 

[Doug 64]

Orals are evil...imho they are the livers Kryptonite! I also agree with most of these guys...bloodwork for baseline then a Test only cycle for 12 weeks and go to TRT levels. I don't wanna sound like an old lady but I'm literally double your age...you're young and should have good levels, I know you had injuries etc... I guess I'm saying when I was your age EVERYTHING I read on steroids suggested waiting till late 30 early 40s at best. Just use caution bro...its a long walk not a race...just mho. Welcome aboard.

 

[jiffysound]

Orals are evil...imho they are the livers Kryptonite! I also agree with most of these guys...bloodwork for baseline then a Test only cycle for 12 weeks and go to TRT levels. I don't wanna sound like an old lady but I'm literally double your age...you're young and should have good levels, I know you had injuries etc... I guess I'm saying when I was your age EVERYTHING I read on steroids suggested waiting till late 30 early 40s at best. Just use caution bro...its a long walk not a race...just mho. Welcome aboard.

I want to play the devils advocate and counter your argument against all orals being evil, I will agree to that fact they spike liver values when used in excess but I believe that one can use orals in their cycle safely but it also depends on the persons age, level of working out, how many years one lifted natty, what they are using in conjunction with the oral at hand and how much synergy will happen during the usage. For example, one could get away with this simple first cycle 1-12 weeks test e 1-4 weeks Dianabol and then PCT, the 4 weeks of dbol use will initially spike liver values but by the end of the cycle they should return to normal. And they will have taken advantage of the fast acting Dianabol as a kickstart, until their test levels raise enough to make a difference in protein synthesis etc etc. I also agree with you that the person should wait until their late 30s early 40s to do a cycle. I did it this way, my first cycle was when I was 39, second one now is when I am 40. Also welcome aboard to the new person in this thread.

 

[Matt88]

Good suggestion! Thank you so much, I'll definitely look into a quest and see if I can get it done on my own in the next week or so. Thank you again!

If you have any questions or need any help just tag me or send me a DM It can be a bit overwhelming seeing all the different lab panels and such that they offer.

 

[Doug 64]

I want to play the devils advocate and counter your argument against all orals being evil, I will agree to that fact they spike liver values when used in excess but I believe that one can use orals in their cycle safely but it also depends on the persons age, level of working out, how many years one lifted natty, what they are using in conjunction with the oral at hand and how much synergy will happen during the usage. For example, one could get away with this simple first cycle 1-12 weeks test e 1-4 weeks Dianabol and then PCT, the 4 weeks of dbol use will initially spike liver values but by the end of the cycle they should return to normal. And they will have taken advantage of the fast acting Dianabol as a kickstart, until their test levels raise enough to make a difference in protein synthesis etc etc. I also agree with you that the person should wait until their late 30s early 40s to do a cycle. I did it this way, my first cycle was when I was 39, second one now is when I am 40. Also welcome aboard to the new person in this thread.

I agree there are inherent differences to factor in such as: age, use of gear experience, and mostly knowledge of their body functions and the potential effects a first pass through the liver has. I Also consider past health/current health, past medical history etc... I am always open to accept another person's views and no disrespect, aside from the insane cycle you introduced yourself with I do see you've done your homework! I would then change my statement to read...for me orals are evil. I would advise the inexperienced newbie to avoid them without doing ALL the research etc...mb save them for a second or third cycle. To each his own.

 

[jiffysound]

I agree there are inherent differences to factor in such as: age, use of gear experience, and mostly knowledge of their body functions and the potential effects a first pass through the liver has. I Also consider past health/current health, past medical history etc... I am always open to accept another person's views and no disrespect, aside from the insane cycle you introduced yourself with I do see you've done your homework! I would then change my statement to read...for me orals are evil. I would advise the inexperienced newbie to avoid them without doing ALL the research etc...mb save them for a second or third cycle. To each his own.

You think this second cycle is insane? The third one I have planned I already shown you guys but I already planned a fourth cycle for Spring of 2024 and it's a bulking cycle this time, so no DMT and no test prop. I will eventually post it up but it's so far away I don't see a point in posting it now. But anyway, according to bloodwork which I had done July 26th, 2023 I am doing pretty good, my liver values are within normal range, my test is high, but that was to be expected and my E2 is a bit high but I am working on that adjusting my Aromasin dosage with my doctors approval. The only reason my first cycle was 500mg of test E and 200mg of tren E is because I was on TRT for over a decade already so I knew how I would react to testosterone injection alone, so I opted for tren to act synergistically and I had great results with that 14 week cycle. I must of gained a good 12 kilograms that I kept of lean mass. But I don't think I will use tren E again, perhaps tren Hex but it's low on the list of possible steroids I can pick from. I too would advise a newbie from using orals as their first cycle, especially if they are young, like 20-30 years old. After 36 your natural test starts to drop 1% a year with 2% after you turn 40.