To cycle or not to cycle???

[watevrpal]

My stats are 6ft 2 220 lbs 37YO. I have been training for around 6 solid months now 5x5 and I am itching to get HUGE I feel like I am not making any headway. the past week My workouts have been krappy and my caloric intake is around 3500 to 4000 a day. High protein and Low carbs well low for me anyway. I really want to cycle but Not sure should I stay natural? thanks

 

[access]

This is a purely personal decision and at your age one you need to make but sounds to me like your ready.

 

[702daswoll1]

Ready after only six months of training. I respectfully disagree. Bro be more specific did you literally start with weights just six months ago or you back from a long lay off or something? If you are back from a long layoff from training then yeah you might be ready. However, if you literally just started working out
six months ago I would absolutely not juice yet. You still have a ton of natty growing to do if thats the case.

 

[shirlock]

six months aint long, if you've been putting it in hard, now is the time you start seeing some results... be patient and keep doing what your doing for at least another 4 months

 

[Cardinal Slin]

If you are looking to make the right decission then you need to be honest with yourself.

You have been training for only six months, I don't think you have learned enough about your body yet and how it reacts. I learned my biggest lessons two years in to training, I discovered what worked, what didn't, I discovered I could bench press with 20kgs and get more out of it than I could with 140kgs. It's a focus that takes you to a whole new level.

Diet, how many times a day are you eating. What is high protein? For a doctor that would be 100 grams + a day. It's all relevant. How many times are you eating a day, how much do you drink, smoke?

Learn to walk before you can run and you will thank everyone for it later.

If you are doing a 5x5 and no longer getting results, go for isolation now, do a split routine and see if things change. Remember it isn't the weight that counts but the form and focus.

Additionally although you have given your weight, height and age, you have not provided a rough estimate of bodyfat so you could be huge or you could be overweight in terms of fat or you could be athletic.

Do you supplement with anything at the moment?

 

[RADAR]

I trained at 18 then i never touched any gear until i was about your age, build a solid foundation.

RADAR

 

[access]

Maybe I misread the OP but being a member since 2005 here I didn't think he had only been training for 6 months but for 6 months on the 5x5 routine. Maybe he can elaborate a little more.

 

[EZ_E]

Agreed that 6 months is way too soon.

IMO, if you've hit a plateau (and since you're new the the game) is to hire a QUALIFIED trainer to get your training and diet in check.

Speaking from experience I "worked out" from 19-28 before I met my trainer. In 6 months I made more progress than in the previous 8 years.

 

[watevrpal]

Ok,

I ave been training on and off for the last 20 years or so. But the last 6 months I have been hitting the gym hard 5 days a week. Also I am in the army and have been doing PT for that entire time too which has been the last 19 years.

I just woke up and was disgusted with myself and starting hitting the gym one day. I have never done a cycle before but some progress pics posted by a memeber in the member section changed my mind he is a little older than me and his transformation was awesome.

My diet consists of around 3 to 4 protein shakes a day along with 4 or so solid meals. Thanks

 

[EZ_E]

Ok,

I ave been training on and off for the last 20 years or so. But the last 6 months I have been hitting the gym hard 5 days a week. Also I am in the army and have been doing PT for that entire time too which has been the last 19 years.

I just woke up and was disgusted with myself and starting hitting the gym one day. I have never done a cycle before but some progress pics posted by a memeber in the member section changed my mind he is a little older than me and his transformation was awesome.

My diet consists of around 3 to 4 protein shakes a day along with 4 or so solid meals. Thanks

OK, this is a good place to start, bossman. What are the meals like and why so many shakes? Also let's take a look @ your training routine.....

 

[mighty-musculus]

Just make sure you have all the knowledge needed, plan out a cycle/pct, eat right, train right and sleep. If you have that all in place and mental wellness then I'd say good luck with your cycle. That being said, if you have too many doubts than I for one wouldnt try it just yet.

 

[Loths]

I trained at 18 then i never touched any gear until i was about your age, build a solid foundation.

RADAR

I agree with Radar. Get a solid fundation, experiment with different training and nutritional programs, see what works best... Of all, get the ROCK HARD DISCIPLINE... then... READ AND READ...browse this forum... learn from others experiences... Is a personal and serious decision... be imformed.

 

[watevrpal]

OK, this is a good place to start, bossman. What are the meals like and why so many shakes? Also let's take a look @ your training routine.....

Well my diet is as follows

8am- 3 eggs some bacon/ protein shake

11am- homemade sandwich usually roast beef or turkey/ 2 hard boiled eggs

2pm protein shake

6pm dinner usually something very healthy with lots of vegtables

8pm or so- protein shake

11pm protein shake

now that is not my diet everyday but it is pretty close. this just happens to be what I had today. I drink 1 coke a day but mostly gatorade or water and I have tea I drink at the house with splenda.


Also here is my training routine

Mon/ Thur
flat bench 5x5
incline bench 5x5
3 sets of weighted dips

deadlifts 5x3

tricep extensions 5x10


Tue/Fri

Leg press 5 plates on each side 5x10
military press 5x5
Barbell curl 5x10

I also run 5 days a week usually 3 miles

I know some of you guys are going to say I am overtraining with the running but let me first say that I am in the army and have been running for the last 19 years, I think my body is pretty adapted to it. I am trying to get serious about weight lifting to add some muscle and look leaner. so let her rip what do you guys think

 

[jwo02]

Seems like you have it all down. The decision is yours to make whether you think the benefit outweighs the sides.

 

[slamminshaun]

If you have to ask "to cycle or not to cycle", the answer is not to cycle. Not being a dick or funny guy, just letting you know that you really should be 100% ready before proceeding.

 

[centeroiler]

Hi:

I am new to this forum and would like to give you my opinion.

I'm 41 and been training off and on for 25 yrs. I have never used gear, but I have decided to finally make the leap. I have made good/great gains naturally but have never achieved the body I have always wanted.

I say, why wait? Wait for what? Wait while time passes us by? I've waited long enough.

I have done my research on the risks vs. benefits. I've had my liver, cholesterol and testosterone levels tested for a baseline and am going to have it tested again every 2-3 weeks up to the 10-12 weeks of my cycle. I also have been keeping a daily log before I start my cycle (I'm starting my cycle this week) and writing down everything. How I feel at different times during the day, during workouts, etc. I am doing this so that I can gauge any side effects while using and not confuse normal feelings (mental/physical) for sides. Also monitoring blood pressure. Any potential serious health issues and I'm stopping. Also got my anti-estro's and PCT lined up.

This is my advice to you. I'm gonna cycle because at my age lets face it, the gains just ain't cranking anymore. I'm willing to take the risk but also do it as safely as possible. I can post my progress if you're interested.

Hope this helps

 

[EZ_E]

Well my diet is as follows

8am- 3 eggs some bacon/ protein shake

11am- homemade sandwich usually roast beef or turkey/ 2 hard boiled eggs

2pm protein shake

6pm dinner usually something very healthy with lots of vegtables

8pm or so- protein shake

11pm protein shake

now that is not my diet everyday but it is pretty close. this just happens to be what I had today. I drink 1 coke a day but mostly gatorade or water and I have tea I drink at the house with splenda.


Also here is my training routine

Mon/ Thur
flat bench 5x5
incline bench 5x5
3 sets of weighted dips

deadlifts 5x3

tricep extensions 5x10


Tue/Fri

Leg press 5 plates on each side 5x10
military press 5x5
Barbell curl 5x10

I also run 5 days a week usually 3 miles

I know some of you guys are going to say I am overtraining with the running but let me first say that I am in the army and have been running for the last 19 years, I think my body is pretty adapted to it. I am trying to get serious about weight lifting to add some muscle and look leaner. so let her rip what do you guys think

I don't know if you're eating enough;

1st meal seems a little light, how bout a few more eggs, with a 3-1 white to yolk ratio? And instead of a shake, how about 2 cups of plain oatmeal? I use a little cinnamon and banana to make it bearable.

The 11am meal, are you using white bread? Are you using mayo or anything like that? How bout ditching the sandwich and eating some grilled chicken/turkey breasts, Foreman Grill a few days worth in advance.

2, 8, 11 pm shakes, is one of these PW? I know it's not always possible but, it's better to have real food as a meal as opposed to a shake. Again, grill up a few days worth of lean meat so you have a supply on hand. Carbs should come from red potato, oatmeal, yams, sweet potato, cut off carbs after 4pm and rotate them with veggies, like so:

Day 1: protien/carbs every meal
Day 2: every other meal replace carbs with veggies
Day 3: carbs only 1st meal and PW, replace carbs with veggies

How much water are you drinking?
___________________________________________________________

Workout:

I'm not @ all a fan of doing the same workout every time. Some guys do it, but IMO, not a good idea. First thing I would change would be to devote 1 day to each body part. I have a theory that if we train 2 bp's on the same day 1 of 2 things happen, we "save" something for the 2nd bp or we go all out on the 1st one and have nothing left for the 2nd one.

If you're looking for a lean look, IMO super setting is absolutely the way to go. Pick 2 or even 3 exercises and (with proper form) bang 'em out. Here's an example with chest:

Incline bar/incline flyes
Flat dumbell/pec dec flye
Flat bench cable flyes/wide grip flat bar bench
21's

Sets and reps are up to you, always change it up. It works with other bp's as well.

Train hard and keep you diet clean for a while 1st, no cycle is going to be quick fix. And if you get the point where you're ready to cycle, it's like getting tattoo, make sure you are 150% into it before you do.

There's a wealth of knowledge here on EF, you're in the right place.......GOOD LUCK

 

[sweed]

Well my diet is as follows

8am- 3 eggs some bacon/ protein shake add in 6 egg whites, switch to turkery bacon, mmm!

11am- homemade sandwich usually roast beef or turkey/ 2 hard boiled eggs how much RB? what kind of bread?

2pm protein shake

6pm dinner usually something very healthy with lots of vegtables kinda vague, should be 8-10 oz chicken, beef etc

8pm or so- protein shake is this PWO shake? if not more solid food

11pm protein shake

now that is not my diet everyday but it is pretty close. this just happens to be what I had today. I drink 1 coke a day but mostly gatorade or water and I have tea I drink at the house with splenda. just drink water - 1 gallon +


Also here is my training routine

Mon/ Thur
flat bench 5x5
incline bench 5x5
3 sets of weighted dips

deadlifts 5x3

tricep extensions 5x10


Tue/Fri

Leg press 5 plates on each side 5x10
military press 5x5
Barbell curl 5x10

I also run 5 days a week usually 3 miles

I know some of you guys are going to say I am overtraining with the running but let me first say that I am in the army and have been running for the last 19 years, I think my body is pretty adapted to it. I am trying to get serious about weight lifting to add some muscle and look leaner. so let her rip what do you guys think

my comments in red I say research and come up what a good first cycle would consist of and post that up and we will critique it.