what do you change in your routine when using AS?

[MR Pink]

This probably has been asked before...but hey.. time for an update

do you change the;

volume
frequency or
both

 

[Madcow2]

I'm in the volume camp. Frequency is related to volume in that is how one distributes volume during a period. If I lift X 3 times per week (3X) and double the frequency I am now lifting (6X) but, if I evenly distribute the same volume so each of the 6 workouts is 0.5X, we still have the same total weekly volume at 0.5X * 6 = 3X. So these are related to a large degree in that you can't turn the frequency knob without taking into account how weekly volume (and total volume over a period) will be impacted. Another option is intensity (%1RM) and I'll let the quote below cover it but I'm also of the opinion that in a well organized program, screwing with this knob is inviting issues. You really need to know your body and its tolerances for loading at higher intensities over a period (errors to volume are far easier to control for with more safety valves that don't compromise the waves so much). Let's face it, most of the people in the world using AAS recreationally don't even understand dual factor training theory (the basic accepted training theory applied worldwide except in the BBer camp) so the odds on them turning the intensity knob and regulating it correctly are slim to none.

Here's a brief bit from one of the better strength coaches in the US. Source post is here - worth reading if you haven't already seen it: http://forum.mesomorphosis.com/showthread.php?t=12

TOPIC 14: TRAINING ON AAS

ive heard quite a few stories lately about injuries of the muscular and tendon tearing type while on AAS lately. had an aquaintence thats not on meso also tear a bicep a couple of days ago... was up about 40lbs on curls after 5 weeks on IP susp/prop and the thing just tore in half.

well ive conversed with many of you in the past about my feelings that its better to up the volume of training while on juice than it is the intensity and poundages, and the increased ability of the body to keep gains if its done this way. ive also heard many people that IM me or email me express disbelief when they hear me say that im in week 5 or 6 of a cycle and havnt tried a new max yet.

but heres the thing. i really believe that its inviting injury to push the poundages early in a cycle, and its unneccessary also. add sets, add reps, add workouts, add volume. do this for the first 2/3 or 3/4 of the cycle. let your body get used to the new levels of muscular tension being developed. add a reasonable amount to your max, or your 5 rep max, or whatever at the end of the cycle... when your ready for it, and not as soon as you can do it.

im not going to go on and on about this, but i really think if people were more patient, and more willing to stick to a plan instead of looking for that quick ego boost of benching or curling 10 more lbs as soon as that juice hits their system, then they would have a lot less chanced of getting hurt.