42 yr old - first cycle. Should I do it?

[heady muscle]

Getting some real good advice here and have taken everything on board, thanks guys.

Ok, I am going to hold off the steroids for the next 3-4 months and then look at it again. The main things I need to do is change my workout and keep accurate records of what I am eating.

I am going to look at doing 3-4 45 min or 1 hr sessions a week focussing on compound exercises training a different muscle group each session.

I realise I need to be much more scientific about what I am eating so am going to work out how much protein, fats and calories I am eating at the moment and then keep increasing amounts of each trying different things that hopefully wont upset my IBS. I will keep written records of everything I eat and make some meal plans focused on target amounts. I think it is here where my biggest challenge is.

It seems that unless I can address the above changes to diet and exercise steroids would be pointless anyway as the ends wouldn't justify the means.

If anyone has any advice on good compound routines or apps to help record diet etc, that would be great.

Also if I did go down the steroid route, for my weight (145lbs) what volume of protein and calories do I need to be eating for it to be worthwhile.

Just because you are holding off the juice doesn't mean you need to vacate the board. Listen, learn and post as much as needed/wanted. Beside the juice many of us are pretty good with nutrition and training and just about anything else. Good eclectic group here.

 

[manafest]

Hopefully you can get some help from other diabetics, I'm not sure how a cycle will impact your current health issues.
With diet ( and the consumption of lots of Kcals and Protein) being the root of a good cycle I'm not sure how you'll do with your dietary restrictions.

Also, sometimes a cycle or two of steroids is enough to make a 40 something guy go from having average test to low test. Are you ready for another health problem? ie, Low T and weekly injections for life?

You answered him good(proper) !...Having diabetes nobody should give this man aas advice unless you yourself are diabetic...I cringed when I seen his post.. And as I posted I hope me makes his own mind up and not from anyones advice here

 

[Ach3r0n]

If anyone has any advice on good compound routines or apps to help record diet etc, that would be great.

Also if I did go down the steroid route, for my weight (145lbs) what volume of protein and calories do I need to be eating for it to be worthwhile.

For iPhone, I would recommend MyFitnessPal. It makes logging calories easy and you can also set your goal weight to gain 0.5-1lb/week, which will also up your calorie goal. Keep in mind these are estimates based on the average person, so you may need to consume a little or less to achieve the desired results. You're going to get all sorts of answers in regards to protein consumption. Some people believe it is necessary to eat vast amounts, whereas others abide by the 0.8-1g per pound of body weight or lean body weight. Personally, I do 1g/lb of short-term goal weight and that has always brought me good results. Others will suggest you eat twice that, but unless you're on AAS, there's no scientific evidence to suggest it's even remotely beneficial.

As for routine, there are countless options out there and there is no single "right" answer. I have done 3-5 day body part splits with great results and have done upper/lower splits with great results. You can find tons of routines on bodybuilding.com, which is essentially the only thing I think that website is good for (the articles are crap). For the last 1.5 years I've been doing my own version of a PHUL-type workout, which has worked well for me.

Regardless, there is no one-size-fits-all for diet or routine so you have to see what works for you.

 

[Sparky_332]

As far as a cycle goes, I cannot offer any insight as I am kicking off my first cycle tomorrow and until then, have no first hand knowledge. As far as the training and nutrition, I think you are on the right track with the focus on large compond exercises but just like everyone else who responded, I believ the frequency and volume is too low. When I first started lifting I was 150 lbs soaking wet. I split my workouts into Knee dominant (squats/lunges) day, Vertical push/pull day. Hip dominant (Deadlift, ham curl) day and Horizontal Push/pull day. Every month or so, I would rotate the various exercises that fit into those categories and always focused on good form and progressive overload. I did 3-4 sets of 3-4 exercises with at least 1 unilateral variation mixed in. It alowed me to put on 25 lean pounds in a few years. (Yes, I am a hard gainer and yes I am thrilled with those seemingly slow results.) As for diet, if your health issues do noy allow for a large amount of carbs,I would advise that you consume the majority of what carbs you can consume around your workouts. Try to take them the hour before you lift (unless starch based in whitch case 2-3 hours befor is better) and (especially if they are liquid based or fast acting) during and immediately following your workouts, preferably all of the above. Don't do any cardio and prioritize rest and recovery. Don't waste any of your precious calories on the treadmill or long jogs. Add in healthy, calorie dense fats like nuts, nut butters and avocados to help keep calories up without filling up. Just my 2 cents worth

 

[Burrr]

Look up the Generic Bulking Routine, by Lyle McDonald

 

[Made Of Stone]

You answered him good(proper) !...Having diabetes nobody should give this man aas advice unless you yourself are diabetic...I cringed when I seen his post.. And as I posted I hope me makes his own mind up and not from anyones advice here

Please don't think you cant give me advice because I am diabetic, it is excellently controlled. The only reason I mentioned the diabetes was because I have to stick to a low carb diet, which makes things tricky for bulking up...other than that everything else is equal.

 

[manafest]

Please don't think you cant give me advice because I am diabetic, it is excellently controlled. The only reason I mentioned the diabetes was because I have to stick to a low carb diet, which makes things tricky for bulking up...other than that everything else is equal.

How about I wouldn't ever give you any aas advice with you having diabetes...I feel nobody should unless they themselves have diabetes and used different compounds and know what they do in your body.. hormones such as tren for an example could have a negative impact on you...As far as exercise and others things yes...Only takes one person with wrong advice to mess you up...

 

[Burrr]

You should go do some bloods and see where your current test levels are.
Also do a little google search on testosterone and diabetes, There is apparently some docs that think test therapy is beneficial to diabetics.
Steroids impact liver, kidney and heart function. I don't know if these organs are already affected by diabetes.

 

[heady muscle]

Please don't think you cant give me advice because I am diabetic, it is excellently controlled. The only reason I mentioned the diabetes was because I have to stick to a low carb diet, which makes things tricky for bulking up...other than that everything else is equal.

Check out this link: https://thinksteroids.com/community/threads/odies-first-log.134365217/page-25#post-1299436
They are talking about fats for bulking up. Good conversation right now over there (over there? whatever).

 

[Eloquence]

@HuckingFuge I'm a little disappointed no one has plugged the keto diet yet. As A avid low carber already keto is perfect for him to get more cals he needs.

Keto will bring you the gains you want, you just need that foodadrol

 

[Bighurt51]

If he does, I think test prop would be beneficial to him. Also doing heavy weights. 4x4 will give you strength and bulkness and add to your weight. Test prop low dos and clomid is what I'm about to do

 

[Notits]

This guy here has it! High 5 @jujus
On an diet related note, If you have IBS can your get the appropriate amount of food through your system? I ask because I am ignorant to IBS

@HuckingFuge I'm a little disappointed no one has plugged the keto diet yet. As A avid low carber already keto is perfect for him to get more cals he needs.

Keto will bring you the gains you want, you just need that foodadrol

 

[Burrr]

Test prop low dos and clomid

At the same time?