First Test E + Anavar Cycle – Experience & Reflections (37 y/o)

[GymSlayer]

What’s up everyone. Wanted to share my experience after completing my first injectable cycle and contribute something meaningful to the forum.

I’m 37 years old, have trained on and off since my early 20s, and have prior experience with oral-only cycles years ago (I was afraid of injections back then) Life took me off track for a long time—bad choices, partying, drugs, and I completely lost the gym and my physique for over a decade. I’ve been clean for a few years now, have a family, and made the decision to rebuild my health and body the right way.

After getting back into consistent training and confirming my health with bloodwork, I finally committed to my first Test E cycle, later adding Anavar. This post isn’t about hype or extremes—just an honest report.


Training & Nutrition

• Trained 5 days per week with structured programming
• Focused on progressive overload and recovery
• Diet was dialed in: high protein, controlled calories, minimal junk
• Sleep and hydration were priorities

Results

• Steady, clean gains without excessive water retention
• Noticeable increase in strength and fullness
• Improved muscle hardness and overall physique balance
• Pumps were solid but manageable
• Confidence and gym performance improved without feeling reckless

Side Effects

• Mild acne increase (manageable)
• No major issues with blood pressure, sleep, or mood
• Appetite and recovery improved

Bloodwork & Health

Post-cycle bloodwork came back in range, which was a non-negotiable for me before ever considering another cycle. Health > ego at this stage of life.

Biggest Takeaways

• Testosterone should have been the foundation years ago instead of relying on orals
• Less is more when diet and training are locked in
• Age brings perspective—this isn’t about chasing extremes
• Bloodwork, patience, and discipline matter more than compounds

Appreciate the knowledge shared on this forum—it helped me approach this cycle with respect and intention. Always open to feedback or discussion.


Stay safe and train smart.

Starting Weight : 140lbs
Ending Weight : 170lbs

I’m cruising on Test E only now at 250mg and will be adding Deca real soon, my goal is to get to 190lbs. I’ll keep everyone posted real soon

 

[AlteredAttitude]

Dosages and time line/weeks would have been pertinent/helpful. Solid run though.

 

[Biggerisbetternl]

Nice progress! Did you also measure body composition or only weight ? Would be cool to know how much of your gains have been solid lean mass.

 

[GymSlayer]

Dosages and time line/weeks would have been pertinent/helpful. Solid run though.

I started Test E on May 19, 2025. I ran a blast phase initially at 250mg for the first 6 weeks and then went up to 500mg until I hit week 12. Transitioned into a cruise, so total continuous time on Test E is about 30 weeks.


Anavar :

Week 1 : 10mg
Week 2: 20mg
Week 3: 20mg
Week: 4: 40mg
Week 5 : 50mg

 

[GymSlayer]

Nice progress! Did you also measure body composition or only weight ? Would be cool to know how much of your gains have been solid lean mass.

Thank you !

As far as measurements go, I mainly tracked bodyweight, mirror progress, strength increases, and how I felt overall. I didn’t do a formal DEXA or InBody scan, so I can’t give exact lean mass numbers. That said, based on visuals, strength retention, and how much I leaned out while still gaining size, a good portion of the gains felt like solid lean tissue rather than just water or fat.

 

[Cyp180]

No need for a Dexa, result is clear to see. Well done.