Post-Meet Training Strategy on Cruise

[OldGHGuy]

Assuming one's AAS and training cycles peak (and the AAS cycle ends) at the meet, what strategies do you experienced competitors use to transition into an AAS cruise and new training cycle? My competition experience is limited but I have always transitioned post-meet into a cruise and a new training cycle consisting of lighter weights/higher reps in order to try to maintain the strength I gained prepping for the meet. However, it seems like I always fail to go light enough because more often than not I injure a shoulder/elbow in the weeks FOLLOWING the meet, not prepping for the meet itself. I have always attributed this to 1) not taking enough rest time off after the meet and/or 2) coming down off the AAS cycle and not adjusting my loads down enough. Raw bench only Masters competitor.

Very curious and grateful for your experienced inputs!

 

[Perrin Aybara]

Do something totally different for a couple months in my opinion. Like a John Meadows bodybuilding routine. Or do a powerlifting routine, but instead of squat, bench, deadlift do something like front squat, overhead press, trap bar deadlift. It can be whatever. Maybe some lifts you like, but you normally neglect to focus on powerlifting. Have fun with it. Then after a couple months switch back to off season powerlifting training.

 

[narta]

Do a bodybuilding split and lower the weights and intensity. You have peaked and your CNS is fried (if you did it properly). You must give your cns and ligaments a rest.

 

[OldGHGuy]

Thanks for the excellent inputs. Post-meet is a very challenging time for me b/c I want to maintain ALL of the gains/progress made during prep. This is more of a mental challenge

 

[Blange89]

My coach had us not even touch a regular bar for a month after a meet

 

[OldGHGuy]

Completed my first official, sanctioned competition over the weekend. WHAT A RUSH! I would encourage anyone who has ever thought about it to get out there and compete.

Bench only and I red-lighted on my first attempt HAHAHA. Didn't wait for the "Press" command. I knew what to do, just didn't do it. It's a totally different thing benching in a competition vs maxing out with the bros at the gym.

Broke my cherry, now going to focus on the next one (6 months out or so) and some state records as a target. Thanks for the advice gents.

 

[Blange89]

Completed my first official, sanctioned competition over the weekend. WHAT A RUSH! I would encourage anyone who has ever thought about it to get out there and compete.

Bench only and I red-lighted on my first attempt HAHAHA. Didn't wait for the "Press" command. I knew what to do, just didn't do it. It's a totally different thing benching in a competition vs maxing out with the bros at the gym.

Broke my cherry, now going to focus on the next one (6 months out or so) and some state records as a target. Thanks for the advice gents.

You gonna do a full meet?

 

[OldGHGuy]

You gonna do a full meet?

Would love to but the discs in my lower back say otherwise.