Yet another First AAS cycle thread!

[jsav906]

Start your research NOW. For a darkside newbie, I've never encountered someone as knowledgeable and prepared as Contopaxi is.

I will. I've already been studying for awhile. Also my friend that's been cycling for awhile is teaching me and running a cycle with me to help me learn the art of pinning.

 

[UncleSarm]

subbed.

Its funny how many people think they are around 12-15% bodyfat but don't look nearly as lean as you do.

Excellent idea not to use orals for your first.

You look great now, but just wait until another couple months........

Whats your goal for this cycle?

Yeah, everyone's around 12-15% bf. The music stops, but body parts keep jiggling? That's just the 12-15%, man.

 

[Contopaxi]

Everyone is 12% with the right lighting and starvation mode

 

[Contopaxi]

Start your research NOW. For a darkside newbie, I've never encountered someone as knowledgeable and prepared as Contopaxi is.

Thanks for the kind words.
I just want to be healthy and huge lol.
Only way I'd allow myself to do this stuff is if I had an understanding of how it all worked, the risks, what I can do when something goes wrong and more importantly being flexible and still living a balanced lifestyle.

I don't diet super strict on "clean" food for my whole intake because me and the Mrs love to go out and eat.
I still track my intake but I've done enough dieting naturally and tracking of my calories / macros to know what my body responds to etc.

 

[Contopaxi]

Couple of weeks in and a couple of kgs up.
Going well , eating lots and training hard.

 

[Demgainz]

Couple of weeks in and a couple of kgs up.
Going well , eating lots and training hard.

Good stuff.

 

[AustBenny]

You definitely look bigger bro. I'd say you're holding a bit of water though, you don't look quite as lean but maybe it's the lighting.

Are you running AI already from the start, after the discussion above?

 

[Contopaxi]

You definitely look bigger bro. I'd say you're holding a bit of water though, you don't look quite as lean but maybe it's the lighting.

Are you running AI already from the start, after the discussion above?

Yeah I am. Just Aromasin 12.5mg EOD

These photos were taken late at night after a fair amount of food in one sitting so I'm thinking that it may have been that but it's something I'll keep an eye on for sure in case it's an indication I may need to up my AI or even just keep calories the same and possibly adjust my macro intake.

I didn't look as bloated in the morning when I woke up today but that was 5am and I didn't get any photos.

Little bit of water retention isn't bad though is it ?

 

[AustBenny]

Nah nah, not at all man, it's kinda to be expected really.

Of course different times of day and whatever else have a massive impact. I just had to go back and compare to your original photos where you were so damn lean lol.

 

[Contopaxi]

Nah nah, not at all man, it's kinda to be expected really.

Of course different times of day and whatever else have a massive impact. I just had to go back and compare to your original photos where you were so damn lean lol.

Haha yeah that first photo I was pretty lean but calories were lower and cardio was more frequent.


I probably didn't start the cycle as lean as I would have liked after going back to maintenance and sort of having a few extra meals here and there may have bumped me up a bit but still happy with how it is all going so far.

Apparently week 3-4 is when **** starts getting nice so I'm absolutely hanging to see what is to come

 

[Contopaxi]

Might actually be BP related bloat.
Will check my BP tomorrow morning.

 

[AustBenny]

Yeah man not to take anything away at all...you've clearly gotten bigger I guess I was just a little surprised lol.

I made good gains in the first few weeks, week 4 is when you really start to feel it more I guess and strength will shoot up.

Looking forward to seeing your future progress too man.

 

[Contopaxi]

Yeah man not to take anything away at all...you've clearly gotten bigger I guess I was just a little surprised lol.

I made good gains in the first few weeks, week 4 is when you really start to feel it more I guess and strength will shoot up.

Looking forward to seeing your future progress too man.

All paranoid that maybe I am getting to fat now lol.

Will get stricter on my 3500 and re asses after next week.


My aim is to grow but obviously minimise fat gain.
I don't mind getting a bit of fluff though haha

 

[AustBenny]

Ahaha that's your estrogen talking "oh I feel fat"

Maybe u should up your AI after all

Jk

Jk

Jk

 

[Contopaxi]

Ahaha that's your estrogen talking "oh I feel fat"

Maybe u should up your AI after all

Jk

Jk

Jk

I almost cried watching a news story today actually...
****.
Lol not really though.

 

[HardB0iled]

Subbed for your experience and all the insight of others. I'm excited for you.

 

[Contopaxi]

Subbed for your experience and all the insight of others. I'm excited for you.

Nice to have you on board
I'll be updating weekly most likely

 

[datsthat]

All paranoid that maybe I am getting to fat now lol.

Will get stricter on my 3500 and re asses after next week.


My aim is to grow but obviously minimise fat gain.
I don't mind getting a bit of fluff though haha

Don't be afraid to eat A LOT of food....A LOT of food. The cleaner the better. Don't be afraid to eat A LOT OF FOOD.

Its ok if you gain some fat along with muscles. I can tell by your before pics that you will not have much problems loosing excess fat after cycle is over with. If been lean once...you can do it again.

Don't make mistake of limiting food because your afraid to gain some fat.... otherwise you won't gain nearly as much muscles.

 

[Chevy]

Subbed, & I followed your hdrol cycle last year on AGJ.

 

[Contopaxi]

Don't be afraid to eat A LOT of food....A LOT of food. The cleaner the better. Don't be afraid to eat A LOT OF FOOD.

Its ok if you gain some fat along with muscles. I can tell by your before pics that you will not have much problems loosing excess fat after cycle is over with. If been lean once...you can do it again.

Don't make mistake of limiting food because your afraid to gain some fat.... otherwise you won't gain nearly as much muscles.

I'll follow the process and stick to the plan in place!

Subbed, & I followed your hdrol cycle last year on AGJ.

hey! Nice to have you here!

Hope I show some good gains.
HDROL wasn't a bad thing to get my feet wet.

 

[mbell4377]

Food is the best anabolic substance for muscle growth, don't forget it....

 

[Dma378]

Bro don't stop doing what you're doing. Wouldn't mess with that AI dosing, wouldn't trip about water or minimal fat. You're looking way bigger and feeling good. Do not change a thing. New mass equals easy fat loss. (Easier)

First hand experiencing this right now. Pretty much bulked the last 12 months. Gained 35lbs. Lean, Dirty, and a bit of maintenance in that time. But never once tripped on the extra fat. A lot of uncomfortable times and uncertainty. But you're not even close to looking too soft.

It's falling off right now. I seem to have raised my TDEE by 500 or more.

 

[Contopaxi]

Bro don't stop doing what you're doing. Wouldn't mess with that AI dosing, wouldn't trip about water or minimal fat. You're looking way bigger and feeling good. Do not change a thing. New mass equals easy fat loss. (Easier)

First hand experiencing this right now. Pretty much bulked the last 12 months. Gained 35lbs. Lean, Dirty, and a bit of maintenance in that time. But never once tripped on the extra fat. A lot of uncomfortable times and uncertainty. But you're not even close to looking too soft.

It's falling off right now. I seem to have raised my TDEE by 500 or more.

Thanks brother.
Well done on your gains man.
I'd love an extra 30lbs on my frame if I could.
Doubtful test only cycle will yield that but a man can dream haha

 

[AustBenny]

Doable first cycle. I was up like 12kg easy.

 

[AustBenny]

Fresh receptors gonna soak that all up

 

[Contopaxi]

Fresh receptors gonna soak that all up

Hope so!

 

[Contopaxi]

Everything's going well guys! Getting in 3500-3700 calories a day now.

Will get some photos soon but I've sort of been trying to avoid looking at myself haha

 

[UncleSarm]

Everything's going well guys! Getting in 3500-3700 calories a day now.

Will get some photos soon but I've sort of been trying to avoid looking at myself haha

Yes, if you watch your muscles too much they don't grow. I think they feel awkward about the staring. :laugh:

 

[Contopaxi]

Yes, if you watch your muscles too much they don't grow. I think they feel awkward about the staring. :laugh:

a watched kettle never boils haha

 

[Contopaxi]

Not sure on weight right now been say on holidays. Probably up around 95kg+
Not really tracking my intake whilst away but just eating everything for this week ( within reason ) to keep on getting calories in.
Go a decent pump in at a casual gym that was lacking in pretty much anything lol

 

[BlockBuilder]

Yeah I am. Just Aromasin 12.5mg EOD

These photos were taken late at night after a fair amount of food in one sitting so I'm thinking that it may have been that but it's something I'll keep an eye on for sure in case it's an indication I may need to up my AI or even just keep calories the same and possibly adjust my macro intake.

I didn't look as bloated in the morning when I woke up today but that was 5am and I didn't get any photos.

Little bit of water retention isn't bad though is it ?

Happens to me too the water weight will come off after your cycle. I always look way leaner in the morning. It's only short term and there's nothing wrong with keeping your cycle a bit more wet. It's winter after all

 

[Dma378]

Looking good man. Where you at in your cycle now?

 

[Contopaxi]

Looking good man. Where you at in your cycle now?

This is week 4 now.
So coming up to 1/3 of the way through

Had to go to another gym today whilst I'm away and that was also pretty crappy but hit some squats and accessory work.

 

[Contopaxi]

Week 6 coming up tomorrow.
Scales have me at 101.0kg tonight ( I usually do morning weight so probably a bit different )
Went away for a week and a bit and just ate lots of food that probably has me holding a bit of water but it was great fuel for some big sessions with my mate whilst I was away.

I don't feel like I'm getting bigger but everyone keeps saying I am so I'm pretty happy.

Also got my mid cycle bloods on Friday so hoping to have those back so I can see how the AI dosing has been for me and where my test levels are at.

Thanks for reading

 

[Socalmk6gti]

Just read through every post. Love reading about this cycle as it's the same one I have coming in the mail, also my first cycle. You're getting me pumped to get started! I look forward to your progress updates man! ����

 

[emantest]

Subbed...solid gains so far.. How are you feeling hunger, lifts, sleep?

 

[BamBam0319]

Holy ****, delts and arms have definitely blown up.

 

[Contopaxi]

Subbed...solid gains so far.. How are you feeling hunger, lifts, sleep?

Feeling pretty good.
I've actually been having the deepest sleep I've ever had.
Hunger is there but my morning appetite is pretty bad since starting my cycle not sure why though.
Lifts are great atm my easily benching 100kg for 12 reps when I was doing that for 5 before starting.

Squats were at about 140kg for 4 reps before jumping on and I hit a couple of sets of 10 at 140kg and one at 8 but seem to have a slight hip flexor strain so might be putting squats off for a week or so.

Deadlift went up from 200kg to like 215kg in 3 weeks and looking to pull something heavy today when I hit the gym but didn't have my belt with me for a couple of weeks whilst I travelled so was keeping that conservative and ready to get back and go heavy today

 

[Contopaxi]

Holy ****, delts and arms have definitely blown up.

Thanks man!
Will be getting some leg photos and back photos when I can because I need to show that I still train those haha.

Everyone keeps saying I'm looking a lot bigger but I think looking at myself everyday it makes it hard to see progress the same.

 

[Contopaxi]

Also into week 6 now and just a few pimples starting to show around my shoulders and I'm getting very oily later in the day so have been using sensitive skin makeup wipes from now on before bed.

Aromasin is still being dosed at 12.5mg EOD until I get my bloods back ( hopefully today ) to see if adjustment needs to be made.

Edit- looking to bump calories up to 3750-4000 as of this week

 

[emantest]

Also into week 6 now and just a few pimples starting to show around my shoulders and I'm getting very oily later in the day so have been using sensitive skin makeup wipes from now on before bed.

Aromasin is still being dosed at 12.5mg EOD until I get my bloods back ( hopefully today ) to see if adjustment needs to be made.

Edit- looking to bump calories up to 3750-4000 as of this week

Did you decide to up run to 16 weeks like David suggested or stick with 12 weeks?

 

[Contopaxi]

Did you decide to up run to 16 weeks like David suggested or stick with 12 weeks?

I'm probably going to have to stick with 12 weeks because of some more travel coming up mid year which will interfere with ensuring I do a proper PCT and recovery will be my main priority.
I would love to have gone longer

 

[BamBam0319]

Thanks man!
Will be getting some leg photos and back photos when I can because I need to show that I still train those haha.

Everyone keeps saying I'm looking a lot bigger but I think looking at myself everyday it makes it hard to see progress the same.

It'll always be like that. That's why I like to take lots of pictures, even though that leads to my girlfriend calling me a conceited **** when she sees all the photos on my phone. You can compare pictures from when you started to when you finished and that's when you really realize what you've accomplished.

 

[jakz]

Week 6 coming up tomorrow.
Scales have me at 101.0kg tonight ( I usually do morning weight so probably a bit different )
Went away for a week and a bit and just ate lots of food that probably has me holding a bit of water but it was great fuel for some big sessions with my mate whilst I was away.

I don't feel like I'm getting bigger but everyone keeps saying I am so I'm pretty happy.
Also got my mid cycle bloods on Friday so hoping to have those back so I can see how the AI dosing has been for me and where my test levels are at.

Thanks for reading

Holy **** bro

 

[jsav906]

Jesus bro. I can't wait to start my test e cycle now. You've blown the **** up

 

[Demgainz]

Good ****.

 

[Contopaxi]

Thanks guys.
Only half way... Let's see what else I can achieve

 

[Contopaxi]

Ok so got my bloods at end of week 5 to see where I was at.
Test is nice and high so I know what I am running is legit but my estro was like 373pmol/L and that is on 12.5mg of pharma Aromasin EOD so it seems like I aromatise quite easily.
My plan is now use 25mg of Aromasin every day for 7 days and then use 12.5mg every day for another 7 days and have my bloods re checked.
Thoughts on this ?

 

[Contopaxi]

Ended up decided to stick with 12.5mg every day for two weeks and will go and get bloods again in two weeks time

 

[datsthat]

Ok so got my bloods at end of week 5 to see where I was at.
Test is nice and high so I know what I am running is legit but my estro was like 373pmol/L and that is on 12.5mg of pharma Aromasin EOD so it seems like I aromatise quite easily.
My plan is now use 25mg of Aromasin every day for 7 days and then use 12.5mg every day for another 7 days and have my bloods re checked.
Thoughts on this ?

373pmol/L seems high, but hard to say without knowing clinical normal range.... Whats the range on e2 blood test?

Ended up decided to stick with 12.5mg every day for two weeks and will go and get bloods again in two weeks time

How do you feel? Do you feel emotional? Getting morning wood? Any issues with your 3rd leg (performance wise)? You are doing the "right" thing by getting bloodwork again, but I am not sure if 2 weeks will be long enough for your body to adjust to new dose.

Keep up posted. Your recent pics looks monsterous....now is when the magic happens now that you are 6 weeks in.