Brienn8989
Active member
Isn’t it such a strange feeling to look so good but feel like ****? Haha
First Cycle - DMZ Solo
- Thread starter blongo804
- Start date
blongo804
Active member
For real. This is no joke. I think someone said it in this thread or another, but they said caffeine will not help.. I had doubts about that, but I'm starting to believe it now lol.
Thank you though! Honestly the 2 plates flew, and that was after a ton of benching before it, including some paused rep sets that were heavier for me. Bench has been huge for me this year and I think for many reasons - more frequency, added in close grip bench for assistance, and overall better mental state when it comes to bench as well as overall lifting confidence.
This year, in general, my biggest training discovery has been the importance of a strong mental game. I think a strong mental game is something huge that many people likely overlook.
blongo804
Active member
Absolutely. I feel on top of my game right now in nearly every department - strength, looks, recovery, etc.. My activity level just doesn't show it! lol
Brienn8989
Active member
If only more people understood the sacrifice it takes and the physical toll to look good/lift heavy ass weights. Congrats on a productive cycle!
blongo804
Active member
Thank you muchly!
And I agree with that. It looks so simple on the outside, but the amount of time it's taken me to dial in my diet, dial in my training, my mentality, etc has been an unfathomable amount AND it's forever ongoing. My diet can be perfected, my training can be better, and my mentality will need to constantly grow with my lifts. If you have legit goals in mind, you have to be ready to make sacrifices, dedicate a part of your life to it and then some.
I love this stuff. I just hope I can get healthier, stay healthy, and keep progressing. The fact that my fiance is into this too makes it that much easier/better. I just wish her and I can train together more because I know for a fact I get her to push herself more when I'm around. One day hopefully.
blongo804
Active member
Update:
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Quick update today since I gave one yesterday too. Today was a planned weigh-in because by Wednesday I'm usually de-bloated from the weekend and I feel it's my truest weight. You'll see I'm around 1/2 a pound heavier than a week ago, and you'll also be happy to know my waist still hasn't changed being up a total of 12lbs.
Fiance also quoted yesterday "your traps are looking huge!".. Yes.... Yes.
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Quick update today since I gave one yesterday too. Today was a planned weigh-in because by Wednesday I'm usually de-bloated from the weekend and I feel it's my truest weight. You'll see I'm around 1/2 a pound heavier than a week ago, and you'll also be happy to know my waist still hasn't changed being up a total of 12lbs.
Fiance also quoted yesterday "your traps are looking huge!".. Yes.... Yes.
blongo804
Active member
Quick update while relaxing and on my phone..
Had a trip to Virginia this weekend (I'm in PA) to buy a car. Alongside training is a passion for cars.. Found a great deal on a 2012 Mazdaspeed 3 that I couldn't pass up, so my fiance and I made a beach vacation weekend out of it. With that of course came some shotty eating, as usual, but what can ya do. Still kept up on protein for the most part I think, so that was good.
Anyway, I believe I have 3 or 4 more days of DMZ. I'm not experiencing anything even close to the lethargy I felt last Monday and Tuesday, so that's been nice. I also haven't started nolva yet.
Now the big reason I wanted to throw an update out - another bench PR today! Actually three lol - two rep PR's and weight PR for a single.
I hit 210 for 6 reps then 230 for 2, then 250 for a single. Even got complimented on how controlled the single looked!!
To think about 3 months ago my single PR was around 40lbs less..
Pic if the car in case anyone cares!
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Had a trip to Virginia this weekend (I'm in PA) to buy a car. Alongside training is a passion for cars.. Found a great deal on a 2012 Mazdaspeed 3 that I couldn't pass up, so my fiance and I made a beach vacation weekend out of it. With that of course came some shotty eating, as usual, but what can ya do. Still kept up on protein for the most part I think, so that was good.
Anyway, I believe I have 3 or 4 more days of DMZ. I'm not experiencing anything even close to the lethargy I felt last Monday and Tuesday, so that's been nice. I also haven't started nolva yet.
Now the big reason I wanted to throw an update out - another bench PR today! Actually three lol - two rep PR's and weight PR for a single.
I hit 210 for 6 reps then 230 for 2, then 250 for a single. Even got complimented on how controlled the single looked!!
To think about 3 months ago my single PR was around 40lbs less..
Pic if the car in case anyone cares!
Invalid Link Removed
blongo804
Active member
Another update:
The cycle is coming to an end rapidly. This begins week 7, and I'm actually feeling better this week than last oddly.
Even with the cycle nearing its end, the PR's just keep rolling in!!
Now I don't normally do hex bar deadlifts. I've done them, but don't do them. They're something that I think I should do more because the activation, all over, is definitely real, where normal deadlifts overall just hurt my body lol. It's similar to squats vs front squats. I feel tons of great activation from front squats, where regular back squats I just feel all over my body in some good/bad ways. It's hard to explain, but I think you guys understand.
Anyway, hex bar deadlifts today. I was going to do regular deads, but the one and only DL platform was taken and I didn't feel like waiting and moving DL's to later in the session. Warmed up slowly with the bar just to regain a feel for it and felt good. Moved to 135lb for 2 sets of 10, 225lb for 2 sets of 6, and 315 for a set of 6. All sets I was focusing more on explosion from the ground because it's something I feel I lack with regular deads. I've noticed that once I get the bar off the ground, it's going all the way up, so I feel if I can get more explosive from the ground, I'll start moving more weight in general. Oddly enough, I think I adapted fast and the warm ups worked really well. I moved from 315 right to 405 and nailed it for a single. Keep in mind, my regular deadlift PR is 425 for a single. With how 405 moved, I thought it's really time to move on up. I had just enough room on the hex bar for a 25lb plate, making the attempt 455lbs and I got it. Holy crap (almost literally holy crapped on the rep lol). I'm still shocked. PR bench yesterday, PR hex bar DL today. I don't really consider this anything "legit" per say, but it does give me more confidence in my strength gains.
I don't want these gains to end. Please do me well, PCT.
The cycle is coming to an end rapidly. This begins week 7, and I'm actually feeling better this week than last oddly.
Even with the cycle nearing its end, the PR's just keep rolling in!!
Now I don't normally do hex bar deadlifts. I've done them, but don't do them. They're something that I think I should do more because the activation, all over, is definitely real, where normal deadlifts overall just hurt my body lol. It's similar to squats vs front squats. I feel tons of great activation from front squats, where regular back squats I just feel all over my body in some good/bad ways. It's hard to explain, but I think you guys understand.
Anyway, hex bar deadlifts today. I was going to do regular deads, but the one and only DL platform was taken and I didn't feel like waiting and moving DL's to later in the session. Warmed up slowly with the bar just to regain a feel for it and felt good. Moved to 135lb for 2 sets of 10, 225lb for 2 sets of 6, and 315 for a set of 6. All sets I was focusing more on explosion from the ground because it's something I feel I lack with regular deads. I've noticed that once I get the bar off the ground, it's going all the way up, so I feel if I can get more explosive from the ground, I'll start moving more weight in general. Oddly enough, I think I adapted fast and the warm ups worked really well. I moved from 315 right to 405 and nailed it for a single. Keep in mind, my regular deadlift PR is 425 for a single. With how 405 moved, I thought it's really time to move on up. I had just enough room on the hex bar for a 25lb plate, making the attempt 455lbs and I got it. Holy crap (almost literally holy crapped on the rep lol). I'm still shocked. PR bench yesterday, PR hex bar DL today. I don't really consider this anything "legit" per say, but it does give me more confidence in my strength gains.
I don't want these gains to end. Please do me well, PCT.
blongo804
Active member
Quick thoughts:
Just wanted to pop in today to say Friday will be the end of DMZ. After today I'll be left with 60mg worth, so i'll split it 30mg Thursday, 30mg Friday.
Nolva will start Saturday along with L Dopa dosing per Old Witch. I'm interested to see how PCT will treat me as clearly this is my first time PCT-ing. My fiance thinks I've been a little off lately, emotionally, and also asked if I feel "off".. I mean I guess sometimes I feel a little odd, but nothing too detrimental. I'd have to guess a good deal of suppression has happened, so it'll be nice to get the test flowing again. I'll better be able to compare pre-PCT me vs post-PCT me too I bet.
Hope everyone hangs along and I hope this log has been helpful thus far.
Just wanted to pop in today to say Friday will be the end of DMZ. After today I'll be left with 60mg worth, so i'll split it 30mg Thursday, 30mg Friday.
Nolva will start Saturday along with L Dopa dosing per Old Witch. I'm interested to see how PCT will treat me as clearly this is my first time PCT-ing. My fiance thinks I've been a little off lately, emotionally, and also asked if I feel "off".. I mean I guess sometimes I feel a little odd, but nothing too detrimental. I'd have to guess a good deal of suppression has happened, so it'll be nice to get the test flowing again. I'll better be able to compare pre-PCT me vs post-PCT me too I bet.
Hope everyone hangs along and I hope this log has been helpful thus far.
blongo804
Active member
Update:
More PR's!!
Trying to finish up DMZ with a bang and putting it all on the line at this point. Not sure what I'll attempt tomorrow, but today was front squats and barbell rows (which I haven't done in a while.. been doing Yates rows).
I was going to actually attempt back squats today, but really having shoulder mobility issues it seems. My normal grip was just not working as I couldn't get my arms back far enough. Yikes.. Front squats it is! I brought my sleeves because I knew I was aiming high today whether it was front or back squats. I worked through 135 to 165 to 185 to 225 and hit a huge single at 255! My PR prior to today was 245, sleeveless/beltless, so I'll take a sleeved 255 any day.
Barbell rows felt great after not doing them in a while. My mobility definitely feels different than the last time I did these, so I'm wondering what's going on there. Either way, I worked all the way up to 2 sets of 5 at 215 with smooth & controlled reps. I'm not entirely sure what my PR was before this, but I know for a fact it was at least 20-30lbs less, weight wise.
I ended the session with goblet squats, working from 60lbs up to 100lbs, for slow & controlled 5 rep sets with a slight pause at the bottom. These were flying. My legs had more to go, but my upper body was just done holding the weight lol.
I'm going to post some pictures below to see what you guys think. I just had my fiance take some more last night and I took a few "selfies" myself. I'm not overly satisfied with my look. I'm feeling really full, both water/glycogen and muscularly, but I want to have a lower body fat while looking bigger. I know DMZ is not known for being a leaning agent, but maybe my next cycle will be something geared toward that? Not sure yet, have to do more research. Maybe I should stop thinking "bigger" until I cut down from here? Looking for any thoughts!
More PR's!!
Trying to finish up DMZ with a bang and putting it all on the line at this point. Not sure what I'll attempt tomorrow, but today was front squats and barbell rows (which I haven't done in a while.. been doing Yates rows).
I was going to actually attempt back squats today, but really having shoulder mobility issues it seems. My normal grip was just not working as I couldn't get my arms back far enough. Yikes.. Front squats it is! I brought my sleeves because I knew I was aiming high today whether it was front or back squats. I worked through 135 to 165 to 185 to 225 and hit a huge single at 255! My PR prior to today was 245, sleeveless/beltless, so I'll take a sleeved 255 any day.
Barbell rows felt great after not doing them in a while. My mobility definitely feels different than the last time I did these, so I'm wondering what's going on there. Either way, I worked all the way up to 2 sets of 5 at 215 with smooth & controlled reps. I'm not entirely sure what my PR was before this, but I know for a fact it was at least 20-30lbs less, weight wise.
I ended the session with goblet squats, working from 60lbs up to 100lbs, for slow & controlled 5 rep sets with a slight pause at the bottom. These were flying. My legs had more to go, but my upper body was just done holding the weight lol.
I'm going to post some pictures below to see what you guys think. I just had my fiance take some more last night and I took a few "selfies" myself. I'm not overly satisfied with my look. I'm feeling really full, both water/glycogen and muscularly, but I want to have a lower body fat while looking bigger. I know DMZ is not known for being a leaning agent, but maybe my next cycle will be something geared toward that? Not sure yet, have to do more research. Maybe I should stop thinking "bigger" until I cut down from here? Looking for any thoughts!
blongo804
Active member
Update:
Well today ends DMZ. I took my 15mg pre-workout, and will be taking another 15mg today around 6PM. Very sad, very sad.
Like I said though, we're going out with a bang. Last night I planned out my next PR - incline bench! Started today's session out with some incline bench, but did sets that wouldn't burn me out too fast like I do sometimes before attempting a PR. Everything felt great. Warmed up with 95lbs x10, 135x10, 165x5, 185x5 (5th rep was a little janky, lost mind/muscle connection), then wanted to shoot for a PR single. I believe prior to today, my single PR was 190-195. I tried looking through my logbook quick at the gym, and only found a 190 single. I swear I did more but whatever. I threw 30lbs on for the PR attempt because 185 moved fairly well with lots of control until the last rep. I ended up nailing 215 for a single to the point I shot a touch higher at 220 and hit that great as well.
That ends my cycle with a 220lb incline bench, 245lb bench. .. I may have posted saying it was a 250lb bench PR, but we'll call the Olympic bar 45lbs rather than 50lbs. There's some people at the gym, including workers, that claim it's a 50lb bar, but i'd rather say a conservative number.
Prior to this cycle my numbers were TOTALLY different..like worlds apart. My best bench was 215lb single, best incline was around 185lb single. I'm stoked that my bench has finally improved, now just hoping these gains stay for the most part.
I did hit another PR.. Close grip bench for a 215lb single to end the day. Like the others, this was also MUCH lower prior to cycle - maybe like the 170-180lb range? I'd have to double check, not a number I pay huge attention to.
Overall I'm really happy with this cycle, but can't wait to rest a bit. My body is definitely taking a toll while attempting maxes this week and last, but where I'm currently standing, these numbers are becoming more and more respectable. I may still attempt a conventional deadlift PR later next week, so I'll be sure to keep everyone posted on that. I do wish I can squat, but I'll work on mobility while off cycle. Not sure what's going on, but I have a feeling it's tightness in my lats, but not 100% positive.
I also forgot to mention yesterday and today.. I'm ending the cycle at about 210lb BW, and same 34.75" waist (measured around belly button) as at the start. I've had a hard time breaking 210lbs legitimately. I've only been over 210lbs if it was from excess carbs the day before. I want to blame this on a mental block from being afraid of getting fatter lol.
Well today ends DMZ. I took my 15mg pre-workout, and will be taking another 15mg today around 6PM. Very sad, very sad.
Like I said though, we're going out with a bang. Last night I planned out my next PR - incline bench! Started today's session out with some incline bench, but did sets that wouldn't burn me out too fast like I do sometimes before attempting a PR. Everything felt great. Warmed up with 95lbs x10, 135x10, 165x5, 185x5 (5th rep was a little janky, lost mind/muscle connection), then wanted to shoot for a PR single. I believe prior to today, my single PR was 190-195. I tried looking through my logbook quick at the gym, and only found a 190 single. I swear I did more but whatever. I threw 30lbs on for the PR attempt because 185 moved fairly well with lots of control until the last rep. I ended up nailing 215 for a single to the point I shot a touch higher at 220 and hit that great as well.
That ends my cycle with a 220lb incline bench, 245lb bench.
.. I may have posted saying it was a 250lb bench PR, but we'll call the Olympic bar 45lbs rather than 50lbs. There's some people at the gym, including workers, that claim it's a 50lb bar, but i'd rather say a conservative number. Prior to this cycle my numbers were TOTALLY different..like worlds apart. My best bench was 215lb single, best incline was around 185lb single. I'm stoked that my bench has finally improved, now just hoping these gains stay for the most part.
I did hit another PR.. Close grip bench for a 215lb single to end the day. Like the others, this was also MUCH lower prior to cycle - maybe like the 170-180lb range? I'd have to double check, not a number I pay huge attention to.
Overall I'm really happy with this cycle, but can't wait to rest a bit. My body is definitely taking a toll while attempting maxes this week and last, but where I'm currently standing, these numbers are becoming more and more respectable. I may still attempt a conventional deadlift PR later next week, so I'll be sure to keep everyone posted on that. I do wish I can squat, but I'll work on mobility while off cycle. Not sure what's going on, but I have a feeling it's tightness in my lats, but not 100% positive.
I also forgot to mention yesterday and today.. I'm ending the cycle at about 210lb BW, and same 34.75" waist (measured around belly button) as at the start. I've had a hard time breaking 210lbs legitimately. I've only been over 210lbs if it was from excess carbs the day before. I want to blame this on a mental block from being afraid of getting fatter lol.
Megatron1
New member
Get a tennis elbow band. I had some serious issues last winter and had a hard time doing my normal workout routine. The band helped me continue training (without pain) and it has since healed. I got two of them on Amazon for like $10.
blongo804
Active member
I *just* made an Amazon order and knew there was something I was forgetting. The doctor did actually recommend that.. Thanks for sharing your experience. Hoping that'll do the trick for me too!
christ83189
Well-known member
Yeah olympic bar is 45lbs. Ive weighed one before and its actually slightly lessUpdate:
Well today ends DMZ. I took my 15mg pre-workout, and will be taking another 15mg today around 6PM. Very sad, very sad.
Like I said though, we're going out with a bang. Last night I planned out my next PR - incline bench! Started today's session out with some incline bench, but did sets that wouldn't burn me out too fast like I do sometimes before attempting a PR. Everything felt great. Warmed up with 95lbs x10, 135x10, 165x5, 185x5 (5th rep was a little janky, lost mind/muscle connection), then wanted to shoot for a PR single. I believe prior to today, my single PR was 190-195. I tried looking through my logbook quick at the gym, and only found a 190 single. I swear I did more but whatever. I threw 30lbs on for the PR attempt because 185 moved fairly well with lots of control until the last rep. I ended up nailing 215 for a single to the point I shot a touch higher at 220 and hit that great as well.
That ends my cycle with a 220lb incline bench, 245lb bench.
Prior to this cycle my numbers were TOTALLY different..like worlds apart. My best bench was 215lb single, best incline was around 185lb single. I'm stoked that my bench has finally improved, now just hoping these gains stay for the most part.
I did hit another PR.. Close grip bench for a 215lb single to end the day. Like the others, this was also MUCH lower prior to cycle - maybe like the 170-180lb range? I'd have to double check, not a number I pay huge attention to.
Overall I'm really happy with this cycle, but can't wait to rest a bit. My body is definitely taking a toll while attempting maxes this week and last, but where I'm currently standing, these numbers are becoming more and more respectable. I may still attempt a conventional deadlift PR later next week, so I'll be sure to keep everyone posted on that. I do wish I can squat, but I'll work on mobility while off cycle. Not sure what's going on, but I have a feeling it's tightness in my lats, but not 100% positive.
I also forgot to mention yesterday and today.. I'm ending the cycle at about 210lb BW, and same 34.75" waist (measured around belly button) as at the start. I've had a hard time breaking 210lbs legitimately. I've only been over 210lbs if it was from excess carbs the day before. I want to blame this on a mental block from being afraid of getting fatter lol.
blongo804
Active member
That's what I always went with, but then I saw people claiming it's 50lbs which seemed weird to me but I started counting it as 50lbs. Now i'll just stick with 45lbs because that's typical.
blongo804
Active member
Update:
Started PCT on 9/8 as planned. 20mg nolva ed. I've done morning doses but going to switch it to nighttime due to the horrendous taste it coats my mouth with lol. Alongside the nolva is 350mg l-dopa 1x/day. So far i'm feeling great. Honestly even the first day of nolva I was feeling better just a few hours after the dose. Could be placebo, maybe not. I'll continue this exact dosing protocol for 2 weeks then move to 10mg nolva + l-dopa for another week or two - just going to judge based on how i'm feeling I think. Again, bloods will be drawn.
Otherwise today I did some deadlifts just to try and ride the PR train. While I didn't hit a weight PR, I did hit just 10lbs under my weight PR (425lb) for a single without straps or belt. My 425 PR was with straps/no belt. That felt good, although I'm not sure how pretty the rep was. Overall, this probably wasn't the best idea for today, but I had a good bit of carbs last night and was hoping to ride off that. Oh well.
I'm planning to start a new training cycle soon. I'm going to use the same periodization program I used that got me my pre-cycle s/b/d numbers, so hoping to make some proper gains off this again. The only reason I didn't start the new program today was solely due to the fact I can't back squat. Whether it's lat or trap tightness, I just can't get my arms in squat position. Ugh. Just going to start doing stretches to help regain mobility for the next week or two.
My final note to add to this post is that i'm going to continue eating on PCT as I was on cycle. My body feels pretty happy here, and with the planned upcoming program, i'll need this food intake. I really want to lean out, but I also want to get muscularly big for once. Ah the struggle. I'll just continue stalking myself in the mirror and adjust eating from there I think, only enough to not hinder strength gains.
Started PCT on 9/8 as planned. 20mg nolva ed. I've done morning doses but going to switch it to nighttime due to the horrendous taste it coats my mouth with lol. Alongside the nolva is 350mg l-dopa 1x/day. So far i'm feeling great. Honestly even the first day of nolva I was feeling better just a few hours after the dose. Could be placebo, maybe not. I'll continue this exact dosing protocol for 2 weeks then move to 10mg nolva + l-dopa for another week or two - just going to judge based on how i'm feeling I think. Again, bloods will be drawn.
Otherwise today I did some deadlifts just to try and ride the PR train. While I didn't hit a weight PR, I did hit just 10lbs under my weight PR (425lb) for a single without straps or belt. My 425 PR was with straps/no belt. That felt good, although I'm not sure how pretty the rep was. Overall, this probably wasn't the best idea for today, but I had a good bit of carbs last night and was hoping to ride off that. Oh well.
I'm planning to start a new training cycle soon. I'm going to use the same periodization program I used that got me my pre-cycle s/b/d numbers, so hoping to make some proper gains off this again. The only reason I didn't start the new program today was solely due to the fact I can't back squat. Whether it's lat or trap tightness, I just can't get my arms in squat position. Ugh. Just going to start doing stretches to help regain mobility for the next week or two.
My final note to add to this post is that i'm going to continue eating on PCT as I was on cycle. My body feels pretty happy here, and with the planned upcoming program, i'll need this food intake. I really want to lean out, but I also want to get muscularly big for once. Ah the struggle. I'll just continue stalking myself in the mirror and adjust eating from there I think, only enough to not hinder strength gains.
Megatron1
New member
It may be buried in the log somewhere, but can you share why you decided to go with nolva vs clomid? I am planning a future DMZ cycle and wanted a benchmark.
blongo804
Active member
I never really stated a reason why actually! I really just found nolva to be the most recommended choice among the masses between results and least amount of sides.
It seems you really can't go wrong either way, and one is likely better than the other for certain people so I may or may not find out the hard way how I react to nolva. I wish I could provide more evidence behind my reasoning, but like I said, I just based my decision off of general research here on the forum and on the web (that I'm sure you've done already too).
I'll of course share my experience with nolva which may help you make a decision too! So far.. Tastes like "cherry" cough medicine I used to take as a kid lol.
Megatron1
New member
Yeah let me know how it goes. I've used clomid successfully and so have always just done what works . It gets the boys working again pretty well, but wreaks havoc on my emotional state...if I can avoid that with nolva, I'll probably give it a try.
blongo804
Active member
Gotcha. I will definitely let you know. So far I've been pretty chipper and calm feeling actually, and life has been as hectic as usual.
KingAnt
Member
I just got done running Pct with nolva and my nuts are up and running and my test is at 1137 ( although my estradiol is high also ) but I didn't have any emotional sides. Or any sides at all from the nolva for that matter. Try it out man.
blongo804
Active member
Whoa. That's interesting. What was your dosage protocol? Update coming in the next post!
blongo804
Active member
Small Update:
Going to keep this one short and sweet. Not sure what it is really, but gym aggression is totally down and I believe strength is down as a result. I may actually need to deload or take a few days off for rest. I think attempting maxes the last week or two really beat me up, and being off DMZ is likely not helping. For example, I hit 185lb incline bench for 2x2, when just a week or so ago I hit it for a set of 5 and upped the weight for another few sets. Today I felt 185 was the best I can do. I hope the gains aren't fading already lol.
I'll be sure to keep an eye on this. I just feel overall really calm and beat up at the same time to the point my overall gym aggression seems to be down. Already missing DMZ at this point.. </3
Going to keep this one short and sweet. Not sure what it is really, but gym aggression is totally down and I believe strength is down as a result. I may actually need to deload or take a few days off for rest. I think attempting maxes the last week or two really beat me up, and being off DMZ is likely not helping. For example, I hit 185lb incline bench for 2x2, when just a week or so ago I hit it for a set of 5 and upped the weight for another few sets. Today I felt 185 was the best I can do. I hope the gains aren't fading already lol.
I'll be sure to keep an eye on this. I just feel overall really calm and beat up at the same time to the point my overall gym aggression seems to be down. Already missing DMZ at this point.. </3
Brienn8989
Active member
Say bye bye to all the glycogen haha it’s to be expected with dmz.
blongo804
Active member
RIP Glycogen. I did expect it at least, but I'm shocked at how fast it's happening :-O. This weigh in was quite the eye opener this morning!
Brienn8989
Active member
Haha now you see why people get so depressed during pct sometimes huh? It sucks but just part of the process.
blongo804
Active member
Yepper! Definitely upsetting scale results. Hoping my lifts at least stay similar!
Brienn8989
Active member
I’m saving creatine and HMB for my pct. a boatload of each haha
Brienn8989
Active member
I’m also going to up my mk677 to 30 mg and adding gw. I refuse to lose any of my gains. Haha
blongo804
Active member
I'll start with 10g/day creatine, 300mg vaso6/day at the least. Thanks for the tips!
blongo804
Active member
Definitely doing that! Protein is staying around 1.25g/lb at the moment, can easily bump it to 1.5g/lb if I wanted. I'd also be happy to keep at least most of size/definition/strength.
New update coming below! Just another quick one.
blongo804
Active member
Small Update:
Wasn't happy with the amount of sleep I got last night, but still got to the gym before work and made it happen. I'm kind of in between programs at the moment while I work to get my mobility back, but I'm following a general plan which made today lower body day.
Started with front squats like usual, simply wanting to test how that strength is since I've been mildly let down by other lifts this week. They were actually moving REALLY well. So well that I decided to work up to a PR. 185 moved like nothing, I did 225 for a 2-3 second pause rep and it flew, so it was time to attempt a PR.. My PR before today was 245. I could've went for 250, but I've failed 255 in the past and wanted revenge. Got it!! 255lb front squat, no sleeves, no belt. I'm real happy about this. The last time I "failed" it, I was barely able to hold it in front of me. I got it off the rack twice that day and felt no confidence in trying to rep it. Today I ripped it off the rack and straight sunk it. I really hit it deep, no question at all on depth or else I wouldn't even post this
Speaking of revenge, I wanted revenge on deadlifts from Monday. Instead of conventional though, I wanted to switch it up and do sumo. It's been a few months since I've done sumo, but when I was doing it, I wholeheartedly believe it was assisting my conventional in that program. Anyway, since I really only wanted to "test" sumo, I threw on a plate and planned to just add 25's as I went. Well... let's just say I added a lot of 25's and worked up to 405 sumo LOL with straps. My PR was probably 315-335 before today, and, again, it's been months since pulling sumo. I know, I know, sumo is cheating, but it felt really, really solid today. Plus this was on a really stiff bar! Definitely brought back some minor confidence lost since DMZ ended.
That's all I have today. Back to eating!
Wasn't happy with the amount of sleep I got last night, but still got to the gym before work and made it happen. I'm kind of in between programs at the moment while I work to get my mobility back, but I'm following a general plan which made today lower body day.
Started with front squats like usual, simply wanting to test how that strength is since I've been mildly let down by other lifts this week. They were actually moving REALLY well. So well that I decided to work up to a PR. 185 moved like nothing, I did 225 for a 2-3 second pause rep and it flew, so it was time to attempt a PR.. My PR before today was 245. I could've went for 250, but I've failed 255 in the past and wanted revenge. Got it!! 255lb front squat, no sleeves, no belt. I'm real happy about this. The last time I "failed" it, I was barely able to hold it in front of me. I got it off the rack twice that day and felt no confidence in trying to rep it. Today I ripped it off the rack and straight sunk it. I really hit it deep, no question at all on depth or else I wouldn't even post this
Speaking of revenge, I wanted revenge on deadlifts from Monday. Instead of conventional though, I wanted to switch it up and do sumo. It's been a few months since I've done sumo, but when I was doing it, I wholeheartedly believe it was assisting my conventional in that program. Anyway, since I really only wanted to "test" sumo, I threw on a plate and planned to just add 25's as I went. Well... let's just say I added a lot of 25's and worked up to 405 sumo LOL with straps. My PR was probably 315-335 before today, and, again, it's been months since pulling sumo. I know, I know, sumo is cheating, but it felt really, really solid today. Plus this was on a really stiff bar! Definitely brought back some minor confidence lost since DMZ ended.
That's all I have today. Back to eating!
blongo804
Active member
Small Update:
Wasn't happy with the amount of sleep I got last night, but still got to the gym before work and made it happen. I'm kind of in between programs at the moment while I work to get my mobility back, but I'm following a general plan which made today lower body day.
Started with front squats like usual, simply wanting to test how that strength is since I've been mildly let down by other lifts this week. They were actually moving REALLY well. So well that I decided to work up to a PR. 185 moved like nothing, I did 225 for a 2-3 second pause rep and it flew, so it was time to attempt a PR.. My PR before today was 245. I could've went for 250, but I've failed 255 in the past and wanted revenge. Got it!! 255lb front squat, no sleeves, no belt. I'm real happy about this. The last time I "failed" it, I was barely able to hold it in front of me. I got it off the rack twice that day and felt no confidence in trying to rep it. Today I ripped it off the rack and straight sunk it. I really hit it deep, no question at all on depth or else I wouldn't even post this
Speaking of revenge, I wanted revenge on deadlifts from Monday. Instead of conventional though, I wanted to switch it up and do sumo. It's been a few months since I've done sumo, but when I was doing it, I wholeheartedly believe it was assisting my conventional in that program. Anyway, since I really only wanted to "test" sumo, I threw on a plate and planned to just add 25's as I went. Well... let's just say I added a lot of 25's and worked up to 405 sumo LOL with straps. My PR was probably 315-335 before today, and, again, it's been months since pulling sumo. I know, I know, sumo is cheating, but it felt really, really solid today. Plus this was on a really stiff bar! Definitely brought back some minor confidence lost since DMZ ended.
That's all I have today. Back to eating!
Wasn't happy with the amount of sleep I got last night, but still got to the gym before work and made it happen. I'm kind of in between programs at the moment while I work to get my mobility back, but I'm following a general plan which made today lower body day.
Started with front squats like usual, simply wanting to test how that strength is since I've been mildly let down by other lifts this week. They were actually moving REALLY well. So well that I decided to work up to a PR. 185 moved like nothing, I did 225 for a 2-3 second pause rep and it flew, so it was time to attempt a PR.. My PR before today was 245. I could've went for 250, but I've failed 255 in the past and wanted revenge. Got it!! 255lb front squat, no sleeves, no belt. I'm real happy about this. The last time I "failed" it, I was barely able to hold it in front of me. I got it off the rack twice that day and felt no confidence in trying to rep it. Today I ripped it off the rack and straight sunk it. I really hit it deep, no question at all on depth or else I wouldn't even post this
Speaking of revenge, I wanted revenge on deadlifts from Monday. Instead of conventional though, I wanted to switch it up and do sumo. It's been a few months since I've done sumo, but when I was doing it, I wholeheartedly believe it was assisting my conventional in that program. Anyway, since I really only wanted to "test" sumo, I threw on a plate and planned to just add 25's as I went. Well... let's just say I added a lot of 25's and worked up to 405 sumo LOL with straps. My PR was probably 315-335 before today, and, again, it's been months since pulling sumo. I know, I know, sumo is cheating, but it felt really, really solid today. Plus this was on a really stiff bar! Definitely brought back some minor confidence lost since DMZ ended.
That's all I have today. Back to eating!
Brienn8989
Active member
Small Update:
Wasn't happy with the amount of sleep I got last night, but still got to the gym before work and made it happen. I'm kind of in between programs at the moment while I work to get my mobility back, but I'm following a general plan which made today lower body day.
Started with front squats like usual, simply wanting to test how that strength is since I've been mildly let down by other lifts this week. They were actually moving REALLY well. So well that I decided to work up to a PR. 185 moved like nothing, I did 225 for a 2-3 second pause rep and it flew, so it was time to attempt a PR.. My PR before today was 245. I could've went for 250, but I've failed 255 in the past and wanted revenge. Got it!! 255lb front squat, no sleeves, no belt. I'm real happy about this. The last time I "failed" it, I was barely able to hold it in front of me. I got it off the rack twice that day and felt no confidence in trying to rep it. Today I ripped it off the rack and straight sunk it. I really hit it deep, no question at all on depth or else I wouldn't even post this
Speaking of revenge, I wanted revenge on deadlifts from Monday. Instead of conventional though, I wanted to switch it up and do sumo. It's been a few months since I've done sumo, but when I was doing it, I wholeheartedly believe it was assisting my conventional in that program. Anyway, since I really only wanted to "test" sumo, I threw on a plate and planned to just add 25's as I went. Well... let's just say I added a lot of 25's and worked up to 405 sumo LOL with straps. My PR was probably 315-335 before today, and, again, it's been months since pulling sumo. I know, I know, sumo is cheating, but it felt really, really solid today. Plus this was on a really stiff bar! Definitely brought back some minor confidence lost since DMZ ended.
That's all I have today. Back to eating!
Good for you bro! PCT is more important than the actual cycle. Keep grinding.
blongo804
Active member
Thanks a lot man!
PCT has been smooth sailing so far. Diet has remained consistent yet maybe a bit more food than on cycle just because I'm eating when I'm hungry rather than ignoring it, but still not overdoing it. Seriously happy about today though because it was a nice confidence booster for tomorrow's training. I'm also inching closer and closer to a random, sort of goal lift I thought of earlier this year of a 315lb front squat. I hit a 225lb single earlier this year and thought "it'd be cool to hit a 315lb front squat".. Now only 60lbs away.
Brienn8989
Active member
It’s always a relief to be done with a cycle, atleast for me haha the last week I’m pretty much over it. Well except for real sauce, I never want that to end. Haha
blongo804
Active member
DMZ and I had a bittersweet end. I haven't been having anything near the lethargy I was experiencing while on, but, man, the constant strength gains, vein gains, size gains were sooooo worth it. I bet the real sauce is an even better feeling. Can't wait to start my next cycle around the end of the year.
christ83189
Well-known member
I hit a 315 front squat a couple months ago and thought 405 would be cool. Ive been too busy working on my back squat though and havent worked towards it at all lolThanks a lot man!
PCT has been smooth sailing so far. Diet has remained consistent yet maybe a bit more food than on cycle just because I'm eating when I'm hungry rather than ignoring it, but still not overdoing it. Seriously happy about today though because it was a nice confidence booster for tomorrow's training. I'm also inching closer and closer to a random, sort of goal lift I thought of earlier this year of a 315lb front squat. I hit a 225lb single earlier this year and thought "it'd be cool to hit a 315lb front squat".. Now only 60lbs away.
blongo804
Active member
Nice! So you had the same mindset after 3 plates as I had after 2. What's funny is that after I hit a 2 plate front squat, I also stopped front squatting for a few months to focus on back squat up until recently. It took a little time to refamiliarize myself with front squats, but once I did, I was hitting PR's like nothing.
Tough to say right now. I'm debating TD trest + Msten. Maybe var only. Still planning, but I'll be sure to mention it once I know for sure!
blongo804
Active member
Small Update:
Really feeling like the strength gains are still present. Bench felt great today. 135x12, 155x8, 185x4, 200x1, 220x1, 230x1. Remember I couldn't hit 220 for a solid rep pre-cycle, and each single got better than the last today. Honestly 230 flew, so I could've probably hit 235-240. Not only was I happy about this, but I also found that my tendon pain is going down by the day. I was actually fine during warm-ups without my wrist wrap up to around 100lbs before I didn't feel like tempting fate anymore. Back maybe 2-3 weeks ago I couldn't say the same, so that's a nice discovery.
Finished the day with barbell rows + back accessories. Really felt solid today and had a huge pump thanks to Vaso6 + HyperMax for my pre.
Overall I definitely have confidence in myself again after a shaky beginning of the week.
As for my weight - not weighing in again until next Wednesday (9/19). My fiance did comment last night that I'm looking deflated LOL. She was like "well that was fast" hahahaha.. Right in the feels!
I'll be back for more updates early next week! In the meantime, in other life news, hopefully nailing down a wedding venue for next year, getting my new car (and fiance's car) tinted this weekend, and hopefully giving either my car or both a nice detail.
Really feeling like the strength gains are still present. Bench felt great today. 135x12, 155x8, 185x4, 200x1, 220x1, 230x1. Remember I couldn't hit 220 for a solid rep pre-cycle, and each single got better than the last today. Honestly 230 flew, so I could've probably hit 235-240. Not only was I happy about this, but I also found that my tendon pain is going down by the day. I was actually fine during warm-ups without my wrist wrap up to around 100lbs before I didn't feel like tempting fate anymore. Back maybe 2-3 weeks ago I couldn't say the same, so that's a nice discovery.
Finished the day with barbell rows + back accessories. Really felt solid today and had a huge pump thanks to Vaso6 + HyperMax for my pre.
Overall I definitely have confidence in myself again after a shaky beginning of the week.
As for my weight - not weighing in again until next Wednesday (9/19). My fiance did comment last night that I'm looking deflated LOL. She was like "well that was fast" hahahaha.. Right in the feels!
I'll be back for more updates early next week! In the meantime, in other life news, hopefully nailing down a wedding venue for next year, getting my new car (and fiance's car) tinted this weekend, and hopefully giving either my car or both a nice detail.
blongo804
Active member
Update:
Hey guys, been a little while, so I'm here with an update.
Kind of in a funk today. The Mazda I just got and posted up here was tinted yesterday, looked awesome, then was hit by an 18-wheeler just 3 hours later. It's not terrible, but I'm pretty mad about it. His trailer crossed over into my lane (single, city lane on each side), and I was pinned with no where to go but to accept my fate. Bumper, fender, wheel, and my steering is messed up too. I'm okay at least, just down in the dumps as I've had the car for a mere 2-3 weeks.. Ugh.
Tried to channel some of my anger at the gym today. Woke up a bit drowsy, Hypermax wasn't really kicking me into groove, but I went with it. Did front squats and overhead press as the primaries today, with it being the first time doing OHP since June. I've just been itching to do it since my left shoulder is feeling 70-80% better, and just testing some lifts before I hop on a new training cycle (hopefully by October).
Front squats went okay. I intentionally didn't shoot for anything crazy, but the power/form was there.
OHP's went..surprisingly really well. Started very light at just the bar (1RM is 140-145lb) and felt good. Moved to 75lbs, then 95lbs, both of which moved like nothing. Moved to 110lbs, shoulder felt fine and weight moved fast. Moved to 125lbs and again, shoulder felt good, weight moved nice. 135lbs I hit for 5 reps.. What the.. Best I've done is a rough single (140-145 was also "meh" when I hit it), and now I just did 5 clean, fairly strict reps. Moving along, I forget what I did prior, but ended with a 165 1RM. Easily could've done 170-175, but I was cooked by this point. I'm absolutely shocked because I haven't touched OHP since June. I'm guessing with my bench where it's at, it's been supplementing my OHP since they're similar movements, which is pretty cool to see. When I did the 140-145lb or so OHP in June, my bench then was also only 210-215lbs, where it's 245lb 1RM now. It's neat how that works and definitely good to know.
As for nolva, I'm just over a week in, feel fine. Lethargy is much, much lower. I've been sleeping good, no ill effects otherwise. I'll be checking weight/waist on Wednesday and report back then.
Hey guys, been a little while, so I'm here with an update.
Kind of in a funk today. The Mazda I just got and posted up here was tinted yesterday, looked awesome, then was hit by an 18-wheeler just 3 hours later. It's not terrible, but I'm pretty mad about it. His trailer crossed over into my lane (single, city lane on each side), and I was pinned with no where to go but to accept my fate. Bumper, fender, wheel, and my steering is messed up too. I'm okay at least, just down in the dumps as I've had the car for a mere 2-3 weeks.. Ugh.
Tried to channel some of my anger at the gym today. Woke up a bit drowsy, Hypermax wasn't really kicking me into groove, but I went with it. Did front squats and overhead press as the primaries today, with it being the first time doing OHP since June. I've just been itching to do it since my left shoulder is feeling 70-80% better, and just testing some lifts before I hop on a new training cycle (hopefully by October).
Front squats went okay. I intentionally didn't shoot for anything crazy, but the power/form was there.
OHP's went..surprisingly really well. Started very light at just the bar (1RM is 140-145lb) and felt good. Moved to 75lbs, then 95lbs, both of which moved like nothing. Moved to 110lbs, shoulder felt fine and weight moved fast. Moved to 125lbs and again, shoulder felt good, weight moved nice. 135lbs I hit for 5 reps.. What the.. Best I've done is a rough single (140-145 was also "meh" when I hit it), and now I just did 5 clean, fairly strict reps. Moving along, I forget what I did prior, but ended with a 165 1RM. Easily could've done 170-175, but I was cooked by this point. I'm absolutely shocked because I haven't touched OHP since June. I'm guessing with my bench where it's at, it's been supplementing my OHP since they're similar movements, which is pretty cool to see. When I did the 140-145lb or so OHP in June, my bench then was also only 210-215lbs, where it's 245lb 1RM now. It's neat how that works and definitely good to know.
As for nolva, I'm just over a week in, feel fine. Lethargy is much, much lower. I've been sleeping good, no ill effects otherwise. I'll be checking weight/waist on Wednesday and report back then.
PoSiTiVeFLoW
Well-known member
I find with all these cycles at least for my ectomorph frame, it's a 3 steps forward and 1-2 steps back each time you cycle off...
Next round, perhaps try going to DMZ and then say a SARM like LGD-4033 and then Ostarine, then PCT.
Probably need a test base for this longer cycle... Stay in the gain zone longer and see if you can get it to normalize at a new weight level. And use Novla or Clomid and maybe HCG even to boos test levels after cycle in PCT... To help body hold the mass?
Don't forget the almost monthly blood work!