3AD, Icon One, Icon 11, Arimahex recomp run

[subweevil]

Howdy All!

As promised in the 3AD thread, here's my run with the transdermal version, along with some other goodies. Had planned for a start of August but wanted to get the good times rolling sooner than later. This will be more of a "Ask Me Anything" log, as everyone can agree on, no matter how much detail is thrown in, there are always questions unanswered. This is twofold, one, I want to encourage those questions and two, time is tight on my end, so I hate just doing a rambling log and want to make sure I can address any and all questions you all may have.

Pretty much a 2-month run, I've ran everything pictured before but never stacked. No complaints prior, doubt I will have any with this run, perhaps maybe some stiffness/ soreness, and if that turns out to be the case, will lower the Arimahex, then Icon 11. Everything is dosed per instructions, using Arimahex and Icon11 only at night, since that's when Estrogen and Cortisol start to get into higher levels. 3AD 2 pumps, and Icon One 5 pumps upon waking.

Lifestyle is going to be eating around maintenance, modified velocity diet. Replacing buffalo with chicken cause chicken is way cheaper and throwing the rice in Thai Ginger bone broth to cook from Wegmans, need some flavor and hte extra protein/ collagen doesn't hurt. Also, added in a tablespoon raw unfiltered coconut oil and needs me my hot sauce so trader Joe's Siracha it is (the bestest siracha, prove me wrong!) Snacks are cocoa almonds, no fat greek yogurt and sugar free cherry fruit cups, of course my protein shakes after workout. Following a somewhat intermittent fasting thingy, I'm up at 4:45am, coffee and eat first meal around 8:30am-9am. Almonds, yogurt and fruit cup around noon, last meal around 1:30pm-2pm. Gym around 3:15pm-4pm, shake after, maybe some fast carbs, depends.

I'll get a before pic up here in a bit. Any questions, ask away. Will more than likely only be updating once per day after workouts while sipping down my shake.

 

[Joshlm69]

What’s your test base? I would heavily recommend chucking at least some TD 4 Andro in or it’s going to be brutal.

 

[subweevil]

What’s your test base? I would heavily recommend chucking at least some TD 4 Andro in or it’s going to be brutal.

No test base, per se. Ran the Icon One solo before, only some slight lethargy and not every day. I'm confident with the addition of 3AD to the mix that it will be smooth sailing. Thanks though for the recommendation and concern.

 

[Joshlm69]

Yeah but that’s 1 compound. You’re running 4. Your receptors are going to get merked over an 8 week run; I’d be very surprised if you don’t end up with some serious lethargy & libido crash.

Should just get some Alpha Gainz 4andro and run it at 225mg/day

 

[Csvt1994]

No test base, per se. Ran the Icon One solo before, only some slight lethargy and not every day. I'm confident with the addition of 3AD to the mix that it will be smooth sailing. Thanks though for the recommendation and concern.

How were the gains on solo Icon One?

 

[Allhealsonme]

Sounds like a potent stack. I personally did not tolerate Icon One well at all even with Alpha Four included. I do think the 3AD would help to combat the lethargy though.

 

[subweevil]

Yeah but that’s 1 compound. You’re running 4. Your receptors are going to get merked over an 8 week run; I’d be very surprised if you don’t end up with some serious lethargy & libido crash.

Should just get some Alpha Gainz 4andro and run it at 225mg/day

Thanks for the input, that's the thing I love about this forum!

I've ran each and every one of these solo, so I'm well versed in them, a couple like Icon 11 and Arimahex I've ran together and know the ins and outs. Only one that evenly remotely gave me lethargy was the Icon One, noting that a mid day coffee and some willpower wasn't able to overcome. I feel Iconic did a great job with Icon One to minimize the sides and provide a good base for enhanced growth.

 

[subweevil]

How were the gains on solo Icon One?

Thanks for asking, allow me to elaborate.

I was cutting calories, lost several pounds over the course of the run. My lifts returned back to baseline, having dropped a few reps or weight here and there, within 2 weeks of starting Icon One, and stayed consistent until the end of the run. Noticed more aggression, muscles were noticeably fuller than when I started, not by much though from cutting carbs and calories. Definition went up, more so doing workouts with the pump. Very mild, at least for me, and let me keep making progress after the first 2 weeks. Not mind blowing, but great for the mental side of it which I always struggle with when cutting un-assisted, as I'll lose a couple pounds outside of the gym and inside I'll lose like 20-30 lbs. Some extra coffee and mental fortitude helped push through the tired days, wouldn't classify it as lethargy, as it came and went and was very mild. Keep in mind I was cutting too, so that played a role. Lethargy to me is far more miserable, stay in bed all day kinda thing and feel like I got no sleep, while motivation is gone.

 

[subweevil]

Sounds like a potent stack. I personally did not tolerate Icon One well at all even with Alpha Four included. I do think the 3AD would help to combat the lethargy though.

Thanks for following, your info was a good read and helped prep me for this transdermal run.

Yeah, the only thing I'm thinking I might drop down a bit will either be the Arimahex or Icon 11. I picked this stack for ease of sides and results, based on solo runs. Really liking it so far, started on Saturday. Nothing bad to report, hoping that holds true the course. I can definitely feel the 3AD, pumps, intra set recovery, mood and sleep. Could not wait to run 3AD, especially transdermal. Going to play it by mirror, along with eating at maintenance to see how things are going the first couple weeks.

Some current info about me:

50 years old, soon to be 51 years young lol.
Lifting and been active for nearly 30 years, wish I had more results to show for it.
Eating from 8:30am-2pm, then shake post workout and intra quick carbs some days.
Each body part gets worked 2-3 times per week, a lot of instinctive training, meaning if I feel it I'll do it.
Workouts are either high intensity and short with light cardio or long and volume related, HIIT cardio. Might do combos, and usually if I do a 3rd workout, it will be roughly 5 sets isolation each previously worked body part(s). I aim for 10-20 sets per body part per week. Usually, 7th week is deload/ low effort, focus on ROM and stretches.

Anyone has any questions, ask away. I'll be getting some pics up here this coming weekend.

 

[Allhealsonme]

I would definitely recommend something like SNS blood pressure support XT on cycle. The 3AD by itself really jumped my numbers (granted that was 4 pumps per day) but always best to play it safe. And of course always wise to have a good moisturizer on hand because those TDs can really dry you out.

 

[ironfiend22]

How many pumps are you running the arimahex? I was considering it post cycle. Currently running 3AD and Ultra 11 now

 

[subweevil]

I would definitely recommend something like SNS blood pressure support XT on cycle. The 3AD by itself really jumped my numbers (granted that was 4 pumps per day) but always best to play it safe. And of course always wise to have a good moisturizer on hand because those TDs can really dry you out.

Awesome, thanks for keeping me on the radar with this. The oral version I ran by Zoo, Swole Patrol didn't give me any bp issues, I've always had great numbers. Thus far, this hasn't really elevated my bp, but I'll certainly keep an eyeball on it, I remember you mentioning it before. I started Saturday morning, worked out every day since and everything is progressing along nicely for the short time I've been on. I usually don't take a day off until I deload/ reset, I just lighten the workload, or do just cardio/ stretches.I've always got tons of ancillaries on hand for worst case scenarios. The Icon 11 is the one that dries me out the most. As for the 3AD, I'm not planning on going over 2 pumps per day. Warm up sets now have me all kinds of pumped up and getting noticed and don't even get me started on forearm work. Got to use the classic line I've been wanting to use forever but never had an opportunity. "It's the creatine, man."

 

[subweevil]

How many pumps are you running the arimahex? I was considering it post cycle. Currently running 3AD and Ultra 11 now

Thanks for asking, I'm using 5 pumps at night, since that's when estrogen rises, at least for me. I'm also running 1 ml of Icon 11 nightly at the same time.

Your stack is solid, keep me in the loop how it goes.

As for the long term, I'll keep seeing how I feel but I'm pretty sure at some point I'll probably drop my Arimahex dosing down a pump or two. I've ran it solo and Icon One solo, and I'll probably wind up crushing my estrogen too much, as solo they were fine, but stacking I think the synergy will let me use less pumps. SHould know by end of this week.

 

[Csvt1994]

Thanks for asking, allow me to elaborate.

I was cutting calories, lost several pounds over the course of the run. My lifts returned back to baseline, having dropped a few reps or weight here and there, within 2 weeks of starting Icon One, and stayed consistent until the end of the run. Noticed more aggression, muscles were noticeably fuller than when I started, not by much though from cutting carbs and calories. Definition went up, more so doing workouts with the pump. Very mild, at least for me, and let me keep making progress after the first 2 weeks. Not mind blowing, but great for the mental side of it which I always struggle with when cutting un-assisted, as I'll lose a couple pounds outside of the gym and inside I'll lose like 20-30 lbs. Some extra coffee and mental fortitude helped push through the tired days, wouldn't classify it as lethargy, as it came and went and was very mild. Keep in mind I was cutting too, so that played a role. Lethargy to me is far more miserable, stay in bed all day kinda thing and feel like I got no sleep, while motivation is gone.

Thanks for the info, that was a great summary.
I’ll be following this log, hope you have a good run!

 

[subweevil]

Thanks for the info, that was a great summary.
I’ll be following this log, hope you have a good run!

You are most welcome, thanks for the kind words. It's day 4 and the fun has definitely begun!

Should have posted some starting pics, not the best lighting or pics, but pretty sure everyone will get the point that there's some serious room for improvement. Heaviest I ever was almost 245 for walk around whenever I was dabbling in tough man contests and amateur mma, I'd cut down to 205. Always had love handles, even at my lightest of 166, and still had around a 36 inch waist just like at 245. If I could make them go away like the uninvited party guest they are I'd be happy so we'll see how much I can recomp. As of now, I'm weighing in anywhere from 184-188. Would love to get down to 175ish, but again, will see what the mirror shows and how my cardio hangs. Resting heart rate is anywhere from 62-66, will keep an eyeball on it to see what changes this run, while bp is usually around 110ish/70ish, give or take a skosh lower. Pics are upon waking.

Looks like I'm getting some acne, using anti-bacterial wash as a precaution, still 5 pumps of Arimahex at night. Never had acne issues running any of these solo, so might be able to chalk it up to the heat, dirt and humidity at work, but I'll continue to monitor.

Pumps are just nuts. Going up the stairs to my office today, got mad calf pumps, again, never had that running any of these solo. Mineral balance is where it should be, unless it randomly went to crap within the last week, as I had blood work done at work. Threw down some taurine and calf pumps were still present, but quieted down a bit.

Workout today was arms and wussy legs. Legs are limited, as my knees and ankles are shot, so it was leg curls, leg extensions and leg presses with high/ low foot positions. Legs were unilateral, just enough time between sets to switch legs then hit it again. Pumps made it exciting to walk, if not adventurous.

Arms I took the advice of our EHS guy and did high/ lows. 1 set each biceps and triceps, 12 reps for moderate weight, 1-2 RIR, then 6 reps for no RIR, then back again. Continued until I couldn't do 1 rep, so essentially, 1 giant set. Used the seated bicep curl machine and seated triceps pressdown machine. Added in a widowmaker set each on preacher curl machine and triceps extension machine after.

Forearms were 6 sets, 2 behind the back curls, 2 sets forearm curls, and 2 sets wall pushups using just fingers. For the uninitiated, assume a push up position against the wall, the lower the angle your hands are, the harder it is, as well as how much you lean into it. Palms flat against the wall, now press off the wall with just your fingers, you'll wind up with your middle finger forearm flexors getting most work, as it's your longest finger. You can go until just 1 finger lifts off, I go until it's just my middle finger engaged. All of these were for 20 reps. I'll try an get a video of this, as I really like this one and the behind the back reverse cable curls.

Threw some shrugs in as well. This run is really making my traps pop.

Pumps are way stronger than any of these compounds I ran solo prior. Of all the compounds I ran before, 3AD gave the best pumps, the others, not so much. Icon One was the second best, but by quite a distance. When it was mentioned that this transdermal is stronger than the oral, they were correct, as of now. I'll keep evaluating it to make sure, but I'll go on record as the transdermal 3AD being far stronger than the oral I ran.

No lethargy/ tiredness to report, good clean energy and better intra set recovery. Definitely looking fuller, it's pretty obvious and the comments are coming in. Icon One didn't do that for me on my solo run with it, although it did harden me up and bump up my strength, a tiny bit on endurance as well. I'm convinced what I'm mainly seeing now is the 3AD, although it took a bit longer for the oral to kick in than this transdermal.

 

[Allhealsonme]

I appreciate the attention to detail you’ve provided. I’ve used all of the compounds you’re currently taking but separately. For me Icon one seemed to shine towards the end of my second bottle whereas 3AD was probably week 2. I certainly got stronger and more vascular/bigger on Icon one but I was also on a surplus of calories. 3AD for sure made me more vascular and really seemed to make my muscles “pop” more all while being in a deficit. I imagine taking all of these products together should yield very noticeable results.

 

[subweevil]

I appreciate the attention to detail you’ve provided. I’ve used all of the compounds you’re currently taking but separately. For me Icon one seemed to shine towards the end of my second bottle whereas 3AD was probably week 2. I certainly got stronger and more vascular/bigger on Icon one but I was also on a surplus of calories. 3AD for sure made me more vascular and really seemed to make my muscles “pop” more all while being in a deficit. I imagine taking all of these products together should yield very noticeable results.

You are most welcome, I wanted to do a log so people could learn mainly about 3AD, it's amazing. I feel it's a great compliment to any run, and decent solo, especially when cutting.

The mental boost of 3AD is starting to kick in, was in several meetings today and everything just flowed and made sense as I talked through processes that needed re-worked and re-evaluated. Felt real good, cognizant, and sure of myself.

I figured this would be a good, relatively safe stack that over 2 months would work out well, very pleased so far. I still have yet to notice better sleep, that was when I had ran 3AD solo. Suspect it won't be as good this time around, with the various compounds, but I'll call that a fair trade if I can push the recomp and gains. Thinking sleep will get a bit better, but not as good as the solo run, will keep everyone updated.

Only negative sides thus far have been increased acne, skin isn't feeling or looking oilier than normal, will continue to monitor.

10x10 for shoulders today, same with back. Spammed the heavy side laterals and gorilla rows, finished with a giant drop set on shoulder press. Sadly, have to work out at planet fitness, guess it's good to keep me grounded at my age, as I have a tendency to always push. Shoulder press machine only goes up to 200lbs, pressed that for 17 clean, 3 half assed reps, then kept dropping 40lbs until I couldn't press anymore. Back was just straight 10x10 slightly narrower than shoulder width, reverse grip lat pull downs, I get a better stretch and contraction with these, keeping my arms bent the whole time. Finished up with drop set isolation of lat prayers supersetted with cross body pulldowns and back. 20 mins on the treadmill.

Some pics upon waking today, pics suck, but putting everything out there for everyone to see, no gimmicks:

Main goal of this run is to lose those damn love handles. Had a 1lb bump in weight, thinking it's some fluid retention. Alos noticed a bit less definition this morning, going to bump magnesium tonight. Old man bladder wasn't as active either last night, fluid intake hasn't really changed. Will update more tomorrow.

 

[subweevil]

Simple cardio today for 20 minutes, nothing major.

Thinking the magnesium was the trick, only thing I added to the menu last night and the results were more trips to the bathroom at night, left for work at starting weight. Forearms are definitely looking more vascular, thinking it's also from shedding some extra water. Muscles feel a bit firmer as well. Definitely going to keep on the magnesium to confirm. Good results so far, this is going to be a fun 2month run!

 

[LeanEngineer]

Simple cardio today for 20 minutes, nothing major.

I do this 2-3 times a week. Just 20 minutes on the treadmill, strecthing, and abs. Gives the nervous system a break.

 

[subweevil]

I do this 2-3 times a week. Just 20 minutes on the treadmill, strecthing, and abs. Gives the nervous system a break.

Thanks for the input, appreciate it. I like the way you're thinking. I don't usually take a day off from lifts, but listened to my body AND mind. I do the cardio thing and pre-hab stretches, always makes me feel better and ready for the next day. Can't tell, but I do abs every other day, mostly. Hanging leg raises and cable crunches, 100 reps each, usually 2 sets of 50 each. Have a strong core, but it's more a keg than 6 pack, always been that way, regardless of weight. When I was younger, my parents would say walks are relaxing and good for you, thought they were nuts, a few years ago, I realized they were right all along lol.

Today was just 5 sets isolation moves, upper body minus arms, and 20 minutes on incline 8, pace of 4.0 treadmill. Hit chest, rear delts, upper chest/front delts/traps, side delts and back. Pump was more than normal, and I was able to bang out an extra rep here and there. Rest between sets remained the same, taking as long to either go to the next move or set up for the next.

Definitively noticing more definition, pumps and today was a bit more aggression. Still getting some acne popping up, will see if my body gets acclimated by end of first week, if not, will get a bit more aggressive with Arimahex, but gradually. Did not have a problem with acne running any of these solo.

Thus far, liking this run. Tomorrow will wrap up 7 days, I'll try to post a vid or 2 of tomorrow's workout. Looking at arms, traps and legs, then go bomb a trail on my bike. As I've mentioned, my wheels are pretty banged up, so heavy leg days are history, but I'll put the work in never the less.

 

[subweevil]

Will post pics of progress tomorrow when I get back from fasted cardio session. Down a couple of pounds, mostly water weight I would say, add in about a pound otherwise. Can definitely see a difference, more vascular on arms with some added definition, clearly less water being held/ bloat. Tackled arms and legs today, usual type workout for arms, was able to add an extra rep here and there. Started with hack squat for legs, did highs and lows there, 2 plates per side for 15 reps, 3 for 5-7, then repeat, until no go, then 1 plate per side til failure. Not all clean reps, but felt good considering how rarely I do anything other than leg extensions, leg curls, straight legged barbell deadlifts kettlebell swings. Wrapped up with ab work and 20 minutes on the treadmill. Did feel a little cranky in the gym today, came and went throughout the day. Fasted from 6pm Friday night until noon today, seemed hungerier than usual, will track and report back.

 

[LeanEngineer]

Fasted from 6pm Friday night until noon today, seemed hungerier than usual, will track and report back.

I had a sh%$ ton of pizza last night so I am doing the same today. Essentially skipping a meal.

 

[subweevil]

I had a sh%$ ton of pizza last night so I am doing the same today. Essentially skipping a meal.

I get hungry for that stuff as well, not the sweets, but pizza and wings, sometimes a big bowl of mixed up fruit. I'll be eating less as the weekends roll around, just gotta keep my mind busy lol.

As promised, some pics upon waking today. Down roughly 3 pounds, but really shed some water weight/ bloat.

I'd say this stack is expensive, but I got to thinking how easy it's been on me so far, what's needed for PCT and the results and it puts it into perspective that it's not so expensive. Just trying to have realistic expectations on the gains and retention. I got several of the items BOGO or during sales, looking to do so again.

Monday will be chest and back, 20 minutes cardio.

Thanks everyone for following along so far!

 

[LeanEngineer]

I get hungry for that stuff as well, not the sweets, but pizza and wings,

Same! I usually allow myself at least one or two big cheats per week and then for the most part all other meals are pretty clean throughout the week.

 

[subweevil]

Same! I usually allow myself at least one or two big cheats per week and then for the most part all other meals are pretty clean throughout the week.

Nice, I'm jealous you can do 2 cheat meals! I rarely cheat, but lookout when I do. Just have a lot going on (but who doesn't?) so my activity levels aren't always the most consistent throughout the week, which winds up boning me.

Today hit chest and back, incline hammer strength press machine and kind of a pullover machine. 10x10's for both sets, bumped up another 5lbs like I did last week on chest, 10lbs on back. Held the stretch super long last set each, repped out to failure on both, wound up being 1 extra rep on chest, 5 on back so I'll bump back a bit more next time.

Getting lots of quick cramps/ pumps throughout the day, of all places today, abs. In a meeting and no matter how I leaned or stretched, it was cramp/ pump city. Luckily, I was standing, so I was able to make use of the podium, but it wasn't much help. Not even 2 sets in and I was looking like I was on my 8th or 9th set.

Sleep is odd, better than normal but not as good when I was only running 3AD, so guessing it's a combo of the other transdermals affecting my sleep. Don't get me wrong, it's still better than normal but not as good as my solo run of 3AD.

Still getting random acne, although skin isn't oilier than normal, my skin has always been on the drier side.

I'll get an update of how the transdermals go on and what not either tomorrow or Wednesday.

 

[LeanEngineer]

I'm jealous you can do 2 cheat meals! I rarely cheat

Gotta live a little I'm not competing or anything so I try to give myself some slack. Usually will have a cheat before leg day make sure i'm full and ready for the torture ha

 

[subweevil]

Gotta live a little I'm not competing or anything so I try to give myself some slack. Usually will have a cheat before leg day make sure i'm full and ready for the torture ha

True, gotta have some fun brother while taking care of yourself! The day I have it though, everyone notices at the gym, I usually have it for breakfast or the night before for dinner, if dinner so I can get max use of the calories for the morning by going into a carb coma before bed lol. Having trimmed carbs down considerably the last 10 years, having some bloats me and pumps me up like no other, especially traps and forearms. At least to me, it's hilarious gaining 5-8lbs in a day, then sadly, it's all gone in 2 days max.

 

[subweevil]

So quick overview of the application of the products, with 0 being, well zero and 10 being a rockstar:

10 - Ease of application: for 3AD and Icon One. Both go on in big globs that quickly dry as you spread them, just need a good deal of surface area, as the thinner you spread it out, the quicker it dries. When I first saw how big the blobs were, I was like, no way, but they go quick. With using these both at the same time, pretty much anywhere I can reach is getting the lotion on the skin (bonus points for naming the movie)

9 - Ease of application: Icon 11 and Arimahex. Both are more oily per se than the other 2, and although they dry nearly as quickly, Arimahex more so than Icon 11 leaves a bit of oily residue, and both have more resistance when spreading. Thus far, neither has been an issue as once I apply them, I putz around for a bit then crash in an old t shirt. Haven't noticed any staining or marks on the shirts, so that's a big plus.

10 - Drying out of skin: Saturday will be 2 weeks, no dry skin to report. Here and there, I'm applying moisturizer as I normally do, no routine changes here. Honestly thought I might be in trouble with so many transdermals, but lucked out. Did not have any issues running them solo either.

10- Applicator: No complaints from the applicators of 3AD, Icon One. They do the job as advertised well.

9 - Applicator: The Arimahex has a tendency to leak a little bit/ drool as it's being applied. I have noticed this with other Apex Alchemy products. Mind you it's not much, but enough that I notice each time, and if I don't clean it off, the residue is clearly visible next time I use it. I just run my finger around the applicator collar and apply that little bit. Icon 11 is just a dropper, that takes time to measure out. Not really sure it would be practical to have an applicator for this like the others, so I get it. Not a major ding, as it's functional and gets the job done.

10- smell: Icon 11 is the strongest smelling of the group almost a medicine smell, and then it's gone in like 5 minutes. Really, nothing to report here.

If anyone wants a review/ my take on something I missed, please feel free to ask and I'll do my best to accomodate.

 

[subweevil]

Shoulders and back again today. Definitely not imagining it, intra set recovery is better, allowing an extra rep or two with the same weight as prior, so I bumped it for the last 5x10 of my 10x10, struggled with the last 2 sets. Side Laterals and Gorilla rows, then seated shoulder press machine for the full stack of 150 per side for 15 clean, then up to almost 20 partial, 2 drops sets, 100 til failure and 50 til failure, pump was nuts! Back was close grip d handle pull downs for all 10x10, then lat prayers til failure. No mistaking the increase in vascularity, msucles seem to be firming up, but I'm low carb so no full look to them. Suspect they'd be fuller and firmer with more carbs, but that's not in the forecast for a bit. Every 2 sets dumbbell shrugs, only go up to 75lbs here. Shrugging up and back like advice from Yates (for those of you who have never done them like this, WORLD of difference), then slight bent over shrugs for another 15. Cardio for only 10 mins. Look to be down another pound, forearms/ calves are really popping doing nothing. Miss the forearm size from the carbs, but loving the definition.

Side not, was quicker to anger today. Noticed it in my car on the way to work, someone passed me in the closed lane in a construction site. Easy enough, I just need to pause a second or two before responding to someone, problem solved. Icon One solo had me cranky from time to time, thinking the stack is giving it that alpha anger edge. Time will tell but it's easily enough managed with some maturity.

 

[subweevil]

Chugging right along, mood has definitely ratcheted up a level. Overall, really pleased with the synergy of everything. Only thing I'm not pleased with is the acne, never had any on the solo runs of these products, or when stacking Arimahex and Icon 11 on a cut. It's not bad, just feels like a second puberty. Arms today and cardio, managed to bump my Crucifix cable curls up 5lbs and a few reps. 1 giant set at 10 reps x50lbs until I can only do 1 rep, then drop 10lbs and repeat all the way to 10, then widow maker until I can't do a rep. Huge pump and wouldn't have been able to take my shirt off lol. Buddy showed me a different way of doing overhead triceps cable extensions, I've always done them with elbows tucked, he does them flared to the extreme. Tried it and was way harder and had to drop the weight of what I normally do, which is 90-100lbs. Did 1 set of these the same way, could tell I was gonna hurt tomorrow. Different angle and flare had me all kinds of ouchy in the elbows and shoulders. I grip with a Monkey grip and work my forearms religiously to help stem this and still got hammered. Ended with 3 sets of laying flat bench dumbbell curls and 3 sets triceps pressdown. Huge pump and was able to keep intra set rest to a minimum.

 

[Smont]

Does 3 ad have any estrogen conversion? It's one compound I know very little about.

 

[subweevil]

Does 3 ad have any estrogen conversion? It's one compound I know very little about.

Hey man! I'll be grabbing some stuff from mike to run after this, thanks for reminding me.

For me when I ran Zoo's Swole Patrol solo, it did not, at least for me. Rob has a write up about it I believe somewhere on this forum. The things I love most about this compound is the positive mood boost( not necessarily aggression like epi) vascularity, pumps (sometimes they are a PITA), endurance and better recovery/sleep. Not noticing as much for the sleep part this run, but noticing the others, perhaps a bit less than solo due to the Icon One being the Debbie Downer. I'll dig around and see if I can find his post. I'll happily answer any questions you may have bud. Hoping your not a non-responder, cause this compound I feel is heavily slept on. The solo run was better than lots of nootropics and stims on the market.

 

[subweevil]

Today was just 30 mins straight cardio, definitely can see a difference in week over week. I'll post up more ugly pics tomorrow when I get up. Hunger is really getting hard to control right now.

 

[delsolrob]

Does 3 ad have any estrogen conversion? It's one compound I know very little about.

no estrogen conversion

 

[subweevil]

no estrogen conversion

Thanks for chiming in. Was pretty sure, but great to have it confirmed by someone more versed than me.

 

[subweevil]

Okay, so pics as promised:

I got asked why I post full pics and don't cover my face (might help get more views lol). It's real simple, I have nothing to hide. If someone recognizes me, I can have an honest conversation with them, I want them to approach me so I can explain away any questions they have, that's how we all learn.

Anyways, fasting today til at least noon, had nothing since 6pm last night. Just some cardio this morning to de-stress. Down a little over 4lbs, very pleased so far, no drop in strength or reps, actually been able to bump it a bit. Did not realize that 5 pumps of Icon One was on the high side, so I'll need to grab another bottle to keep the run until end of August. Not a bad thing, I'll grab some Iconic Formulations Ultra 11 then too for my next run to try instead of iconic 11.

Staining: For those that are asking, nothing, zip, nada, zilch. Nothing even remotely close to staining, at all.

Drying Time: Getting asked this one a lot as well. I apply most times immediately after showering, and it's comfortably less than 3 mins for 3AD, Icon One, around 5ish minutes with the other 2, Arimahex and Icon 11.

 

[delsolrob]

Looking swole! keep it up!

BTW: we just released a small batch of Icon One...should you want to pick up some for a rainy day

 

[Tunaking14]

I ran a similar stack not long ago. I found myself getting a couple big pimples on my forehead and I never get those. Started playing around with my dosages and figured out it was the Arimahex. I went down on my dose from 1 ml (5 pumps) per night down to 3 pumps per night and I noticed an immediate improvement. That stuff is strong in a good way and a bottle will last a long time.

 

[subweevil]

Looking swole! keep it up!

BTW: we just released a small batch of Icon One...should you want to pick up some for a rainy day

Thanks my brother in iron, hope you are doing well! I see what you did there lol. I'm going to be grabbing some of the Iconic Formulations 11, vs Icon 11, and I'll be grabbing a few Icon Ones then. Good stuff, goes on smooth, dries quick, seeing good results and my skin is still baby soft smooth lol.

 

[subweevil]

I ran a similar stack not long ago. I found myself getting a couple big pimples on my forehead and I never get those. Started playing around with my dosages and figured out it was the Arimahex. I went down on my dose from 1 ml (5 pumps) per night down to 3 pumps per night and I noticed an immediate improvement. That stuff is strong in a good way and a bottle will last a long time.

Thank you, appreciate the feedback and input. Yeah, still getting acne, it's helping to trick people into thinking I'm younger than I actually am. Don't know many 50+ year olds getting acne at their age lol. I've got blood work coming up here in August, so we will see what shakes out. I'll post it as well. I prefer to be as transparent as possible. I have the 60ml bottles, so one is good for this cycle. Thanks again!

 

[subweevil]

Daughter wanted me to be a homebody today, so walked to Talleyrand park and jogged a 5k around 7am. Would have normally gone to the gym, but this lets me get back an hour earlier. Felt good, just upper zone 2 stuff. Of course, run into someone that goes to the gym and got called out for taking a day off lol, until I told him what I did this morning. Was going for a mile walk to cool down. Right ankle is lighting me up something fierce, had it rebuilt from a nasty ankle pick years ago. More than likely will start joint support run again after this cycle. Monday will be shoulders and back.

 

[LeanEngineer]

Right ankle is lighting me up something fierce, had it rebuilt from a nasty ankle pick years ago

I have two screws in my left ankle from breaking it a long time ago. Definitely will act up every now and again for me.

 

[subweevil]

I have two screws in my left ankle from breaking it a long time ago. Definitely will act up every now and again for me.

I had my pins and screws taken out before I finished rehab. I lucked out and knew the doc, hell of a wrestler, and he agreed that if I was ahead of schedule, he'd think about it. He explained to me that the 2 screws and pins eventually sheer off, more so the screws, and I would then get most of my mobility back. I had this in November and pushed like a mofo to be walking in January. Had my ankle broken, dislocated, broken 4th toe, dislocated knee and that little bone in my lower leg, the fibula poke through my calf. Once I got ankle picked, got put in a ankle lock, then knee bar when I somewhat broke free from being all sweaty, or so I thought until I saw my ankle just flopping around and watched my kneecap go sideways. It was open mats and my buddies piled on the guy to get him to stop, I still wasn't aware of the damage fully, he was from one of the Baltic countries and apparently, didn't speak English. It wasn't until the PA at the ER attempted to reduce my ankle, when he noticed something white on my calf and tried to clean it off, asking if they had tried to cast me earlier. As I was saying no, he was trying to wipe it off and I pretty much jumped off the table in pain, The Fibula was poking out just enough to break the skin. Had a buddy pick up a stationary bike at a flea market and loaded a cart with weights, threw a rope on it to pull it back after I leg pressed it, lots of stretches and hit my January goal. The metal was keeping my foot from dropping, so stairs sucked. Talk to Dr. Jimmy and he did an X ray and laughed as he said "Whatever your doing, it won't be long before the break, so do you still want them out?" I was in the operating room in about 10 mins after that, getting them out. The hardest part was the mental aspect of using it again to 100%, everything felt like it would blow out. Took me like 2 years. Pics so everyone knows for real. Lucked out and got Jimmy, guy is a wrestling legend and one of the best docs around for this kinda thing.

 

[subweevil]

Shoulders and back today, spamming dumbbell( cables tear me up, have to find the right angle) heavy/light side laterals in an attempt to trigger some growth, along with several sets of gorilla rows and multi angle shrugs and slightly less than shoulder width pull downs ( these give me the best feel/ stretch/ ROM) with wide grip to finish out and cable lat prayers. Mandatory 4 sets of face pulls as well, then 23 minutes of cardio because I only wanted to do 20, but a buddy said 25 so I said 23 compromise lol.

I was able to get 12 reps for 2 sets of 40lbs dumbbells for side laterals, both at the same time with minimal body english until the last set, then dropped 25lbs. Best I could do a few weeks ago was 30lbs, with 35lbs unilateral, so I'll take it. Been trying to prioritize chest and delts this run, one week it's chest 1st, then next week it's shoulders. Always used to do shoulders first, but now doing chest first makes a big difference in the volume and quality of reps I can do.

Intra rest time felt like it went down a smidge. Buddy of mine who is hobby lifter was there today and commented on how oddly bigger I was but leaner and more vascular, and I have to agree. Forearms be poppin! This is shaping up to be a solid run, with acne being the only side currently. I've really increased my activity level, 20 mins cardio nearly every day and on the days it's not 20, it's more, bumped my steps from 13k average up to 17k average, also trimmed down my calorie intake by 250-500 per day, mostly giving up fats (man, I love me some almonds!). Saturdays are usually fast days, nothing from Friday 6am until noon on Saturday. I know, I know, not a true day but I'm going hypo and in a brain fog by noon.

Anyways, tomorrow looking like legs and arms, wish me luck!

 

[subweevil]

Go figure, got out of work early, took the route that's not under road work, and got stuck in traffic for over an hour with unannounced road work, so an abbreviated legs workout but got in the 20 mins cardio. Leg curls were the big boost here, more reps, more sets, more weight. 12 reps vs usual 10, 1 extra set, and a bump in 10lbs from last week. Oddly, I've tried every damn way to do them, but always feel like my calves are getting the brunt of the workout. Gonna try it again but might have been because today I was really leaning forward for more stretch, so we'll try it and find out. Leg extensions weren't much changed, felt easier but wasn't able to knock out anything new. Seated calf raise still sucked, it lights up my bad ankle something fierce, but manned up and got through them.

Changes today I can confirm definite boost in libido that had been happening over the last couple days, happened after a few days in and hangs around for a few days, tapers off a bit, then back at it.

Good pumps and definitely more definition, thinking I'll be down another pound by Thursday, if not sooner. So some of the definition is coming from the loss of pudge, woo hoo! Pumps definitely from the goodies, only now, they get more noticed.

Mood is great, nothing is getting me down, not that it normally would but just feel on another level of peace, focus and drive.

Acne is still there, haven't solved it yet, if I figure it out, I'll clue everyone in. Mostly upper back, inner arms around biceps and a couple on my chest. Can't complain for the results I'm seeing with only this side.

Tomorrow is chest/back, will update after.

 

[Ape McGrapes]

Pick up some head and shoulders, or any generic dandruff shampoo that contains Zinc Pyrithione. Zinc pyrithione has antifungal and anti bacterial properties. Lather it on like body wash, let it sit for 3-5 minutes or however long, and rinse it off.

About twice a year I break out in bacne. Usually as the seasons turn to winter, and again tp summer. Two weeks of this protocol, and I'm clear as a whistle.

 

[subweevil]

Pick up some head and shoulders, or any generic dandruff shampoo that contains Zinc Pyrithione. Zinc pyrithione has antifungal and anti bacterial properties. Lather it on like body wash, let it sit for 3-5 minutes or however long, and rinse it off.

About twice a year I break out in bacne. Usually as the seasons turn to winter, and again tp summer. Two weeks of this protocol, and I'm clear as a whistle.

Damn, I forgot about that, thanks man! Yeah, it happens just a touch during the hot months, it's not air conditioned and humid in manufacturing. This run has made it worse. Cannot believe I forgot that old school trick, duh! Been using some Neutrogena stuff, I'll throw this in the mix.

 

[subweevil]

Change of pace and hit chest/ back with some gym bros. Learned real quick they aren't near as intense as me, but was able to remedy that right quick.

After some 225lbs Guillotine presses, 3 sets, went over to the converging chest press machine and it got interesting. I've dabbled with it, but never anything serious, I slide down real low in it so most of the weight is over my shoulders and grip wide for more (Hopefully) upper chest development. Can't go near as heavy, but great stretch and ROM. 2 ways to grip it and they grip narrow with a neutral grip. Since I was already warmed up, passed on the light stuff, I'm sadly mostly fast twitch so I have to grip it and rip it to get the heaviest lifts, I can't pyramid up, if anything, I do the reverse oxford method. It's a rare day when I can do a straight pyramid. So anyways, guys have 3 plates a side, ask me if I want to bail in, and I do. Felt light, guessing it's the grip,gear and not wanting to be embarrassed. Easy lift off and press, the one immediately asks if I want to go heavier, like that's even a question. Get another plate on, easy up and down for me, 1 guy gets 5, the other won't even attempt. Throw a 25 each side, in addition to the 4 45's and I feel like it's good for 10. Lift off took some time, wanted to struggle cause that's where we grow, plus I've just always been weak there no matter what I do. Get it up and hit 7 clean and 3 kinds dirty reps, slow let down. That folks is a PR for me, but I've also never really pushed it before there with that grip. From there it was stripping a plate and pressing til' I couldn't, then strip another, etc, 1 giant set. Felt great!

Won't bore everyone with back, Flexion close grip rows and seated rows. Guys had never done this and were not happy with me for the pain they were expecting tomorrow lol.

No cardio today, sadly, ran out of time. Want to make sure I'm getting enough rest with cutting, and definitely cracked my CNS with the super heavy chest giant set. I'm wondering had I started with it first, how much I REALLY would have gotten.

So mirror is looking MUCH better, I actually am down another pound. Getting better definition, I'll post up pics upon waking Saturday. Aside from the acne, liking the stack, better aesthetics like EOD, strength is going up or maintaining, along with endurance AND I'm dropping pudge, what's not to like? No BP issues or increased heart rate to report, a bump of 2-3 points and that's it, pulse is averaging 1 beat more per minute since starting lol, my resting is around 63. I'll be picking more up here shortly to run a bit earlier next year, jsut replacing the Icon 11 with Iconic Formulations 11, and sticking with the rest.

 

[subweevil]

Arms today, endurance was up and so were the weights. Elbows seemed to have adjusted well to the new overhead extensions, no issues with biceps. Completed the sets a bit ahead of schedule, a definite sign of increased recovery. Keeping my size with new definition is definitely getting noticed now, can see new veins in my front delt area, pretty stoked. I'm on track to drop around 2lbs this week, I'll post up Saturday and jump on the scale again Sunday. Sleep has gotten a bit more restful, not sure what to chalk that up to at this point, thinking I'm just resting easier with the increased workload and cutting calories, as running all these solo never really had a major effect on that, 3AD had some sleep improvements, near the same line as what I'm seeing now, but unsure if it's form it or what I've mentioned prior. Might have to give Icon 11 more credit here, as I've been seriously leaning out while maintaining and even increasing some on lifts and reps. Just feel really great everyday, nothing gets me down and good amount of energy.

 

[subweevil]

Just some sets of isolation to get the volume in for the upper body this week, 5x10-12 sets for everything but arms, will do those tomorrow with legs. Not really sore from anything other than benching, so I'll work on adding more intensity to the lifts next week. 20 minutes of cardio after has kinda become the standard fare, more than likely will go for a 5k jog when I get done with work tomorrow, in the rain. Call me nuts, but I love doing stuff in the rain, as long as it's not a torrential downpour. Everything seems to be chugging along for progress, will post update pics tomorrow.