Cycling after a year off from lifting?

[R1187]

It was dumb, but I've started training again after nearly a year off from lifting. I lost a lot of weight but still have a decent physique.

Anyway, I feel like the more "disciplined" approach is to train naturally for a few months, try to regain what I can, and THEN start a cycle.

But then I start thinking what difference does it make. If I'm going to be eating all this food might as well cycle right now to minimize fat gains, not to mention the sooner I cycle the sooner I can PCT and start the next cycle.

I feel motivated either way, but also feel like a cycle would motivate me even more after so much time off.

Can anyone relate? Does it really matter if I cycle so soon after so much time off?

 

[kisaj]

I know the majority here may disagree, but I feel your approach to build up naturally and maximize your gains before moving to a cycle is the way to go. I think it is best to get your body used to training again and get a good base to work from.

 

[lukehayd]

I was only down for a few months with an injury but felt it best to wait till I got my numbers in the gym back up good before jumping into my next cycle. My thought was/is why waste a cycle to just get back to where I was. Getting my numbers back wasn't as fast as I wanted but it got me in the right mindset and habits again. Staying out of the gym for long periods of time changes the way you tend to prioritize things. It gets all too easy to just skip a day because you don't feel like it. I say get your routine back in place and get used to going to the gym, feeling sore, eating right, etc. All that stuff, before you jump on a cycle.

 

[R1187]

I am 4 weeks in, but I know that's not a long time.

Very pleased I already gained 10lbs, but worried some of it may be fat.

 

[booneman77]

I think the biggest factor is mostly cns related. Your body needs time to get the movements and mind muscle connection back again before you can truly take advantage of a good session. Take a few more months and get your cns back to that place where the weights are more of an extension of yourself and the motions are thoughtless and your cycle will be far more effective.

The quality of the muscle you build an your ability to keep it will be better as well since you won't "still be learning the motions" when you're trying to save your new muscle in pct.

 

[smshannon001]

I think the biggest factor is mostly cns related. Your body needs time to get the movements and mind muscle connection back again before you can truly take advantage of a good session. Take a few more months and get your cns back to that place where the weights are more of an extension of yourself and the motions are thoughtless and your cycle will be far more effective. The quality of the muscle you build an your ability to keep it will be better as well since you won't "still be learning the motions" when you're trying to save your new muscle in pct.

Great advice!

If you do a full cycle now while ur cns insnt accustomed to the training cycle then I feel you will not recover as well (meaning losing gains in pct)
When you're ON you will be lifting heavier and possibly more often as recovery is enhanced but when you come off you're body will need a high level of stimulus to maintain the muscle tissue you've built. Even moreso as you won't have the extra juice in your system. However you're cns might not be ready for you to push it that extra bit to maintain the muscle gear free as you haven't trained it in a while.

I'm typing this doing LISS morning cardio so if it doesn't make sense sorry!!!