Hello, this will be my first log, and hopefully I can keep up with this end of things. For the sake of this you can call me Jon.
I’ve been lifting since high school, on and off over the years, often alternating periods where I prioritized strength training over cardio. At times, however, endurance was a major focus—running 10+ miles on a Saturday was fairly routine during certain phases.
In 2022, I began a more structured and consistent lifting program, which resulted in significant strength gains and noticeable weight gain. Toward the end of 2024, I started experiencing issues with energy levels, focus, and a few other minor symptoms. My doctor ran bloodwork and my testosterone levels came back around 200 ng/dL; a follow-up test was closer to 300. At the time I didn’t know much about TRT, but based on those results my physician recommended starting testosterone replacement therapy, which I began under his supervision.
Up until about a week ago, I had always stayed within the dosing protocol prescribed by my doctor. The only deviations were two short periods where I experimented with oral compounds—first Turinabol, which I responded to well, and later Anavar. I did not enjoy the Anavar experience due to significant back pumps that initially concerned me enough to worry about potential kidney issues. I had bloodwork done and my kidney markers were normal, which confirmed it was likely just a side effect of the compound.
In October I started a lean bulk from 172 pounds creeping up .5-.6 pounds per week. I peaked out at 185 pounds and have helped that for the last 4 weeks. I had some pretty nice strength gains during this process.
After my most recent labs, I started considering whether slightly increasing my testosterone dose might help facilitate a moderate recomp. I had been weighing that idea for roughly a year. Ultimately, I decided against running a typical higher-dose cycle (e.g., ~500 mg/week) since my primary goal is body recomposition rather than aggressive mass gain.
That brings me to my current approach. I’m now on day 9 of administering 100 mg of testosterone cypionate every other day. I don’t mind the injection frequency and prefer it as a way to keep hormone levels more stable rather than experiencing larger peaks and troughs.
Background:
Age: 37
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 185
Body Fat: ~17%
Goal:
Weight: 177-183
Body Fat: < 12%
Doctor Requested Blood Work over the years:
Nutrition:
For ease I will stick with my average macros the last four weeks.
Calories: 2900
Protein: 185 grams
Carbs: 380grams
Fat: 82 grams
Maintaining for another week or two before starting a 300 - 400 calorie deficit. Will update Macros once I start that route.
Supplements:
Creatine: 5g
Men’s multivitamin
Fish Oil: 1000mg (Going to double moving forward)
CoQ10: 200mg
Vitamin D: 5000iu
Tudca: 500mg
NacL 1000mg
Cycle:
350mg per week Test C (100mg shots EOD)
With Aromasin (Still figuring out how to dose to my body)
Arimidex is on hand but more as a secondary option if the Aromasin didn’t agree with me
Training:
8-10k Steps a day
Additional day of running 3 miles on the weekend
Additional day of dedicated 30 minutes of walking at full incline
Day 1 - Back / Bi
Pendlay Row (Barbell)
Set 1: 135 lbs x 10 [Warmup]
Set 2: 185 lbs x 10
Set 3: 185 lbs x 9
Set 4: 185 lbs x 8
Set 5: 185 lbs x 8
Lat Pulldown (Cable)
Set 1: 190 lbs x 7
Set 2: 190 lbs x 7
Set 3: 190 lbs x 5
Single Arm Cable Row
Set 1: 70 lbs x 10
Set 2: 70 lbs x 10
Set 3: 70 lbs x 10
Set 4: 70 lbs x 10
Rear Delt Reverse Fly (Dumbbell)
Set 1: 50 lbs x 15
Set 2: 50 lbs x 15
Set 3: 60 lbs x 15
Face Pulls (laying)
Set 1: 100 lbs x 15
Set 2: 100 lbs x 15
Set 3: 100 lbs x 15
Straight Arm Lat Pulldown (Cable)
Set 1: 130 lbs x 12
Set 2: 130 lbs x 12
Set 3: 130 lbs x 14
Preacher Curl (Machine)
Set 1: 60 lbs x 12
Set 2: 60 lbs x 10
Preacher Curl (Machine)
Set 1: 60 lbs x 12
Set 2: 60 lbs x 12
Set 3: 60 lbs x 10
Hammer Curl (Dumbbell)
Set 1: 70 lbs x 14
Set 2: 70 lbs x 14
Set 3: 70 lbs x 12
Back Extension (Weighted Hyperextension)
Set 1: 25 lbs x 13
Set 2: 25 lbs x 15
Set 3: 25 lbs x 15
F You’s (Landmine Rotational Press)
Set 1: 25 lbs x 8
Set 2: 35 lbs x 8
Day 2 - Chest/ Tri
Incline Bench Press (Barbell)
Set 1: 135 lbs x 15 [Warmup]
Set 2: 205 lbs x 8
Set 3: 205 lbs x 8
Set 4: 205 lbs x 9
Set 5: 225 lbs x 6
Bench Press (Barbell)
Set 1: 225 lbs x 10
Set 2: 225 lbs x 10
Set 3: 225 lbs x 8
Butterfly (Pec Deck)
Set 1: 190 lbs x 9
Set 2: 190 lbs x 10
Crossover High
Set 1: 70 lbs x 14
Set 2: 70 lbs x 12
Low Cable Fly Crossovers
Set 1: 50 lbs x 12
Set 2: 50 lbs x 9
Bench Press - Close Grip (Barbell)
Set 1: 165 lbs x 10
Set 2: 165 lbs x 11
Set 3: 165 lbs x 11
Triceps Pushdown
Set 1: 150 lbs x 15
Set 2: 150 lbs x 14
Set 3: 150 lbs x 11
Skullcrusher (Barbell)
Set 1: 40 lbs x 8
Set 2: 30 lbs x 13
Set 3: 30 lbs x 14
Plank
Set 1: 1min 15s
Set 2: 1min 1s
Set 3: 1min 0s
Day 3 - Legs / Shoulders
Pendulum Squat (Machine)
Set 1: 200 lbs x 12 [Warmup]
Set 2: 380 lbs x 10
Set 3: 470 lbs x 10
Set 4: 470 lbs x 10
Set 5: 470 lbs x 8
Standing Calf Raise (Machine)
Set 1: 470 lbs x 20
Set 2: 470 lbs x 20
Set 3: 470 lbs x 20
Bulgarian Split Squat
Set 1: 180 lbs x 10
Set 2: 180 lbs x 10
Set 3: 180 lbs x 9
Romanian Deadlift (Barbell)
Deficit
Set 1: 135 lbs x 10
Set 2: 135 lbs x 10
Set 3: 135 lbs x 10
Standing Military Press (Barbell)
Set 1: 105 lbs x 12
Set 2: 115 lbs x 12
Set 3: 125 lbs x 10
Shrug (Barbell)
Set 1: 225 lbs x 10
Set 2: 275 lbs x 12
Set 3: 275 lbs x 10
Lateral Raise (Dumbbell)
Set 1: 50 lbs x 14
Set 2: 50 lbs x 15
Set 3: 50 lbs x 11
Set 4: 40 lbs x 11
Leg Extension (Machine)
Set 1: 235 lbs x 12
Set 2: 235 lbs x 14
Set 3: 235 lbs x 14
Physioball Crunch
Set 1: 25 reps
Set 2: 25 reps
Set 3: 25 reps
Laying Hamstring Curl (Single Leg)
Set 1: 70 lbs x 8
Set 2: 70 lbs x 9
Set 3: 70 lbs x 8
Day 4 - Leg & Extras
Front Squat
Set 1: 135 lbs x 11
Set 2: 205 lbs x 10
Set 3: 225 lbs x 10
Set 4: 225 lbs x 10
Reverse Lunge (Dumbbell)
Set 1: 100 lbs x 10
Set 2: 100 lbs x 10
Set 3: 100 lbs x 10
Straight Arm Lat Pulldown (Cable)
Set 1: 80 lbs x 12
Set 2: 80 lbs x 13
Set 3: 80 lbs x 13
Single Leg Romanian Deadlift (Dumbbell)
Set 1: 35 lbs x 12
Set 2: 35 lbs x 11
Set 3: 35 lbs x 11
Wood chopper (Shoulder Height)
Set 1: 35 lbs x 12
Set 2: 35 lbs x 13
Set 3: 35 lbs x 12
Behind the Back Curl (Cable)
Set 1: 35 lbs x 14
Set 2: 35 lbs x 14
Set 3: 35 lbs x 14
Physioball Crunch
Set 1: 30 reps
Set 2: 30 reps
Set 3: 25 reps
Rear Delt Reverse Fly (Cable)
Set 1: 15 lbs x 15
Set 2: 15 lbs x 15
Set 3: 20 lbs x 9
Set 4: 15 lbs x 10
Glute Kickback 45 Deg (Cable)
Set 1: 35 lbs x 13
Set 2: 35 lbs x 12
Set 3: 35 lbs x 12
Glute Kickback (Cable)
Set 1: 35 lbs x 10
Set 2: 35 lbs x 10
Set 3: 35 lbs x 10
Cossack Squat
Set 1: 22 reps
Set 2: 24 reps
Set 3: 24 reps
Set 4: 20 reps
Bicep Curl (Cable)
Set 1: 50 lbs x 15
Set 2: 55 lbs x 14
Set 3: 55 lbs x 12
Plank
Set 1: 1min 30s
Set 2: 1min 4s
Current Concerns/Questions:
The left nipple got a little sensitive on day 7, started 10mg of aromasin that day and followed up on day 8 with a second dose of 10mg. May have panicked a bit given the feeling. Zero swelling, no new changes under the nipple, just highly sensitive. This nipple has always been just slightly larger than my right.
Was planning on getting bloods done at 4 weeks to dial in but not sure whether that is still the best time given the symptom already. I also just hammered my estrogen with the double dose. Probably pick back up in Day 10 or 11 with EOD after that.
I expected to be a higher aromatizer given my numbers on my standard TRT dosages, particularly my free.
What other items should I have on hand if this maintains or progresses? Tamoxifen?
Are all the Naps options for Telmisartan decent?
I’ve been lifting since high school, on and off over the years, often alternating periods where I prioritized strength training over cardio. At times, however, endurance was a major focus—running 10+ miles on a Saturday was fairly routine during certain phases.
In 2022, I began a more structured and consistent lifting program, which resulted in significant strength gains and noticeable weight gain. Toward the end of 2024, I started experiencing issues with energy levels, focus, and a few other minor symptoms. My doctor ran bloodwork and my testosterone levels came back around 200 ng/dL; a follow-up test was closer to 300. At the time I didn’t know much about TRT, but based on those results my physician recommended starting testosterone replacement therapy, which I began under his supervision.
Up until about a week ago, I had always stayed within the dosing protocol prescribed by my doctor. The only deviations were two short periods where I experimented with oral compounds—first Turinabol, which I responded to well, and later Anavar. I did not enjoy the Anavar experience due to significant back pumps that initially concerned me enough to worry about potential kidney issues. I had bloodwork done and my kidney markers were normal, which confirmed it was likely just a side effect of the compound.
In October I started a lean bulk from 172 pounds creeping up .5-.6 pounds per week. I peaked out at 185 pounds and have helped that for the last 4 weeks. I had some pretty nice strength gains during this process.
After my most recent labs, I started considering whether slightly increasing my testosterone dose might help facilitate a moderate recomp. I had been weighing that idea for roughly a year. Ultimately, I decided against running a typical higher-dose cycle (e.g., ~500 mg/week) since my primary goal is body recomposition rather than aggressive mass gain.
That brings me to my current approach. I’m now on day 9 of administering 100 mg of testosterone cypionate every other day. I don’t mind the injection frequency and prefer it as a way to keep hormone levels more stable rather than experiencing larger peaks and troughs.
Background:
Age: 37
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 185
Body Fat: ~17%
Goal:
Weight: 177-183
Body Fat: < 12%
Doctor Requested Blood Work over the years:
| Blood | Total | Free | Bio | SHBG | |
7/2/2024 | Pre 1 | 206 | 47 | ||
7/12/2024 | Pre 2 | 308 | 77 | ||
10/7/2024 | 150mg x Every other week | 340 | 74 | ||
6/12/2024 | 100mg | 1137 | 354 | ||
4/10/2025 | 75mg | 723 | 189 | 356 | 16 |
8/21/2025 | 75 | 998 | 287 | 566 | 15 |
11/20/2025 | 60 | 617 | 175 | 285 | 18 |
2/26/2026 | 60 | 396 | 96 | 193 | 14 |
Nutrition:
For ease I will stick with my average macros the last four weeks.
Calories: 2900
Protein: 185 grams
Carbs: 380grams
Fat: 82 grams
Maintaining for another week or two before starting a 300 - 400 calorie deficit. Will update Macros once I start that route.
Supplements:
Creatine: 5g
Men’s multivitamin
Fish Oil: 1000mg (Going to double moving forward)
CoQ10: 200mg
Vitamin D: 5000iu
Tudca: 500mg
NacL 1000mg
Cycle:
350mg per week Test C (100mg shots EOD)
With Aromasin (Still figuring out how to dose to my body)
Arimidex is on hand but more as a secondary option if the Aromasin didn’t agree with me
Training:
8-10k Steps a day
Additional day of running 3 miles on the weekend
Additional day of dedicated 30 minutes of walking at full incline
Day 1 - Back / Bi
Pendlay Row (Barbell)
Set 1: 135 lbs x 10 [Warmup]
Set 2: 185 lbs x 10
Set 3: 185 lbs x 9
Set 4: 185 lbs x 8
Set 5: 185 lbs x 8
Lat Pulldown (Cable)
Set 1: 190 lbs x 7
Set 2: 190 lbs x 7
Set 3: 190 lbs x 5
Single Arm Cable Row
Set 1: 70 lbs x 10
Set 2: 70 lbs x 10
Set 3: 70 lbs x 10
Set 4: 70 lbs x 10
Rear Delt Reverse Fly (Dumbbell)
Set 1: 50 lbs x 15
Set 2: 50 lbs x 15
Set 3: 60 lbs x 15
Face Pulls (laying)
Set 1: 100 lbs x 15
Set 2: 100 lbs x 15
Set 3: 100 lbs x 15
Straight Arm Lat Pulldown (Cable)
Set 1: 130 lbs x 12
Set 2: 130 lbs x 12
Set 3: 130 lbs x 14
Preacher Curl (Machine)
Set 1: 60 lbs x 12
Set 2: 60 lbs x 10
Preacher Curl (Machine)
Set 1: 60 lbs x 12
Set 2: 60 lbs x 12
Set 3: 60 lbs x 10
Hammer Curl (Dumbbell)
Set 1: 70 lbs x 14
Set 2: 70 lbs x 14
Set 3: 70 lbs x 12
Back Extension (Weighted Hyperextension)
Set 1: 25 lbs x 13
Set 2: 25 lbs x 15
Set 3: 25 lbs x 15
F You’s (Landmine Rotational Press)
Set 1: 25 lbs x 8
Set 2: 35 lbs x 8
Day 2 - Chest/ Tri
Incline Bench Press (Barbell)
Set 1: 135 lbs x 15 [Warmup]
Set 2: 205 lbs x 8
Set 3: 205 lbs x 8
Set 4: 205 lbs x 9
Set 5: 225 lbs x 6
Bench Press (Barbell)
Set 1: 225 lbs x 10
Set 2: 225 lbs x 10
Set 3: 225 lbs x 8
Butterfly (Pec Deck)
Set 1: 190 lbs x 9
Set 2: 190 lbs x 10
Crossover High
Set 1: 70 lbs x 14
Set 2: 70 lbs x 12
Low Cable Fly Crossovers
Set 1: 50 lbs x 12
Set 2: 50 lbs x 9
Bench Press - Close Grip (Barbell)
Set 1: 165 lbs x 10
Set 2: 165 lbs x 11
Set 3: 165 lbs x 11
Triceps Pushdown
Set 1: 150 lbs x 15
Set 2: 150 lbs x 14
Set 3: 150 lbs x 11
Skullcrusher (Barbell)
Set 1: 40 lbs x 8
Set 2: 30 lbs x 13
Set 3: 30 lbs x 14
Plank
Set 1: 1min 15s
Set 2: 1min 1s
Set 3: 1min 0s
Day 3 - Legs / Shoulders
Pendulum Squat (Machine)
Set 1: 200 lbs x 12 [Warmup]
Set 2: 380 lbs x 10
Set 3: 470 lbs x 10
Set 4: 470 lbs x 10
Set 5: 470 lbs x 8
Standing Calf Raise (Machine)
Set 1: 470 lbs x 20
Set 2: 470 lbs x 20
Set 3: 470 lbs x 20
Bulgarian Split Squat
Set 1: 180 lbs x 10
Set 2: 180 lbs x 10
Set 3: 180 lbs x 9
Romanian Deadlift (Barbell)
Deficit
Set 1: 135 lbs x 10
Set 2: 135 lbs x 10
Set 3: 135 lbs x 10
Standing Military Press (Barbell)
Set 1: 105 lbs x 12
Set 2: 115 lbs x 12
Set 3: 125 lbs x 10
Shrug (Barbell)
Set 1: 225 lbs x 10
Set 2: 275 lbs x 12
Set 3: 275 lbs x 10
Lateral Raise (Dumbbell)
Set 1: 50 lbs x 14
Set 2: 50 lbs x 15
Set 3: 50 lbs x 11
Set 4: 40 lbs x 11
Leg Extension (Machine)
Set 1: 235 lbs x 12
Set 2: 235 lbs x 14
Set 3: 235 lbs x 14
Physioball Crunch
Set 1: 25 reps
Set 2: 25 reps
Set 3: 25 reps
Laying Hamstring Curl (Single Leg)
Set 1: 70 lbs x 8
Set 2: 70 lbs x 9
Set 3: 70 lbs x 8
Day 4 - Leg & Extras
Front Squat
Set 1: 135 lbs x 11
Set 2: 205 lbs x 10
Set 3: 225 lbs x 10
Set 4: 225 lbs x 10
Reverse Lunge (Dumbbell)
Set 1: 100 lbs x 10
Set 2: 100 lbs x 10
Set 3: 100 lbs x 10
Straight Arm Lat Pulldown (Cable)
Set 1: 80 lbs x 12
Set 2: 80 lbs x 13
Set 3: 80 lbs x 13
Single Leg Romanian Deadlift (Dumbbell)
Set 1: 35 lbs x 12
Set 2: 35 lbs x 11
Set 3: 35 lbs x 11
Wood chopper (Shoulder Height)
Set 1: 35 lbs x 12
Set 2: 35 lbs x 13
Set 3: 35 lbs x 12
Behind the Back Curl (Cable)
Set 1: 35 lbs x 14
Set 2: 35 lbs x 14
Set 3: 35 lbs x 14
Physioball Crunch
Set 1: 30 reps
Set 2: 30 reps
Set 3: 25 reps
Rear Delt Reverse Fly (Cable)
Set 1: 15 lbs x 15
Set 2: 15 lbs x 15
Set 3: 20 lbs x 9
Set 4: 15 lbs x 10
Glute Kickback 45 Deg (Cable)
Set 1: 35 lbs x 13
Set 2: 35 lbs x 12
Set 3: 35 lbs x 12
Glute Kickback (Cable)
Set 1: 35 lbs x 10
Set 2: 35 lbs x 10
Set 3: 35 lbs x 10
Cossack Squat
Set 1: 22 reps
Set 2: 24 reps
Set 3: 24 reps
Set 4: 20 reps
Bicep Curl (Cable)
Set 1: 50 lbs x 15
Set 2: 55 lbs x 14
Set 3: 55 lbs x 12
Plank
Set 1: 1min 30s
Set 2: 1min 4s
Current Concerns/Questions:
The left nipple got a little sensitive on day 7, started 10mg of aromasin that day and followed up on day 8 with a second dose of 10mg. May have panicked a bit given the feeling. Zero swelling, no new changes under the nipple, just highly sensitive. This nipple has always been just slightly larger than my right.
Was planning on getting bloods done at 4 weeks to dial in but not sure whether that is still the best time given the symptom already. I also just hammered my estrogen with the double dose. Probably pick back up in Day 10 or 11 with EOD after that.
I expected to be a higher aromatizer given my numbers on my standard TRT dosages, particularly my free.
What other items should I have on hand if this maintains or progresses? Tamoxifen?
Are all the Naps options for Telmisartan decent?
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