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Firstly, hello everyone, this is going to be a long thread to try to cover everything needed to get the most help on making sure what i'm thinking and going for is covered and the most help is provided.
Background & Context
I’m 29 years old (as of today, lol), currently 165 lbs (weighed in this morning) with an estimated body fat of about 12% based on a 16" neck and 33" waist and 6'2" tall. I’m a former military service member, and like many here can probably relate, transitioning from the military to civilian life hit me hard mentally, physically, and emotionally. I’ve dealt with PTSD, loss of purpose, chronic pain, and the physical toll of years of wear and tear. My knees and hips have taken a beating, and about a year after leaving the service, I was in such bad shape from a back injury that I was using a cane. In 2022, I finally built up the motivation to get back in the gym in a serious way. I studied Jeff Nippard’s Powerbuilding Phase 3.0 and The Ultimate Guide to Body Recomposition. I trained for 6 months straight—no rest days. Physically, I was making huge gains and mentally I felt better than I had in years. I worked past some old injuries, rebuilt my back to the point where I no longer needed a cane (huge milestone for me), and got back to walking normally. Unfortunately, my knees still limit my squat strength, and in pushing myself too far I nearly tore my MCL, which forced me to stop training entirely. Since then, I haven’t been consistent. Over the last 3 years, I fell back into depression barely eating (every other day at best), sleeping poorly, drinking every weekend, and dealing with paranoia at an all-time high. Now, I’m ready to start over, but I want to do it right this time laying a solid foundation, keeping my mental health stable, and building my physique back stronger than before while minimizing injury risk.Photo Context:
- First 5 photos: Taken tonight (8/11/2025)
- Next 3: April/May 2022 at my lifting peak
- Final 2: Before the military (Sept 2017)
I’ve been looking into a Test E-based first cycle with Turinabol and either HGH or HCG to preserve testicular function and help with recovery post-cycle. My thought is to ensure my natural production can return to normal afterward, since there’s a chance this might be a one-and-done cycle… but I also know myself, so it could end up being longer. I’m open to all feedback from experienced members on whether this approach makes sense and how to fine-tune it.
Supplement Stack - With reasons to each
NOW Magnesium Citrate -- 400 mg (3x a day) **Supports sleep, blood pressure, and muscle relaxation**
NOW Ultra Omega-3 Fish Oil (2x a day) **To meet fish requirements weekly & Supports joints, heart, inflammation**
Nutricost KSM-66 Ashwagandha Root Extract -- 600 mg (1x a day) **Reduces cortisol, supports mood, improves recovery**
NOW Sports Creatine Monohydrate (5g a day) **post-workout**
ALLMAX Nutrition Beta-Alanine (1 scoop daily) **Delays muscle burn/fatigue, more hypertrophy stimulus**
Healthy Origins L-Citrulline (1 scoop daily) **Increases nitric oxide, Reduces fatigue, improved blood flow during training**
Garden of Life Vitamin Code® RAW One™ Multivitamin (1x a day) **To ensure I'm getting all the vitamins I need daily**
Swolverine INTRA Tropical Blast (1 scoop daily) **To be hydrated a boost of endurance for working out + EAA's**
Redcon1 ISOTOPE 100% Whey Isolate (1.5 scoops daily) **To meet macros**
TUDCA Supplement 1200mg (2x a day) **For liver support**
**The total for these all is $200**
Diet Plan:
Target I wanted: Calories: 3079, Fat: 86g (25%), Carbs: 359g, Protein: 218g (1.5xlbm)
Current/Current I made below: Calories: 3162.95, Fat: 85.10g, Carbs: 359.01g, Protein: 218.68g
- Breakfast: 45g Oats, 3x Scrambled Eggs, 1x Greek Yogurt Cup, 2x Toast, 1x Apple and 2x Egg Whites (724.55 k/cal, 19.3g fat, 84.85g carbs, 50.84g protein)
- Lunch: 7oz Chicken Breasts, 104g Dry Rice, 2/3cup Mixed Veggies, 1tsp Olive Oil (706.7 k/cal, 13.53g fat, 90.83g carbs, 53.17g protein)
- Dinner: 7oz Chicken Breasts, 104g Dry Rice, 2/3cup Mixed Veggies, 1tsp Olive Oil (706.7 k/cal, 13.53g fat, 90.83g carbs, 53.17g protein)
- Snack: 1x Banana, 1/2cup Oats, 1.5 Scoops Whey, 2tbsp Peanut Butter (600 k/cal, 18.25g fat, 36.50g carbs, 50.50g protein)
- Post-Workout: 2tbsp Peanut Butter, 2x Toast, 1x Apple (380 k/cal, 16.5g fat, 54g carbs, 11g protein)
- Supp's: 1 Scoop Intra, 2x Omega-3, 3x Magnesium (45 k/cal, 4g fat, 2g carbs 0g protein)
Training Plan:
- Monday: Legs + Conditioning
- Tuesday: Rest
- Wednesday: Upper Strength (Bench, Rows, Overhead Press, Accessories)
- Thursday: Rest
- Friday:Lower Strength (Squat, Deadlift, Lunges, Accessories)
- Saturday: Rest (either running or rest)
- Sunday: Rest (either running or rest)
Proposed AAS Cycle (First Run)
This is what I’ve been considering for my first cycle based on research and examples I’ve seen for a solid first cycle that won't do a lot of damage to my body. It would be Test E: 250 mg/week, Turinabol: 25mg daily/4 weeks, then either HCG or HGH I'm still not 100% sure on which yet. I see positives for but not sure of a solid way. I’m not looking to overcomplicate my first run. I want feedback on whether sticking to what I said above as the smartest move, or if adding something mild early on (like Primo) could be worth it or something, because there maybe a chance that I get the results I want from the first cycle and just get off and not going into two+ cycles. I do understand that once I get off if I do then I will lose some muscle mass and all as its not based on gear rather than the food, training and supp's.
Cycle Goals:
- Rebuild lost muscle mass and strength
- Enhance mood and mental clarity
- Improve energy, motivation, and recovery
- Maintain joint health and prevent re-injury
- Look leaner and more defined
- Go past my old PR's and love to get over double they were
Proposed PCT Plan:
For this I actually have 0 idea of a way to go, I have seen to take Clomid and/or Nolvadex to kickstart my natural test again and recover from using the gear for 12 weeks, while continue supportive supplements (Omega-3, Vitamin D, Creatine, etc.). I’d like advice on whether this PCT layout makes sense if I start with Test/Tbol and either HGH or HCG, and whether adjustments are needed if I add other compounds.
What I Need Feedback On
- Is my proposed cycle realistic for my goals, or should I simplify even further?
- Is adding Primo/Mast/NPP too much for a first cycle?
- Best practices for HCG dosing alongside Test.
- Will my PCT plan be effective for a low-to-moderate first run?
- Any veteran-specific considerations for physical and mental stability while on cycle.
I’ll be updating this log regularly once I start—with weekly check-ins for weight, body composition changes, training performance, mood, and overall well-being. My goal is to have this log not just help me but also help other vets who may be in the same place I am now. Thanks in advance for the guidance, and to my fellow service members here—thank you for your service. I want to make sure everything is solid before I order everything and get started. I'm getting the supp's tonight as the deal of $200 is only good for 8hr's left. it's all over $350 normally.
If you all need any extra info, just ask me and ill provide it all to you. Have a wonderful night and day all.
this is an awesome start. 
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