New Guy Thread

[enirka]

Hi! I'm new to the forum and look forward to contributing. I have been thinking about using gear but want to become more familiar with the subject before I make a decision. I am just about to finish my masters in toxicology so I look forward to contributing my knowledge where applicable on the board.

I have 6 years of lifting experience and have a solid diet plan. I'm interested in learning more about gear and possible options to achieve my goal of a lean/muscular physique that would be slightly above what's naturally obtainable.

Here are my stats:
Age: 23
Weight: 170 lbs (Ideal weight 180-185 and <10% BF)
Height: 5'10
BF%: 9.5% (BodPod Scan)
Bench 3x285 (BW 1.6x) ; Deadlift 3x425 (BW 2.5x); Squat 3x345 (BW 2.0x)


I've done a fair amount of research and would run a 500mg to 600mg first cycle with appropriate PCT and AI. I will probably need to do more research before I look for a source.

A few introductory questions. I know that I have not reached my maximum genetic (hopefully closing in). Is it advisable to work for a few more years and reach my limit or to start using now? At this current point in time (I know this may be subject to change) I am not looking to be above 190 pounds for my height. If any knowledgeable members of the board could answer with their experience regarding my age and my sub-maximum lifts/weight it would be greatly appreciated!

Once again I'm excited to be part of this community!

 

[wheresdabeef]

I'm the same height as you and closing in on 190 now. My bench, squat, and dead are similar to yours. 275 1rm bench, 385 1rm squat, 415 1rm dead. I was always 170 or under until I got my diet on point a couple of years ago. I'm 33 and have never run any gear. At your age you can probably hit 190 quicker than I did by just eating more. And you said ideally 180-185. I think you could probably hit that pretty quickly without gear. Not trying to dissuade you if that's the route you want to go. Just sounds similar to where I was at and I just started eating about a lot more and hitting the compound lifts a lot harder to get my weight up.

 

[jp4355]

Welcome to Evo !
Glad to have you, and looking forward to your Contributions.......................................... JP
P.S.
As far as when you Start your AAS, some Guys have started earlier than you, but you're Correct in waiting a Little Longer.
I did my 1st Cycle at 25 - which seems like a Hundred Years ago.
P.S.S.
You may find with a Small Change in Diet, you can Add those Additional Pounds without adding fat.

 

[Shrine]

Welcome bro. I would say wait a bit, as you still have plenty to achieve at your age naturally. I remember I was still breaking barriers at 27, 28 yrs old

 

[ta2dfreak]

Welcome to Evo bro!

 

[TREE]

Welcome new to this board myself.

 

[enirka]

Thank you for everyones input. My only thought now is on the time frame. From reading from some sources, it seems that it would take me anywhere from 2-5 years to reach my desired stats naturally. I'm not looking into AS use as a crutch, I know and am very prepared to keep a strong workout and diet plan. However, if using a conservative cycle can speed up this process safely, that's an avenue I'm interested in pursuing. If anyone can chime in with anecdotal experience with how much a 500-600mg T first cycle benefited them relative to my position, it would be greatly appreciated.

Are there any members who used AS before reaching their maximum potential that regret the decision? Conversely, are there any members that reached their maximum that wished they had used AS earlier?

Thank you again for your input.

 

[Bigbird138]

You seem like an intelligent guy and I can tell you have done plenty of research. You are not too young to start if that is what you decide to do. It's really just a decision you will have to make, we can't make it for you. If you feel that you are ready, I can't see any reason why you shouldn't. If you want to wait, then that's your call.
As far as what you can expect, well that's all gonna be up to you. But generally you should expect to see dramatic increase in your progress to whatever goal you have set, are eating and training for. My first cycle, I had been training and eating right for at least 8 years, I put on about 15 pounds and kept about 10, but everyone is different.
Whatever choice you make, I'm confident that you will make the decision that is best for you. We don't see many people do the research you have and ask as intelligent questions as you have.


Wanna get Krazie?

 

[25homes]

welcome my brother

 

[MikeSnow]

You've come to the right place, glad you are asking informative questions and not just blurting out cycles, that's a good mindset to have when you start using gear, knowledge is always power

 

[Charles3]

Welcome OP - Certainly looking forward to your input. Sounds like you know what you are doing. Strong lifts btw and good luck with your training. You are among some good folks here.

 

[RickRock]

Welcome to EVO

I didn't touch gear until I was 36. I trained naturally for 20 years, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I had a very nice natural base built and was pretty damn strong before I ever started

 

[enirka]

Thank you everyone's responses and comments.

Given my age, I will most likely continue another year of natural training to see how much more I can achieve. I'm hoping to pull off a ~500lb DL, ~400lb Squat, and ~315 Bench with another year of training. Hopefully I will be able to hit 175lb at ~9% body fat in that time-frame. If I see that I'm plateauing or falling off the bell curve after refining my diet and training even more, I'll reevaluate using AS.