Thread: Recommendations solicited

Alright, I'm about 28 years old, and I've pretty much been on a plateau for the last year or more. I'm 5'11, 190 lbs, and in good health. I can do about 20 pull ups with outstanding form, bench press 225 for about 10 reps, etc., etc.

I've honestly been lifting on and off since age about 15. When I say on and off, I mean I work out hard at least twice a week when I am "off" and every once in a while I go several months of working out 4 or 5 times per week.

I used to be a very hard gainer, now I am more of an average type. The problem is that I am basically to the point where I can't gain. I've tried muscle confusion, high reps, low reps, negatives, compound movements, etc. I am the type of person that doesn't feel like I have a good workout unless I am sore the next day, and it is next to impossible for me to get sore unless I workout for ungodly amounts of time. I just can't break 195 unless it is pure fat I am adding, and I can't significant strength gains.

I am also at a point where I think my natural testosterone may be starting to level off or drop off. I am tired a lot, don't have as much aggression (which can also be a good thing) or drive as I used to, etc.

So I am thinking about breaking into anabolics for the first time, and I have absolutely 0 knowledge. So here are the questions:

(1) is there a very introductory-level, ultra-safe thing I can try for two weeks or so?

(2) where do I get it?

(3) are there safer/better alternatives to anabolics? I am talking about something much more serious than creatine, maybe hgh?

(4) will gains be even remotely sustainable after I stop taking whatever it is I'm taking? I'm not interested in moving up to 205 for a few months and then dropping back down within 6 months. Ideally I'd like to break the plateau to around 200 or 205, and then be able to sustain it with a good diet and lifting naturally.

If you post your diet and workout program, you get a lot more feedback. Hard to know how to help without more information about you.