6 month contest prep cycle advice welcomed

[h3o]

Hey everyone,

Well made a goal for myself at the beggining of the year. I want to compete in a amateur show in December. I am about to come off cycle in 4 1/2 weeks and I "should" be around 205 @ 13%bf. Now if everything goes the way I want it after pct jafter pct I am looking to be around 10%. I am 5'9 and want to compete in the 95kg area. Is it possibel for me to stay under 10% while getting to that weight in 6 months? I am about to turn 30 and this will be my 6th cycle that I am ending. Right now I am in test e @750mg a week/ deca @ 400mg a week, and var @ 50mg a day. What should I cycle next time around. And I am really leaning to hgh for the next 6 months. Also one kicker I am going to be in a competition for the Usapl in October so I'd like to be in pct a month before that. Do you still run the hgh during pct? Any advice is welcomed and yes my diet is in check I'm just getting old and its hard for me to get gains that quick without a push. O and even if it is one of those "your an idiot stop wasting my time" comments I welcome those to just kinda want to know why.

 

[h3o]

O one more thing I am gyno sensitive to estrogen but not prolactin, but adex or aromasin usually clear it up quickly.

Another, I started last year august at 255lbs @ almost 30% bf

 

[sendit08]

O one more thing I am gyno sensitive to estrogen but not prolactin, but adex or aromasin usually clear it up quickly.

Another, I started last year august at 255lbs @ almost 30% bf

would you be willing to pm me with the main way you dieted down from that bf%.
sorry to be off topic on your thread.

 

[h3o]

I can just tell you, its a mixture of carb nite and carb backloading. No real big secret

Edit... And yes I was that guy, that wanted to believe that injecting or swallowing a pill could make the weight drop, but in the end it was just eating the right things at the right time.

 

[Digitalash]

Calories in < calories out will always be the way to weight loss

congrats on dropping so much bodyfat though brother, thats no easy feat. One thing I noticed is that you want to be 13% at the end of cycle, and 10% after pct, how do you intend to drop 3% bodyfat in such a short time while being catabolic? I wouldn't advise harsh dieting like that during pct, your androgens are very low and you will lose lean body mass very easily.

Also yes you can run hgh during pct and ideally you should as it will help maintain gains. Are you using an AI like arimidex/aromasin in your current test/deca cycle? How long do you intend to run var? Also I think you're asking about your next cycle. For a cutting cycle I may try test prop and tren ace at around 50-75mg a day each or 100-150 EOD. Var also would work well here, or winstrol for 4 weeks at the end maybe. If you do intend to use HGH make sure you research thoroughly and find a reputable source, its farrr more difficult to find good HGH than it is to find good gear. Also make sure you have the $$ to spend for 6 months+, and I would say you want to run it at 4-5+iu's a day also. Good luck with your contest brother, you came to the right place to find good info, tons of smart guys here and if you've done your homework we'll be more than willing to help

For starters though you should be running an AI right now on your test/deca cycle, you mentioned they "clear up" your gyno but that sounds like you're only using it when you have a gyno flareup. You should run your AI through the whole cycle to prevent issues before they arise bro, can't be sure you're not already but just checking

 

[h3o]

Calories in < calories out will always be the way to weight loss

congrats on dropping so much bodyfat though brother, thats no easy feat. One thing I noticed is that you want to be 13% at the end of cycle, and 10% after pct, how do you intend to drop 3% bodyfat in such a short time while being catabolic? I wouldn't advise harsh dieting like that during pct, your androgens are very low and you will lose lean body mass very easily.

Also yes you can run hgh during pct and ideally you should as it will help maintain gains. Are you using an AI like arimidex/aromasin in your current test/deca cycle? How long do you intend to run var? Also I think you're asking about your next cycle. For a cutting cycle I may try test prop and tren ace at around 50-75mg a day each or 100-150 EOD. Var also would work well here, or winstrol for 4 weeks at the end maybe. If you do intend to use HGH make sure you research thoroughly and find a reputable source, its farrr more difficult to find good HGH than it is to find good gear. Also make sure you have the $$ to spend for 6 months+, and I would say you want to run it at 4-5+iu's a day also. Good luck with your contest brother, you came to the right place to find good info, tons of smart guys here and if you've done your homework we'll be more than willing to help

For starters though you should be running an AI right now on your test/deca cycle, you mentioned they "clear up" your gyno but that sounds like you're only using it when you have a gyno flareup. You should run your AI through the whole cycle to prevent issues before they arise bro, can't be sure you're not already but just checking

Hey didnt mean to make it sound like i only use AI when i need it, i do take .5mg adex and .25mg aromasin ed. And the 10% will come after i pct not during, sorry again for the confusion. I want my next cycle to start sometime in julyish and end in early october, then a small cut cycle before the comp. But the whole time looking at hgh, i am pretty sure i have a reputable source and ya i know its a pretty penny, ive been saving in my piggy bank for this. Currently right now i am at 15%bf and pretty much every cycle ive been through i will lose about 2% during pct. But then again this was when i was a fat fuck too. I have been small before but that was in the military i was 170lbs @ 9% bf. Ive always have had a problem with obliques disappearing though for some reason i think its just my body type.

so would it be wise to go

hgh 6 months
julyish - august thinking test e/deca/var again but want to try a test around 250mg a week/ deca @ 600mg a week/ var @ 100mg ed, also going to add in t3/eca

nov till contest - test ace/tren ace/ var or winny.

 

[XYZ]

You want to cut until December? I don't really understand what it is you're trying to accomplish besides that. If that is the case you just need to keep your weight about where it is now (DO NOT TRY LOSING WEIGHT DURING PCT) and then run a 12 week cutter before the show.

You don't need GH either, you're not really going to do anything with it without AAS.

Keep it simple. The diet, cardio and training (IN THAT ORDER) will get you lean. The AAS just helps you from losing lbm.

 

[h3o]

You want to cut until December? I don't really understand what it is you're trying to accomplish besides that. If that is the case you just need to keep your weight about where it is now (DO NOT TRY LOSING WEIGHT DURING PCT) and then run a 12 week cutter before the show.

You don't need GH either, you're not really going to do anything with it without AAS.

Keep it simple. The diet, cardio and training (IN THAT ORDER) will get you lean. The AAS just helps you from losing lbm.

i want to cut the last cycle before the contest, before that i am going to run the deca at a higher dosage to try and put on some lean mass, the reason for the t3/eca is to keep me lean while on that. and the gh will be used with 2 different cycles, only reason i am not doing a long cycle is because i have to stop a little before october to enter a power lifting meet that test, and at the rate im going i am going to finish top 3 for raw in my weight class so i will be tested. i might just put the lift on hold and just do a long cycle with the gh though.

 

[XYZ]

i want to cut the last cycle before the contest, before that i am going to run the deca at a higher dosage to try and put on some lean mass, the reason for the t3/eca is to keep me lean while on that. and the gh will be used with 2 different cycles, only reason i am not doing a long cycle is because i have to stop a little before october to enter a power lifting meet that test, and at the rate im going i am going to finish top 3 for raw in my weight class so i will be tested. i might just put the lift on hold and just do a long cycle with the gh though.

I still have no idea as to what it is your trying to do exactly, but best of luck.

 

[h3o]

trying to go from 210 @ 15%bf to 215@ 7-8%bf by december

 

[sendit08]

I can just tell you, its a mixture of carb nite and carb backloading. No real big secret

Edit... And yes I was that guy, that wanted to believe that injecting or swallowing a pill could make the weight drop, but in the end it was just eating the right things at the right time.

I knew you were gonna say that.
I wanted to show my wife that these "wierd carb diets" as she calls them yeild real results.

 

[h3o]

ya biggest thing i learned is carbs are not the enemy, WHEN you eat them is the problem.

 

[Digitalash]

I've read some studies that show meal timing is completely irrelevant, you can make the same progress eating all your cals/protein/carbs etc in a 2 hour window every 24 hrs as you will spreading those same macronutrients in to 6 small meals. Look into intermittent fasting, leangains.com I believe has compiled alot of these studies.


Carbs have nothing to do with weight loss at all really, its all calories period. If you are losing weight and eating less carbs, its simply because cutting out those sugars/starches has decreased your overall caloric intake for the day. Again its calories in > calories out, protein intake is important but really the rest is of little concern for actual fat loss. These things are different during the end of contest prep as far as carb/sodium/water manipulation to change your appearance, but as far as actual fat tissue is concerned your overall energy (kcal) intake and expenditure is the key. So I would say NO the weird carb diets are definitely bs and the whole idea of carbs = bad and the only way to lose weight is severely misleading to the general public.


Also I think you are mistaken when you say "and pretty much every cycle ive been through i will lose about 2% during pct." It is highly unlikely that you lose bodyfat during post cycle, especially without trying to via your diet. If anything you are likely to lose lbm and gain some fat during this period of very low testosterone and high estrogen. You most likely have shed some water weight giving you the appearance of getting a little bit leaner, but for you to truly lose bodyfat like that you would have had to drop your calorie intake, which during pct will result in unfavorable loss of lean body mass due to a lack of anabolic hormones, and an abundance of catabolic ones like cortisol

 

[h3o]

I've read some studies that show meal timing is completely irrelevant, you can make the same progress eating all your cals/protein/carbs etc in a 2 hour window every 24 hrs as you will spreading those same macronutrients in to 6 small meals. Look into intermittent fasting, leangains.com I believe has compiled alot of these studies.


Carbs have nothing to do with weight loss at all really, its all calories period. If you are losing weight and eating less carbs, its simply because cutting out those sugars/starches has decreased your overall caloric intake for the day. Again its calories in > calories out, protein intake is important but really the rest is of little concern for actual fat loss. These things are different during the end of contest prep as far as carb/sodium/water manipulation to change your appearance, but as far as actual fat tissue is concerned your overall energy (kcal) intake and expenditure is the key. So I would say NO the weird carb diets are definitely bs and the whole idea of carbs = bad and the only way to lose weight is severely misleading to the general public.


Also I think you are mistaken when you say "and pretty much every cycle ive been through i will lose about 2% during pct." It is highly unlikely that you lose bodyfat during post cycle, especially without trying to via your diet. If anything you are likely to lose lbm and gain some fat during this period of very low testosterone and high estrogen. You most likely have shed some water weight giving you the appearance of getting a little bit leaner, but for you to truly lose bodyfat like that you would have had to drop your calorie intake, which during pct will result in unfavorable loss of lean body mass due to a lack of anabolic hormones, and an abundance of catabolic ones like cortisol

I do have to disagree with you on the carb thing, I did not cut carbs, (sugars and startches) out. I followed kiefers protocol and ate my sugars(donuts,cookies,cake). After a hard workout. I also fasted till 1pm everyday with only a coffee in the am. This diet works off hour cortisol levels and insulin levels and timing the high glycemic carbs during those times. It works, there is science behind his findings, and there is a huge following with multiple people having the same results. I don't do any cardio but lift heavy, kind of like the Westside barbell club method. And I do agree with you that I am not losing "fat" but more water, but I use calipers so that's why bloating affects my % while on cycle, and like previously stated it was cause I was a fat shit too.

 

[Digitalash]

The system I was referring to actually utilizes fasting as well, and I do agree there is some benefit to spiking insulin post workout. What I meant was that your weight loss was not due to lowering your amount of carbs consumed per day or the time at which they were consumed, but by an overall reduction in calories. Carbs are more calorie dense than both protein or fats so reducing your carb intake will automatically be an easy way to reduce calories, so many people mistake that for the reason they've lost weight. I'm just trying to stress the important fact that when it comes to weight gain or loss calories are THE most important factor. Far too many people struggle with dieting in the US especially because they are missing this one key point, if everyone knew this fad diets would disappear overnight

 

[Grozny]

 

[XYZ]

I've read some studies that show meal timing is completely irrelevant, you can make the same progress eating all your cals/protein/carbs etc in a 2 hour window every 24 hrs as you will spreading those same macronutrients in to 6 small meals. Look into intermittent fasting, leangains.com I believe has compiled alot of these studies.


Carbs have nothing to do with weight loss at all really, its all calories period. If you are losing weight and eating less carbs, its simply because cutting out those sugars/starches has decreased your overall caloric intake for the day. Again its calories in > calories out, protein intake is important but really the rest is of little concern for actual fat loss. These things are different during the end of contest prep as far as carb/sodium/water manipulation to change your appearance, but as far as actual fat tissue is concerned your overall energy (kcal) intake and expenditure is the key. So I would say NO the weird carb diets are definitely bs and the whole idea of carbs = bad and the only way to lose weight is severely misleading to the general public.


Also I think you are mistaken when you say "and pretty much every cycle ive been through i will lose about 2% during pct." It is highly unlikely that you lose bodyfat during post cycle, especially without trying to via your diet. If anything you are likely to lose lbm and gain some fat during this period of very low testosterone and high estrogen. You most likely have shed some water weight giving you the appearance of getting a little bit leaner, but for you to truly lose bodyfat like that you would have had to drop your calorie intake, which during pct will result in unfavorable loss of lean body mass due to a lack of anabolic hormones, and an abundance of catabolic ones like cortisol

With all due respect that is the biggest line of BS I've read today and that includes EVERYTHING in Anything Goes.

You don't think leptin levels play a role in fat loss? The only ways to change them is with...........CARBS.

LOL.

 

[Mike Arnold]

* The last 6 weeks, switch over to all non-aromitizable drugs (example: Trenbolone, Masteron, Halotestin, Anavar). Some guys will run a light test prop dose into the comp, which is fine to.

* Do not rely soley on calorie cutting to get in shape. You will never be able to get in shape while also maintaining all your size, if you do so. You want to attack fat through a variety of different mechanisms, as this will not only help you get in better shape, but it will make it much easier for your body to maintain its muscle size as you lose that fat. But....don't stop there. You also want to break down those different methods into sub-classes and manipulate those, as well. The body responds best to minor changes using several different techniques...NOT extreme changes using only one or two techniques. For example, you could get ripped as hell starving yourself...just keep reducing calories until you are barely eating anything. You will get ripped, but you will also lose 100 pounds of muscle. Some examples of the different methods you want to employ are: calorie manipulation, cardio, food manipulation, steroids, and fat-loss drugs.


Among those major methods, there are many sub-methods, such as...

Food Manipulation: 1. Carb-cycling. 2. Food Source Shifts (gradually switching from processed, high glycemic complex & simple carbs, such as white rice and fruit, etc...to all slow-burning whole grains & green/fibrous vegetables. As for protein, gradually switch from poultry and red meat to all fish with maybe one red meat meal, to help maintain size. 3. Keto (not usually recommended, unless used for very short periods of time and it is suited to the particular client).

Cardio: 1. Steady State Cardio. 2. Interval Cardio. 3.) Alternating between different types of cardio (example: bike, treadmill, stair-stepper, eliptical). 4.) Length of cardio.

Drugs: 1. T3. 2. Ephedrine Hydrochloride. 3. Growth Hormone. 4. Clenbuterol. 5. Various forms of yohimbine (never the crushed plant...you want drug forms. There are about 3-4 good ones. 6.) OTC fat-loss supps (there are numerous great OTC fat loss drugs, such as VPX's Liquid Clenbutrex or Redline Ultra hardcore. Either of them are great and provide a variety of beneficial fat-loss drugs. 7. Repartitioning agents.

Steroids: 1.) Type: Some steroids have greater or lesser fat loss potential. As the diet progresses, you want to shift the balance in favor of the steroids which work better in this respect, such as trenbolone, testosterone (as long as estrogen is properly managed, it is a great fat loss agent), trestolone, etc. 2.) Dose: When it comes to fat loss, steroid effectiveness is dose-dependent, to a point. You want to settle into your "own" optimal dosing range for your body.

Calorie Manipulation: 1.) Steady, slow reductions (should be used the majority of the time, as the body can respond violently to dramatic reductions/increases). 2. Cheat Meals (used to increase the metabolism and/or re-fill glycogen stores).



The body seeks to find homeostatis...and it attempts to do so as quickly as possible. You should be constantly manipulating all of these variables throughout your diet. Not only will utilizing all of these provide better results, but you will not have to reduce calories as quickly or as much, which means you will not be as hungry while dieting. There is a fine line between losing fat and maintaining muscle size. Balancing these two is the goal of every competition BB'r. After all, there are only 4 main areas a BB'r needs to master in order to shw up to his shpow in perfect condition. These are: 1. Reducing bodyfat sufficiently. 2. Maintaining muscle size. 3. Reducing sub-q water sufficiently. 4.) Optimizing muscle fullness. Reducing sub-q water and optimizing muscle fullness is where most BB'r go wrong. It is a tricky balancing act, as the two are on opposing ends of the spectrum. Improving one causes the other to suffer. There are techniques one can use in order to force the body to enhance both simultaneously, but ultimately, you can only push this so far until one area becomes compromised. This is why you see so many BB'rs either flat or holding water. It is a very fine balancing act, in which the BB'r must decide how far he wants to take each one. The perfect balance will be different for each BB'r, with multiple factors playing a role in determining what it best.

 

[Mike Arnold]

With all due respect that is the biggest line of BS I've read today and that includes EVERYTHING in Anything Goes.

You don't think leptin levels play a role in fat loss? The only ways to change them is with...........CARBS.

LOL.

I would have to agree. There are many factors which play a role in fat loss/muscle maintenance...not just the calories in-calories-out principle. Anyone who thinks otherwise, especially as it applies to a competition BB'r (who is attempting to reduce his BF% to 3-4% while maintaining muscular size), is ignorant regarding the numerous factors which can effect muscle growth/maintenance & fat-loss.

 

[Digitalash]

I said "weight loss" not "fat loss" for one, weight loss can not happen independently of caloric intake regardless of the macronutrient breakdown that comprises the total number of calories. AKA eating low carb or eating carbs only at certain times will not reduce weight without decreasing the total caloric intake, if you eat less carbs but end up eating more fat and protein and you end up at the same kcal intake your weight will not change

Also protein intake has been proven to affect the preservation of lbm during weight loss or reduced energy intake I agree on that, but I've never seen any studies that show there is a difference in lbm/fat loss or gain independent of caloric and protein intake. Eating high protein is absolutely important, and your caloric intake must match your goal, but at least from what I've been able to find in actual studies theres no proof you will have better results eating less carbs and more fat to reach your total caloric intake than you would eating the same protein/cals but with higher carb and less fat ratios, if that makes any sense. There is very little research on trained bodybuilders but except in the example of extreme low carb aka ketosis, carbohydrate intake, at least from what proof I've been able to find has no effect on weight lost or gained except in cases where it affects the overall protein or calorie intake. If you put two people on a diet of X cals and X protein, when or how much carbohydrates they eat will not effect their end result as long as they meet their protein/cal intake. Again I could absolutely be wrong, but I've never seen actual studies to prove it. I've seen some that seem to indicate better fat loss on reduced carbohydrate diets, but most of them didn't take into account the fact that in these diets protein intake was higher, causing greater preservation of lbm and thus a greater reduction in bodyfat for the same amount of weight lost. Not trying to start an argument and I absolutely would be interested in seeing studies on this, if I'm wrong no hard feelings I would just like to know that. But IMO at least for those who are not professional bb'ers, daily protein and calorie intake should be number 1 when it comes to building a diet for your goal, meal timing and ratio of fat/carbs is at the very least less important than cal/protein intake. The reason I think this is important is because so many fat people think if they just eat less carbs they'll be fine, not acknowledging that if they are then binging on fats and eating the same number of calories they will not lose any weight regardless of their "low carb" diet.

 

[h3o]

I said "weight loss" not "fat loss" for one, weight loss can not happen independently of caloric intake regardless of the macronutrient breakdown that comprises the total number of calories. AKA eating low carb or eating carbs only at certain times will not reduce weight without decreasing the total caloric intake, if you eat less carbs but end up eating more fat and protein and you end up at the same kcal intake your weight will not change

Also protein intake has been proven to affect the preservation of lbm during weight loss or reduced energy intake I agree on that, but I've never seen any studies that show there is a difference in lbm/fat loss or gain independent of caloric and protein intake. Eating high protein is absolutely important, and your caloric intake must match your goal, but at least from what I've been able to find in actual studies theres no proof you will have better results eating less carbs and more fat to reach your total caloric intake than you would eating the same protein/cals but with higher carb and less fat ratios, if that makes any sense. There is very little research on trained bodybuilders but except in the example of extreme low carb aka ketosis, carbohydrate intake, at least from what proof I've been able to find has no effect on weight lost or gained except in cases where it affects the overall protein or calorie intake. If you put two people on a diet of X cals and X protein, when or how much carbohydrates they eat will not effect their end result as long as they meet their protein/cal intake. Again I could absolutely be wrong, but I've never seen actual studies to prove it. I've seen some that seem to indicate better fat loss on reduced carbohydrate diets, but most of them didn't take into account the fact that in these diets protein intake was higher, causing greater preservation of lbm and thus a greater reduction in bodyfat for the same amount of weight lost. Not trying to start an argument and I absolutely would be interested in seeing studies on this, if I'm wrong no hard feelings I would just like to know that. But IMO at least for those who are not professional bb'ers, daily protein and calorie intake should be number 1 when it comes to building a diet for your goal, meal timing and ratio of fat/carbs is at the very least less important than cal/protein intake. The reason I think this is important is because so many fat people think if they just eat less carbs they'll be fine, not acknowledging that if they are then binging on fats and eating the same number of calories they will not lose any weight regardless of their "low carb" diet.

sorry again i do have to disagree, espically coming from personal experience, i did not lower my calorie intake at all, actually because i was eating more fat i increased it slightly eating anywhere from 2700-3500 cals daily and this was when i was 250+lbs. Now i know i have lost "weight" but also i have also lost a bit of fat and i still am continuing to lose fat. There are plenty of studies that support this theory, dangerouslyhardcore has more then enough reading material for anyone interested in how the science works in this type of diet. I also do little to no cardio if that makes any difference. I am not trying to start a huge arguement but there is also no study that backs up that eating every 2 hrs will increase metabolism and help burn fat, there are however many studies that go against it. There is also this kid on youtube who mainly focuses on the scientific part of dieting rather then just broscience if i find him ill post up his channel, he is very informative.

 

[Digitalash]

not trying to argue either, I actually do restrict carbs a fair amount but I don't follow any sort of meal timing beyond post workout shake/meal. Just saying I've never been able to find any studies that show the amount of carbs you eat affecting body composition when calories and protein are controlled. Everything I've read seems to say the amount of carbs and fats you eat are irrelevant as long as you keep cal and protein intake the same. Also I agree eating every two hours is a myth, you can fast the whole day and squeeze your 250g protein and 3500 cals into one long meal if its more convenient for you. Your stomach may not hold that much though so thats not really practical if you need to eat alot, so having 2-3 small meals a day is perfectly fine as long as you reach your macros for the day. Anyway I'm looking a bit on pubmed for studies on this, if you have any please do share because I'd like to understand it better either way

 

[Mike Arnold]

I said "weight loss" not "fat loss" for one, weight loss can not happen independently of caloric intake regardless of the macronutrient breakdown that comprises the total number of calories. AKA eating low carb or eating carbs only at certain times will not reduce weight without decreasing the total caloric intake, if you eat less carbs but end up eating more fat and protein and you end up at the same kcal intake your weight will not change

Also protein intake has been proven to affect the preservation of lbm during weight loss or reduced energy intake I agree on that, but I've never seen any studies that show there is a difference in lbm/fat loss or gain independent of caloric and protein intake. Eating high protein is absolutely important, and your caloric intake must match your goal, but at least from what I've been able to find in actual studies theres no proof you will have better results eating less carbs and more fat to reach your total caloric intake than you would eating the same protein/cals but with higher carb and less fat ratios, if that makes any sense. There is very little research on trained bodybuilders but except in the example of extreme low carb aka ketosis, carbohydrate intake, at least from what proof I've been able to find has no effect on weight lost or gained except in cases where it affects the overall protein or calorie intake. If you put two people on a diet of X cals and X protein, when or how much carbohydrates they eat will not effect their end result as long as they meet their protein/cal intake. Again I could absolutely be wrong, but I've never seen actual studies to prove it. I've seen some that seem to indicate better fat loss on reduced carbohydrate diets, but most of them didn't take into account the fact that in these diets protein intake was higher, causing greater preservation of lbm and thus a greater reduction in bodyfat for the same amount of weight lost. Not trying to start an argument and I absolutely would be interested in seeing studies on this, if I'm wrong no hard feelings I would just like to know that. But IMO at least for those who are not professional bb'ers, daily protein and calorie intake should be number 1 when it comes to building a diet for your goal, meal timing and ratio of fat/carbs is at the very least less important than cal/protein intake. The reason I think this is important is because so many fat people think if they just eat less carbs they'll be fine, not acknowledging that if they are then binging on fats and eating the same number of calories they will not lose any weight regardless of their "low carb" diet.

See bold above: You are.

There are many factors which can influence the rate of lipolysis and oxidation in the human body, independent of the calorie-on-calories-out principle. Here is one of the major ones...insulin. Insulin works to directly inhibit lipolysis independent from caloric intake. So, if you know anything about insulin, you would understand that its management, which is achieved primarily through manipulating both carb intake and source, plays a considerable role in determining one's rate of fat loss. the other macros can also affect fat loss. For example, protein is more metabolically costly, as it takes more calories to digest and convert a gram of protein into stored fat than it does to do the same with a gram of dietary fat. Protein requires more steps to end up in a fat cell, while fat, by its very nature, is already in the form necessary for storage.

There are so many different factors one can manipulate to their advantage, involved in all the categories I listed above, that the rate of fat loss can be affected substantially even without any adjustmenst to one's caloric intake. For example, someone may have stopped losing fat when consuming a certain amount of calories per day...and yet...without any caloric changes, begin losing fat at a considerable rate simply because they know how to manipulate these variables. It is even possible for someone who has stopped losing fat at a certain caloric intake...to begin losing fat while INCREASING their caloric intake, simply because they know how to manipulate these variables. The overly simplistic old-school mentality, which states that one only needs to count calories in order to maximize fat loss, is greatly flawed . Anyone who thinks otherwise has very little understanding of all the numerous mechanisms which can potentially alter the rate of fat loss.

 

[Mike Arnold]

not trying to argue either, I actually do restrict carbs a fair amount but I don't follow any sort of meal timing beyond post workout shake/meal. Just saying I've never been able to find any studies that show the amount of carbs you eat affecting body composition when calories and protein are controlled. Everything I've read seems to say the amount of carbs and fats you eat are irrelevant as long as you keep cal and protein intake the same. Also I agree eating every two hours is a myth, you can fast the whole day and squeeze your 250g protein and 3500 cals into one long meal if its more convenient for you. Your stomach may not hold that much though so thats not really practical if you need to eat alot, so having 2-3 small meals a day is perfectly fine as long as you reach your macros for the day. Anyway I'm looking a bit on pubmed for studies on this, if you have any please do share because I'd like to understand it better either way

Saying you can eat all your cals and protein in one daily meal and still make maximum gains is completely and utter hoghsit...and again, ANYONE who has experience with this stuff knows differently. It is fucking suicide for a BB'r to eat only once per day....wherther trying to lose fat and maintain muscle...or trying to build mass. Not only will the BB'r NOT be able to maintain or build anywhere near as much muscle (regardless of whether he continues eating the same amount & types of food), but he will lose considerable muscle fullnes just 5-6 hours after his last meal...and which will continue to decrease as the hours go by.

I have coached 100's of clients over the last 12 years and I can tell you without any doubt whatsoever that this way of eating would have absolutely devastating consequences in terms of lean mass retention, muscle gains, recovery, and muscle fullness.

 

[longworthb]

Test tren mast with winny finisher or some halo to get that grainy look. Up ur ai at the end to dry out. U wanna be in pct before the show? That kinda makes no sense oh and of course gh if u can afford it

 

[longworthb]

You want to cut until December? I don't really understand what it is you're trying to accomplish besides that. If that is the case you just need to keep your weight about where it is now (DO NOT TRY LOSING WEIGHT DURING PCT) and then run a 12 week cutter before the show.

You don't need GH either, you're not really going to do anything with it without AAS.

Keep it simple. The diet, cardio and training (IN THAT ORDER) will get you lean. The AAS just helps you from losing lbm.

I almost always agree with you but to say gh isn't going to do anything without aas is kind of obsurd unless I took it the wrong way and edit didn't see u were running another cycle before the comp not going into the comp in pct

 

[HFO3]

I've used pharmacy prescribed HGH with no AAS for a short time, I considered it a huge waste of money. The results were negligible, imo.

 

[longworthb]

Eating all your cals and macros in one meal? Are u nuts? Imagine the lbm loss while fasting all day

 

[longworthb]

I've used pharmacy prescribed HGH with no AAS for a short time, I considered it a huge waste of money. The results were negligible, imo.

Yes i agree with that. If only used for a short period of time results won't be very noticeable. But say u use 3iu a day for 4-6 months results will be far more noticeable. With that being said I'd still never use it alone lol.

 

[XYZ]

I almost always agree with you but to say gh isn't going to do anything without aas is kind of obsurd unless I took it the wrong way and edit didn't see u were running another cycle before the comp not going into the comp in pct

I was under the impression he was going to use GH alone for bulking with nothing else, without using AAS the gains would be nowhere near what they could be with.

If you look back, what the OP is trying to accomplish here is a little difficult to understand until about 1/2 way through the thread.