1st cycle - HDrol advice please.

8 months ago I was thinking of starting my first cycle, I got so far as actually buying everything.  I kind of talked myself out of it due to not being able to find an uninterupted 8 weeks for the cycle and PCT and I was quite nervous about it all.

Anyway I just checked the products and they are well within date so am considering trying again after xmas.

I plan on running a 5 week: 50/50/75/75/75 of Hdrol while taking CEL cycle assist, Omega 3,6,9 and Taurine

For PCT I plan on taking a SERM (Clomid), I-reversitol and Mass FX for 3 weeks.

Is this a sensible first cycle? PCT any good?

My main question is what should my diet be if I want to try and reduce my bf but increase lean mass and strength?  Do I change my rountine (which includes cardio) while on cycle or keep the same?

And finally the "how long is a piece of string" question: What sort of gains could I expect?

Thanks in advance.

Hi Lancs Lad

Personally I would skip the pyramiding of H-drol and during PCT I would schedule a cortisol blocker ahead of mass fx since you will be getting test elevation already from reversitol. Mass fx would be a nice addition but secondary in my view.

Other than that increase protein to around 2g per lb of bodyweight if possible and jack up your carbs to enhance glycogen storage and strength on cycle.

As for routine, I find a more volume centric routine best for muscle mass ON cycle with a switch to a more strength based, lower volume routine post cycle is the best approach.

As for gains, it will depend on too many factors but I would expect 7lbs at least.

lancs_lad

I plan on running a 5 week: 50/50/75/75/75 of Hdrol while taking CEL cycle assist, Omega 3,6,9 and Taurine

For PCT I plan on taking a SERM (Clomid), I-reversitol and Mass FX for 3 weeks.

Is this a sensible first cycle? PCT any good?

My main question is what should my diet be if I want to try and reduce my bf but increase lean mass and strength?  Do I change my rountine (which includes cardio) while on cycle or keep the same?

And finally the "how long is a piece of string" question: What sort of gains could I expect?

In terms of gains, 6-7lbs seems typical however the biggest gains will come in your strength - you will notice rapid increases in strength from the end of week 2. Use this to your advantage in creating and keeping new PR's to build muscle!

In terms of PCT, this article outlines a good plan:

http://www.muscletalk.c...rticle-otc-steroids.aspx

However...personally....I wouldn't touch Clomid with a barge pole. I'd opt for Nolva or OTC PCT since (totally personal opinion), I've seen many people get nasty sides with clomid, to the extent many choose not to run it anymore. Your choice, but if going pharma...nolva would be a better choice imo, however (again imo) H-Drol is mild enough to do OTC PCT.

Any reason for 5 weeks instead of longer? I'd say 6 weeks would be better as you wouldn't notice any additional side effects. To be honest, H-Drol tends to be very mild in terms of toxicity and shutdown and I've known a few people running it up to 8 weeks without having issues.

In terms of diet, what's your diet like now? Can you post it up so we can make specific recommendations? A good diet will do MORE for you long term than the H-Drol.

With your routine, I'd use this as an opportunity to:

- push for new PR's and set new benchmarks!
- increase volume a bit - add in some extra sets, and feel free to add in early morning cardio if you're looking to lean out a little bit whilst still adding strength & mass

Hope that helps and post up a diet so we can see where you're at presently!

I'd run the h-drol at 75mg ed from day one mate, then would run just the serm for pct

Good advice on diet and training in the posts above

Thanks for the advice.

Regards to the Clomid - I couldnt get hold of any nolva so thats why I have clomid.

Diet: Im currently trying to lean out at the mo.

7.30 - bowl of oatabix with semi skimmed milk, and a green tea

11.10 - 2 slices of wholemeal bread with meat (either ham, chicken or beef)

13.25 - 2 slices of wholemeal bread with meat (either ham, chicken or beef)

15.10 - Workout

16.30 - Protein shake and a green tea

18.30 - Evening meal - usually chicken and veg

20.00 - green tea

Sorry I dont know exact weights of the ingredients, but so far Im a gradually leaning out while still keeping my strength.

Doesnt seem to be enough protein in that diet mate, esp not when you'll be taking steroids.
Also where is the fruit man??!! there's also no fish oils or EFA's (essential fats), and a decent multi vit wouldnt go a miss (esp if you're not getting much fruit).

I would add a whey protein shake with your breakfast, try and have meal 2 at around 10 - 10:30am, possibly add some carbs to the evening meal while you are taking Hdrol (some new potatoes or something) and add a casein protein shake  before bed for some slow released protein  while you are sleeping and more importantly, repairing!!!

Do you not find the green tea at 8pm makes it harder for you to sleep?

I concur.  Not enough food, especially protein.

Do you count your daily protein consumption?

With this diet I havent been counting my protein as I am just eating sensibly and training to get fit for the TA at the mo.  I have done in the past when I was trying to bulk.  I realise than if I went on the cycle I would up my diet.

I will add in a protein shake with my breakfast, and I forgot to mention I do take fish oil supplements.

Question regards clomid:  Why is Nolva always mentioned on the forum as the PCT, rarely see clomid despite the articles on here saying both are good options?

You need to fix your diet, currently I doubt your getting more than 125g of protein in a day... Take a look at the bulking articles on this site, they will help you out. Nolva is easier to get, and has much less harsh side effects (if any, pls correct me if im wrong)

On a side note, if your diet has only been as above, I wouldnt touch, the H-drol, id get your diet up to 3000 calories a day for at least 6 months or so, get your natural gains sorted see how you feel then reassess. even then I wouldnt really touch it, id keep pushing, youve probably got a fair few months of quick solid natural growth if you just up your diet!

What routine you running at the moment? I hope its full of squats, deadlifts, benching, chins and perhaps push pressing as well :)

I prefer clomid. clomid is also better as restarting the HPTA and is not hepatoxic (unlike nolva).  Either one is fine though

To be honest mate I was on M-Drol, which is stronger, got good results, was on for 4 weeks, I didnt do pct and was fine.  PCT imo for these products arent needed.

Adonis007


To be honest mate I was on M-Drol, which is stronger, got good results, was on for 4 weeks, I didnt do pct and was fine.  PCT imo for these products arent needed.

very bold statement!!!

Adonis007


To be honest mate I was on M-Drol, which is stronger, got good results, was on for 4 weeks, I didnt do pct and was fine.  PCT imo for these products arent needed.

Can you elaborate on how you came to this decision?
I mean, have you actually had any blood work done for you to determine how well you have recovered?
 
I dont mean to flame on you, but advising people that they don't need to run ANY kinf of PCT after a steroid cycle (which Mdrol and Hdrol are) isn't exactly helpful.