posted Mon, 02/19/2024 - 12:06
1685
+ 1 Why is the standard testosterone cycle 12 weeks long? Gains curve...Myostatin? Long cycle vs short blasts.
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The purpose of this post is to explore the reasoning behind limiting your cycle to 12 weeks.
Assuming a standard 500mg of Test E/ week cycle. What is the reasoning to cut the cycle at 12 weeks? From my understanding on one side there are bros that believe that gains curve is not real and you can continue to make gains by increasing training and food intake. On the other side of the spectrum, from my understanding, is that Myostatin peaks after 8 weeks of serum concentration in your blood, and anything over 12 weeks is an uphill battle in terms of gains.
Looking for insight into this topic. If anyone can add their input as to why most cycles are limited to 12 weeks, i'd greatly appreciate it gentlemen. Thank you.
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It’s good to take a break. When I come off I do t even take TRT. But I think I’m going to change that from now on. I think getting absolutely no hormones is rougher on me than blasting then going on TRt
Myostatin and androgen receptor fatigue aside, after 20 weeks I’m just mentally exhausted doing a cycle diet and the training intensity that comes with being on cycle. I drop to my trt dose, because I just don’t wanna go balls to wall for a while. The mental fatigue gets real. This “hitting a hall” feeling may hit some at 12 weeks or 16 or whatever. It’ll be different for each individual.
I think that's directed /suggested to people for their first cycles. In my personal experience, after a certain amount of time, usually 12 weeks with cypionate /enanthate estered compounds, I find my gains slow down. I plateau. Short esters this happens after 7/8 weeks for me. It's like building a tolerance to a drug. I either have to up the dosages or switch compounds. For people who don't want to commit to trt /hypogonadism and possibly infertility, pct is a good idea vs blasting and cruising. Idk if there's science to back this up but I hear consensus being longer time on equals it being more difficult to bounce back after pct.
I think cyp and enanthate are recommended over prop for beginners bc it gives people a chance to get into good routines/behaviors ie training and diet. Blasting short esters for 6 weeks, you have a very short amount of time to get your money's worth. Missing a workout or meal sets you back more in a short cycle vs a 3 month cycle. Longer cycle gives newbies a little more leeway. People have lives, may miss a workout or two, maybe have a week where they're slacking for whatever reason. Not to mention most people new to pinning, probably wanna pin as little as possible.
14 to 16 weeks is a good range without risking too many side effects.
20 weeks all day baby around my way! Who told you limit to 12? Ive heard of like 10-12 "minimum" but never heard "limiting" at 12. Now talking orals you will hear "limiting"
52 weeks man don’t be a bitch.
I only run one cycle a year though so it’s all good.
As long as you don’t diet Christmas week your not an addict
Oh hell yeah!!! Glade I'm not the only one....
Thats what im saying! But wont admit it to the newbies lol
I honestly always just assumed that the longer your on, the harder it is to regain natural function and thats why the limit. Didnt know about those other theories. Definitly also interested in hearing the reasonings.
anvilWho is telling you that? I go 16-20 weeks and that is what works for me. You have to figure out your how body responds and go from there. No one should telling you do a 12 week cycle, at this dosage, and take these compounds.
Like I said the purpose of this post is to discuss the reasoning behind these two viewpoints. Some people advocate stopping at 12 weeks and others advocate 16-20 weeks. Looking to hear about the Why.
In your case I’d like to ask if you are able to maintain the same rate of gains past the 12 week mark?
From my understanding people that advocate 12 weeks is so they can let myostatin reset by dropping to a cruise and then they can get back on faster. Instead of fighting an uphill battle past week 12.
anvilFew people maintain the same amount of gains from week 1 to end. There is no answer 12-20 weeks, its how you respond. You can change up compounds or adjust dosage. Is myostatin the main reason you believe you should do a shorter run?
I don’t lean one way or the other. From my understanding, you do 12 weeks which is when myostatin levels peaks , so you come off. Then it takes 8 weeks for them to reset.
You can blast 12 weeks on 12 weeks off this way. This allows you to blast again and get much more gains this way compared just doing one or two long blasts a year. You essentially give yourself more time on with fresh myostatin levels compared to fighting myostatin after week 12 during long blasts. In theory when you’re on you’re on with fresh myostatin levels so you’re doing more growing.
Think of it as three 12 week blasts with fresh myostatin compared to two 20 week blasts where you do most of your growth in only the first 12 weeks. It would add up to 36 weeks of optimal growth compared to 24 weeks of optimal growth in the course a year. Of course this would theoretically only work if you’re blasting and cruising.
Again I don’t propose this, this just my understanding from what I’ve read and I’d love it people can chime in and prove this right or wrong.
anvilCan you link me to study that says this, I can't really find anything to say myostatin needs be reset. I can only find evidence that gear does not modify the expression of myostatin.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960896612003859
Maybe I am just lost on the subject.
Not sure if its myostatin but i have heard of androgen receptors needing a break.
anvilThat exactly what I am asking..