Just getting back to it
I had a username and was on here for a couple years before I Pretty much hit most my power lifting goals I had set for myself. Hit intermediate or near numbers for my weight class in squat and deadlift. Decent on bench. Always been natural but knew eventually I'd like to get a bit juicy and see what happens. I was a regular lifter for about 10 years and then got into the car business which after 2 years I just stopped lifting. Averaged 60 hours a week and finally got out of car business recently. I've been out of the gym for over a year and the only exercise I have done has been stuff you can do at home. No weights. I started back into construction (masonry) mostly block brick and stone and I'm getting into great shape again. I just joined back up in a gym and I guess my question is how long should I be back regular lifting before I consider to try first cycle? Thoughts? Thank you In advance
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Congratulations on getting back into the gym and what sounds to be a much more fulfilling lifestyle. Are you more concerned with looking good or getting back to your old power lifting numbers? I would advise you to hold off until you are at the very least able to lift 75% of where you previously peaked. You will be amazed at how quickly muscle memory comes into play and how quickly strength naturally rebounds once you get back into a routine and get your diet in line. Going straight into power lifting, AAS use and associated accelerated strength gains after a two year hiatus is begging for a tendon/ligament tear/sprain or injury to support muscles that you haven't been pushing hard in everyday life for the last two years. Having blood work drawn ahead of time is a good idea too. Glad to hear that you are familiar with the site and know how to properly tap into the knowledge here. Welcome back
AnonOn point +1
Congrats to getting back in shape. Sounds like you already have a great start. I would really focus on discipline and conditioning of ur diet and workout before making that jump. I find that to be the biggest stress and you want to be stress free. when you have all that on lock, you can enjoy yourself alot more. Good luck on your journey. Stay safe and strong brother.
Thank everyone for the feedback!
RustyhookerAge: 35
Height: 5'11.5
Weight: 186
BF:
A good blood scan is a good point of decision making. Folks below got ya correct. Making sure your doing well inside helps as well.
AnonIf your goals are to strictly look good, I guess that would need to be drilled down into what you see yourself as looking good. You can look good by building big arms, big chest and a big back. And that's easy to do naturally with a good diet, especially in a labor intense job along with isolating those certain muscle groups during lifting. In the end you would probably look great and be twice as healthy than jumping on AAS. But then again, you're 35 so I think you know what you're going to do anyways.
I wouldn’t take anything until I’m no longer able to make gains .
Agreed.
What’s your BF at. Post up a pick and let’s see where you are. Also what about current goals? Still powerlifting or aesthetics?
All that said I wouldn’t be rushing into anything. I’d use the power of a good diet and muscle memory to get yourself back up the strength and power curve and a good recomp going. Rebuild you base first. Given your experience in the gym you should know when your back in good condition.
I want to get strong again but not necessarily quite as strong as I was I think my main goal is just aesthetics . My body fat probably somewhere in the 12 to 15% range with the masonry I've been doing I dropped about 15 pounds and 3 inches off my stomach in the last 2 months. I have a 33 inch waist I weigh 186 pounds and I'm 5 11 but I'm not sure exactly what my body fat is I haven't done a bod pod.
Well good to know. Sounds like you have a plan and great muscle memory which will see you making great gains naturally. Let your body guide you as to when you think you’re ready then get back on here with a pic and a cycle plan and we go from there. Good luck!
Remember when measuring your waist measure around the navel not where your pants sit.
AnonSo your pants are not supposed to sit around your navel? Explains the weird looks I get.
Lol that makes no sence but thats how its done. Alot of guys wearing 34s with guts hanging over...
Sounds like your job is doing pretty much what a low dose cycle would do anyway. Stick with it naturally - as you stated - you have done the heavy weights before, so you have muscle memory to build on. Get your diet and training on track and you will grow. Like Sam said - stay natty until you aren't gaining anymore - and that could take a year or two. Good luck - seems you have a great foundation to build on.
Hi man, I know it’s tempting but I would not recommend to rush with this. Set your routine right, weight lifting, diet plan, adequate rest. I would recommend to do your best to get back to the weights you used to do before. Once this done and diet on point, would recommend a hormone blood work to see where you are. All this may take a ot time but your starting position will be much more better than if you just started now. Definitely take your time and have a right approach to this
Hi brother.
I would personally say try to gain as much as possible naturally and only then you can consider juicing up.
Make extremely sure you rest enough and that your diet is on point. Train like a beast and results will follow.
You will gain plenty naturally as you have been out of the gym.
Just be patient and work hard for it.
Keep us posted.
Best of luck.
Regards