Benoit23's Epi/Halo First Cycle Log

[Benoit23]

Nice updates

Thanks Wes. Lovin the cycle so far. I feel like 12 pounds in 5 weeks of halo (plus 1 of M sten) is pretty good for my first ever attempt at a bulk especially since they seem to be fairly lean, which was a main goal of mine ... could have gained a lot more if I'd eaten like a horse (3000 calories felt like ahorse to me), but wanted to keep fat gain at a minimum. Really hopin eatin at maintenance now for the next 3 weeks of M sten will really help me add more strength and start to tone up some of the fluff from the bulk, then will stay at maintenance during PCT as well to maximize keeping those gains ... just out of curiosity is it okay to start the cut right after the 4 weeks of PCT? I know cutting during PCT is an absolute no no, but how long should i wait? Or would you just suggest remaining at maintenance for my entire "off cycle time" after PCT and not cuttin until I can go back on the gear to preserve strength/decrease muscle loss while doing it? Thanks for any of your input.

 

[rthompson76]

Thanks Wes. Lovin the cycle so far. I feel like 12 pounds in 5 weeks of halo (plus 1 of M sten) is pretty good for my first ever attempt at a bulk especially since they seem to be fairly lean, which was a main goal of mine ... could have gained a lot more if I'd eaten like a horse (3000 calories felt like ahorse to me), but wanted to keep fat gain at a minimum. Really hopin eatin at maintenance now for the next 3 weeks of M sten will really help me add more strength and start to tone up some of the fluff from the bulk, then will stay at maintenance during PCT as well to maximize keeping those gains ... just out of curiosity is it okay to start the cut right after the 4 weeks of PCT? I know cutting during PCT is an absolute no no, but how long should i wait? Or would you just suggest remaining at maintenance for my entire "off cycle time" after PCT and not cuttin until I can go back on the gear to preserve strength/decrease muscle loss while doing it? Thanks for any of your input.

I'm no expert.. just sharing my experience. About 1/2 way through my PCT I began pulling back on calories to attempt leaning down. My reasoning was simple, I finally found a product that I now know works incredibly well. Since it was my first run I decided I would just suck it up and lose whatever gains I was going to lose in order to get myself in a better position for future runs. Mind you, I was 21% BF before the run, 19% after and I still felt squishy even though I was much stronger.

To say I didn't lose any gains would be a lie, I absolutely did, but nowhere near what I thought I was going to lose. Now, I'm down about 20lbs since I came off the run measuring around 16.5% BF and I'm still pretty close to my PR's.
I'm bridging with Osta, razor cuts, and lean fuel for what will be a total of 8 weeks and then I'm taking the plunge to a dmz 3.0 stack. I feel awesome, still way stronger than I was before I started with IML products and now that I've lost some weight and I can actually see some of the definition from my training, which is very exciting for me.

Anywho, just wanted to share.. IMO you will lose some of your mass, but if you keep training hard and keep protein lvl's up you certainly won't lose it all. Oh also, you're wayyyyyyyy leaner than I am and probably won't have to cut back as much on the caloric intake ( I cut way back to maximize loss for the 8 week bridge. ) so I think you'll have better luck than me.

 

[Benoit23]

I'm no expert.. just sharing my experience. About 1/2 way through my PCT I began pulling back on calories to attempt leaning down. My reasoning was simple, I finally found a product that I now know works incredibly well. Since it was my first run I decided I would just suck it up and lose whatever gains I was going to lose in order to get myself in a better position for future runs. Mind you, I was 21% BF before the run, 19% after and I still felt squishy even though I was much stronger.

To say I didn't lose any gains would be a lie, I absolutely did, but nowhere near what I thought I was going to lose. Now, I'm down about 20lbs since I came off the run measuring around 16.5% BF and I'm still pretty close to my PR's.
I'm bridging with Osta, razor cuts, and lean fuel for what will be a total of 8 weeks and then I'm taking the plunge to a dmz 3.0 stack. I feel awesome, still way stronger than I was before I started with IML products and now that I've lost some weight and I can actually see some of the definition from my training, which is very exciting for me.

Anywho, just wanted to share.. IMO you will lose some of your mass, but if you keep training hard and keep protein lvl's up you certainly won't lose it all. Oh also, you're wayyyyyyyy leaner than I am and probably won't have to cut back as much on the caloric intake ( I cut way back to maximize loss for the 8 week bridge. ) so I think you'll have better luck than me.

Thanks man I appreciate the response I think keeping it at maintenance I will be able to keep the gains while hardening up shouldn't be an issue I'm only cutting back like 300 calories ... Is running razor cuts while not on a deficit pointless? Anyone have any feedback on that? I have a bottle would it be worth throwing that in to lose any water weight I put on or is that also a no no in pct or when not at a deficit?

 

[ebfitness]

Thanks man I appreciate the response I think keeping it at maintenance I will be able to keep the gains while hardening up shouldn't be an issue I'm only cutting back like 300 calories ... Is running razor cuts while not on a deficit pointless? Anyone have any feedback on that? I have a bottle would it be worth throwing that in to lose any water weight I put on or is that also a no no in pct or when not at a deficit?

I actually run just 1 cap daily of RazorCuts along with my 2 ACS for general health (awesome ingredients). Even at 1 cap it helps remove some bloat; just remember you still need to drink water and stay hydrated (it's not like you're removing water for contest).

 

[Benoit23]

I actually run just 1 cap daily of RazorCuts along with my 2 ACS for general health (awesome ingredients). Even at 1 cap it helps remove some bloat; just remember you still need to drink water and stay hydrated (it's not like you're removing water for contest).

Good to know thanks EB

 

[WesleyInman]

I wouldn't personally cut 4 weeks after PCT, bc truth be told, you probably aren't back to a normal level..

So unless you just wanted to get shredded to the bone, I would personally be willing to bet that you are going to lose more muscle this way.

I for one am a big advocate of longer term PCT in terms of Clomid or even something that mimics it, because truth be told, it's not suppressive and with most guys PCT wise can take months to return. Granted you are younger, so I do think chances are you will return quicker.

Losing weight should be a snap of the fingers during PCT or right after, but I would imagine too much would be muscle.

Your call..I always have my guys who want to cut at the end taper with something while on cycle..for example, something like clen and epi andro, instead of coming straight off...to me would have been more effective then getting off, PCTing and then cutting..

But to each his own..whatever works for you

Looking good man, and nice log

 

[Benoit23]

I wouldn't personally cut 4 weeks after PCT, bc truth be told, you probably aren't back to a normal level..

So unless you just wanted to get shredded to the bone, I would personally be willing to bet that you are going to lose more muscle this way.

I for one am a big advocate of longer term PCT in terms of Clomid or even something that mimics it, because truth be told, it's not suppressive and with most guys PCT wise can take months to return. Granted you are younger, so I do think chances are you will return quicker.

Losing weight should be a snap of the fingers during PCT or right after, but I would imagine too much would be muscle.

Your call..I always have my guys who want to cut at the end taper with something while on cycle..for example, something like clen and epi andro, instead of coming straight off...to me would have been more effective then getting off, PCTing and then cutting..

But to each his own..whatever works for you

Looking good man, and nice log

thanks for the info as always man. I appreciate it. One quick question, when you say taper with clen, do you mean add clen the last 2 weeks of the cycle or extend it another 2 weeks? Also, would it be pointless to run clen the last 2 weeks of cycle (if that's what you meant) if I'm still keeping calories at maintenance? It's normally best ran while at a deficit right? Or are you saying example: last two weeks would look like this - m sten, epi andro, clen while cutting to a deficit then bumping back to maintenance for PCT for 4 weeks?

If you meant extend it another two weeks post the m sten I prolly wouldn't do that since I already ran an 8 week cycle and I need to get my PCT in before going to Cali so I don't have time to add in another two weeks nor do I know if it'd even be recommended after an 8 week cycle you'd have to inform me there too.

So you said you normally would even start a cut after 4 weeks PCT, how long would you wait? Just stay at maintenance the whole time 8 weeks after pct then just wait to cut next cycle? Sorry for all the questions man, just want to be fully informed while the cycle is coming to an end and I'm trying to plan out the next steps.

Side note: what happened to the logs on iml research chems clen?? I think spiny was doin one and another guy too but they're gone now.... Is hardcore peptides clen good for the mean time?

okay all done now

 

[Benoit23]

Day 38 - first time doin bi/tri together and the pump was awesome!! Felt great today ... Weird side note, even during my HIIT cardio the pump I got in my legs was insane never really felt that before just from cardio haha felt like I got in a full leg workout ... M sten must be starting to flow

 

[WesleyInman]

Yeah my guys that are cutting, we taper down..for sure at the end..We don't wait when that is the goal..but we use glutamine and other products to try and help eliminate muscle wasting..though I'm sure it does happen some anyways..

Depends on the goal of each person IMO.

We also run extended PCT protocols, using Clomid longer terms.

PCT imo is a tricky animal..everyone responds differently..IN terms of long term AAS and PH users, I find a longer PCT works much better to maintain gains, etc...

As for the IMR research logs..I think they are over on Iron Magazine forum

Nice bicep shot man..looking awesome!

 

[Benoit23]

Yeah my guys that are cutting, we taper down..for sure at the end..We don't wait when that is the goal..but we use glutamine and other products to try and help eliminate muscle wasting..though I'm sure it does happen some anyways..

Depends on the goal of each person IMO.

We also run extended PCT protocols, using Clomid longer terms.

PCT imo is a tricky animal..everyone responds differently..IN terms of long term AAS and PH users, I find a longer PCT works much better to maintain gains, etc...

As for the IMR research logs..I think they are over on Iron Magazine forum

Nice bicep shot man..looking awesome!

I see what you're saying now. That all makes sense. Thanks bro and I'll have to head over there to checkout those logs! Appreciate the support, its been fun!

 

[ebfitness]

I see what you're saying now. That all makes sense. Thanks bro and I'll have to head over there to checkout those logs! Appreciate the support, its been fun!

http://www.ironmagazineforums.com/forums/55-Research-Chemicals?

 

[Benoit23]

http://www.ironmagazineforums.com/forums/55-Research-Chemicals?

Thanks EB I'm embarassed to say I didn't know this existed haha is it like the more "hardcore/injectible" steroid forum? Sorry if I cant say that.

 

[ebfitness]

Thanks EB I'm embarassed to say I didn't know this existed haha is it like the more "hardcore/injectible" steroid forum? Sorry if I cant say that.

It's where it all (IML) started.

 

[Benoit23]

Did Chest/abs yesterday (7 sets again of bench x 4 reps - stayed at 205 like previous week but did 210 for sets 3,4 then dropped back down - followed with incline db press (70s), peck deck (175), db press (60), incline db flyes (35), and pullovers (60) all nice and slow contractions for 4 sets), didnt have a chance to get my 20 min of HIIT Cardio in since I was pushin it already makin it to my softball game in time, but the workout was great and Im really liking this Power Bodybuilding workout routine. Think I'm going to see some great results.

Even with dropping cals 300 or so and carbs by about 40-50g's, I randomly decided to weigh myself this morning even though i typically only do every monday, and I was up to 171.6 so still gaining while already feeling harder/toned from droppin the carbs down some and addin in cardio. Will see if that weight stays up come monday or if it drops a little as I'm going to continue where I'm at and keep doin cardio after everyworkout.

Just a few side notes or thoughts I'd like some feedback on... 1) I always read that pullovers are great for the chest and people love them, but I feel like I never actually feel it in the chest. I try my hardest to really focus on it, but I'm not sure if I do them wrong or what. Mike O' Hearn includes them as one of his chest exercises so I know they're worth it as that man is a real life super hero practically, but just wonder if anyone has any input on how they like them or proper form (i've watched videos and swear im doin them right, haha) .... 2) anyone ever use a chiropractor? I've been thinking about it for years as my back always has some kind of pain or ache, but I've always put it off because I wasn't sure if its actually worth it ... just curious on some opinions, as we put so much stress on our backs day in and day out and I see several of the people I follow on facebook that lift a lot saying they go.

Thanks as always for following along and I have nothin negative to report at all. Sad that I'm almost to the 2 weeks left part. Can't wait to see how M Sten kicks in these last 2 weeks.

 

[ebfitness]

Did Chest/abs yesterday (7 sets again of bench x 4 reps - stayed at 205 like previous week but did 210 for sets 3,4 then dropped back down - followed with incline db press (70s), peck deck (175), db press (60), incline db flyes (35), and pullovers (60) all nice and slow contractions for 4 sets), didnt have a chance to get my 20 min of HIIT Cardio in since I was pushin it already makin it to my softball game in time, but the workout was great and Im really liking this Power Bodybuilding workout routine. Think I'm going to see some great results.

Even with dropping cals 300 or so and carbs by about 40-50g's, I randomly decided to weigh myself this morning even though i typically only do every monday, and I was up to 171.6 so still gaining while already feeling harder/toned from droppin the carbs down some and addin in cardio. Will see if that weight stays up come monday or if it drops a little as I'm going to continue where I'm at and keep doin cardio after everyworkout.

Just a few side notes or thoughts I'd like some feedback on... 1) I always read that pullovers are great for the chest and people love them, but I feel like I never actually feel it in the chest. I try my hardest to really focus on it, but I'm not sure if I do them wrong or what. Mike O' Hearn includes them as one of his chest exercises so I know they're worth it as that man is a real life super hero practically, but just wonder if anyone has any input on how they like them or proper form (i've watched videos and swear im doin them right, haha) .... 2) anyone ever use a chiropractor? I've been thinking about it for years as my back always has some kind of pain or ache, but I've always put it off because I wasn't sure if its actually worth it ... just curious on some opinions, as we put so much stress on our backs day in and day out and I see several of the people I follow on facebook that lift a lot saying they go.

Thanks as always for following along and I have nothin negative to report at all. Sad that I'm almost to the 2 weeks left part. Can't wait to see how M Sten kicks in these last 2 weeks.

When doing the traditional pullovers (laying across bench holding dumbbell) for chest, it's as simple as thinking about your chest as you raise the db over your torso and really squeeze your pecs when the db is right over your chest. I honestly get a better pump from pullovers than any presses or flys.

And I have most of my clients seeing reputable chiros...they def come in handy.

 

[RoadstarPete]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nXSIqyw1lc This will help you with the pull overs for chest. Start at 3:17. Actually watch the whole damn thing. Kai is so informative it is ridiculous.

Chiropractic is the shit! I'd highly recommend it. You need to find a sports type chiro that will actually twist you up and move shit around. A good deep tissue massage prior to or just after the chiro and you will be a new man.

 

[Benoit23]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nXSIqyw1lc This will help you with the pull overs for chest. Start at 3:17. Actually watch the whole damn thing. Kai is so informative it is ridiculous.

Chiropractic is the shit! I'd highly recommend it. You need to find a sports type chiro that will actually twist you up and move shit around. A good deep tissue massage prior to or just after the chiro and you will be a new man.

This video is the SHIT!! That is EXACTLY what i needed. thanks bro!

 

[RoadstarPete]

Glad to help. I'll post this too since it really is my all time favorite. I know that everyone can learn something from this one.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8wZNGL4iA4

 

[Benoit23]

Glad to help. I'll post this too since it really is my all time favorite. I know that everyone can learn something from this one.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8wZNGL4iA4

Looks like its time for me to drop the weight. That is eye opening. Ive actually been tryin to do that A little more since i started this new Power Bodybuilding circuit all the lifts after the 7 set power exercise ive been doing slow and concentrated and its actually felt really good. Def going to continue that and maybe even drop the weights a little more. GREAT VIDEO!

 

[ebfitness]

Basically the same thing I said about pullovers, Kai just used 7000 more words, haha, j/k! Good stuff, Pete. Kai is one of those tragic bber cases where his personal life (which is definitely weird) affects his bb career/legacy.

 

[Benoit23]

Day 40 - back/calves/abs ... Knocked out 7 sets of deadlifts at 295x4 and def still had more in me ... That's up 20 pounds each set from last back day at 7 sets of 275x4 ... Pushed through another 20 min HIIT cardio at the end too, man I did not miss that while bulking for the 5 weeks I can tell you that

 

[Benoit23]

Day 42 - end of six weeks. Just weighed in at 171.8 which is up exactly 13 pounds so far another 1.4 pounds this last week despite dropping cals by 300 carbs by 40 and adding back in cardio. 2 weeks left of cycle, then 4 of pct. Hopin to really maintain and just shed any excess fat gained the rest of the way. Here's a pic from this morning, already starting to harden up a little and get some of the definition back in the core. Bring back the 8 pack, I'm tired of these fluffy boy abs from this bulk haha

not sure if I'll rest today or go do legs later, knocked out fasted cardio this morning when I woke.

 

[ebfitness]

Day 42 - end of six weeks. Just weighed in at 171.8 which is up exactly 13 pounds so far another 1.4 pounds this last week despite dropping cals by 300 carbs by 40 and adding back in cardio. 2 weeks left of cycle, then 4 of pct. Hopin to really maintain and just shed any excess fat gained the rest of the way. Here's a pic from this morning, already starting to harden up a little and get some of the definition back in the core. Bring back the 8 pack, I'm tired of these fluffy boy abs from this bulk haha

not sure if I'll rest today or go do legs later, knocked out fasted cardio this morning when I woke.

Lookin' diced, man!

 

[Benoit23]

Lookin' diced, man!

Thanks EB!

decided to go hit legs today - i won't lie, legs used to be my big weakness and I would skip them a lot. But since January 1st when I really turned things around and dedicated myself to the lifestyle I haven't skipped them once. Finally starting to get to a point where I'm proud of where my legs have gotten too. Don't get me wrong, I still dread leg day each time but I never skip it and am starting to see some good progress. Especially in these last 6 weeks since starting the cycle. Knocked out 7 sets 385 on squat x 4 reps and 4 sets of 10 on leg press, leg ext, lying leg curl then calves and abs. Still feeling amazing. No sides.

Heres is my first ever pic of my legs, finally comfortable posting one.

 

[ebfitness]

Thanks EB!

decided to go hit legs today - i won't lie, legs used to be my big weakness and I would skip them a lot. But since January 1st when I really turned things around and dedicated myself to the lifestyle I haven't skipped them once. Finally starting to get to a point where I'm proud of where my legs have gotten too. Don't get me wrong, I still dread leg day each time but I never skip it and am starting to see some good progress. Especially in these last 6 weeks since starting the cycle. Knocked out 7 sets 385 on squat x 4 reps and 4 sets of 10 on leg press, leg ext, lying leg curl then calves and abs. Still feeling amazing. No sides.

Heres is my first ever pic of my legs, finally comfortable posting one.

Good stuff, man; just keep on truckin with the powerbuilding style training and you'll keep getting results!

 

[Benoit23]

Good stuff, man; just keep on truckin with the powerbuilding style training and you'll keep getting results!

Gunna keep killin it!

 

[Benoit23]

Day 46 - Sorry I havent updated these past few days. Havent lifted today yet, but will be doing shoulders later tonight. Yesterday I did back though and continuing with my power bodybuilidng style started with deads for 7 sets at 4 reps. So prolly a week or 2 ago I posted on here about how I was happy I did 315x3 on deads and it was my best yet, well yesterday I did 4 sets of 305x4, followed by 3 sets of 315x4. Lovin the progress I'm makin on those. Wasn't super easy but I could have prolly even gone up another 5-10 pounds but was satisfied stayin at 315 considering i barely even got it 1 set for 3 reps just several days ago. Finished up with other exercises at 4 sets x 10 plus dropset after last set: wide grip pulldowns (175 - up 15 pounds from previous back day), seated rows (160 - kept weight same as last back day and really strict form), one arm DB rows (55 - up 5 lbs from last back day- still could definitely do much more on this, but really concentrtating on using proper form and going nice and slow with the reps), T-bar rows (225 - up 20lbs from last time), and finished with hyperextensions (45lb plate). Are there any other exercises anyone would recommend that specifically target the lower back other than hyperextensions (obviously deads too)? Been throwin them in since lower back was def a weak spot for me... just curious.

Again, no sides and feeling amazing/strong. 10ish days left until PCT. Think my weight has probably dropped a little this week, but havent weighed (will monday like usual). Obviously am still up in strength from last week even if it has and I'm already starting to lean out a little and look harder.

 

[ebfitness]

Day 46 - Sorry I havent updated these past few days. Havent lifted today yet, but will be doing shoulders later tonight. Yesterday I did back though and continuing with my power bodybuilidng style started with deads for 7 sets at 4 reps. So prolly a week or 2 ago I posted on here about how I was happy I did 315x3 on deads and it was my best yet, well yesterday I did 4 sets of 305x4, followed by 3 sets of 315x4. Lovin the progress I'm makin on those. Wasn't super easy but I could have prolly even gone up another 5-10 pounds but was satisfied stayin at 315 considering i barely even got it 1 set for 3 reps just several days ago. Finished up with other exercises at 4 sets x 10 plus dropset after last set: wide grip pulldowns (175 - up 15 pounds from previous back day), seated rows (160 - kept weight same as last back day and really strict form), one arm DB rows (55 - up 5 lbs from last back day- still could definitely do much more on this, but really concentrtating on using proper form and going nice and slow with the reps), T-bar rows (225 - up 20lbs from last time), and finished with hyperextensions (45lb plate). Are there any other exercises anyone would recommend that specifically target the lower back other than hyperextensions (obviously deads too)? Been throwin them in since lower back was def a weak spot for me... just curious.

Again, no sides and feeling amazing/strong. 10ish days left until PCT. Think my weight has probably dropped a little this week, but havent weighed (will monday like usual). Obviously am still up in strength from last week even if it has and I'm already starting to lean out a little and look harder.

I love Stiff Leg and Snatch Grip deads for lower back and complete posterior chain strength.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E71BNdSWVrE

 

[Benoit23]

Day 49 and the end of week 7 - had another great chest workout. One week left and feeling great. Will continue to log through PCT. Not necessarily glad to see the cycle come to an end in a week, but will be nice to shoot a load bigger than a Mosquitos again. Will be running nolva at bedtime 20mg all 4 weeks of PCT along with 1 cap of UM and 3 caps of e control split throughout the day.

Was as planning on running the e control starting day 6 of PCT and running it all the way through and 1 week after (one bottle gets 30 days and that's all I have). That sound good?

 

[Benoit23]

Day 50 (start of final week - week 8) - Weighed in today at 174.2 (+15.4 lbs since start at 158.8), that was a shocker to me considering I had dropped calories by 300 and carbs by 30-40. I was just trying to maintain. That being said, I dont look any fatter in the mirror, actually maybe even slightly leaner so I'm happy with that. Will Just keep diet the exact same as last week. Crazy that in 7 weeks I'm up 15+ lbs and only up about 1.7%bf (based on home scale so accuracy isnt great at all, so cant really base anything on that - but I'd say thats about right I've prolly gained 1-2% in bf just looking at myself), which for a first time bulk im guessing that isn't too bad? maybe others can weigh in on how the numbers are looking so far.

Back and Deads tonight - goin to go for 315 on all 7 sets of 4 this time, maybe even increase on the last couple if I'm feeling good.