Steroids

The 6 Pros For Using Short Steroid Cycles

Published

11 years ago

August 15, 2013

Zizou

Anabolic steroids help you build big muscles, but the main problem with them is the side effects they carry on. The long cycle is more effective in building big amounts of muscle gains, but there are big chances you will experience a huge drop in your lipid profile or such effects as acne, prostate hypertrophy or even baldness. Beginning with the 4th week of cycle many of body indicators begin to worsen, so it is good to stop at this time. If you do so you can enjoy decent results and almost no side effects.

This is the specific of short cycles. Generally, any cycle that has 6 or fewer weeks is called a short cycle. You can organize the cycle in 2, 4 weeks, but every time it has to be followed by at least the same amount of time for recovery. The most popular is 4 weeks on, and 4 weeks off letting you be free of steroids almost half a year. Short cycles benefit your body in many ways. Here they are:

Related Article: Short Steroid Cycle

Preserve Muscle Gains Made During The Cycle:

Preserve Muscle Gains made During the Cycle

Long cycles are followed by a long time for recovery during which you lose a big part of your gains. If you are tired about it than you can switch to short cycles. Since the time you are “off” is much shorter, the losses in muscle gains are lower.

It is true that you have not expected the big muscle gains as you used to during long cycles. But the main point here is that you are able to preserve most of it, and all this with no side effects. What can be better than this?!

Must Read: How to Take Steroids Without Side Effects

Keep Your Lipid Profile in Normal Ranges:

Lipid Profile in Normal Ranges

Anabolic steroids taken even in small doses affect your lipid levels. You have noticed every time you take steroids there is a big decrease in good cholesterol (HDL), and an increase in bad cholesterol(LDL). In the first two weeks of the cycle, the HDL level lowers with almost 50%, while LDL raises with almost 40% during the first 4 weeks. The further you go, the worse situation is.

During a long cycle, good and bad cholesterol levels reach dangerous thresholds and may lead to heart diseases. The best is to keep DHL level at least 40, the minimum being 35, while the ratio of good/bad cholesterol should be 3 to 1. Short cycle allows you to keep cholesterol levels under control and once it finished they return to normal values pretty fast.

Reduce The Stress You Put on Liver:

Reduce the Stress you put on Liver

Oral steroids used for a long time affect your liver function. This is a fact and most of the bodybuilders faced this problem. Going for a short time allow you to put less total stress on your liver and let it fully recover in the short time that comes after cycling.

Must Read: Liver Damage While On Oral Steroids

If you already have some genetic predisposition to a liver disease than taking oral steroids, even for short time, can be dangerous for your health. Most of the injectable steroids have no effects on the liver, so you are recommended to choose one of them.

Prevent Testicular Shrinkage:

Prevent Testicular Shrinkage

After just a week of running a steroid cycle, the Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPTA) begin to shut down, affecting the size of testicles. Since this period is quite short, it happens in a very small degree, letting the HPTA recover pretty soon once the cycle is ceased. The use of HGH is not necessary, but you can do it if you want.

Must Read: Do Steroids Effect Penis Size

No Need to Use Antiestrogens:

First of all, high estrogen level is bad for your prostate. Many professional bodybuilders put their prostate function down because of taking powerful steroids for many weeks in a row. You do not want it to be this way, so be careful with your estrogen level. Running a short cycle allow you do not take them at all, but if you want to feel safe and keep the water retention low, you can add them to your cycle.

Avoid Side Effects as Acne, Baldness, Gyno or Prostate Problems:

side effect

For all these side effects there are mainly two main cause: the dose and the period of administration. The worst is when you take big doses for a long time then some of these side effects are granted. Short cycles are safer since even taken in higher doses the time you take them is pretty short, thereby side effects are easy to keep under control.

What Can Short Cycles Not Give You?

Huge muscle gains. If you are a professional bodybuilder than surely short steroid cycles are not what you need. High doses for a long time is what you search to keep up your muscle mass. Meantime, all those who just look to improve body shape with no other complications than short cycle is what they need to follow.

Short steroid cycles help you to gain a decent amount of muscle mass, with almost no side effects on your health. Adding up to 10-15 pound of muscle gains during a 4-week steroid cycle is possible. Just make sure you follow a proper diet and exercise program.

Must Read: 5 Best Steroid Cycles for Beginners

What is really good with short cycles is that muscles losses during PCT are minimal. Which can not be said about long cycles, after which most bodybuilders lose out much more than 10%-15% of gained muscle?

Up Next

Time Between Steroid Cycles

Don't Miss

Is Buying Injectable Steroids Online Safe?

Zizou

Building muscle mass is what I like to talk about. If your aim is to build a solid body, then my posts would be very beneficial to you. I always want to know your opinion, so don't hesitate to drop a line below or contact me.

Comments

Steroids

Glutathione – The Most Underrated Antioxidant

Published

1 week ago

December 10, 2024

Sane

Glutathione, often referred to as the "Master Antioxidant," plays a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals and maintaining cellular health, making it an excellent supplement for bodybuilders across all age groups. Its ability to support liver detoxification, reduce inflammation, and enhance immune function is particularly beneficial for those undergoing intense training or using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).

Must Read: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Hormone

As mentioned, it is a potent antioxidant that the body produces naturally. It plays a key role in detoxification, immune function, and maintaining cellular health.

How Can It Help You?

Glutathione neutralizes harmful free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and shielding cells from damage. This is especially critical for individuals using anabolic steroids or other PEDs, as these substances can increase oxidative stress, burden the liver, and hinder recovery.

Key Benefits of Glutathione Include

Liver Detoxification: Aids the liver in processing toxins, particularly those introduced by PED use.
Reduced Inflammation: Helps mitigate systemic inflammation, enhancing recovery and lowering injury risk.
Enhanced Immunity: Bolsters the immune system, keeping you healthier during intense training cycles.

Additionally, it supports skin health, reduces signs of fatigue, and promotes a general sense of well-being, making it invaluable for athletes focused on both performance and longevity.

How Is It Used?

Glutathione can be taken orally (in liposomal or reduced forms) or via injections for better bioavailability. A typical dose is 500–1000 mg daily if taken orally, or the same amount once a week if injected.

Are There Side Effects?

The hormone is usually well-tolerated. Rare side effects may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort or skin rashes, but these are uncommon. Injected glutathione is considered safe when properly administered.

Alternatives to Glutathione

There are several alternatives to glutathione that can help support your body's antioxidant defenses and overall health:

Vitamin C: This powerful antioxidant helps neutralize free radicals and can also help regenerate glutathione in the body.

Vitamin E: Another potent antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC): A precursor to glutathione, NAC can help boost the levels in the body.

Selenium: This trace mineral works synergistically with glutathione to enhance its antioxidant effects.

Milk Thistle: Known for its liver-protective properties, milk thistle can help support glutathione production.

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA): This antioxidant helps regenerate other antioxidants, including glutathione, and can improve overall antioxidant capacity.

Curcumin: Found in turmeric, curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Green Tea Extract: Rich in catechins, green tea extract provides powerful antioxidant benefits.

These alternatives can help maintain your body's antioxidant defenses and support overall health.

Legality of Glutathione Across Different Countries and Territories

The legality of glutathione supplements varies across different countries and territories. Here's a general overview:

United States

Glutathione supplements are widely available and legal in the U.S. They are regulated by the FDA under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 19942. The FDA requires that supplements be labeled accurately and that they are safe for consumption.

Canada

In Canada, glutathione supplements are also legal and regulated by Health Canada. They must meet the Natural Health Products Regulations, ensuring safety, efficacy, and quality.

European Union

Glutathione supplements are legal in the EU and are regulated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). They must comply with the EU's Novel Food Regulation if they are marketed as a new food product.

Australia

In Australia, glutathione supplements are legal and regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). They must be listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) to be legally sold.

Japan

Its supplements are legal in Japan and are regulated by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW). They must be approved as dietary supplements.

India

In India, glutathione supplements are legal and regulated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). They must comply with the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011.

Other Countries

The legality of glutathione supplements can vary in other countries, and it's essential to check local regulations before purchasing or using them. Some countries may have stricter regulations or require specific approvals for dietary supplements.

Don't Miss: How to Manage Joint Stiffness While on AAS

It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or regulatory authority in your specific country to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations on the use of Glutathione.

Overall

By mitigating oxidative stress, glutathione helps in faster recovery, reducing injury risks, and promoting overall well-being. Additionally, its role in boosting skin health and combating fatigue adds to its appeal, contributing to both performance and longevity. However, it is essential for users to consult with healthcare professionals before starting any supplement regimen to ensure safety and efficacy, as individual needs and responses can vary. Glutathione's multifaceted benefits make it a valuable tool in the arsenal of bodybuilders aiming to optimize their health and performance.

Bodybuilding

14 Morning Run Safety Tips for Bodybuilding and Fitness

Published

3 weeks ago

November 28, 2024

Sane

Morning Run can be a refreshing way to start the day, but it comes with its own set of challenges and safety concerns. For bodybuilders, who often have rigorous training schedules, it's crucial to take extra precautions to ensure a safe and effective workout. Here are some essential safety tips for bodybuilders who run in the wee hours of the morning:

Must Read: Here Is How to Know Your MRV

1. Plan Your Morning Run Route

Choose a well-lit, familiar route that is safe and free from heavy traffic. Avoid secluded areas and opt for routes with plenty of pedestrian traffic. If possible, run in parks or designated running trails.

2. Wear Reflective Gear

Visibility is key when running in the dark. Wear reflective clothing, shoes, and accessories to ensure that you are seen by drivers and other pedestrians. A headlamp or flashlight can also help you see the path ahead.

3. Inform Someone Before a Morning Run

Always let someone know your running route and expected return time. This way, if something goes wrong, someone will be aware and can alert authorities if necessary.

4. Carry Identification During Morning Run

Wear an ID bracelet or carry identification in your pocket. Include your name, emergency contact information, and any medical conditions or allergies. This information can be crucial in case of an emergency.

5. Stay Alert

Keep your senses sharp and stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid wearing headphones or earbuds, as they can distract you from potential dangers. Instead, listen to the sounds around you and be prepared to react quickly.

6. Run Against Traffic

When running on roads, always run against the direction of traffic. This allows you to see oncoming vehicles and gives you more time to react if needed.

7. Vary Your Routine

Don't run the same route at the same time every day. Varying your route and schedule can help prevent potential attackers from predicting your movements.

8. Carry a Personal Safety Device

Consider carrying a personal safety device, such as a whistle or pepper spray. These items can help you defend yourself if you encounter a threat.

9. Stay Hydrated

Even though it's early in the morning, your body still needs hydration. Drink water before and after your run, and consider carrying a small water bottle with you.

10. Warm Up Properly for Morning Run

Before you start running, take a few minutes to warm up. Stretching and light exercises can help prevent injuries and prepare your muscles for the workout ahead.

11. Dress Appropriately

Wear moisture-wicking clothing to keep cool and dry. Layering is essential, especially in colder months, so you can adjust your clothing as you warm up.

12. Check the Weather

Before heading out, check the weather forecast. Avoid running in extreme conditions, such as heavy rain, thunderstorms, or extreme heat. If conditions are unsafe, consider an indoor workout instead.

13. Trust Your Instincts

If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and find a safer location. Your safety is the top priority, and it's better to be cautious than sorry.

14. Post-Run Routine

After your run, take time to cool down and stretch. This helps reduce muscle soreness and improves flexibility. Also, refuel with a healthy breakfast to replenish your energy levels.

Analysing Your Morning Run Route

Running in unsafe areas can put you at risk, especially in the early morning when visibility is low. Here are some routes to avoid:

Secluded or Remote Areas

Avoid running in places that are far from help, such as remote trails or rural roads. These areas can be dangerous if you encounter wildlife or if you get injured and no one is around to help.

Check High-Crime Areas Before Morning Run

Stick to well-lit, populated areas and avoid neighborhoods with high crime rates. If you're unsure about the safety of an area, it's best to find an alternative route.

Avoid Unlit Roads During Morning Run

Running on roads without streetlights can be hazardous, especially if there's no sidewalk. Cars might not see you, and it's harder to see potential hazards on the road.

Busy Highways or Interstates

Avoid running on or near highways where traffic is fast-moving and there's little room for pedestrians. The noise and exhaust can also be harmful.

Construction Zones

Be cautious around areas with ongoing construction. There might be debris, uneven surfaces, and heavy machinery that can pose risks.

Blind Curves and Hills

Routes with sharp turns or steep hills can be dangerous because you can't see oncoming traffic. It's safer to choose routes with good visibility.

Areas with Poor Drainage Aren't Safe for Morning Run

Avoid routes that are prone to flooding or have poor drainage. Wet, slippery surfaces can lead to falls and injuries.

Unfamiliar Trails

Stick to trails you know well. Unfamiliar trails can be tricky to navigate, and you might get lost or encounter unexpected obstacles.

Overall

By following our morning run safety tips, you enjoy the benefits while minimizing the risks. Remember, safety should always come first, and taking these precautions can help ensure a safe and enjoyable workout experience.

Related Article: How to Regulate Your Food Quantity