Gains slowing or haven't really shown up yet

[thegoodfoods]

I'm currently on my second cycle consisting of Test E 500/wk and Deca 400/week. Started the deca at 500 then lowered it. i don't really notice much strength gains. if there are strength gains it made me gain 2-3 reps on some single isolation exercises and about 1 extra rep for each compound movement every other time i hop in the gym. is this how it is? and where are the incredible pumps i'm supposed to be feeling? i'm at least 90% sure the gear isn't fake. my diet is spot on. i'm currently exactly 5 weeks in the cycle. should i wait longer? any input would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. i'm thinking about dropping some body fat at a 500 cal deficit ed. if and when the strength kicks it, could i gain a little strength while cutting as long as my diet's clean?

 

[macrophage69alpha]

how long have you been on?
are you using an AI?
how exactly is your diet "spot on"? calorie excess or deficit? protein intake? water intake?

 

[nisser512]

1) Your gear is fake
2) You are not eating enough
3) You are not sleeping enough

It's one or more of those.

 

[thegoodfoods]

i've been on for exactly 5 weeks

i just started using AIFM 1-2 pumps ed

i eat very clean food. oatmeal, yams, chicken, protein powder, etc. been eating 4000-4500 cals a day. i eat 6 times a day. protein is at least my body weight in grams. at least 1 1/2 gallons water a day.

should i up my protein?

my last cycle was 6 weeks long. i only waited 4-5 weeks then started this cycle. could that be why? did i not get enough of a down time?

 

[thegoodfoods]

my gear's not fake. used the same test as my last cycle and in both grew extra hair, increased aggression. first cycle got sore nips. do i HAVE to eat alot of healthy food to get gains? i'm really not trying to bulk. i've been bulking for a while now. can't really afford the extra fat

 

[20ss02]

Are you tracking your calories, or is your range of 4,000-4,500 a guess?

 

[thegoodfoods]

i track my cals everyday and it's a little closer to 4200. but even if i did eat less than that would i get stronger at that dosage? i ask this because i plan on cutting soon

 

[20ss02]

i track my cals everyday and it's a little closer to 4200. but even if i did eat less than that would i get stronger at that dosage? i ask this because i plan on cutting soon

No - If you're in a caloric deficit you will not be gaining strength and muscle mass.

What's the goal of your cycle? You said you're not making any gains, which leads me to believe you're trying to bulk. You're 5 weeks in, and now you want to try to cut.

 

[thegoodfoods]

well yea... so should i just go for the bulk? i'm kinda trying to lean bulk. anyhooo... mebbe i'm just not eating enough... i'll bulk till after pct's over, then i'll cut around spring/summer.. sound good?

 

[20ss02]

You can't carve a steak if there is no meat on the bone

Build quality muscle by bulking, then get lean by cutting.