posted February 11, 2000 04:34 PM            

True Muscle Gains....

I'd like to toss out some thoughts on the topic of determining muscle gains. Hopefully we can come to a more consistent definition when we say "I gained 25lbs. on my last cycle!"

When considering the results of a cycle, and therefor how effective (or ineffective) it was, you must first determine your pre-cycle condition. This must include a good BF measurement. With out this info, you cannot possibly know if that 25lbs is water or good, solid muscle. Overall weight is handy to have as well. Maybe some max lifts on a few key exercises. Deads, Bench, and Squats are my three for example. I do them for reps and not single one rep max. Usually a five rep max - but that is my personal choice. Additional info would include tape measurements on some key areas: Chest, arms, quads, calves, butt, and yes...the gut. These are the ones I'll do. Plus a nice photo showing front, side, and back. Both flexed and relaxed. This really does not take much time at all and will be invaluable in the future - TRUST ME ON THIS!

So when CAN you say, "I gained 20lbs. on my last cycle!!" ?? Well, I have always used a minimum of one month after my last tab of clomid. This is what I consider the near permanent gains. Now I'm open to suggestions on this time frame.... But I figure if your going to lose it, after 30 days, it's way gone.

This is when I'll redo all the measurements, lifts, BF, weight, and photos to asses how effective my last effort was. I'll also note any major problems that occurred. Example, during my last outing I got the flu and did not lift for 10 days (worst flu I ever had - damn it!). I'll also note how I think the overall cycle went. I do have a day to day log, but you all know ya never really go back and re-read the whole dern thing - besides it's all beat up and thrashed. So I like to put a page on disk of the beginning and ending stats, as well as any thoughts pro or con, maybe some ideas I'd like to do for the next cycle.

So, in the finally assessment, when I say I've put on 15lbs., I mean I put on 15 lbs. of muscle after some 30 days and have kept it! And let me tell you guys out there, 15 fucking true pounds of muscle is one big ass gain PERIOD! And you must compensate this gain with your bodyfat measurement - or it don't count!!! Even a small BF fluctuation of just 2% for me means I got to hack off 5lbs - right off the top.

So take care to monitor your BF 'cause that 15lbs you may THINK you got quickly turns into 10 damn quick�

Additional comments welcome - Quality flames are also encouraged.

Late

posted February 11, 2000 04:42 PM            

Ya wanna post results?? Only accepted if they're in accordance with the Lobo measuring system.

posted February 11, 2000 05:25 PM            

For heavy GH users

CAN THEY COUNT INCREASED BONE MASS?

what category would that fall under

Miscellaneous Growth?

posted February 11, 2000 05:51 PM            

But to answer your question, I figure if yer a using mass GH injections your way past the need to over state any gains. Was more intended to "assist" the newer folks so they could get a better idea of how they are responding. And also keep 'em from going off the deep end on making them fantastic claims.

Late

Lobo

posted February 11, 2000 06:04 PM            

MACRO AGREE WITH LOBO

MACRO THINK NEWBIES DELUDED

MACRO NOT WANT DISCENSION

MACRO JUST WANT MAKE JOKE

MACRO SAY PEACE AND GOOD HUMOR TO ALL

posted February 11, 2000 06:27 PM            

I agree with ya all on the actual weight, it is near useless. But when combined with a good BF helps give a better overall indication of our condition. Sometimes we feel our muscles "look" different from week to week and having factual info may help in keeping us from getting too depressed when looking in the mirror... cause they never are big enough or hard enough - are they

Late

Lobo

posted February 11, 2000 11:21 PM            

if only we all had access to DEXA

then we would know the real truth of our gains- all of it. minerals, fat, muscle, bone, water- hell its the bomb- too bad it costs 500$ or so. try on campus, your kinesiology lab might have such a set up- maybe you can get someone to sneak you in.

btw- Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry
btw-btw- i had to look up how to spell it.

posted February 12, 2000 10:29 PM            

I may have misread the original message, or maybe because I skimed the message instead of reading it all. I think my post is supporting the idea... Boy am I tired.