Hey everyone,

So I decided to start a training/cycle log in order to start getting more involved in the community here. I've been lurking for a bit and am amazed by the amount of knowledge and experience here. My goal in starting this log is to receive constructive criticism, be held accountable by some fellow gym rats, and as stated before become a more active poster. My goals in the gym are 1.) to get strong as possible and 2.) to get strong as possible while still looking good. I have been contemplating competing in powerlifting, but want to reach a point where I'll be competitive.

A little background information. I have been involved in fitness for 13 years (currently 28). I've done everything from long distance running, calisthenics, cross fit, and bodybuilding style training. I ran a couple cycles (500 test a week) in my mid/ early twenties (23/24) but came to the conclusion I wasn't ready both mentally, and monetarily.


Currently, I am 8 weeks into 500 mgs of Test E a week. This time around I am much more prepared and have had no noticeable side effects. I plan on running this for 16 weeks and then cruising. I had blood work done Thursday and hope to have the results tomorrow. My diet consists of the traditional lean meats, whole grains, vegetables, eggs, and brown rice. 3400 calories a day, with a macro break down of 40% carbs, 30% protein, 30% fat. As of this morning I weighed in at 200 pounds on the dot, at 5ft 8in.

Training. I have been running 5/3/1 since the start of my cycle. I utilize the boring but big template, specifically where you do the opposite lift following the main lift i.e. squats then deadlifts. Depending on how I'm feeling I will also utilize joker sets and first set last. I typically do 10-30 minutes of cardio following a workout (currently in the military and must maintain cardiovascular fitness). On non-lifting days I usually try to get 30 minutes of exercise whether it's hiking, yoga, or low instensity interval training.

Today was my squat day.
Barbell squat
Warm up
95x10
135x8
185x6
Working sets
225x5
255x5
285x10- This was my plus set
295x5- Quads and glutes were still feeling tight so I only did one joker set
225x8
225x8

Deadlift
225x10
245x10
245x10
245x10
245x10

Core
5 sets of mason twists with a 25lb weight. 10 reps each side.

I did not do cardio today because I have people coming over for the big game and wanted to get everything ready prior to their arrival. Or so I told myself