FitnessDose

Friday, January 31, 2014

Sustanon 250 Testosterone Blend by Biomex Labs

Sustanon 250 Testosterone Blend by Biomex Labs composition of the compound is as follows:

    Testosterone Propionate: 30mg
    Testosterone Phenylpropionate: 60mg
    Testosterone Isocaproate: 60mg
    Testosterone Decanoate: 100mg

To understand Sustanon 250 we only need to understand testosterone and the manner in-which esters work. Once we understand the hormone testosterone and once we understand the esters attached are not hormones then we can understand how this particular steroidal compound is supposed to work.

As you can see from its makeup a large portion of the testosterone becomes active very quickly once administered due to the Propionate and Phenylpropionate forms being attached. However, the full release will not occur until the Decanoate fulfills its function; because of the Decanoate ester being attached Sustanon 250 has a total half-life of approximately 18 days.
The Benefits of Sustanon 250

The greatest benefit of use is by far the ability to provide testosterone over an extended period of time but for the performance enhancer this proves to be of little use. When used for performance purposes the idea is not to simply provide testosterone but to do so and keep it at its peak level as well as stable. Due to this fact and since Sustanon 250 provides a dose that dwindles as time goes by for performance purposes it must be injected at minimum every three days with every other day being optimal.

Once you understand the manner in-which best suits your needs in-terms of injection frequency you can then enjoy the benefits of this powerful testosterone hormone. Like all testosterones, regardless of the form, Sustanon 250 will greatly increase nitrogen retention in the muscles as well as protein synthesis; key factors in both growth and preservation. Further, through testosterone use we can readily increase our red blood cell count and the powerful anabolic IGF 1 hormone, all key factors in the performance game.

The Side-Effects of Sustanon 250 Testosterone Blend
All medications, steroidal and non-steroidal alike carry with them possible negative side-effects, Sustanon 250 makes no exception. The possible side-effects of Sustanon 250 are identical to every other testosterone form as the active hormone testosterone is what comprises Sustanon 250. As testosterone, regardless of form converts to estrogen via the aromatase process common anabolic side-effects of an estrogenic nature can occur such as Gynecomastia, increased blood pressure, as well as cholesterol issues and testicular atrophy. While testicular atrophy occurs in all who use testosterone it will reverse once use is discontinued when used responsibly. Testicular atrophy occurs because by administering exogenous testosterone our bodies are no longer required to produce their own; as testosterone is produced in the testicles, once production comes to a halt they simply shrink; once production begins again they return to their normal size. Beyond testicular atrophy, which will assuredly occur, other common side-effects are easily avoidable. As most side-effects are due to estrogen conversion by taking an aromatase inhibitor in conjunction with our testosterone we can prevent the estrogen from binding as well as reduce the amount in the body. Further and most importantly, with proper diet rich in healthy fats we can largely protect against blood pressure and cholesterol issues.

Testosterone Blend
Sustanon 250 is not the only testosterone mixture on the market; there are actually quite a few with Omnadren and Testoviron being the two most prominent besides that of Sust. Generally everything that can be said of Sustanon 250 can be said of Omnadren as they are almost identical in every way and while Testoviron is simply a mixture of Testosterone-Enanthate and Testosterone-Propionate made by Schering (Not to be confused with Testoviron Depot, an Enanthate only form) there is something you need to understand. Of all testosterones and testosterone forms, testosterone mixtures are by-in-large the most commonly counterfeited on the black market. The demand for such mixtures is often high because certain labs prey on the ignorance of others; many believe a testosterone mixture is more powerful than a single-ester form when as you understand mixing various forms together does not change the active hormone. Understand, testosterone is simply testosterone regardless of the form and regardless of how many forms you couple together.

Sustanon 250 Cycles & Doses
Sustanon 250 can be used for any cycle be it bulking or cutting and as most steroid users will build their cycles around testosterone Sust can be a fine choice. Testosterone is generally well-tolerated by healthy adult men who use it; as it is a hormone naturally found in our body it is not one we are unaccustomed to and in healthy adult men increased levels are often well received. Further, when stacking various anabolic androgenic steroids together, because our natural production of testosterone will cease it is important to keep some testosterone in the body for proper physical function and when you add in the beneficial anabolic characteristics it simply makes sense. Regardless of how you plan your cycles testosterone will in most cases necessarily be a part of them all and in many cases the only steroid you’ll ever need.

For the individual who uses Sustanon 250 as part of a testosterone replacement plan 250mg every 2-4 weeks is a common dose but this will be determined by your doctor. For the performance enhancer, as a general rule of thumb 500mg of testosterone is often considered the base dosing level and is perfect for any beginner. While this is a perfect beginners dose many will find it is all they ever need no matter how advanced they become. For the hardcore, doses of 1,000mg per week are fairly common place and even beyond in bodybuilding circles, particularly those who fall in the realm of competition. Understand, when the dose increases, while the rewards may as well so do the risks associated.

Many will find 12-16 week cycles of Sustanon 250 to be perfect and very well-tolerated in most cases; however, a solid post cycle therapy (PCT) plan is necessary once discontinued. Because Sustanon 250 carries long esters you will necessarily begin PCT 3 weeks after your final Sust administration which may include hCG, Nolva and/or Clomid. Those who use hCG are advised to begin use approximately ten days before Nolva/Comid for approximately ten days of use.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Steroid Abuse in Sports

The use of performance enhancing drugs dates as far back to the original Olympic Games, and attempts to increase testosterone were documented as early as 776 BC.  These ancient athletes ingested sheep’s testicles, which they knew to be a source of testosterone. Although it might seem extreme to us now, this was a small price to pay for the prizes of the time.  These athletes did not compete for medals, or for the love of the game. They didn’t practice long hours for national pride, or to feel the championship wreath atop their heads.  Much like those of today, they competed for the two things that matter most…money and prestige (the chance to make more money). Present day athletes still turn to performance enhancing drugs (often called “PEDs”) and anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS).

The first incidence of confirmed Steroid abuse in sports was at the World Weightlifting Championships of 1954 where the Soviets easily dominated most of their weight classes.  Dr. John Ziegler, the United States team physician, questioned the Soviet team’s doctor about AAS.  The Soviet doctor openly admitted that his athletes were given testosterone injections while training for the championships.   This confession, along with rumors of discarded syringes in the Soviet dressing rooms, marked the first public admission to using AAS for performance enhancement in athletic events.  The Soviet team was not penalized for these actions, because there were no regulations in place to address this new problem.

Seeking an alternative to the Soviet injectable version, Dr. Ziegler committed himself to developing a superior oral testosterone derivative.  His diligence resulted in the development of Dianabol, the most widely abused anabolic steroid of all time.

In the late 1960´s the East Germans began a statewide doping program in an attempt to win more gold medals.  In 1968 East Germany’s chief medical officer submitted a report to the government recommending the total and collective administration of steroids to all East German athletes.   For the next 20 years they dominated virtually every major worldwide sporting event.  Soon after this the World Health Organization filed an official complaint against AAS which lead to the International Olympic Council’s complete ban of such drugs during international competition.

Meanwhile, anabolic steroids had caught on in the United States where professional sports were gaining recognition, and athletic compensation began to soar.  Those using AAS became more successful, and generated far greater income than their non-using counterparts.  Athletes all over the world wanted to know where to get these drugs, and how to use them.  Steroids soon became a staple of virtually every gym in the country, and they were here to stay.

 The many pro athlete stories and huge lists of medical side effects clearly illustrate why the ban on steroids was put into effect back in the late 1960’s.  Unfortunately this action did not deter athletes then, and appears to have little impact today. In 1972, the first athlete caught officially breaking the ban on performance enhancing substances was an American swimmer named Rick De Mont who was using a substance called “Ephedrine”.  Steroid use in the Olympics continued in secret, with athletes enlisting various professionals to help circumvent drug testing.  By the 1990´s, knowledge of AAS had become part of the public psyche, and their abuse had penetrated nearly every possible professional and amateur sport.   In 1987 the National Football League introduced its first anti-steroid policy.

While in the late 1990’s a bottle of Androstendione, a prohormone that converts within the body to testosterone, was spotted by a reporter in the locker of then homerun record chasing Mark McGwire.  Though McGwire soon retired the story of steroids in the Major League Baseball (MLB) was exposed.  Further news of AAS exploded onto the scene when Ken Caminiti admitted using them in Sports Illustrated.  Caminiti went on to estimate player usage in the MLB at fifty percent. In a book published during this same time homerun giant Jose Canseco also admitted to abusing AAS, and raised Caminiti’s estimate to 85% of MLB players.  The league’s secret was out, and the scandals were about to begin.  Jason Giambi and Barry Bonds were both implicated and investigated, later testifying before major courts regarding their AAS histories.

The most common reason for steroid abuse in sports is desire to excel.

These drugs are a particular enticement when faced with the pressures felt at the high school and amateur levels.

They are often seen as a necessary step towards college scholarships and progression towards the professional ranks. Steroid abuse has been speculated to be even worse at these levels than in professional sports.

Monday, January 6, 2014

Strength & Bulk Training for Weightlifters & Bodybuilders

In 1960, three-time Mr Universe winner Reg Park, who Arnold Schwarzenegger said inspired him to become a bodybuilder, wrote a manual titled "Strength and Bulk Training for Weightlifters and Bodybuilders." The training principles espoused by Park have been improved upon by advances in sports and performance science, and the weightlifter or bodybuilder can increase strength and bulk using scientifically proven training methods with both free weights and resistance machines.

Basic Strength and Muscle Gaining Principles

To increase strength and gain muscle bulk, focus primarily on compound exercises that target your main muscle groups of the chest, back, shoulders, legs and gluteals. Compound exercises involve the use of more than one joint, and simultaneously engage several muscles. For example, the bench press involves movement of your elbow and shoulder joints, engaging the chest, front deltoids and triceps. ExRx.net says strength is correlated to muscle size and you should strive to continually increase your strength to gain muscle bulk. Increase your strength by using heavier weights or doing more repetitions each training session.

Repetitions

Reg Park believed training three times a week, using heavy weights for five reps, and five sets per compound exercise, would maximize strength and muscle gains. According to Muscle & Strength, though heavy weights and low reps increase both size and strength, moderately heavy weights for six to 12 reps increase both muscle pump and protein synthesis. This rep range helps bodybuilders look more muscular and vascular than strength and power athletes.


Full Body Workout

A full body workout places a demand on all your major muscle groups, inducing your body to react to the workload by getting bigger and stronger. Do the barbell bench press for your chest, bent-over-rows or pull-ups for your upper back, dead-lifts, barbell military press for your shoulders, barbell squats for your legs and gluteals, barbell curls for your biceps, close grip bench press for your triceps and calf raises for your calves. Do one warm-up set with a light weight for 12 to 15 repetitions, followed by three sets with a heavy weight for five to 10 reps. Rest a maximum of 90 seconds between sets. Bodybuilder Chad Waterbury who holds an M.S. in physiology, says frequent training sessions in which you hit each muscle three times a week, maximizes strength and muscle gains.

Split Routine

A split routine, in which you hit specific muscles each training session, enables you to do more exercises per muscle group without diluting the intensity of your workout by spending too long in the gym. Hit your chest, shoulders and triceps on your first training day. Do the barbell bench press and flat bench flyes for the chest, dumbbell shoulder press and lateral raises for shoulders and close grip-bench press for your triceps. The next day, hit your legs with barbell squats, leg curls, leg extensions and calf raises, your back with dead-lifts and pullups, and your biceps with barbell or dumbbell curls. Do one warm-up set with a light weight for 12 to 15 reps, followed by three sets with a heavy weight for five to 10 reps. The last two reps of the heavy sets should require considerable effort. Rest a maximum of 90 seconds between sets. Rest on the third day and repeat the routine on the next two days.

Varying Your Routine

Shock your muscles to grow by varying your routine. Do one week of training with light weights and high reps every four weeks. According to Muscle & Strength, high reps of 15 or more deplete your muscles of glycogen. This induces your muscles to increase glycogen stores and protein synthesis, causes muscle cells to stretch, and leads to overall muscle growth.

Rest and Nutrition

Minimize your activities on rest days away from the gym to let your body and muscles recover from your intense workouts. Get at least eight hours of sleep each night. Eat approximately every three or four hours to ensure your muscles have a regular supply of nutrients Eat complex carbohydrates such as oatmeal, whole grain bread, whole grain rice, yams and sweet potatoes. Proteins should include lean cuts of red meat, chicken, turkey, legumes, fish, eggs and dairy products. Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals to help your body function optimally.