Ideal BF% before starting a cycle

Posted by: @crzymoe

↑

First, I apologize if this is in another post or sticky...I've looked and haven't seen anything.

What is the ideal BF% before starting a cycle? I have read numerous posts from newbs like myself who want to start and are a bit high in BF%. But almost every answer they (we) get is "lower your BF".

Let me explain...that is totally fine with me. I'm not complaining, it would just be nice to know the "ideal" number to shoot for as a goal so-to-speak from the vets who know.

Since I have your attention let me smack another question your way...if a 20% body fat guy was to do a cycle right now and gain muscle, wouldnt he be able to lose the body fat quicker after the cycle due to the muscle gains (more muscle=higher metabolism right?).

Curious to know what everyone thinks and hope this thread can help any other new guys as well.

You are right that more muscle will increase metabolism, but a higher starting BF puts you at a higher risk of estrogenic side effects when on cycle. My own rule if thumb is be under 15%.

Posted by: @gsracer

↑

You are right that more muscle will increase metabolism, but a higher starting BF puts you at a higher risk of estrogenic side effects when on cycle. My own rule if thumb is be under 15%.

Excellent, thanks for chiming in. I was unaware the higher the BF the more estrogenic risks...

Get as low as possible it will make you look and feel that much better on cycle.

Posted by: @deathdodger

↑

Get as low as possible it will make you look and feel that much better on cycle.

I understand as low as possible, but do you have a certain number you try to reach?

i wud never start a cycle over 14%. thats just me.

So right now we are looking at a mid to low teens BF%. Thanks for the feedback.

I used to cycle at over 20% body fat all the time. Not sure it really matters. If you are worried about aromatization then just use an AI.

Posted by: @crzymoe

↑

I understand as low as possible, but do you have a certain number you try to reach?

No I don't try to reach a number, I diet and do cardio year round.

Posted by: @heavyiron

↑

I used to cycle at over 20% body fat all the time. Not sure it really matters. If you are worried about aromatization then just use an AI.

Heavy coming in with a totally different opinion than the rest. Thanks!

Posted by: @crzymoe

↑

Heavy coming in with a totally different opinion than the rest. Thanks!

Every powerlifter on the planet knows what I'm talking about =)

Just depends on your goals . I mean the more bf you have harder its going to be to see definition.

Gamma is right, if your goal isn't to be lean, then whatever. I think part of the reason many people advise lowering BF (if it's high and a lower BF is your goal) before you start cycling is because many new guys think that aas is going to do the heavy lifting for you, and get you learn and mean regardless of your diet and training. Obviously that's the wrong approach. Getting BF down closer to your target beforehand gets the right behaviors in place, which will make you much happier with the results of your first cycle.

Posted by: @crzymoe

↑

First, I apologize if this is in another post or sticky...I've looked and haven't seen anything.

What is the ideal BF% before starting a cycle? I have read numerous posts from newbs like myself who want to start and are a bit high in BF%. But almost every answer they (we) get is "lower your BF".

Let me explain...that is totally fine with me. I'm not complaining, it would just be nice to know the "ideal" number to shoot for as a goal so-to-speak from the vets who know.

Since I have your attention let me smack another question your way...if a 20% body fat guy was to do a cycle right now and gain muscle, wouldnt he be able to lose the body fat quicker after the cycle due to the muscle gains (more muscle=higher metabolism right?).

Curious to know what everyone thinks and hope this thread can help any other new guys as well.

Always wondered that too. More specifically, let's say maintance cals are 3000/day, but the user consumes 2k cals in order to drop bf. Will the fat be directly burned as fuel and used to build muscle? I know fat does not convert to muscle but it can be burned as energy.

Another question is will a macro tracked diet at let's say 50/30/20 be a good cut diet? I know when natural its very important to have a higher ratio of carbs and fat to build muscle. But I've read that's not necessary while on test.

Posted by: @gsracer

↑

Gamma is right, if your goal isn't to be lean, then whatever. I think part of the reason many people advise lowering BF (if it's high and a lower BF is your goal) before you start cycling is because many new guys think that aas is going to do the heavy lifting for you, and get you learn and mean regardless of your diet and training. Obviously that's the wrong approach. Getting BF down closer to your target beforehand gets the right behaviors in place, which will make you much happier with the results of your first cycle.

Your right steroids can't replace you stimulating certain muscle fibers for growth.