Of course, my wish is that you can read this post and create a customized cycle based on your personal fitness goals. In this article, I’ll share my insights on bulking and cutting cycles and how to formulate them. I want to emphasize that both cycles heavily rely on training and diet, with bulking cycles being influenced by dosage and cutting cycles by the choice of compounds.

Cutting Cycles

Cutting cycles present a different challenge. Rather than relying solely on substantial amounts of drugs, it’s crucial to recognize that in a calorie-restricted state, your sensitivity to exogenous androgens increases (Neuroendocrinol 1994; 6: 397-402). Therefore, the selection of compounds requires careful consideration compared to the goal of gaining maximum weight. Keep in mind that these compounds will exert a pronounced effect in the absence of abundant calories. To design an effective cutting cycle, I’ve delved into various cutting cycles, conducted interviews with athletes and bodybuilders, inquired about their best results, and noted the compounds and dosages used. My primary focus has been on identifying the types of cycles that yield optimal results and uncovering commonalities among the most productive cutting cycles. The more I researched, the more I discovered discernible trends within cutting cycles among experienced users—some expected, and others less apparent.

A clear trend I’ve observed is the preference for shorter esters in cutting cycles and longer esters in bulking cycles. Anecdotally, shorter-estered drugs appear to be less likely to cause bloating. In practical terms, Testosterone Propionate is favored over Testosterone Enanthate or Cypionate, and Nandrolone PhenylPropionate is favored over the standard Deca (Nandrolone Decanoate). However, Test Enth or Cyp would still be suitable for a bulking cycle.

This might not be surprising, but what follows could be quite unexpected for you. The most effective cutting cycles I’ve come across online all share a common structure. Here’s the consistent pattern:

1. Every highly successful cutting cycle I’ve studied included Testosterone. Some also incorporated another testosterone-based compound, often with Eq being a popular addition.
2. Each of them featured a 19-nor-testosterone based compound. The Nandrolone branch, known for its anabolic properties and lower androgenicity, was commonly used, while the Trenbolone branch, highly androgenic with the strongest binding affinity, was also employed. A well-rounded cutting cycle, in my opinion, should include compounds that strongly bind to the Androgen Receptor and possibly others with non-receptor mediated mechanisms of action.
3. Every truly effective cutting cycle I examined included a DHT-based compound. Winstrol and/or Masteron were commonly used in this category.

What we’re looking at here are the three major families of Anabolic/Androgenic Steroids—Testosterone, 19-nor-Testosterone, and DiHydroTestosterone. These families constitute 99% of all HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE cutting cycles, falling into the categories of Testosterone, 1a-nor-Testosterone, and DiHydroTestosterone. It’s noteworthy that A/A steroids fall into one of these three categories.

In my experience, I often include Trenbolone with Winstrol in a cutting cycle. Tren has a strong binding affinity to the anabolic receptor, while Winstrol binds rather poorly. Combining them might offer additional synergy. NPP (Nandrolone Phenylpropionate) also binds reasonably well to the AR and can be substituted for Tren, but using them together may not provide appreciable synergy. It’s crucial to include Testosterone in the mix to maintain a healthy sex life.

I’ve observed that most of the remarkable effects in cutting cycles can be achieved with doses under 2 grams (total). Personally, for a cutting cycle, I would run around 400-500mgs of each—a DHT, 19-nor, and Test-based compound. Factors like price and availability would play a role in the decision.

Interestingly, cutting cycles require fewer milligrams of AAS per kilogram of body weight, resulting in impressive results. Research on androgen efficacy in feed-restricted animals suggests that caloric restriction enhances androgen receptiveness, making cutting cycles more effective in terms of milligrams versus results gained compared to bulking cycles.

Bulking Cycles

Bulking cycles typically involve much higher doses, and at this stage in my life, I usually opt for testosterone propionate plus one other compound for my cycles.

I understand that many readers might be curious about including GH, Clen, or Letrozole in this discussion, but it’s beyond the scope of this chapter. While these are good compounds and worth considering if you have access to them and the funds (especially GH), I don’t see them as necessary unless you need Letrozole to combat gyno or simply prefer using Clen, which is now fairly affordable. Perhaps at higher doses, their necessity might increase, but I believe their inclusion should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

That sums up how I would design a cycle for optimal results using optimal compounds and dosages. In closing, I’d like to emphasize that diet and training play integral roles in your cycle puzzle, and while the mentioned drugs can make things easier, they won’t make you ripped or huge on their own.

By combining the three families of steroids with different receptor binding abilities, you can create a potent cycle. When you use relatively high doses, it transforms into an effective bulking cycle. Now that you understand how I design my own cycles, I’ll leave you to create yours. However, I do have some sample cycles that you may find interesting.

Beginner’s Cycle

This is a fundamental beginners’ cycle, consisting entirely of testosterone. Not only will you experience muscle gains on this cycle, but you will also gain insights into how your body reacts to endogenous amounts of testosterone.

GO HARD or GO HOME.

Beginner’s Cycle (with Kick Start)

This cycle is identical to the one mentioned earlier, but I’ve added Dianabol at a relatively low dose at the beginning. This addition aims to kick start the cycle, allowing you to see results almost immediately.

Intermediate Bulking Cycle

Designed for individuals who have completed two prior cycles (ideally the ones mentioned above), this cycle offers options based on your specific goals. If your aim is to gain more overall weight, Deca would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you’re focused on adding lean weight, Eq would be a more fitting option.

Intermediate Cutting Cycle

Tailored for individuals with a substantial amount of mass seeking refinement, this cutting cycle focuses on achieving a lean physique. While weight gains may be minimal, adhering to a proper diet and incorporating both cardio and weight training can help attain single-digit body fat levels, provided one maintains discipline. The inclusion of a 17aa like Winstrol throughout the cycle may be a point of contention for some. Alternatively, you can split the cycle, using Winstrol for one part and Tren for the other, or customize as you prefer. Both approaches have proven effective.

Advanced Bulking Cycle

Keep some Letrozole or Arimidex on hand for this cycle, if gynocomastia symptoms
develop. This is a very potent bulking cycle, and should be good for a 20lb+ gain
even in advanced users.

Advanced Cutting Cycle

As with the cycle above, keep some Letrozole or Arimidex on hand, and use it if gyno
symptoms begin…this cycle is what I consider to be the “perfect” cutting cycle. If you
start no higher than 15%bodyfat, and you keep your diet and training in check, you
will easily get into single digits.

Thanks for reading!!