One of the most common questions I get asked is “what stack do you recommend Johnathan?” The answer I give is a very well used one; “it depends”. As with everything health and fitness your course of action depends on your goals, age, fitness levels, ability, budget, time, health and a million other variables which are unique to you. But that doesn’t mean I can’t help you out at all. By using my experience, asking a lot of people in the industry and trolling the forums I manage to compile what I think to be the 5 most popular steroid stacks and cycles today.
1. The Beginner Cycle (Test/Deca)
Testoterone-Enanthate: 500mg Week 1-12
Deca Durabolan: 200mg Week 1-12
This is my recommended stack for any first time user. The Deca/Test combo is a tried and true stack that will give excellent gains with minimal side effects. In addition the slow release compounds require less injections, which is always a good place to start for beginners. Its incredibly popular particularly as a base stack which can be modified for future cycles.
Potential Side Effects And PCT (Post-Cycle treatment)
Gynecomastia, water retention, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are all potential side effects of this cycle. 10mg of nolvadex everyday may be used to combat any symptoms you have whilst on cycle.
Your PCT consist of 2 weeks off cycle to allow the hormones to clear your system. You should then take nolvadex for 3 weeks to help re-establish normal testoerone production. 40mg everyday for 2 weeks and 20mg of Nolvadex for the third week.
2. The Kickstart Beginner Cycle (Test/Deca/Dbol)
Testoterone-Enanthate: 500mg Week 1-12
Deca Durabolan: 200mg Week 1-12
Dianabol: 25mg per day Week 1-6
It’s the same as the beginners cycle above with Dianabol added to the stack. Dianabol is a fast working steroid that can be taken in oral form, which will make great gains in muscle and strength at the beginning of the cycle (often referred to as front loading).
Potential Side Effects And PCT
Gynecomastia, water retention, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are all potential side effects of this cycle. 10mg of nolvadex everyday may be used to combat any symptoms you have whilst on cycle. Also any oral will be have a toxic effect on the liver so a liver supplement or booster should be taken with the dianabol and its use should be no longer than 6 weeks.
Your PCT consist of 2 weeks off cycle to allow the hormones to clear your system. You should then take nolvadex for 3 weeks to help re-establish normal testosterone production. 40mg everyday for 2 weeks and 20mg of Nolvadex for the third week.
3. Classic Cut (Test/Tren/Winstrol)
Testoterone-Propionate 100mg EOD 1-12
Trenbolone-Acetate 75mg EOD 1-12
Winstrol 50/daily 7-12
This is the most popular cutting cycle going around. The reason is rather simple, it works and it works well. Your diet will dictate the amount of success you will have with this stack, a poor diet will still get results but a great diet will have you looking like a god. Importantly this stack will also help maintain strength whilst on a calorie-deficient (fat-loss) diet.
Potential Side Effects And PCT
Tren is a powerful hormone so if you feel adverse effects you can drop your dosage down to 50mg. You should take 0.5mg or arimidex every other day with this stack to protect yourself against oestrogen build-up.
Your PCT should begin immediately after your cycle. Take 500iu daily of HCG for 10 days. One week after your cycle you should begin taking Clomid in addition to the HCG. Take 150mg/day for the fist 2 weeks, 100mg/day for week 3 and drop down to 50mg/day for week 4.
4. Winnie the Pooh (Test/Winstrol)
Testoterone-Enanthate: 500mg Week 1-12
Winstrol: 50mg per day Week 7-12
Another popular variation of the test cycle is to add Winstrol to the back end of the cycle. Winstrol is popular steroid for those looking for athletic performance and a cut physique, used often by bodybuilders for contest prep and dieting athletes to maintain strength. Stacking it with test means that your body avoids sub-normal hormonal levels due to the short half-life of the Winny.
Potential Side Effects And PCT
If your taking Winstrol orally then take some liver cleansers to help protect your liver. I would also recommend some fish oil to help protect against collagen loss in the joints both of which should be taken during the cycle.
Your PCT consist of 2 weeks off cycle to allow the hormones to clear your system. You should then take nolvadex for 3 weeks to help re-establish normal testosterone production. 40mg everyday for 2 weeks and 20mg of Nolvadex for the third week.
5. Lonely Cycles
The last but by no means least popular cycle is the standalone cycles. Due to cost, and the ability to monitor and test for side effects single steroid only cycles are increasingly popular. Some of the most popular are:
Test
A test only cycle is very popular because it is about as safe as it gets when it comes to steroids. Most people report good gains with a test only cycle and its easy to administer as well. 500/mg week is a good starting point for 8-12 weeks although the number can change based on your goals and experience. Have some arimidex on hand in case of any aromatisation effects then after your cycle take 2 weeks off to clear your system and begin a PCT with nolvadex. 40mg everyday for 2 weeks and 20mg of Nolvadex for the third week
Sustanon
Another popular cycle with excellent bulking properties it used to be all the rage 10 years ago. Although not as popular these days the effects of the cycle are still impressive, taking 500/mg week for 8-12 weeks should give you noticeable size increase. As sustanon is a combination of four testosterone compounds the side effects and PCT are the same as a test only cycle.
Tren
Tren only cycles are used by those who want to avoid the aromatisation side effects of other steroids and are looking to cut. With the ability to burn fat, maintain strength and avoid aromatisation it should be the most popular cycle of all right? Unfortunately there is a downside, tren only cycles are often plagued by poor sleep, low libido and increased aggression (amongst other issues) but 300mg/week for 6-8 weeks will give you some amazing results if you monitor your symptoms closely. Because it is so potent a good PCT should include 1000iu of HCG for 10 days, 20/mg Nolva every day for 5 weeks and 50/mg of Clomid for 3 weeks.
You may have noticed that these stacks are all very simple. That’s because for 95% of users out there simple will be more than enough to see some great results. If you decide to follow any of these cycles make sure you take as much notice of the PCT programs that go with it. Laziness and ignorance are no excuse for wrecking your body. Now if you think I have missed a popular cycle or you have some really good stacks that should become popular please let us know in the comments below.