nutrition/training when using AS

Hello guys,

Had a question. I was reading some of the articles written by Big Dave (btw, are very good) and it brought up a question (s). In every article I read about nutrition or training the same points are discussed. These points are anything from training frequency (how to avoid overtraining) to eating right (figuring caloric intake). I do have a solid grasp on training and nutrition and have made substantial gains over my years of lifting (started at 163lbs @15%BF now am at 200lbs @9%BF). I am, however, a little confused when it comes to AS. I know how to stack, cycle, taper, etc. and everything under the sun about the use of steroids, but not how they effect nutrition and training limitations or recommendations. when an article gives an example of how to calculate caloric needs based on if you want to gain mass or get cut it never mentions anything about the use of AS. How does a cycle effect protein needs? How does it effect caloric needs? Surely and individual's caloric needs for a gaining phase or dieting phase while on a cycle of AS will be different than if that same person were on a gaining or dieting phase but NOT ON AS. Is there any formula or rules to help with this discrepancy? This also applies to training. It is often advocated that AROUND 3 to 4 even 5 days of training per week (based on person recovery ability) is maximum. How is this determined or effected when ON AS. How much more could you train? Would the recommendation for a person that should train 3 to 4 days per week be moved up to training 7 days per week? Again, this could apply to sets and reps too. If a person advocates training 3 sets to failure normally and 4 exercise per bodypart does all the theories behind that logic hold true while ON AS?

thanks

These are all good points, BP.
I would reply that yes, using AAS will affect both training and dietary elements. Upwardly, if you will. Meaning that while on AAS, food is better utilized by the body, which means the body recovers/rebuilds/repairs faster, which means you can train more.

I think most people on the board will tell you to listen to your body. I would have to agree with that advice. I know on my last(and first) run, I worked out like crazy and ate as much of whatever I wanted that I could. I grew like a weed and lost some bodyfat. And yet I feel I didn't work out enough or train hard enough or with enough intensity nor did I eat enough. Everything was so different I was a little lost. Next time I will have a better understanding. Alas, I digress.

As for training, Arnold gives verious lifting regimens in his book "Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding." The more hardcore regimens call for training 6 days a week twice a day. Clearly this can only be done with the use of AAS. There is simply no way you can blast each bodypart every other day without drugs. At least I can't. I've trained naturally since I was in jr. high and I know my limits. Fortunately, the steroids have redefined those limits for me, as I'm sure they do with everyone.

Let me know, please, if I'm getting long-winded here.

Just train HARD, EAT, SLEEP, drink lots of water and over time will come knowledge and experience. And muscle! And babes! And fortune and glory! And more muscle and more babes!

Being "on" does change things a little, but I wouldn't say drastically. The AAS are there to speed up the progress that you would be getting anyway from executing the right diet/training/recovery/supplementation strategy. Everyone is different, but I've personally found that I can train bodyparts a little more frequently when on. I can hit most groups 3x in 2 weeks, which is 33% more frequently. ON the diet, I've found I can eat more, mostly because I have a better appetite from the increased metabolism and the increased training workload. That's about it. Stick to the basics you already know...hitting all the basics will never let you down.

thanks for the reply guys....any one else like to comment?