Muscle Chemistry Archive
Victor Martinez’s Physique Featured In Charitable Graphic Novel, Promotes Kickstarter
Victor Martinez plans to back the new project during its opening weeks.
Victor Martinez has found success on stage as a bodybuilder in the Men’s Open category. His incredible physique was enough to make an impact during competitions and could be used to spark some creative ideas in other art forms as well. This is especially true of a kickstarter that Martinez will be promoting.
Victor Martinez inspired a character in a new graphic novel written by Jonathan Naranjo. Shadow Syndicate Chasin File is a project that will be released by Flamewrite Entertainment. Naranjo created the story with intentions to raise money for a good cause. The money raised from this project will go toward Mental Health Awareness to support men and women in uniform.
This is a cause that Martinez wanted to get behind. He posted a recent video to explain his plan to get on board.
“The whole thing why he wrote it was to help a lot of mental health, anybody who is suffering from mental health. The men and women in uniform. Please check out the kickstarter. Please support this film, this script. The graphic novel — you will be entertained, you will be supporting a good cause. Let’s get this out there. Let’s get it financed and support it,’ Victor Martinez said.
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The initial goal of this is to raise $30,000 to help different families. Once this goal is reached, there will be stretch goals of up to $100,000 so that many families can be helped. Naranjo was impacted by losing the mother of his children to PTSD/depression. She served in the US Army. Naranjo is now raising awareness for this very special cause.
The graphic novel will eventually be turned into a movie. The story is led by Colonel Chasin. He is the head of a team of special ops soldiers who are ordered to seize control of an underground city of ruins from a band of terrorists. The two forces unleash the long-buried secrets but discover that divine powers have wills of their own.
Victor Martinez has decided to promote the graphic novel because of the cause it is for. Martinez is a well-known bodybuilder whose career has spanned close to two decades. Martinez began competing professionally in 2001. He has victories in some top shows such as the Arnold Classic and Tampa Pro. Martinez has appeared in 11 Olympia competitions over the course of his career.
In 2007, Martinez finished as runner-up in the Olympia to Jay Cutler. This was his second straight finish in the top three. Martinez made a return during the 2020 Arnold Classic, where he finished ninth. This was the last time he stepped on stage professionally.
The project was launched in October and will continue through the month of November. This is in hopes that it can reach its goal and even go beyond. Victor Martinez is one of the promoters that will do what it takes to make that happen.
Mike Tyson On Psychedelic Toad Venom: ‘I ‘Died’ During My First Trip’
Mike Tyson shared his experience the first time he tripped off toad venom.
Mike Tyson has been open about his drug use during his life. This includes some battles with toad venom. Tyson recently shared his first experience at a conference dedicated to psychedelics. The meeting took place in Miami and Tyson admitted that he tripped off toad venom 53 times in his life.
Despite taking the drug many times, Tyson said that there was nothing like the first time.
“I ‘died’ during my first trip. I did it as a dare I was doing heavy drugs like cocaine, so why not? It’s another dimension. Before I did the toad, I was a wreck,” Tyson said.
The toughest opponent I ever faced was myself. I had low self-esteem. People with big egos often have low self-esteem. We use our ego to subsidize that. The toad strips the ego.”
The venom comes from the Sonoran Desert Toad. This is a Mexican amphibian that spends seven months of the year living underground. When it is active, the venom can be smoked and produces a psychoactive trip. The venom began being used in healing rituals and has gained plenty of attention because of the popularity of other drugs such as LSD.
Mike Tyson first discovered toad venom about four years ago when he was overweight and drinking a lot. Tyson was offered the drug and fell in love with it immediately. during his time using toad venom, Tyson has dropped over 100 pounds and even started boxing again.
“It has made me more creative and helps me focus. I’m more present as a businessman and entrepreneur.”
“People see the difference. It speaks for itself. If you knew me in 1989 you knew a different person. My mind isn’t sophisticated enough to fathom what happened, but life has improved. The toad’s whole purpose is to reach your highest potential. I look at the world differently. We’re all the same. Everything is love.”
Mike Tyson even has a nursery of the toads at his house in Southern California. He is working on two different brands of cannabis. While his toad line will not include actual venom, it will be inspired by his experiences with the venom.
This is a field that Tyson feels strongly about. He addressed that he is fighting for psychedelics to become available to buy over the counter. Tyson believes that this is the reason he has become more focused and it has made him a better businessman. Tyson has become a huge advocate for psychedelics and has began speaking about them all over the country.
Mike Tyson is one of the best boxers in the history of the sport. He has used drugs many times in his life and toad venom has turned into a favorite of his. It will be interesting to see how he continues to promote the use of psychedelics.
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Melvin Anthony Full Interview | Best Posers, How To Beat Big Ramy, & Modern Bodybuilding
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Watch the full uncut GI Exclusive interview with Melvin Anthony.
Melvin Anthony is a bodybuilder that was in his prime between the second Golden Era of the 90s and the modern era we see today. He competed from the late 90s through to 2008. In the prime of his career, he often placed in the top six at Mr. Olympia. He is also best known for his incredible posing routines.
A lot has changed in bodybuilding over the years since Melvin Anthony competed. Which is why we decided to get his perspective on modern bodybuilding, particularly how posing has evolved, and also his take on the latest trends in the sport.
Over the past few months we’ve released multiple GI Exclusive segments from our interview with Melvin Anthony. Now we’re releasing the full length interview including topics such as the best bodybuilding posers of all time, how to beat Big Ramy at the Olympia, and how today’s era compares to previous decades of the sport.
Listen To Our Melvin Anthony Interview On The Generation Iron Podcast
Our full length interviews are now also in podcast form! Subscribe to the Generation Iron Podcast for candid, full length interviews with the biggest names in bodybuilding, fitness, combat, and strength sports.
Listen to the full Melvin Anthony interview here:
The Ultimate List Of The Best Bodybuilding Posers Of All Time
While the focus on posing has dwindled over the years – there is still hope in the form of select bodybuilders with incredible posing routines. That’s why we asked Melvin Anthony to list his picks for the best bodybuilding posers of all time. He mentions younger bodybuilders like Terrence Ruffin – but the biggest standout to him is Kai Greene.
Fans of bodybuilding are no stranger to Kai Greene’s sometimes bizarre but often beautiful posing routines. He would wear costumes and masks (for guest posing) and incorporate interpretive dance into his routine alongside mandatory poses. His entire persona was based in this art. His interviews are often poetic, just like his posing. He has always seen bodybuilding as pure art. This explains his skill and passion behind painting and his recent line of comic books.
So was Kai Greene the second coming of Melvin Anthony? Was he influenced by Anthony’s career? Anthony will be the first to admit that Kai Greene is one of the greatest, if not the number one greatest, poser of all time. But their styles are very different. Anthony details how his posing came from his street background. He would incorporate hip hop and breakdance style into his routines. Kai Greene feels more like abstract poetry. Two very different forms – but both dedicating to evolving the routine into something more.
Ultimately, Melvin Anthony struggles to come up with even five names for the best posers of all time (he eventually locks a solid five names). This is an example of just how few and far between true elevated posing is in the sport.
Melvin Anthony: Bodybuilders Today Train Hard, But They Can Train Harder
Melvin Anthony doesn’t want to to knock the new school era of bodybuilders. He understands how general sweeping statements can paint a broad stroke on a very diverse group of athletes. That’s why when we asked him about the current state of bodybuilding – he was very careful with his words. He doesn’t think that there is a bad training ethic in bodybuilders today – but he does think that it could push to the next level to match the greats of yesteryear.
In fact, history is very important to Melvin Anthony. He worries that we are not focusing enough on the history of bodybuilding to learn from what was done in the past. Anthony thinks that social media and short attention spans might be preventing bodybuilders today from reaching their best.
“I’m not saying they’re not training hard,” Melvin Anthony states in our interview. He continues:
“I’M NOT SAYING THAT THEY ARE NOT WORTHY OF WHAT THEY ARE GETTING ON STAGE. BUT THERE’S A LEVEL THAT THEY CAN GET TO THAT THEY HAVEN’T TAPPED INTO YET. AND I BELIEVE THEY WILL. HOPEFULLY THEY’LL GET IT. HOPEFULLY THEY’LL START TALKING TO A FLEX WHEELER OR A JAY CUTLER – ‘HEY MAN, HOW DID YOU TRAIN. CAN YOU SHOW ME WHAT YOU DID?’ WATCH HOW THOSE GUYS TRAIN… I’M NOT SAYING THEY’RE NOT TRAINING AS HARD. I JUST THINK THEY CAN TRAIN HARDER.”
How To Beat Big Ramy At The Mr. Olympia
While this is not a guarantee for Big Ramy, Melvin Anthony believes that it will take more than him being “a little off” to lose the title. Judging is meant to be as objective as possible. At the end of the day, though, it’s a subjective sport. Judges will see Big Ramy differently than in previous years. He’s no longer a competitor hungry to win his first Olympia, he’s now a returning champion.
So Melvin Anthony believes that the only way Big Ramy will lose is if he is defeated by a “knock out.” What he means by this is that either Ramy has to make significant mistakes to his physique or someone has to show up with a next-level physique than we’ve seen so far. Big Ramy has a lot of mass on his side – but his conditioning is where he has struggled in the past. No one will be him on pure mass alone – so all other competitors will need to be more perfect than they ever have been in order to surpass Ramy. Or again as we mentioned earlier – Big Ramy would have to make a huge mistake.
Melvin Anthony acknowledges that everyone on the stage has a great challenge ahead of them. Big Ramy has the pressure of either matching his 2020 physique or making it even better. The other competitors all need to try and contend with Ramy’s massive size.
Wrap Up
Melvin Anthony discusses many more topics than what we can cover in this single article. He also talks about bodybuilding gurus and their role in a bodybuilder’s health, how strong modern bodybuilders’ dedication is compared to the past, and more. That’s why you should check out the full GI Exclusive interview above!
Top 5 Bulking Steroids (Used by the Pros)
Disclaimer: The following article is for educational purposes only and NOT to promote the use of illegal steroids. If you have any questions or concerns, Dr. Touliatos is currently available for consultations.
Bulking steroids can be defined as:
Anabolic steroids that have exceptional capabilities, in regards to building muscular size and strength.
Simply put, if you want to get jacked; bulking steroids are the key.
They were used in Arnold’s day to pack on mass in the off-season and are still used today with great success (albeit with higher dosages and more potent compounds available).
If a bodybuilder were to be a sculpture, bulking steroids would be the equivalent of adding the clay. This is the mass needed to stand out, command a presence and become a masterpiece.
In this article, we’ll dissect the top 5 steroids in bodybuilding and the pros and cons of each; helping you get a better understanding of each compound.
Top 5 Bulking Steroids
1. Dianabol
Dianabol is the most popular bulking steroid, which is to no surprise considering it helped bulk up a certain young Austrian kid — who went on to become the greatest bodybuilder of all time.
Dianabol was created by Dr. John Ziegler in 1955, an American doctor who worked with the USA Olympic weightlifting team. Coincidentally, it was in Austria when Dr. Ziegler experienced a eureka moment to synthesize Dianabol. He was speaking with a Russian physicist in a bar when over a few drinks he revealed that the Soviet’s success was due to the fact they were doping — specifically using testosterone.
Thus, Dr. Ziegler realized that he would need to create a compound significantly more anabolic than testosterone, in order to restore the American’s athletic success.
Dr. Ziegler did just that, formulating Dianabol — a steroid with over 2x the anabolic rating vs testosterone. However, merely creating a new, revolutionary steroid wasn’t enough to prevent the Russian’s continued dominance.
To many people’s delight, and unlike testosterone, Dianabol is an oral steroid (requiring no injections).
Dbol can also be taken as an injectable; however, tablets are a lot more common on the black market.
Legal Dianabol Alternative
D-Bal is our #1 rated legal Dianabol product. It replicates the muscle-building and strength-enhancing effects of Dianabol, but without the unwanted side effects.
It is FDA-approved and can be purchased online without a prescription.
D-Bal is best suited for men wanting to build significant amounts of muscle; without shutting down their testosterone, straining their liver or elevating blood pressure levels.
Pros
Dianabol has the power to add 20-30lbs of mass from a single cycle. Strength levels can also increase significantly, with users often lifting 50+lbs heavier on compound exercises.
In regards to gains, Dianabol’s up there with the very best steroids on the market.
Dianabol also is not very androgenic. Thus, hair loss, acne, oily skin and prostate issues are less likely. This was the second goal of Dr. Ziegler’s master plan — not only was Dianabol to be more anabolic than testosterone; but also less androgenic.
This was important after hearing the young Russian athletes had to be catheterized in order to urinate, signifying prostate enlargement.
Cons
Dianabol is a very hepatotoxic steroid, being a C17-alpha-alkylated drug. Thus, in order to stay active, it needs to pass through the liver — consequently causing significant stress.
The good news however is, such stress is typically temporary, often reversing post-cycle. However, the risk of liver damage increases if large doses are taken for extended periods of time.
For maximum protection, users should limit their Dianabol cycle to 6-8 weeks. More cautious novice users may only take Dianabol for 5 weeks.
Users should also supplement with TUDCA to prevent ALT/AST liver enzymes from rising too high. These are markers of stress to the organ.
Dianabol also happens to be one of the worst steroids for elevating blood pressure. This is mainly due to 3 reasons:
Exogenous testosterone
Hepatic lipase stimulation
Water retention
Dianabol raises LDL cholesterol, whilst lowering HDL levels; simply because it’s exogenous testosterone. When testosterone levels reach sky-high levels, the body will naturally raise estrogen levels; to regulate cholesterol. This is because testosterone spikes LDL cholesterol (the bad kind), whilst high estrogen spikes HDL (the good kind).
The second reason why Dianabol strains the heart is that it’s an oral steroid. Many orals when passing through the liver, stimulate an enzyme known as hepatic lipase. This consequently lowers good cholesterol (HDL) and further elevates BP.
Thirdly, Dianabol can impact blood flow to and from the heart, because it’s an estrogenic steroid. This is due to the process of aromatization — when testosterone converts into estrogen.
Unfortunately, when estrogen rises — water retention follows.
Fluid retention on Dbol can be significant with bloating a common side effect. The reason water retention strains the heart is that it increases blood viscosity (as water makes up more than half of total blood volume). This causes the heart to beat harder for optimal blood flow and thus blood pressure spikes.
Dianabol also comes with a risk of gynecomastia, due to its strong conversion of testosterone into estrogen. It is not recommended to take an AI (aromatase inhibitor) to prevent gyno, as doing so will worsen blood pressure (as HDL levels will drop).
Instead, a SERM may be taken, such as Nolvadex, which will not lower estrogen levels but instead inhibits estrogen’s effects specifically located in the mammary glands.
Dbol will cause a large spike in testosterone levels because users are injecting a potent form of exogenous testosterone into the body. However, natural testosterone will come to a halt, because the body will detect that total testosterone levels are too high. Thus, it tries to keep homeostasis this way; which is why bodybuilders require a PCT — in a bid to restore optimal hormone function.
Dianabol Stacks
Dianabol/testosterone
Dianabol/deca durabolin
2. Testosterone
Testosterone was the first-ever steroid, created in 1935, after being extracted from a bull’s testicles.
Testosterone is a bulking steroid that can produce similar effects to Dianabol, with large gains in muscle size and strength to be expected.
20+ pounds of weight gain can be expected from a Testosterone cycle, which is still today considered the best cycle for beginners. This is due to Testosterone being a milder compound than Dianabol, causing significantly less strain on the heart and virtually no risks to the liver.
The main difference between testosterone and Dianabol, is the method of administration; with testosterone being an injectable steroid. Testosterone also has a higher androgenic rating, thus users can experience more: hair loss, prostate enlargement, acne and oily skin — in comparison to Dianabol.
Pros
A more androgenic steroid however can promote fat loss when bulking, due to androgen receptors reducing lipid uptake, whilst stimulating lipolysis.
This means that despite testosterone being a bulking steroid, testosterone has the power to burn fat; as well as build large amounts of muscle. This is why testosterone is sometimes used during cutting cycles, to enhance fat burning.
Testosterone is possibly the safest steroid in existence and is available as an injectable or an oral.
Testosterone is predominantly an injectable steroid, however Testosterone Undecanoate is the oral form. The main difference here is that the oral form is a lot more expensive.
Cons
Testosterone is androgenic, thus some hair loss can be expected on the scalp. Those who experienced acne during puberty may also be triggered with new bouts (due to enhanced sebum production).
Testosterone has the potential to cause gyno due to aromatization, thus sensitive individuals may want to take a SERM, especially when stacking Testosterone with other estrogenic bulking steroids.
Testosterone suppression will be significant post-cycle, thus it’ll take several weeks or months to recover testosterone to normal levels (depending on the effectiveness of the PCT).
Due to testosterone being predominantly injectable, it’s not great news for those who want to stick to orals. Although it’s available in tablet form, this is less commonly found on the black market.
Some testosterone injections are known to cause discomfort/pain, particularly propionate. When taking a short Testosterone ester, this also requires frequent injections to keep serum testosterone levels consistently peaking (instead of crashing). Thus, most users will opt for Testosterone Enanthate or Testosterone Cypionate, which only requires injections every 4/5 days.
Testosterone Stacks
Testosterone/Trenbolone
Testosterone/Dianabol
Testosterone/Anadrol
3. Anadrol
Anadrol (Oxymetholone) is a potent bulking steroid, created in 1959 and initially used in medicine to help chronically underweight patients.
A single Anadrol cycle can add 30+ pounds to users, whilst enhancing strength to monstrous levels. Strength gains are literally so impressive, users should be cautious about lifting too heavy.
This is because injuries, such as ruptured tendons and torn muscles are more likely when lifts go up too much, too soon. The body needs time to adapt and thus adding 50lbs to your bench press in the first 2 weeks on Anadrol will strain the body significantly. Therefore, it’d be wise to add weight slowly and perform more repetitions where possible on Anadrol.
Pros
Anadrol is an oral bulking steroid, thus it’s easy to administer. Anadrol typically comes in 50mg pills, which is convenient considering bodybuilding dosages are often 50/100mg per day.
The size and strength gains on Anadrol are unrivaled by any other bulking steroid. The pumps, due to a significant increase in intracellular volume are also mind-blowing (and sometimes painful). Thus, it might be worth saving the supersets and drop sets until your Anadrol cycle is over.
Cons
By this point, you’re probably wondering why Anadrol isn’t more popular given its exceptional power for building muscle and strength.
The reason why is because of its toxicity. Anadrol is not suitable for beginners and is predominantly taken by advanced users only. This is due to Anadrol’s deleterious effects on the heart and liver.
Anadrol typically causes sharp rises in blood pressure, due to it increasing water retention, testosterone levels, red blood cell count and stimulating hepatic lipase (lowering HDL cholesterol). All of which makes the blood more viscous, taking a toll on the heart; having to pump harder to keep necessary blood flow to and from the heart.
Anadrol is also one of the worst steroids for the liver, being very toxic. Thus, Anadrol cycles should be kept short and should be avoided by users who would typically drink alcohol during a cycle.
The risk of gynecomastia is also a risk on Anadrol, with it possessing potent estrogenic properties. However, unlike Testosterone and Dianabol, it doesn’t aromatize. Thus, users who want to combat this effect by taking an AI will do so to no avail. A SERM however will be effective, as it will target the mammary glands directly, blocking estrogen’s effects. Nolvadex and Clomid may be taken together on Anadrol for extra protection.
As estrogen levels rise, water retention also follows. This can be particularly severe on Anadrol when bulking in the off-season (consuming excess calories and high levels of sodium).
However, water retention can be kept at bay on Anadrol when calories are lower (small calorie deficit or maintenance calories) and the person consumes low levels of sodium.
Men’s physique competitors are prime examples of this — often cycling Anadrol before a competition to look big and full (with no water retention). Thus, there appears to be a connection between sodium intake and water accumulation when estrogen levels are high. So, your diet on Anadrol can be the difference between looking smooth/bloated or jacked.
However, Anadrol in most cases does cause significant fluid retention, causing users to lose some weight post-cycle (approximately 10lbs).
Considering our muscles are made up of 70-75% water, some muscle shrinkage can be expected once coming off Anadrol.
Androgenic side effects are also probable, due to Anadrol having notable androgenic properties. Some level of hair loss/thinning/recession is common — and oily skin.
Users will typically crash post-cycle requiring an aggressive PCT.
Anadrol Stacks
Anadrol/Trenbolone
Anadrol/Testosterone
Anadrol/Deca Durabolin
Legal Steroid Alternatives That Work
“There is evidence, if you could use these (steroid alternatives) they would be much better than using anabolic steroids”.
Several of the herbs and amino acids, mentioned by Dr. Thomas O’Connor, are present in Crazy Bulk’s legal steroid alternatives.
CB’s products are backed with clinical research and are safe for men and women to use. You can view their product range (and receive 20% off) by clicking the link below.
4. Trenbolone
Trenbolone is arguably the most aesthetic bulking steroid on the planet. This is because it builds exceptional amounts of lean mass, whilst drying out the body.
This creates a big and ripped appearance — not your typical ‘off-season bulking look’.
The two most popular forms of Trenbolone are Enanthate and Acetate — both being injectables.
In terms of lean muscle gains, Trenbolone certainly rivals Dianabol and Anadrol. However, it won’t reflect that on the scales as it doesn’t cause any water retention; thus users won’t gain a tonne of weight.
Instead, it actually rids the body of water, hence why muscle definition increases during Trenbolone cycles. Generally, people have some extracellular fluid that collects around the outside of the muscles. Tren reduces this water, causing the lines that detail your muscles to become more pronounced (combined with enhanced vascularity).
Pros
Trenbolone, being an injectable, isn’t harsh on the liver; thus there’s no need to worry about liver damage when following moderate cycles.
Trenbolone is one of the most potent steroids on the market for simply transforming your body and taking it to new levels.
With other bulking steroids you will gain a lot of size, but with Trenbolone, the difference in the mirror is more dramatic; due to its muscle-building attributes coupled with simultaneous fat loss.
Trenbolone is a potent fat burner, due to it being highly androgenic. Androgenic receptors have the power to kickstart lipolysis and thus help strip away fat.
Some Trenbolone-users don’t notice much fat loss when bulking; however, this can be attributed to some individuals eating in a big calorie surplus. Thus, if users aren’t grossly overeating, they are likely to see their body fat percentage decrease. This is why Trenbolone isn’t just used as a bulking steroid — but also a cutting one.
Trenbolone is 5x more androgenic than Testosterone.
Trenbolone is also very powerful for enhancing strength, being considered one of the best steroids for explosive power (hence why it’s used among athletes).
Trenbolone acetate also kicks in fast, with users experiencing huge gains in the first couple of weeks. Trenbolone Acetate has a half-life of 72 hours; however, Enanthate takes a little longer to take effect (containing longer esters).
Trenbolone Enanthate’s half-life is 11 days; however, it will require less frequent injections with it taking longer to exit the body.
Cons
Trenbolone’s benefits are quite phenomenal; however, the side effects are enough to put off the faint-hearted.
Trenbolone will cause testosterone levels to shut down, causing an imminent crash post-cycle. Thus, a powerful PCT is recommended to prevent physiological and psychological health — as well as retaining gains.
Trenbolone will also cause sharp rises in blood pressure, due to its stimulative effects, combined with its devastating effects on cholesterol. Consequently, some users will develop a pinkish colour to their skin, signifying an elevated body temperature/higher blood pressure. This can also increase sweating, known as ‘Tren sweats’.
Trenbolone also appears to arouse the central nervous system more than other steroids; thus insomnia, anxiety and depression have been reported in some users. If you are sensitive to caffeine, energy drinks or pre-workouts — trenbolone is likely to exacerbate mental health.
Users have also experienced shorter tempers, feeling irritable and even paranoid about normal situations (sometimes leading to jealousy in relationships).
Trenbolone can also trigger violent coughing, experienced immediately after injecting. This is due to tren being more susceptible to irritating the lungs, compared to other bulking steroids. This occurs when the oil hits a blood vessel, happening in roughly 20% of injections. Due to the frequency of injections, this may not happen often on tren enanthate, but more so with tren acetate.
Trenbolone will also cause androgenic side effects, with sensitive users experiencing bad cases of acne and hair loss/recession. If you desperately want to keep your precious hair follicles intact — Trenbolone may not be the steroid for you.
Trenbolone Stacks
Trenbolone/Testosterone
Trenbolone/Anadrol
Trenbolone/Dianabol
5. Deca Durabolin
Deca Durabolin (Nandrolone) is a very underrated bulking steroid. In bodybuilding circles it probably doesn’t receive the praise it deserves; however, the fact Arnold and bodybuilders from the golden era cycled it religiously with Dianabol speaks volumes.
There are a few reasons why Deca Durabolin is NOT the number one steroid on juiceheads shopping lists.
Firstly, it’s an injectable which is a turn-off for some.
Secondly, it’s made up of long esters, thus it takes a while to kick in (requiring patience).
Thirdly, it’s not a steroid that’s powerful enough to produce big gains by itself. However, Deca is a unique steroid with several benefits that make it worthy of being included in our top 5 bulking steroids.
Pros
Muscle and strength gains are the two main benefits of taking Deca. If someone were to gain 20lbs on Dianabol, and then stack their next cycle with Deca (for the first time), they’d likely gain a further 10-15lbs.
Deca Durabolin is good for the joints, due to it increasing collagen synthesis and fluid retention. Thus, with extra water cushioning the joints, combined with the anti-inflammatory properties of collagen — Deca is ideal if you like to lift heavy (and want to avoid joint problems later in life).
Deca durabolin is not androgenic. Thus, users have a significantly reduced risk of hair thinning or recession on the scalp. This may explain why bodybuilders from the ’70s had thick hair, compared to the bodybuilders today (who take more androgenic steroids).
Due to its weak androgenicity, Deca’s also taken by some women successfully, with low incidences of virilization (although still possible).
Deca is one of the mildest steroids you can take. It doesn’t pose an excessive strain on the heart, with it raising blood pressure just slightly more than Testosterone. Liver toxicity is also very unlikely, with it not being c17 alpha-alkylated.
Cons
Erectile dysfunction is a notorious side effect associated with Nandrolone, known as ‘Deca dick’.
There are a couple of reasons why this can occur. Firstly, Deca Durabolin raises prolactin which is known to reduce libido in men.
Also when endogenous testosterone levels are low, the androgenic properties of steroids can maintain sexual performance. This is due to DHT playing a role in nitric oxide production and thus blood flow to the penis. Thus, when taking Deca alone — performance can suffer.
One way to counteract Deca dick is to stack Deca Durabolin with an androgenic bulking steroid, such as Testosterone, Trenbolone or Anadrol. Even Dianabol will have enough androgenicity to prevent your penis from going limp.
Another option is to supplement with Dostinex (cabergoline) during each Deca cycle, which will inhibit prolactin production, maintaining a normal libido.
Deca can cause gynecomastia in men, despite not being estrogenic. It does this by raising progesterone, which has similar effects in regards to the mammary glands — causing swollen nipples and enlarged breast tissue. Users shouldn’t run a SERM (such as Nolvadex) when taking Deca as they have the potential to exacerbate progesterone levels and increase the chance of gynecomastia forming. Instead, an anti-estrogen has proven to be effective, although at the cost of raising blood pressure further.
Testosterone production will also take a hit post-cycle on Deca (as with other bulking steroids).
Deca Stacks
Deca durabolin/Dianabol
Deca durabolin/Testosterone
Deca durabolin/Anadrol
Summary
What is the best bulking steroid?
This is subjective to the user and their goals. For example, if the goal is to gain as much mass as possible — Dianabol or Anadrol would be optimal compounds.
However, if a person wanted to perform a ‘lean bulk’, packing on muscle without gaining water or fat — trenbolone would be the best option.
Furthermore, if they wanted to use a bulking steroid, that was the safest in terms of side effects; testosterone comes out on top.
Mark Wahlberg Diet & Workout Program
Mark Wahlberg Transformation Diet and Workout Program
Mark Wahlberg is, hands down, one of the fittest Hollywood actors. He has been in shape from his days as a Calvin Klein underwear model. Unlike actors like Christian Bale, Chris Evans, and Matthew McConaughey, who usually put on muscle mass for a specific role and then go back to being their frail selves, Mark Wahlberg stays in shape throughout the year.
All right, all right, all right. Since we are talking about physique transformations, let’s touch upon the most talked-about Mark Wahlberg transformation. No, it is not Pain & Gain (we will get to it later). We are talking about Father Stu here.
Mark Wahlberg Father Stu Transformation
We are accustomed to seeing a jacked Wahlberg. So much so that his physique transformation for a movie is not considered news anymore.
But, this time around, Wahlberg managed to surprise his fans with his physique update. Mark’s first look from his upcoming movie Father Stu stunned his fans. He is playing a bipolar boxer-turned-priest in the movie. According to sources, Wahlberg put on 30 pounds of body weight in 20 days while preparing for the role. That is pretty remarkable if you ask us.
We are not sure if we should call it a transformation or a reverse transformation. Don’t worry, we will not ask you to put on 30 pounds of body weight in this article – unless you want to.
Related: Mark Wahlberg Appears Shredded Once Again After 14-Week Transformation
Mark Wahlberg Father Stu Diet Plan
But if you are one of the curious one’s and want to know what Mark Wahlberg ate to put on the monster weight, here is what his daily diet plan looked like:
3 a.m. – 4 eggs
6 a.m. – 8 eggs, 6 strips of bacon, 1 cup rice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and a protein shake.
9 a.m. – ground beef or ground turkey made into a hamburger patty or meatloaf, 1 cup rice.
Noon – 1/2 roasted chicken, 1 cup rice, 1 cup cooked spinach, and 1 cup cooked beets.
3 p.m. – 8 ounces veal or pork chop, 4 ounces salmon, 1 cup rice, olive oil, and beets.
6 p.m. – 8 ounces steak, 8 ounces white fish, 1 cup cooked vegetables.
9 p.m. – Custom mash (1 cup cooked steel-cut oatmeal, 2 tbsp applesauce, 2 tbsp jelly or jam, 2 tbsp almond butter, 1 tbsp molasses.)
Weight Gain ≠ Junk Food
We know what you are thinking.
How can someone eat so much?
We know, right?
We have a word of caution for readers who are looking to put on body weight. Please do not go about eating anything and everything you can get your hands on.
When Mark Wahlberg had to put on 30lbs for a movie, he did not go on an eating spree. Most people do not realize that Hollywood celebs do not load up on junk food while they are on a gaining program.
Although the Transformers star was eating 7-8 meals a day at about 7,000 calories, it was all coming through nutritious food. Transforming your physique becomes easier when you have an army of specialists taking care of you, and it was no different for Wahlberg.
Wahlberg’s team took it to the next level to ensure the actor’s health and safety during his gaining program. Lawrence Duran, Wahlberg’s personal chef, revealed to E! News that:
“We meet with a team of doctors who do his bloodwork and a nutritionist who gives us a full breakdown of what his body needs, what his body’s lacking, and basically come up with a meal plan accordingly. We go to a specialist every two weeks to see where we’re at and adjust things.”
Next Read: 7 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Use Cheat Meals
Mark Wahlberg Pain & Gain Diet Program
We know this is what you came for. Wahlberg sported insane physiques in “The Fighter“, “Lone Survivor“, and “Shooter,” but he outdid himself with his transformation in “Pain & Gain.”
When the first teasers of “Pain & Gain” were realized, Mark looked like he had almost doubled in size from his previous movie. It was a big achievement for the actor considering he only had seven weeks to achieve the feat.
Mark Wahlberg Stats
Name: Mark Robert Michael Wahlberg
Birth Place: Dorchester, Boston, Massachusetts
D.o.B.: 5 June 1971
Height: 5’8″
Waist: 34″
Chest: 46″
Bicep: 16″
Weight: 185 lbs
Mark Wahlberg Pain & Gain Diet Program
Mark’s goal was to gain 40 pounds of muscle in seven weeks. He weighed 165 pounds for his last movie but had to be 205 lbs before starting shooting for Pain & Gain. The news that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson would be his co-star would surely have made Mark push harder in the gym.
Related: The Rock Reveals His Leg Day Training Program for “Black Adam” Film
Mark Wahlberg worked with trainer Bryan Nguyen for his Pain & Gain transformation. He went back to his old-school workouts that included a lot of compound lifts. But this time around, he did less cardio and ate more.
(3:15 a.m.) Meal 1: Steel-cut oats, peanut butter, blueberries, and eggs.
(5:30 a.m.) Meal 2: Protein shake, three turkey burgers, five pieces of sweet potato.
(8 a.m.) Snack (Between meals): A plate of meatballs.
(10:30 a.m.) Meal 3: A mix of grilled chicken, kalamata olives, pepperoncini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and hard-boiled eggs.
(1 p.m.) Meal 4: Steak.
(3:30 PM) Meal 5: Chicken with bok choy.
(Before 5:30 p.m.) Meal 6 (Dinner): Fish with veggies.
Mark Wahlberg starts his day early. According to reports, he is out of his bed by 2:30 a.m. He gets done with his workout while most of the world is asleep.
The Transformers actor does not follow a vanilla diet program. His daily nutrition plan consists of three breakfasts and a snack at 8 a.m. Mark eats six small meals throughout the day that keeps his metabolism running and helps him burn calories even when he is not physically active.
In his Pain & Gain transformation diet program, Wahlberg does not consume carbs before bed. Protein is the primary source of calories in his diet plan.
Related: Best Ways To Kickstart Your Metabolism As A Bodybuilder
Mark Wahlberg Pain & Gain Training Program
Marky Mark followed a 5-day training split while prepping for Pain & Gain. Wahlberg’s workout program is a result of years of experience inside the iron paradise and a deep understanding of his body. He relied on supersets that did the job in the past.
Here is Mark Wahlberg’s Pain & Gain Workout Routine:
Monday: Chest, Arms, and Abs
i) AM Workout – Chest & Arms
1. Flat Bench Press: 4 sets 8-12 reps, No rest
2. Superset
Dumbbell Chest Fly: 4 sets 8-12 reps, No rest
Incline Bench Press: 4 sets 8-12 reps, 45-sec rest
3. Superset
Front Shoulder Raise: 4 sets 8-12 reps, No rest
Decline Bench Press: 4 sets 8-12 reps, 45-sec rest
4. Superset
Side Shoulder Raise: 4 sets 8-12 reps, No rest
Seated Military Press: 4 sets 8-12 reps, 45-sec rest
5. Superset
Standing Shoulder Press: 4 sets 8-12 reps, No rest
Parallel Bar Dips: 4 sets 8-12 reps, 45-sec rest
6. Superset
Cable Tricep Pressdown: 4 sets 8-12 reps, No rest
Barbell Lying Tricep Extension: 4 sets 8-12 reps, 45-sec rest
7. Overhead Cable Tricep Extension: 4 sets 8-12 reps, No rest
While prepping for Pain & Gain, Mark Wahlberg trained twice a day. Since he only had seven weeks to get in the best shape of his life, he knew 7 workouts of a muscle group were not going to cut it.
Mark trained each muscle group twice a week. Since he wanted burly arms for the movie, Wahlberg trained his arms almost every day.
ii) PM Workout – Stretching, Abs, and Cardio
1. Warmup: Stretching (Foam roller, bands, and Val slides)
2. Circuit – 3 rounds X 15 reps of each exercise
Curl-Up (McGill)
Bicycle crunch
Side crunch
Hip-up
Medicine ball twist
3. Cardio: Treadmill or Elliptical – 30 minutes
Related: Best Foam Rollers For Muscle Recovery & Back Pain (Updated 2021)
Tuesday: Legs, Back, and Biceps
i) AM Workout – Legs & Back
1. Front Squat: 4 sets 8-12 reps, No rest
2. Superset
Split Squat: 4 sets 8-12 reps, No rest
Leg Press: 4 sets 8-12 reps, 45-sec rest
3. Superset
Jump Squat: 4 sets 8-12 reps, No rest
Walking Lunge: 4 sets 8-12 reps, 45-sec rest
4. Superset
Standing Calf Raise: 4 sets 8-12 reps, No rest
Barbell Deadlift: 4 sets 8-12 reps, 45-sec rest
5. Superset
Alternating Leg Curl: 4 sets 8-12 reps, No rest
Pull-up: 4 sets 8-12 reps, 45-sec rest
6. Superset
Dumbbell Row: 4 sets 8-12 reps, No rest
Lat Pull-Down: 4 sets 8-12 reps, 45-sec rest
7. Seated Pulley Row: 4 sets 8-12 reps, 45-sec rest
While getting ready for the movie, Marky Mark trained at his swanky home gym. It saved him a lot of time he would have otherwise spent traveling to and from the iron paradise.
Related: Best Complete Home Gyms For Bodybuilding & Gains (Updated 2021)
ii) PM Workout – Biceps, Stretching, and Cardio
1. Warmup: Stretching (Foam roller, bands, and TRX)
2. Seated Bicep Curl: 3 sets 10, 8, 6 reps @ 20, 25, 30kgs
3. Barbell Bicep Curl: 3 sets 10, 8, 6 reps @ 20, 25, 30kgs
4. EZ Bar Curl: 3 sets 10, 8, 6 reps @ 20, 25, 30kgs
5. Preacher Curl: 3 sets 10, 8, 6 reps @ 20, 25, 30kgs
6. Machine Bicep Curl: 3 sets 10, 8, 6 reps @ 20, 25, 30kgs
7. Cardio: Treadmill or Elliptical – 30 minutes
Must Read: How To Use The TRX To Build A Bigger Chest
Wednesday: Rest Day
Thursday: Legs, Back, and Biceps
i) AM Workout – Full Body Circuits
4 rounds of each circuit
8 reps of each exercise
90-seconds after completing each round.
1. Circuit 1
Barbell Deadlift
Power Clean
Clean and Press
Hang Snatch
Push Press
2. Circuit 2
Split Squat
Barbell Bench Press
Barbell Deadlift
Inverted Row
3. Finishers
Cable Bicep Curl: 3 sets 8 reps, 60-second rest
Seated Chest Press: 3 sets 8 reps, 60-second rest
Leg Press: 3 sets 8 reps, 60-second rest
Tricep Pushdown: 3 sets 8 reps, 60-second rest
Seated Side Lateral Raise: 3 sets 8 reps, 60-second rest
Since Mark Wahlberg started his days early in the morning with a heavy workout, he often took a “growth nap” before doing his ab workout and light cardio in the afternoon.
ii) PM Workout – Stretching, Abs, and Cardio
1. Warmup: Stretching (Foam roller, bands, and Val slides)
2. Circuit – 3 rounds X 15 reps of each exercise
Curl-Up (McGill)
Bicycle crunch
Side crunch
Hip-up
Medicine ball twist
3. Cardio: Treadmill or Elliptical – 30 minutes
Friday: Chest, Arms, and Biceps
i)AM Workout – Chest & Arms
1. Flat Bench Press: 4 sets 8-12 reps, No rest
2. Superset
Dumbbell Chest Fly: 4 sets 8-12 reps, No rest
Incline Bench Press: 4 sets 8-12 reps, 45-sec rest
3. Superset
Front Shoulder Raise: 4 sets 8-12 reps, No rest
Decline Bench Press: 4 sets 8-12 reps, 45-sec rest
4. Superset
Side Shoulder Raise: 4 sets 8-12 reps, No rest
Seated Military Press: 4 sets 8-12 reps, 45-sec rest
5. Superset
Standing Shoulder Press: 4 sets 8-12 reps, No rest
Parallel Bar Dips: 4 sets 8-12 reps, 45-sec rest
6. Superset
Cable Tricep Pressdown: 4 sets 8-12 reps, No rest
Barbell Lying Tricep Extension: 4 sets 8-12 reps, 45-sec rest
7. Overhead Cable Tricep Extension: 4 sets 8-12 reps, No rest
While following Mark Wahlberg’s Pain & Gain transformation program, make sure that you are constantly pushing yourself. If 12 reps of an exercise feel easy, increase the weight and do not let your muscles get used to your workouts.
ii) PM Workout – Biceps, Stretching, and Cardio
1. Warmup: Stretching (Foam roller, bands, and TRX)
2. Seated Bicep Curl: 3 sets 10, 8, 6 reps @ 20, 25, 30kgs
3. Barbell Bicep Curl: 3 sets 10, 8, 6 reps @ 20, 25, 30kgs
4. EZ Bar Curl: 3 sets 10, 8, 6 reps @ 20, 25, 30kgs
5. Preacher Curl: 3 sets 10, 8, 6 reps @ 20, 25, 30kgs
6. Machine Bicep Curl: 3 sets 10, 8, 6 reps @ 20, 25, 30kgs
7. Cardio: Treadmill or Elliptical – 30 minutes
Saturday: Legs, Back, and Abs
i) AM Workout – Legs & Back
1. Front Squat: 4 sets 8-12 reps, No rest
2. Superset
Split Squat: 4 sets 8-12 reps, No rest
Leg Press: 4 sets 8-12 reps, 45-sec rest
3. Superset
Jump Squat: 4 sets 8-12 reps, No rest
Walking Lunge: 4 sets 8-12 reps, 45-sec rest
4. Superset
Standing Calf Raise: 4 sets 8-12 reps, No rest
Barbell Deadlift: 4 sets 8-12 reps, 45-sec rest
5. Superset
Alternating Leg Curl: 4 sets 8-12 reps, No rest
Pull-ups: 4 sets 8-12 reps, 45-sec rest
6. Superset
Dumbbell Row: 4 sets 8-12 reps, No rest
Lat Pull-Down: 4 sets 8-12 reps, 45-sec rest
7. Seated Pulley Row: 4 sets 8-12 reps, 45-sec rest
You will be lifting heavy and doing a lot of supersets on the Mark Wahlberg transformation plan. Mark followed a strict diet plan and relied on supplements to improve his muscle recovery and reduce the chances of injury.
Recommended Supplements:
Best Protein Powder For Bodybuilding Gains & Recovery 2021
Best Bodybuilding Multivitamins For Health & Wellness (Updated 2021)
The Top 5 Supplements Bodybuilders Should Be Taking
Best Pre-Workout Supplements For Muscle Building (Updated 2021)
ii) PM Workout – Stretching, Abs, and Cardio
1. Warmup: Stretching (Foam roller, bands, and Val slides)
2. Circuit – 3 rounds X 15 reps of each exercise
Curl-Up (McGill)
Bicycle crunch
Side crunch
Hip-up
Medicine ball twist
3. Cardio: Treadmill or Elliptical – 30 minutes
Sunday: Rest Day
Conclusion
Mark Wahlberg has been training since time immemorial. If you are a fitness rookie, start by performing only the AM workouts. You can switch to following the complete Pain & Gain workout regimen as you gain training experience.
Remember: Mark Wahlberg did not carve his Pain & Gain physique from scratch within seven weeks. He already had a solid foundation to build on. Patience, persistence, and lots of protein will be your best friends on the Mark Wahlberg Pain & Gain transformation program.
Which celebrity, according to you, has the best physique? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
5 Tips For A Weight Room Beginner
Tips for Gym Beginners
No one is a born bodybuilder, meaning you get better at it with time and reps. While bodybuilding might look easy, you will take some time to change your lifestyle and get the most out of your workouts.
If you’re new to the gym, you might find the weight room to be intimidating. We have put together this article so you can start out on the right foot and don’t have to take advice from gym bros.
Learn the Right Form
You won’t see optimal results if you don’t have the right form while working out. Before picking up the weights, learn the right way to perform the exercises. If you don’t have certified trainers to teach you the right form, you should take the help of the internet.
There are many credible videos on Youtube you can learn from. You can also start working out with someone who is on an advanced training level. By training with an advanced guy, you’ll have a steep learning curve.
Work on Your Mind-Muscle Connection
Lifting weights aren’t about going through the motions. You won’t get arms like Arnold by just curling some dumbbells. You have to put your mind into it. While performing bicep curls, Arnold thought of his biceps to be mountains.
With every rep, you should be thinking about making the peaks bigger. If establishing a mind-muscle connection is hard for you, start by looking at your working muscles in the mirror and squeeze and contract your muscles with every rep.
Bodybuilding isn’t about lifting heavy, it’s about making your muscles grow. The amount of weight you lift doesn’t matter. If your ego is tied up with the weights you can lift, powerlifting and weightlifting are better sports for you.
Get the Best of Both Worlds
Many gym beginners enter the gym and go straight to the machines. While working out with machines is easy, you can’t rely on them completely. Machines are isolation exercises and are great for bringing definition to your muscles.
If your goal is to build muscle mass, you should have compound movements like squats, deadlifts, bench press and barbell curls in your training program along with isolation exercises like the leg extensions, pulley rows, machine chest press, and cable bicep curls.
Change Your Lifestyle
Your fitness journey doesn’t start when you enter the gym and end when you leave. You might have to make small changes everywhere. Start by getting your diet right and drink at least four liters of water every day.
Sleep is a major part of transforming your physique. You need at least 6-8 hours of sleep every night. No matter how hard you workout in the gym, you won’t see the results until you are giving your body enough time to rest and recuperate.
Go Slow
You won’t see changes in your physique in a day – or week. Crafting your body will test you physiologically and psychologically. Some beginners make the mistake of doing too much in the gym in hope of making quick gains.
You need to put in the work every day and be patient to see the results. Increase the volume and intensity of your workouts gradually and don’t try to do too many things too fast. And remember, fitness is a journey, enjoy it without worrying too much about the destination.
How long have you been working out for? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
How To Get Ready For A Workout – Mentally
This Is How You Can Get In The Zone Before A Workout
Working out is as much a psychological game as it’s physiological. If you step inside the gym while you’re on the phone or hit a workout right after an exhaustive day at work, you’re jeopardizing your gains.
Most people never see the desired results in the gym because their mind-muscle connection isn’t optimal. Arnold popularized the concept of using the mind as a tool in carving your dream physique. In this article, we’ll tell you exactly how to do it.
Follow A Routine
Following a routine starts at going to the gym at the same time every day. You should follow a daily routine to enter the ‘zone’ before you start training. Doing the same things every day can turn into a shortcut to priming you mentally for your workout.
Your routine can go as far as doing the same warm-up stretching routine before you get into the workout. It’s better to delay starting your resistance training than to get into the workout without being mentally ready.
Blast Some Music
Good, loud, energetic, motivating music can solve so many of your problems. If you’re having a bad day and don’t feel like hitting the gym, put on a playlist that’ll make you want to kick some butt.
If you’re subscribed to a music service like Spotify, they have many high BPM playlists which will pump you up for your training. Many athletes have also made training playlists on the platform for their fans to follow.
Watch Motivational Videos
If you are someone who needs more stimulus than just audio, watching motivational videos on YouTube should do the trick for you. Many YouTube channels regularly post new motivational videos to pump you up for your workouts.
Watching videos can be a little more helpful as you can see your favorite athletes doing their favorite exercises and sharing their thoughts on training and life. Podcasts are another way of getting in the groove.
Visualize
Visualization is one of the most under-rated aspects of bodybuilding. Before you get into a workout, you should close your eyes and visualize how you want your muscles to look. Then during your workout, flex in the mirror and visualize your dream physique.
Visualization doesn’t stop at having a picture of your dream physique in your head. You need to put the visualization into action by building a mind-muscle connection during your working sets and contracting the muscles with every repetition.
Use Supplements
With the growing research and development in the health and fitness industry, many supplements have come out in the market which can help boost your mental capabilities for some time.
Pre-workout supplements are a hit with bodybuilders as they help them in delaying fatigue, getting a tunnel vision, better focus, and muscle pumps. You need to figure out what works for you and then double down on it.
What is your pre-workout ritual? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Header image courtesy of Envato Elements
Orals VS Injectable Steroids: Pros and Cons
Disclaimer: The following article is for educational purposes only and NOT to promote the use of illegal steroids. If you have any questions or concerns, Dr. Touliatos is currently available for consultations.
Every steroid user at some point has asked themselves the same question — “Do I use orals or injectable steroids?”.
Many beginners are put off by injectable steroids; due to a fear of needles, injecting incorrectly or just being a pain in the butt (excuse the pun).
Are injectable steroids really safer for users?
Are orals really as bad as their reputation suggests?
In this article, we analyse the pros and cons of orals vs injectable steroids, so you know what to expect and which method of administration is optimal for you.
Oral Steroids
Examples:
Oral Steroids Pros
Convenient
Oral steroids (pills) are very convenient to take. Just swallow a tablet with water and you’re good to go. You also don’t have to worry about the liver breaking down the substance and making it ineffective, as the most popular orals are c17-alpha alkylated; meaning a large percentage of the compound will survive liver metabolism.
Fast Results
Oral steroids on average have shorter half-lives compared to injectables, thus they will kick in faster, giving you results in a matter of days. For example, with Testosterone Undecanoate, serum testosterone levels peak in the bloodstream 5 hours after administration. Consequently, orals require more frequent doses, to keep high levels of sustained exogenous testosterone in the body.
Shorter Detection Time
Oral steroids’ detection time is typically less than injectables, thus if you are trying to avoid getting flagged for a drug test and want all compounds to leave your system as soon as possible — orals are more suitable.
Below is a table comparing the detection time of orals vs injectable steroids.
Top 5 Dianabol Stacks for Bigger Gains
Disclaimer: The following article is for educational purposes only and NOT to promote the use of illegal steroids. If you have any questions or concerns, Dr. Touliatos is currently available for consultations.
Dianabol (Methandrostenolone) is the most popular oral steroid on the market. A Dianabol-only cycle is powerful enough to add up to 30lbs in novice users.
However, after a few of these cycles, users will begin to plateau.
Then what?
If you want to continue getting stronger and build more mass — a Dianabol stack is the next step.
This means combining Dianabol with another steroid to enhance results. Considering Dianabol is a bulking steroid, it is typically stacked with other bulking compounds — such as Anadrol, Testosterone, Deca Durabolin and more.
We’ll cover the most popular Dianabol stacks that bodybuilders have utilized from the golden era until today. We’ll also list cycle information so you know how much to take and for how long.
Legal Dianabol Alternative
D-Bal is our #1 rated legal Dianabol product. It replicates the muscle-building and strength-enhancing effects of Dianabol, but without the unwanted side effects.
It is FDA-approved and can be purchased online without a prescription.
D-Bal is best suited for men wanting to build significant amounts of muscle; without shutting down their testosterone, straining their liver or elevating blood pressure levels.
Top 5 Dianabol Stacks
Dianabol and Deca Durabolin
Note: The above cycle is mildly dosed — more experienced steroid-users may wish to increase the Dianabol dose to 20mg/day and Deca to 500mg/week.
Dianabol and Deca Durabolin is a popular bulking stack, with many bodybuilders from Arnold Schwarzenegger’s era utilizing this stack in the off-season to pack on as much mass as possible.
Dianabol is an oral steroid and Deca Durabolin is an injectable. Thus, the addition of Deca Durabolin doesn’t add any extra liver strain; which is important as Dianabol is particularly hepatotoxic.
This stack should only be users who have previously taken Dianabol and tolerated it well. Deca will take size and strength gains to a new level, whilst further suppressing testosterone levels and contributing to additional water retention.
This stack is good, as far as steroids go, for minimizing hair loss during a cycle. This is because neither compound is particularly androgenic, thus DHT levels will not shoot through the roof.
Side Effects
Impotence
Liver strain
Low testosterone
Water retention
Gynecomastia
Supplements
Those taking this stack will want to take the following supplements to minimize side effects:
Fish oil – 4g/day
TUDCA – 500mg/day
Letrozole (optional) – 1.25mg every other day
Dostinex — 0.5-1mg per week
These are to be taken for the whole duration of the cycle.
Fish oil will help to regulate blood pressure levels, which will inevitably spike from this stack (Dbol being the main culprit). This cardiovascular strain can be attributed to Dianabol being a toxic oral steroid. Many oral steroids stimulate hepatic lipase when passing through the liver. The bad news is — this enzyme significantly decreases HDL levels (the good type of cholesterol).
Water retention from Dianabol may also negatively affect blood pressure, with the heart having to work harder than usual to pump blood throughout the body. This is due to additional blood viscosity — the byproduct of more H20 in the bloodstream.
TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic acid) is naturally found in the bile and plays a role in repairing the liver from excessive strain. Supplement form gives steroid-users higher quantities of this natural, liver-protecting substance.
Dianabol is one of the worst steroids for the liver being c17 alpha-alkylated, thus TUDCA supplementation is essential.
There is a risk of gyno from taking Dianabol and Deca Durabolin. Dbol can cause breasts to form in males, due to it having a high-aromatizing nature. This means that much of the exogenous testosterone will convert into the female hormone estrogen.
The most effective way to combat this and prevent gyno is to take an anti-estrogen or a SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulator). SERMs are generally more preferable as they don’t worsen cholesterol levels and thus won’t further elevate blood pressure. However, SERMS such as Nolvadex or Clomid can worsen progesterone-related side effects. Deca Durabolin has the ability to cause gyno due to a rise in progesterone (which can act similarly to estrogen).
Therefore, users should monitor their nipples when taking this stack and if they start to become swollen or breast tissue begins to enlarge — then is the perfect time to take an anti-estrogen (to prevent further problems). Letrozole is an effective anti-estrogen that will reduce the conversion of testosterone into estrogen.
A SERM shouldn’t be used, to reduce the chances of it provoking progesterone-induced gyno (from Deca Durabolin).
Deca Durabolin can cause impotence during a cycle, which can negatively affect users sexually. This is due to it significantly increasing prolactin levels. To combat this and keep your sex drive and performance high; users can supplement with Dostinex (Cabergoline); which inhibits prolactin production.
Dianabol and Testosterone
Dianabol and Testosterone were once archenemies in the 1950s when Dr. John Ziegler had the task of creating a steroid more powerful than testosterone — to help the US Olympic team defeat the Soviets.
Dr. Ziegler consequently created Methandrostenolone (Dianabol), which was superior to testosterone in its anabolic rating, whilst androgenic side effects were milder than Testosterone.
Thus, Dianabol and Testosterone work similarly; however. Dianabol has the edge in regards to muscle-building; whilst testosterone has the edge in regards to fat loss (due to a higher level of androgenicity).
The biggest difference between the two is that Dianabol is an oral steroid, whereas testosterone is an injectable. This makes for a complementary duo because users are essentially stacking another form of exogenous testosterone, without additional liver toxicity.
This is considered to be one of the best stacks available for gaining raw muscle mass and strength.
Any ester of Testosterone may be used for this stack; however, the most popular forms are Enanthate and Cypionate.
Side Effects
In terms of side effects, testosterone suppression will be more dramatic post-cycle, thus requiring a powerful PCT to prevent long-term low testosterone levels.
Cholesterol levels will rise higher than taking Dianabol alone; however. the good news is Testosterone is arguably the most cardiovascular-friendly steroid. Thus, cholesterol levels won’t rise exponentially higher than taking Dianabol by itself.
The risk of developing gynecomastia increases significantly with this stack, due to both steroids being estrogenic in nature. Thus, an effective SERM (such as Nolvadex) is essential from the start of a cycle.
Some androgenic side effects are also likely, with users experiencing oily skin/acne, hair loss and more difficulty when urinating.
Supplements
Fish oil – 4g/day
TUDCA – 500mg/day
Nolvadex – 30mg/day
These are to be taken for the whole duration of the cycle.
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Dianabol and Trenbolone
Note: This stack should only be utilized by advanced steroid users — due to high toxicity. Thus, these dosages are considered moderate to high; tailored for an experienced user.
Dianabol and Trenbolone should be viewed as a more powerful and harsher stack than Dianabol/Testosterone.
Trenbolone, like Testosterone, is also an injectable steroid. Trenbolone works very differently from Dianabol, as it doesn’t aromatize and cause water retention. Therefore, weight gain is typically less; however, its ability to add quality lean muscle rivals even Dianabol.
Trenbolone is extremely androgenic with a rating of 500, roughly 10x that of Dianabol. Therefore, trenbolone can cause notable fat loss with AR (androgen receptors) having the ability to stimulate lipolysis; as well as building large amounts of lean muscle.
Some people may ask: why combine Trenbolone with Dianabol? (If tren is a dry steroid and Dbol a wet steroid).
This stack, therefore, is optimal in the off-season when trying to gain as much lean mass as possible. However, using this stack in the summer may be counterproductive, as Dianabol will smooth out the drying effects of Trenbolone (temporarily reducing muscle definition).
Regardless of the timing of this stack, users will gain a ton of muscle.
Side Effects
Liver toxicity will be significant just from Dianabol — Trenbolone will not add any further hepatic strain.
Gynecomastia is a strong possibility with this stack, with Dianabol increasing estrogen and Trenbolone increasing progesterone. Progesterone-induced gyno is more likely to occur when combined with an aromatizing steroid, such as Dianabol. The best option to prevent gyno with this stack would be to take an anti-estrogen; however, doing so will exacerbate blood pressure levels (and thus is not recommended). If you are worried about gyno, this isn’t the stack for you.
Hair loss, oily skin and acne are all probable with this stack, due to tren’s high androgenicity. These are generally temporary side effects, with acne clearing up post-cycle and hair follicles becoming thicker again. However, long-term use of androgenic steroids may cause more permanent side effects.
Testosterone suppression is going to be severe with this cycle, with users’ natural testosterone levels likely to take several weeks/months to recover (even with an effective PCT).
Supplements
Fish oil – 4g/day
TUDCA – 500mg/day
Letrozole (optional — if blood pressure is within normal levels) – 1.25mg every other day
These are to be taken for the whole duration of the cycle.
Dianabol and Anadrol
The above cycle is heavily dosed, assuming only seasoned steroid users will take this stack (they are better equipped at handling higher doses). This should not be taken by beginners — intermediates may take lower doses than the above cycle (Dianabol: 20mg and Anadrol: 50mg).
A Dianabol/Anadrol is considered to be the best stack for gaining pure size and mass.
If there’s a stack more toxic than the Dianabol/Trenbolone — this is it.
Dianabol and Anadrol are very similar compounds; both being orals, highly estrogenic and powerful for building muscle and strength.
Both are also considered to be ‘wet‘ bulking steroids, causing notable fluid retention.
However, their chemical structure is somewhat different — with Dianabol being a derivative of testosterone and Anadrol being a derivative of dihydrotestosterone.
Dianabol also converts to estrogen via aromatase, whereas Anadrol does not aromatize — yet is highly estrogenic (stimulating the female hormone receptors directly).
Side Effects
Liver toxicity is a serious issue with this cycle, both being orals causing significant hepatic strain. This stack should not be utilized by anyone with a less than perfect liver.
Cycles should also be kept relatively short to minimize damage to this organ. Liver damage is not typically irreversible post-cycle; IF the person doesn’t take any other hepatotoxic medications, refrains from drinking alcohol and supplements with milk thistle.
The liver is also an extremely tough organ, that can take years of damage before failing. Time off in-between cycles is usually sufficient for the liver to recover and for raised enzymes to drop back to normal levels.
However, everyone reacts to steroids differently and this stack is certainly going to test the liver.
This is not just the worst stack for your liver — but also your heart.
LDL/HDL cholesterol levels will shift tremendously, causing very high spikes in blood pressure. Fish oil and regular cardio is a must to prevent BP levels from reaching dangerous heights. All users should get regular blood work done when taking this stack, and have good cardiovascular health at the beginning of this cycle.
Dianabol and Anadrol are two of the most estrogenic steroids around. An anti-aromatase inhibitor is certainly not recommended, due to it raising blood pressure further; and having no effect in preventing gyno from Anadrol (with it not aromatizing). Thus, taking a SERM, such as Nolvadex, at a high dose will greatly reduce the chances of breast tissue forming in males.
Being a DHT derivative, Anadrol is very androgenic; thus hair loss is likely with some acne in prone individuals.
Natural testosterone production will be shut down post-cycle via the testes, thus an aggressive PCT will help to minimize the inevitable crash post-cycle.
Supplements
Fish oil – 4g/day
TUDCA – 500mg/day
Nolvadex – 30mg/day
These are to be taken for the whole duration of the cycle.
Dianabol and Anavar
This is a peculiar stack, considering Anavar is a cutting steroid and Dianabol a bulking steroid.
However, surprisingly many people want to know about this duo — so your wish is our command.
Anavar is used to burn fat, gain small to moderate amounts of muscle and boost strength.
A person may stack Dianabol and Anavar together if they want to only take orals.
Generally, if you combine orals together you’ll experience harsh side effects. However, in this case, it’s a relatively safe combination (as far as steroids go), due to Anavar being very mild. Thus, liver strain and blood pressure levels won’t be a lot worse, compared to taking Dianabol alone. Some people even take Anavar and notice zero side effects, which is why it’s so popular among both sexes.
Stacking Dbol with Anavar will increase lean muscle mass, whilst stripping some fat. Thus, this could be used as a cycle to gain lean muscle mass. This could therefore be classed as a bulking cycle.
However, if users are cutting and are worried about losing muscle, stacking Dianabol with Anavar will greatly reduce the chances of the body becoming catabolic; as opposed to taking Anavar alone. Thus, some bodybuilders may be willing to gain some water, in return for not losing their muscle. Seems like a fair trade.
As we already know, Dianabol causes notable water retention; however, Anavar causes the opposite effect — expelling extracellular fluid out of the body. Thus, the addition of Anavar may reduce bloating and water retention on Dianabol. However, muscle fullness is likely to increase further because Anavar not only has diuretic properties but also shifts water inside the muscle cells, causing a constant full/pumped appearance.
Note: with this stack, you may want to take adequate rest in-between sets, because pumps on Anavar alone can be intense.
Side Effects
Although Anavar is one of the safest steroids, it’s not free from adverse effects.
Testosterone suppression will be heightened as opposed to taking Dianabol alone. Users may also experience more hair thinning on their scalp, as well as some extra liver strain.
Anavar is also very expensive, so if you’re looking for a cheap Dianabol stack — this may not be for you.
Supplements
Fish oil – 4g/day
TUDCA – 500mg/day
Nolvadex – 30mg/day
FAQ
What Should I Use For a PCT?
A PCT is recommended for all the above stacks, to regulate hormone production (particularly testosterone).
The main three options for a PCT are:
HCG – 2000 IU administered every other day for 20 days
Tamoxifen (nolvadex) – 2 x 20mg for 45 days
Clomiphene (clomid) – 2 x 50mg for 30 days
If you have taken Nolvadex during a cycle, it would be more optimal to use Clomid and HCG for the PCT.
As testosterone suppression is likely to be significant in many of the above stacks, we recommend combining all of the PCT medications together simultaneously (or at a minimum running HCG and Clomid together). This will be more effective than merely using one of these medications.
Bodybuilders often buy the above PCT drugs from the black market, instead of having them prescribed by a doctor. This way they can take them wherever they want in the right dosages, rather than being limited by prescription dates/doctor’s command.
Will These Dianabol Stacks Result in Permanent Gains?
In terms of weight gain, users will lose some water post-cycle and thus the number on the scale may go down. This is especially true when Dianabol is stacked with other ‘wet’ compounds, such as Anadrol or Testosterone.
However, in regards to lean muscle gains; if the person continues to train hard after their cycle and they run a sufficient PCT (as outlined above) — they should be able to retain virtually all of their gains.
Summary
The 2 best Dianabol stacks are:
Dianabol/Deca Durabolin
Dianabol/Testosterone
This is because Deca Durabolin and Testosterone complement Dianabol’s powerful mass-building effects in the off-season, without causing overly harsh side effects.
Despite the amazing gains that Anadrol and Trenbolone produce, they will cause (potentially) dangerous side effects — at least concerning the heart and liver.
Anavar and Dianabol simply do not complement each other; however, they may be an effective combination for a specific person in the correct situation (if someone is anxious about losing muscle/strength when cutting).
