Steroids

How To Bulk Up Without Getting Fat – The Essentials

Published

5 years ago

January 10, 2020

Paul

Introduction

It's winter, which means bulk-up time! This article will give you some advice on how to do it properly this year, getting the muscle mass up without turning into a walking bucket of grease. Read on to find out how to bulk up without getting fat.

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First Things First: Some Fat Isn't Avoidable

Guys, bulking up targets muscle gain, but gaining some fat is inevitable. Why? Because that is how nature works, when you are up to your caloric intake, your body's ancient mechanism starts deciding what to do with it. Yes, you will train hard, and most of that new weight will be muscle (and water), but some will end up stored as fat.

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The same goes for cutting—you can't just choose to burn fat; you will also lose some muscle mass. There's a catch, however—steroids. If you are juiced up, you will only get the good part of both bulking/cutting, but even then, it is possible to get fat or burn muscle if you are not doing it right.

So what's the point of this article? The point is not to get fat. There is a big difference between getting some fat and turning it into a mush that almost looks like he never trained before. It makes a big difference for someone who wants to know how to bulk up.

Must Read: Bulking Up? Why Do you Need a Trainer at the Beginning?

This article will go through some tips to help you manage your nutrition, leading to a "clean" bulk (we will get to that later too). It is not only necessary because it is healthier. As we know you only worry about gains. It is crucial as it will make the cutting process much easier because that is where things fail—you bulk up too much and just become fat. That is what we want to avoid. Let's go!

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Tip #1: Give It Enough Time

Making a bulking plan is the same as making any other plan in your life. If you can't become fluent in a foreign language in two months, it is impossible to gain 20 pounds and then shred them down in two months.

If you are natural, your best approach is to use the whole winter to bulk up and the entire spring to cut and get lean for the beach season. Of course, this is irrelevant if you are not getting ready for the summer; the time needed is the point. That will give you enough time to do things properly, minimizing fat gained. Your goal is to gain 0.5/1 lbs per week, not more! So, if you are bulking for two months, that will be 4-8 lbs of total body weight. Remember that this is fat, muscle, water, and everything else that follows.

If you are short on time, clean bulk is your only option, as you don't want to risk staying fat; therefore, if you don't have time to go through an actual bulk followed with a cut, increase your protein intake and closely monitor your physique and waist circumference.

Tip #2: Up Your Protein

It should be clear that if you are looking to bulk (gain weight), you will need to enter a caloric surplus, which means you will need to consume more than you spend. Without this, adding muscle mass fast won't happen unless you are a beginner. But, if you want to do bulk the right way, your primary focus should be to increase your protein intake. Proteins are the central building block of muscle, and since your goal is to increase muscle mass by taking more calories, proteins are your ally.

So, include a protein-rich meal in your diet. It can be eating a big can of tuna, chicken breast, and a salad for dinner or drinking a protein shake in the morning and before workouts. You can also start eating more dairy products, such as cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. And, of course, eggs are your friend and an inexpensive protein source. If you are a beginner and underweight, this alone will help you gain muscle, especially if you haven't supplemented with protein.

Tip #2: Watch The Junk

While beginners can benefit only by adding a protein-rich meal daily, more advanced lifters and bigger guys will need a more radical approach.

Eating more fatty foods is the easiest way to increase your caloric intake. Fats have nine calories in a single gram, while proteins and carbs have four calories, making them much more "efficient." So yes, adding more fatty foods to your diet will result faster if you look at the calculation. Just be careful not to overdo it as it can make you fat quickly. Not only will you increase your total caloric intake, but by adding only fat to your diet, you will reduce your relative protein intake, which isn't great.

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As for the carbs, you need those too, as they fuel your hard workouts (we will get to that later). But, opt for high-quality carbs, such as brown rice, sweet potatoes, and green veggies. You can also eat fruit. Try up your carbs before your workouts to maximize your effort, but reduce the intake after training, especially if you do it in the evening.

When reading this, you must think that junk food is an ideal bulking partner: it contains many calories, mostly from fat and carbs. However, not only is it unhealthy, but the combination of these high fats and high carb, ultra-processed foods will make you gain weight too rapidly, most stored as fat. Therefore, try to minimize the amount of food you eat, as you will have difficulty shedding that fat down.

Tip #3: Train Hard!

If you are upping your calories, more energy will be available to you, which means you must train harder. That can mean many things: upping the intensity, frequency, or volume, and in some cases, even a mix. The important thing is: that you are eating more, which means you need to do more.

There is a wrong kind of "more," which only focuses on strength. While yes, you will get stronger as your weight increases, as you'll have more leverage, that is not the goal here. The goal is to gain muscle mass, so avoid training in the lower rep ranges. Keep your sets in the "bodybuilding zone," which is 8-12 reps for most movements. But, as we said before, up the intensity too, by adding more weight to the bar and getting (close) to failure.

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Also, the focus of the majority of your workouts should be on compound movements. You have more energy, so there is no reason why you shouldn't go hard on those significant lifts. Lowering the rep range to go extra heavy would be best, but don't go below five. And make sure you follow up the compounds with some isolations, as they are less taxing on the body.

Tip #4: Prioritize Recovery

While it is true that your recovery will be much better when you are in a caloric surplus, as there is enough in the bloodstream to mend those muscles, you should still make sure you are getting adequate rest. That's because you will train harder, increasing your primarily catabolic stress hormones.

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So, prioritize rest. Make sure you sleep at least 7-8 hours per night. But, also make sure you are not overtraining. Train hard, but have a reasonable plan, and leave at least one, ideally two days off every week. And plan reduction weeks, where you will let your body recover and catch up. You can do these once every four weeks or eight weeks, depending on your exercise intensity and the length of your bulking cycle.

Tip #5: Track Progress

This one is essential, as it separates you from getting obese. It would help if you tracked your progress regularly to have the right picture of it and adjust accordingly. First, take a picture of your physique before starting, and continue taking pictures monthly. Make sure you take side pictures as well, which will get you a better view of the size of your gut.

Also, once per week, on an empty stomach, measure your weight and weight circumference in the morning. The goal is to weigh more without getting fatter, and your waist will be a good indicator of this. But, it would help if you also took measurements of your other body parts, such as quads, chest, biceps, and back. That will tell you if your muscles are growing and will serve as a tremendous motivator to continue doing things the right way. However, this is a slow process; once per month is more than enough.

Tip #6: Don't Forget Cardio

While this sounds counterintuitive, as Cardio is a tool used for cutting, doing Cardio will also help your clean bulk efforts. Cardio is essential for health, and avoiding it will hinder your longevity. So, 2x per week, on those days you are not going heavy, do a 30-minute cardio session. It can include rowing, swimming, jogging, or riding a (stationary) bike. Make sure you opt for low-intensity rather than HIIT, as you will already go heavy on your weights workouts.

Must Read:: Best Cardio And Weight Exercises To Lose Weight

Cardio will also help your recovery, as it will get the blood flowing through those damaged muscles, helping them heal.

Tip #7: Consider supplements

As we noted, this article is primarily for natural lifters. If you are on steroids, you will probably be able to bulk even if you are not that careful. But, natural lifters will have to do things the hard way and get fewer results.

Therefore, supplementing is critical. First, if you are not using it, creatine alone will make you bulk up very fast. It will tie water to your muscles, increasing your weight and size. Also, it will give you more energy, allowing you to lift harder, resulting in more muscle gains in the long run.

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We mentioned protein before, and supplementing with quality when protein powder is always a good option during your bulking phase. If you don't tolerate it or are a vegan, opt for something plant-based, such as brown rice or pea protein. As for the other supplements, you can try weight gainers if you struggle to eat regularly. Or, you can use caffeine-based pre-workouts to give you a boost, which will allow you to train harder.

But remember that supplements are the only ones that should improve your nutrition, not replace it. In other words, focus on natural foods.

Conclusion

That was our take on bulking. Following our tips will likely gain quality weight in your bulking phase, drastically minimizing the need to cut down before summer. Doing things slowly while tracking your progress, training hard, and focusing on quality foods is always the best approach that will lead to long-term results. Remember, if you only aim for the summer season, you will need to start again once you get back from the holidays. It is much better to embrace a fitness lifestyle and stay fantastic all year round.

Stay strong!

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Steroids

Decoding IGF-1 LR3: A Guide to its Benefits

Published

3 days ago

April 25, 2025

Sane

IGF-1 LR3 (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Long Arg3) is a synthetic variant of IGF-1, a hormone produced by the liver in response to growth hormone (GH). Unlike GH, which works indirectly, IGF-1 directly facilitates the growth and repair of muscle cells.

Related Article: Ostarine for Beginners; The Ultimate Guide

This modified version of IGF-1 is engineered to avoid binding with IGF-binding proteins, extending its half-life to 20–30 hours. As a result, it remains active in the body significantly longer than natural IGF-1.

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Many performance athletes incorporate IGF-1 LR3 post-workout to enhance muscle growth, speed up recovery, and support fat loss. When injected into specific muscle groups, it often produces localized effects. Additionally, it helps with nutrient distribution and, in some cases, improves insulin sensitivity.

On the other hand, human growth hormone (HGH) operates more broadly and indirectly, stimulating the liver to produce IGF-1 and offering more systemic benefits such as improved skin health, joint support, and fat reduction, albeit at a slower pace.

Typical IGF-1 LR3 doses range from 20–50 mcg daily, administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly, often following a workout.

Key Features of IGF-1 LR3

Enhanced Bioavailability: It avoids binding with IGF-binding proteins, increasing its potency.

Muscle Growth & Repair: Directly stimulates muscle cell proliferation and differentiation.

Improved Nutrient Distribution: Helps shuttle nutrients into muscle cells, supporting recovery.

Potential Fat Loss Benefits: Some users report improved insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism.

Mechanism of Action

IGF-1 LR3 interacts with IGF-1 receptors on muscle cells, activating pathways like PI3K-AKT and MAPK, which are crucial for cell growth and regeneration. This makes it a powerful tool for bodybuilders and athletes looking to optimize recovery and muscle development.

What Are the Top 10 Alternatives to IGF-1 LR3?

Here are some of the top alternatives to IGF-1 LR3, each with unique benefits for muscle growth, recovery, and performance:

BPC-157 – Known for its regenerative properties, it enhances healing and tissue repair.

CJC-1295 – A growth hormone-releasing peptide that boosts GH levels for muscle development.

Ipamorelin – Stimulates GH release with minimal side effects, making it a safer option.

MK-677 (Ibutamoren) – A potent GH secretagogue that promotes muscle growth and fat loss.

Sermorelin – Encourages natural GH production, supporting recovery and lean muscle gains.

Tesamorelin – Primarily used for fat loss, but also aids in muscle preservation.

Follistatin-344 – Inhibits myostatin, allowing for increased muscle hypertrophy.

PEG-MGF (Pegylated Mechano Growth Factor) – Enhances muscle repair and growth post-exercise.

GHRP-6 – Stimulates appetite and GH release, supporting muscle mass gains.

GHRP-2 – Similar to GHRP-6 but with fewer hunger-related side effects.

Each of these peptides has distinct mechanisms and benefits.

Must Read: Are Nootropics a Better Option to AAS?

Potential Risks Associated With IGF-1 LR3

IGF-1 LR3 comes with several potential risks, especially for bodybuilders using it to enhance muscle growth. Here are some key concerns:

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) – IGF-1 LR3 increases glucose uptake in muscle cells, which can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels if not managed properly.

Organ Growth – Since IGF-1 affects all tissues, excessive use may lead to unwanted growth in organs, increasing health risks.

Cancer Risk – IGF-1 plays a role in cell proliferation, and elevated levels have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers.

Water Retention & Edema – Some users experience bloating and fluid retention, which can affect performance and aesthetics.

Joint Pain & Stiffness – Excessive IGF-1 levels may contribute to joint discomfort due to increased tissue growth.

Cardiovascular Issues – There is some concern that IGF-1 LR3 could contribute to heart enlargement or other cardiovascular complications.

Desensitization – Long-term use may reduce the body's natural IGF-1 production, leading to dependency

Overall

IGF-1 LR3's ability to bypass IGF-binding proteins makes it more potent but also increases the likelihood of desensitization with prolonged use. For those considering it, careful dosing and monitoring are crucial to mitigate side effects.

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Steroids

AOD-9604: The Fat-Burning Peptide Explained

Published

3 weeks ago

April 9, 2025

Sane

AOD-9604, along with the similar HGH Frag 176-191, is a peptide derived from Growth Hormone that includes only the amino acids in HGH responsible for stimulating fat breakdown, known as lipolysis.

This means that these peptides offer the fat-burning benefits of HGH without its other effects—whether beneficial or adverse—and come at a lower cost.

Related Article: Anavar Cycle for Men and Women

Lipolysis refers to the process where fat cells are broken down to be utilized as energy. AOD-9604 promotes accelerated fat loss by increasing the body's use of fat as fuel.

For optimal results, the peptides should be used in a fasted state. AOD-9604 and Frag 176-191 are most effective when administered at a dose of 125-250mcg before bedtime (at least 3-4 hours after eating) and in the morning at the same dose, followed by a fasting period of 3-4 hours, ideally combined with fasted cardio.

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Similar Peptides with Fat-Burning Effect

Here’s a list of 10 peptides similar to AOD-9604, each with a brief description:

Ipamorelin: A growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP) that stimulates the natural release of growth hormone, promoting fat loss, muscle growth, and improved recovery without affecting other hormones like cortisol or prolactin.

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CJC-1295: A peptide that increases growth hormone and IGF-1 levels, aiding in fat loss, muscle gain, and improved sleep quality. It has a long half-life, making it convenient for users.

HGH Frag 176-191: A fragment of human growth hormone specifically designed for fat-burning. It targets adipose tissue without the broader effects of full-length HGH.

Tesamorelin: Known for reducing visceral fat, this peptide stimulates the release of growth hormone and is often used for weight management and metabolic health.

BPC-157: While primarily known for healing and recovery, BPC-157 can support fat loss indirectly by improving gut health and reducing inflammation.

Melanotan II: Originally developed for skin tanning, it also has appetite-suppressing properties, making it useful for weight management.

Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-500): Focused on healing and recovery, it can enhance physical performance and indirectly support fat loss through improved activity levels.

GHRP-6: A growth hormone-releasing peptide that boosts appetite and metabolism, aiding in muscle growth and fat loss.

Semaglutide: A GLP-1 receptor agonist that regulates appetite and blood sugar levels, making it effective for weight loss and metabolic health.

MK-677 (Ibutamoren): A growth hormone secretagogue that increases growth hormone and IGF-1 levels, promoting fat loss, muscle gain, and improved recovery.

List of Peptides With a Counteractive Effect Bodybuilders Must Avoid

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Some peptides can inadvertently lead to fat gain due to their effects on metabolism and appetite regulation. Here are a few that bodybuilders might want to avoid or use cautiously:

GHRP-6 – While it stimulates growth hormone release, it also significantly increases appetite, which can lead to excess calorie consumption and fat gain.
IGF-1 LR3 – This peptide enhances muscle growth but can also promote fat storage if not carefully managed with diet and training.
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) – Though technically a growth hormone secretagogue rather than a peptide, it boosts GH levels but often leads to increased hunger and potential fat accumulation.
CJC-1295 with DAC – While effective for muscle growth, its prolonged GH release can sometimes lead to unwanted fat retention if not paired with a strict diet

Overall

AOD-9604, derived from Growth Hormone, stimulates fat-burning by targeting lipolysis—the breakdown of fat for energy. It delivers these benefits without the additional effects of Growth Hormone, making it more cost-effective. For maximum effectiveness, it should be administered in a fasted state, ideally before bed and again in the morning at 125-250mcg doses. Pairing its use with fasting and fasted cardio can further enhance fat loss. Its sole focus is on improving the body’s ability to burn fat efficiently.

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Understanding Trenbolone-Induced Cough (“Tren Cough”)

Published

3 weeks ago

April 7, 2025

Sane

Trenbolone, a potent anabolic steroid, can sometimes cause “tren cough”—a sudden and intense coughing episode shortly after injection. Although not exclusive to Trenbolone, it is more commonly associated with this substance due to its highly irritant nature.

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Mechanisms Behind Tren Cough

Solvent and Carrier Irritation

Trenbolone formulations often include volatile solvents like benzyl alcohol or benzyl benzoate, which may irritate lung tissues when absorbed quickly into systemic circulation.

Prostaglandin Release

Trenbolone promotes increased production of prostaglandins, particularly PGF2α. This compound triggers contraction in the smooth muscles of the lungs, leading to bronchoconstriction and coughing.

Micro-Oil Embolism

Tiny oil droplets from an injection can reach capillaries and travel to the lungs, causing mild embolic reactions that lead to temporary oxygen deprivation and coughing.

Histamine and Mast Cell Activation

For some individuals, Trenbolone triggers histamine release and mast cell activation, mimicking an allergic response and causing bronchospasms and cough reflexes.

Related Article: Best Syringes for Steroid Injection on Amazon

Using Salbutamol (Albuterol) to Manage Tren Cough

Salbutamol, a widely-used β2-adrenergic receptor agonist, can alleviate tren cough symptoms by:
Relaxing bronchial muscles, easing spasms that cause coughing.
Inhibiting prostaglandin effects, reducing bronchoconstriction associated with PGF2α.
Opening airways, preventing severe respiratory restrictions in susceptible individuals.

Application Methods

Inhaler (Optimal)

Take 1–2 puffs of salbutamol (100–200 mcg) 5–10 minutes before a Trenbolone injection. If coughing occurs afterward, additional puffs can swiftly resolve the issue.

Oral Tablets (Moderate)

Consuming 2–4 mg tablets 30–60 minutes before injection offers slower, longer-lasting relief but may be less effective than inhalation methods.

Nebulizer (Severe Cases)

For individuals with frequent episodes, nebulized doses of 2.5 mg salbutamol can provide substantial relief.

Preventive Measures to Reduce Tren Cough Risk

Inject slowly to minimize systemic absorption and irritant effects.
Split doses to lower reaction severity with smaller quantities.
Opt for ventrogluteal injection sites, which have fewer blood vessels, reducing oil embolism risk.
Choose lower-concentration solutions to lessen irritation, as higher concentrations (e.g., Tren Ace 200 mg/ml) are more likely to provoke reactions.

What Other Steroids Can Induce Coughing?

Here's a curated list of peptides, SARMs, and PEDs that may potentially cause coughing or respiratory irritation in bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts:

Peptides

IGF-1 LR3 (Insulin-like Growth Factor): Known for its anabolic effects, IGF-1 LR3 can occasionally cause mild respiratory irritation due to systemic absorption.

TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4): While rare, improper injection techniques or high doses may lead to transient coughing episodes.

GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide): This peptide can stimulate histamine release, potentially leading to bronchospasms and coughing.

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SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators)

RAD-140: (Testolone) Some users report throat irritation or coughing, often attributed to solvents used in liquid formulations.

YK-11: Known for its myostatin-inhibiting properties, YK-11 may cause mild respiratory discomfort in sensitive individuals.

LGD-4033 (Ligandrol): Though uncommon, some users experience coughing due to carrier solvents or allergic-like reactions.

PEDs (Performance-Enhancing Drugs)

Boldenone Undecylenate (Equipoise): This injectable steroid can cause “Equipoise cough,” similar to tren cough, due to oil embolism or irritant solvents.

Testosterone Suspension: The water-based formulation may lead to coughing episodes if injected improperly or absorbed rapidly.

Nandrolone Decanoate (Deca-Durabolin): While less common, coughing can occur due to histamine release or systemic irritation.

More Tips to Minimize Coughing Risks

Use proper injection techniques to avoid embolic reactions.
Opt for lower-concentration solutions to reduce irritant effects.
Consider antihistamines or bronchodilators for individuals prone to respiratory sensitivity.

Are There Alternatives to Cough-inducing Steroids?

Here are some alternatives to cough-inducing steroids that can provide similar anabolic effects while minimizing respiratory irritation:

Peptides

IGF-1 LR3 (Insulin-like Growth Factor)

Promotes muscle growth and recovery without the irritant properties of certain steroids.

TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)

Enhances tissue repair and reduces inflammation, making it a safer option for recovery.

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound)

Known for its healing properties, it supports muscle repair and joint health.

SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators)

RAD-140 (Testolone)

Provides significant muscle-building effects with fewer systemic side effects compared to traditional steroids.

LGD-4033 (Ligandrol)

Boosts lean muscle mass and strength without the risk of respiratory irritation.

MK-677 (Ibutamoren)

Stimulates growth hormone release, aiding in muscle growth and recovery.

Natural Alternatives

Turkesterone

A plant-based ecdysteroid that supports muscle protein synthesis and recovery.

Ecdysterone

Another natural compound that mimics anabolic effects without the harsh side effects.

Creatine Monohydrate

Enhances strength and muscle mass through improved energy production during workouts.

Other Options

Human Growth Hormone (HGH)

Promotes muscle growth and fat loss, though it requires careful monitoring due to potential side effects.

Testosterone Boosters

Natural supplements like D-Aspartic Acid or Tribulus Terrestris can help optimize testosterone levels for muscle growth.

SARMs Alternatives

Legal and safer versions of SARMs are available, offering similar benefits without the risks associated with traditional SARMs.

Overall

We have explored the phenomenon of "tren cough," a sudden, intense coughing episode often caused by Trenbolone injections due to factors like solvent irritation, prostaglandin release, micro-oil embolism, or histamine activation. Preventive measures such as using salbutamol (via inhaler, oral tablets, or nebulizer), injecting slowly, splitting doses, and opting for lower-concentration solutions were highlighted.

Additionally, alternative compounds to tren cough-inducing steroids were discussed, including peptides like IGF-1 LR3 and TB-500, SARMs such as RAD-140 and LGD-4033, and natural options like Turkesterone, ecdysterone, and creatine. These alternatives provide anabolic effects while minimizing respiratory side effects. The conversation also underscored the importance of proper injection techniques and thoughtful compound selection to reduce risks.

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