should anavar even be a consideration

[msflexnc]

Just looking for some opinions here so any insite would be appreciated. I'm female 37 years old and have been into bodybuilding for about 4 years now. I have competed in a few shows, placed first in masters, local npc show, last november and a disappointing 4th this past month in a natural show where in speaking with the judges was told basicly "we are looking for a "softer more attainable look" . Too 'cut' for a bodybulding competion? Oh well. cutting up has never been a problem for me but size has. I guess I'm a classic ectomorph. I eat close to 3000 calories a day, sometimes more (40/40/20) offseason, clean foods. Weigh 120 now at 5'7". Have never used 'gear'. I've been on here reading...reading...reading...and researching everywhere. What , if any, benifits could small dosage cycles of something like anavar provide me? Any thoughts? Thanks

[redsquirrel]

If you feel you have done all you can through proper diet and exercise, then yes, Anavar may be an option for you. In the offseason it appears you are eating enough calories to put on size naturally. Your body just may have reached it's own natural potential.

Before we jump into the AAS, let us know what a regular days' eating consists of. Along with your current training regime (reps, splits, # of exercises).

Another question- you say you have competed a few times...Were you able to put on some good size after those shows? After a show is prime time to put on quality muscle. How have you put on muscle in the past? Slowly over the years, or did you bulk, cut, bulk, cut, etc...?

[msflexnc]

A regular days eating for me is as follows:

8oz All Whites w/ one whole egg
1/2 cup Oatmeal(dry measure)
1/2 cup fruit
TBS Flax seed

4oz Chicken Breast
Cup Basmati Rice
Cup Veggies

2 Scoops Whey Protein w/
2 TBS Natural Peanut Butter
1 TBS Flax Oil

4oz Chicken Breast/Tuna/or Orange Roughy
2 Slices Ezekiel Bread

4oz Chicken Breast
Yam or Sweet Potato

4oz Sirloin Steak, Buffalo or Salmon
Large salad w/balsamic vinegar or Veggies

Cup 2% Cottage cheese with
TBS Flax oil

Sometimes I will also eat some nuts (peanut, almonds, sunflower seeds), some fat free cheese on my chicken and Ezekiel Bread, or a protein bar. I was a vegetarian up untill about two years ago and eating meat has made a world of difference in the way my body looks and functions. Muscle gains seemed really fast for the first few months with all the extra meat protein but leveled off , I also take Fish Oil capsules, 4grams per day, a high potency multivitamin pack, digestive enzymes, glutamine and ZMA.

[redsquirrel]

Originally posted by msflexnc
A regular days eating for me is as follows:

8oz All Whites w/ one whole egg
1/2 cup Oatmeal(dry measure)
1/2 cup fruit
TBS Flax seed

4oz Chicken Breast
Cup Basmati Rice
Cup Veggies

2 Scoops Whey Protein w/
2 TBS Natural Peanut Butter
1 TBS Flax Oil

4oz Chicken Breast/Tuna/or Orange Roughy
2 Slices Ezekiel Bread

4oz Chicken Breast
Yam or Sweet Potato

4oz Sirloin Steak, Buffalo or Salmon
Large salad w/balsamic vinegar or Veggies

Cup 2% Cottage cheese with
TBS Flax oil

You seem to have the eating down pretty well.

A few changes I would make:

Add 3 oz of chicken or turkey to your AM meal.

Change your Basmati rice to brown rice.

Eliminate bread. Replace w/ rice or yam

Increase your protein at your solid meals 1-2 more ounces.

Other than these changes, the other questions I have are what does your training consist of? Do you know your BF? Do you consume a post work out shake?

[DangerousGround]

var and woman respond well with few sides some get a bit of acne but low dosages not to worry.

I did var 2.5 mg from searle way back in the mid "80's.

Have not done it since its a bit pricey would like to try it again.

I consider it more of an exotic aas not cheap good for strength and cutting.

Hell I was doing only about 10mg per day I see guys now running 50mg per day.

[msflexnc]

Thank you for your suggestions and knowledge

I eat the brown basmati rice should I go with just regular brown?

One scoop of whey mixed in water after my workouts before I head home then I eat a solid meal about an hour later.

my training right now:

Monday, Back/Biceps
Tuesday, Chest/Triceps
Wednesday, Shoulders/Legs (light day)
Thursday, Back/Biceps
Friday, Incline Chest/ Triceps
Saturday, Heavy Legs (Squats, SL Deadlfts, Leg curls& Extensions, Glute/Ham Raises)
Abs and Calves every other day
Sunday, Off

Cardio 30 minutes, 3 times a week and In-Line skating once a week 30-60 minutes

BF% around 8% (calipers) but i just came off a show the end of June, it stays between 10 - 12% in the offseason. I don't seem to gain fat or muscle very quickly. Even after a show.

[redsquirrel]

Originally posted by msflexnc
Thank you for your suggestions and knowledge

I eat the brown basmati rice should I go with just regular brown?

One scoop of whey mixed in water after my workouts before I head home then I eat a solid meal about an hour later.

my training right now:

Monday, Back/Biceps
Tuesday, Chest/Triceps
Wednesday, Shoulders/Legs (light day)
Thursday, Back/Biceps
Friday, Incline Chest/ Triceps
Saturday, Heavy Legs (Squats, SL Deadlfts, Leg curls& Extensions, Glute/Ham Raises)
Abs and Calves every other day
Sunday, Off

Ok. Now that I have a better idea of your training, I think we can get you squared away. First of all, you are overtraining. 6 days a week working outis just too much. Even females who take AAS, don't work out that often. This may be a major part of why you can't put on muscle. What happens when you train like this for an extended period of time- you burn muscle. You should not be working back and bi's 2 times a week, or chest and legs.

You're not giving your body nearly enough time for recovery when you work out like that. These are major body parts that need ample time for recovery. Otherwise you just end up working muscle that's already broken down. You haven't been eating nearly enough protein to warrant those types of workouts. IMHO, this is the major culprit as to why you've had problems putting on muscle.

Here is what your new schedule should look like if you're wanting to put on muscle. Your new workout should last no more than an hour.
Do 3 movements for 3 sets for each body part.
Do 8-10 reps at max weight.

Mon- Quads
Tues- Chest
Wed- OFF
Thurs- Hams/Shoulders
Fri- Back
Sat- Bi's/Tri's
Sun- OFF

After each workout, have a post workout shake. MUCH more than what you currently do. Find a gaining powder that has about 50gms of carbs (dextrose needs to be in there), and about 65 gms of protein. You need to eat this immediately after each workout with weights.

Brown Basmati is fine, and make sure you are getting at least 7 oz. of protein at your solid meals. 4 oz is not enough.

Try these suggestions for the next 4 weeks, and then we'll see how you've progress. Depending on the outcome, Anavar may or may not be a good choice. With proper diet and training, you still may be able to make good gains.

[msflexnc]

Thanks again for your suggestions on this. I thought that I could be overtraining as well. I will try changing my routine and diet as you suggested for a while and see how things go. Is there anything that could be taken in my post-workout shake besides the dextrose? I have tried that before and the simple sugars give me the shakes and a busting headache.