The off-season is where champion physiques are built. Sure, the pre-contest phase is important. You will need to have the best possible presentation of the muscles you have built, and diet and cardio do that. But the most gains you will make each year take place in those months where you run a decent cycle, add some food, and train like mad. Here are some specifics for off-season bulking success for the non-natural bodybuilder.

AAS

Typically, an off-season steroid stack is going to be stronger and more potent (read: toxic) than what you use during your pre-contest phase. Start with a testosterone base (any ester will suffice) for 400 to 600 mg per week. You can supplement with 400 mg Nandrolone, and perhaps a small run of Dianabol for the first three weeks to facilitate growth from day one. That’s it. You don’t need to go overboard, and you don’t need heavier compounds like Anadrol or Trenbolone. Keep it simple and keep the dosages moderate.

Supplementation

The biggest mistake most bodybuilders make in the off-season is the prolonged use of stimulants. Caffeine is very useful for keeping you elevated in the pre-contest phase, especially in conjunction with ephedrine and aspirin as part of the invaluable ECA stack. But in the off-season, stimulants like caffeine and ephedrine have no place in your routine. Also, if you’re running a cycle, products such as creatine won’t help all that much, as the water retention you see from the AAS will provide the same benefits you desired from the creatine. Stick with multi-vitamins, anti-oxidants, Omega 3s, and whey protein.

Diet

You’ll want to enjoy a surplus of 800 to 1200 calories per day over your daily metabolic requirements. Keep the sources clean, mainly from lean meats, complex carbohydrates such as rice and pasta, and drink plenty of water. The addition of anabolics to the mix means you could get away with eating the junk in the off-season. However, keep your cheat meals down to 1 to 2 per week, and eat clean the remainder of the time. Your body will work more efficiently and your muscles will grow faster when given the correct fuel.

Training

You know the basics here. Train four days per week. Use plenty of heavy compound movements, including squats, deadlifts, bench press, barbell curls, and shoulder presses. Keep the repetitions low, in the 6 to 12 range. You will need to track your poundage use, but keep an eye on the “feel” as you lift as well. Train with a partner, and always use knee wraps and back belts during your heaviest lifts. Train heavy and smart and you will grow. The use of AAS in your routine means you will be able to lift more weight for more repetitions, and recover faster. Push yourself to make the best use of the addition of these compounds.

Gaining mass isn’t rocket science, but it isn’t easy either. A sensible steroid stack, coupled with reasonable supplementation, a solid diet, and plenty of training is all it takes to add 15 to 20 pounds of solid mass to your frame next off-season!

This article is provided from BodybuildingToday.com, the world's leading bodybuilding information site. You can find more free information about Training, Supplement, Diet and Nutritional articles by visiting BodybuildingToday.com.

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