There is a constant debate in the bodybuilding and fitness community regarding the optimal use of anabolic steroids. Have no fear, Cavan is here to clear it up, bro.
Okay, so there are multiple components to this such as for health or for keeping gains.
Blasting and Cruising Explained
Blasting and cruising are terms used by some anabolic steroid users to describe a cyclical pattern of steroid use, often in the context of long-term performance enhancement.
Blasting: This refers to a phase in which an individual uses high doses of steroids, usually for a few months, in order to maximize muscle growth, strength gains, and overall performance. The idea is to “blast” the body with significant doses of anabolic substances, which induces rapid and pronounced results. During this phase, users may take higher-than-therapeutic doses of testosterone or other steroids to achieve peak muscle mass.
Cruising: After the “blast” phase, individuals enter a “cruise” phase, where they lower their steroid dosage to a maintenance level, often using testosterone in moderate amounts (around replacement levels or slightly above). The idea is to maintain the gains made during the blast phase while allowing the body to recover to some extent. The cruise phase is designed to be sustainable over long periods and minimize the negative impact of prolonged steroid use on the body.
EXAMPLE OF ‘ON AND OFF CYCLE’
Advantages of Blasting and Cruising:
Sustained muscle mass: By alternating between high-dose cycles (blasting) and maintenance (cruising), users can theoretically preserve their muscle gains over time. Many consider blasting and cruising the best method for sustained muscle mass.
Minimizing shutdown: Cruising at lower doses may help mitigate some of the negative effects on natural testosterone production, as opposed to continuous high-dose usage.
Long-term cycle: Some steroid users prefer this method because it allows for an extended duration of performance enhancement, without the need for complete cessation of steroid use.
Anabolic Steroids and Blasting and Cruising
Anabolic steroids are a cornerstone of the blasting and cruising method. These substances are designed to mimic the effects of testosterone in the body, promoting muscle growth and development. When used in conjunction with a blast and cruise protocol, anabolic steroids can significantly enhance muscle building and strength gains.
Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT)
Post-cycle therapy (PCT) refers to the protocol used after completing a steroid cycle (whether a blast, cruise, or cycle pct) in order to help the body recover and restore natural hormone production, especially testosterone.
Purpose: When anabolic steroids are used, the body’s natural testosterone production is suppressed. PCT aims to stimulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, kickstarting the body’s natural testosterone production and preventing negative side effects, such as low testosterone levels (hypogonadism) or estrogen dominance (which can cause gynecomastia, or breast tissue development in men).
Common PCT Drugs:
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs), such as Clomid (clomiphene citrate) and Nolvadex (tamoxifen), are commonly used in PCT. These medications block estrogen receptors in certain tissues, like the breast, while stimulating the pituitary gland to produce more luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which, in turn, stimulate the testes to produce more testosterone.
Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs), like Arimidex (anastrozole) or Letrozole, may also be used if estrogen levels need to be managed.
Duration of PCT: PCT usually lasts anywhere from 4-6 weeks, depending on the steroids used and the duration of the cycle. A typical PCT regimen begins soon after the last dose of steroids, although the timing varies depending on the compounds used (e.g., long-acting esters vs. short-acting ones).
Advantages of PCT:
Restores natural hormone levels: PCT helps users recover their natural testosterone production, preventing the negative effects of low testosterone, such as fatigue, low libido, and mood swings. This recovery process can take several weeks, depending on the individual’s cycle and body response.
Minimizes side effects: Properly executed PCT can help reduce the chances of unwanted side effects such as gynecomastia (man boobs), water retention, and other estrogen-related issues.
Sustained gains: PCT increases the likelihood that the muscle mass gained during the steroid cycle will be retained after coming off steroids.
Risks of PCT:
Side effects from PCT drugs: While generally safe, SERMs and AIs can cause side effects like hot flashes, headaches, and mood swings, although they are usually temporary.
Psychological impacts: After coming off steroids, users may experience a “crash” as their body’s hormone levels adjust. This can lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety, or irritability.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to blasting and cruising, there are several common mistakes that many guys make. One of the biggest mistakes is not properly planning and executing the protocol. This can lead to inadequate recovery time, insufficient dosing, and a range of negative side effects.
Another common mistake is neglecting regular Access the most commonly prescribed medical blood lab tests with Private MD Labsblood work. Monitoring your blood work is essential to identify potential issues, such as hormonal imbalances or liver damage before they become serious problems. Regular check-ups can help you stay on top of your health and make necessary adjustments to your protocol.
Additionally, some individuals overlook the importance of incorporating post-cycle therapy (PCT) into their regimen. PCT is crucial for helping your body recover from the effects of anabolic steroids and can significantly reduce the risk of negative side effects. Skipping PCT can lead to prolonged suppression of natural testosterone production and other hormonal issues.
Choosing the Right Protocol
A typical PCT protocol would be something like HCG and Nolvadex, keeping an AI on hold like Aromasin or Arimidex
HCG would be run for 2-4 weeks at a high dose like 1000iu 3 days per week
The nolvadex would be for around 40mg per day for 4-5 weeks as needed and then lower the dose or stop running it completely.
A typical blast and cruise protocol would be a 12-16 week cycle with around a 4-5 weeks break cruising on a lower dosage of testosterone and maybe low dose HGH also.(250mg testosterone and 2iu hgh) example.
Conclusion: Which Is Better?
For Users Seeking Long-Term Use: Those who engage in blasting and cruising typically prefer a more long-term approach to steroid use, although this method still carries risks to health and hormones. It’s more continuous and less disruptive than traditional PCT, but it doesn’t allow for the body to recover between cycles fully. This contrasts with the traditional cycling method, which involves taking time off and recovery phases.
For Users Seeking a Full Recovery: PCT is the more traditional method and may be preferred for those who want to fully recover their natural testosterone production after a cycle of steroids. It’s a way to ensure that the body’s hormonal balance is restored and that the gains achieved during the cycle are retained as much as possible without the need for continuous steroid use. Beginners often have concerns about their first cycle and the long-term use of injections and steroids.
I personally prefer to blast and cruise, keeping the gains from each cycle. I usually come off everything and don’t inject for about three weeks, this is due to the testosterone still being active in my system from the testosterone enanthate and then going on trt 250mg per week on the 4th and 5th week before starting a new cycle. Lastly, PCT drugs are also pretty harsh on the system also, and if you’ve spent months on steroids to build muscle, the last thing you want to do is lose it and start all over again every time.
Thanks for reading, and see you in the next one!
