DS Activate Xtreme + Triazole Stack

[BCH13]

This is my first test stack... and first forum post. No flaming please. Huge fan of BB.com... and I've always read threads, but I've never taken the time to write one. I'm going to try to do my best to write a worth while log. Here goes nothing.

I was a swimmer growing up; I got into lifting late in high school. My body responds very quickly to lifting, and I always train hard. I get my discipline from swimming; I can push through pain very well. I will be 25 in July, and I have only lifted consistently 7-9 months at a time, with a year or so off in between... I have always had excuses... hurt myself, school, moving, change of jobs, etc... but I've been back in the gym, training 3 on, 1 off, for almost a month now (after being off since September of 2010)... I always start with light weight/high reps until I get back into shape... it works very well for me... lots of supersets/dropsets, etc... and after feeling like I'm getting back in shape pretty quickly, I've decided to try a test stack.

Originally, I did not plan on writing a log, but I'm only into day 4 of the stack and I felt like my biceps were going to pop today... After my workout, I was getting tingles in my arm because I was cutting off my circulation (I assume) when I was bending my arms certain ways. Super tight, very dry. I'm not an overly aggressive guy; I'm not a fighter... but I walked around ALL day wanting to break stuff/feeling like an animal... which has lead me to want to write this log. I asked my boss to leave work early today, because I wanted to lift before going to my parents for dinner... and I wouldn't have had time otherwise. Follow if you'd like; I'm not promising anything... But I promise you I will remain disciplined to both my workouts and this log.

I'm an accountant, and I just finished audit season... so I have time to really lift hard... but not time for much else. I will continue to lift 3 days on, 1 day off, (or more) for the remainder of the cycle. I'm not sure yet whether or not I will run 6 weeks or 8 weeks... but if I continue to feel like I did today, it will be 8. I have 2 bottles of both, so I have plenty. Alright, well here are [none of] my stats (I'll take my measurements tomorrow, too late/don't feel like it right now), what I will be/have been dosing, and sample workouts (the last 3 workouts I did for legs, chest/tris, and back/bis). Please feel free to post any comments (especially regarding how I am/will be dosing... I want to separate each pill; is this dumb?). Also, I will throw in a few pics I am about to take, but they will be crappy... I'll have my wife take better ones with our digital camera tomorrow. Thanks in advance for reading/comments.

Stats
--------
Height: 5'7
Weight: 172lbs.
BF%: 15%
Chest: 40.5'
Arms: 13.75'
Hips: 39.0'
Waist: 34.0'
Thighs: 23.5'
Calves: 16.0'
Forearms: 10.0'
Shoulders: 48.25'
Neck: 16.0'



Stack
--------
Week 1: 4 Activate X (2AM, 2PM) ; 3 Triazole (2AM, 1PM)
Week 2: 4 Activate X (2AM, 2PM) ; 3 Triazole (2AM, 1PM)
Week 3: 4 Activate X (2AM, 2PM) ; 3 Triazole (2AM, 1PM)
Week 4: 4 Activate X (2AM, 2PM) ; 3 Triazole (2AM, 1PM)
Week 5: 4 Activate X (2AM, 2PM) ; 3 Triazole (2AM, 1PM)
Week 6: 4 Activate X (2AM, 2PM) ; 3 Triazole (2AM, 1PM)
Week 7: 4 Activate X (2AM, 2PM) ; 3 Triazole (2AM, 1PM)
Week 8: 4 Activate X (2AM, 2PM) ; 3 Triazole (2AM, 1PM)

Other supplements:
Creatine
Whey protein
Casein protein
Jack3d (I'm addicted)
Fish Oil
L-Glutamine
Multivitamin
Nighttime ZMA
Glucosamine
Taurine


**Remember, I'm just getting back into shape... my endurance is coming back quickly, but my strength is garbage.**


Legs
-------
Super-set: BB Squats/DBlunges
BB Squats
95x15
145x12
195x12
DB Lunges
15x16
20x16
25x16

BB Squat Dropset
195x12
145x12
95x12

DB Lunge Dropset
25x16
20x14
15x14
10xdead

Super-set: Machine Legs Curls/Leg Extensions
Leg Curls
70x20
100x15
130x12

Leg Extensions
50x15
70x12
90x10

Leg Curls Dropset
130x8
100x8
70x8

Leg Press
90x20
Dropset
270x12
180x15
90x20

Super-set: Standing BB Calves/DB Shrugs
Standing BB Calves
95x25
135x20
155x20
175x15

DB Shrugs
30x20
50x15
70x15

Standing BB Calves Dropset
195x20
145x20
95x20

DB Shrug Dropset
90x12
70x12
50x12
30x12

Seated Calves
25x20
Dropset
100x15
75x15
50x15
25x12

Superset: Machine Abductor/Adductor
Adductor
50x20
70x20
100x20
120x15

Abductor
50x15
70x15
70x15


Alright, well I was going to post my Chest/Tris and Back/Bis workouts, but it is late... and I need sleep... I'll edit this tomorrow... I will also try to start including my diet (which is pretty clean, but I want to get a bulk out of this... so I'm eating constantly, and not all clean calories).

[BCH13]

Saturday: Rest day. Wanted to go to the gym SO badly, but I couldn't. Every body group was still sore. In the middle of laying travertine throughout our home... decided I would work on busting up the old tile in the kitchen... just to get some sort of workout in. Biceps DEAD from back workout on Friday.

4/24/11

Chest/Shoulders/Tris

Superset: Flat DB Press / Cable Crossovers
Flat DB Press
30x15
50x15
80x12
80x10

Cable Crossovers
20x20
30x15
40x12
40x12
-----

Flat DB Press Dropset
80x10
60x10
40x10
20x10
-----

Cable Crossover Dropset
40x12
30x12
20x15
10x20
-----

Superset: Incline DB Press / Standing Military BB Behind Neck Bench
Incline DB Press
30x15
50x12
50x12
50x12

Standing Military BB Behind Neck Bench
45x12
65x10
65x10
45x15
-----

Superset: DB Side Lat Raises / DB Front Lat Raises
DB Side
10x20
15x12
20x12
25x12

DB Front
10x20
15x12
20x10
25x8
-----

Superset: Dips / Rev Single Arm Cable Pressdowns
Dips
16
12
10
9

Rev SA Cable Pressdowns
20x15
30x15
40x12
40x12
-----

Rev SA Cable Pressdown Dropset
40x12
30x12
20x12
10x20
-----

Standing DB Shrugs
30x20
50x20
Dropset
100x12
80x12
60x12
40x15
20x20
-----

Abs
Crunches
Roman Chair Leg lifts
-----

Standing BB Over Extensions
45x20
65x15
45x20
-----

Straight Bar Cable Pressdowns
50x25

Machine Press
50x30

Overall, GREAT workout. Took 2 activate x and 2 triazole this morning, empty stomach. 2.5 scoops of jack3d (1.5 before the gym, 1 during first 30 min of workout). Still have amazing motivation/desire to lift. Did not want to leave the gym, as usual. I am absolutely loving this stack. Posting a few photos... couldn't find memory card for camera, so they are a little blurry (not much memory on camera itself, so it drops the quality of the photos). I will continue to post photos and workouts each day. Thanks.

[PinchTheBear]

Nice detail here.

I will follow diligently in exchange for you doing my taxes, for free, for life

[BCH13]

Nice detail here.

I will follow diligently in exchange for you doing my taxes, for free, for life

Thanks, man. I'll try get my measurements posted before I go to sleep tonight. If not, hopefully tomorrow. The photos will give you some idea of my size, though (not big, haha).

I don't think you want me doing your taxes, though... I'm not a tax accountant (staff accountant for a law firm) :p ... and my major was Finance. :)

[PinchTheBear]

didn't read, do my taxes

[BCH13]

Back & Biceps

Superset: Widegrip Lat Machine Pulldowns w/ Single Arm Cable Rows
Widegrip Lat Pulldowns
50 (+ apparatus) x15
70x12
90x10
70x12

SA Cable Rows
10x15 ("10" = plate #... 2, 4, 6, 8, 10... etc.)
14x15
18x12
22x12
-----

Widegrip Lat Pulldowns Mini-Dropset
100x7
50x8
-----

SA Cable Rows Dropset
20x10
16x10
12x12
8x12
4x15
-----

Superset: CloseGrip Cable Rows w/ Bentover BB Rows
CG Cable Rows
16x20
20x20
24x15
28x12

Bentover BB Rows
Bar x 20
95x20
145x12
95x15
-----

CG Cable Rows Dropset
24x8
18x10
12x12
6x15
-----

Bentover BB Rows Dropset
145x10
95x12
Bar x 15
-----

Superset: BB Shoulder Grip Bicep Curls w/ Pullovers
BB Shoulder Grip Curls
Bar x 15
65x15
85x12
65x15

Pullovers
20x20
40x15
50x15
50x12
-----

BB Shoulder Grip Bicep Curl Dropset
85x12
65x12
Bar x 12
-----

Superset: Forearm BB Curls w/ Rear Delt Machine Rev Flys
Forearm Curls
Bar x 20
65x15
85x12
65x15

Rear Delt Rev Flys
50x20
70x20
90x15
90x12
-----

Forearm Curls Dropset
85x12
65x12
Bar x 12
-----

Rear Delt Rev Fly Dropset
80x12
60x12
40x12
20x20
-----

Isometric BB Grip/Hold
90x45 seconds
90x45 seconds
90x45 seconds
-----

Hammer DB Curl Dropset
15x20
10x20
5x20
-----

Total workout time: 100 minutes

Another great workout. Again, 1.5 scoops of Jack3d 30 min before workout, and 1 scoop intra-workout during first 45 minutes. Feeling incredibly tight/dry. I just kept adding exercises because I did not want to leave the gym. My forearms and biceps feel like rocks. After this week, I will stop with all of the supersets/dropsets, and start doing increased weight/lower reps... still trying to get my muscles in great endurance shape. Tomorrow will be legs... I look forward to some nice squats. Light weight, but VERY LOW, ATF squats.

[BCH13]

About to leave work... very excited (and I haven't had my jack3d yet) for a tough leg workout, tonight... No comments, no followers (aside from tax man :)), nothing? Am I doing this log incorrectly...?

[BCH13]

Legs

Superset: Squats w/ Leg Curls
Squats
Bar x 20
95x15
145x15
195x12

Leg Curls
45x20
70x15
100x15
130x10
-----

Squat Dropset
245x4
195x6
145x8
95x8
Bar x 8
-----

Leg Curl Dropset
145x6
115x8
85x10
55x10
25x12
-----

Superset: Leg Press w/ Standing Calf Raises
Leg Press
90x20
180x15
270x12

Standing Calf Raises
95x25
145x20
195x15
-----

Leg Press Dropset
360x6
270x6
180x8
90x12
Slide x 15
-----

Standing Calf Raise Dropset
245x10
195x12
145x12
95x15
Bar x 20
-----

Superset: Glute Press w/ Seated Calf Raises
Glute Press
35x15
55x15
85x12

Seated Calf Raises
25x20
50x15
75x12
-----

Glute Press Dropset
85x12
55x10
25x8
-----

Seated Calf Raises Dropset
100x10
75x9
50x8
25x6 --> Calves = cramping.
-----

Superset: Abductor w/ Adductor
Abductor
50x15
70x10
70x10
70x12

Adductor
50x15
70x15
90x20
110x20
-----

Adductor Dropset
120x10
90x12
60x15
30x20

Great workout. Leg Strength continues to increase significantly week-to-week. Extremely tired... I'll be sleeping well, tonight. Tomorrow is a rest day.

This might sound dumb, but I am starting to think my body is becoming tolerant/not reacting as much to the Activate X and Triazole. It has only been 2 days since I lost the feeling of being an animal/wanting to break things, but I wanted to note it here to see if anyone will comment (PLEASE). Should I be constantly feeling like an animal, or will this come and go? Does this mean I need to increase the dosage? I am told 4 Activate x / 3 Triazole is the perfect dosage for someone my size. I definitely notice I am much more edgy, too. I have snapped at my wife a few times over stupid things, that wouldn't normally bother me as much. I have also noticed, while driving to work in the morning, that I have more road rage and want to kick the sh*t out of d-bags who cut me off without using a turn signal (and get nowhere by doing so)... I find myself driving up beside these people, rolling down my window (I have 5%/limmo tint), and staring them down (as if it does something). Sounds stupid, but it makes me feel better... especially when they see me, but won't look at me. Then I make sure to box them in and make them more late for work. :) Alright, bed time.

[BCH13]

Rest day.

[PinchTheBear]

Lol I'm sure you have plenty of lurkers. Great log so far, keep it up.

[DarthDrew]

I've been lurking, good log so far!

[BCH13]

Lol I'm sure you have plenty of lurkers. Great log so far, keep it up.

Thanks, man. I hope so. Haha. Not that I am doing this for anyone other than myself... but comments are always welcome and appreciated.

[BCH13]

I've been lurking, good log so far!

Thanks. Glad to see people are "lurking!"

[BCH13]

Weigh-in: (this is with shoes/shorts/shirt... but I wear basically same outfit/shoes every lift... 175lbs.
Workout time: 115 minutes

Before I log my workout... I want to start off by saying I still have lost the "animal" feeling. I don't walk around my office, looking at random stuff, wanting to just break it... and I know I keep saying this, but the best way to describe the feeling... we have urinals (obviously) in our bathroom, and there is a metal divider between the two that looks to be bolted in pretty well... as dumb as it sounds, while I'm taking a leak... I had the feeling of just wanting to push the **** out of it/try to rip it from the wall (no homo, I'm glad the divider is there). Another example (not sure why I am using all bathroom examples)... but I was using the handicap stall the other day (I'm eating massive amounts of calories... so I'm crapping 3-4 times a day)... and as I'm sitting there, all I can think of is "could I pull this bar from the wall? I want to just get up and start trying..."

At any rate... I am definitely seeing VISIBLE results (body fat % seems to be dropping, muscles are growing, and I'm not eating clean... I'm not eating crappy, but I throw in some dirty carbs now and then like Dorito's and stuff) as well as increases in my weights... 10's, 20's, and 45lb plates are feeling lighter and lighter. It is a great feeling and good motivation. I'm now taking chocolate milk to work along with bags of protein to get shakes throughout the day... on top of my constant eating/snacking of peanuts, cashews, almonds, corn chips, bananas, etc.). I am consistently taking 2 scoop protein shake w/ 16oz chocolate milk + L-glutamine immediately post workout, along with my creatine and a full meal (usually a steak, hamburger meat, grilled chicken, etc.)... often in a wrap... with mayo (don't care, I love it), jalapenos (I've always added spicy foods to every meal for the thermogenic effect), lettuce, cheese, etc...

Summary: Pumps in the gym are HARD and DRY but I've lost that "animal" feeling... and the "godly" feeling of owning the gym when I get there... I'm hoping it comes back because I love it. Also, I still find myself to be "on edge"... I get irritated over stupid ****... but I am a pretty calm person, so I know how to relax myself. No side effects at all (that I know of). No acne (I tan at the gym, which probably helps, I shower every morning (yes, I know most people do, but I figured I'd mention it) and I started using my wife's girly face cleanser stuff to help prevent it)... balls seems to be the same size (don't know if a natural test stack should effect my boys), and sex drive is between normal (high naturally) and extremely high. I notice that post-workouts I have the urge to come home and ravage my wife. Anyways... this is my current update.

So far, still a 10/10 for the stack. Love it.

Oh, and one thing I noticed... and I don't know if it's from caffeine (I started drinking more caffeine because I've been working long hours... not coffee... just diet energy drinks) or the stack, or some other supplements I might have started taking... but my bottom lip has been splitting like every 4 or 5 days (I don't think this is the stack because it started happening once I got back into lifting... which is when I started taking more caffeine & Jack3d...). Has anyone heard of Jack3d or caffeine doing this? It isn't a big deal... I've just been keeping lip balm handy. K, log time.


Chest/Shoulders/Tris
Superset: Decline BB Bench w/ Cable Crossovers
Decl BB Bench
95x15
135x15
185x12
205x9 --> This felt SO GOOD. I've only been back in the gym for about a month and my strength is coming back FAST.
225x4 --> Again, impressed with myself. 4 weeks ago I had trouble with 135x12
135x17

Cable Crossovers
20x15
30x15
40x12
50x10
50x12 --> Again, these were clean reps. 4 weeks ago I had trouble with 30x10
60x6
40x12
-----

Superset: Incl BB Bench w/ Front DB Lateral Raises
Incl BB Bench
Bar x 20
95x20
135x8
135x6
95x15

Front DB Lateral Raises
10x12
15x13
20x8
15x10
10x15
-----

Superset: BB Front Shrugs w/ Machine Mil Press
BB Shrugs
95x20
145x20
195x12 --> Held last 3 reps for 15 seconds

Machine Mil Press
45x20
70x15
100x9.9 --> Centimeters from locking last rep. Haha
130x6
-----

BB Front Shrug Dropset
245x8
195x10
145x12
15x15

Noticing my reps are beginning to increase during dropsets... I like...
-----

Machine Mil Press Dropset
130x6
100x8
70x10
45x12
15x20
-----

Superset: Military BB Press w/ Super CG Bench
Mil BB Press
Bar x 20
65x20
85x8 --> Shoulders. Are. Dead.

CloseGrip Bench
Bar x 20
95x11
95x6
-----

Superset: Straight Bar Pressdowns w/ Side Bends (obliques)
SB Pressdowns
80x20
120x15
160x8

Side Bends
25lb plate x 20
25lb plate x 20
25lb plate x 20
-----

Straight Bar Pressdown Dropset
130x10
100x10
70x10
40x12
-----

Abs: Decline Bench Crunches
Set 1: +5lb dumbell (straight arms, overhead) x 20 / No weight x 20
Set 2: +5lb dumbell (straight arms, overhead) x 20 / No weight x 20
Set 3: +5lb dumbell (straight arms, overhead) x 20 / No weight x 20
-----

Straight Bar Pressdowns (again)
60x25

Few Exercises Because I didn't want to leave...
BB Skullcrushers: 45lb bar x 20
right into...
Mil Press Behind Head: 45lb bar x 20
and finally...
Mil Press In front: 45lb bar x 20

I should be doing Back/Bis tomorrow... but I am taking the wifey, her friend, and her youngest sister to a concert after work... wish I could be lifting... but an extra day of rest won't kill me... Back/Bis will have to wait until Saturday morning. After a great night of sleep... should be good...

[Mr.ShowUhow]

I've seen your post a couple of times and some of this is funny. But, it's quite detailed. I'll follow along b/c I want to do the same stack in about two weeks or so. I have no clue about the lip splitting or animal feeling. Hope you figure it out though.

[BCH13]

I've seen your post a couple of times and some of this is funny. But, it's quite detailed. I'll follow along b/c I want to do the same stack in about two weeks or so. I have no clue about the lip splitting or animal feeling. Hope you figure it out though.

Haha. By "animal feeling," I'm referring to the feeling of extra aggression. But the lip splitting... I still don't know. I'll have to do some research this weekend. It isn't from the stack, but it has to be from something I've started taking since I started lifting again. Thanks for the post.

[BCH13]

I was unable to post my workout yesterday... so I'm posting it now. I will be doing legs sometime this afternoon/evening. Still feeling great/loving the stack.

Workout time: 70 minutes (rushed by my wife to get to the in-laws' boat)
Weight: 175lbs
Body fat: 14.9%

Back/Biceps

Superset: DB Rows w/ Machine DoubleArm Rows
DB Rows
30x15
50x15
70x12
90x10
50x20

Machine DoubleArm Rows
50x15
50x12
Did not like this exercise... too much pressure against my chest/felt it too much in my biceps... switched to...
Widegrip Lat Pulldowns
50x15
100x5
70x9
-----

Superset: Seated CG Cable Rows w/ Bentover BB Rows
Seated CG Cable Rows
16x20
20x15
24x12

Bentover BB Rows
95x20
105x16
125x13
-----

Seated CG Cable Row Dropset
30x6
24x7
18x9
12x12
6x15
-----

Bentover BB Row Dropset
165x10
125x12
85x15
45x20
-----

Superset: Bar Cable Curls w/ Rear Delt Rev Flys (Machine)
Bar Cable Curls
30x20
50x20
70x12

Rear Delt Rev Flys (Machine)
50x20
70x15
90x8
-----

BB Shrugs
95x20
95x20
95x20
-----

Bar Cable Curl Dropset
80x8
60x8
40x8
20x8
-----

Rear Delt Rev Fly (Machine) Dropset
90x8
60x8
30x10
-----

Superset: Pullovers w/ BB Forearm Curls
Pullovers
25x20
50x15
50x15

BB Forearm Curls
65x20
85x15
Dropset
105x10
85x10
65x10
45x10
-----

Abs
Decl Bench Crunches x 20
Decl Bench Crunches x 20
Decl Bench Crunches x 20

[DarthDrew]

I was unable to post my workout yesterday... so I'm posting it now. I will be doing legs sometime this afternoon/evening. Still feeling great/loving the stack.

Workout time: 70 minutes (rushed by my wife to get to the in-laws' boat)
Weight: 175lbs
Body fat: 14.9%

Back/Biceps

Superset: DB Rows w/ Machine DoubleArm Rows
DB Rows
30x15
50x15
70x12
90x10
50x20

Machine DoubleArm Rows
50x15
50x12
Did not like this exercise... too much pressure against my chest/felt it too much in my biceps... switched to...
Widegrip Lat Pulldowns
50x15
100x5
70x9
-----

Superset: Seated CG Cable Rows w/ Bentover BB Rows
Seated CG Cable Rows
16x20
20x15
24x12

Bentover BB Rows
95x20
105x16
125x13
-----

Seated CG Cable Row Dropset
30x6
24x7
18x9
12x12
6x15
-----

Bentover BB Row Dropset
165x10
125x12
85x15
45x20
-----

Superset: Bar Cable Curls w/ Rear Delt Rev Flys (Machine)
Bar Cable Curls
30x20
50x20
70x12

Rear Delt Rev Flys (Machine)
50x20
70x15
90x8
-----

BB Shrugs
95x20
95x20
95x20
-----

Bar Cable Curl Dropset
80x8
60x8
40x8
20x8
-----

Rear Delt Rev Fly (Machine) Dropset
90x8
60x8
30x10
-----

Superset: Pullovers w/ BB Forearm Curls
Pullovers
25x20
50x15
50x15

BB Forearm Curls
65x20
85x15
Dropset
105x10
85x10
65x10
45x10
-----

Abs
Decl Bench Crunches x 20
Decl Bench Crunches x 20
Decl Bench Crunches x 20

Thats some pretty crazy volume.

[BCH13]

Thats some pretty crazy volume.

I use high volume to shock my body back into shape, after taking off from lifting for long periods of time (hopefully this will be the last time I have to do it... but I also do it when I'm cutting)... seems to work well for me. I'm going to start increasing weight/dropping # of reps and try to start building some mass now.

[BCH13]

Weight: 174lbs
Workout time: ~100 minutes

Legs

Squats
Bar x 20
135x15
185x10
225x5
245x3
265x2
135x20
-----

Leg Curls
70x15
100x12
130x10
160x7
70x20
-----

Super Set: Leg Press w/ Side Bends
Leg Press
90x15
180x12
270x10
360x8
450x4
90x20

Side Bends
35x15
35x15
35x15
35x15
-----

Superset: BB Calf Raises w/ Glute Press
BB Calf Raises
135x20
225x15
275x10
300x8
225x15

Glute Press
35x15
70x12
100x10 (max weight)
100x12
70x15
-----

Superset: Abductor w/ Seated Calf Raises
Abductor
50x12
70x12
90x10
70x12

Seated CR
45x12
90x12
115x8
140x6
-----

Adductor
50x25
90x25
130x12
150x6 (max weight)
50x25
-----

This is my first workout, since getting back into lifting, that was not ALL supersets/dropsets with low weight/high reps. It is a completely different feeling of "fatigue," and I like it. I'm too tired to comment more on the workout, other than it felt great. Motivation is still 10/10. Tomorrow is a rest day. Time for sleep.

[BCH13]

Rest day.

[BCH13]

Posting last night's workout the morning after because I was busy last night.

Workout time: 120 minutes

Chest/Shoulders/Tris

Flat DB Press
25x20
60x12
80x11
100x4
90x6
90x6
80x9
60x15
-----

Incline BB Bench
95x15
135x10
155x5
175x3
135x8
135x10
-----

Military BB BTN
Bar x 15
85x15
115x6
105x7
95x9
85x9
-----

Cable Crossovers
30x15
50x15
60x10
70x7
50x10
-----

DB Shrugs
35x20
60x15
80x15
100x8
60x15
-----

Overhead Tricep Extensions
40x15
70x12
90x5
70x8
60x10
-----

Superset: Rope Pressdowns w/ DB Side Lat Raises
Rope Pressdowns
70x15
100x10
120x5
Switched to...
Single Arm Rev Cable Pressdowns
30x12
50x7

DB Side Lat Raises
15x15
20x10
25x6
15x10
15x10
-----

[BCH13]

Day 15 of Stack

Workout time: 130 minutes

Back/Biceps

Widegrip Pullups
8
5
-----

DB Rows
30x12
50x12
70x12
90x10
100x7
110x5
-----

Closegrip Cable Rows
16x15
30x6
30x9
34x5
26x12
-----

Bentover BB Rows
45x20
95x15
145x12
165x10
195x5

Dropset
195x5
145x7
95x9
45x12
-----

Single Arm Cable Rows
10x12
Dropset
24x10
18x10
12x10
6x10
-----

Incl DB Curls
25x7
25x7
25x8
20x10
-----

Superset: Pullovers w/ BB Forearm Curls
Pullovers
30x15
50x15
70x10
70x10

BB Forearm Curls
45x20
85x10
85x12
-----

BB Forearm Curl Dropset
85x12
65x12
45x12
-----

Straight BB Curl Dropset
85x6
65x8
45x10
-----

Great workout. Went pretty heavy on DB rows, and they were clean reps. Still loving the stack. Motivation is still 10/10. No change in mood. I've noticed a few pimples, but nothing more than I usually get every so often. I will be doing legs tonight.

[BCH13]

Workout time: 100 mins

Legs
Squats
45x12
95x12
135x12
185x12
225x8
275x3
225x7
135x12
-----

Leg Curls
45x12
85x12
115x10
130x8
145x5
-----

Superset: Leg Press w/ Seated Calf Raises
Leg Press
90x6
180x6
270x6
360x6
450x5

Seated CR
25x10
50x10
75x10
100x7
125x5
-----

Superset: Standing CR w/ Adductor
Standing CR
135x15
225x10
275x8
315x8

Adductor
50x15
80x15
120x12
120x12
-----

Superset: Side Bends w/ Abductor
Side Bends
35x15
35x15
35x15

Abductor
50x12
70x10
70x10
-----

Machine Shrugs
60x15
80x15
100x12
140x8
DB Shrugs
80x12
-----

I am a little over 2 weeks into the test stack, and I'm feeling great. One thing I noticed yesterday (posting this workout the morning after) was my facial hair. I don't know if it just seems like it, but my "5 o'clock" shadow seemed thicker/longer than it usually is. I shaved yesterday morning and by the evening it was longer than just stubble. Is this something the stack would cause? Sex drive is still through the roof, and muscles are feeling tight/pumped and dry. I am not going to be happy when I hit 8 weeks and need to cycle off of this stuff. Hopefully my motivation will remain a 10/10, post cycle.

[BCH13]

After speaking with my brother about a "5/3/1" workout program, and complaints from my wife about spending too much time in the gym... I've decided to completely change my workouts and try this program myself. My brother got his strongest (max bench 345lbs.) off of this program. I wasn't lifting when he did this (I had just gotten a promotion and was working ridiculous hours; this won't be an excuse for me anymore)... so I wasn't listening to him; "yeah, that sounds really cool man."

At any rate, he has seen great strength gains across the board. The gains take time and come over months, but I'd rather bench 315+lbs in a year... than hit 295lbs in 6 months and plateau.

I started reading the manual, by Jim Wendler (http://www.amazon.com/Simplest-Effective-Training-Increase-Strength/dp/0557248299/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1304716092&sr=8-1). It is a simple program, but I'm excited to try it. Today is a rest day for me, and tomorrow would have been chest/shoulders/tris. Instead, it will be "Standing Military Press" day. Here are my new splits:

Day 1: Standing Military Press, Assistance Exercises
Day 2: Deadlift, Assistance Exercises
Day 3: Bench Press, Assistance Exercises
Day 4: Squat, Assistance Exercises

Instead of 1.5-2hours in the gym, my workouts should only take about an hour. I'm really excited to get this program started, especially now that I'm back in lifting shape and I have an idea of my 1 rep max's. Anyways, I look forward to posting my workouts, seeing my strength progression. Please let me know if anyone (if anyone is reading this) has tried this workout program and/or knows anyone who has tried it (success story, or not).

Regarding the stack... I'm noticing a few pimples, one on my trap (?), but nothing too bad. Again, I have been tanning now and then at my gym (I've heard this helps prevent acne). Anyways, I'll post my workout tomorrow and possibly some progress pics. Not that you will see much, considering it has only been 17 days on the stack.

[Parajoe]

I have completed 4 cycles of 5/3/1. The first three I used the Triumvirate template and the last one I attempted Boring But Big. That's crazy ass boring. Won't be doing that one again. I'm going back to Triumvirate. If you would like, I can email you the spreadsheet where you enter in your info and it does the work for you. As an aside, I did Triumvirate on the exact stack you are taking, set a bunch of PR's. Good stack.

[BCH13]

I have completed 4 cycles of 5/3/1. The first three I used the Triumvirate template and the last one I attempted Boring But Big. That's crazy ass boring. Won't be doing that one again. I'm going back to Triumvirate. If you would like, I can email you the spreadsheet where you enter in your info and it does the work for you. As an aside, I did Triumvirate on the exact stack you are taking, set a bunch of PR's. Good stack.

I would greatly appreciate it if you would send it to me. I'm glad to hear you set some PR's on the same stack/program... good motivation! Sending you a PM now. Thanks man.

[BCH13]

I finished reading the book and I think I'm going to start with the Periodization Bible. Heading to the gym shortly. I'll post my workout after I get back... I'm anxious to see how quick my workouts will be, although I do have trouble leaving the gym. About to take a 1.5 scoops of Jack3d and get pumped for a good first day to a new workout plan. :)



For anyone who is familiar with this program... here are my starting weights (supposed to use 85%-90% of 1RM... these are all estimates)... the deadlifts are most likely way too light, but since I haven't deadlifted in a few years... I'd rather start off too light, get my form back, and just increase the weight more each month.

Military Press: 125lbs
Deadlifts: 150lbs
Bench Press: 225lbs
Squats: 250lbs

I also figured these were good numbers to add weight to (5lbs/10lbs/etc.)... easy to track.

[BCH13]

Workout time: 55 minutes

Standing Military Press

Warm-up
45x5
65x5
75x3

5/3/1
80x5
95x5
105x15 --> I probably started with too low of a 1RM (125lbs), but I'd rather start too low, than too high! Might up my 1RM weight 5lbs next week, haven't decided yet.
-----

Dips
15
15
15
12
12
-----

Shoulder Width Chin-ups
8
7
5
4
4

Ok... so this was really depressing. Hopefully these reps will shoot up quickly; I have only done one pull-up exercise since lifting again. I know, I was being a noob.
-----

Double Arm V-bar Pressdowns
70x20
70x20
70x20
70x18
-----

Abs
Decl Bench Crunches
-----

Alright, so this was a very different workout than what I am used to. BUT, I enjoyed it. I didn't break a sweat, it was only 55 minutes long (with plenty of rest between sets), and yet I had a really good pump.

[Handcannon7]

pills are normal cap size?

[BCH13]

pills are normal cap size?

Yeah, standard size capsules. Blue one is Activate X, yellow is Triazole.

[BCH13]

Motivation 10/10. Spent the night on the in-laws boat to head out to Caladesi Island, early this morning... set my alarm for 6:30am so I could wake up and lift at the marina before we left. I knew we'd be out until the evening, at which time my wife and I had to head to my parents' house to spend the rest of the evening.

Workout time: 50 minutes

Deadlifts

Warm-up
45x5
65x5
75x3

5/3/1
95x5
105x5
135x20 --> I definitely started with way too light 1RM... I'll try to decide what to bump it to for next week.
-----

DB Rows
60x15
55x15
55x15
40x15
40x15
-----

DB Curls
15x15
15x15
15x15
15x15
15x15
-----

Bentover BB Rows
75x15
75x15
75x15
75x15
75x15
-----

So, my assistance exercises were supposed to be more legs (quads/harmstrings), but the "gym" I was using had limited equipment, and I couldn't remember how the split worked... whether I was doing back/bis with deadlift day or legs... so this might have been off slightly, but I figure... it's only the assistance exercises, and at least I got a lift in. Tired, and not ready to start another week of work. I am, however, glad to start another week of lifting. :)

[Mr.ShowUhow]

Man, that's a crazy transition in programs. But as long as you like it. I did a 5x5 program and got tired of it. So, good luck.

[BCH13]

Man, that's a crazy transition in programs. But as long as you like it. I did a 5x5 program and got tired of it. So, good luck.

Yeah. I have zero soreness this morning (I thought I'd at least be sore from Saturday's workout), but my brother is telling me it doesn't matter... my strength will still come without soreness. And I was most likely over training my body. Anyways, I'm going to give it 2 months and see the appearance and strength results. I might switch from periodization to the triumvirate, or a variation of the two. We'll see. Thanks for the post.

[BCH13]

Rest day.

[BCH13]

Bench Press

Warm-up
90x5
115x5
135x3

Bench Press 5/3/1
145x5
170x5
195x8 --> Very depressing. I had been using a Star Trec Max Rack for all of my BB benches, and mostly using DB's instead of BB's... it was a completely different feel... a feeling of WEAK. Anyways, hopefully my strength will go up quickly. I also adjusted my grip (from middle fingers around polished marker to pinky finger). I will not be using the max rack anymore for any of my exercises... I lived by it... squats, calf raises, incl/flat/decl BB bench, etc. No mas.

Assistance Exercises

Incline Bench Press
115x10
115x10
115x10
115x10
115x10
-----

DB Shrugs
60x15
60x15
60x15
60x15
60x15
-----

WG Lat Pulldowns
Apparatus +50x10
Apparatus +50x10
Apparatus +50x10
Apparatus +50x12 (I know I'm not supposed to go to failure on these, and I didn't, but 10 just started to feel like too little after I got warmed up)
Apparatus +50x12
-----

Alright, so this kind of hurt my motivation. After this workout I went to about a 6/10... the first time I haven't been 10/10 since I got back into lifting almost 2 months ago. First, prior to last night's workout, I looked up the Star Trec Max Rack online to make sure the weight of the bar was 45lbs (this is what I was told by everyone at the gym, but I didn't think to verify...) ... it is 35lbs (this is why I bumped 90% of my max bench from 250 to 225 to get my weights for 5/3/1). So, I apologize for posting "false" weights for the majority of my exercises... but at least they were consistently incorrect. :( Subtract 10lbs from every BB bench/squat/standing CR/straight BB currls/forearm curls/BB shrugs... gah, I loved using the max rack... but after my bench sucked last night, I'm going to all "true" free weights. Anyways, tonight is squats, and I'll be adjusting this weight, as well, especially since I won't be using the max rack. I'm thinking I'll use 225, and try the same weights I used for my bench press last night. Although, this I know will be too light... I'd rather start too light than too heavy.

Also, I want to add that I feel almost like a slacker when I leave the gym now... in and out in an hour just isn't what I'm used to. The volume just isn't there, but I do still feel a pretty good pump. Does anyone think only doing 3 assistance exercises won't be enough to see gains? I'm still not sore from any of my lifts since I started the new program... but my brother swears by it and continues to ask me to just give it time, and stick with it. He is big, and strong, and gets his M.D. in 2 weeks... so I guess I'll listen to him for now, and stick with it.

[BCH13]

I'm 3 weeks into my cycle and still taking 4 Act x and 3 Triazole a day... with 2/2 AM // 2/1 PM splits. I am at about 175lbs right now... I have seen no side effects from the stack and I don't really "feel" anything anymore... sex drive is back to normal (still higher than avg), no acne, no longer "edgy"/"snappy"/aggressive, etc. Is this normal? Should I increase my dosage (maybe to 5 act x, 3 triaz ... 3/2 AM // 2/1 PM)?

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

[BCH13]

5/11/11

Squats (250lbs as max)

Warm-up
100x5
125x5
150x3

5/3/1
165x5
190x5
215x13 --> Clean, ATF Squats. This felt GREAT. Motivation back up to 10/10!

Assistance Exercises

Leg Curls
70x15
70x15
70x12
70x12
70x12
-----

Superset: Seated Calf Raises w/ Side Bends

Seated CR
25x15
50x12
50x12
50x12
50x12

Side Bends
25x20
25x20
25x20
25x20
-----

Superset: Leg Press w/ Overhead Extensions

Leg Press
180x10
180x10
180x10
180x10
180x10

Overhead Extensions
30x12 (warm-up)
60x12
60x12
60x12
60x12
60x12
-----

This workout felt great. My legs felt very strong last night. I didn't think I'd hit 13 reps for 215lbs on my squats. My motivation is back up to 10/10... this sounds dumb, but I missed my morning dose on Mother's day of Act x / Triazole (spent the night on the in-laws boat and didn't know until it was too late... couldn't drive home to get it and I had 0% prior knowledge that I'd be going, let alone staying)... and I didn't take my night dose until about 10:30pm... so I went about 30 hours without taking either Act x or Triaz. I just noticed yesterday, after catching back up on my dosage (2/2 6:30am // 2/1 6:30pm) that my mood was back to being elevated and I felt very strong again.

Is this all in my head, or could missing a dose for 30 hours actually effect my mood/strength?

Anyways, I now have 2 rest days... back to Military Press on Saturday morning... hoping to already see some progress from the program.

[BenW22]

I've read through this log and found it very interesting. Have you gained a lot of weight so far on the AX/TZ stack? It seems like you very often feel aggressive and "edgy." Is that worth the muscle gains? I'm not judging or anything, I'm genuinely wondering. Thanks

[BCH13]

I've read through this log and found it very interesting. Have you gained a lot of weight so far on the AX/TZ stack? It seems like you very often feel aggressive and "edgy." Is that worth the muscle gains? I'm not judging or anything, I'm genuinely wondering. Thanks

In regards to my weight, I've been trying to dirty bulk (my diet isn't that bad, but I've been eating ice cream, chips, fried food, etc., every now and then), but with the large volume workouts I was doing at the beginning of the stack, I was actually maintaining weight (body fat % was decreasing, lean muscle mass % was increasing). Now my weight has gone up, probably around 3 lbs (some fat, some lean muscle). I want to wait to take progress pics, but you will definitely see a significant change by the end of this cycle... as I have already had comments from people who don't know I'm running a stack, and it has only been 3 weeks.

Honestly, I only felt the aggression in the beginning of the cycle, maybe 3 days in, for about 5 days? Since then, I have felt nothing but an elevated (happy) mood and elevated (an already high) sex drive. Thanks for the post/comment.

[BCH13]

5/12/11

Rest day.

[BCH13]

5/13/11

Rest day.

[BCH13]

Military BTH Press

Warm-Up
45x5
65x5
75x5

5/3/1
90x3 (.7 x 125lbs)
100x3 (.8 x 125lbs)
125x11 (Increased 1RM by 15lbs to 140lbs... .9 x 140lbs... forgot I got too many reps last week on final set) 11 reps felt GREAT
-----

DB Flat Bench
60x10
60x10
60x10
60x10
60x10
-----

Superset: DB Rows w/ Side Lat Raises
Warm-up
30x12 (DB Rows)
10x15 (Side LR)

DB Rows
60x10
60x10
60x10
60x10
60x10

Side LR
15x10
15x10
15x10
15x10
15x10
-----

Rope Pressdowns
50x12 (warm-up)
100x10
100x10
100x10
100x10
100x10
-----

Superset: Abs w/ Side Bends
Decline Crunches
+5x20
+5x20
+5x20

Side Bends
25x20
35x15
45x12
-----

This workout felt great; muscles are back to feeling tight/dry (in a good way), and I'm feeling strong again in the gym. I am really liking this workout program so far... I am getting plenty of rest and I'm seeing strength gains without being in the gym for 2 hours at a time. I'm not thinking I was over training, but it got my muscles back into shape quickly. Deadlifts tomorrow, can't wait.

[linverson]

Hey budy, I'm doing a shorter cycle of of AX and triazole. I have log on here as well. I'm following your log as a guide.

[BCH13]

Hey budy, I'm doing a shorter cycle of of AX and triazole. I have log on here as well. I'm following your log as a guide.

Hey man. I'm glad to here somebody is benefiting from this log. Haha. I am actually thinking about shortening my cycle to 4 weeks (ending in a few days). I have loved the stack and I have 2 bottles/I had planned on going a full 8 weeks, but I almost want to cut it short since this is my first stack. I also don't want my body to get too used to the feeling of being on it... I feel like the longer I cycle, the harder it will be when I stop. Whether it is all in my head, or not, I don't want to feel depressed/crappy in the gym post-cycle, because I ran it too long.

(Does anyone reading this have any suggestions/experience as to whether or not it is "harder" coming off an 8 week vs. a 4 week?)

Do you mind posting a link to your log? I'd love to take a look. Thanks for the post.

[BCH13]

Deadlifts

Warm-up
70x5
90x5
105x5

5/3/1
125*3
140x3
160x20!!! After hitting 135x20 last week... this was quite a jump in weight... although I hadn't done deadlifts in over 2 years.
-----

Leg Curls
45x15 (Warm-up)
100x12
115x10
115x10
115x10
115x10
-----

Superset: Leg Extensions w/ Standing Calf Raises
Leg Extensions
70x12
90x10
90x10
90x10
90x10

Standing CR
85x12 (Warm-up)
125x15
215x10
215x10
215x10
215x10
-----

DB Curls
15x10 (Warm-up)
30x8
30x8
30x7
30x6
30x6
-----

Very surprised by 160x20 for deadlifts... but I think I slightly tweaked my back... hurts getting in/out of my car and it is rough bending over with straight legs... hoping it is mostly just a really tight lower back, but I don't know... regardless, I'm really enjoying this 5/3/1 program. Thank you, Mr. Wendler. Rest day tomorrow.

[BCH13]

Rest day.


So, I woke up this morning and my back was tight as fack. I could barely get out of bed, and I had trouble putting my socks on myself; my wife helped. I iced it throughout the day and tried to stretch it while at my desk. To top things off, I also came down with a cold (my first in 2 years, since I moved to Florida), and I'm feeling pretty crappy... still can't wait to hit the weights tomorrow, though.

Does anyone know if it is an issue taking Night/DayQuil while taking this stack?

I wouldn't think so and I'm taking it either way, but I'm just curious if anyone has done it before. Not sure yet whether or not I will be coming to work tomorrow, I guess it depends on how bad my back is and whether or not I wake up feeling like death. Either way, I am going to the gym tomorrow for Bench Press day.

[laneanders]

I'm doing a log of nearly this identical stack as well. I'm not going to start it until I have a few more days of data, but I'm compiling it on my laptop now. I haven't really felt any increase in intensity or aggression at all. It has made for a couple of restless nights though.

I'm only on day 3 now though so we'll see what happens from there. I can tell you that you were doing it right with the extremely high volume when you first came back. I took a long time off, and the best way I have ever found to get that muscle memory to kick in fast is high volume to start with.

After you get to near your previous personal records it's good to change to a strength or size focused routine with much higher weight and lower volume. So I think you've done it pretty well. I'm focusing on strength gains with my stack, but I'll be posting my log up in the next few days with the first week worth of data.

[BCH13]

Bench Press

Warm-Up
90x5
115x5
135x5

5/3/1
160x3
180x3
200x8 !!! Up 10lbs from last week (190x8)... seeing such good gains with this program, and it is only the second week.
-----

Dips
0x15
25x10
25x10
25x10
25x10

Gains showing on assistance exercises as well.
-----

Pullups
x8
x6
Widegrip
x5
x4
-----

Superset: Shrugs w/ Overhead Extensions
Shrugs
50x15
80x12
80x12
80x12
80x12

OH Extensions
50x12
70x10
70x12
70x12
70x12
-----

Leg Lifts
x15
x15
x15
x15

Alright so I am very sick with a bad cold... did this workout on dayquil, nasal spray/decongestant, and 2.5 scoops of jack3d... I saw 10lb gain week-over-week on bench press. I am absolutely loving this workout program; it's easy, I'm constantly seeing gains, and it is keeping my motivation up. I am about to post my squat workout (sorry, behind some on logs due to being sick)... but I had more gains and new PR.

[BCH13]

I was originally going to run the stack for 8 weeks, but I am instead running it for 4 weeks, taking a break for 4 weeks, and then running another 4 weeks. I loved the stack, and I've seen great gains, but I'd rather not do a full 8 weeks for my first stack. Any opinions on this? Anyways, I'm still sick, still feel like crap, yet I still saw gains on my squats today. :)

Squats
100x5
125x5
150x3

5/3/1
175x3
200x3
225x15 !!! This set felt great. It took my mind off of being sick, and helped me have a great workout.
-----

Superset: Seated Calf Raises w/ Side Bends
Seated CR
25x15 (warm-up)
75x12
75x12
75x12
75x12
75x12

Side Bends
35x15
35x15
45x15
45x15
45x15
-----

Leg Extensions
50x10 (warm-up)
80x12
80x12
80x12
90x12
105x12
-----

Another new PR while lifting with a nasty cold. Can't ask for more. The next two days are rest days... very very excited to do military press on Saturday. Hopefully I will be over my cold by then...


Edit: I will be taking progress photos on Saturday, after Military Press. I want to have a good upper body pump before taking them, since I had a good pump when I took them originally.

[BCH13]

I'm doing a log of nearly this identical stack as well. I'm not going to start it until I have a few more days of data, but I'm compiling it on my laptop now. I haven't really felt any increase in intensity or aggression at all. It has made for a couple of restless nights though.

I'm only on day 3 now though so we'll see what happens from there. I can tell you that you were doing it right with the extremely high volume when you first came back. I took a long time off, and the best way I have ever found to get that muscle memory to kick in fast is high volume to start with.

After you get to near your previous personal records it's good to change to a strength or size focused routine with much higher weight and lower volume. So I think you've done it pretty well. I'm focusing on strength gains with my stack, but I'll be posting my log up in the next few days with the first week worth of data.

I'd love to follow your log; do you mind posting a link here? Thanks, man. I completely agree with you; I always find high volume exercises are great for shocking my body back into shape. I'm now running 5/3/1 and seeing incredible gains... only 2 weeks into it! I should have listened to my brother last year. I spend 1/2 the time in the gym, and yet I'm seeing better progress. I appreciate the comments, and I am anxious to follow your log and see how you like the stack. Again, please post the link once you have your thread up. Thanks again.

[laneanders]

I'd love to follow your log; do you mind posting a link here? Thanks, man. I completely agree with you; I always find high volume exercises are great for shocking my body back into shape. I'm now running 5/3/1 and seeing incredible gains... only 2 weeks into it! I should have listened to my brother last year. I spend 1/2 the time in the gym, and yet I'm seeing better progress. I appreciate the comments, and I am anxious to follow your log and see how you like the stack. Again, please post the link once you have your thread up. Thanks again.

Yeah here is the DS log

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=134679821

I am also doing a very minimal log of Melatonin, because I noticed some sleeplessness recently.

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=134661571