When it comes to muscle building supplements, prohormones are the strongest that are legally available. While not a definitive guide by any means, this article looks at 4 of the most effective and popular prohormones. I will also cover PCT’s and provide a quick look at training and nutrition. There’s no reason to wait, so let’s get going!
What Are Prohormones?
A prohormone can be defined as “a precursor of a hormone, such as a polypeptide that is split to form a shorter polypeptide hormone or a steroid that is converted to an active hormone by peripheral metabolism” (1). To put it in more simple terms, prohormones are compounds that the body converts to anabolic hormones. They cause an anabolic effect that’s similar to but milder than anabolic steroids. You can expect fast muscle gains, improved strength, and fast fat loss. These benefits are milder than steroids because of a rate-limiting effect caused by the conversion.
Check Out These Popular Prohormones!
If you’re thinking about a prohormone cycle, start with these prohormones. They are popular choices because they work!
Hi-Tech Pharma 1-Testosterone
Ingredient Breakdown
One tablet provides:
1-androstene-3b-ol-17-one – 110 mg
6,7 Dihydroxybergamottin – 50 mg
This prohormone is ideal for lifters looking for mass and strength gains. It also promotes in-the-gym training aggression.
Hi-Tech Pharma Decabolin
Ingredient Breakdown
One tablet provides:
19-NorAndrost-4-ene-3b-ol, 17-one Decanoate – 75 mg
This is another prohormone that stimulates size and strength gains. It’s also ideal for stacking. Experienced prohormone users often stack 2-4 different prohormone products for optimal results. I do not advise stacking if you’re about to start your first cycle. I also advise on-cycle liver and organ support is recommended. Playing things safe makes sense!
Hi-Tech Pharma Halodrol
Ingredient Breakdown
One capsule provides:
Proprietary Anabolic Blend – 250 mg
1-androstene-3b-ol, 17-one, 4-androstene-3b-ol,17-one, Androsterone, Androstenolone Acetate, Rhaponticum carthamoides 100:1 Extract (Root)
This is a stack in and of itself. However, at one capsule, it is under-dosed. Also, let me be clear, I am not a fan of prop blends. However, in this case, I would say it’s a fair assumption that each ingredient is dosed at 25 mg. Plus, they all do basically the same thing. I suggest taking 2 capsules.
Hi-Tech Pharma Sustanon 250
Ingredient Breakdown
One tablet provides:
4-androstene-3b-ol, 17-one Proprionate – 30mg
4-androstene-3b-ol, 17-one Enanthate – 45mg
4-androstene-3b-ol, 17-one Isocaproate – 45mg
4-androstene-3b-ol, 17-one Decanoate – 30mg
3 Beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-androstan-17-one – 100mg
This is another product that is, in and of itself, a stack. Like the other prohormones listed here, it promotes size and strength.
What About On-Cycle Support And A PCT?
When you end your prohormone cycle (typically 8 weeks), your natural hormones will be out of whack. The reason this imbalance happens is because the body thinks it doesn’t have to produce testosterone. That’s because testosterone levels dramatically increase during your prohormone cycle. Therefore, it makes sense to use liver and organ support during your cycle. I suggest Purus Labs Organ Shield for effective on-cycle support.
Post cycle, you’ll need to balance out your testosterone and estrogen levels, and get your natural production of testosterone up and running again. In addition, you will need to bring the catabolic hormone cortisol under control. This is how you keep your gains, and the reason you need to follow a PCT program immediately after your prohormone cycle is over. I suggest Blackstone Labs PCTV. I also suggest not taking this phase lightly, Trust me, this is where you can lose everything if you don’t plan your PCT carefully.
Training, Nutrition, And Supplementation
Training
I suggest using a program consisting of primarily compound exercises. Your routine should emphasize progressively heavier weight. If desired, feel free to include intensity techniques such as drop sets, rest-pause, and partial reps. There’s a couple of ways to do this. First, you can perform, after warm-ups of course, 3 heavy sets followed by 1-2 intensity sets using more moderate weight. Or, you can add these techniques to the final set of each exercise.
Nutrition
I advise eating a clean, higher calorie, high protein (1 gram per pound of protein, at least), moderate carb, and low fat diet. I also suggest consuming roughly 50% of your daily carbs in the hours around your workouts. As well, have a post-workout shake within 15 minutes of your last set.
Supplementation
Support supplements should include whey protein powder and a good pre-workout. I also suggest creatine monohydrate and BCAAs/EAAs. You can add a carbohydrate powder such as EFX Sports Karbolyn. Using this product before your workout supports cellular energy. Using it after supports post-workout glycogen replenishment.
Summary
Prohormones are not to be taken lightly. Make sure you fully understand what you are doing before you take anything. I can personally vouch for rushing into a cycle only to reach the end unprepared. But, once you have a clear view of what you want to do, get ready to grow! Why not stop by illpumpyouup.com and stock up on everything you need!
References:
- Prohormone. (n.d.). Retrieved February 15, 2017, from http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/prohormone