In the last few years Clenbuterol has replaced Ephedrine as the drug of choice when it comes to fat loss and contest preparation in general. Clenbuterol is used throughout the world as a bronchodialator and, when used this way, it is highly effective with a low level of user complaints. In terms of fat loss, ‘Clen’ (as it is frequently called) is what is known as a
Repartitioning agent – meaning that it will increase your ratio of Fat Free Mass to Fat Mass.

Clenbuterol belongs to a class of drugs known as sympathomimetics. These drugs affect the sympathetic nervous system in numerous ways. It is specifically a selective beta-2 sympathomimetic, stimulating the beta-2 receptors, which creates a thermogenic effect, directly stimulating fat cells and accelerating the breakdown of triglycerides to form free fatty acids. Animal studies have also shown it to be quite anti-catabolic and/or anabolic which obviously leads to its attractiveness amongst bodybuilders – particularly during the pre-contest phase. However, it has to be said that these studies have been restricted to animals and there is little real evidence of Clenbuterol having muscle building/sparing properties in humans. This does little to tarnish its reputation as a great adjunct anabolic – used both off-season and pre-contest.

ACTIVE LIFE

Another attractive quality of this drug is its extremely long half-life in the body – which gives it an active life of approximately 34-36 hours. This makes it easy to maintain steady blood levels with a single or twice daily dosing schedule. Interestingly enough, Clenbuterol has never been approved for use in the USA (perhaps the drug companies would not find it profitable enough). This does little to affect its availability on the black market however, with many foreign preparations being readily available.

DOSING AND SIDE EFFECTS

Clenbuterol is generally a drug where you have to gradually assess your own individual tolerance level. Basically, it is advisable to start with 20mcgs upon rising. If the side effects (possible anxiety, shaking and sweating) are not too pronounced, then the same dose can be repeated later in the day. Men generally end up in the range of 2-8 tablets a day. Women usually find 2-4 to be very effective.
As previously suggested, Clenbuterol does have a fair amount of side effects – most of which will be familiar to anyone who has used CNS stimulants. Along with a slight increase in body temperature (due to the thermogenic effect) users may experience shaky hands, insomnia, sweating, increased blood pressure and nausea. These side effects usually become less noticeable once the user becomes accustomed to the drug. They are also dose dependant – which is why it is always advised to begin on a low dose in order to gauge your tolerance level.

DRAWBACKS ASSOCIATED WITH CLENBUTEROL USE

One of the main drawbacks with this drug is that after a couple of weeks it seems to stop working for most people. This is due to the fact that it can cause a down regulation of the beta-receptors in the pulmonary, cardiac and Central Nervous System. One way to sense this down regulation is when you no longer feel an elevation in body temperature following administration. This suggests that the substance is no longer exhibiting a thermogenic effect. At this point increasing the dosage would not be very effective and a break of at least two weeks should be taken before it is used again. This accounts for the popular two weeks on/two weeks off method of administration. There is however much controversy in this area. Some say it can promote fat loss for approximately 4-6 weeks, though any strength gains can usually only be felt for 3-4 weeks (probably due more to the stimulant properties rather than any real anabolic effect).

The use of anti-histamines such as Benadryl or Ketotifen every 3rd or 4th week may help prevent this tolerance to some extent – although they should be taken at bedtime since they will cause drowsiness.

It has also been found that Clenbuterol depletes the body of the amino acid Taurine, so you may want to supplement with this during a cycle of Clen.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

However you decide to incorporate this substance into your program, you must always start low and never go above 8 tablets a day (with a complete maximum being 200mcgs). Monitor your blood pressure and keep it at (or below) 140/90. If it goes above that, or if side effects become intolerable use your common sense and decrease the dose.

ENHANCING THE EFFECTS

Many competitive athletes find that the fat burning effects of Clenbuterol can be enhanced by combining it with thyroid hormones (particularly Cytomel). The thermogenic effect in this instance can be very powerful. When combined these cutting agents can even counter the fat storing effects of strong aromatizing androgens. A Clenbuterol/thyroid mix is also common when using growth hormone, as it seems to increase the thermogenic and anabolic effect significantly.

Leigh Penman, in addition to be a staff writer at MuscleSport Mag, has been writing for bodybuilding magazines, websites and nutritional supplement companies since 1985. Whilst residing in the UK, she earned the reputation of being one of the top female writers in bodybuilding-related media. Her credits included being a contributing editor on all the magazines in production as well as filling the shoes of Ladies Editor and Showbiz Editor on two publications (the later being on Arnold’s sanctioned magazine, ‘Bodypower’). During this time she also competed successfully on four occasions (placing in the top four in all contests).

Leigh has been working out for close to thirty years so she is clearly a writer who ‘walks her talk.’
She can be contacted personally at zeal2heal@yahoo.com or you can also check her out at New York’s favorite metaphysical store www.stickstoneandbone.com.

This is part of a continuing series provided exclusively by MuscleSport Mag giving information on a variety of performance-enhancing drugs for educational purposes. While it is apparent that people are going to use these substances regardless of the health and legal risks involved, quality information is necessary and learning as much about them as possible can only assist an adult making a decision either way.

Testosterone Propionate is the shortest estered, fastest acting form of testosterone currently available. Levels generally peak after 24-36 hours, however they soon begin to taper thereafter and the steroid itself only has a 2-3day life span. This can be a good thing for those susceptible to the side effects caused by longer acting testosterones (e.g. enthanate, cypionate, Sustanon 250) with Propionate causing less water retention and the user experiencing an increase in energy, a better muscle pump and an increase in strength and appetite after only one or two days.

The downside of Propionate is that, due to its composition, it requires more frequent injections in order to keep blood levels stable (this usually involves administration every second day). This can be troublesome since the Propionate ester can be very irritating at the injection site with sensitive individuals experiencing pain and swelling accompanied by a low-grade fever that may last for a few days.

Although still regarded as a controversial subject (and usually ‘forbidden territory’) the use of testosterone compounds by female athletes does exist at top competitive levels and the drug of choice is usually Testosterone Propionate. This is due to the fact that, when applied properly, androgenic side effects are more easily avoided. With this in mind, women who choose to use this form of testosterone usually administer it every 5 –7 days and experience better workout recovery and muscle growth with a minimum of androgenic related problems. In this case the dosage is usually 25-50mg per injection and the duration of use kept to 8-10 weeks. This is usually supplemented by adding a mild anabolic such as Primobolan or Anavar in order to increase protein synthesis.

For men daily injections of 50mg are often used and, as long as the pain and swelling at the injection site which often results from Propionate use, is not too troublesome the usual side effects triggered by testosterone use are less frequent. However, it is still testosterone and, for those with sensitive metabolisms side effects may still be evident and include acne, accelerated hair loss, possible water retention and gynecomastia. These effects are not as common as with other long acting testosterones though and most athletes find that the frequency of injections is the only real hassle with Propionate use.

‘FRONT LOADING’ WITH PROPIONATE

One technique often used with Testosterone Propionate is ‘front-loading’ where the rapid onset of action is used to trigger quick gains in strength and weight while waiting for a longer acting drug to take effect. One example of this would be to combine Testosterone Propionate with Testosterone Enanthate. The enanthate would be administered at 250mg and the propionate at 50mg at the beginning of a cycle then, after the effect of the propionate decreases (2 days) another 50mg shot is injected. By the time the effect of the second shot diminishes (another 2 days) the Enanthate kicks in and no further propionate would be necessary. This would lead to a longer and sustained level of testosterone in the body. Some athletes do prefer to take Propionate throughout their entire cycle, injecting 50-100mg every day or every second day. This may reduce the likelihood of water retention during a mass building cycle but, once again it has to be weighed up against the pain and swelling at the injection site caused by Propionate use.

Leigh Penman, in addition to be a staff writer at MuscleSport Mag, has been writing for bodybuilding magazines, websites and nutritional supplement companies since 1985. Whilst residing in the UK, she earned the reputation of being one of the top female writers in bodybuilding-related media. Her credits included being a contributing editor on all the magazines in production as well as filling the shoes of Ladies Editor and Showbiz Editor on two publications (the later being on Arnold’s sanctioned magazine, ‘Bodypower’). During this time she also competed successfully on four occasions (placing in the top four in all contests).

Relocating to New York in the late 1990s she focused her writing attention to crystal healing techniques and metaphysics – however, she still maintained a five day workout schedule during this time and gained her personal training certificate.

Having also studied pharmacology in relation to sports performance, her writing began taking her in that direction until the present day which sees her embarking on a return to the magazine world, as well as extending her web-related work in the bodybuilding and fitness field.

Leigh has been working out for close to thirty years so she is clearly a writer who ‘walks her talk.’
She can be contacted personally at zeal2heal@yahoo.com or you can also check her out at New York’s favorite metaphysical store www.stickstoneandbone.com.

This is part of a continuing series provided exclusively by MuscleSport Mag giving information on a variety of performance-enhancing drugs for educational purposes. While it is apparent that people are going to use these substances regardless of the health and legal risks involved, quality information is necessary and learning as much about them as possible can only assist an adult making a decision either way.

Primobolan Depot is the injectable version of the steroid methenolone and, although it produces a weaker effect than Deca-Durabolin it is a very good basic steroid whose effects are predominantly anabolic. The fact that an enanthate ester is added to this steroid enables a slow and gradual release from the injection site. This addition allows for a longer half-life of approx 14 days (similar to Testosterone Enanthate) although most athletes prefer to administer it on a weekly basis.

Primobolan’s popularity stems from the fact that it is the only steroid that seems to work well on a low calorie diet (making it a pre-contest drug of choice) and side effects are rarely a problem since it is relatively non toxic, low in androgens and it does not convert to estrogen (aromatize) therefore estrogen related side effects are not an issue. In addition to this it seems to have a positive effect on the immune system (thus its popular use in Aids patients) and the fact that it adds primarily lean mass leads to a strengthening of the whole body system. When you consider these facts it is hard to believe that Primobolan Depot is not legally approved by the FDA in the United States…but that’s politics for you!

Now, having said all of the above, it has to be said that Primobolan does have its side effects including light acne, deepening voice and increased hair growth (these effects resulting form the androgenic residual effect). However, it displays low liver toxicity and usually has little effect on blood pressure and cholesterol, which makes it one of the safest injectable anabolic steroids. It is also worth pointing out that the bodies own testosterone production is only reduced when high dosages are taken for prolonged periods.

Speaking of dosages, the ‘safe’ dosage for men is 100-200mg per week although some bodybuilders have been known to go as high as 600mg/week (and even 800mg). Androgenic effects are inevitably higher at this rate but are usually tolerable. A better option is to stack Primobolan with stronger steroids in order to enhance the effect. Primo, Sustenon 250 and Dianabol is one such stack, which will produce rapid gains. Another example is Primo 200mg/week and Deca-Durabolin 200-400mg/week or Primo with Winstrol Depot 200-400mg/week. Although adding additional compounds can increase side effects, Primobolan does tend to lessen the harshness of the more heavy-duty steroids (e.g. all the testosterones) when added to a cycle.

Female athletes can get good results from 100-200mg a week and 50mg of Winstrol Depot can be added (although virilization problems may occur in sensitive individuals). A safer option would probably be 100mg Primobolan with 7.5mg Oxandrolone (or Winstrol oral, 10mg), which represents a cautious dose for those seeking to experiment with anabolics.
All in all, when you consider the fact that Primobolan is the only steroid that works on a low calorie diet, builds lean mass, adds hardness and tone AND positively effects the immune system it is easy to see why it is one of the most popular steroids on the market and has gained something of a ‘cult’ following over the years.

Leigh Penman, in addition to be a staff writer at MuscleSport Mag, has been writing for bodybuilding magazines, websites and nutritional supplement companies since 1985. Whilst residing in the UK, she earned the reputation of being one of the top female writers in bodybuilding-related media. Her credits included being a contributing editor on all the magazines in production as well as filling the shoes of Ladies Editor and Showbiz Editor on two publications (the later being on Arnold’s sanctioned magazine, ‘Bodypower’). During this time she also competed successfully on four occasions (placing in the top four in all contests).

Relocating to New York in the late 1990s she focused her writing attention to crystal healing techniques and metaphysics – however, she still maintained a five day workout schedule during this time and gained her personal training certificate.

Having also studied pharmacology in relation to sports performance, her writing began taking her in that direction until the present day which sees her embarking on a return to the magazine world, as well as extending her web-related work in the bodybuilding and fitness field.

Leigh has been working out for close to thirty years so she is clearly a writer who ‘walks her talk.’
She can be contacted personally at zeal2heal@yahoo.com or you can also check her out at New York’s favorite metaphysical store www.stickstoneandbone.com