I'm going to start prepping for my first show. My question is this: how long before a show should you come off a cycle? Or would you plan it out to finish up your cycle after the show date? My proposed cycle is 10 weeks test P @ 100mg EOD and the last 4 weeks with winny tabs @ 50mg ed. Then pct of clomid. I'm about 17 weeks out now.

Every show I did, I never came off cycle before the show date...

My bodyfat was usually around 11 to 12% before starting dieting, so I typically trained for 10 weeks to get in shape for the show.

Others may diet longer, just depends upon how much you need to drop to be in contest shape

This is what I considered contest shape.

I'm at like 14% bf right now. I haven't been eating 100% clean though nor have I been doing cardio.

When I trained for contests, I kept my protein and carbs (mostly complex carbs) high, and minimized my fat intake.

For my body type, I didn't reduce my overall caloric intake, my weight loss came from increased cardio. I had learned from an earlier show, where I did reduce my caloric intake, that I lost muscle mass.

When I kept my caloric intake high, and increased my cardio, I kept my muscle mass and came in much fuller at contest time.

What is your cardio routine? I've never did a show nor have I attempted to cut down to the BF % of a show ready physique.

50 minutes to an hour on the stationary bike. I chose the bike, because I have low back problems and running just aggravated that.

I have a back problem too, my SI joint is fusing together so running and stuff put a lot of strain on my lower back.

I have knee and back problems. It sucks not being able to smash legs like I want. I have to do what my body wants. Growth is slow

Yeah, I had an ACL surgery a few years back and now I have Patella Crepetis going on, so sometimes if I do legs to the extreme I have to old the banister up the stairs! Haha

I just seen the doc so I'll be seeing chiro for the next 8 weeks and Physical therapy for my knee also.