Seems like I hear more guys talking about cruising than coming off completely. For those who've been at this a while, what route have you taken and what made you stick with it? Just curious to hear real experiences and the thinking behind your choice.
I always came off and ran PCT. Wanted to give my body a break and see where I could hold onto my gains naturally.
Everybody's situation is different, buddy. Age, goals, and health all play into it. What works for one guy might not make sense for someone else.
I tried both over the years. For me, coming off fit my lifestyle better since I'm not trying to stay stage-ready year-round.
I've got a family and a full-time job, so I try to keep things as simple as possible. I don't mind giving up a little size if it means less to keep track of.
One thing I've learned is not to copy whatever the biggest guy in the gym is doing. Everyone's body responds differently, and everyone's priorities are different.
That's kind of why I asked. Seems like there isn't one "right" answer, and most guys settle into whatever fits their long-term goals instead of chasing what everyone else is doing.
I think too many people focus on staying huge all year. I'd rather be healthy, train consistently, and enjoy lifting for the long haul.
The older I get, the more I think about sustainability instead of just adding more size. My mindset is a lot different now than it was in my twenties.
I've had buddies go both directions. Neither one regrets their choice because it fit what they wanted out of bodybuilding. That's probably the biggest thing.