Understanding the Difference Between a “Cruise Cycle” and a “Bridging Steroid Cycles” in Bodybuilding
The world of bodybuilding is rife with various techniques to maximize muscle gains and fat loss. Among the more controversial and often debated topics are the concepts of “cruise cycles” and “bridging steroid cycles.” These strategies involve the use of anabolic steroids, which are substances that can have serious legal and health consequences. The following information is presented for educational purposes only.
What is a Cruise Cycle?
A “cruise cycle,” often just called “cruising,” refers to a period where an individual who has been using high doses of steroids reduces to a lower or “maintenance” dose. The intention behind cruising is to allow the body to recover from the intensive cycles of steroids while still maintaining a certain level of synthetic hormones to preserve muscle gains.
Common Cruising Steroids and Dosages
- Testosterone Enanthate: A long-ester testosterone commonly used at doses of 100-200mg per week during a cruise.
- Testosterone Cypionate: Similar to enanthate with a slightly different ester, used in the same dosages.
- Testosterone Propionate: A short-ester testosterone that requires more frequent injections, often used at around 25-50mg every other day.
What is a Bridging Cycle?
“Bridging” refers to the practice of using lower doses of fast-acting steroids to “bridge” the gap between two intensive steroid cycles. The goal is to retain as much muscle as possible between cycles without putting the body through the stress of high steroid dosages.
Common Bridging Steroids and Dosages
- Oxandrolone (Anavar): A mild oral steroid, often used at dosages of 10-30mg per day.
- Stanozolol (Winstrol): Another oral steroid, used at dosages of around 10-20mg per day.
- Turinabol: An oral steroid with a dosing range of 20-40mg per day.
The Key Differences
The primary difference between a cruise and a bridge lies in their purpose and how they’re used in relation to steroid cycles. Cruising is seen as a way to give the body a break from high dosages while still using hormones. In contrast, bridging is used to retain gains between aggressive cycles without ever fully coming off steroids.
Both practices are highly controversial and come with significant health risks, including but not limited to hormonal imbalances, liver damage, cardiovascular issues, and psychological effects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while cruise and bridge cycles are terms used within the bodybuilding community, it’s important to consider the legal implications and long-term health risks associated with steroid use. These practices are not endorsed by health professionals and should be discussed with a medical provider before consideration.