Below is a high‑level overview of the most common classes of performance‑enhancing substances that have been used in sports (or are known to be capable of doing so). It is **not** an instruction set, nor does it condone or encourage doping; rather, it simply lists the chemical categories and some typical examples that have appeared in the scientific literature or regulatory databases.
| Category | Typical Mechanism(s) | Representative Examples (with common names) | |----------|----------------------|---------------------------------------------| | **Anabolic steroids** | Increase protein synthesis → muscle growth & strength; suppress catabolism | - Testosterone (and derivatives: nandrolone, stanozolol, trenbolone) - 17α‑alkylated oral steroids (e.g., methandrostenolone, oxymetholone) | | **Peptide hormones / analogues** | Bind to specific receptors → anabolic or metabolic effects; can be short‑acting or long‑acting | - Human growth hormone (HGH) and analogues (somatropin, sermorelin) - Insulin‑like Growth Factor 1 (IGF‑1) and mimetics - Follicle‑stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) analogues | | **Thyroid derivatives** | Increase basal metabolic rate; can enhance thermogenesis | - T3, T4, and synthetic analogues (liothyronine, levothyroxine); sometimes used in "thyroid cocktail" regimens - Thyrotropin‑releasing hormone (TRH) mimetics | | **Steroid hormones** | Modulate muscle protein synthesis or catabolism | - Androgens (testosterone, nandrolone) - Estrogens, progesterone derivatives - Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) for anti‑inflammatory effects but can cause muscle wasting if misused |
> **Note:** The use of these agents in bodybuilding is often off‑label and can pose serious health risks. Always consult a qualified medical professional before considering any pharmacological intervention.
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## 4. Lifestyle Factors Influencing Muscle Mass
| Factor | How It Affects Muscle Growth | Practical Tips | |--------|-----------------------------|----------------| | **Sleep** (7–9 hrs/night) | Restorative hormones (GH, testosterone), protein synthesis during sleep | Keep a consistent bedtime; avoid screens 1 h before bed. | | **Stress Management** (cortisol) | Chronic cortisol can inhibit muscle growth and increase fat deposition | Practice mindfulness, yoga, or breathing exercises. | | **Nutrition Timing** | Post‑workout window (~30–60 min) enhances glycogen refill & protein synthesis | Consume a balanced meal with carbs + protein after training. | | **Hydration** | Adequate fluid supports metabolic processes and nutrient transport | Aim for 2–3 L/day, adjust based on sweat rate. |
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## 4. Sample Weekly Plan
| Day | Focus | Main Workouts | Key Nutrition Points | |-----|-------|---------------|----------------------| | Mon | **Upper‑Body Strength** (Bench press, rows) | 4 sets × 6–8 reps | Protein: 1.2 g/kg body weight; carbs pre‑workout | | Tue | **Lower‑Body Strength + Core** (Squats, deadlifts, planks) | 3×8 squats, 3×6 deadlift | Carbs after workout, fat post‑meal | | Wed | **Active Recovery / Mobility** | Light yoga, foam rolling | Hydration focus; electrolytes | | Thu | **Push/Pull Hypertrophy** (Incline press, lat pulldowns) | 4 sets × 10–12 reps | Balanced macros; protein every 3 h | | Fri | **High‑Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)** | 30 s sprint/1 min walk x 10 | Carbs before, proteins after | | Sat | **Long‑Duration Cardio** | 60 min steady state run/cycling | Complex carbs; small protein snack mid‑run | | Sun | **Rest & Recovery** | Light mobility work | Adequate sleep (>8 h) |
#### 3.2. Training Load Distribution
- **Volume (Total minutes):** ~ 12–14 hrs/week. - **Intensity Zones:** - Zone A (5–6 hrs, low intensity, active recovery). - Zone B (4–5 hrs, moderate intensity, aerobic training). - Zone C (2–3 hrs, high intensity interval or resistance training).
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### 4. Nutritional Strategy for Performance and Recovery
| **Goal** | **Macronutrient Target** | **Daily Intake** | **Timing & Distribution** | |---|---|---|---| | **Pre-Training Fuel** | Carbohydrates (6–8 g/kg) | ~500 kcal 2‑3 h pre-workout | Whole-grain pasta, fruit, yogurt | | **During Training** | 5% of body weight in fluids + electrolytes | ~0.8–1 L per hour | Sports drink with 20–30 g carbs/hr | | **Post-Training Recovery** | Carbs (3–4 g/kg) + Protein (1.2–1.6 g/kg) | Within 45 min: shake, chicken salad, rice | Balanced macro ratio ~0.5 g protein/0.5 g carb per kcal | | **Daily Maintenance** | Caloric intake = BMR × activity factor; adjust +/- 200 kcal | Protein: 1–1.2 g/kg; Carbs: 4–6 g/kg; Fats: remainder | 30% protein, 45% carbs, 25% fats as guideline | | **Special Cases** | High training volume (>15 hrs/wk): +0.5 g protein/kg | Low energy availability (<1500 kcal/day): monitor menstrual cycle, bone density | Chronic illness: individualized plan with medical supervision |
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### Key Take‑Away Rules
1. **Protein first** – 1–2 g/kg body weight per day, split into ~4–6 meals. 2. **Calories to match activity** – Estimate basal + activity; add 200–400 kcal for recovery when training >10 hrs/wk. 3. **Carbohydrate load around workouts** – 5–8 g/kg in the 4‑hour window before/after sessions. 4. **Stay hydrated** – ≥2.5 L/day; more during long or hot sessions. 5. **Use recovery shakes** – Within 30 min post‑workout: 20–25 g protein + 1–1.5 g carbs per 100 mL water.
| Situation | Recommendation | |-----------|----------------| | **Limited prep time (e.g., night shift)** | Keep frozen pre‑cut veggies; use instant oats or protein shakes. | | **Long travel (bus, train)** | Pack a thermos with soup + whole‑grain bread; carry protein bars. | | **Low motivation** | Set micro‑goals: "Just 10 minutes of cardio today." | | **Feeling hungry after training** | Focus on high‑protein foods; avoid sugary drinks that spike insulin and cause crash. | | **Sitting all day** | Every hour, stand up, stretch, do calf raises. | | **Plateaus in weight loss** | Recalculate calorie needs; adjust portion sizes or increase activity intensity. |
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## 7️⃣ Summary & Quick‑Reference Cheat Sheet
| Goal | Key Action | Practical Tip | |------|------------|---------------| | **Weight Loss** | Calorie deficit (≈500 kcal/day) + strength training | Use a food diary app for accountability; prep meals in advance. | | **Muscle Gains** | 1–2 min rest, heavy loads (≥80% 1RM), progressive overload | Keep a workout log; focus on form before adding weight. | | **Fat Loss** | 2–4 min rest + high‑intensity cardio | Finish each session with 10‑15 min HIIT or circuit training. | | **Strength & Power** | 6–8 min rest, low reps (1–5) + Olympic lifts | Incorporate power cleans and snatches; work on speed drills. | | **Mobility & Recovery** | 4–5 min rest, mobility drills post‑lift | End with static stretches or foam rolling for muscle repair. |
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### Practical Workout Example
| Phase | Exercise (RPE) | Sets / Reps | Rest | Notes | |-------|-----------------|-------------|------|-------| | Warm‑up & Mobility | PVC Pass‑Throughs, Band Pull‑Apart | 2 × 15 | 3 min | Keep RPE low (<5). | | Strength | Back Squat (RPE 8) | 4 × 6 | 90 s | Use progressive overload. | | Hypertrophy | Romanian Deadlift (RPE 7) | 3 × 10 | 60 s | Focus on mind‑muscle connection. | | Core & Conditioning | Farmer’s Walk (heavy) | 2 × 40 m | 90 s | Emphasize grip, core stability. | | Recovery | Stretching, foam rolling | 5 min | - | Cool down properly. |
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## 6. Practical Tips for a Balanced Training Program
| Goal | How to Achieve It | Frequency (per week) | |------|-------------------|-----------------------| | **Strength** | 3–4 lifts (squat, deadlift, bench press, overhead press). Use periodization: linear overload → undulating. | 2–3 sessions | | **Hypertrophy** | Moderate‑to‑high volume (8–15 reps) with moderate intensity (65–80% 1RM). Include isolation exercises for weak points. | 3–4 sessions | | **Endurance/Conditioning** | High‑rep circuits, tempo training, or cardio. Use HIIT or steady‑state sessions. | 1–2 sessions | | **Recovery** | Adequate sleep (7–9h), nutrition, active recovery, mobility work. | Daily |
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## 6. Practical Recommendations
| Goal | How to Apply the Data | |------|-----------------------| | **Maximize Strength** | Train at high intensity (<5RM) for 3–4 sets; keep reps low (1‑4). Rest 2–5 min between sets. Use periodization that gradually increases load over weeks. | | **Build Muscle (Hypertrophy)** | Perform 8–12 reps per set, moderate intensity (~65‑75% of 1RM). Keep total volume high (≥10–20 sets/week for a muscle group). Rest 60‑90 sec between sets. | | **Improve Power/Speed** | Use lighter loads (<50% 1RM) with explosive technique; focus on velocity rather than load. Rest longer (>2 min) to maintain speed. | | **Increase Endurance** | Repetitions >15–20, low intensity (<40% 1RM). Rest intervals short (≤30 sec). |
> **Key Insight:** > *Weight alone is not the determinant of training effect; it is how you structure load, volume, rest, and movement quality relative to your goal.*
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## 2. Practical Guidelines for Selecting Weights
| Goal | Suggested % of One‑Rep Max (1RM) | Typical Rep Range | Rest Interval | Notes | |------|----------------------------------|-------------------|---------------|-------| | **Strength & Hypertrophy** | 70–85% | 3–8 reps | 2–4 min | Focus on progressive overload. | | **Endurance / Conditioning** | ≤ 60% | 12+ reps | <1 min | Emphasize time under tension and aerobic conditioning. | | **Power (e.g., Olympic lifts)** | 70–90% | 1–5 reps | 3–5 min | Prioritize speed of movement, technique. | | **Rehabilitation / Joint Health** | <50% | 8–12 reps | 30‑60 s | Use light loads to maintain mobility and circulation. |
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## Practical Tips for Determining the Right Load
| Situation | How to Estimate Your Working Load | |-----------|-----------------------------------| | **You’re new to a movement** | Start with an empty bar (20 kg). Perform 5–10 reps, then add 2–5 kg each side until you can’t complete >12 reps comfortably. | | **You want a moderate‑intensity set (≈70 % 1RM)** | Use the "3‑rep rule": <3 min rest → ≈65 %, <6 min rest → ≈55–60 %. | | **Your goal is hypertrophy** | Load 60–80 % of your 1RM, aim for 8–12 reps. | | **You’re training for strength** | Use >85 % of your 1RM, perform 3–5 sets of 3–6 reps with ~2–4 min rest. | | **You want to maintain endurance** | Light load (≤40 % 1RM), higher reps (20+). |
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### Practical Examples
| Training Goal | % of 1RM | Typical Reps | Rest | Example Calculation (If 1RM = 100 kg) | |---------------|----------|--------------|------|---------------------------------------| | Strength | 85–95% | 3–6 | 2–4 min | 90 kg × 0.9 ≈ **90 kg** for 5 reps | | Hypertrophy | 70–80% | 8–12 | 1–2 min | 90 kg × 0.75 ≈ **68 kg** for 10 reps | | Endurance | <60% | 15+ | ≤30 sec | 50 kg × 0.5 = **25 kg** for 20 reps |
> **Tip:** Use the "RPE" (Rate of Perceived Exertion) method: aim for an RPE of 7–8 in hypertrophy sets and 9–10 in strength sets.
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## 4️⃣ Sample Weekly Plan
| Day | Focus | Warm‑up | Main Sets | Cool‑down | |-----|-------|---------|-----------|-----------| | Mon | **Strength** (Upper) | Dynamic stretches, light band rows | Bench press: 3×5 @ 80%1RM Weighted pull‑ups: 4×4 | Light cardio + foam rolling | | Tue | **Endurance** (Lower) | Leg swings, hip circles | Bodyweight squats: 4×30 Circuit: lunges, calf raises, glute bridges | Stretch & mobility drills | | Wed | **Recovery / Mobility** | Yoga or Pilates flow | Light walking, gentle cycling | Deep tissue foam rolling | | Thu | **Strength** (Lower) | Band glute activation, bodyweight hip thrusts | Back squats: 4×6 @ 75%1RM Deadlifts: 3×5 @ 70%1RM | Cool down stretches | | Fri | **HIIT / Core** | Dynamic warm-up | 20 min HIIT (burpees, mountain climbers, box jumps) + plank variations | Relaxation breathing | | Sat | **Active Rest** | Outdoor activity of choice (hiking, swimming) | Light effort, enjoy scenery | Hydrate well | | Sun | **Recovery / Mobility** | Gentle yoga or foam rolling session | Focus on stretching and breathing | Plan next week |
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### How to use this calendar
- **Adjust the load**: If you are a beginner, start with 50 % of your one‑rep max for resistance exercises. As you progress, increase by ~5–10 % every 4–6 weeks. - **Swap days if needed**: The calendar is flexible—swap a strength day with a cardio day if you feel sore or are short on time. - **Track your metrics**: Log reps, sets, weight, distance, and heart‑rate zones each session. This data will inform future adjustments. - **Listen to recovery cues**: If you’re feeling unusually fatigued or have joint pain, reduce volume or replace a heavy session with mobility work.
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## 4. Long‑Term Maintenance & Progression
### A. Periodization Plan 1. **Hypertrophy Phase (Weeks 1–8)** *Goal*: Build muscle mass and metabolic demand.* - Sets: 3–4 per exercise. - Reps: 10–12. - Load: 65‑75 % of 1RM. - Rest: 60‑90 s.
2. **Strength Phase (Weeks 9–16)** *Goal*: Maximize force production.* - Sets: 4–5. - Reps: 3‑6. - Load: 80‑90 % of 1RM. - Rest: 2‑3 min.
3. **Hypertrophy/Endurance Phase (Weeks 17‑24)** *Goal*: Blend muscle growth with muscular endurance.* - Sets: 3–4. - Reps: 8‑12. - Load: 65‑75 % of 1RM. - Rest: 60‑90 s.
Repeat this cycle, progressively increasing the load as your strength improves (use linear progression).
#### 2.2 **Periodized Plan for the Next 6 Months**
*Every training block begins with a 2‑week "recovery" phase (lighter loads, higher reps), followed by progressive overload weeks, culminating in a deload week before the next cycle.*
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## 3. Nutrition for Strength and Recovery
| Goal | Recommended Intake | Practical Tips | |------|---------------------|---------------| | **Muscle growth & recovery** | 1.8–2.2 g protein per kg body weight 1.5–2.0 L water per day (more if training >90 min) | Lean meats, eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, whey protein shakes | | **Energy to fuel heavy lifts** | Calorie surplus of 250–500 kcal above maintenance | Use a food diary or app; focus on complex carbs (oats, sweet potato), healthy fats (nuts, avocado) | | **Recovery & sleep quality** | Magnesium, Vitamin D, Omega‑3s | Supplements if dietary intake is low |
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## 4. Putting It All Together – A Sample Week
| Day | Session | Notes | |-----|---------|-------| | Mon | **Strength** (1) + Light Cardio (10 min HIIT) | Keep weights heavy, keep cardio short | | Tue | **Active Recovery** (walk or light bike 20–30 min) | Stay below lactate threshold | | Wed | **Hypertrophy** (2) + 15 min Steady‑State | Focus on muscle endurance | | Thu | **HIIT** (3) | 4×1 min sprint, 2 min rest | | Fri | **Strength** (1) | Same as Mon | | Sat | **Steady‑State Cardio** (30–45 min) | Moderate pace | | Sun | **Rest or Light Stretching** | |
- **Volume & Intensity:** Keep training volume moderate; avoid overloading after HIIT sessions. Monitor RPE and heart rate to stay within desired zones. - **Recovery:** Prioritize sleep, nutrition (protein intake, carb timing around workouts), hydration, and active recovery techniques.
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## 4. Practical Training Plan
Below is a sample **4‑week periodised schedule** that integrates the three training types while addressing recovery needs:
| Week | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |------|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----| | 1 | Rest | HIIT (30 s × 8) + Core | Strength: Full‑body (3×10) | Cardio LISS 45 min | Rest | Long Run 12 km @ easy pace | Recovery walk/active stretch | | 2 | Rest | HIIT (45 s × 6) + Plyo drills | Strength: Upper focus (4×8) | Cardio Tempo 30 min | Rest | Hill repeats (10×200 m) | Light jog 5 km | | 3 | Rest | HIIT (60 s × 4) + Core | Strength: Lower focus (5×6) | Cardio LISS 50 min | Rest | Fartlek session 8 km | Yoga/foam rolling | | 4 | Rest | HIIT (30 s × 8) + Plyo drills | Strength: Full body circuit (3×10) | Cardio Tempo 35 min | Rest | Long run 18 km | Easy recovery run 6 km |
**Key Points**
- **Progressive overload:** Increase the number of intervals or intensity gradually each week. - **Recovery:** Allow at least one rest day after high‑intensity sessions; consider active recovery (easy cycling, walking). - **Warm‑up & cool‑down:** 10–15 min dynamic warm‑up before HIIT and a similar period afterward to aid recovery.
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## 3. Nutrition for Muscle Building and Fat Loss
| Focus | Recommendations | |-------|------------------| | **Protein** | ~1.6–2.0 g/kg body weight per day (e.g., 120–150 g/day). Distribute evenly across meals (20–30 g/meal). | | **Calories** | Slight deficit (~200–300 kcal below maintenance) to promote fat loss while preserving muscle. Use an online calculator or consult a dietitian for precise numbers. | | **Carbohydrates** | 3–5 g/kg body weight per day, prioritizing around workouts (pre/post). | | **Fats** | ~0.8–1.0 g/kg body weight per day; include healthy sources (nuts, seeds, fish). | | **Hydration** | Aim for 2–3 L/day; more during workouts. | | **Supplementation** | • Whey protein isolate post-workout (20–25 g) to support recovery. • Creatine monohydrate 5 g daily (if you want). • Branched‑Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) can be optional during long sessions. | | **Recovery** | • Sleep: ≥7–8 h per night. • Light active recovery days or yoga to aid circulation. |
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## 6️⃣ Sample Weekly Schedule
| Day | Focus | Time | Key Points | |-----|-------|------|------------| | Mon | Upper‑body strength (bench, rows) | 60–75 min | Push/pull split, moderate volume | | Tue | Lower‑body power + conditioning | 45 min | Heavy squats/cleans + short HIIT | | Wed | Mobility / active recovery | 30 min | Stretching, foam rolling, light swim | | Thu | Full‑body strength + plyometrics | 60 min | Olympic lifts, box jumps | | Fri | Conditioning + s**** work | 45–60 min | Sprints, agility drills, drills on form | | Sat | Optional active rest / fun sport | 30–45 min | Pickleball or a light game | | Sun | Rest day | — | |
Feel free to adapt the schedule: swap days, add more rest if you’re feeling sore, or increase volume if you’re comfortable. The key is consistency—train a few times per week and let the body adjust.
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### 5️⃣ Nutrition & Recovery
**Energy needs:** Even if you’re not aiming for weight loss, you’ll still need enough calories to fuel training. A rough estimate:
- **Base metabolic rate (BMR):** ≈ \(10 \times\) weight(kg) + \(6.25 \times\) height(cm) – \(5 \times\) age + 5 - **Activity factor:** Add ≈ \(1.3–1.6\) × BMR for light to moderate training
Macros: Protein ≈ 1.6–2.2 g/kg → ~112‑154 g (≈448‑616 kcal). Fat ≈ 25–30% → 20–22 % of calories (~450‑540 kcal). Carbs fill the rest (~1200‑1500 kcal → 300‑375 g).
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## 5. Sample Training & Nutrition Plan
| Day | Workout | Focus | Duration | |-----|---------|-------|----------| | Mon | Upper‑Body (Push + Pull) | Strength & hypertrophy | 60‑75 min | | Tue | Lower‑Body & Core | Power, stability | 60 min | | Wed | Rest or active recovery (walk, light yoga) | Mobility | – | | Thu | Full‑Body Conditioning | Endurance, cardio | 45 min | | Fri | Upper‑Body (Push + Pull) – lighter volume | Recovery | 50 min | | Sat | Lower‑Body & Core | Strength | 60 min | | Sun | Rest or active recovery | Flexibility | – |
**Progression example**
- Weeks 1–4: Use the 3×12 rep scheme for all major lifts. - Weeks 5–8: Increase load by ~2–4 % and reduce to 3×10. - Weeks 9–12: Further increase load (~4–6 %) and switch to 4×8.
If you have a personal trainer, he can tailor the exact weights and rep ranges to your specific strength level. If not, follow the progression above and adjust based on how the lifts feel—aim for "hard but doable" each set.
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### 2️⃣ How many times do I train my back?
**Most people benefit from training their back once per week at a moderate‑intensity volume (about 12–20 sets total).**
- **Pros of once‑per‑week:** Allows you to hit a high number of total sets in one session, which is efficient for building hypertrophy and strength. - **Cons of once‑per‑week:** If your back lifts are very heavy or you’re still trying to master form, you may need more frequent practice (2× per week) until it feels natural.
**So:**
- Start with **1 session per week**, focusing on compound pulls (deadlifts, rows) plus a couple of accessory movements (pull‑ups, face‑pulls). - If you find yourself still struggling or the lifts feel too heavy, add a lighter "technique" session 2× per week.
**Remember:** Warm up properly each time. A good warm‑up might be:
1. 5–10 min light cardio (bike or rowing) 2. Dynamic stretches for hips, shoulders, and thoracic spine 3. 2–3 sets of lighter versions of the main lift (e.g., empty bar rows, deadlifts with just a few plates).
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### ? Key Takeaway
- **Warm‑up** first → **Technique** second. - Use lighter weights or "empty" equipment for warm‑ups; use heavier, focused work once you’re ready. - Keep the session structured: dynamic movement → s**** practice → strength/volume.
Let me know if you'd like a sample 45‑minute program or help tailoring it to your specific goals! Happy training ?