The Arnold Classic is fast approaching, running from February 29 to March 3, and James Hollingshead is gearing up for his stage appearance. In a recent YouTube video, Hollingshead detailed his bodybuilding PED cycle leading up to the 2024 Arnold Classic event.
Renowned for his impressive physique and unwavering dedication, James Hollingshead represents the United Kingdom with pride. With a mass monster physique and a tight waist, he commands attention on stage, captivating audiences with his muscularity and stage presence.
Despite facing setbacks, such as testing positive for COVID-19 during prep for the 2021 Mr. Olympia, Hollingshead remained resilient. Despite placing 12th, he demonstrated unwavering confidence, fueled by his desire to surpass former champion Brandon Curry.
At the peak of his career, Hollingshead contemplated retirement but chose to persevere. His determination was evident as he powered through grueling workouts, showcasing an impressive physique update in the 2022 off-season. Additionally, he astonished fans with his strength, squatting 750 pounds for three reps during an intense leg day session.
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Leading up to the 2022 Arnold Classic UK, Hollingshead impressed with his chiseled physique, securing third place. He followed this success with a gold medal at the 2022 Tsunami Cup. Despite a less-than-ideal finish at the 2022 Olympia, Hollingshead’s resilience remains unwavering.
Editor’s Note: Colosseum Strength does not endorse or advocate the use of recreational or performance-enhancing drugs. The information in this article is based on statements made by the athlete/subject and is provided for informational purposes only. Colosseum Strength is not a medical authority. Readers are encouraged to consult qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or performance-related concerns.
James Hollingshead Outlines His Pre 2024 Arnold Classic PED Cycle
James Hollingshead, known for his impressive physique and commitment to bodybuilding, is gearing up for the 2024 Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio. The event is set to take place from February 29 to March 3. Hollingshead aims to challenge the reigning champion, Samson Dauda. Recently, he shared a detailed breakdown of his performance-enhancing drug regimen with fans. This candid disclosure sheds light on the rigorous preparation process undertaken by elite athletes ahead of major competitions.
“Let’s talk about gear quickly because I know you guys are interested in that. You know I’m not going to hide from you that I have to take stuff and for as long as I can remember in this prep, I actually started my prep at a higher testosterone than I am now. I remember in the beginning of preparations was something like 750 testosterone a week.”
Hollingshead faced trial and error in perfecting his PED regimen for the Arnold Classic preparation.
“I was using some Nandrolone and I actually had some psychological issues with that. It was making me feel very depressed. I think I was using 400 and I felt, I won’t lie, I felt almost suicidal. I was like shit this is, this is awful and I felt really negative so that compound out the window.
I wouldn’t suggest it to anyone. I think it’s diabolical when it makes you feel awful so was a change I made. I switched over to some Masteron in place of that because I know that is something I already can cope with” Hollingshead revealed.
Subsequently, Hollingshead has adapted his cycle to suit his needs for the impending event.
“All that’s happened as prep has gone on is you’ve just introduced certain factors like Clenbuterol. Right now I’m taking 60 MCG of Clenbuterol a day. Started at 20, built up to 60 over the period of the weeks. T3 at 25 micrograms and T4 150 micrograms.
“This is just again, just to help with keeping metabolically in check and thyroid in a good place. Obviously I take growth hormone as well and I normally take two units A.M. and P.M. and as the preps progressed I increase that to two units three times a day and right now I’m at two units four times a day so it’s eight units a day.”
Performance-Enhancing Substance Management in Elite Bodybuilding
Moreover, Hollingshead underscores the significance of considering the strain on the thyroid while using such steroids and advises taking necessary precautions to mitigate potential adverse effects.
“Having things like that present is when you need to be aware of having perhaps thyroid medication present just to prevent some issues that can occur with that.”
While discussing the use of insulin, Hollingshead emphasizes his personal belief that the body’s definition appears compromised when using it. Consequently, he opts to refrain from using insulin. Moreover, Hollingshead reveals his preference for great conditioning over sheer mass.
“Insulin has not been really used I don’t really rate it, I always have this conversation with like Yanika about it, and we agree that the people that use insulin their muscles just don’t look the same. They’re full, they’re volumized but it’s just a lack of detail and hardness that just isn’t there and I don’t want to come into a show just big. I’d rather be in crazy condition even if it costs me a little bit of size cause bodybuilding for me is about being in condition.”
“I’ve seen friends of mine compete with the insulin and without and I always think they look better without in regards to condition and thats just my opinion. So that hasn’t been used much at all, that’s something maybe sporatically might use a little bit on a day where I’m trying to fill up cause I’m extremely flat but I don’t like to make it a regular thing because I really do think it blunts my ability to get shredded.”
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Next, the 34-year-old delves into the specifics of the peptides he incorporates and the dosage he administers during his preparation.
“Obviously I work with Biolabs which is great company for peptides and I used like not even peptides just peptides I used the L-Carnitine, they’ve been introduced in the past few weeks, 200 MCG of L-carnitine in the A.M. before cardio, and 5 MG of the Yohimbe.”
“For the prep you know, the amount of things I use at the beginning are very small and as you get closer you start to introduce them and you just like kind of stagger more things in. That way you just don’t run out of options, you know if you hit a wall, you get a little bit stuck, condition starts to stick, instead of having to pull my calories down even more, which is not healthy for a body in my opinion, I’d rather introduce a little something that could assist with fat loss. Again, just my approach.”
Currently, with just over a week remaining until the 2024 Arnold Classic, Hollingshead discloses the steroid dosages he’s employing in the run-up to the event.
“Gear wise in minute, Parabolin which is Tren Hex 50 MG per day so that 350 MG per week. That’s probably a little bit high, you could go lower than that, I wouldn’t even recommend going that high. Testoterone is about 50 MG a day so roughly the same. Masteron is 100 MG and Primo is 100 MG per day so 700 and 700 and that’s my injectable gear, that’s what I take on that.”
“Pre-training I might take methyl MST which is, I don’t actually know the fucking compounders in that, but it is something I’ve used most preps.”
Hollingshead justifies his extensive PED use, citing the high stakes involved. With the chance to win $300,000 at the Arnold Classic, he believes the potential rewards outweigh the risks.
“I got a show in a few weeks that if you win, you win 300K, way up guys you know what I mean? If this is like some local regional show would I be doing some of things I do? Probably not because there’s no money to win.”
“Shows now, the Olympia is 400K, the Arnold’s 300K, the fucking UK Arnold’s 130K like if you were to someone to be able to win those shows look how much money you can make a year just winning those shows so there are obviously going to be some risk taken by everyone.”
Hollingshead openly discusses his PED use despite recent negativity in the fitness industry. Figures like Rich Gaspari warn against excessive steroid use due to health risks. Hollingshead remains transparent about his methods, aware of competition from contenders like Samson Dauda and Hadi Choopan at the 2024 Arnold Classic.
Despite PED controversy, Hollingshead remains candid about his physique’s upkeep. Gaspari and others caution against overreliance on steroids. With strong competitors like Dauda and Choopan, Hollingshead aims for victory at the Arnold Classic.
View James Hollingshead’s full video Here:
Overview
As the 2024 Arnold Classic approaches, James Hollingshead prepares for the event by sharing his bodybuilding cycle in a recent YouTube video. Despite setbacks, Hollingshead remains dedicated, aiming to challenge top contenders like Samson Dauda. In his candid disclosure, he discusses his PED regimen, emphasizing the adjustments made during his preparation. Hollingshead’s transparency reflects his determination to succeed in the face of tough competition.
For comprehensive coverage of the 2023 Arnold Classic, including pre-judging, event recaps, analysis, and final results, visit our Arnold Classic coverage hub at Colosseumstrength.com.
Featured Image @James Hollingshead, @hollingshead89 (Instagram), @IFBB AMA (Youtube)
