Terrence Ruffin revealed his PED cycle during contest prep while dominating the 2025 Classic Physique season. In May, he secured wins at both the Pittsburgh Pro and the New York Pro. As the Olympia nears, Ruffin has chosen to speak candidly about the compounds and timing he uses to stay stage-ready. Now, his transparency offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of elite bodybuilding.
Recently, Ruffin sat down with bodybuilding coach and IFBB Pro Leo Mayrhofe. The interview took place at Gold’s Gym, where Mayrhofe also trains clients. During the conversation, Ruffin opened up about the performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) he uses during prep. He gave detailed insight into how he plans each cycle around major contests.
Moreover, Ruffin didn’t hold back on specifics. He shared the dosages of compounds he takes, when he adds them in, and why timing is key. This kind of transparency remains rare in professional bodybuilding. Yet Ruffin believes honesty helps dispel dangerous myths in the sport.
At the same time, he cautioned younger athletes. Ruffin warned that PED use, especially without supervision, can lead to serious consequences. In particular, he pointed to potential long-term effects on brain health. He urged new bodybuilders to weigh the risks carefully before starting any cycle.
View this post on Instagram
Terrence Ruffin Reveals His Full PED Cycle for Contest Prep
Classic Physique bodybuilder Terrence Ruffin recently detailed his PED cycle as part of his 2025 contest preparation. He clarified that he has never used 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), a dangerous fat burner, during his career. Instead, his fat-loss approach starts slowly with over-the-counter fat burners, adding Yohimbine HCL later in prep.
Importantly, a study published in Research in Sports Medicine highlights Yohimbine as an effective fat-loss tool for athletes. (1) Furthermore, Ruffin uses clenbuterol but limits his dosage to 100 milligrams. According to research in Drug Testing and Analysis, clenbuterol boosts energy expenditure and fat oxidation in healthy young men. (2)
However, clenbuterol is not FDA-approved for human use. It carries significant risks, including serious cardiac side effects that can lead to hospitalization. (3) Ruffin began his 2025 Pittsburgh Pro prep in January. Since then, he has followed the JTU program, which he describes as highly effective for his goals.
Gear Protocols
Ruffin starts his competition prep cycle 20 weeks out. Early in the cycle, he incorporates testosterone, masteron, and primobolan. Then, six to eight weeks before the competition, he adds trenbolone for an added edge. Research shows testosterone promotes muscle growth by stimulating muscle protein synthesis. (4)
In addition, Ruffin takes 25 milligrams of Aromasin every three days. Eventually, he switches to one milligram of Arimidex every other day. Both drugs are aromatase inhibitors, which increase testosterone levels. However, their use for this purpose is classified as drug misuse by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Moreover, Ruffin’s coach Mayrhofer points out that liquid aromatase inhibitors provide a practical dosing advantage. Liquid forms allow athletes to fine-tune their doses more precisely. Tablets, by contrast, come only in fixed one milligram doses, which can lead to overdosing or difficulty splitting pills.
Oral Gear
Six weeks before a contest, Ruffin begins taking 50 milligrams of Anavar. In previous competitions, he continued using Anavar up to the show day. This time, however, he decided to stop one week prior.
Peptides
Ruffin has mixed feelings about peptides. Though he spent years using compounds like BPC, TB-500, GHRP-6, and CJC, he recently stopped most of them.
“I haven’t used since Matt, one of my first coaches, passed.”
Currently, Ruffin uses BPC and TB-500 for healing only. He avoids others, especially GHRP-6, which greatly increases his appetite. BPC, however, doesn’t seem to produce any noticeable effects for him.
Research suggests BPC can promote muscle growth, accelerate recovery, and enhance exercise performance. (5) Similarly, CJC supplements support fat burning, improve muscle definition, aid recovery, and contribute to better sleep quality. (6)
View this post on Instagram
Ruffin’s Advice for Young Bodybuilders
Ruffin voiced concern about a growing trend among young bodybuilders. He warned that many are harming themselves mentally by using certain drugs and supplements. He emphasized the importance of brain health and mental well-being.
“Many kids are ruining relationships because of the side effects of this stuff.”
Additionally, Ruffin noted that many young individuals lack the mental stability needed for healthy relationships or steady employment. He explained that they are still navigating critical life decisions. The added burden of PEDs places extra pressure on their developing minds.
“Not many guys who start young continue in the sport.”
Terrence Ruffin’s Contest Prep PED Cycle and Training Roster
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Fat Burners | – No use of DNP – Starts with OTC fat burners early in prep – Adds Yohimbine HCL later (effective for fat loss) – Uses clenbuterol, max 100 mg (boosts energy & fat oxidation but risky, not FDA-approved) |
| Prep Timeline | – Began Pittsburgh Pro prep in January 2025 – Follows JTU program for contest prep |
| Gear Protocols | – 20 weeks out: testosterone, masteron, primobolan – 6-8 weeks out: adds trenbolone – Aromasin 25 mg every 3 days initially – Switches to Arimidex 1 mg every other day (Both aromatase inhibitors; liquid form preferred for dose control) |
| Oral Gear | – Anavar 50 mg starting 6 weeks before contest – Stopped 1 week before competition (previously used until show) |
| Peptides | – Previously used: BPC, TB-500, GHRP-6, CJC – Currently uses BPC & TB-500 for healing only – Avoids GHRP-6 due to appetite increase |
| Health Advice | – Warns young bodybuilders about mental risks of PEDs – Emphasizes brain health and mental well-being – Notes young athletes struggle with relationships & employment due to side effects |
Watch Terrence Ruffin Reveals full Contest Prep Cycle at Overcome Cast Youtube:
References:
- Ostojic S. M. (2006). Yohimbine: the effects on body composition and exercise performance in soccer players. Research in sports medicine (Print), 14(4), 289–299. https://doi.org/10.1080/15438620600987106
Jessen, S., Solheim, S. A., Jacobson, G. A., Eibye, K., Bangsbo, J., Nordsborg, N. B., & Hostrup, M. (2020). Beta2 -adrenergic agonist clenbuterol increases energy expenditure and fat oxidation, and induces mTOR phosphorylation in skeletal muscle of young healthy men. Drug testing and analysis, 12(5), 610–618. https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.2755 - Spiller, H. A., James, K. J., Scholzen, S., & Borys, D. J. (2013). A descriptive study of adverse events from clenbuterol misuse and abuse for weight loss and bodybuilding. Substance abuse, 34(3), 306–312. https://doi.org/10.1080/08897077.2013.772083
- Griggs, R. C., Kingston, W., Jozefowicz, R. F., Herr, B. E., Forbes, G., & Halliday, D. (1989). Effect of testosterone on muscle mass and muscle protein synthesis. Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), 66(1), 498–503. https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1989.66.1.498
- Chang, C. H., Tsai, W. C., Hsu, Y. H., & Pang, J. H. (2014). Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 enhances the growth hormone receptor expression in tendon fibroblasts. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 19(11), 19066–19077. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules191119066
- Van Hout, M. C., & Hearne, E. (2016). Netnography of Female Use of the Synthetic Growth Hormone CJC-1295: Pulses and Potions. Substance use & misuse, 51(1), 73–84. https://doi.org/10.3109/10826084.2015.1082595
Exclusive Bodybuilding Content At Colosseum Strength
- Chris Bumstead to Make Men’s Open Bodybuilding Debut at 2024 Prague Pro
- 2024 Musclecontest Philippines Pro Men’s Physique Show Official Results
- Mike Van Wyck Officially Charged with Assault After Confrontation with Jeff Nippard
- Jeff Nippard Allegedly Assaulted by Mike Van Wyck at Gym After Reaction Video
- Deadlifting Basics: Technique, Benefits, and Top Variations
- 2024 Chattanooga Night of Champions Pro Fitness Division Show Official Results
- Johanna Perez – Prominent Panamanian Bodybuilding Influencer Died at 35
- 2024 Musclecontest Vietnam Pro Bikini Division Show Official Results
- Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Son Joe Baena Shows Off Physique Update
- 2024 Invictus Pro Bodybuilding Show Official Results
- 2024 Klash Series All-South Championships Pro Women’s Physique Show Official Results
- 2024 Moe’s Muscles Pro Bodybuilding Show Official Results
- 2024 World of Monsterzym Pro Bodybuilding Show Official Results
- 2024 Romania Muscle Fest Pro Official Results
- 2024 EVLS Prague Pro Official Results
- 2024 Iron Games Pro Bikini Division Show Official Results
- 2024 Texas State Pro Official Results
- 2024 Bogota Classic Pro Bodybuilding Show Official Results
- 2024 Atlantic Coast Pro Official Results
- 2024 Shawn Ray Hawaiian Classic Pro Official Results
- 2024 China DMS Changsha Pro Official Results
Continue
- Jose Mateus Correia Silva – 28 years old Bodybuilder Died During Gym Session in Brazil
- 2024 KC Bikini Pro Championships Official Results
- 2024 Luciana Cruz de Fora Pro Women’s Physique Official Results
- 2024 Musclecontest Nacional Pro Official Results
- 2024 Battle of the Bay Pro Bikini Official Results
- 2024 Musclecontest Austria Pro Classic Physique Show Official Results
- 2024 Huanji China Pro Bodybuilding Show Official Results
- 2024 Ronnie Coleman Sur Pro Cup Show Official Results
- 2024 Taiwan Pro Finale Official Results
- 2024 Sheru Classic Mumbai Pro Official Results
- Missy Truscott To Switch from Fitness to Figure Division in 2025
- Jay Cutler Mentors Mike Sommerfeld in Leg Workout
- All-Time Winners of the Wheelchair Olympia
- All-Time Winners of the Arnold Classic Pro Wheelchair
- All-Time Winners of the Wellness International Bodybuilding
- 2025 Olympia Weekend Announced for Las Vegas, NV, October 9-12
- Kim Woong Seo – South Korean Bodybuilder Died at 38
- Suel Nogueira – A Brazilian Bodybuilder Tragically Died at 40 in Motorcycle Crash
- Afghan Bodybuilder Confesses to Ramming Car Into Crowd in Munich Attack
- All-Time Winners of the Arnold Classic Men’s Physique
- Sam Sulek Set to Compete This Weekend in Bid for Arnold Amateur Qualification
- Sam Sulek Won NPC Classic Physique Debut at Las Vegas
- All-Time Arnold Classic Winners: The Complete List of Open Bodybuilding
- Seven Trainer-Approved Exercises for Chiseled Shoulders
- 2025 Musclecontest Japan Pro Bikini Official Results
- 2025 San Diego Pro Bikini Division Official Results
- 2025 Musclecontest Campinas Pro Bikini Official Results
- Alex Pereira’s Detailed UFC Workout Blueprint
- 2025 Fitworld Pro Classic Physique Official Results
- 2025 Detroit Pro Official Results
More
- 2025 Sampson Showdown Pro Wellness Official Results
- 2025 China DMS Pro Bodybuilding Show Official Results
- 2025 Arnold Classic South America Bodybuilding Official Results
- 2025 Utah Cup Pro Official Results
- 2025 Taiwan Pro Bikini Division Show Official Results
- 2025 Triple O Dynasty Pro Official Results
- 2025 Tri-City Classic Pro Official Results
- Michael B Jordan’s Intense Workout Routine for His Roles in “Creed” and “Black Panther”
- 2025 FIBO Pro Championships Official Results
- 2025 Musclecontest Nordeste Pro Men’s Physique Show Official Results
- 2025 Charlotte Pro Bodybuilding Show Official Results
- 2025 Battle of the Bodies Pro Official Results
- 2025 Huanji China Pro Bodybuilding Show Official Results
- 2025 St. Louis Pro Bodybuilding Show Official Results
- 2025 Vancouver Island Showdown Pro Official Results
- 2025 1 Bro Bikini Pro Official Results
- 2025 Wasatch Warrior Pro Official Results
- 2025 Los Angeles Grand Prix Pro Men’s Physique Show Official Results
- 2025 GRL PWR Pro Bodybuilding Official Result
- 2025 World of Monsterzym Korea Pro Bikini Division Official Results
- 2025 California Supplement Pro Bodybuilding Official Results
- 2025 Pittsburgh Pro Ends in a Draw — Until Lunsford Seals Victory With Final-Round Tiebreaker
- 2025 Pittsburgh Pro Bodybuilding Show Official Results
- Bodybuilder Wanderson Da Silva Moreira, 30, Died on Stage During Brazilian Competition
- Vitalii “Goodvito” Ugolnikov Exits Pittsburgh Pro After Suffering Lat Injury
- 2025 China DMS JiangYin Pro Bodybuilding Show Official Results
- 2025 New York Pro Preview
- 2025 New York Pro Bodybuilding Official Results (LIVE COVERAGE)
- Larry Wheels Earns IFBB Pro Card With Classic Physique Win at 2025 Musclecontest Bullman Pro
- 2025 World of Monsterzym Korea Classic Physique Pro Official Results
- Larry Wheels Called out Sam Sulek After Turning Pro: “When’s Your Next Show?”
Next
- Sam Sulek Builds a Private Gym With One Goal: Perfect Muscle Tension
- 2025 California State Pro Bodybuilding Show Official Preview
- Sam Sulek Links Up with Urs Kalecinski for Intense Back Training and Posing Session
- DJ Khaled Joins Ashton Hall for Viral Sprint Workout
- 2025 Miami Pro Bodybuilding Show Official Preview
- What Jeff Nippard Packs in His Gym Bag
- 2025 Everest Muscle Games Pro Preview
- 2025 Optimum Classic Pro Bodybuilding Show Official Preview
- 2025 AGP Korea Pro Bodybuilding Show Official Preview
- 2025 California State Pro Bodybuilding Show Results
- 2025 Miami Pro Bodybuilding Show Results
- 2025 AGP Korea Pro Results
- 2025 Optimum Classic Pro Bodybuilding Show Official Results
- 2025 Everest Muscle Games Pro Results
- 2025 Kansas City Pro – Bikini Results
- Sam Sulek Strategic Diet Hacks for Maximizing Muscle
- 100-Year-Old Veteran Becomes Oldest Competitive Bodybuilder in History
- Sam Sulek Eyes 2026 Comeback, Hints at Future Men’s Open Debut
- Derek Lunsford and Ramon Dino Smash Brutal Leg Day Workout Together
- Terrence Ruffin Reveals His Full PED Cycle for Contest Prep
UFC
2026 Arnold Classic
Overview
Terrence Ruffin, a top Classic Physique competitor in 2025, shared his detailed PED cycle for contest prep. First, he revealed the compounds, dosages, and timing he uses to stay stage-ready. Then, he emphasized transparency to dispel myths in bodybuilding. However, he also warned young athletes about serious mental and physical risks without proper supervision. For example, he avoids the dangerous fat burner DNP. Instead, he relies on safer aids like Yohimbine and controlled clenbuterol use. Furthermore, his cycle starts 20 weeks out with testosterone, masteron, and primobolan. Later, he adds trenbolone six to eight weeks before contests. In addition, he uses aromatase inhibitors and oral Anavar. Finally, he discussed his selective peptide use and urged caution to protect long-term brain health and well-being.
Featured Image – Terrence Ruffin Reveals His Full PED Cycle for Contest Prep – Credit: @ruff_diesel (Instagram)
