A Transparent Look at the 2025 Classic Physique Standout
Terrence Ruffin, the renowned IFBB Classic Physique competitor and two-time Arnold Classic champion, has been on a roll in the 2025 bodybuilding season. After capturing back-to-back wins at the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro and the 2025 New York Pro, Terrence Ruffin is once again in the spotlight—not only for his aesthetic, balanced physique but for his recent openness about his performance-enhancing drug (PED) protocol during contest prep.
In a candid interview with bodybuilding coach and IFBB Pro Leo Mayrhofer, Ruffin offered a rare, detailed glimpse into his steroid cycle, fat-burner usage, and overall philosophy on PEDs—a level of transparency not often seen at the elite level.
Our team at Generation Iron is going to break it down.
Contest Prep Overview: A Methodical 20-Week Process
Ruffin’s 2025 prep began in January, leading up to his Pittsburgh Pro victory in May. His approach is carefully calculated, based on years of experience and a strong understanding of how his body reacts. He follows the JTU training program during contest prep, which he credited as highly effective.
Steroid Cycle Breakdown: Testosterone, Masteron, Primobolan, and Trenbolone
Ruffin starts his gear protocol 20 weeks out, with a focus on quality, long-ester compounds early on:
- Testosterone: A foundational compound for muscle building, promoting protein synthesis and recovery. Ruffin does not disclose his exact testosterone dosage but relies on testosterone throughout his entire prep.
- Masteron and Primobolan: These two DHT-derived steroids help Ruffin maintain muscle hardness and definition while staying relatively lean and dry.
- Trenbolone: Introduced 6–8 weeks out from competition, trenbolone adds an aggressive, grainy look and enhances muscle fullness. It’s one of the more potent steroids and typically used short-term due to its harsh side effects.
This structured approach helps Ruffin optimize his physique as he approaches peak week, minimizing water retention while maximizing muscle density and detail.
Aromatase Inhibitors: Managing Estrogen Efficiently
To control estrogen levels—important for avoiding water retention and gynecomastia—Ruffin cycles Aromasin (25mg every three days) before transitioning to Arimidex (1mg every other day) closer to showtime.
Mayrhofer emphasized the practicality of liquid AI formulations, noting their dosage flexibility compared to pill forms. Ruffin appears to prefer this method for more precise hormonal control during the sensitive final stages of prep.
Oral Compounds: Anavar for Finishing Touches
Six weeks before showtime, Ruffin adds Anavar (Oxandrolone) at a dose of 50mg daily. Known for its mild side effects and ability to promote lean muscle without excessive water retention, Anavar is a staple for many Classic Physique competitors.
However, Ruffin made a key adjustment this year: he cut Anavar a week before his 2025 Pittsburgh Pro appearance, indicating a desire to keep his physique tighter and possibly to reduce stress on his liver heading into peak week.
Fat Burners: Clean Cuts Without Extremes
Ruffin is vocal about his methodical approach to fat loss—and where he draws the line. He made it clear that he has never used DNP (2,4-dinitrophenol), a highly dangerous and controversial fat-burning compound.
Instead, his protocol begins with over-the-counter thermogenics, gradually escalating to Yohimbine HCL and eventually Clenbuterol:
- Yohimbine HCL: Backed by research, it’s effective in mobilizing fat during fasted cardio and is popular during the early to mid-stages of contest prep.
- Clenbuterol: Ruffin caps usage at 100mcg (not mg as mistakenly written in some reports), noting its benefits for fat oxidation and energy expenditure. However, he also acknowledges the serious cardiovascular risks associated with clenbuterol, which is not FDA-approved for human use.
Peptides: A Limited Role in Recovery
While Ruffin once experimented extensively with peptides such as GHRP-6, CJC-1295, BPC-157, and TB-500, his current stance is more reserved.
“I haven’t used [peptides] since Matt, one of my first coaches, passed.” — Terrence Ruffin
That said, Ruffin has recently revisited BPC-157 and TB-500 strictly for injury recovery and healing, citing minimal noticeable effects from BPC but some appetite enhancement from GHRP-6 in the past.
Warning to Young Bodybuilders: Mental Health Before Muscle Mass
Perhaps the most striking part of Ruffin’s conversation wasn’t about steroids—it was his cautionary message to young aspiring bodybuilders. He observed a growing mental health crisis among youth entering the sport prematurely and resorting to PEDs without emotional or psychological maturity.
“Many kids are ruining relationships because of the side effects of this stuff.” — Terrence Ruffin
Ruffin believes that young athletes often lack the life experience and stability required to manage the intense demands and consequences of PED use. He emphasized that long-term success in bodybuilding comes not just from physical excellence but mental resilience.
Final Thoughts: Transparency in a Shadowed Sport
Terrence Ruffin’s openness provides a rare window into the reality of professional bodybuilding. By breaking down his actual steroid cycle and emphasizing responsible use, he challenges the myth that elite physiques are built solely on genetics or supplements—and instead highlights the complex, high-risk strategies many pros must navigate.
Still, Ruffin’s willingness to speak candidly—while discouraging irresponsible PED use—reflects a maturing voice in a sport that too often promotes silence over safety.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not promote or endorse the use of performance-enhancing drugs. PEDs carry serious health risks and should only be used under the guidance of a licensed medical professional. Always consult your doctor before making decisions about your health or supplement routine.
