Muscle striations, and sharpening abs -Sponsored Iron Legion Cut Stack Log

ValiantThor08

ValiantThor08

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Thank you cheftepesh1 and Iron Legion for providing me the opportunity to log Invictus and VII-KT!

Thank you thebigt for the support as well!

Little info about myself. Turn 29 in April, so we can round that up to 30 (the age when the sharp decline of 7-KETO begins).
Surprised with this opp, it did come at a good time (or bad time), depending on how you want to look at it. My cortisol levels have been the highest they probably have ever been! Newborn came late December, then right after the newborn, my grandmother nearly died from the mistakes of the general surgeon during her hernia surgery. They accidentally severed her esophagus in surgery, and it also caused a couple days later a septic infection. She is like a second mother to me, so it hit me, to see whether or not she was going to pull through. She survived the infection, and has been in ICU since then (just now getting out, to go to rehab). During the end of December, and most of January, I was home taking care of my wife, and the toddler, while she focused on nursing the newborn. This messed with my daily routine, and with all the added stress gave me a wonderful thing called insomnia! Insomnia became another stress. Due to the heightened stress, and insomnia, I easily got multiple colds from December, until March. When I went back to work late January, (second week of Feb) I ended up straining the area between my groin and lower abs (I lift, move, and install appliances). I filed workers comp, and left work again. Workers comp ended up denying me coverage, and would not give me the details why. Another added stress factor! So, being off work since mid Feb, my wife went back to work part time, to bring home a little change so we could survive. Fast forward to now, I got a new position at work that is essentially a desk job, and not carrying appliances since mid Feb has naturally brought healing to groin area! As you can see, cortisol levels have been through the roof!

I researched Invictus (Beta Androstenetriol), and it is the king of cortisol blocking, with the ability to boot the immune system. Came at the very right time! Researching 7-KETO, it also has cortisol lowering effects, acts as a non stimulant thermogenic, can boost the thyroid, and can act as an anti aging factor. Also very timely addition to my life!

I am 5'10"
Brought weight from 115lbs, to 175lbs (mostly lean mass). Issues of life happened, decided to prolong fast for healing early March, took over a week of the gym, and am in the low 160's. My current goal is not to have my weight go down, but to shed fat, while increasing lean mass. To cut, and to gain muscle at the same time! I will have present exact weight, morning fasted, when I begin log. I will have before, and after pictures posted. As I said, I desire to lean out more, and gain more muscle mass; have more visible abs, and more muscle striations. I am doing a ketogenic style diet, with occasional carb re-feeds, but majority of the time glycogen depleted, and in continuous ketosis. Compared to the calories I used to intake (over 3200) because I lifted appliances, I will be in a deficit compared to that, which I have been in for a couple weeks now (about 2200-2400); and still have expectations to gain muscle, and lose fat (with this anti-catabolic stack). Protein will be about 1g per lb body weight. Rest of the calories will come from fat sources.

As of now Invictus and VII-KT have not come in; (the postal system over here is not that good in my opinion).

By the way: I have used neither of these products before, nor other companies variants.
 
ValiantThor08

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Product Overview
invictus-banner-1000w.jpeg
8eb0c9e14334b37d7720b4d9c9af63d7_1.jpeg
iron-legion_vii-kt_mnf_lbl.jpeg
 
thebigt

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b-AET is fantastic, evenbetter stacked with vii-kt....I think you will enjoy this stack!!!!
 
ValiantThor08

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Review of Invictus and VII KT

Application:
Easy application. Easy to rub in, and drys pretty fast. Had no issues in the application department. Applied mostly to forearms, under arm, chest, and deltoids.

Scent:
I found the scent appealing. My wife did not care too much for the scent.

Did the products help me accomplish my goals:
my goal was to lose fat, gain muscle, and on a calorie deficit for me. I had previously consumed over 3200 calories a day, and had dropped to between 2200 and 2400 calories. Protein was between 160 and 180g per day. Diet base waa ketogenic. I started at 160.8, and finished at 162, and a little leaner. There is evident progress in back width, and I even believe some in my arms. I gained muscle, lost fat, and on a deficit. This stack is evidently anti catabolic. If you are in an anti catabolic state, it makes it easier to retain, and even gain lean mass. I experienced an evident cortisol drop even at the beginning of using the products. Symptoms included some drying out, falling asleep easier at night, and when being bombarded by stressors, being able to just be still. Definitely experienced lower stress within these 4 weeks. I didn't personally notice a libido increase, but it also did not suffer either. I did notice appetite to improve, which is also a sign of cortisol dropping, and even my metabolism picking up. There was a couple times throughout out the 4 weeks where it seemed a virus was trying to take me down, but my immune system overcame. Invictus is proven to increase immune response.

Overall, this stack is a no brainer, proven track record stack. Not only through my experience, others experiences, but they are studied to work, and do what they are claimed to do. If you are stressed, if you have heightened cortisol, if you are over 30, if you want to recomp/cut, then these are what you should be including in your regiment.

Thank you @cheftepesh and Iron Legion for allowing me to log this. I appreciate it, and you.
 
Last edited:
ValiantThor08

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Present supplements taking:
5g Creatine
OG Kraken/Fullblitz
2-4 Tsp Cod Liver Oil
1g Sensoril
300mg Synapsa

Expectations from Invictus and VII-KT:
Low cortisol (which I should feel, having experienced heightened cortisol).
More leaning out providing sharper abs, and deeper muscle striations.
Improved sleep (would be a God send after having more insomnia than I have ever had).
Improved libido (have heard many have had greatly improved libido).
Improved immunity (would be happy not get any type of sickness the rest of the year).
Thermogenic experience
Muscle retention, and gain (from the anti-catbolic nature of the products.

Dosing:

Invictus and VII-KT dosed upon waking.
V11-KT dosed about 8- 10 hours later (unless given more optimal time from any rep)
Invictus after work between 6 and 7pm.
 
ValiantThor08

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Reserved for before and after pic.
 
ValiantThor08

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Copying Benny!
Some may see me around, some may like me, some may not. Any publicity is good publicity. My goal is to be me, to be real. Come join along, or not, come criticize, or don't!

hairygrandpa rtmilburn SFreed Ulfhednar HIT4ME wesb2387 Tank999 DennisTheDane Juicedeez utz @BEAST73 @Alpha1agreda LeanEngineer @coltonwalker @Brandinooooo Sparkss @blueline438 lifted67 smith_69 Daehlluks FireTitan @alphagainz @ChocolateClen justhere4comm matt8483 ryane87 nostrum420 mmorso thebigt Dirty Dan @Bmac63095 TNlifting Matthersby @BloodManor @angcd3 habajaba mmorso cwages TheMyth lukehayd thebigt Oconns28 jalfrey @bloodnthunder jtmass Martyfnemec @christ83189 GrizzleB @BOSSMAN @chedapalooza @BennyMagoo79 @Brienn8989 Tbl16 @Bman1970 PoSiTiVeFLoW @Cgkone LeanEngineer @AntM1564 Newth SouthPawSD @christ83189 SkRaw85 flandersguy MrKleen73 Whisky @Cscott622 Hyde @bloodnthunder Newth love2liftkat stacy1212 RickyBlobby @bigbeaph JoePaul39 @adammorrow36 Rocket3015 swimfan65 Humble Marcia
 
thebigt

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dosing protocol looks good...as far as application sites I've found neck and shoulders[clavicle], inner upper arms and inner thighs to be optimal. since you are applying 2 transdermals twice daily rotating sites occasionally is a good idea, imo.

I use sandwich baggies so as to not waste products, and in cooler months run a hairdryer over application sites, in warmer months I stand under ceiling fan for a few minutes-not necessary but I find it helps dry better/faster.
 
hairygrandpa

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I'm in.
 
ValiantThor08

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dosing protocol looks good...as far as application sites I've found neck and shoulders[clavicle], inner upper arms and inner thighs to be optimal. since you are applying 2 transdermals twice daily rotating sites occasionally is a good idea, imo.

I use sandwich baggies so as to not waste products, and in cooler months run a hairdryer over application sites, in warmer months I stand under ceiling fan for a few minutes-not necessary but I find it helps dry better/faster.
Thanks for the advice!
 
ValiantThor08

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As thebigt knows, I've used Virtus from Iron Legion, loved it. Went on smooth, and dried pretty quick on me.
 
Rocket3015

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Here I Am !!
 
thebigt

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As thebigt knows, I've used Virtus from Iron Legion, loved it. Went on smooth, and dried pretty quick on me.
iron legion has some top notch products!!!
 
cheftepesh1

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Nice set up
 
bloodnthunder

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Subbed
 
enhanced

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dosing protocol looks good...as far as application sites I've found neck and shoulders[clavicle]I use sandwich baggies so as to not waste products
I have a huge box of latex gloves for topicals. I have used sandwich baggies though.
 
ValiantThor08

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Would some product get "lost" if using a bare hand to apply and rub in?
 
hairygrandpa

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Would some product get "lost" if using a bare hand to apply and rub in?
Others use gloves. Personally, I use just my hands. If hands absorb some, its still in my body, isn't it?
 
bigbeaph

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Subb-aroo
 
cheftepesh1

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Would some product get "lost" if using a bare hand to apply and rub in?
I have always used bare hands and don’t think that much was lost on hands.
 
Rocket3015

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LeanEngineer

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In on this as well!
 
MrKleen73

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In!
 
ValiantThor08

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According to tracking info, looks like USPS "temporarily" misplaced package. I have the best luck with USPS.
 
GrizzleB

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Im in.
 
ValiantThor08

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Anyone experience this?
Screenshot_20190402-114639_Chrome.jpeg
 
ValiantThor08

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Post back workout. Got to get rid of these love handles.
20190402_132137.jpeg
 
enhanced

enhanced

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Love handles love me too.. So hard to get rid of.
 
ValiantThor08

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Love handles love me too.. So hard to get rid of.
I was more or less jesting lol. Although it is true that abdominal fat is the last fat to go!
 
ValiantThor08

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I heard a computer glitch caused several airlines to cancel flights....might have something to do with this?
Could be on to something. USPS gave the same notification today too.
 
Ricky10

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I will be following as well!

I have always used bare hands and don’t think that much was lost on hands.
I can’t use gloves or baggies. As soon as either one contacts my skin, there is too much friction and I can’t get any rubbing action going on to apply the product. Just doesn’t work for me...
 
ValiantThor08

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Looks like the kit may be coming today. If that is the case I will start dosing tomorrow. Have a glycogen depleted picture, and morning fasted weight.
 
ValiantThor08

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Also, some don't care for me promoting a fat adapted lifestyle for insulin sensitivity, metabolic flexability, longevity, lower systemic inflammation, etc.. just want to let you know, it is okay for me to have an opposing viewpoint to how you view nutrition, we are human, we have our own experiences, and we look at and interpret the available data. We look out our long term goals, and weigh everything on a balance. If you can't stand me talking about fat adaption, if you can't stand me believing and saying it is optimal, grow up. If you don't agree, talk about your nutrition, and explain how it is optimal. Stop with name calling, straw man arguments, and grow up. Rant over.
 

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Also, some don't care for me promoting a fat adapted lifestyle for insulin sensitivity, metabolic flexability, longevity, lower systemic inflammation, etc.. just want to let you know, it is okay for me to have an opposing viewpoint to how you view nutrition, we are human, we have our own experiences, and we look at and interpret the available data. We look out our long term goals, and weigh everything on a balance. If you can't stand me talking about fat adaption, if you can't stand me believing and saying it is optimal, grow up. If you don't agree, talk about your nutrition, and explain how it is optimal. Stop with name calling, straw man arguments, and grow up. Rant over.
Hey, hope this isn't towards me. If this is directed at me I never called you names or used any strawman arguments.
 
ValiantThor08

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Hey, hope this isn't towards me. If this is directed at me I never called you names or used any strawman arguments.
Not entirely or just directed at you. You haven't called me names, but this is a general notice. I don't mind debate, or opposing views. Before I even started a basic keto diet, I opposed it vocally to my friend who had gone keto, and was telling my in laws about it. So I opposed it, had my reasons for opposing it, did my own research, tested out strict keto, and decided to include simple carbs after hearing about John Kiefera carb backloading. I found I would get the benefits of a ketogenic diet, and the benefits of added muscle glycogen. Now I'm in the middle, I see benefits of extended ketosis to better adapt at a cellular level, and I also do not deny the benefits of one replenishing their glycogen. So I don't push someone to go strict general keto, 70 fat, 15 protein, 5 carb; I think for the athlete, or anyone, that macro makeup is silly, and detrimental to muscular development.
 
ValiantThor08

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I admit, I was a little "triggered" lol. And my rant in and of itself was childish, and exaggerated. Forgive me. Still, let's debate, and have fun, and learn different things.
 
ValiantThor08

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Training style:

Push with emphasis on chest
Pull emphasis on back
Legs/abs
Push emphasis on triceps
Pull emphasis on back
Legs/abs

Wanting to hit every muscle twice a week.

Repeat.

Training most of the time will be fasted, in the morning before work.
 
ValiantThor08

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Diet on work days, Mon through Fri will be intermittent fasting up until lunch, and then dinner. 2 meals, and a probable shake in between. Protein goal will be about 160g per day.
 
BennyMagoo79

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Diet on work days, Mon through Fri will be intermittent fasting up until lunch, and then dinner. 2 meals, and a probable shake in between. Protein goal will be about 160g per day.
What's your total energy input goal for this? This a recompense for you right?
 
ValiantThor08

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1 April workout

Flat Bench
135x10 1 Set
195x6 5 Sets 1 Rep increase from last week on each set.

Incline DB Press
65x6 4 Sets

DB Skull Crushers
80x8 4 Sets

Rope Pushdowns
DB Shoulder press
DB front/lateral raises

2 April

BB Bent over rows
135x10
185x8 4 sets

Seated cable rows
160x7 4 Sets

Barbell curls
Seated row free weigh machine.

3 April

Barbell Squat
135x10
185x8
195x8
225x5 3 sets

Hack squat machine
275x8
295x8
315x8 3 sets

Calf raises
Leg extensions
 
ValiantThor08

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If I dont have numbers for some of the lifts, it is because at that point in time in the workout, I'm doing all I can in a 5 to 8 rep range for about 4 sets, and usually it is a super set.
 

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