Classic Kleen - The Road To Competition Fall 2024

[Dustin07]

Considerations - Calories may be just a little low right now. I am going to give it a little more time to see how things shake out so I get better at burning fat for energy most of the day. If that doesn't help out then I will bring calories up a couple hundred a day. I have a feeling I will adapt over the next week.

I love that you have given yourself so much time to prep for this one, it's going to make a hell of a high quality ride!

 

[MrKleen73]

I love that you have given yourself so much time to prep for this one, it's going to make a hell of a high quality ride!

Thanks, yeah I didn't want to be in a rush in the end. So I need to start from the right place and then be pretty on point the whole time to achieve that. This definitely won't be one of those dirty bulk kind of situations. I may be able to incorporate a few dirty refeeds but I will have to be careful with my propensity to store fat.

 

[MrKleen73]

I went for my walk at lunch, it was nice out only 82 so it felt great to be outside and getting some sun. Need all that natty Vitamin D I can get while it's still available. LOL A guy with his wife and kid at the park looked at me and gestured like I was jacked and gave me a thumbs up. So I must be looking pretty impressive, at least to common folk anyway.

This is where my nutrition ended up after my last meal.

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I am about to go start winding down so I can get up in the morning. I am going to toss in a

 

[Dustin07]

I went for my walk at lunch, it was nice out only 82 so it felt great to be outside and getting some sun. Need all that natty Vitamin D

it's already been a few weeks since we've seen 82. it's actually "warm" for us right now.

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[MrKleen73]

it's already been a few weeks since we've seen 82. it's actually "warm" for us right now.

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Today's forecast
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[Dustin07]

Love it! The wife and I are already starting to shift gears, making fires at night and planning for a PNW winter since last winter we travelled as much as possible to escape it. this year we're aiming to embrace it more.

 

[MrKleen73]

10/13/23 - HAPPY FRIDAY THE 13TH!!! - Morning Weight 197.8 - Down .2lbs - I believe this matches my lowest low on this cut so far, back after a 2 day fast. So that is a pretty good sign of progress.

Chest Shoulders & Arms - Tempo 4-2-1-1 for everything but the DB swings - Relative Effort 1-2 RIR

Arsenal incline press - 55*12, 10, 8 - Massive pump from these.

Arsenal Shoulder Press - 25*10, 9, 7 - Anterior Delts were swollen by the end.

Lateral DB swings - 15x15-25 reps x 3 sets @ 0RIR - These really light up the medial delts with Wyck's form. Riding that negative back down with some tension really does the trick and gets the burning going.

Rear DB swings - 10x15-25 reps x 3 sets @ 0RIR - Man these are good best isolation I have gotten from rear delt work. Massive pumps, rear delts almost look deformed they get so pumped after. Just sticking out off the back of my shoulder.

Superset
Dead hang DB curls 15*12, 10, 8
Rope triceps extensions 80*13, 11, 9 - Great pumps and contractions with both of these movements!

I am toying around with the arrangement of some of my sessions to make sure that Chest, Shoulders and Arms get a lot of focus throughout the week. Hence no back work today. I was building a meso and it was looking like a masterpiece then my browser crashed and I lost it. So I have to rebuild it again, since it was like 2 weeks ago I unfortunately don't even remember how I had everything set up. I had 3 chest sessions 4 shoulder days, and arms 4 days but I had exercises picked not to mess up the next exercise in the workout so this will be a fun to do again. Since I have added in some movements that seem superior to what I was planning on doing I guess that is a good thing.

 

[MrKleen73]

Love it! The wife and I are already starting to shift gears, making fires at night and planning for a PNW winter since last winter we travelled as much as possible to escape it. this year we're aiming to embrace it more.

That will definitely be a cheaper option. Making fires at night sounds awesome. I really enjoy sitting near a fire.

 

[MrKleen73]

I am trying to figure out the method at which I am going to progress my PED's. I am looking at 2 different options. One by Joe Jeffries where he titrates up over time until sides become an issue, only bumping when the body was telling him too via recovery and whatnot. He also recommends using test as the driver and adding in other things to add anabolic load, or assist with sides like masteron. This would probably fall more in line with how @Hyde just ran his 20 week cycle.

The there is the Broderick Chavez method which is to bump the dose every two weeks until I reach my max dose at week 8 then maintain the max dose for the remainder of the cycle. He only uses test for the estrogen and other compounds to drive anabolism. The only time he suggests increasing testosterone is when your estrogen gets too low from using a compound like masteron. So a 1200-1500mg a week cycle might look more like 300-400TE and 800-1100 Mast by the end.

He also recommends titrating food up to the maximum calories you are willing to go to during the first 8 weeks then stay there and recomp to the end of the cycle on those calories. Which doesn't sound bad for what I have planned, but neither does adjusting as I go to stay in decent shape.

Since I am contemplating this possibly going to a 20 week if sides and everything stay manageable, I am considering the first approach which would limit time exposed to maximum doses, however the possible downfall there is limited time exposed to maximum doses.

@Hyde @gphagan1 @Smont @Mikereyn513 - and anyone else with good knowledge, what are your thoughts on this?

 

[Smont]

I am trying to figure out the method at which I am going to progress my PED's. I am looking at 2 different options. One by Joe Jeffries where he titrates up over time until sides become an issue, only bumping when the body was telling him too via recovery and whatnot. He also recommends using test as the driver and adding in other things to add anabolic load, or assist with sides like masteron. This would probably fall more in line with how @Hyde just ran his 20 week cycle.

The there is the Broderick Chavez method which is to bump the dose every two weeks until I reach my max dose at week 8 then maintain the max dose for the remainder of the cycle. He only uses test for the estrogen and other compounds to drive anabolism. The only time he suggests increasing testosterone is when your estrogen gets too low from using a compound like masteron. So a 1200-1500mg a week cycle might look more like 300-400TE and 800-1100 Mast by the end.

He also recommends titrating food up to the maximum calories you are willing to go to during the first 8 weeks then stay there and recomp to the end of the cycle on those calories. Which doesn't sound bad for what I have planned, but neither does adjusting as I go to stay in decent shape.

Since I am contemplating this possibly going to a 20 week if sides and everything stay manageable, I am considering the first approach which would limit time exposed to maximum doses, however the possible downfall there is limited time exposed to maximum doses.

@Hyde @gphagan1 @Smont @Mikereyn513 - and anyone else with good knowledge, what are your thoughts on this?

I don't particularly most the things Chavez does, I do like to listen to his stuff and i take away valuable points but I'm not the biggest fan overall. My way, which is just me taking what I've learned from others and trial and error so its not "my" way, but I like to start with double my trt dose, add my next compound at a similar dose and start increasing or adding stuff when needed.

So it might look like 300 test/200mast, then 450 test/300mast or even equal 400/400 then consider another compound ect. Obviously bumping food up in between if bulking.

On the other hand, I might stick with just 2 things and keep raising the doses.

One thing I dint do is pre plan my doses, I always kinda play it as I go

 

[gphagan1]

I don't particularly most the things Chavez does, I do like to listen to his stuff and i take away valuable points but I'm not the biggest fan overall. My way, which is just me taking what I've learned from others and trial and error so its not "my" way, but I like to start with double my trt dose, add my next compound at a similar dose and start increasing or adding stuff when needed.

So it might look like 300 test/200mast, then 450 test/300mast or even equal 400/400 then consider another compound ect. Obviously bumping food up in between if bulking.

On the other hand, I might stick with just 2 things and keep raising the doses.

One thing I dint do is pre plan my doses, I always kinda play it as I go

I am trying to figure out the method at which I am going to progress my PED's. I am looking at 2 different options. One by Joe Jeffries where he titrates up over time until sides become an issue, only bumping when the body was telling him too via recovery and whatnot. He also recommends using test as the driver and adding in other things to add anabolic load, or assist with sides like masteron. This would probably fall more in line with how @Hyde just ran his 20 week cycle.

The there is the Broderick Chavez method which is to bump the dose every two weeks until I reach my max dose at week 8 then maintain the max dose for the remainder of the cycle. He only uses test for the estrogen and other compounds to drive anabolism. The only time he suggests increasing testosterone is when your estrogen gets too low from using a compound like masteron. So a 1200-1500mg a week cycle might look more like 300-400TE and 800-1100 Mast by the end.

He also recommends titrating food up to the maximum calories you are willing to go to during the first 8 weeks then stay there and recomp to the end of the cycle on those calories. Which doesn't sound bad for what I have planned, but neither does adjusting as I go to stay in decent shape.

Since I am contemplating this possibly going to a 20 week if sides and everything stay manageable, I am considering the first approach which would limit time exposed to maximum doses, however the possible downfall there is limited time exposed to maximum doses.

@Hyde @gphagan1 @Smont @Mikereyn513 - and anyone else with good knowledge, what are your thoughts on this?

I pretty much do it very similar to Smont…. I may start at 300 on Test and Mast or Primo, and according how everything is going with workouts and I’m steadily progressing with strength or changes in physique, I may stay at that dose for 3-4 weeks and then raise it to 400 and may add in something like Trest or NPP, and then the last 4 weeks add in say 50 a day of Anavar, as long as I’m not experiencing sides. I mean I get the theory of adding until sides become an issue, but sometimes when you go that far you battle the rest of the cycle trying to get sides under control, which as an older dude I try and avoid. So I guess technically it’s titrating up as your body dictates to adjust. I do agree with everything progressing the same with diet, training, and anabolics, and you have the diet and training down. Also as time goes on you’ll know how your body reacts and will be able to tailor it to your body. So I guess there are points from Chavez and Jeffries both that makes sense.

 

[MrKleen73]

I don't particularly most the things Chavez does, I do like to listen to his stuff and i take away valuable points but I'm not the biggest fan overall. My way, which is just me taking what I've learned from others and trial and error so its not "my" way, but I like to start with double my trt dose, add my next compound at a similar dose and start increasing or adding stuff when needed.

So it might look like 300 test/200mast, then 450 test/300mast or even equal 400/400 then consider another compound ect. Obviously bumping food up in between if bulking.

On the other hand, I might stick with just 2 things and keep raising the doses.

One thing I dint do is pre plan my doses, I always kinda play it as I go

Makes a lot of sense there. I will be sticking with the two compounds for most of the run then may add an oral at the end for a last push. I imagine by the first I should have an idea how my estrogen is feeling with current protocol. So I can figure out where to go from there.

I pretty much do it very similar to Smont…. I may start at 300 on Test and Mast or Primo, and according how everything is going with workouts and I’m steadily progressing with strength or changes in physique, I may stay at that dose for 3-4 weeks and then raise it to 400 and may add in something like Trest or NPP, and then the last 4 weeks add in say 50 a day of Anavar, as long as I’m not experiencing sides. I mean I get the theory of adding until sides become an issue, but sometimes when you go that far you battle the rest of the cycle trying to get sides under control, which as an older dude I try and avoid. So I guess technically it’s titrating up as your body dictates to adjust. I do agree with everything progressing the same with diet, training, and anabolics, and you have the diet and training down. Also as time goes on you’ll know how your body reacts and will be able to tailor it to your body. So I guess there are points from Chavez and Jeffries both that makes sense.

Yeah that is kind of what I am seeing / thinking. Especially since I may run it longer waiting until I feel I need more gas before going up. I am already at a level that should definitely be doing it's thing. I was kind of concerned on the Broderick plan because I would assume pushing mast that high with test lower would inevitably crash my estrogen at some point and mess my lipids and sex drive up. Two things I definitely don't need.

I took a 45 minute walk by the bayou during lunch, then came back to a serving Ghost pepper Chicken Tikka Masala with a cup of cooked Brussels Sprouts only 600 calories left for the day. Small budget!!!

 

[Hyde]

So, the thing about the Jeffries & Chavez ‘models’ are…they can kind of end up being the same thing.

I slowly bumped my doses by small amounts weekly until the last 5 weeks of this run, and found that to be super smooth. I never felt the surge when you jump several hundred mg or more all at once. Depending if you want a seamless transition like an automatic transmission, or you want to feel the bang of the gear shifting, is just preference. I felt this had less sides for me this time.

Jeffries says use test and an anabolic. Broderick says use a bit of test and more anabolics…but I promise you aren’t going to be able to stay at just 300 test while on 1,000 mast comfortably; it’s going to decimate estrogen for most. I needed no AI even at 26% bodyfat on 600 test with 560 mast & 120 DHB.

Broderick might like to get to max doses a bit earlier at 8 weeks…but he also advocates blasts be more like 16 weeks generally. Jeffries might be doing longer runs, like I just did 20. I wanted to take my time ramping up because I needed the blast to just go longer so I could train assisted longer. I didn’t need that much assistance in the beginning- I just needed time under the bar while eating more food.

There’s no right answer for everyone. It comes down to experimentation and preference, and risk & side effect tolerance.

Said another way, the answer is going to be test and 1-2 other steroids in the doses you find work for you

 

[GreenMachineX]

Pack a pair of new balance/ASICS type dad shoes for your calf raises. The extra padding makes a big difference for me in tolerability. I want my calves to decide when the set is over, not my feet.

Just catching up...those dad shoes gotta be white though!

 

[jimbuick]

Pack a pair of new balance/ASICS type dad shoes for your calf raises. The extra padding makes a big difference for me in tolerability. I want my calves to decide when the set is over, not my feet.

Or just don’t be a bitch

 

[Smont]

Or just don’t be a bitch

Hey you can't call Hyde a bitch! HES A BEAUTIFUL LADY!!!

 

[Smont]

I mean she, or them. Them is a beautiful it. I think

 

[PolishHamm3r77]

As of right now Hyde identifies as a 1st place powerlifting event winner

 

[Smont]

As of right now Hyde identifies as a 1st place powerlifting event winner

I identify as a ham sandwich

 

[MrKleen73]

Gotcha. What kind of protein are you mixing with lemonade???

So, the thing about the Jeffries & Chavez ‘models’ are…they can kind of end up being the same thing.

I slowly bumped my doses by small amounts weekly until the last 5 weeks of this run, and found that to be super smooth. I never felt the surge when you jump several hundred mg or more all at once. Depending if you want a seamless transition like an automatic transmission, or you want to feel the bang of the gear shifting, is just preference. I felt this had less sides for me this time.

Jeffries says use test and an anabolic. Broderick says use a bit of test and more anabolics…but I promise you aren’t going to be able to stay at just 300 test while on 1,000 mast comfortably; it’s going to decimate estrogen for most. I needed no AI even at 26% bodyfat on 600 test with 560 mast & 120 DHB.

Broderick might like to get to max doses a bit earlier at 8 weeks…but he also advocates blasts be more like 16 weeks generally. Jeffries might be doing longer runs, like I just did 20. I wanted to take my time ramping up because I needed the blast to just go longer so I could train assisted longer. I didn’t need that much assistance in the beginning- I just needed time under the bar while eating more food.

There’s no right answer for everyone. It comes down to experimentation and preference, and risk & side effect tolerance.

Said another way, the answer is going to be test and 1-2 other steroids in the doses you find work for you

Great explanation, I think I will build up more slowly and hope for less sides since I am considering pushing to 20 weeks if things go well.

Just catching up...those dad shoes gotta be white though!

Ha Mr Style, I can't do white shoes. I am too rough on my shoes. I am not a wipe them off when I take them off kind of guy. More like the put my foot in it and go. LOL

Or just don’t be a bitch

Let me know when you figure that one out, and you can teach me!

I identify as a ham sandwich

Great now I am really hungry!

Yesterday's Macros
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10/14/23 - Morning Weight 195.8 - Damn that is a quick drop. I am definitely the leanest and lowest I have been in years right now. Since hitting 195 or right at it, I have achieved my weightloss goal of getting to 195, and am lean enough that I definitely think I can start recomping from here and gradually turn it into a lean bulk. So my plan is to kick calories up to 2400ish next week and see if I continue leaning out while adding some muscle from here.

 

[akboom87]

Great explanation, I think I will build up more slowly and hope for less sides since I am considering pushing to 20 weeks if things go well.
Ha Mr Style, I can't do white shoes. I am too rough on my shoes. I am not a wipe them off when I take them off kind of guy. More like the put my foot in it and go. LOL
Let me know when you figure that one out, and you can teach me!

Great now I am really hungry!

Yesterday's Macros
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10/14/23 - Morning Weight 195.8 - Damn that is a quick drop. I am definitely the leanest and lowest I have been in years right now. Since hitting 195 or right at it, I have achieved my weightloss goal of getting to 195, and am lean enough that I definitely think I can start recomping from here and gradually turn it into a lean bulk. So my plan is to kick calories up to 2400ish next week and see if I continue leaning out while adding some muscle from here.

Wow fast work on the drop!

Have you have been like 1900-2200 calories lately plus fasting here and there?

 

[Hyde]

Or just don’t be a bitch

Probably better to just continue to skip calves altogether like I usually do

As of right now Hyde identifies as a 1st place powerlifting event winner

I identify as a ham sandwich

Can’t it be both??

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[MrKleen73]

Wow fast work on the drop!

Have you have been like 1900-2200 calories lately plus fasting here and there?

No Sir, when I was fasting I was eating maintenance or surplus on training days. Most of the time a surplus. I was more focusing on recomping then.

This drop is the result of an average of a 1000 calorie deficit via nutrition then more via walking and cardio. Keep in mind when I was fasting I was loading carbs in the 350-400 range on training days so I would not ever get truly depleted even during my fasts. However a week of much lower carbs due to the lower calories has left me depleted. I think the fat loss is right on target for the deficit, but water weight and muscle volume have also dipped lower.

Going to around 2400 is probably still a 500-600 calorie deficit, but it will give the gear just a little more to work with. So I am not done leaning up, but will focus on performance and the mirror to decide when to go to maintenance. Not a specific time frame like originally planned. The sooner I can get to maintenance or above the better my gains will be. Pretty much all of the increase will be via carbs to make things more anabolic and increase gym performance. I am hoping to get my calories up decently high while staying lean so maybe I have a little more room to cut calories on the way back down.

Here are a couple pictures of me depleted, no meal yet for a reference point of where I am at the end of my 1000 calorie deficit.

This camera angle is better,chest, shoulders and traps don't disappear in this one. I would put myself between 13-15% here. Looking smaller but tight. Some more carbs are going to fill that up a little bit. I am feeling pretty confident with how my pseudo-gyno/gyno is retracting with the fat loss. If things go the way they normally do they will almost be gone and tucked up under my pecs by the time I am around 9-10% and should be small enough to be pretty manageable with ralox or something on the way into the show.

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We are having a birthday party for my nephew around 3:00PM. So I will be having a burger and stuff so I am fasting to make room for the calories.

 

[gphagan1]

No Sir, when I was fasting I was eating maintenance or surplus on training days. Most of the time a surplus. I was more focusing on recomping then.

This drop is the result of an average of a 1000 calorie deficit via nutrition then more via walking and cardio. Keep in mind when I was fasting I was loading carbs in the 350-400 range on training days so I would not ever get truly depleted even during my fasts. However a week of much lower carbs due to the lower calories has left me depleted. I think the fat loss is right on target for the deficit, but water weight and muscle volume have also dipped lower.

Going to around 2400 is probably still a 500-600 calorie deficit, but it will give the gear just a little more to work with. So I am not done leaning up, but will focus on performance and the mirror to decide when to go to maintenance. Not a specific time frame like originally planned. The sooner I can get to maintenance or above the better my gains will be. Pretty much all of the increase will be via carbs to make things more anabolic and increase gym performance. I am hoping to get my calories up decently high while staying lean so maybe I have a little more room to cut calories on the way back down.

Here are a couple pictures of me depleted, no meal yet for a reference point of where I am at the end of my 1000 calorie deficit.

This camera angle is better,chest, shoulders and traps don't disappear in this one. I would put myself between 13-15% here. Looking smaller but tight. Some more carbs are going to fill that up a little bit. I am feeling pretty confident with how my pseudo-gyno/gyno is retracting with the fat loss. If things go the way they normally do they will almost be gone and tucked up under my pecs by the time I am around 9-10% and should be small enough to be pretty manageable with ralox or something on the way into the show.

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We are having a birthday party for my nephew around 3:00PM. So I will be having a burger and stuff so I am fasting to make room for the calories.

You definitely leaned up really well….. I agree this is a good time for a recomp. That should help tighten up as you build some back. Abs are really starting to pop now.

 

[jimbuick]

Making me feel like I need to get my diet back in order and stop being a fat piece of ****.

 

[PolishHamm3r77]

@jimbuick I’m w you on that!

 

[MrKleen73]

You definitely leaned up really well….. I agree this is a good time for a recomp. That should help tighten up as you build some back. Abs are really starting to pop now.

Thanks! My skin is also slowly tightening up more which is great. Some muscle growth, and getting fuller will also help out there. Looking forward to what muscle memory, effective training, solid nutrition, hard work and anabolics can bring to the table for me here. I am expecting to be a pretty lean 210-215 by the end of this run but wouldn't be shocked if a little more either.

Making me feel like I need to get my diet back in order and stop being a fat piece of ****.

@jimbuick I’m w you on that!

LOL Thanks Gentlemen!

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10/15/23 - Morning Weight 200 on the dot. - I had a more relaxed night than I planned and ate around maintenance or maybe a hair above. My son came over and we had a couple drinks then I ate a little more than intended. I just look more full this morning though, no negative effect. Back on the lean train today.

No training today, hanging out with my son. We went on an organized drive with our usual driving group. It was about 3 hours of good driving fun. The weather was perfect for a being in a convertible, 72 and sunny. About 2:00 PM I broke my fast with him having some chicken fajitas to keep it somewhat diet friendly. I will eat around 5:00 PM and then again around 8:00-9:00 before going to bed to get a lil more MPS going but honestly the gear is taking care of stimulating MPS anyway but might as well do what I can. I knew he and I were going out to eat so I saved up a meals worth of calories to use there.

 

[akboom87]

Man things are coming together and the progress pictures definitely leaner and tighter! Solid and dedicated work are paying off.

sounds like a good weekend and fun times out on the drive.

 

[gphagan1]

Thanks! My skin is also slowly tightening up more which is great. Some muscle growth, and getting fuller will also help out there. Looking forward to what muscle memory, effective training, solid nutrition, hard work and anabolics can bring to the table for me here. I am expecting to be a pretty lean 210-215 by the end of this run but wouldn't be shocked if a little more either.


LOL Thanks Gentlemen!

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10/15/23 - Morning Weight 200 on the dot. - I had a more relaxed night than I planned and ate around maintenance or maybe a hair above. My son came over and we had a couple drinks then I ate a little more than intended. I just look more full this morning though, no negative effect. Back on the lean train today.

No training today, hanging out with my son. We went on an organized drive with our usual driving group. It was about 3 hours of good driving fun. The weather was perfect for a being in a convertible, 72 and sunny. About 2:00 PM I broke my fast with him having some chicken fajitas to keep it somewhat diet friendly. I will eat around 5:00 PM and then again around 8:00-9:00 before going to bed to get a lil more MPS going but honestly the gear is taking care of stimulating MPS anyway but might as well do what I can. I knew he and I were going out to eat so I saved up a meals worth of calories to use there.

I think 215 lbs is a very doable goal for you….just look at the progress you’ve made this year while battling through injuries. And now that your where you want to be as far as being lean, you’re primed for a good recomp clean bulk. And seeing where you were able to get natural in the past, you still got some muscle memory to tap into. That and then you add in the Test, Mast, and Growth, I think you might surprise yourself.

 

[ZLB70]

Subbed—gonna catch up when I get some free time

 

[MrKleen73]

Man things are coming together and the progress pictures definitely leaner and tighter! Solid and dedicated work are paying off.

sounds like a good weekend and fun times out on the drive.

Thanks man, I am getting real excited myself.

I think 215 lbs is a very doable goal for you….just look at the progress you’ve made this year while battling through injuries. And now that your where you want to be as far as being lean, you’re primed for a good recomp clean bulk. And seeing where you were able to get natural in the past, you still got some muscle memory to tap into. That and then you add in the Test, Mast, and Growth, I think you might surprise yourself.

Agreed, unfortunately after a deep dive into the budget we don't really have the funds to make the GH happen. I am going to need a coach soon and that is where that money will most likely be better spent. The wife and i are still trying to figure out what we can make work budget-wise there.

Subbed—gonna catch up when I get some free time

Awesome man great to have you in here!

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10/16/23 Morning Weight 202.3 - I don't have estimates for yesterday since we ate out for 2 of the meals but they were actually pretty clean. Chicken fajitas, and double order of grilled shrimp with rice, I only ate 1 serving of the rice. However I would say around 3000ish for the day. My wife gave me a trail mix last night that had chocolate covered nuts and espresso beans in it and I intended to grab just a little but but then I ended up dipping back in having a good 500-600 calories worth. I threw the bag away this morning so it won't be a temptation again.

Upper Body - Chest and Shoulder focus - No Arms - Tempo 4-2-1-1 - Perceived Effort 1-2RIR

Arsenal flat chest press 70*9, 7, 6 - Big Pump, Great Pec Stretch!

Arsenal pec fly 100*12, 11, 10 - These really finished me off, I expect to be sore from these.

Arsenal lat pull down - 55*8, 6, down set 35*11 - I need to start these at 45 to stay in my target rep range.

Arsenal standing side raise 40*11, 9, 8 - Added the Wycked training form to this, nice contractions and pump.

DB Lateral Swings - 15*15, 14 - Nice burn on these, I am still getting the new form down here.

DB Rear Delt Swing - 10*16, 16, 17 - Oh Man, I love these for rear delts. Easily the best targeting of the rear delt I have had. Pumps are insane!!!!

I was running out of time and decided I would do arms at work... When I do I am also going to do more side swings but just do them seated with like 5's and try to get like 100+swings into pulses to get some cell swelling going in the medial delts.

18 Sets + warm ups 70 minutes. I need to speed this up a little but once I write up my gaining meso I will have the sets and exercises laid out so I can get done faster or will do like today and do 2 a days with the compounds in the morning and smaller muscles revisited in the afternoon.

On a not lifting aspect, the Flex is in the shop getting the motor / transmission mounts upgraded so they can handle the power I have in the car. Along with a couple other things while they are fixing my rear differential. I am having them go ahead and install my WMI kit. I was holding off thinking I might sell it to go E85 but that is not going to happen for another couple of years if at all. So while it is in the shop just having it put on. According to the tuner, he can get me between 425-450 at the wheel off of just the meth kit, and that will probably be enough. Getting to 500-515 to the wheel will require E85 but that is a ridiculous expense. So just finally paying to have my toy I got for a present over a year ago installed.

 

[gphagan1]

Thanks man, I am getting real excited myself.
Agreed, unfortunately after a deep dive into the budget we don't really have the funds to make the GH happen. I am going to need a coach soon and that is where that money will most likely be better spent. The wife and i are still trying to figure out what we can make work budget-wise there.
Awesome man great to have you in here!

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10/16/23 Morning Weight 202.3 - I don't have estimates for yesterday since we ate out for 2 of the meals but they were actually pretty clean. Chicken fajitas, and double order of grilled shrimp with rice, I only ate 1 serving of the rice. However I would say around 3000ish for the day. My wife gave me a trail mix last night that had chocolate covered nuts and espresso beans in it and I intended to grab just a little but but then I ended up dipping back in having a good 500-600 calories worth. I threw the bag away this morning so it won't be a temptation again.

Upper Body - Chest and Shoulder focus - No Arms - Tempo 4-2-1-1 - Perceived Effort 1-2RIR

Arsenal flat chest press 70*9, 7, 6 - Big Pump, Great Pec Stretch!

Arsenal pec fly 100*12, 11, 10 - These really finished me off, I expect to be sore from these.

Arsenal lat pull down - 55*8, 6, down set 35*11 - I need to start these at 45 to stay in my target rep range.

Arsenal standing side raise 40*11, 9, 8 - Added the Wycked training form to this, nice contractions and pump.

DB Lateral Swings - 15*15, 14 - Nice burn on these, I am still getting the new form down here.

DB Rear Delt Swing - 10*16, 16, 17 - Oh Man, I love these for rear delts. Easily the best targeting of the rear delt I have had. Pumps are insane!!!!

I was running out of time and decided I would do arms at work... When I do I am also going to do more side swings but just do them seated with like 5's and try to get like 100+swings into pulses to get some cell swelling going in the medial delts.

18 Sets + warm ups 70 minutes. I need to speed this up a little but once I write up my gaining meso I will have the sets and exercises laid out so I can get done faster or will do like today and do 2 a days with the compounds in the morning and smaller muscles revisited in the afternoon.

On a not lifting aspect, the Flex is in the shop getting the motor / transmission mounts upgraded so they can handle the power I have in the car. Along with a couple other things while they are fixing my rear differential. I am having them go ahead and install my WMI kit. I was holding off thinking I might sell it to go E85 but that is not going to happen for another couple of years if at all. So while it is in the shop just having it put on. According to the tuner, he can get me between 425-450 at the wheel off of just the meth kit, and that will probably be enough. Getting to 500-515 to the wheel will require E85 but that is a ridiculous expense. So just finally paying to have my toy I got for a present over a year ago installed.

Man believe me I understand about GH not being in the budget, but you’ll still get a lot out of Test with Mast, and a coach is definitely smarter in a prep. That Flex is gonna be hauling with that much horsepower, but if you’re like me more horsepower is always a good thing.

 

[MrKleen73]

Man believe me I understand about GH not being in the budget, but you’ll still get a lot out of Test with Mast, and a coach is definitely smarter in a prep. That Flex is gonna be hauling with that much horsepower, but if you’re like me more horsepower is always a good thing.

Yep, more is better! I would be skipping right over the meth to E85 if it wasn't a 3000 endeavor.

I definitely think as I start feeding the beast things are going to kick up nicely! Starting around 2400-2500 this week. That should be right on the money to gain some muscle while still losing fat. Then depending on where I shake out around the first I will bump to maintenance for a couple weeks before starting the climb.

Okay time to get meal 2 in!

 

[Dustin07]

long with a couple other things while they are fixing my rear differential. I am having them go ahead and install my WMI kit. I was holding off thinking I might sell it to go E85 but that is not going to happen for another couple of years if at all. So while it is in the shop just having it put on. According to the tuner, he can get me between 425-450 at the wheel off of just the meth kit, and that will probably be enough. Getting to 500-515 to the wheel will require E85 but that is a ridiculous expense.

every time I read something like this I miss my old CSTV so much with the old 400/400 and 6spd tremec. that car hauled so much ass. My wife and the neighbors don't miss it at all (straight piped) LOL.

 

[MrKleen73]

every time I read something like this I miss my old CSTV so much with the old 400/400 and 6spd tremec. that car hauled so much ass. My wife and the neighbors don't miss it at all (straight piped) LOL.

I only have the cats in the exhaust manifold, an x-pipe, resonator to cut out rasp, and some Flow Master Outlaws on mine which is actually not that bad. I gets decently loud when on the gas but not outright obnoxious. My wifes 350Z is louder with her stock exhaust and some magnaflows on it. So definitely not too bad. I think when I have some extra cash i will swap the outlaws out for some magnaflows just to get an even cleaner sound. Mine is an aggressive and angry sound, and I like the slightly more refined growl of the magnaflows on her car better.

Meal 2 was good, 5.5oz cooked cubed chicken breast mixed with 115g of fat free greek yogurt, 140g rice, some hot sauce and some taco mix. made a nice tasty little meal. I will get some more carbs down before I go do arms and some more shoulders across the street at lunch. Currently @ 88p, 108c, and 7f with a whole day of feeding in front of me. Life is good!

 

[Dustin07]

I only have the cats in the exhaust manifold, an x-pipe, resonator to cut out rasp, and some Flow Master Outlaws on mine which is actually not that bad. I gets decently loud when on the gas but not outright obnoxious. My wifes 350Z is louder with her stock exhaust and some magnaflows on it. So definitely not too bad. I think when I have some extra cash i will swap the outlaws out for some magnaflows just to get an even cleaner sound. Mine is an aggressive and angry sound, and I like the slightly more refined growl of the magnaflows on her car better.

I bet it sounds awesome. Mine was a cash deal since it's illegal out here but I live in one of the few cities that doesn't require emissions testing in our state. No idea how I had that car for as long as I did and never got busted in it. But being a 4 door sedan that "looked" bone stock on the outside probably helped. I'd just bump it up to 6th gear and quiet that exhaust way down anytime I saw fuzz lol

 

[MrKleen73]

I bet it sounds awesome. Mine was a cash deal since it's illegal out here but I live in one of the few cities that doesn't require emissions testing in our state. No idea how I had that car for as long as I did and never got busted in it. But being a 4 door sedan that "looked" bone stock on the outside probably helped. I'd just bump it up to 6th gear and quiet that exhaust way down anytime I saw fuzz lol

Yeah, here in Houston the only time you are going to get bothered about your exhaust is when you are getting your inspection. Otherwise cops don't even ask even if you are straight piped. It's just not on their radar. They have other crap to worry about.

 

[Dustin07]

Yeah, here in Houston the only time you are going to get bothered about your exhaust is when you are getting your inspection. Otherwise cops don't even ask even if you are straight piped. It's just not on their radar. They have other crap to worry about.

you guys have a very very cool car scene. I remember when I was building low riders, a ton of the best trucks came out of texas all the time

 

[MrKleen73]

you guys have a very very cool car scene. I remember when I was building low riders, a ton of the best trucks came out of texas all the time

Yeah, our car scene is crazy down here. A lot of people here consider a vehicle stock as long as you haven't had the motor internals built. You would love to go out on the drives with us. We easily had 100 cars with us yesterday, and we sounded like a big migrating nascar race! It's fun playing with McClaren's, Hell Cats, AMG's, Audi's, several 1000+ horsepower cars. We just get crunk out there and have a blast. No racing but plenty of taking over a couple lanes and doing some pulls. People videoing as we go buy.

 

[Dustin07]

We easily had 100 cars with us yesterday, and we sounded like a big migrating nascar race! It's fun playing with McClaren's, Hell Cats, AMG's, Audi's, several 1000+ horsepower cars. We just get crunk out there and have a blast. No racing but plenty of taking over a couple lanes and doing some pulls. People videoing as we go buy.

that's awesome. I'm not sure we really truly have anything similar out here. of course we do have cruises and shows but not to the same extent. I'd say boating plays a bigger role here because we have the huge protected waters of Puget Sound but truthfully the boat scene is so diverse that we don't have meet ups in the same way. we do have huge parties over at Crescent Bar but it still doesn't compare to things at Tahoe or Lake Powell. occasionally huge meet ups for people who all own Rangers or C-Dorys' or other boats of the same brand (like Corvette meet ups) but aside from that most yacht club groups and stuff all show up with 10-20+ completely different boats from 25ft to 75ft so it's not really the same things as having warm nights in Houston with a bunch of decked out racers, lighting and killer exhuast.

 

[PolishHamm3r77]

Thanks man, I am getting real excited myself.
Agreed, unfortunately after a deep dive into the budget we don't really have the funds to make the GH happen. I am going to need a coach soon and that is where that money will most likely be better spent. The wife and i are still trying to figure out what we can make work budget-wise there.
Awesome man great to have you in here!

===============================================================================

10/16/23 Morning Weight 202.3 - I don't have estimates for yesterday since we ate out for 2 of the meals but they were actually pretty clean. Chicken fajitas, and double order of grilled shrimp with rice, I only ate 1 serving of the rice. However I would say around 3000ish for the day. My wife gave me a trail mix last night that had chocolate covered nuts and espresso beans in it and I intended to grab just a little but but then I ended up dipping back in having a good 500-600 calories worth. I threw the bag away this morning so it won't be a temptation again.

Upper Body - Chest and Shoulder focus - No Arms - Tempo 4-2-1-1 - Perceived Effort 1-2RIR

Arsenal flat chest press 70*9, 7, 6 - Big Pump, Great Pec Stretch!

Arsenal pec fly 100*12, 11, 10 - These really finished me off, I expect to be sore from these.

Arsenal lat pull down - 55*8, 6, down set 35*11 - I need to start these at 45 to stay in my target rep range.

Arsenal standing side raise 40*11, 9, 8 - Added the Wycked training form to this, nice contractions and pump.

DB Lateral Swings - 15*15, 14 - Nice burn on these, I am still getting the new form down here.

DB Rear Delt Swing - 10*16, 16, 17 - Oh Man, I love these for rear delts. Easily the best targeting of the rear delt I have had. Pumps are insane!!!!

I was running out of time and decided I would do arms at work... When I do I am also going to do more side swings but just do them seated with like 5's and try to get like 100+swings into pulses to get some cell swelling going in the medial delts.

18 Sets + warm ups 70 minutes. I need to speed this up a little but once I write up my gaining meso I will have the sets and exercises laid out so I can get done faster or will do like today and do 2 a days with the compounds in the morning and smaller muscles revisited in the afternoon.

On a not lifting aspect, the Flex is in the shop getting the motor / transmission mounts upgraded so they can handle the power I have in the car. Along with a couple other things while they are fixing my rear differential. I am having them go ahead and install my WMI kit. I was holding off thinking I might sell it to go E85 but that is not going to happen for another couple of years if at all. So while it is in the shop just having it put on. According to the tuner, he can get me between 425-450 at the wheel off of just the meth kit, and that will probably be enough. Getting to 500-515 to the wheel will require E85 but that is a ridiculous expense. So just finally paying to have my toy I got for a present over a year ago installed.

Let’s pretend there is a corner store called Swole Bro’s and they sell Gary’s Gorilla Growth. (All hypothetical). What would Gary’s Gorilla Growth cost?

 

[MrKleen73]

that's awesome. I'm not sure we really truly have anything similar out here. of course we do have cruises and shows but not to the same extent. I'd say boating plays a bigger role here because we have the huge protected waters of Puget Sound but truthfully the boat scene is so diverse that we don't have meet ups in the same way. we do have huge parties over at Crescent Bar but it still doesn't compare to things at Tahoe or Lake Powell. occasionally huge meet ups for people who all own Rangers or C-Dorys' or other boats of the same brand (like Corvette meet ups) but aside from that most yacht club groups and stuff all show up with 10-20+ completely different boats from 25ft to 75ft so it's not really the same things as having warm nights in Houston with a bunch of decked out racers, lighting and killer exhuast.

Yeah, it is definitely a scene here. The funny thing is while we are driving we pass other groups, like there are tons of groups. Some specialize in the type of car. Ours is called Speed Advocates and it is all about being fast or driving fast. So all kinds of cars from luxury sports models, supercars, rat racers, hot rods, you name it.

Let’s pretend there is a corner store called Swole Bro’s and they sell Gary’s Gorilla Growth. (All hypothetical). What would Gary’s Gorilla Growth cost?

Gary's Gorilla growth would be anywhere from $140-200 /100IU kit so to run enough to really help with anabolism probably a minimum of 2-3IU a day it adds up over the year. Now if I were running higher than that it would probably be more valuable then a coach but if 2IU a day is all I can really afford I am probably better off getting a coach for the prep.

 

[PolishHamm3r77]

Yeah, it is definitely a scene here. The funny thing is while we are driving we pass other groups, like there are tons of groups. Some specialize in the type of car. Ours is called Speed Advocates and it is all about being fast or driving fast. So all kinds of cars from luxury sports models, supercars, rat racers, hot rods, you name it.


Gary's Gorilla growth would be anywhere from $140-200 /100IU kit so to run enough to really help with anabolism probably a minimum of 2-3IU a day it adds up over the year. Now if I were running higher than that it would probably be more valuable then a coach but if 2IU a day is all I can really afford I am probably better off getting a coach for the prep.

Wow $1.40 to $2.00 per IU. DAMN. Start an OnlyFans and just do feet stuff. Lol
Crazy how 6 bucks a day has me cheaping out but I was paying over $17 a day to smoke my lungs out

 

[MrKleen73]

Wow $1.40 to $2.00 per IU. DAMN. Start an OnlyFans and just do feet stuff. Lol
Crazy how 6 bucks a day has me cheaping out but I was paying over $17 a day to smoke my lungs out

Those are reasonable prices for generics. I wouldn't blink about this before the current administration blew up the economy, but now I have to count every damn penny... Plus I have 3 cars out of warranty with something going on with each of them right now that requires repairs. So money just keeps getting tighter.

=================================================================================

Afternoon Session 2 Arms and Shoulders

Assisted Dips -80*10, 8, 7 - Tempo 4-2-1-1 - Nice Triceps Pump, deep stretch in bottom.

Rope triceps extensions 60*0-1RIR X 3 SETS - Tempo 2-1-1-1 - I forgot to count these. I was focusing on form and contractions and just forgot to count. I believe the first set was around 12-15 reps. Triceps were full like balloons after these.

Hang Curls 25*15, 8, 7 - Tempo 2-1-1-1 - Serious Biceps pump, the first set pretty much wrecked me.

Hammer Curls - 15*15, 13, 11 - Right Brachialis was really feeling this. Really had tp push hard to get these numbers on the right side. Left could have got another rep or two.

Cell swelling lateral swing - 8*50+, 35+, 25+ - Only took about a 30 second rest period here, the burn on these got pretty ridiculous. Delts were swollen by the end.

Cell swelling rear delt Swing 8*50+, 40+ - OUCH!!! - Rear Delts were looking almost silly after these.

Called it a day, going to shove some carbs and protein down real quick and call it a day on exercise.

Arms, and shoulders are ridiculously pumped, the shirt I had on before the session barely fits my arms and shoulders now.

 

[akboom87]

Those are reasonable prices for generics. I wouldn't blink about this before the current administration blew up the economy, but now I have to count every damn penny... Plus I have 3 cars out of warranty with something going on with each of them right now that requires repairs. So money just keeps getting tighter.

=================================================================================

Afternoon Session 2 Arms and Shoulders

Assisted Dips -80*10, 8, 7 - Tempo 4-2-1-1 - Nice Triceps Pump, deep stretch in bottom.

Rope triceps extensions 60*0-1RIR X 3 SETS - Tempo 2-1-1-1 - I forgot to count these. I was focusing on form and contractions and just forgot to count. I believe the first set was around 12-15 reps. Triceps were full like balloons after these.

Hang Curls 25*15, 8, 7 - Tempo 2-1-1-1 - Serious Biceps pump, the first set pretty much wrecked me.

Hammer Curls - 15*15, 13, 11 - Right Brachialis was really feeling this. Really had tp push hard to get these numbers on the right side. Left could have got another rep or two.

Cell swelling lateral swing - 8*50+, 35+, 25+ - Only took about a 30 second rest period here, the burn on these got pretty ridiculous. Delts were swollen by the end.

Cell swelling rear delt Swing 8*50+, 40+ - OUCH!!! - Rear Delts were looking almost silly after these.

Called it a day, going to shove some carbs and protein down real quick and call it a day on exercise.

Arms, and shoulders are ridiculously pumped, the shirt I had on before the session barely fits my arms and shoulders now.

Awesome workout! Sounds like a great pump and overall great builder.

I feel you on counting the pennies. Summer is where I always make some good overtime and sock some money away for winter. Seemed like this summer I just paid more in taxes and got **** that we needed and barely had any left to put away for winter. We are due for a new vehicle but with this market and way things are I just got to keep my old truck and the wife’s truck going.

 

[PolishHamm3r77]

Those are reasonable prices for generics. I wouldn't blink about this before the current administration blew up the economy, but now I have to count every damn penny... Plus I have 3 cars out of warranty with something going on with each of them right now that requires repairs. So money just keeps getting tighter.

=================================================================================

Afternoon Session 2 Arms and Shoulders

Assisted Dips -80*10, 8, 7 - Tempo 4-2-1-1 - Nice Triceps Pump, deep stretch in bottom.

Rope triceps extensions 60*0-1RIR X 3 SETS - Tempo 2-1-1-1 - I forgot to count these. I was focusing on form and contractions and just forgot to count. I believe the first set was around 12-15 reps. Triceps were full like balloons after these.

Hang Curls 25*15, 8, 7 - Tempo 2-1-1-1 - Serious Biceps pump, the first set pretty much wrecked me.

Hammer Curls - 15*15, 13, 11 - Right Brachialis was really feeling this. Really had tp push hard to get these numbers on the right side. Left could have got another rep or two.

Cell swelling lateral swing - 8*50+, 35+, 25+ - Only took about a 30 second rest period here, the burn on these got pretty ridiculous. Delts were swollen by the end.

Cell swelling rear delt Swing 8*50+, 40+ - OUCH!!! - Rear Delts were looking almost silly after these.

Called it a day, going to shove some carbs and protein down real quick and call it a day on exercise.

Arms, and shoulders are ridiculously pumped, the shirt I had on before the session barely fits my arms and shoulders now.

I tried the Van Wyck seated rear delt exercise you posted. 5 sets of 15 w the 15’s. WTF. Great exercise. Props for posting that.

And I am hearing you loud n clear economy wise. Groceries and my electric bill are the biggest increase. And corporate has deemed “overtime” a swear word. Making more than I ever did but treading water at the same time

 

[gphagan1]

Those are reasonable prices for generics. I wouldn't blink about this before the current administration blew up the economy, but now I have to count every damn penny... Plus I have 3 cars out of warranty with something going on with each of them right now that requires repairs. So money just keeps getting tighter.

=================================================================================

Afternoon Session 2 Arms and Shoulders

Assisted Dips -80*10, 8, 7 - Tempo 4-2-1-1 - Nice Triceps Pump, deep stretch in bottom.

Rope triceps extensions 60*0-1RIR X 3 SETS - Tempo 2-1-1-1 - I forgot to count these. I was focusing on form and contractions and just forgot to count. I believe the first set was around 12-15 reps. Triceps were full like balloons after these.

Hang Curls 25*15, 8, 7 - Tempo 2-1-1-1 - Serious Biceps pump, the first set pretty much wrecked me.

Hammer Curls - 15*15, 13, 11 - Right Brachialis was really feeling this. Really had tp push hard to get these numbers on the right side. Left could have got another rep or two.

Cell swelling lateral swing - 8*50+, 35+, 25+ - Only took about a 30 second rest period here, the burn on these got pretty ridiculous. Delts were swollen by the end.

Cell swelling rear delt Swing 8*50+, 40+ - OUCH!!! - Rear Delts were looking almost silly after these.

Called it a day, going to shove some carbs and protein down real quick and call it a day on exercise.

Arms, and shoulders are ridiculously pumped, the shirt I had on before the session barely fits my arms and shoulders now.

Awesome workout! Sounds like a great pump and overall great builder.

I feel you on counting the pennies. Summer is where I always make some good overtime and sock some money away for winter. Seemed like this summer I just paid more in taxes and got **** that we needed and barely had any left to put away for winter. We are due for a new vehicle but with this market and way things are I just got to keep my old truck and the wife’s truck going.

I tried the Van Wyck seated rear delt exercise you posted. 5 sets of 15 w the 15’s. WTF. Great exercise. Props for posting that.

And I am hearing you loud n clear economy wise. Groceries and my electric bill are the biggest increase. And corporate has deemed “overtime” a swear word. Making more than I ever did but treading water at the same time

Bidenomics suck !!!

 

[MrKleen73]

10/16/23 Macros - Fats a little low, I overestimated how much fat was in the salmon I was having for dinner. Still a nice anabolic day with the higher carbs and protein.
Invalid Link Removed

================================================================================

10/17/23 - No Morning Weight - I forgot to weigh myself first thing and remembered after getting home from the gym and having about a half gallon of fluids.

Pre-Workout - Pump Addict 1 heaping scoop, 3 scoops SNS Creatine HCL
Peri-Workout Drink - Minute Maid Mix 28g, Dextrose 36g, 1 rounded scoop NutraBio Classic Whey Vanilla

Lower Body Session - Tempo 4-2-1-1, Perceived Effort 1-2RIR

Begin 4:45 AM

Stair-Mill 4 minutes - Using like a push sled with belt going slow and trying to push the steps down.

Arsenal True Squat facing out - 120*10, 9, 8, 7 - Bumped Up 10lbs here - I had to do a couple extra warm up sets. My joints are dry AF as of yesterday.

Arsenal True Squat Good Mornings - 270*18, 16, 15 - Man these are so good. Such an awesome stretch and tension in the glute ham tie in. You can really feel everything working and isolate the hips with this!

Super Set
Arsenal Standing Leg Curl 40*15, 14, 12
Arsenal Leg Extensions - 80*10, 11, 10 - Just wanted to finish off the quads and hams with a lil isolation.

Leg Press Calf Raises - 290*15, 12, 10 - TEMPO 2-4-1-1 = OUCH!!! My calves were burning sitting in the stretched position so long.

5:58 AM End 1 hr 13 minutes - Even with a restroom break, not too bad. Dang Movements changed schedule on me to early in the AM since I started training in the morning. Kind of inconvenient but at least I am the first to use the restroom there after they get cleaned.

I added a set on the True Squats for Quads to get more volume but save time by not doing a different exercise I would have to warm up for. I think I have found a pretty effective level of volume here while leaving recovery in the tank for chest, shoulders and arms to get priority.

I will not be going for a walk or anything today because I am taking my meth kit to the shop for him to install. I had to train during yesterdays lunch so I didn't get it done yet. Oh yeah, I broke my rear axle on the flex. So that is going to be $1000-1200 just for the part and they are on back order so now I am looking for a used one... Otherwise it will be 1200 for it to be custom ordered. So much fun. At least I will get it back faster than it was!

 

[Dustin07]

Those are reasonable prices for generics. I wouldn't blink about this before the current administration blew up the economy, but now I have to count every damn penny... Plus I have 3 cars out of warranty with something going on with each of them right now that requires repairs. So money just keeps getting tighter.

I feel you on counting the pennies. Summer is where I always make some good overtime and sock some money away for winter. Seemed like this summer I just paid more in taxes and got **** that we needed and barely had any left to put away for winter. We are due for a new vehicle but with this market and way things are I just got to keep my old truck and the wife’s truck going.

And I am hearing you loud n clear economy wise. Groceries and my electric bill are the biggest increase. And corporate has deemed “overtime” a swear word. Making more than I ever did but treading water at the same time

Bidenomics suck !!!

I see a trend here
I keep telling people this is the longest "not a recession" I have ever seen. we started our business in 2002 so I've seen three legit recessions now (in manufacturing, no less) and this is just about the worst. only difference between now and 2008 is that I don't have neighbors losing their houses. But yes the inflation is absolutely brutal. My gas bill is sitting around $700/month. Taxes are up around $400+/month. Add groceries etc to that and I figure out monthly nut is up between $1100-1500/month. We definitely went from very comfortable to budgeting very tightly during the past couple years.

Was reading a study not too long ago that said the average household income is now like $10k/year less than the average annual cost of living. of course, credit cards being at record highs seems to match that.

 

[Dustin07]

Oh yeah, I broke my rear axle on the flex. So that is going to be $1000-1200 just for the part and they are on back order so now I am looking for a used one... Otherwise it will be 1200 for it to be custom ordered. So much fun. At least I will get it back faster than it was!

criminy dude!!! the cost of HP! that sucks....