Classic Kleen - The Road To Competition Fall 2024

Yeah, but would you have listened back then?
hard to say tbh. I went from being the small fish to the big fish so I had to find ways to make everything more challenging. It's not good to be the guy that people emulate because it's much harder to challenge yourself. When my old coach sold the box and some new college aged athletes showed up, I thought I was going backwards and getting old because the competition was so incredible. But then I looked over my numbers and realized that I was improving drastically being around fresh blood. I had to fight so much harder to improve but it really drove me to a new level, it was awesome.

So you get to enjoy that over 40 which is awesome for you now.
Man I'll tell you the finger nails on the whiteboard for me lately in the 40+ groups is the people who still believe they "can't" do this or that because they're "old" now. I'm sitting here like I'm 16 still trying to lean and grow and then there's this dude who's 65 pulling 455lbs for reps with an extra 60-100lbs of chain and just destroying the gym lol.
 
Yeah, but would you have listened back then? When I was into HIT training, you couldn't tell me that volume training was better. I would be like well it works for you but you would be even better if you were doing what I am... LMAO. A couple surgeries, and some maturing later and I am all about listening and learning anything I can to do things better. However, then I was convinced what I was doing was superior. We all have our seasons, and you may have missed some of the other experiences you have had in life if you had done things differently. I am guessing you are pretty happy with your life now, so no worries. You are making great progress now which is something you might not be doing as well if you were a lot more advanced, and lets be honest the proof of getting better is a huge part of the excitement of what we do. So you get to enjoy that over 40 which is awesome for you now.

This is the truth; you need to be ready to accept & try new ideas for them to be any good.

Something Dave Tate mentioned is that you see these swings back and forth between intensity & volume being the latest trend in bodybuilding, but it’s more likely that guys who have beat a horse for a long time are seeing the great increases when they finally switch camps BECAUSE of the foundation they built with the other, and the novel stimulus.

You doing HIT made you strong enough to lift decent weights for the volumes you do now. You wouldn’t get much out of it if you were lifting #2 pencils for any amount of reps.
 
hard to say tbh. I went from being the small fish to the big fish so I had to find ways to make everything more challenging. It's not good to be the guy that people emulate because it's much harder to challenge yourself. When my old coach sold the box and some new college aged athletes showed up, I thought I was going backwards and getting old because the competition was so incredible. But then I looked over my numbers and realized that I was improving drastically being around fresh blood. I had to fight so much harder to improve but it really drove me to a new level, it was awesome.


Man I'll tell you the finger nails on the whiteboard for me lately in the 40+ groups is the people who still believe they "can't" do this or that because they're "old" now. I'm sitting here like I'm 16 still trying to lean and grow and then there's this dude who's 65 pulling 455lbs for reps with an extra 60-100lbs of chain and just destroying the gym lol.
Yeah, I agree, the limitations I put on my body are from testing and retesting, and once I find out I can;t then it is an I can't, or more to the point shouldn't do those things. Sure some of that is due to slower recovery overall and especially in the connective tissues. However, there are those exceptions that have bullet proof joints, great collagen production even into later years that can still do feats of strength that would make you average younger man jealous without ever having an issue..
This is the truth; you need to be ready to accept & try new ideas for them to be any good.

Something Dave Tate mentioned is that you see these swings back and forth between intensity & volume being the latest trend in bodybuilding, but it’s more likely that guys who have beat a horse for a long time are seeing the great increases when they finally switch camps BECAUSE of the foundation they built with the other, and the novel stimulus.

You doing HIT made you strong enough to lift decent weights for the volumes you do now. You wouldn’t get much out of it if you were lifting #2 pencils for any amount of reps.
Yeah for sure. I learned a lot through all of my trials and errors, and am definitely better for it now. I mean there aren't many 50 year olds that look like me out there. There aren't that many 20 year olds for that matter.
 
I mean there aren't many 50 year olds that look like me out there. There aren't that many 20 year olds for that matter.

Layne keeps comparing our work in the gym to investing for retirement and I'm starting to see it in my 40s, and obviously you in your 50s. You're absolutely right. I see so many dudes in their 40s and 50s just now for the first time ever getting at it with more questions than I had when I was 16. First off, good for them! Secondly though, it took 25 f'ing years to get this far. what you are carrying right now is a legacy to a lifetime of hard work. someone starting today at our ages is going to struggle to ever get caught up. Which honestly I'm 50/50 on whether or not I believe a completely untrained athlete in their 50s could even come close. At age 40, a healthy guy could probably still make some solid progress but he's gotta have the work ethic and nutrition. At 20 all you gotta do is lift and eat to start building a crazy foundation for life.

most guys in our age backet are already throwing the white flag of old age, which dumbfounds me.
 
Layne keeps comparing our work in the gym to investing for retirement and I'm starting to see it in my 40s, and obviously you in your 50s. You're absolutely right. I see so many dudes in their 40s and 50s just now for the first time ever getting at it with more questions than I had when I was 16. First off, good for them! Secondly though, it took 25 f'ing years to get this far. what you are carrying right now is a legacy to a lifetime of hard work. someone starting today at our ages is going to struggle to ever get caught up. Which honestly I'm 50/50 on whether or not I believe a completely untrained athlete in their 50s could even come close. At age 40, a healthy guy could probably still make some solid progress but he's gotta have the work ethic and nutrition. At 20 all you gotta do is lift and eat to start building a crazy foundation for life.

most guys in our age backet are already throwing the white flag of old age, which dumbfounds me.
That tracks! My workouts are disorganized and an unproductive sh!T show as is my 401k :ROFLMAO:
 
Layne keeps comparing our work in the gym to investing for retirement and I'm starting to see it in my 40s, and obviously you in your 50s. You're absolutely right. I see so many dudes in their 40s and 50s just now for the first time ever getting at it with more questions than I had when I was 16. First off, good for them! Secondly though, it took 25 f'ing years to get this far. what you are carrying right now is a legacy to a lifetime of hard work. someone starting today at our ages is going to struggle to ever get caught up. Which honestly I'm 50/50 on whether or not I believe a completely untrained athlete in their 50s could even come close. At age 40, a healthy guy could probably still make some solid progress but he's gotta have the work ethic and nutrition. At 20 all you gotta do is lift and eat to start building a crazy foundation for life.

most guys in our age backet are already throwing the white flag of old age, which dumbfounds me.
Agreed, they won't ever hit their true potential but most people don't ever do what it takes to hit that anyway. However someone with less training previously can still make some pretty crazy gains after 40. Especially with TRT, and or Gear use.
That tracks! My workouts are disorganized and an unproductive sh!T show as is my 401k :ROFLMAO:
LMAO!
 
12/4/23 - Fasted Weight 202.1

Chest & Biceps = Monday, Dec 04, 2023 at 7:30pm

Iso-lateral Incline Chest Press (Machine)
Set 1: 85 lbs x 6 @ 9 rpe
Set 2: 85 lbs x 2 @ 10 rpe [RP]
Set 3: 85 lbs x 2 @ 10 rpe [RP]
Set 4: 75 lbs x 8 @ 10 rpe [Down Set]
Set 5: 75 lbs x 2 @ 10 rpe [RP]
Set 6: 75 lbs x 1 @ 10 rpe [RP]
5lb increase on all sets including down sets.

Iso-Lateral Chest Press (Machine)
Set 1: 60 lbs x 10 @ 8.5 rpe
Set 2: 60 lbs x 9 @ 10 rpe [Failure]
Set 3: 60 lbs x 6 @ 10 rpe
Set 4: 45 lbs x 6 @ 10 rpe [Drop]
Set 5: 35 lbs x 5 @ 10 rpe [Drop]
up 5lbs on all sets including drop sets.

Bench Press (Cable)
Set 1: 50 lbs x 15 @ 7.5 rpe
Set 2: 50 lbs x 15 @ 8.5 rpe
Set 3: 50 lbs x 12 @ 10 rpe
- Up 10lbs for all sets, will stay until hitting 15 on 3rd set before moving up again.

Chest Fly (Machine)
Set 1: 100 lbs x 21 @ 9 rpe
Set 2: 100 lbs x 17 @ 10 rpe [Failure]
Set 3: 90 lbs x 21 @ 9.5 rpe [Down]
First 2 sets up 10lbs - no way to jump 5lbs on this machine.

Spider Curl (Dumbbell)
Set 1: 25 lbs x 15 @ 8.5 rpe
Set 2: 25 lbs x 15 @ 10 rpe
Set 3: 25 lbs x 10 @ 10 rpe -
Up 5 lbs. lost 5 reps will work up to 15 reps before moving up in weight.

Bicep Curl (Dumbbell)
Set 1: 20 lbs x 15 @ 9.5 rpe
Set 2: 20 lbs x 15 @ 10 rpe
Set 3: 20 lbs x 12 @ 10 rpe
- Same weight lost 3 reps from the extreme effort on previous biceps work.

All in all, I kicked some ass in the gym yesterday evening, I pushed everything to my limits to get the most out of the session. The additional calories are definitely improving my performance in the gym along with the gear I am sure.

Training update - I will more than likely be doing Pendulum squats for my squatting movement. Going to test them today to see how they go. As long as no pain in my back which I don't expect then I will push with them for a bit. I feel they are a highly effective exercise that doesn't provide too much systemic fatigue compared to most squats. So I can push them really hard without running myself down too much. So unless I have an issue with the Pendulums I will likely just do them until we decide to change exercises up.

For my triceps kickbacks he is asked a few questions and i am waiting for his suggestion there.

New macros are beastly for me. This will be the highest calories I have ever been on consistently. He also added some harder to digest things like oats, thank goodness not tons of it. Other than that he added some almond butter, and increased carbs from some other sources.

New macros:
300g protein, 475g c and 90g fats - 3910 calories up from 3235 calories.

12/5/23 - Fasted Weight 200.1lbs -
Weight dropped back down after spreading nutrition back out from being up all day.

I am going to try to figure out a way to match these macros with what I have hear today. My new plan was waiting for me this morning but I already had my prepped food up here and don't have some of the other things just added like oats and almond butter.
 
12/4/23 - Fasted Weight 202.1

Chest & Biceps = Monday, Dec 04, 2023 at 7:30pm

Iso-lateral Incline Chest Press (Machine)
Set 1: 85 lbs x 6 @ 9 rpe
Set 2: 85 lbs x 2 @ 10 rpe [RP]
Set 3: 85 lbs x 2 @ 10 rpe [RP]
Set 4: 75 lbs x 8 @ 10 rpe [Down Set]
Set 5: 75 lbs x 2 @ 10 rpe [RP]
Set 6: 75 lbs x 1 @ 10 rpe [RP]
5lb increase on all sets including down sets.

Iso-Lateral Chest Press (Machine)
Set 1: 60 lbs x 10 @ 8.5 rpe
Set 2: 60 lbs x 9 @ 10 rpe [Failure]
Set 3: 60 lbs x 6 @ 10 rpe
Set 4: 45 lbs x 6 @ 10 rpe [Drop]
Set 5: 35 lbs x 5 @ 10 rpe [Drop]
up 5lbs on all sets including drop sets.

Bench Press (Cable)
Set 1: 50 lbs x 15 @ 7.5 rpe
Set 2: 50 lbs x 15 @ 8.5 rpe
Set 3: 50 lbs x 12 @ 10 rpe
- Up 10lbs for all sets, will stay until hitting 15 on 3rd set before moving up again.

Chest Fly (Machine)
Set 1: 100 lbs x 21 @ 9 rpe
Set 2: 100 lbs x 17 @ 10 rpe [Failure]
Set 3: 90 lbs x 21 @ 9.5 rpe [Down]
First 2 sets up 10lbs - no way to jump 5lbs on this machine.

Spider Curl (Dumbbell)
Set 1: 25 lbs x 15 @ 8.5 rpe
Set 2: 25 lbs x 15 @ 10 rpe
Set 3: 25 lbs x 10 @ 10 rpe -
Up 5 lbs. lost 5 reps will work up to 15 reps before moving up in weight.

Bicep Curl (Dumbbell)
Set 1: 20 lbs x 15 @ 9.5 rpe
Set 2: 20 lbs x 15 @ 10 rpe
Set 3: 20 lbs x 12 @ 10 rpe
- Same weight lost 3 reps from the extreme effort on previous biceps work.

All in all, I kicked some ass in the gym yesterday evening, I pushed everything to my limits to get the most out of the session. The additional calories are definitely improving my performance in the gym along with the gear I am sure.

Training update - I will more than likely be doing Pendulum squats for my squatting movement. Going to test them today to see how they go. As long as no pain in my back which I don't expect then I will push with them for a bit. I feel they are a highly effective exercise that doesn't provide too much systemic fatigue compared to most squats. So I can push them really hard without running myself down too much. So unless I have an issue with the Pendulums I will likely just do them until we decide to change exercises up.

For my triceps kickbacks he is asked a few questions and i am waiting for his suggestion there.

New macros are beastly for me. This will be the highest calories I have ever been on consistently. He also added some harder to digest things like oats, thank goodness not tons of it. Other than that he added some almond butter, and increased carbs from some other sources.

New macros:
300g protein, 475g c and 90g fats - 3910 calories up from 3235 calories.

12/5/23 - Fasted Weight 200.1lbs -
Weight dropped back down after spreading nutrition back out from being up all day.

I am going to try to figure out a way to match these macros with what I have hear today. My new plan was waiting for me this morning but I already had my prepped food up here and don't have some of the other things just added like oats and almond butter.
Up almost 700 calories, with the gear, and as primed as you are for a bulk, you should have a really good growth phase.
Man I feel you on having to adjust for injuries, new or old, whether with different exercises or position adjustments. But likes already been said, consistency is what gets results.
 
totally agree. I just wish I was surrounded more around strength athletes when I was sub 10%, or even legit competitive bodybuilders so I could have intelligently increased calories at a time in my life when 2hrs a day of output was the norm, comfortable and my lifestyle.
Dude, so this. Earlier in life if I actually ate for gains and didn't perpetually cut, I can only imagine where I'd be now. But, here I am, still cutting 😆
 
Up almost 700 calories, with the gear, and as primed as you are for a bulk, you should have a really good growth phase.
Man I feel you on having to adjust for injuries, new or old, whether with different exercises or position adjustments. But likes already been said, consistency is what gets results.
Oh yeah, no lack of consistent pushing on my end, even when this popped up I pushed through as much as I could with the rest of my session. Curious to see how my body responds. I think I might wait for until I get up a few more lbs before posting any more pics. See if we can't see some truly obvious changes after that. With this new calorie increase that probably wont take but a couple of weeks.
Holy **** it's getting real
Yeah no doubt! To be fair, I looked pretty good at my check in so I am sure he is like "NICE, it is time to Shake and Bake!" Speaking of, seems some legal pot brand or dispensary would sell a "Shake and Bake" product where they sell shake left over from their pre-rolls.
Invalid Link Removed
Dude, so this. Earlier in life if I actually ate for gains and didn't perpetually cut, I can only imagine where I'd be now. But, here I am, still cutting 😆
Amen! I can't imagine where I would be if I had done everything right in my life. However, like I said, I am very content with my life now. I am happily married, with kids that adore me, and I have more time for my family than if I had gone for some big wig job that would have brought me the things I thought would make me happy.

Also on the still cutting. Not sure how far you have to go, but from what I understand from your previous bodyfat estimates at a heavier weight it is probably only 12-16 weeks of solid dieting and cardio progress to get there.
 
Amen! I can't imagine where I would be if I had done everything right in my life. However, like I said, I am very content with my life now. I am happily married, with kids that adore me, and I have more time for my family than if I had gone for some big wig job that would have brought me the things I thought would make me happy.

Also on the still cutting. Not sure how far you have to go, but from what I understand from your previous bodyfat estimates at a heavier weight it is probably only 12-16 weeks of solid dieting and cardio progress to get there.
You're right. I don't have far to go. Just need to buckle down.
 
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Just curious @MrKleen73 have you tried out an inversion table? I use to use one all the time back in the day. Thinking about getting another one to get back into it.
 
You're right. I don't have far to go. Just need to buckle down.
Yeah, no doubt man, you can do it.

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

12/5/23 - Fasted Weight 200.1
Cardio - Elliptical 30 minutes 431 calories level 15

Legs - Tuesday, Dec 05, 2023 at 7:42pm

Pendulum Squat (Machine)
"Warm up 10,6,3 top set 6 rep failure target, 10 rep failure target."
Set 1: 115 lbs x 7 @ 10 rpe [Failure] -
3/4 depth for 8th "failure" rep
Set 2: 90 lbs x 11 @ 10 rpe [Failure] - 3/4 depth for 11th "failure" rep

Leg Press (Machine)
Set 1: 450 lbs x 12 @ 8 rpe
Set 2: 450 lbs x 12 @ 8.5 rpe
Set 3: 450 lbs x 12 @ 10 rpe -
Had to stop pauses in the stretched position at rep 9 on third set and almost didn't get last rep at all.

Walking Lunge (Dumbbell)
Set 1 30x8 @ 8.5 rpe
Set 2: 30x8 @ 9.5RPE -
Go to 35's - These did not hurt my shoulder or neck today which is a good thing!

Romanian Deadlift (Dumbbell)
"15,12,8"
Set 1: 35 lbs x 15 @ 7.5 rpe
Set 2: 50 lbs x 12 @ 8 rpe
Set 3: 65 lbs x 8 @ 9 rpe -
No shoulder or back pain with the DB's. Start from 50 amd move up next time. I was able to do these a lot deeper and get a decent stretch on hamstrings and glutes using the DB's. Coach recommended they might feel better with my current injury recovery.

Lying Leg Curl (Machine) - Done with flexed glutes and adductors squeezing thighs together. Unreal contraction!
Set 1: 45 lbs x 20 @ 8 rpe
Set 2: 60 lbs x 15 @ 10 rpe
Set 3: 60 lbs x 9 @ 10 rpe [Failure]
Set 4: 45 lbs x 16 @ 10 rpe [Failure] -
I will stick with these weights until I get all reps.

Leg Press Calf Raise - Done with extreme stretch and a pause.
Set 1: 200 lbs x 30 reps
Set 2: 200 lbs x 20 reps
Set 3: 200 lbs x 13 reps
- I wasn't quite truly failing on these but my pumps were so painful I couldn't manage any more. The carb increases have made these quite painful!

Wow the increase in carbs had me getting some pumps in my calves and a little in my lower back. Massively full, and I was doing the Frankenstein walk from the end of the Pendulums throughout the rest of the workout.

Oh yeah, I increased weight or reps on all lifts but the calves.

I can feel my legs are going to likely get a little DOMS later today. I would stretch last night and the flex on my quads was already showing some signs of incoming DOMS.

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

12/6/23 - Fasted Weight 198.6 - Down 1.5lbs from yesterday. A little surprised here by this drop in weight after my first day of this large calorie increase.

Will do elliptical for 25 minutes, level 15 @135-150BPM and cool down during lunch.

Just curious @MrKleen73 have you tried out an inversion table? I use to use one all the time back in the day. Thinking about getting another one to get back into it.
I used to have one, it was somewhat useful, but not really worth all the time when I can get a better strtech, and spinal decompression just from doing dead hangs on a pull up bar. As an added benefit that will also result an some growth, and loosening up my tight lats as well. Although great mention, I have done a few of these since it got triggered and they do help. Probably need to try to do a bit of a hang every time I go into the gym. Just strap up to a bar and hang for a couple 1 minute hangs.
 
Yeah, no doubt man, you can do it.

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

12/5/23 - Fasted Weight 200.1
Cardio - Elliptical 30 minutes 431 calories level 15

Legs - Tuesday, Dec 05, 2023 at 7:42pm

Pendulum Squat (Machine)
"Warm up 10,6,3 top set 6 rep failure target, 10 rep failure target."
Set 1: 115 lbs x 7 @ 10 rpe [Failure] -
3/4 depth for 8th "failure" rep
Set 2: 90 lbs x 11 @ 10 rpe [Failure] - 3/4 depth for 11th "failure" rep

Leg Press (Machine)
Set 1: 450 lbs x 12 @ 8 rpe
Set 2: 450 lbs x 12 @ 8.5 rpe
Set 3: 450 lbs x 12 @ 10 rpe -
Had to stop pauses in the stretched position at rep 9 on third set and almost didn't get last rep at all.

Walking Lunge (Dumbbell)
Set 1 30x8 @ 8.5 rpe
Set 2: 30x8 @ 9.5RPE -
Go to 35's - These did not hurt my shoulder or neck today which is a good thing!

Romanian Deadlift (Dumbbell)
"15,12,8"
Set 1: 35 lbs x 15 @ 7.5 rpe
Set 2: 50 lbs x 12 @ 8 rpe
Set 3: 65 lbs x 8 @ 9 rpe -
No shoulder or back pain with the DB's. Start from 50 amd move up next time. I was able to do these a lot deeper and get a decent stretch on hamstrings and glutes using the DB's. Coach recommended they might feel better with my current injury recovery.

Lying Leg Curl (Machine) - Done with flexed glutes and adductors squeezing thighs together. Unreal contraction!
Set 1: 45 lbs x 20 @ 8 rpe
Set 2: 60 lbs x 15 @ 10 rpe
Set 3: 60 lbs x 9 @ 10 rpe [Failure]
Set 4: 45 lbs x 16 @ 10 rpe [Failure] -
I will stick with these weights until I get all reps.

Leg Press Calf Raise - Done with extreme stretch and a pause.
Set 1: 200 lbs x 30 reps
Set 2: 200 lbs x 20 reps
Set 3: 200 lbs x 13 reps
- I wasn't quite truly failing on these but my pumps were so painful I couldn't manage any more. The carb increases have made these quite painful!

Wow the increase in carbs had me getting some pumps in my calves and a little in my lower back. Massively full, and I was doing the Frankenstein walk from the end of the Pendulums throughout the rest of the workout.

Oh yeah, I increased weight or reps on all lifts but the calves.

I can feel my legs are going to likely get a little DOMS later today. I would stretch last night and the flex on my quads was already showing some signs of incoming DOMS.

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

12/6/23 - Fasted Weight 198.6 - Down 1.5lbs from yesterday. A little surprised here by this drop in weight after my first day of this large calorie increase.

Will do elliptical for 25 minutes, level 15 @135-150BPM and cool down during lunch.


I used to have one, it was somewhat useful, but not really worth all the time when I can get a better strtech, and spinal decompression just from doing dead hangs on a pull up bar. As an added benefit that will also result an some growth, and loosening up my tight lats as well. Although great mention, I have done a few of these since it got triggered and they do help. Probably need to try to do a bit of a hang every time I go into the gym. Just strap up to a bar and hang for a couple 1 minute hangs.
That’s a good well rounded work out, and I bet it hit the legs significantly. It’s good to see your alternative exercises working out around your injury. Looks like you made the right choices pretty quickly to be able to keep this gain train rolling.💪😎
 
That’s a good well rounded work out, and I bet it hit the legs significantly. It’s good to see your alternative exercises working out around your injury. Looks like you made the right choices pretty quickly to be able to keep this gain train rolling.💪😎
Yeah, I was very happy with how well it hit my legs. I was pushing things very hard too. i definitely feel the increased gym aggression from the increase in Test. Hoping he bumps the masteron next or I will have to order some more testosterone before this cycle is over.
 
Yeah, no doubt man, you can do it.

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

12/5/23 - Fasted Weight 200.1
Cardio - Elliptical 30 minutes 431 calories level 15

Legs - Tuesday, Dec 05, 2023 at 7:42pm

Pendulum Squat (Machine)
"Warm up 10,6,3 top set 6 rep failure target, 10 rep failure target."
Set 1: 115 lbs x 7 @ 10 rpe [Failure] -
3/4 depth for 8th "failure" rep
Set 2: 90 lbs x 11 @ 10 rpe [Failure] - 3/4 depth for 11th "failure" rep

Leg Press (Machine)
Set 1: 450 lbs x 12 @ 8 rpe
Set 2: 450 lbs x 12 @ 8.5 rpe
Set 3: 450 lbs x 12 @ 10 rpe -
Had to stop pauses in the stretched position at rep 9 on third set and almost didn't get last rep at all.

Walking Lunge (Dumbbell)
Set 1 30x8 @ 8.5 rpe
Set 2: 30x8 @ 9.5RPE -
Go to 35's - These did not hurt my shoulder or neck today which is a good thing!

Romanian Deadlift (Dumbbell)
"15,12,8"
Set 1: 35 lbs x 15 @ 7.5 rpe
Set 2: 50 lbs x 12 @ 8 rpe
Set 3: 65 lbs x 8 @ 9 rpe -
No shoulder or back pain with the DB's. Start from 50 amd move up next time. I was able to do these a lot deeper and get a decent stretch on hamstrings and glutes using the DB's. Coach recommended they might feel better with my current injury recovery.

Lying Leg Curl (Machine) - Done with flexed glutes and adductors squeezing thighs together. Unreal contraction!
Set 1: 45 lbs x 20 @ 8 rpe
Set 2: 60 lbs x 15 @ 10 rpe
Set 3: 60 lbs x 9 @ 10 rpe [Failure]
Set 4: 45 lbs x 16 @ 10 rpe [Failure] -
I will stick with these weights until I get all reps.

Leg Press Calf Raise - Done with extreme stretch and a pause.
Set 1: 200 lbs x 30 reps
Set 2: 200 lbs x 20 reps
Set 3: 200 lbs x 13 reps
- I wasn't quite truly failing on these but my pumps were so painful I couldn't manage any more. The carb increases have made these quite painful!

Wow the increase in carbs had me getting some pumps in my calves and a little in my lower back. Massively full, and I was doing the Frankenstein walk from the end of the Pendulums throughout the rest of the workout.

Oh yeah, I increased weight or reps on all lifts but the calves.

I can feel my legs are going to likely get a little DOMS later today. I would stretch last night and the flex on my quads was already showing some signs of incoming DOMS.

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

12/6/23 - Fasted Weight 198.6 - Down 1.5lbs from yesterday. A little surprised here by this drop in weight after my first day of this large calorie increase.

Will do elliptical for 25 minutes, level 15 @135-150BPM and cool down during lunch.


I used to have one, it was somewhat useful, but not really worth all the time when I can get a better strtech, and spinal decompression just from doing dead hangs on a pull up bar. As an added benefit that will also result an some growth, and loosening up my tight lats as well. Although great mention, I have done a few of these since it got triggered and they do help. Probably need to try to do a bit of a hang every time I go into the gym. Just strap up to a bar and hang for a couple 1 minute hangs.
More food and a weight drop. You must have a Kool-Aid smile right now! Sugar free of course!
 
More food and a weight drop. You must have a Kool-Aid smile right now! Sugar free of course!
Abs-solutely!
238453
 
Let's just hope all of this doesn't turn me into this version!
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Trying to catch back up just glanced over weights hoping to see some nudes but didn’t find any.

weight looks like it went down then back up to 200lbs. You are transitioning to a gaining phase correct?
 
Yeah buddy. I have this weird thing where I disappear for a while, get fat, hate myself, and come back here to try and figure it all out again. So, here we are.

Eat less, do more - all the little decisions will add up! Lifestyle changes are how you improve health and keep the positive changes you make over time.
 
Hi Chris.
Whoah long time no see! Welcome back!!!
Holy **** he’s alive!
I know right!
Yeah buddy. I have this weird thing where I disappear for a while, get fat, hate myself, and come back here to try and figure it all out again. So, here we are.
Yeah, that's a rough cycle. I have done the same before. The get fewer, and farther between as I get older. The comeback gets harder...
Trying to catch back up just glanced over weights hoping to see some nudes but didn’t find any.

weight looks like it went down then back up to 200lbs. You are transitioning to a gaining phase correct?
Yeah, I don't think I have posted any nudes in a couple of weeks. I figured I would wait until some more obvious changes. Dropping weekly pics with out tons of change just seemed like a waste of everyone's time. I am happy to post them up more regularly if people really want to see the weekly differences. I asked a little while back and noone responded so I decided to wait a bit.

These were the last pictures I took about 2 weeks ago 11/26/23. I think recent changes are relatively minor, still about the same bodyfat. Maybe a little lower, and muscles sare fuller, and vascuular due to the massive increase in carbs and calories. I have already transitioned to massing. Calories are up by a little over 1200 calories in the last 2 weeks. Putting me at what is, or was my maintenance right around 2735 calories to 3900 a day. Fasted weight has gone from 196.2 to 199.2 this morning.

Okay just to have some fun I am going to post up comparison pictures of me Fasted TG morning, pumped TG afternoon, Fasted this morning, and about an hour after my arm workout still slightly pumped at a weight of 205.7. One of the pictures says 196.4 for TG morning but it is wrong it is 196.2 for a total gain of 6 fasted lbs, and 11.3 from the pumped pics from today. I will post up some pics of me from this weekends check in. Since next week will likely have some free meals if coach allows since I am going on an Anniversary road trip with my wife to San Antonio, and will be eating out a decent bit while there.

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

I ended up opting to move yesterday's cardio to Saturday this week. My legs were beat up yesterday, and my work schedule made me choose between cardio and missing a meal. So I put cardio off and then had to prep some more food last night for the rest of the week. I will workout with my weights in the morning when I wake up, and then go back later in the day to get my cardio in.

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

12/7/23 - Fasted Weight 199.1 - I am still surprised to be under 200 at this point but I am not complaining. Have been waking up more vascular and less flat since the recent calorie increase. Starting to get a bit more used to the volume of food but still presents a challenge with it being pretty clean, and high volume foods.

Shoulders & Triceps - Thursday, Dec 07, 2023 at 4:35am

Shoulder Press (Machine Plates)
Set 1: 165 lbs x 13 @ 10 rpe [Failure]
Set 2: 150 lbs x 12 @ 10 rpe [Failure] - Go up, target was 10 to failure on first set.

Standing Lateral Raise
Set 1: 40 lbs x 20 @ 8 rpe -
+10lbs
Set 2: 40 lbs x 15 @ 9 rpe
Set 3: 60 lbs x 10 @ 10 rpe -
+10lbs
Set 4: 30 lbs x 16 @ 10 rpe [Failure] - Target reps = 20 I will stay with this configuration until I get all reps.

Incline DB Rear Delt Flyes
Set 1: 20 lbs x 20 @ 8 rpe
Set 2: 20 lbs x 20 @ 9 rpe
Set 3: 20 lbs x 20 @ 9.5 rpe -
These went better today, had form locked in. I will go to 25lbs next week.

Upright Row (Dumbbell) - Replaced Barbell Upright Row to keep my elbow from getting inflamed. It definitely helped!
"10, 15,15,15"
Set 1: 45 lbs x 10 @ 8 rpe Upright Row - Go up
Set 2: 35 lbs x 15 @ 8 rpe
Set 3: 35 lbs x 15 @ 9 rpe
Set 4: 35 lbs x 14 @ 10 rpe [Failure] -
I failed here but will go up 5lbs on the first set on the next session and

Cross Cable Tricep Extension
Set 1: 50 lbs x 15 @ 9.5 rpe -
+10bs
Set 2: 40 lbs x 15 @ 9.5 rpe
Set 3: 40 lbs x 11 @ 10 rpe [Failure] -
Will stay here until I get all reps.

Drove Home for Dip Attachment.

PowerTec Dip Attachment
Set 1: 180 lbs x 20 @ 8 rpe
Set 2: 180 lbs x 17 @ 10 rpe [Failure] -
I am stuck here at 17 reps but increased on Triceps extensions the last 2 weeks so I am not upset with it.

This was a great session! I will say that I think I may opt to have my oats after my workout after this week if it doesn't get better. I can feel the oats swelling in my stomach while training and it was taking a little out of me in my opinion. If not daily, at least for legs. It is just to close to the session for something that heavy that swells in your gut making you uncomfortable burping, and feeling like my stomach is working harder digesting than anything. Of course, I will mention this to coach next check in to see what he suggests.
 
**** oats. People in bodybuilding are so obsessed with them, as if 5-10g fiber/day is going to be the difference in keeping your lipids managed while you’re loading up on Tren & DHT derivative orals at the end of a prep. So many people digest them so poorly, or struggle to eat the food volume, yet then continue to choke it down and suffer with the bloat because, you know, they’re magic or something. It’s just fucking glucose.

If you like them, digest them well & the volume is good for you, they’re a great food choice. If not, make a bowl of grits, or rice, or bran flakes, or pasta, or quinoa, or….
 
**** oats. People in bodybuilding are so obsessed with them, as if 5-10g fiber/day is going to be the difference in keeping your lipids managed while you’re loading up on Tren & DHT derivative orals at the end of a prep. So many people digest them so poorly, or struggle to eat the food volume, yet then continue to choke it down and suffer with the bloat because, you know, they’re magic or something. It’s just fucking glucose.

If you like them, digest them well & the volume is good for you, they’re a great food choice. If not, make a bowl of grits, or rice, or bran flakes, or pasta, or quinoa, or….
Agreed, I felt pretty rough and actually started having some sort of reaction, same thing yesterday. My nose got stuffed up, I was gassy and uncomfortable and just felt like crap until mid afternoon. Happened again today, so I will replace with something else. If he wants more fiber i can do sweet potatoes or something. I don't have issues with eating a lot of fiber, but oats mess me up. I looked it up and there is an amino acid in there that some people have a bad reaction too, and the body goes into fight the problem response which is never a good feeling. I am guessing I may also be one of those people. Today got bad enough I took an hour to go lay down in my car since I was tired too from not getting to bed until 11:00 for some strange reason and was exhausted on top of not feeling well from it. So they are going byebye. I can handle about as much as is in an oatmeal cookie...

I would much rather have a bowl of grape nuts for fiber in the AM.
 
I’m sure that’s what happened, because we have very similar gut/food responses historically and that’s how I get trying to eat them routinely. I can have a small portion, like a half cup/5g fiber portion, once or twice a week if I like without much issue. But I can’t consume them in the quantities necessary to get big or daily as needed to be part of a routine, and I definitely don’t want to train on them.

Ground oats like in a Cliffbar go fine.

You can always add a little serving of sugar-free Metamucil daily if regularity needs help.
 
Oh yeah, since pictures were mentioned. I took a quick snap of my forearm last night when I got home and the vascularity was on point.

238502
 
I’m sure that’s what happened, because we have very similar gut/food responses historically and that’s how I get trying to eat them routinely. I can have a small portion, like a half cup/5g fiber portion, once or twice a week if I like without much issue. But I can’t consume them in the quantities necessary to get big or daily as needed to be part of a routine, and I definitely don’t want to train on them.

Ground oats like in a Cliffbar go fine.

You can always add a little serving of sugar-free Metamucil daily if regularity needs help.
Yeah, that was my thought too. Then I could even just have that part right after my workout too so it doesn't slow down digestion of that first meal since it is immediately before my session. Not like the fiber would be treated as a meal or anything. Plus he added in some almond butter, and I am getting some from fruit, as well as apparently the rice becoming partially resistant starch from being refrigerated which behaves a lot like fiber in that way. I definitely haven't had any issues going to the restroom other than the times i was double dosing aleve which is just a result of the aleve.
 
Knocked out my cardio...

Elliptical 25 minutes @ Level 15 100-110 Strides per minute 140 average BPM. + 5 minute cooldown - Thank goodness the bloating and discomfort were just about gone. Wasn't too bad, I was dreading even trying earlier.
 
Oh yeah, since pictures were mentioned. I took a quick snap of my forearm last night when I got home and the vascularity was on point.

View attachment 238502
Dude that’s a legit roadmap.👍
Obviously vascularity is going or flowing good.
I’m glad to see there are others that agree on Oats. I mean I know they’re healthy and all, but man they hit my gut like lead. It is funny how so many believe they are a must add into their diet. Just like Hyde said there are so many other options you can choose. I’m from the south, so I like grits occasionally, and I’m ok with oats in a bar. Kleen, it sounds like you could have a food allergy to them.
 
Dude that’s a legit roadmap.👍
Obviously vascularity is going or flowing good.
I’m glad to see there are others that agree on Oats. I mean I know they’re healthy and all, but man they hit my gut like lead. It is funny how so many believe they are a must add into their diet. Just like Hyde said there are so many other options you can choose. I’m from the south, so I like grits occasionally, and I’m ok with oats in a bar. Kleen, it sounds like you could have a food allergy to them.
Yeah, this is some of the information I found on it and I had several of the symptoms the last couple of days.

"
Oats are an excellent snack and bring several nutritional benefits. But if you feel unwell and have itchy skin or stomach problems after consuming a bowl of oats, you might be experiencing Oat Intolerance Symptoms. Oat intolerance is often a trigger to your immunity system.

Depending on the level of sensitivity, your body can experience mild to severe symptoms when coming in contact with oats or consuming oats. Oat Intolerance Symptoms are different from wheat intolerance ones as the constituent of wheat that triggers the immune response is gluten, whereas, in oats, it is the protein avenin.

More than 20% of people worldwide have some kind of food allergy or intolerance [1]. This forms a sizable chunk of the population, and as some allergy flare-ups are more aggressive than the others, you need to know which ones relate to what allergy to manage your sensitivities well.

Sometimes what you might term as oat intolerance could be a reaction to gluten. Even though oats don’t contain gluten, they are usually manufactured alongside other grains with gluten (like rye), and your intolerance could be the result of cross-contamination. Cross-contamination like this often results in misdiagnosis. To know the difference, you can read more on Invalid Link Removed.



What Is Oat Intolerance?
Oats have a protein called avenin that is excellent for manufacturing new cells and muscular build-up, but certain individuals can either develop or have a hereditary sensitivity towards avenin.

Oat intolerance triggers your body’s immune system releasing antibodies to fight off avenin, which the body now views as a threat. Like other food items, oat intolerance leads to the production of Immunoglobulin G or IgG antibodies in the body. Severe allergies trigger the release of Immunoglobulin E or IgE antibodies that exhibit a much more violent response [2].

Oat intolerance can trigger several reactions, from itchy skin to watery eyes. While some symptoms might be more violent than others, knowing and managing your condition is the best option. If you experience severe symptoms like anaphylactic shock, you will need immediate help from your doctor. Anaphylactic shock occurs on rare occasions, and it’s usually a sign of a severe allergic reaction rather than intolerance. It occurs approximately one hour after consumption.

If you’re intolerant to oats or you think you might have an allergy to them, you should always check labels on products for avenin, oats, and oat powder.

It is dire to know when you or someone else is having an anaphylactic shock in order to get immediate help. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include; hives, itchy skin, trouble breathing or wheezing, diarrhoea, vomiting, swollen throat or tongue, fainting, dizziness, weak, rapid pulse, and a drop in blood pressure. Although one might not get all these symptoms at once, if you or someone else has most of these symptoms, the simplest way to get help is to call 911 or your doctor if that’s easier.



7 Worst Oat Intolerance Symptoms


Invalid Link Removed
Woman seated on the floor with arms around her knees curling forward


Avenin or oat exposure can trigger an autoimmune response from the body, and an individual can experience the Oat Intolerance Symptoms that include:

  1. Blotchy, irritated, itchy skin
  2. Rash or skin irritation on and in the mouth
  3. Scratchy throat
  4. Runny nose or Nasal congestion
  5. Itchy eyes
  6. Nausea
  7. Common cough
Unfortunately many of these symptoms can look like Covid, so we have helped you further understand the difference Invalid Link Removed.

Other less common but oat related symptoms include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Stomach pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Anaphylaxis
Different people can experience different symptoms, but if your symptoms are similar to any of these, then chances are you might be allergic to oats. Mild sensitivity can trigger a runny nose or a scratchy throat. Still, a serious one is accompanied by difficulty breathing as the nasal passages swell up and can also exhibit symptoms like rashes and uncontrollable itches.

If the exposure is not reduced, the symptoms can further flare up and last for hours. Physical contact usually leads to skin-related symptoms, while consumption is accompanied by respiratory, digestive, and skin-related ones.

When children have a reaction due to wheat consumption, they experience a protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES). FPIES affects the gastrointestinal tract causing symptoms like vomiting, dehydration, diarrhoea, and poor growth. If this condition drags on for a long time or is severe, it can lead to starvation and lethargy. Multiple foods can also lead to FPIES besides oats.

Oat allergy is different from most other allergies as most other food-related allergies focus on gluten, something commonly found in wheat. If the oats are grown in the same field as wheat or rye, then gluten allergy symptoms can also appear, making it impossible to diagnose the allergy by symptoms alone."
 
Yeah, this is some of the information I found on it and I had several of the symptoms the last couple of days.

"
Oats are an excellent snack and bring several nutritional benefits. But if you feel unwell and have itchy skin or stomach problems after consuming a bowl of oats, you might be experiencing Oat Intolerance Symptoms. Oat intolerance is often a trigger to your immunity system.

Depending on the level of sensitivity, your body can experience mild to severe symptoms when coming in contact with oats or consuming oats. Oat Intolerance Symptoms are different from wheat intolerance ones as the constituent of wheat that triggers the immune response is gluten, whereas, in oats, it is the protein avenin.

More than 20% of people worldwide have some kind of food allergy or intolerance [1]. This forms a sizable chunk of the population, and as some allergy flare-ups are more aggressive than the others, you need to know which ones relate to what allergy to manage your sensitivities well.

Sometimes what you might term as oat intolerance could be a reaction to gluten. Even though oats don’t contain gluten, they are usually manufactured alongside other grains with gluten (like rye), and your intolerance could be the result of cross-contamination. Cross-contamination like this often results in misdiagnosis. To know the difference, you can read more on Invalid Link Removed.



What Is Oat Intolerance?
Oats have a protein called avenin that is excellent for manufacturing new cells and muscular build-up, but certain individuals can either develop or have a hereditary sensitivity towards avenin.

Oat intolerance triggers your body’s immune system releasing antibodies to fight off avenin, which the body now views as a threat. Like other food items, oat intolerance leads to the production of Immunoglobulin G or IgG antibodies in the body. Severe allergies trigger the release of Immunoglobulin E or IgE antibodies that exhibit a much more violent response [2].

Oat intolerance can trigger several reactions, from itchy skin to watery eyes. While some symptoms might be more violent than others, knowing and managing your condition is the best option. If you experience severe symptoms like anaphylactic shock, you will need immediate help from your doctor. Anaphylactic shock occurs on rare occasions, and it’s usually a sign of a severe allergic reaction rather than intolerance. It occurs approximately one hour after consumption.

If you’re intolerant to oats or you think you might have an allergy to them, you should always check labels on products for avenin, oats, and oat powder.

It is dire to know when you or someone else is having an anaphylactic shock in order to get immediate help. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include; hives, itchy skin, trouble breathing or wheezing, diarrhoea, vomiting, swollen throat or tongue, fainting, dizziness, weak, rapid pulse, and a drop in blood pressure. Although one might not get all these symptoms at once, if you or someone else has most of these symptoms, the simplest way to get help is to call 911 or your doctor if that’s easier.



7 Worst Oat Intolerance Symptoms


Invalid Link Removed
Woman seated on the floor with arms around her knees curling forward


Avenin or oat exposure can trigger an autoimmune response from the body, and an individual can experience the Oat Intolerance Symptoms that include:

  1. Blotchy, irritated, itchy skin
  2. Rash or skin irritation on and in the mouth
  3. Scratchy throat
  4. Runny nose or Nasal congestion
  5. Itchy eyes
  6. Nausea
  7. Common cough
Unfortunately many of these symptoms can look like Covid, so we have helped you further understand the difference Invalid Link Removed.

Other less common but oat related symptoms include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Stomach pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Anaphylaxis
Different people can experience different symptoms, but if your symptoms are similar to any of these, then chances are you might be allergic to oats. Mild sensitivity can trigger a runny nose or a scratchy throat. Still, a serious one is accompanied by difficulty breathing as the nasal passages swell up and can also exhibit symptoms like rashes and uncontrollable itches.

If the exposure is not reduced, the symptoms can further flare up and last for hours. Physical contact usually leads to skin-related symptoms, while consumption is accompanied by respiratory, digestive, and skin-related ones.

When children have a reaction due to wheat consumption, they experience a protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES). FPIES affects the gastrointestinal tract causing symptoms like vomiting, dehydration, diarrhoea, and poor growth. If this condition drags on for a long time or is severe, it can lead to starvation and lethargy. Multiple foods can also lead to FPIES besides oats.

Oat allergy is different from most other allergies as most other food-related allergies focus on gluten, something commonly found in wheat. If the oats are grown in the same field as wheat or rye, then gluten allergy symptoms can also appear, making it impossible to diagnose the allergy by symptoms alone."
That’s good information.👍
 
12/8/23 - Fasted Weight - 200.8 - Looking nice and tight!

Training this morning was nice and productive, I tested out my ability to do Rack Pulls and the Arsenal Chest Supported Row. I performed well on both of these without any pain. I did not push to failure just to stay safe but definitely increased total volume. I only go through the 2 exercises because I was being very deliberate and careful about being very warmed up. Plus setting up the rack pulls if a time consuming effort with how I have to kind of build a station to do it. I will post up my session once I complete the workout but I was able to do 315x15, and 315x12 both at about 2RIR. I focused on a slow breaking the bar off the blocks and finished with scapular retraction at the top. So i am stoked about being able to do these and should be able to really push them next week after this little test run. On the Arsenal Rows i matched my previous weight at a lower perceived effort level, and went up 10lbs on my last set and did 13 just to get myself to about 1RIR.

Very happy with this result and effort! I will ask coach this week if he thinks I should go back to barbell RDL's so I can handle more weight or if I should stick with the DB's for the greater range of motion they provide. That or do the barbell but with a deficit or using 25lb weight plates instead.

I feel like my physique is improving even though my weight is on the way up which is awesome. Of course that is just looking in the mirror, we will have to see what is showing up in my pics tomorrow. I will probably post up a pic of me fasted as well as post workout with some food and a pump in the mix.

I have about an hour and a half available for my training at lunch today. So I will do my cardio, then finish up my back work right after. That way the last signal I send my body is to grow!
 
That’s good information.👍
Yeah, it was nice to see it and be validated in my suspicions. I had never heard of this before. As mentioned people act like Oats are the holy grail off healthy carbs, and you never hear anything negative about them. The fiber content is almost always blamed for the issue but this verifies there is a greater issue at hand for some. I always just went with the fact there was fiber in it as to why it sat in my stomach like lead and caused issues but now I know that is not the case for me.
 
Yeah, it was nice to see it and be validated in my suspicions. I had never heard of this before. As mentioned people act like Oats are the holy grail off healthy carbs, and you never hear anything negative about them. The fiber content is almost always blamed for the issue but this verifies there is a greater issue at hand for some. I always just went with the fact there was fiber in it as to why it sat in my stomach like lead and caused issues but now I know that is not the case for me.
I was the same way….throughout the 90s into the early 2000s I was one that always added oats, you know healthy carbs, fiber, heart health, and so on, then as I got older I just didn’t tolerate them anymore, just to many digestive issues, so I gave up on them a few years ago, except for when I may grab a bar with a Fairlife high protein drink at a convenience store or something.
 
I was the same way….throughout the 90s into the early 2000s I was one that always added oats, you know healthy carbs, fiber, heart health, and so on, then as I got older I just didn’t tolerate them anymore, just to many digestive issues, so I gave up on them a few years ago, except for when I may grab a bar with a Fairlife high protein drink at a convenience store or something.
Yeah, I am okay with things that contain oats in smaller amounts but 1/2 cup was just too much for me, and the intolerance is definitely progressive for me at least. I took them out of my regular diet for about 2 years prior due to these situations. However, it was definitely worse this time.
 
Congrats on the painless blockpulls! Sounds like that session was the definition of focusing on quality work. You know what you did had weight to it (no pun intended).
 
Congrats on the painless blockpulls! Sounds like that session was the definition of focusing on quality work. You know what you did had weight to it (no pun intended).
Yeah, I was very happy with this. I even had someone to celebrate it with. He was there when it happened and saw me gradually just get worse over the workout and was worried. So we both got excited I was able to do them and with 3 wheels per side no less. This guy is a man possessed. He lifts and runs almost every single day. Like 9-30 miles a day type of thing. Dude is a mental beast. We chat a little every morning in between some of our sets. He is the guy who plays the motivational stuff all the time.
 
Dang It! I apparently took my workout clothes out of my bag. So I have to train when I get home tonight. Not a huge deal but I wish I caught that fact before a triple espresso as my pre-workout a little bit ago.
 
Dang It! I apparently took my workout clothes out of my bag. So I have to train when I get home tonight. Not a huge deal but I wish I caught that fact before a triple espresso as my pre-workout a little bit ago.

Don’t stress; you will just do the best you can with the situation you have. It’s not about one brick, it’s how they all add up over time!
 
Yeah, this is some of the information I found on it and I had several of the symptoms the last couple of days.

"
Oats are an excellent snack and bring several nutritional benefits. But if you feel unwell and have itchy skin or stomach problems after consuming a bowl of oats, you might be experiencing Oat Intolerance Symptoms. Oat intolerance is often a trigger to your immunity system.

Depending on the level of sensitivity, your body can experience mild to severe symptoms when coming in contact with oats or consuming oats. Oat Intolerance Symptoms are different from wheat intolerance ones as the constituent of wheat that triggers the immune response is gluten, whereas, in oats, it is the protein avenin.

More than 20% of people worldwide have some kind of food allergy or intolerance [1]. This forms a sizable chunk of the population, and as some allergy flare-ups are more aggressive than the others, you need to know which ones relate to what allergy to manage your sensitivities well.

Sometimes what you might term as oat intolerance could be a reaction to gluten. Even though oats don’t contain gluten, they are usually manufactured alongside other grains with gluten (like rye), and your intolerance could be the result of cross-contamination. Cross-contamination like this often results in misdiagnosis. To know the difference, you can read more on Invalid Link Removed.



What Is Oat Intolerance?
Oats have a protein called avenin that is excellent for manufacturing new cells and muscular build-up, but certain individuals can either develop or have a hereditary sensitivity towards avenin.

Oat intolerance triggers your body’s immune system releasing antibodies to fight off avenin, which the body now views as a threat. Like other food items, oat intolerance leads to the production of Immunoglobulin G or IgG antibodies in the body. Severe allergies trigger the release of Immunoglobulin E or IgE antibodies that exhibit a much more violent response [2].

Oat intolerance can trigger several reactions, from itchy skin to watery eyes. While some symptoms might be more violent than others, knowing and managing your condition is the best option. If you experience severe symptoms like anaphylactic shock, you will need immediate help from your doctor. Anaphylactic shock occurs on rare occasions, and it’s usually a sign of a severe allergic reaction rather than intolerance. It occurs approximately one hour after consumption.

If you’re intolerant to oats or you think you might have an allergy to them, you should always check labels on products for avenin, oats, and oat powder.

It is dire to know when you or someone else is having an anaphylactic shock in order to get immediate help. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include; hives, itchy skin, trouble breathing or wheezing, diarrhoea, vomiting, swollen throat or tongue, fainting, dizziness, weak, rapid pulse, and a drop in blood pressure. Although one might not get all these symptoms at once, if you or someone else has most of these symptoms, the simplest way to get help is to call 911 or your doctor if that’s easier.



7 Worst Oat Intolerance Symptoms


Invalid Link Removed
Woman seated on the floor with arms around her knees curling forward


Avenin or oat exposure can trigger an autoimmune response from the body, and an individual can experience the Oat Intolerance Symptoms that include:

  1. Blotchy, irritated, itchy skin
  2. Rash or skin irritation on and in the mouth
  3. Scratchy throat
  4. Runny nose or Nasal congestion
  5. Itchy eyes
  6. Nausea
  7. Common cough
Unfortunately many of these symptoms can look like Covid, so we have helped you further understand the difference Invalid Link Removed.

Other less common but oat related symptoms include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Stomach pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Anaphylaxis
Different people can experience different symptoms, but if your symptoms are similar to any of these, then chances are you might be allergic to oats. Mild sensitivity can trigger a runny nose or a scratchy throat. Still, a serious one is accompanied by difficulty breathing as the nasal passages swell up and can also exhibit symptoms like rashes and uncontrollable itches.

If the exposure is not reduced, the symptoms can further flare up and last for hours. Physical contact usually leads to skin-related symptoms, while consumption is accompanied by respiratory, digestive, and skin-related ones.

When children have a reaction due to wheat consumption, they experience a protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES). FPIES affects the gastrointestinal tract causing symptoms like vomiting, dehydration, diarrhoea, and poor growth. If this condition drags on for a long time or is severe, it can lead to starvation and lethargy. Multiple foods can also lead to FPIES besides oats.

Oat allergy is different from most other allergies as most other food-related allergies focus on gluten, something commonly found in wheat. If the oats are grown in the same field as wheat or rye, then gluten allergy symptoms can also appear, making it impossible to diagnose the allergy by symptoms alone."
Your eyes see one thing and your insides feel another
 

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Vascular as all get out man! Hopefully you got some use out of the espresso since the gym clothes are MIA.
 
Don’t stress; you will just do the best you can with the situation you have. It’s not about one brick, it’s how they all add up over time!
Yeah, didn't get too stressed about it. Just annoyed it meant I would have less time with the wife and kids last night. It's the reason I get up so early. My session was probably better because if it. I am sure I got some reps I wouldn't have if already pre-fatigued but with 3 big meals and several hours in between performance was majorly improved.
Your eyes see one thing and your insides feel another
So accurate!
Vascular as all get out man! Hopefully you got some use out of the espresso since the gym clothes are MIA.
Yeah, that wasn't flexed or after any activity or anything. I just happened to notice it in the mirror and thought damn they look like ropes.

As far as for my lunch hour and the espresso, I actually, just decided to just watch some funny videos on youtube, relax and enjoy the down time at my desk. Admittedly, I was fidgeting my legs the whole time but that is pretty common for me with my ADHD.
Invalid Link Removed
I have been there once or twice. LMAO!
 
12/9/23 - 199.8lbs

Back & Hamstrings (Friday)
Friday, Dec 08, 2023 at 4:36am

Seated Leg Curl (Machine)
Set 1: 80 lbs x 20 @ 8.5 rpe
Set 2: 85 lbs x 15 @ 10 rpe
Set 3: 90 lbs x 10 @ 9.5 rpe
Set 4: 60 lbs x 20 @ 8.5 rpe -
Went up 5lbs on every set. Go up another 5 lbs

Rack Pull
Set 1: 315 lbs x 15 @ 8 rpe
Set 2: 315 lbs x 12 @ 8 rpe -
Start at 345 next week if feeling well.

Arsenal Wide grip Pronated Chest Supported Row
Set 1: 40 lbs x 8 @ 7 rpe
Set 2: 40 lbs x 8 @ 7.5 rpe
Set 3: 40 lbs x 12 @ 9 rpe -
Got to 50 next week.

Ended Morning Session Here

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

Evening Session

Bent Over Row (Dumbbell)
Set 1: 45 lbs x 20 @ 8 rpe
Set 2: 45 lbs x 20 @ 9 rpe -
Up 4 reps, I think I may have increased some if done in the morning but definitely got extra reps from the break.

Pullover (Machine)
Set 1: 90 lbs x 13 @ 10 rpe
Set 2: 90 lbs x 6 @ 10 rpe
Set 3: 90 lbs x 6 @ 10 rpe -
My trap and neck got a little bothered by these. I will swap out for the cable bar version he suggested as an alternative.

I got a nice pump from both sessions and was nice and fresh for the last 2 exercises so got a little more out of them.

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12/9/23 - 199.8lbs

Interesting data, I put my recorded body weight into a spreadsheet, and did an average weight for the month of November, and the month of December. I have only gained about .5lbs over the last 40 days. However in the middle of that time I hit a low of 194.8, and a high of 202.6 I was flowing in the 195-197 range a couple weeks during the cutting portion but have added on a solid 4 lbs since then. So with the recent calories supposed to have been quite a bit above my maintenance I have only added .4lbs in the last 2 weeks of what should have been a substantial surplus. I think it is safe to say my metabolism is all kinds of revved up at the moment.

Arms - Saturday, Dec 09, 2023 at 5:57pm

Single Arm Triceps Pushdown (Cable)
"20,15,10,20"
Set 1: 25 lbs x 20 @ 9 rpe
Set 2: 30 lbs x 15 @ 10 rpe
Set 3: 30 lbs x 10 @ 10 rpe
Set 4: 20 lbs x 15 @ 10 rpe -
I failed on this set and got a partial on 16

Triceps Kickback (Dumbbell)
"3x20"
Set 1: 10 lbs x 20 @ 9 rpe
Set 2: 10 lbs x 20 @ 9.5 rpe
Set 3: 10 lbs x 20 @ 10 rpe -
10th rep hit failure on both arms.

EZ Bar Skullcrusher
Set 1: 60 lbs x 15 @ 8.5 rpe
Set 1: 60 lbs x 15 @ 9.5 rpe
Set 2: 60 lbs x 12 @ 10 rpe -
Failed Got a partial on 13th rep

Diamond Push Up
"Hands slipping on set 1"
Set 1: 8 reps
Set 2: 9 reps
Set 3: 8 reps -
Hit Failure on all 3 sets

Single Arm Preacher Curl
"Different machine"
Set 1: 65 lbs x 10 @ 9 rpe
Set 2: 65 lbs x 8 @ 10 rpe [Failure]
Set 3: 50 lbs x 6 @ 10 rpe [Failure] -
Big weight increase due to different machine.

EZ Bar Biceps Curl
Set 1: 40 lbs x 15 @ 9 rpe
Set 2: 40 lbs x 15 @ 9.5 rpe
Set 3: 40 lbs x 13 @ 10 rpe [Failure] -
Got partial on rep 14

Pump was massive!!!!

Here are some semi pumped pics from about 45 minutes post workout. I may have gained some weight but I am leaner for sure. The close up FDB was with the camera pointed a little bit down really shows the difference well, that view is more like what I actually see in the mirror.

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