Classic Kleen - The Road To Competition Fall 2024

looking great dude, sorta crazy how much more pronounced and defined your abs and mid section look at a heavier weight. quads are poppin too!
Thanks, giving it hell up in here!
Right! I either look big in a hoodie or t-shirt/Long sleeve and not so good w shirt off or I don’t look like a lift when clothed but good in a “wife beater”/ shirt off
You just need smaller t-shirts and hoodies when you get leaner. It will all work out. Now time to get that smedium going!!! AND... off to Baby Gap!

1/30/24 - Fasted Weight 214.8

Had a good leg session this morning. Increased weights on everything but lunges. I was not able to get to Hamstrings because my warm up takes so long being cold in the gym and having just woke up. It takes some bike riding and several warm up sets of Belt Squats to get my knees ready to do some real work. So I run out of time in the AM. I could have pushed one more exercise in that time but I didn't see the purpose in doing so since I would still have to lift later anyway. I will likely do my 25 minutes of cardio at lunch, and if I can squeeze in 6 sets of hamstrings with what is left of my time I will. If not I can do Romanians and Lying leg curls in the garage tonight. I will post up the whole session once it is completed.
 
Thanks, giving it hell up in here!
You just need smaller t-shirts and hoodies when you get leaner. It will all work out. Now time to get that smedium going!!! AND... off to Baby Gap!

1/30/24 - Fasted Weight 214.8

Had a good leg session this morning. Increased weights on everything but lunges. I was not able to get to Hamstrings because my warm up takes so long being cold in the gym and having just woke up. It takes some bike riding and several warm up sets of Belt Squats to get my knees ready to do some real work. So I run out of time in the AM. I could have pushed one more exercise in that time but I didn't see the purpose in doing so since I would still have to lift later anyway. I will likely do my 25 minutes of cardio at lunch, and if I can squeeze in 6 sets of hamstrings with what is left of my time I will. If not I can do Romanians and Lying leg curls in the garage tonight. I will post up the whole session once it is completed.
Keeping after it man!
 
Missed a few days, just catching back up. The comparison photos of your gains is really impressive. You added obvious size everywhere, but kept your abs and still look lean. That’s as good as it gets on a bulk.👍
I hope you’re able to figure out your gear, and it’s what you think it is.
 
Legs - Tuesday, Jan 30, 2024 at 5:01am

Arsenal Belt Squat +10lbs
Set 1: 200 lbs x 10 @ 10 rpe [Failure]
Set 2: 145 lbs x 11 @ 10 rpe [Failure]

Leg Press (Machine) + 20lbs
Set 1: 550 lbs x 12 @ 7 rpe
Set 2: 550 lbs x 12 @ 8 rpe
Set 3: 550 lbs x 12 @ 9 rpe

Walking Lunge (Dumbbell)
Set 1: 40x8 x 2

Lying Leg Curl (Machine) - Notes -
"Glutes and adductors flexed. Failure taken into partials."
Set 1: 50 lbs x 10 @ 6 rpe
Set 2: 50 lbs x 17 @ 10 rpe [Failure]
Set 3: 50 lbs x 11 @ 10 rpe [Failure]
Set 4: 50 lbs x 9 @ 10 rpe [Failure]

Lying Leg Curl (Machine) - Notes -
"myo rep match sets, glutes and adductors relaxed."
Set 1: 35 lbs x 17 @ 9.5 rpe

Set 2: 35 lbs x 16 @ 10 rpe
RP 35 lbs x 1 @ 7 rpe

Set 3: 35 lbs x 12 @ 9 rpe
RP 35 lbs x 5 @ 9.5 rpe

Standing Calf Raise (Machine) - Notes -
"Extreme stretch in bottom"
Set 1: 140 lbs x 20 @ 8 rpe
Set 2: 140 lbs x 15 @ 10 rpe -

I was going to do a 3rd but my feet were getting worked pretty hard and hurt a little on that last set. I didn't want to trigger my fasciitis into inflammation so I called it there. Was plenty stimulation anyway.

Nutrition was rough yesterday, but I got it all in. I was just full from meal 1 on... My stomach is definitely having some issues with digesting all of this food.

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

1/31/24 - Fasted Weight 212.2 - Nice drop from yesterday which was uncharacteristically high. Definitely look tighter today.

Missed a few days, just catching back up. The comparison photos of your gains is really impressive. You added obvious size everywhere, but kept your abs and still look lean. That’s as good as it gets on a bulk.👍
I hope you’re able to figure out your gear, and it’s what you think it is.
Thanks, yeah abs are staying pretty good. Fat has only really come back on the problem areas, and really not too bad in those spots either. Now my waist is definitely much thicker, I got that food gut all day. LOL
 
MA supps Veda-gest has been a game changer. Wish I would have tried it sooner. Might help with all that food!
Will have to look into that too. You are just a wealth of tips recently!

I am almost a meal behind right now, been a very busy day, and missed a meal earlier, just now clocked out for a "mandatory 30 minute lunch". Have to clock back in 8 minutes before my shift is over. LOL I bumped up my chicken and rice serving to the most I felt I could eat, and will fill the rest in when I get home with a shake. Then go do my cardio and go home and eat my last meal. Wish me luck shoving all of this in so fast!!!!
 
Will have to look into that too. You are just a wealth of tips recently!

I am almost a meal behind right now, been a very busy day, and missed a meal earlier, just now clocked out for a "mandatory 30 minute lunch". Have to clock back in 8 minutes before my shift is over. LOL I bumped up my chicken and rice serving to the most I felt I could eat, and will fill the rest in when I get home with a shake. Then go do my cardio and go home and eat my last meal. Wish me luck shoving all of this in so fast!!!!
Good luck! You have been full throttle lately man!
 
Hopefully you start feeling better asap, Chris! Know not feeling great or even slightly "off" can impact so much anymore. And early HAPPY BIRTHDAY (for tomorrow)!
 
Good luck! You have been full throttle lately man!
Yes Sir, as much as possible. When there aren't any deloads I just have to push until something says "Enough!" and back off a little on that specifically, but the energy definitely gets moved elsewhere. Unfortunately you can't really count illness as a deload, it is just a different type of trauma to recover from. I am sure it helps the joints a little but it's not the same recovery effect on the overall system.
Hopefully you start feeling better asap, Chris! Know not feeling great or even slightly "off" can impact so much anymore. And early HAPPY BIRTHDAY (for tomorrow)!
Thanks Rosie! Things are going pretty well, just not used to this amount of food. So my gut is finding it challenging. I have never truly bulked like this before, and it is a new experience for me.
 
Your birthday today?? Happy birthday!
Yes Sir, 51 today! Thanks!!!
Happy birthday man hope you have a great day!
Thanks!!!

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

2/1/24 - Fasted Weight 212.8 - Up a little, which is good. Even with the lower dose we want to see the weight moving in the right direction.

Shoulders & Triceps - Thursday, Feb 01, 2024 at 4:41am

Shoulder Press (Machine Plates)
Set 1: 95 lbs x 10 @ 10 rpe [Failure]
+5lbs
Set 2: 80 lbs x 10 @ 10 rpe [Failure]

DB Standing Lateral Raise (Wycked Style)
Set 1: 20 lbs x 20 @ 7 rpe
Set 2: 25 lbs x 15 @ 9 rpe
Set 3: 25 lbs x 10 @ 9 rpe
Set 4: 20 lbs x 16 @ 10 rpe [Failure]

Incline DB Rear Delt Flyes (Wycked Style)
Set 1: 25 lbs x 20 @ 7 rpe
Set 2: 30 lbs x 20 @ 8.5 rpe
Set 3: 30 lbs x 18 @ 10 rpe [Failure]
+2 reps

Upright Row (Dumbbell)
Set 1: 45 lbs x 10 @ 9 rpe
Set 2: 35 lbs x 15 @ 9 rpe
Set 3: 30 lbs x 15 @ 9 rpe
Set 4: 30 lbs x 15 @ 10 rpe [Failure] -
These are starting to cause some wrist discomfort, need to play with grips on the DB's to find one I can do that doesn't pinch. I have been letting my wrists bend to avoid getting elbow inflammation but going to try reverting back to a straight wrist for a bit.

Cross Cable Tricep Extension
Set 1: 50 lbs x 15 @ 8.5 rpe
Set 2: 50 lbs x 10 @ 10 rpe [Failure] -
I got my form and position perfect on this set and it was brutal.
Set 3: 40 lbs x 12 @ 10 rpe [Failure]

Triceps Dip
Set 1: 15 reps
Set 2: 14 reps - [Failure]
 
Happy Birthday big guy! didn't you do a big meat feed last year ?
Great memory, now that you mention it, we did go to Fogo De Chau for my bday last year. We strap on the feedbag for birthdays. Things are a little tighter this year so no Fogo for a group, it gets too expensive too quickly. We did just the wife and kids to that one so wasn't too bad. This time we invited 8 other family members with varying incomes. So we had to limit the cost to reasonable for each group. We are going to Longhorn and I am probably going to get a big ribeye or strip steak, crispy brussel sprouts and steak fries. Then go home and have some homemade double layer strawberry cake with fresh strawberries and cream cheese icing. YUM!!! Should be a great evening. I will reduce my calories for my 4rth meal both in anticipation for the incoming calories, and to make sure I am hungry enough to actually enjoy the free meal rather than having to force it down.
 
We are going to Longhorn and I am probably going to get a big ribeye or strip steak, crispy brussel sprouts and steak fries. Then go home and have some homemade double layer strawberry cake with fresh strawberries and cream cheese icing. YUM!!! Should be a great evening. I will reduce my calories for my 4rth meal both in anticipation for the incoming calories, and to make sure I am hungry enough to actually enjoy the free meal rather than having to force it down.

man that sounds AWESOME
I'm not a good gift guy (receiving or giving) so I always tell my wife I only want 2 things for my birthday. One of them is scallops (my favorite food), ideally home cooked with her. Every year she is shocked that I still want that lol
 
man that sounds AWESOME
I'm not a good gift guy (receiving or giving) so I always tell my wife I only want 2 things for my birthday. One of them is scallops (my favorite food), ideally home cooked with her. Every year she is shocked that I still want that lol
I am pretty good about gifts when it comes to my wife. I am horrible about gifts for me. My poor wife told me she was going to buy me whatever I needed to complete my WMI since we decided to remove the 3rd row of seats and put the methanol tank in the back where it is much safer. I still haven't given her the list of what I need. I have to make it today. Just going to put it all in my cart then have her do her thing. LOL Removing the 3rd row also allows me to put a decent sub in there to get just a little more bass in the car. It sounds pretty good but needs a little more to play the really low notes effectively. Thinking one 10 in a ported box where I can line up the port to an opening in the cover board going over the WMI for the bass to come through... I am not looking to rumble houses so much as get good deep notes. It annoys me when I know there is a nice bass drop and my speakers can't reproduce it because it is too deep.
 
I am pretty good about gifts when it comes to my wife. I am horrible about gifts for me.

I'm not, I'm horrible. luckily my wife likes jewelry so every holiday you'll find me at the same store... lol

Thinking one 10 in a ported box where I can line up the port to an opening in the cover board going over the WMI for the bass to come through... I am not looking to rumble houses so much as get good deep notes. It annoys me when I know there is a nice bass drop and my speakers can't reproduce it because it is too deep.

jealous! I have thought about upgrading the system in my truck since the day I bought it new. 5 years and 130,000 miles later, I never did.
 
I'm not, I'm horrible. luckily my wife likes jewelry so every holiday you'll find me at the same store... lol



jealous! I have thought about upgrading the system in my truck since the day I bought it new. 5 years and 130,000 miles later, I never did.
Yeah, I wanted to originally but performance upgrades had priority, still do. :) When I build the deck to cover where the seats were and put the WMI there, I will see how much room I have for a box then start figuring out what I want to do. Main goal keep the back flat for cargo for larger items. When I told my wife I wanted to get rid of the 3rd row she got a little flustered but I reminded her that I wanted a 4 door high performance sedan and she insisted on an SUV because of family size, and Sage's Color Guard gear. However now all the kids have graduated, and have cars. None of them want to sit in the 3rd row anyway. So no reason to keep it in right now. Otherwise, I would happily trade it in for a performance sedan meant to be quick already. With that in mind she was like yeah go ahead and remove if you want. LMAO!
Happy Birthday….still a young Buck.💪💪
Thank You Sir!
9 weeks out and i hate reading this **** but I always add the good stuff to my after show list lol. Happy late brithday man
Thanks and not late, it is today. Yeah 9 weeks out I am sure you have some cravings. I have 7 months and still bulking so I can afford a free meal.

Got any pics of your current physique?
 
None of them want to sit in the 3rd row anyway.

yeah that's the puke row lol. even if you aren't prone to car sickness a 3rd row will get you there. the stadium seating in those jeep commanders is horrible for that

Yeah, I wanted to originally but performance upgrades had priority, still do. :) When I build the deck to cover where the seats were and put the WMI there, I will see how much room I have for a box then start figuring out what I want to do. Main goal keep the back flat for cargo for larger items. When I told my wife I wanted to get rid of the 3rd row she got a little flustered but I reminded her that I wanted a 4 door high performance sedan and she insisted on an SUV because of family size, and Sage's Color Guard gear. However now all the kids have graduated, and have cars. None of them want to sit in the 3rd row anyway. So no reason to keep it in right now. Otherwise, I would happily trade it in for a performance sedan meant to be quick already. With that in mind she was like yeah go ahead and remove if you want. LMAO!

dude don't judge me but I'm really into the Cadillac XT series right now. the XT4 is a little small but the 5 and 6 are both really really interesting for commuters, slightly better mpg than my truck, all the fluff of a caddi, but..... after having that CTSV I had years ago, I think these will feel painful in terms of performance...
 
yeah that's the puke row lol. even if you aren't prone to car sickness a 3rd row will get you there. the stadium seating in those jeep commanders is horrible for that



dude don't judge me but I'm really into the Cadillac XT series right now. the XT4 is a little small but the 5 and 6 are both really really interesting for commuters, slightly better mpg than my truck, all the fluff of a caddi, but..... after having that CTSV I had years ago, I think these will feel painful in terms of performance...
I like the look of them, but if you expected anything like that you would be upset. 220hp for the 2l turbo and 310 for the v6. I imagine you could tune some fun out of the 2l turbo, but nothing even remotely comparable to the V series stuff.

I wouldn't mind having the Explorer ST, those things are quick and really tuneable. The Genesis Twin Turbo SUV's are even quicker. Honestly though, will probably get the Flex as hyped as I want it being that it is a daily driver then at some point get myself some sort of car for playing. That or just build up the wifes ride.
 
Yeah, I wanted to originally but performance upgrades had priority, still do. :) When I build the deck to cover where the seats were and put the WMI there, I will see how much room I have for a box then start figuring out what I want to do. Main goal keep the back flat for cargo for larger items. When I told my wife I wanted to get rid of the 3rd row she got a little flustered but I reminded her that I wanted a 4 door high performance sedan and she insisted on an SUV because of family size, and Sage's Color Guard gear. However now all the kids have graduated, and have cars. None of them want to sit in the 3rd row anyway. So no reason to keep it in right now. Otherwise, I would happily trade it in for a performance sedan meant to be quick already. With that in mind she was like yeah go ahead and remove if you want. LMAO!
Thank You Sir!

Thanks and not late, it is today. Yeah 9 weeks out I am sure you have some cravings. I have 7 months and still bulking so I can afford a free meal.

Got any pics of your current physique?
Ive got some pics up on my log "Prep Log" if you want to check it out
 
Happy Birthday Kleen!!! Enjoy your family meal, sounds like it will be great.

Can’t wait to see what the Flex will lay down with the water-methanol on board! My buddy briefly had a C6 Z06 with a higher compression motor built to run on E85, and that thing was a demon being able to utilize the higher octane.
 
Ive got some pics up on my log "Prep Log" if you want to check it out
Cool, I am subbed there now.
Happy Birthday Kleen!!! Enjoy your family meal, sounds like it will be great.

Can’t wait to see what the Flex will lay down with the water-methanol on board! My buddy briefly had a C6 Z06 with a higher compression motor built to run on E85, and that thing was a demon being able to utilize the higher octane.
Thanks, judging from the work I have done and torque going into 2nd, I may have to resolve to only doing 40 rolls and up. That or have him drop the shift pressure going into 2nd. I have broken 2 motor mounts already. Even after I got it back with the stronger motor mount that shift into 2nd is brutal. Darn transaxle set ups. I really wish it had the 10 speed in the Explorer, you can toss a lot more power at that transmission since it is not a transverse mounted set up. Plus UHM... 4 more gears so you can stay in an awesome powerband!

It is amazing what they can do with the timing when you have that high octane. I really wanted to go e85 but it is a very expensive upgrade for my car. It is about triple the price of what the methanol kit and installation with the tank and everything moved into the back is, and not a lot more power than you get with methanol. I think in the end they are like 1 or 2 octane away from each other.

I didn't make it to the gym this morning. There was a very long wait since there were 12 of us and we didn't get to our table until around 8:30. My son ended up buying us a couple margaritas that pretty much had their way with me since I haven't been drinking for a while due to my diet. I had a dry January just because it wasn't on my diet. LOL Before NYE I hadn't touched much at all, and really didn't drink very much then either. About halfway through the 2nd I was really feeling it and said something about how surprised I was with it hitting me that hard. My son laughs and says "Well they were doubles, so you better be feeling something!" and laughs. I am like DOH! That makes sense. So between that and it being 11:00 by the time we got home, did the cake and presents thing I decided I was sleeping in, and working out this evening instead. Gonna be plowing through some water today, because I definitely feel those drinks. I didn't even want to get up at 6:00 when the late alarm went off.

Happy bday
Thanks!
 
Sounds like a good evening for you!

Yeah, you always have to look at bang for buck when hotrodding. That goes for money spent, and extra power vs tradeoffs in driveability. Like if a cam makes it undriveable nearly, or an exhaust unbearable, or head or intake work that kills all of your torque for regular driving - just pick parts that are a notch down from that & get 80% of the results for 20% of the negative impact. It’s not unlike training decisions, really.

With the money you save going WMI, you can always afford some octane booster or race gas to go with a separate “Kill Mode” tune if you somehow need that last little bit.
 
Sounds like a good evening for you!

Yeah, you always have to look at bang for buck when hotrodding. That goes for money spent, and extra power vs tradeoffs in driveability. Like if a cam makes it undriveable nearly, or an exhaust unbearable, or head or intake work that kills all of your torque for regular driving - just pick parts that are a notch down from that & get 80% of the results for 20% of the negative impact. It’s not unlike training decisions, really.

With the money you save going WMI, you can always afford some octane booster or race gas to go with a separate “Kill Mode” tune if you somehow need that last little bit.
Honestly with the drivetrain in this i think the 425-450WHP I should get once tuned after will be the last power thing I do, then will come my coilovers. Still going to leave a decent rake so it has a little of a hot rod look, right now the rear is 3 inches higher than the back. Going to drop the front 1 inch, and the rear about 2.5 inches so still have a 1.5 inch rake from front to back which will look sick with my offset tires and wheels. 265/50 R19 on a 9.5 inch rim in front, and 295/45 R19 on a 10.5 inch rim in back.
 
Honestly with the drivetrain in this i think the 425-450WHP I should get once tuned after will be the last power thing I do, then will come my coilovers. Still going to leave a decent rake so it has a little of a hot rod look, right now the rear is 3 inches higher than the back. Going to drop the front 1 inch, and the rear about 2.5 inches so still have a 1.5 inch rake from front to back which will look sick with my offset tires and wheels. 265/50 R19 on a 9.5 inch rim in front, and 295/45 R19 on a 10.5 inch rim in back.

295s

A little rake is good, just don’t overly lower it. I never was as excited about my cars being lowered as I was when I was just able to get over grades/speed bumps etc without issue.
 
295s

A little rake is good, just don’t overly lower it. I never was as excited about my cars being lowered as I was when I was just able to get over grades/speed bumps etc without issue.
Oh absolutely not, the coilover kit requires a minimum of a 1 inch drop otherwise I wouldn't mind just a half inch in front. I would actually be fine with lowering springs if I could find some that were just a one inch drop from stock but they are all 2 inch drops which is a bummer. I don't want it too low either, I really just need the suspension tightened up a good bit and would be fine with the height but aftermarket stuff is seriously limited for the flex. I haven't been able to find any heavy duty shocks or struts for it, and the suspension is soft enough being a luxury ride the weight transfer effects the take off. Plus just too much body roll. Who knows, I may just end up putting a sway bar for a BRZ on there it is like 4mm thicker and will hook right up with some new ends. Then less body roll and I could put bump stops to help stiffen up the back end without messing with the height. It would be a cheaper way to go while maintaining a lot of the ride quality.
 
One margarita… two margarita… three margarita… floor lol 😂

sounds like a good day and evening with family. You will make up the gym time.

Sounds like you got quite the list of projects for the flex!
 
Oh absolutely not, the coilover kit requires a minimum of a 1 inch drop otherwise I wouldn't mind just a half inch in front. I would actually be fine with lowering springs if I could find some that were just a one inch drop from stock but they are all 2 inch drops which is a bummer. I don't want it too low either, I really just need the suspension tightened up a good bit and would be fine with the height but aftermarket stuff is seriously limited for the flex. I haven't been able to find any heavy duty shocks or struts for it, and the suspension is soft enough being a luxury ride the weight transfer effects the take off. Plus just too much body roll. Who knows, I may just end up putting a sway bar for a BRZ on there it is like 4mm thicker and will hook right up with some new ends. Then less body roll and I could put bump stops to help stiffen up the back end without messing with the height. It would be a cheaper way to go while maintaining a lot of the ride quality.

It was absolutely no race car, but I had a slightly lowered 5 speed accord as a daily when in college, and upgrading the sway bar made an amazing difference in the handling. That’s definitely worth upgrading, for the relatively low cost, IMHO, if you want a tighter corner.
 
It was absolutely no race car, but I had a slightly lowered 5 speed accord as a daily when in college, and upgrading the sway bar made an amazing difference in the handling. That’s definitely worth upgrading, for the relatively low cost, IMHO, if you want a tighter corner.
Yeah, I am probably gong to go ahead and get one. I spoke with a guy who owns a company that specializes in water / methanol injection, and he told me he really suggests I avoid running methanol at 100%. Too many ways to blow up the engine. He said a lot of the time the methanol isn't distributed properly and will make some of the cylinders on the banks run lean while others are running rich. Which can cause the engine to blow. He said unless I want to use a direct inject set up which will get very expensive very quickly that what I want is the air-cooling. He suggested 3 locations we could inject the 50/50 water methanol into the system and have the intake air temp always down in what he called boost weather levels. Which I totally understand because not much better than a nice cool and dry day to make your turbos feel like they were upgraded. He said if fuel was my issue and I wanted to get into really pushing timing off of octane the safe way to go and best way would be the e85. Which is pretty expensive, but might be worth it especially after I have the air cooling taken care of. So, that is likely where I will go with that. Then again another part of me is like sell the methanol kit, add that to what I already have put back, and save a little while longer to get the e85 modifications done. Then if I still want air cooling after that I can toss on a water methanol setting. This would probably make my wife happier because it would make keeping the 3rd row in the Flex a reality which I know she wasn't happy about. Oh the things we have to consider eh...

Back & Hamstrings - Saturday, Feb 03, 2024

Seated Leg Curl (Machine)
Set 1: 65 lbs x 20 @ 7.5 rpe -
Up 5lbs
Set 2: 85 lbs x 15 @ 8.5 rpe - Up 5lbs
Set 3: 100 lbs x 10 @ 9.5 rpe - Up 10lbs
Set 4: 75 lbs x 17 @ 10 rpe [Failure]

Rack Pull
Set 1: 365 lbs x 12 @ 7.5 rpe
Set 2: 365 lbs x 12 @ 8.5 rpe
- First time back on these. I was doing 365x8 @RPE9 before my back tweak too. I have definitely gotten stronger

Seated Cable Flexion Row - Wide Neutral Bar Grip
Set 1: 110 lbs x 15 @ 7.5 rpe
Set 2: 120 lbs x 10 @ 9 rpe
Set 3: 120 lbs x 10 @ 9.5 rpe

Single Arm Cable Row
Set 1: 50 lbs x 16 @ 10 rpe
Set 2: 40 lbs x 15 @ 10 rpe
- Failed to reach target reps on both sets, but definitely good work.

Arsenal Bilateral Lat Pulldown
Set 1: 50 lbs x 14 @ 10 rpe
Set 2: 50 lbs x 3 @ 10 rpe
Set 3: 50 lbs x 2 @ 10 rpe -
Got an amazing connection with lats on this one.

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

Arms = Sunday, Feb 04, 2024 at 4:02pm

SA Triceps Rope Extension
Set 1: 40 lbs x 20 @ 8 rpe -
Up 10lbs
Set 2: 40 lbs x 15 @ 9 rpe
Set 3: 50 lbs x 10 @ 9.5 rpe
Set 4: 30 lbs x 20 @ 10 rpe

Triceps Kickback (Dumbbell)
Set 1: 20 lbs x 12 @ 8 rpe
Set 2: 20 lbs x 12 @ 9.5 rpe
Set 3: 20 lbs x 12 @ 10 rpe -
Bumped weight up and lowered rep count

EZ Bar Skullcrusher
Set 1: 65 lbs x 15 @ 8.5 rpe
Set 2: 65 lbs x 12 @ 10 rpe
Set 3: 65 lbs x 8 @ 9.5 rpe -
Increased volume in exercises preceding this cause lower weight to be used here.

Diamond Push Up
Set 1: 10 reps
Set 2: 8 reps
Set 3: 6 reps

Single Arm Preacher Curl
Set 1: 30 lbs x 10 @ 8 rpe
Set 2: 30 lbs x 10 @ 9.5 rpe
Set 3: 30 lbs x 7 @ 10 rpe -
+2 reps = failure

EZ Bar Biceps Curl
Set 1: 40 lbs x 10 @ 9.5 rpe
Set 2: 40 lbs x 10 @ 10 rpe
Set 3: 40 lbs x 8 @ 10 rpe -
Biceps were blown out already here. The burn was excruciating and biceps aching from the pump.

Increases are definitely getting harder to come by, and biceps might be pushing into overtraining. I have been noticing my second exercises tend to drop in performance harder lately. I may just be pushing the first exercise harder, but trying to get a read on the situation. Since changing back to mornings it is a bit hard to figure out what is just less food in my system in the AM, and what is a sign of things being pushed too far to fast.

2/5/24 - Fasted Weight 215.6 - I seem to be hanging in this zone a little more but definitely softened up a little. Almost expect a pullback since we had to pull back on gear.

I did not make training this morning, sleep has been horrible the last 2 nights. I think I crossed a threshold into Sleep Apnea land. I have woke up a couple times the last two nights from what seemed to be unexciting dreams. Definitely not disturbing anyway. However I wake up from them in a start, heart rate high enough I can feel it beating, and breathing like I am trying to catch my breath. I think it is being exacerbated by the fact whatever has been going on with the weather, my allergies have been acting up and sinus closing up on me before bed which forces me to sleep with my mouth open. I have been seeing this mouthguard that is made for sleep apnea online recently. I think I am going to give it a shot to see if it will work for me. It basically just pulls your lower jaw forward and holds it there all night. That way the jaw doesn't relax and fall back closing the airway. Seems to have a lot of good reviews and if it actually works seems like something I could do much easier than a C-Pap mask. I mean I already wear a night guard to avoid grinding my teeth off.
 
I have been seeing this mouthguard that is made for sleep apnea online
My family is in the prosthedontics industry, if it's an option at all, you can get these devices that are made specifically for your mouth instead of something generic. Probably more efficient.
 
Don’t want to rain on your parade, I’ve tried it all (short of a cpap), mouth guards, hostage tape, breathe right, to no avail. I’m hoping it works for you and I’m just an exception. But I’ve come to terms that in my case there is no replacement for a cpap. Im Probably gonna have to bite the bullet soon, as with rapid weight gain comes fat sleepy breathing that would ruin most marriages lol.
 
I did not make training this morning, sleep has been horrible the last 2 nights. I think I crossed a threshold into Sleep Apnea land

I'm finding this topic more and more interesting, I feel like I dropped those 10lbs in Jan it has made all the difference. Not that I'm suggesting the same for you, just that in Dec at 205+ (after a decade at 180) I was noticing tiny bits of sleep apnea and suddenly my wife who usually snored more than me, was commenting on my occasional snoring, yet now at 190-192 ish it seems improved already. I truly thought this type of thing wouldn't rare its head for a guy like me at sub 240lbs but it seems like my threshold is 200 ish.
 
Regarding the car, I think you just need to decide on the final vision for the Flex. How aggressive you want to push it, and how you want to use it. From there, you can plan your path. You also need to know if E85 is going to be a big inconvenience or something fairly plentiful in your location.

If a CPAP is on the radar, FWIW it will help support your bodybuilding legitimately. I mean I have only ever heard of better recovery, fat loss, muscle building, energy in training and day to day.
 
Don’t want to rain on your parade, I’ve tried it all (short of a cpap), mouth guards, hostage tape, breathe right, to no avail. I’m hoping it works for you and I’m just an exception. But I’ve come to terms that in my case there is no replacement for a cpap. Im Probably gonna have to bite the bullet soon, as with rapid weight gain comes fat sleepy breathing that would ruin most marriages lol.
Yeah, this is my suspicion as well. This would be a very minor investment to check on it but in all honesty on nights where i can't breathe through my nose I don't even know if a cpap will help me not breathe with my mouth gaping open.
I'm finding this topic more and more interesting, I feel like I dropped those 10lbs in Jan it has made all the difference. Not that I'm suggesting the same for you, just that in Dec at 205+ (after a decade at 180) I was noticing tiny bits of sleep apnea and suddenly my wife who usually snored more than me, was commenting on my occasional snoring, yet now at 190-192 ish it seems improved already. I truly thought this type of thing wouldn't rare its head for a guy like me at sub 240lbs but it seems like my threshold is 200 ish.
Oh, I have no doubts the increased weight is a part of this. At 215.6 I am up 21.2lbs from the low of my cut right now, and I wasn't exactly a small guy then.
Regarding the car, I think you just need to decide on the final vision for the Flex. How aggressive you want to push it, and how you want to use it. From there, you can plan your path. You also need to know if E85 is going to be a big inconvenience or something fairly plentiful in your location.

If a CPAP is on the radar, FWIW it will help support your bodybuilding legitimately. I mean I have only ever heard of better recovery, fat loss, muscle building, energy in training and day to day.
Agreed on the car. I actually have a pretty good idea of what I want in the end 450-500WHP. I can get there one of two ways, using 100% methanol injection, or going e85. Honestly E85 would actually give me a little more octane to play with than methanol, allow more total HP, I should be able to get around 500WHP from E85 as to where I would top out around 450WHP with the methanol and overall be much safer with e85. In my area it isn't that hard to find E85, after all it is Texas. We got al the gas types, but yeah not as easy as just pulling over. Pretty much all of the Murphy's the gas stations outside of Walmart have it. Sunoco, and Racetrack often have it too. So getting it wouldn't be that hard, but would be a little inconvenient as it would take some planning. Still less inconvenient than having to drive the 30 miles out to the race fuel store to get more methanol though. If I am not considering budget then I think the E85 is obviously the way to go due to the safety. Plus more can be had from it and it doesn't require removing the 3rd row of seats.

As for the CPap, I need to look into a sleep study for that, but it would all be out of pocket at this point since I haven't even dented my deductible. I don't really have the funds for that currently. Insurance has gotten to be so expensive and now deductibles are insane, so a big expense early is brutal on you.
 
Yeah, this is my suspicion as well. This would be a very minor investment to check on it but in all honesty on nights where i can't breathe through my nose I don't even know if a cpap will help me not breathe with my mouth gaping open.
Oh, I have no doubts the increased weight is a part of this. At 215.6 I am up 21.2lbs from the low of my cut right now, and I wasn't exactly a small guy then.
Agreed on the car. I actually have a pretty good idea of what I want in the end 450-500WHP. I can get there one of two ways, using 100% methanol injection, or going e85. Honestly E85 would actually give me a little more octane to play with than methanol, allow more total HP, I should be able to get around 500WHP from E85 as to where I would top out around 450WHP with the methanol and overall be much safer with e85. In my area it isn't that hard to find E85, after all it is Texas. We got al the gas types, but yeah not as easy as just pulling over. Pretty much all of the Murphy's the gas stations outside of Walmart have it. Sunoco, and Racetrack often have it too. So getting it wouldn't be that hard, but would be a little inconvenient as it would take some planning. Still less inconvenient than having to drive the 30 miles out to the race fuel store to get more methanol though. If I am not considering budget then I think the E85 is obviously the way to go due to the safety. Plus more can be had from it and it doesn't require removing the 3rd row of seats.

If you really want that higher hp, and assuming the rest of the drivetrain can hold the 500whp of course, investing in e85 IS cheaper than using pure methanol + any engine rebuild work from an internal failure.
 
Yeah, I am probably gong to go ahead and get one. I spoke with a guy who owns a company that specializes in water / methanol injection, and he told me he really suggests I avoid running methanol at 100%. Too many ways to blow up the engine. He said a lot of the time the methanol isn't distributed properly and will make some of the cylinders on the banks run lean while others are running rich. Which can cause the engine to blow. He said unless I want to use a direct inject set up which will get very expensive very quickly that what I want is the air-cooling. He suggested 3 locations we could inject the 50/50 water methanol into the system and have the intake air temp always down in what he called boost weather levels. Which I totally understand because not much better than a nice cool and dry day to make your turbos feel like they were upgraded. He said if fuel was my issue and I wanted to get into really pushing timing off of octane the safe way to go and best way would be the e85. Which is pretty expensive, but might be worth it especially after I have the air cooling taken care of. So, that is likely where I will go with that. Then again another part of me is like sell the methanol kit, add that to what I already have put back, and save a little while longer to get the e85 modifications done. Then if I still want air cooling after that I can toss on a water methanol setting. This would probably make my wife happier because it would make keeping the 3rd row in the Flex a reality which I know she wasn't happy about. Oh the things we have to consider eh...

Back & Hamstrings - Saturday, Feb 03, 2024

Seated Leg Curl (Machine)
Set 1: 65 lbs x 20 @ 7.5 rpe -
Up 5lbs
Set 2: 85 lbs x 15 @ 8.5 rpe - Up 5lbs
Set 3: 100 lbs x 10 @ 9.5 rpe - Up 10lbs
Set 4: 75 lbs x 17 @ 10 rpe [Failure]

Rack Pull
Set 1: 365 lbs x 12 @ 7.5 rpe
Set 2: 365 lbs x 12 @ 8.5 rpe
- First time back on these. I was doing 365x8 @RPE9 before my back tweak too. I have definitely gotten stronger

Seated Cable Flexion Row - Wide Neutral Bar Grip
Set 1: 110 lbs x 15 @ 7.5 rpe
Set 2: 120 lbs x 10 @ 9 rpe
Set 3: 120 lbs x 10 @ 9.5 rpe

Single Arm Cable Row
Set 1: 50 lbs x 16 @ 10 rpe
Set 2: 40 lbs x 15 @ 10 rpe
- Failed to reach target reps on both sets, but definitely good work.

Arsenal Bilateral Lat Pulldown
Set 1: 50 lbs x 14 @ 10 rpe
Set 2: 50 lbs x 3 @ 10 rpe
Set 3: 50 lbs x 2 @ 10 rpe -
Got an amazing connection with lats on this one.

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

Arms = Sunday, Feb 04, 2024 at 4:02pm

SA Triceps Rope Extension
Set 1: 40 lbs x 20 @ 8 rpe -
Up 10lbs
Set 2: 40 lbs x 15 @ 9 rpe
Set 3: 50 lbs x 10 @ 9.5 rpe
Set 4: 30 lbs x 20 @ 10 rpe

Triceps Kickback (Dumbbell)
Set 1: 20 lbs x 12 @ 8 rpe
Set 2: 20 lbs x 12 @ 9.5 rpe
Set 3: 20 lbs x 12 @ 10 rpe -
Bumped weight up and lowered rep count

EZ Bar Skullcrusher
Set 1: 65 lbs x 15 @ 8.5 rpe
Set 2: 65 lbs x 12 @ 10 rpe
Set 3: 65 lbs x 8 @ 9.5 rpe -
Increased volume in exercises preceding this cause lower weight to be used here.

Diamond Push Up
Set 1: 10 reps
Set 2: 8 reps
Set 3: 6 reps

Single Arm Preacher Curl
Set 1: 30 lbs x 10 @ 8 rpe
Set 2: 30 lbs x 10 @ 9.5 rpe
Set 3: 30 lbs x 7 @ 10 rpe -
+2 reps = failure

EZ Bar Biceps Curl
Set 1: 40 lbs x 10 @ 9.5 rpe
Set 2: 40 lbs x 10 @ 10 rpe
Set 3: 40 lbs x 8 @ 10 rpe -
Biceps were blown out already here. The burn was excruciating and biceps aching from the pump.

Increases are definitely getting harder to come by, and biceps might be pushing into overtraining. I have been noticing my second exercises tend to drop in performance harder lately. I may just be pushing the first exercise harder, but trying to get a read on the situation. Since changing back to mornings it is a bit hard to figure out what is just less food in my system in the AM, and what is a sign of things being pushed too far to fast.

2/5/24 - Fasted Weight 215.6 - I seem to be hanging in this zone a little more but definitely softened up a little. Almost expect a pullback since we had to pull back on gear.

I did not make training this morning, sleep has been horrible the last 2 nights. I think I crossed a threshold into Sleep Apnea land. I have woke up a couple times the last two nights from what seemed to be unexciting dreams. Definitely not disturbing anyway. However I wake up from them in a start, heart rate high enough I can feel it beating, and breathing like I am trying to catch my breath. I think it is being exacerbated by the fact whatever has been going on with the weather, my allergies have been acting up and sinus closing up on me before bed which forces me to sleep with my mouth open. I have been seeing this mouthguard that is made for sleep apnea online recently. I think I am going to give it a shot to see if it will work for me. It basically just pulls your lower jaw forward and holds it there all night. That way the jaw doesn't relax and fall back closing the airway. Seems to have a lot of good reviews and if it actually works seems like something I could do much easier than a C-Pap mask. I mean I already wear a night guard to avoid grinding my teeth off.
Some awesome looking sessions! Sorry to hear about the bad sleep issues.

when you start doing some mods on the flex you will have to post some pictures that would be cool to see!
 
If you really want that higher hp, and assuming the rest of the drivetrain can hold the 500whp of course, investing in e85 IS cheaper than using pure methanol + any engine rebuild work from an internal failure.
This is my truest thought here. Then the part of me that is like well you already bought the methanol kit sneaks in my head. However now, after weighing all of it out I think E85 is the safest bet and since it is my daily driver I should probably do it once and do it right. I can try to sell the methanol kit and if I can't then I can always add it later just for the air cooling and basically have the same effect as a large intercooler to keep temps down. As far as the drivetrain, if I don't punch it in first then my shift into 2nd is not as violent, and I can beat the crap out of it from 2nd-6th gear which the 40 roll will be my bread and butter anyway. That and some 60-120 times.
I've never met a drivetrain I couldn't break regardless of RWHP
Unfortunately, it is far easier with these transverse motors with all wheel drive.
That’s the spirit
HUUAHHHHH!!!
Some awesome looking sessions! Sorry to hear about the bad sleep issues.

when you start doing some mods on the flex you will have to post some pictures that would be cool to see!
Thanks, and will do. It will probably be a while before I do anymore cosmetic stuff to it. I already have the chrome stuff blacked out, and wheels on it. Next will be lowering and redoing the wrap on the roof more than likely.

Chest & Biceps - Monday, Feb 05, 2024 at 3:08pm

Incline Bench Press (Dumbbell)
Set 1: 65 lbs x 15 @ 7 rpe
Set 2: 75 lbs x 9 @ 9 rpe
- +10lbs
Set 3: 75 lbs x 10 @ 10 rpe +5lbs
RP Set: 75 lbs x 3 @ 10 rpe

Bench Press (Smith Machine)
- Weight counted only
Set 1: 190 lbs x 6 @ 9.5 rpe
Set 2: 140 lbs x 11 @ 9.5 rpe
Set 3: 140 lbs x 8 @ 10 rpe
Set 4: 110 lbs x 6 @ 10 rpe [Drop set]
Set 5: 90 lbs x 6 @ 10 rpe [Drop set]

Bench Press (Cable) -
different machine than usual
Set 1: 50 lbs x 15 @ 6 rpe
Set 2: 60 lbs x 15 @ 7 rpe
Set 3: 70 lbs x 14 @ 10 rpe [Failure]

Chest Fly (Machine) - IronTec Fly Attachment
Set 1: 25 lbs x 21 @ 7 rpe
Set 2: 25 lbs x 21 @ 8.5 rpe
Set 3: 25 lbs x 17 @ 10 rpe

Spider Curl (Dumbbell)
+5lbs all sets
Set 1: 25 lbs x 15 @ 7.5 rpe
Set 2: 25 lbs x 15 @ 8 rpe
Set 3: 25 lbs x 15 @ 10 rpe

Bicep Curl (Dumbbell)
Set 1: 25 lbs x 15 @ 9 rpe
+5lbs
Set 2: 25 lbs x 10 @ 10 rpe [Failure] +5lbs
Set 3: 20 lbs x 15 @ 9 rpe

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

I had a good start to my leg session today, but I had to retake progress photos for coach this morning so the workout was shortened up. Will complete the workout during lunch and post later.

2/6/24 - Fasted Weight 214.2 lbs.
 
If you really want that higher hp, and assuming the rest of the drivetrain can hold the 500whp of course, investing in e85 IS cheaper than using pure methanol + any engine rebuild work from an internal failure.
This is my truest thought here. Then the part of me that is like well you already bought the methanol kit sneaks in my head. However now, after weighing all of it out I think E85 is the safest bet and since it is my daily driver I should probably do it once and do it right. I can try to sell the methanol kit and if I can't then I can always add it later just for the air cooling and basically have the same effect as a large intercooler to keep temps down. As far as the drivetrain, if I don't punch it in first then my shift into 2nd is not as violent, and I can beat the crap out of it from 2nd-6th gear which the 40 roll will be my bread and butter anyway. That and some 60-120 times.
I've never met a drivetrain I couldn't break regardless of RWHP
Unfortunately, it is far easier with these transverse motors with all wheel drive.
That’s the spirit
HUUAHHHHH!!!
Some awesome looking sessions! Sorry to hear about the bad sleep issues.

when you start doing some mods on the flex you will have to post some pictures that would be cool to see!
Thanks, and will do. It will probably be a while before I do anymore cosmetic stuff to it. I already have the chrome stuff blacked out, and wheels on it. Next will be lowering and redoing the wrap on the roof more than likely.

Chest & Biceps - Monday, Feb 05, 2024 at 3:08pm

Incline Bench Press (Dumbbell)
Set 1: 65 lbs x 15 @ 7 rpe
Set 2: 75 lbs x 9 @ 9 rpe
- +10lbs
Set 3: 75 lbs x 10 @ 10 rpe +5lbs
RP Set: 75 lbs x 3 @ 10 rpe

Bench Press (Smith Machine)
- Weight counted only
Set 1: 190 lbs x 6 @ 9.5 rpe
Set 2: 140 lbs x 11 @ 9.5 rpe
Set 3: 140 lbs x 8 @ 10 rpe
Set 4: 110 lbs x 6 @ 10 rpe [Drop set]
Set 5: 90 lbs x 6 @ 10 rpe [Drop set]

Bench Press (Cable) -
different machine than usual
Set 1: 50 lbs x 15 @ 6 rpe
Set 2: 60 lbs x 15 @ 7 rpe
Set 3: 70 lbs x 14 @ 10 rpe [Failure]

Chest Fly (Machine) - IronTec Fly Attachment
Set 1: 25 lbs x 21 @ 7 rpe
Set 2: 25 lbs x 21 @ 8.5 rpe
Set 3: 25 lbs x 17 @ 10 rpe

Spider Curl (Dumbbell)
+5lbs all sets
Set 1: 25 lbs x 15 @ 7.5 rpe
Set 2: 25 lbs x 15 @ 8 rpe
Set 3: 25 lbs x 15 @ 10 rpe

Bicep Curl (Dumbbell)
Set 1: 25 lbs x 15 @ 9 rpe
+5lbs
Set 2: 25 lbs x 10 @ 10 rpe [Failure] +5lbs
Set 3: 20 lbs x 15 @ 9 rpe

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

I had a good start to my leg session today, but I had to retake progress photos for coach this morning so the workout was shortened up. Will complete the workout during lunch and post later.

2/6/24 - Fasted Weight 214.2 lbs.
 
That looks like a good volume WO for chest! What's that cable bench Press, is that where you're putting a bench in them middle of one of those pulley stacks on either side (usually underneath where the pull up bar is on those machines)?
 
That looks like a good volume WO for chest! What's that cable bench Press, is that where you're putting a bench in them middle of one of those pulley stacks on either side (usually underneath where the pull up bar is on those machines)?
Yes, I sit the bench up to where I am almost sitting up straight in the middle of the functional trainer, put the handles lower then my chest and then do the cable press so there is slightly more upper pec involvement.

2/8/23 - Fasted Weight 213.2 - I had a rough day yesterday, was exhausted and just not feeling too well. Like i had a low grade fever all day. On top of that I triggered my plantar fasciitis in my right foot doing legs Tuesday. So I ended up taking the day off from Cardio, and just dropped the normal 350 calories I burn during cardio from my nutrition for the day to keep the energy balance the same for the day. Feeling a bit better today. My daughter had some sort of illness earlier this week and had to take antibiotics, so I think I was fighting whatever she had off.

Shoulders & Triceps - Thursday, Feb 08, 2024 at 4:34am

Shoulder Press (Machine Plates)
Set 1: 100 lbs x 9 @ 10 rpe [Failure]
Set 2: 70 lbs x 11 @ 10 rpe [Failure]

Standing Lateral Raise
Set 1: 20 lbs x 20 @ 7 rpe
Set 2: 25 lbs x 15 @ 8 rpe
Set 3: 30 lbs x 10 @ 8.5 rpe
Set 4: 20 lbs x 18 @ 10 rpe [Failure]

Incline DB Rear Delt Flyes
Set 1: 25 lbs x 20 @ 7 rpe
Set 2: 30 lbs x 20 @ 8 rpe
Set 3: 30 lbs x 17 @ 10 rpe [Failure]

Upright Row (Cable)
Set 1: 100 lbs x 10 @ 7.5 rpe
Set 2: 80 lbs x 15 @ 7 rpe
Set 3: 80 lbs x 15 @ 8 rpe
Set 4: 80 lbs x 15 @ 9 rpe

Cross Cable Tricep Extension
Set 1: 50 lbs x 15 @ 7.5 rpe
Set 2: 50 lbs x 15 @ 10 rpe
Set 3: 40 lbs x 13 @ 10 rpe

Triceps Dip
Set 1: 18 reps [fail]
Set 2: 12 reps [fail]


Great session, pushed things hard, but slowed down the reps a little more. I had a major pump, and felt good during this session. I increased weight or reps on most things too. Very happy with how it went.
 
On top of that I triggered my plantar fasciitis in my right foot doing legs Tuesday.

sending good thoughts man, it's crazy that when we are all sick and fevered etc I don't think twice, but you mention plantar issues and i get ptsd. I hope it heals up fast for you!
 
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