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Classic Kleen - The Road To Competition Fall 2024

I love a good training dump. Badass that people are seeing the return of your investment! That’s always the best feeling.
 
Okay guys, here goes a dump of the recent training efforts.

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All in all training has been going good. On the consistent exercises I am progressing and when I change machines or gyms or whatever I am just pushing as hard as reasonably possible to make sure I know I am always putting in enough work to get the job done.

I have officially reached the size that even the bigger guys are asking me questions about my training and what I do for this or that. People I don't really see myself as being that much bigger than if at all. It's crazy to still have that body dysmorphia where I see myself as a normal muscular guy who lifts. That I don't really see how big I actually am. Then it occurred to me everyone I have ever known that was about my height, weight and body fat I thought were pretty damn big. So anyway, I digress. Point in case is that this last week 2 of the bigger guys at the gym have come up to me asking for advice on difference body parts or goals. Feels pretty good when someone who is already jacked is looking to you for physique advice.
When you get the regulars that are committed gym rats coming to you for advice, then you know it’s going right….makes you feel like the big dog. And as far as the body dysmorphia, I think a lot of us are our own top critic. Of course that’s part of why you always have that drive to get better. Ha, but believe me you’re definitely well beyond a normal muscular guy.
 
Okay guys, here goes a dump of the recent training efforts.

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All in all training has been going good. On the consistent exercises I am progressing and when I change machines or gyms or whatever I am just pushing as hard as reasonably possible to make sure I know I am always putting in enough work to get the job done.

I have officially reached the size that even the bigger guys are asking me questions about my training and what I do for this or that. People I don't really see myself as being that much bigger than if at all. It's crazy to still have that body dysmorphia where I see myself as a normal muscular guy who lifts. That I don't really see how big I actually am. Then it occurred to me everyone I have ever known that was about my height, weight and body fat I thought were pretty damn big. So anyway, I digress. Point in case is that this last week 2 of the bigger guys at the gym have come up to me asking for advice on difference body parts or goals. Feels pretty good when someone who is already jacked is looking to you for physique advice.
I love a good training dump. Badass that people are seeing the return of your investment! That’s always the best feeling.

no joke, it really makes you appreciate the accumulative volume when you look at it like that and the value of consistency!
 
When you get the regulars that are committed gym rats coming to you for advice, then you know it’s going right….makes you feel like the big dog. And as far as the body dysmorphia, I think a lot of us are our own top critic. Of course that’s part of why you always have that drive to get better. Ha, but believe me you’re definitely well beyond a normal muscular guy.
Thanks! I do know this mentally, it is just not what I see except on occasion. Every once in a while I will be standing near someone I look at in the gym as muscular or pretty well built, and ACTUALLY see myself as I am looking massive next to them and it is an awakening for a moment. However 95% of the time when just looking at my own reflection, I just don't see it.

no joke, it really makes you appreciate the accumulative volume when you look at it like that and the value of consistency!
Absolutely agree!
 
Whew! Chest is getting sore from yesterdays session. I had to do a truncated session and decided to just beat it up with 5 sets of DB Inclines, 4 sets of PowerTec Flat chest press, and follow that up with 4 sets to failure on Skull Crushers. Starting to feel the DOMS setting in now. Was a great fast beat me up style session and did the trick obviously judging by the soreness setting in.

Also, have steadily been getting the "you're getting huge" comments the last 2 weeks. I was told by 3 different people just today that I look like I blew up overnight. So even though I have only gained about 3 lbs the last 3 weeks it seems to be the difference that is making everyone take notice of my new size.
 
Also, have steadily been getting the "you're getting huge" comments the last 2 weeks. I was told by 3 different people just today that I look like I blew up overnight. So even though I have only gained about 3 lbs the last 3 weeks it seems to be the difference that is making everyone take notice of my new size.

No lie, I think this is what we all secretly live for!
 
has bf gone down at all? scale says 3lbs but maybe in actuality + more lbs in lean mass?
No, I would say it is about the same, maybe a touch higher, or lower, it really depends on the day. Weight seems consistent between 217-220 with the base line slowly creeping up. If anything the more likely deal is I have more glycogen in the muscle since a couple weeks of having more starchy carbs and less sugar specifically fructose. I was getting a lot previously with all of the honey which has been replaced with rice.
No lie, I think this is what we all secretly live for!
No doubt, nothing like being told you are looking huge when that is the goal!!!

I did not make it to the gym last night for legs. I was feeling a little rough but went ahead and took a preworkout and 15 minutes later my gut just basically said Oh Hell No!!! I got super hot and nauseous, then had a bit of a blowout. I felt pretty rough for about an hour and a half. I think I could have done the session without the pre but the pre set my stomach off. So I stayed home and will go train legs today.

I talked to my coach last night. We nailed down a few things yesterday, we dropped back to a cruise dose as of my next shot will be 60mg test e EOD, will pull bloods in 3 weeks to see how things are going and if out of the red we will start back up in 6 weeks. If not we will pull blood again at 6 weeks and kick off at 8 weeks. If bloods are not out of the red by 6 weeks we will stay off longer and shoot for the winter shows. I will also be having them check my cystatin c levels when they pull bloods so I know where I am at with kidney function.

Things also just possibly got a bit more expensive. If we qualify for nationals at the Johnnie O Jackson I will end up flying up to Pittsburg for the national show up there. We discussed going for the one later in the year but he said those 2 shows are going to be the most competitive shows in the country since they are the last time anyone can qualify for nationals and the national show then is the most competitive too. So we are looking at the Pittsburg Nationals show 4 days after the Johnnie o Jackson if I qualify for nationals. He said it was my best shot at winning nationals and possibly going pro. Earning my pro card would be realizing a dream from long long ago that I had long since given up on.

We also discussed category for the competition. I will be doing the Master's Open Class not the Open Open. He said if I wanted to see how I shake out against the younger guys I could double up at the Johnnie O Jackson show since it wasn't too expensive, but if money was a concern then just don't worry about that at all. That I would only want to do the open open at the smaller show because entry fees into the nationals are 350 a pop. So now I know for sure, our sites are on the Masters which improves my odds quite a bit IMHO.
 
No, I would say it is about the same, maybe a touch higher, or lower, it really depends on the day. Weight seems consistent between 217-220 with the base line slowly creeping up. If anything the more likely deal is I have more glycogen in the muscle since a couple weeks of having more starchy carbs and less sugar specifically fructose. I was getting a lot previously with all of the honey which has been replaced with rice.

No doubt, nothing like being told you are looking huge when that is the goal!!!

I did not make it to the gym last night for legs. I was feeling a little rough but went ahead and took a preworkout and 15 minutes later my gut just basically said Oh Hell No!!! I got super hot and nauseous, then had a bit of a blowout. I felt pretty rough for about an hour and a half. I think I could have done the session without the pre but the pre set my stomach off. So I stayed home and will go train legs today.

I talked to my coach last night. We nailed down a few things yesterday, we dropped back to a cruise dose as of my next shot will be 60mg test e EOD, will pull bloods in 3 weeks to see how things are going and if out of the red we will start back up in 6 weeks. If not we will pull blood again at 6 weeks and kick off at 8 weeks. If bloods are not out of the red by 6 weeks we will stay off longer and shoot for the winter shows. I will also be having them check my cystatin c levels when they pull bloods so I know where I am at with kidney function.

Things also just possibly got a bit more expensive. If we qualify for nationals at the Johnnie O Jackson I will end up flying up to Pittsburg for the national show up there. We discussed going for the one later in the year but he said those 2 shows are going to be the most competitive shows in the country since they are the last time anyone can qualify for nationals and the national show then is the most competitive too. So we are looking at the Pittsburg Nationals show 4 days after the Johnnie o Jackson if I qualify for nationals. He said it was my best shot at winning nationals and possibly going pro. Earning my pro card would be realizing a dream from long long ago that I had long since given up on.

We also discussed category for the competition. I will be doing the Master's Open Class not the Open Open. He said if I wanted to see how I shake out against the younger guys I could double up at the Johnnie O Jackson show since it wasn't too expensive, but if money was a concern then just don't worry about that at all. That I would only want to do the open open at the smaller show because entry fees into the nationals are 350 a pop. So now I know for sure, our sites are on the Masters which improves my odds quite a bit IMHO.
Dude that is awesome! Wishing you all the best on blood results so you can get to going and totally awesome on pursuing your goal!!!
 
That is awesome man….. I think you’re going to kill it, especially in the Master’s Class. That would be really cool if you earned your pro card.
 
That is awesome man….. I think you’re going to kill it, especially in the Master’s Class. That would be really cool if you earned your pro card.
Yeah it would, but then I would have to make the hard decision of do I register to get pro status incase I ever decide to start training again, and if I did then do I hold out and do one more competition so I have actually competed as a pro. Of course thinking about those things is putting the cart before the horse.

So, I have mentioned that I have been getting a lot of comments lately about how big I am getting but today I just got my favorite compliment so far. I was talking to a lady about pilates in the elevator since she was on the way to a class and I was on my way to do cardio. She asked if I worked out across the street all the time and I told her no. I do my cardio here and go lift after work. That I am getting ready for a competition so doing 2 a days now. She said "Well I have to say, you are just..." then paused like she was looking for the perfect word, and then finally said MASSIVE! She said "I don't know if that is the right word but fit, or muscular just doesn't do it justice. Massive was the only thing that seemed like it captured how big your muscles are. It really is amazing!"

I told her that she couldn't have picked a better word to make me smile. That massive was the perfect compliment for someone who looks like they might be a bodybuilder. I think the fact she had to pause and make sure she used the right word to get her point across that made if feel so genuine which made it that much more pleasing to hear.
 
Yeah it would, but then I would have to make the hard decision of do I register to get pro status incase I ever decide to start training again, and if I did then do I hold out and do one more competition so I have actually competed as a pro. Of course thinking about those things is putting the cart before the horse.

So, I have mentioned that I have been getting a lot of comments lately about how big I am getting but today I just got my favorite compliment so far. I was talking to a lady about pilates in the elevator since she was on the way to a class and I was on my way to do cardio. She asked if I worked out across the street all the time and I told her no. I do my cardio here and go lift after work. That I am getting ready for a competition so doing 2 a days now. She said "Well I have to say, you are just..." then paused like she was looking for the perfect word, and then finally said MASSIVE! She said "I don't know if that is the right word but fit, or muscular just doesn't do it justice. Massive was the only thing that seemed like it captured how big your muscles are. It really is amazing!"

I told her that she couldn't have picked a better word to make me smile. That massive was the perfect compliment for someone who looks like they might be a bodybuilder. I think the fact she had to pause and make sure she used the right word to get her point across that made if feel so genuine which made it that much more pleasing to hear.

Sidewalk-crackin’ MF’er was going to be her next choice
 
Yeah it would, but then I would have to make the hard decision of do I register to get pro status incase I ever decide to start training again, and if I did then do I hold out and do one more competition so I have actually competed as a pro. Of course thinking about those things is putting the cart before the horse.

So, I have mentioned that I have been getting a lot of comments lately about how big I am getting but today I just got my favorite compliment so far. I was talking to a lady about pilates in the elevator since she was on the way to a class and I was on my way to do cardio. She asked if I worked out across the street all the time and I told her no. I do my cardio here and go lift after work. That I am getting ready for a competition so doing 2 a days now. She said "Well I have to say, you are just..." then paused like she was looking for the perfect word, and then finally said MASSIVE! She said "I don't know if that is the right word but fit, or muscular just doesn't do it justice. Massive was the only thing that seemed like it captured how big your muscles are. It really is amazing!"

I told her that she couldn't have picked a better word to make me smile. That massive was the perfect compliment for someone who looks like they might be a bodybuilder. I think the fact she had to pause and make sure she used the right word to get her point across that made if feel so genuine which made it that much more pleasing to hear.

Hell yeah.
 
No, I would say it is about the same, maybe a touch higher, or lower, it really depends on the day. Weight seems consistent between 217-220 with the base line slowly creeping up. If anything the more likely deal is I have more glycogen in the muscle since a couple weeks of having more starchy carbs and less sugar specifically fructose. I was getting a lot previously with all of the honey which has been replaced with rice.

No doubt, nothing like being told you are looking huge when that is the goal!!!

I did not make it to the gym last night for legs. I was feeling a little rough but went ahead and took a preworkout and 15 minutes later my gut just basically said Oh Hell No!!! I got super hot and nauseous, then had a bit of a blowout. I felt pretty rough for about an hour and a half. I think I could have done the session without the pre but the pre set my stomach off. So I stayed home and will go train legs today.

I talked to my coach last night. We nailed down a few things yesterday, we dropped back to a cruise dose as of my next shot will be 60mg test e EOD, will pull bloods in 3 weeks to see how things are going and if out of the red we will start back up in 6 weeks. If not we will pull blood again at 6 weeks and kick off at 8 weeks. If bloods are not out of the red by 6 weeks we will stay off longer and shoot for the winter shows. I will also be having them check my cystatin c levels when they pull bloods so I know where I am at with kidney function.

Things also just possibly got a bit more expensive. If we qualify for nationals at the Johnnie O Jackson I will end up flying up to Pittsburg for the national show up there. We discussed going for the one later in the year but he said those 2 shows are going to be the most competitive shows in the country since they are the last time anyone can qualify for nationals and the national show then is the most competitive too. So we are looking at the Pittsburg Nationals show 4 days after the Johnnie o Jackson if I qualify for nationals. He said it was my best shot at winning nationals and possibly going pro. Earning my pro card would be realizing a dream from long long ago that I had long since given up on.

We also discussed category for the competition. I will be doing the Master's Open Class not the Open Open. He said if I wanted to see how I shake out against the younger guys I could double up at the Johnnie O Jackson show since it wasn't too expensive, but if money was a concern then just don't worry about that at all. That I would only want to do the open open at the smaller show because entry fees into the nationals are 350 a pop. So now I know for sure, our sites are on the Masters which improves my odds quite a bit IMHO.

Oh man! We all know you got this!
 
That's awesome man! I do think we all tend to have skewed views of ourselves (always too small) given that we surf these forums, follow BBers, etc. Obviously you're putting in the work, and to the outside world it's clear you walk the walk. That's great.

Also, good luck with Masters Open. You should definitely have a shot!
 
Sidewalk-crackin’ MF’er was going to be her next choice
Hell Yeah!
Hell yeah.
Right!
Oh man! We all know you got this!
Thanks!
That is a quick turn around, 4 days. I know you can do it but that will be a brutal couple of weeks.
Yeah but it will be easier than doing another prep later in the year. I can suck it up for another peak week if I get the chance to do Nationals. My wife is a little bummed, she doesn't know if she will be able to take off and fly up for the 2nd show. If not I will see if my son can go to have someone around for incidentals and support.
That's awesome man! I do think we all tend to have skewed views of ourselves (always too small) given that we surf these forums, follow BBers, etc. Obviously you're putting in the work, and to the outside world it's clear you walk the walk. That's great.

Also, good luck with Masters Open. You should definitely have a shot!
Facts, and thanks, I do feel more confident in my chances in Masters since it will be more understandable there to have a little loose skin.

I need to download my workouts and will post them later. I figured I would show the fruits of this massing phase since I was looking at them anyway. We turned the doses up and started adding calories on 11/18/23 @194.4lbs and lowered them to a cruise on 3/18/24 @219. Of course I gained some fat but for 24.6lbs of total gains I think I am looking damn good and added some nice new tissue.

3/23/24 Fasted Weight 219

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I will do a workout dump later, about to go grab some protein and karbolyn to keep me stocked up for those days I have to get my 4rth meal in as an intra drink due to being busy at work and meals being delayed.
 
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It's funny how you forget how lean you were until you see a picture of it and are like crap, I forgot how that looked!
 
When you gain 25lbs and can still see your abs, you know you did it right! Nice job on all the discipline - I know what it’s like to eat when you aren’t hungry most of the time. But it has taken you where you wanted to go, and it will give you LEGS up on most of your competitors come show time.
 
When you gain 25lbs and can still see your abs, you know you did it right! Nice job on all the discipline - I know what it’s like to eat when you aren’t hungry most of the time. But it has taken you where you wanted to go, and it will give you LEGS up on most of your competitors come show time.
Thanks @Hyde, it has been a challenge for sure.

Here is a workout dump of recent training.

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Hell Yeah!
Right!
Thanks!
Yeah but it will be easier than doing another prep later in the year. I can suck it up for another peak week if I get the chance to do Nationals. My wife is a little bummed, she doesn't know if she will be able to take off and fly up for the 2nd show. If not I will see if my son can go to have someone around for incidentals and support.
Facts, and thanks, I do feel more confident in my chances in Masters since it will be more understandable there to have a little loose skin.

I need to download my workouts and will post them later. I figured I would show the fruits of this massing phase since I was looking at them anyway. We turned the doses up and started adding calories on 11/18/23 @194.4lbs and lowered them to a cruise on 3/18/24 @219. Of course I gained some fat but for 24.6lbs of total gains I think I am looking damn good and added some nice new tissue.

3/23/24 Fasted Weight 219

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I will do a workout dump later, about to go grab some protein and karbolyn to keep me stocked up for those days I have to get my 4rth meal in as an intra drink due to being busy at work and meals being delayed.
Still looking massive, and with abs…..like Hyde said, the abs are the proof that you added the weight the right way.
 
Man quite impressive! Keep up the great work!

also just wanted to point out you hit god status on seated leg curl !
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Man quite impressive! Keep up the great work!

also just wanted to point out you hit god status on seated leg curl !
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LMAO!!! That has got to be both a weight and volume PR!!! That was 105, LOL.
 
Still looking massive, and with abs…..like Hyde said, the abs are the proof that you added the weight the right way.
Thank you Sir! I am pretty happy with the overall gains. Loving having some down weeks, feeling pretty good and happy coach was happy with this check in. No changes this week, just keep doing what I am doing.

@akboom87 What was that drill attachment you used to clean and re-season your grill? I let mine sit a bit too long and need to knock a little yuck off of it. I pulled it out and it was okay to clean up enough to cook that time but it is need of a deep cleaning and being re-seasoned. Just a couple months of not being used is all it takes to have a little something to knock off of those things.
 
Thank you Sir! I am pretty happy with the overall gains. Loving having some down weeks, feeling pretty good and happy coach was happy with this check in. No changes this week, just keep doing what I am doing.

@akboom87 What was that drill attachment you used to clean and re-season your grill? I let mine sit a bit too long and need to knock a little yuck off of it. I pulled it out and it was okay to clean up enough to cook that time but it is need of a deep cleaning and being re-seasoned. Just a couple months of not being used is all it takes to have a little something to knock off of those things.
Well this weekend I re did mine for my yearly re seasoning. This time I used my angle grinder and I got a wire wheel attachment to get most of it then I hit the top with a sanding pad attachment on the grinder don’t remember what grit.

I tried to use a drill the year before with a wire wheel attachment as well, it kinda worked but nothing like the angle grinder. I was all done in 10 minutes.
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This is the wire wheel cup I used
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Looking great bro!! Sorry I've missed out on all the fun trying to keep my headspace right :)

Trying to checkin every couple of weeks though
 
Hell Yeah!
Right!
Thanks!
Yeah but it will be easier than doing another prep later in the year. I can suck it up for another peak week if I get the chance to do Nationals. My wife is a little bummed, she doesn't know if she will be able to take off and fly up for the 2nd show. If not I will see if my son can go to have someone around for incidentals and support.
Facts, and thanks, I do feel more confident in my chances in Masters since it will be more understandable there to have a little loose skin.

I need to download my workouts and will post them later. I figured I would show the fruits of this massing phase since I was looking at them anyway. We turned the doses up and started adding calories on 11/18/23 @194.4lbs and lowered them to a cruise on 3/18/24 @219. Of course I gained some fat but for 24.6lbs of total gains I think I am looking damn good and added some nice new tissue.

3/23/24 Fasted Weight 219

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I will do a workout dump later, about to go grab some protein and karbolyn to keep me stocked up for those days I have to get my 4rth meal in as an intra drink due to being busy at work and meals being delayed.

Lookin pretty freaky there Kleen
 
how has your rest/sleep quality been lately?

She said "Well I have to say, you are just..." then paused like she was looking for the perfect word, and then finally said MASSIVE! She said "I don't know if that is the right word but fit, or muscular just doesn't do it justice. Massive was the only thing that seemed like it captured how big your muscles are. It really is amazing!"

and after you told your wife about these female compliments she said, yes I absolutely agree you sexy beast of a man!
 
Well this weekend I re did mine for my yearly re seasoning. This time I used my angle grinder and I got a wire wheel attachment to get most of it then I hit the top with a sanding pad attachment on the grinder don’t remember what grit.

I tried to use a drill the year before with a wire wheel attachment as well, it kinda worked but nothing like the angle grinder. I was all done in 10 minutes.
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This is the wire wheel cup I used
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Thanks, I will be giving this a shot this weekend. My batteries have all died on my ryobi tools so I have to go get some new batteries.
Looking great bro!! Sorry I've missed out on all the fun trying to keep my headspace right :)

Trying to checkin every couple of weeks though
Thanks, and no need for apologies brother, just happy to have you along for the ride!
Lookin pretty freaky there Kleen
Thank you Sir!
how has your rest/sleep quality been lately?



and after you told your wife about these female compliments she said, yes I absolutely agree you sexy beast of a man!
Sleep has been getting better. Also yes, that is almost exactly what she said!

I have been waking in the 220's this week. I touched on 221 one morning but have been 220.x every other morning. So still adding some weight at the right pace. I am at a place where my abs are pretty visible in the morning and pretty faded by the evening with all the food intake. So currently just looking BIG! I still get compliments when I go to my more commercial gym that I am looking really good, they see me about every other week, so they are a good gauge of how things are looking to those on the outside. I have also been able to hit all of my cardio sessions with the intended intensity the last week so the last week and a half which is great. I am burning over 370 calories per 30 minute session, putting in the work!

Noticing some neck tightness and a bit of referral pain going down into my scapular region on my right side. Not sure of the pendulum squats are causing this or some neck craning during a row or RDL but I am having to kind of really pay attention to this. I may have to limit myself to belt squats and leg press for my main quad movements. I was finally able to do some good leg pressing and got a good increase in overall leg volume this week.

Here are a few sessions from this week.

Chest & Biceps - Monday, Mar 25, 2024 at 4:26pm

Incline Chest Press (Machine)
Set 1: 115 lbs x 9 @ 10 rpe [Failure]
Set 2: 90 lbs x 11 @ 10 rpe [Failure]
Set 3: 90 lbs x 4 @ 10 rpe [Drop]

Iso-Lateral Chest Press (Machine)
Set 1: 85 lbs x 10 @ 7.5 rpe
Set 2: 85 lbs x 10 @ 8.5 rpe
Set 3: 85 lbs x 8 @ 10 rpe [Failure]
Drop Set 4: 60 lbs x 5 @ 10 rpe [Drop]
Drop Set 5: 35 lbs x 6 @ 10 rpe [Drop]

Bench Press (Cable)
Set 1: 60 lbs x 15 @ 7.5 rpe
Set 2: 70 lbs x 15 @ 8.5 rpe
Set 3: 70 lbs x 14 @ 10 rpe [Failure]

Chest Fly (Machine)
Set 1: 120 lbs x 21 @ 10 rpe
Set 2: 110 lbs x 21 @ 9 rpe
Set 3: 110 lbs x 19 @ 10 rpe [Failure]

Spider Curl (Dumbbell)
Set 1: 30 lbs x 10 @ 8 rpe
Set 2: 30 lbs x 10 @ 9 rpe
Set 3: 30 lbs x 8 @ 10 rpe [Failure]

Bicep Curl (Dumbbell)
Set 1: 20 lbs x 14 @ 10 rpe
Set 2: 20 lbs x 12 @ 10 rpe
Set 3: 20 lbs x 9 @ 10 rpe [Failure]

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Legs - Tuesday, Mar 26, 2024 at 4:43pm

Leg Press (Machine)
Set 1: 470 lbs x 12 @ 7.5 rpe
Set 2: 470 lbs x 15 @ 8.5 rpe
Set 3: 470 lbs x 13 @ 9 rpe
Set 4: 470 lbs x 10 @ 9 rpe
Set 5: 470 lbs x 3 @ 9.5 rpe [Drop]

Pendulum Squat (Machine)
"Very slow, paused"
Set 1: 45 lbs x 10 @ 8.5 rpe
Set 2: 45 lbs x 10 @ 9 rpe

Walking Lunge (Dumbbell)
45x8 @RPE 8
45x8 @RPE 10

Glute Ham Raise
Set 1: 8 reps RPE9.5
Set 2: 10 reps RPE10
Set 3: 10 reps RPE10

Standing Leg Curls
Set 1: 80 lbs x 15 @ 8 rpe
Set 2: 90 lbs x 15 @ 9 rpe
Set 3: 90 lbs x 14 @ 10 rpe [Failure]

Standing Calf Raise
Set 1: 30 reps
Set 2: 30 reps
Set 3: 30 reps

Legs are a bit sore today, definitely feeling much weaker, I could only muster a 330 calorie burn today on the elliptical due to my legs being toasty.
 
solid looking sessions!!

So currently just looking BIG! I still get compliments when I go to my more commercial gym that I am looking really good, they see me about every other week, so they are a good gauge of how things are looking to those on the outside. I have also been able to hit all of my cardio sessions with the intended intensity the last week so the last week and a half which is great. I am burning over 370 calories per 30 minute session, putting in the work!

it's sorta wild to think of the difference in approach you have right now vs 1yr+ ago when you were cutting down etc
 
solid looking sessions!!



it's sorta wild to think of the difference in approach you have right now vs 1yr+ ago when you were cutting down etc
Yeah, I knew when I got started that we would definitely be changing the eating style up quite a bit. Training has gone well but I am breaking down, been hobbling from on ache and pain to the next with the failure training since about a month into it. I do think I would have made the same progress either way with the training I was already doing but for sure the diet has been the biggest factor outside of gear driving progress. That and of course consistency. Being locked in with focus for so long has really benefited me. My training has gradually become a slight bastardization of what he gave me and I have been peppering in the myoreps whenever going to failure did not feel safe. It is a totally different mindset that normal daily training for fun and fitness.

I am getting excited about the idea of starting prep, I am so over the massive amounts of food and am ready to start giving my digestive system a slight break from the onslaught. I am sure after a couple months of cutting I will be over that too, but by then I will be getting lean enough that my own reflection will motivate me to push forward and see where we can take this. Right now though, I can't wait for the drop in calories.

This last week has been rough, I had a guy cut me off and then brake check me end of last week. So I have had to take some time off of lifting because it triggered my lower and midback when I hit his truck. It was bad enough that it had cardio feeling rough too. Yesterday I was able to complete my time on the elliptical with correct effort level but towards the end my lower back started to complain. Today I am feeling a bit better in my midback, yesterday it was so tight that getting into position for pressing was causing some pain, but today it feels a bit better. I am going to try to get in some stimulation just so I don't lose any ground this week. Hoping once I get into the gym and get moving that things will loosen up enough to let me do some real work.

Another even worse thing, someone did a hit and run on my wife Monday, her car is an older car 2008 350z in pristine condition, well it was. Now they are talking about possibly totaling the car, this would be an absolute horrible mess for me. I honestly do not think I can afford to do this competition if all of the sudden we have another car note. Already the $1000 deductible is making things hard as is, but if we have to add an unplanned car note to replace her car that is probably going to force me out of the contest due to simply not having the cash to push through with another 400-500 a month in expenses. I am really hoping they do not total it but the insurance already told us that is very likely what will happen. So I really don't know how things will work out if that becomes the case. I just know I will be so very bummed if that becomes the situation.
 
Yeah, I knew when I got started that we would definitely be changing the eating style up quite a bit. Training has gone well but I am breaking down, been hobbling from on ache and pain to the next with the failure training since about a month into it. I do think I would have made the same progress either way with the training I was already doing but for sure the diet has been the biggest factor outside of gear driving progress. That and of course consistency. Being locked in with focus for so long has really benefited me. My training has gradually become a slight bastardization of what he gave me and I have been peppering in the myoreps whenever going to failure did not feel safe. It is a totally different mindset that normal daily training for fun and fitness.

I am getting excited about the idea of starting prep, I am so over the massive amounts of food and am ready to start giving my digestive system a slight break from the onslaught. I am sure after a couple months of cutting I will be over that too, but by then I will be getting lean enough that my own reflection will motivate me to push forward and see where we can take this. Right now though, I can't wait for the drop in calories.

This last week has been rough, I had a guy cut me off and then brake check me end of last week. So I have had to take some time off of lifting because it triggered my lower and midback when I hit his truck. It was bad enough that it had cardio feeling rough too. Yesterday I was able to complete my time on the elliptical with correct effort level but towards the end my lower back started to complain. Today I am feeling a bit better in my midback, yesterday it was so tight that getting into position for pressing was causing some pain, but today it feels a bit better. I am going to try to get in some stimulation just so I don't lose any ground this week. Hoping once I get into the gym and get moving that things will loosen up enough to let me do some real work.

Another even worse thing, someone did a hit and run on my wife Monday, her car is an older car 2008 350z in pristine condition, well it was. Now they are talking about possibly totaling the car, this would be an absolute horrible mess for me. I honestly do not think I can afford to do this competition if all of the sudden we have another car note. Already the $1000 deductible is making things hard as is, but if we have to add an unplanned car note to replace her car that is probably going to force me out of the contest due to simply not having the cash to push through with another 400-500 a month in expenses. I am really hoping they do not total it but the insurance already told us that is very likely what will happen. So I really don't know how things will work out if that becomes the case. I just know I will be so very bummed if that becomes the situation.
Man that really sucks….first of all that jerk cutting you off, and then your poor wife’s car. Hopefully your back will heal quickly, and they don’t total your wife’s car. That would be messed up if you couldn’t compete because of one bad week of bad luck, but understandable because of finances.
 
Oh snap, hope you're doing OK after this car crash. And your wife too. When it rains it pours sometimes...
I am not too bad just some residual soreness, it didn't help that I was already nursing my lower back though but the midback took the brunt of it and seems to be improving well.
Man that really sucks….first of all that jerk cutting you off, and then your poor wife’s car. Hopefully your back will heal quickly, and they don’t total your wife’s car. That would be messed up if you couldn’t compete because of one bad week of bad luck, but understandable because of finances.
Yeah, and in Texas without video proof or witnesses of brake checking / road rage the person who hit from the back is always at fault. So I had to also eat what little bit of damage there was or risk my insurance going up so much I couldn't afford it. Plus homeboy did not have insurance, it was obvious, considering I had to chase him waiving him down for like 3 miles to get him to stop. Luckily it was bumper to bumper contact but it dented my plastic bumper. It is not crazy noticeable thank goodness. I will get another bumper cover at some point or do a lil bodywork and wrap over it so it isn't visible.

I wasn't already locked into traveling for my nephew's wedding in June and spending some time there in Florida with family then I could probably muster up the money but too many things hitting the budget at once could be the end of this. I am just going to keep on moving forward until I know for sure what the deal is then figure things out when and if that hammer drops. Trying to stay positive here and not let everything overwhelm me too much right now.
 
Trying to wrap my head around the idea of what may happen here. I think if it comes down to it instead of giving up I will probably try to prep myself and just plan on doing one show. I might be able to make that work without the extra expense of a coach but even then I don't really know. I just can't imagine not getting the job done after all of this prep. I hate not knowing what is going on, and still waiting for insurance to send someone out to the house to do a field quote on the repairs. Since there was a wobble which as best i can tell is a bent rim they said it was undriveable but my wife drove it home from downtown so I might just drive it up to the shop we have always used for any bodywork. I already know they work with USAA so it won't be an issue.
 
Trying to wrap my head around the idea of what may happen here. I think if it comes down to it instead of giving up I will probably try to prep myself and just plan on doing one show. I might be able to make that work without the extra expense of a coach but even then I don't really know. I just can't imagine not getting the job done after all of this prep. I hate not knowing what is going on, and still waiting for insurance to send someone out to the house to do a field quote on the repairs. Since there was a wobble which as best i can tell is a bent rim they said it was undriveable but my wife drove it home from downtown so I might just drive it up to the shop we have always used for any bodywork. I already know they work with USAA so it won't be an issue.
That sounds like a good alternative plan, especially after all the blood, sweat, and money that you’ve already invested.
 
I do think I would have made the same progress either way with the training I was already doing but for sure the diet has been the biggest factor outside of gear driving progress.

what % advantage do you think the gear contributes? I remember Arnold in that docu series saying 5%. I mean... maybe he's downplaying what it did for him, but then you watch a guy like @Hyde and I think a person would have to be an idiot to not accredit his massive hard work, thoughtful programming, and huge caloric intake along with the gear for the numbers he has been hitting the past year.

I think the part that is on my mind is you seem to be leaning up, or at least, not getting fatter, despite getting much larger.

Cardio is up, without losing muscle mass
Caloric intake is up, without gaining substantial BF

so it's a fantastic balance you have going here.

when I hit his truck.
I had to chase him waiving him down for like 3 miles to get him to stop.

dude it's the same way here in WA.. you rear end, it's automagically on you. BUT DAMN if the guy just ran away I don't know what I'd do. Not sure how much I'd chase him down in that scenario lol

Now they are talking about possibly totaling the car,

I really hope this has a better outcome for you. My buddy built an Eclipse that he LOVED. It was honestly very fast for an eclipse and he treated it like a '68 camaro. (not my style car, but he loved it). When he got hit, they totaled it out and gave him a check for like $1200 but it would have been much more to replace. He really got royally screwed on that one.
 
that's something that pisses me off about insurance. When my truck got hit by a semi truck, and then drug 20ft while in park, it F'd the transmission. They fixed all the cosmetics but the truck was like 6 months old. I find it highly disappointing that we are required to have insurance but the insurance is not required to truly fix the issue. I had a brand new truck that had never been in a wreck and insurance was required to what... fix a dent in the back quarter panel, replace bumper and replace a wheel. But the issues with a wrecked car can pop up down the road (no pun intended) once those ground off gears start getting into the fluids.
 
That sounds like a good alternative plan, especially after all the blood, sweat, and money that you’ve already invested.
Agreed, hoping it is a non-issue but might be what I end up doing if I can still make that happen. Once we find out what insurance says we will start making plans based on the budget from there.
what % advantage do you think the gear contributes? I remember Arnold in that docu series saying 5%. I mean... maybe he's downplaying what it did for him, but then you watch a guy like @Hyde and I think a person would have to be an idiot to not accredit his massive hard work, thoughtful programming, and huge caloric intake along with the gear for the numbers he has been hitting the past year.

I think the part that is on my mind is you seem to be leaning up, or at least, not getting fatter, despite getting much larger.

Cardio is up, without losing muscle mass
Caloric intake is up, without gaining substantial BF

so it's a fantastic balance you have going here.

I would give it more than 5% but it is also very intertwined with nutrition, training, and rest. So it would be very hard for me to actually assign it a percentage.

While I agree my cardio is better, I have definitely gained a noticeable amount of fat. I still look good but have some love handles and back fat coming back, and far less definition in my arms and legs. I just happen to have really big defined abs so they stay prominent deeper into the fat gain. I would put myself in the 17-20% range right now compared to probably closer to 10%-12% at the leanest point before we turned things around. Not knocking it, I think I have made excellent progress but the last 2-3 weeks I definitely noticed the beginning of softening up more. Most likely has something to do with being on a cruise dose but eating the same calories as when I was on.


dude it's the same way here in WA.. you rear end, it's automagically on you. BUT DAMN if the guy just ran away I don't know what I'd do. Not sure how much I'd chase him down in that scenario lol



I really hope this has a better outcome for you. My buddy built an Eclipse that he LOVED. It was honestly very fast for an eclipse and he treated it like a '68 camaro. (not my style car, but he loved it). When he got hit, they totaled it out and gave him a check for like $1200 but it would have been much more to replace. He really got royally screwed on that one.
Yeah, I just wasn't sure how much damage there was up front. If a lot I was going to do my best to nail him for the road rage incident. However once I saw it i just decided the juice was unlikely worth the squeeze and let it go. I did get the satisfaction of seeing his face once he saw me out of my car and the fear and panic as i approached barking at him that he can't just force his way into a lane without his blinker on. You could tell he just wanted to get right back in his car and leave. Something about that immediate panic and fear in him just made me relax and start to think the situation through more clearly. I told him it was his lucky day, since my car wasn't too bad and I had changed my mind about beating the crap out of him for brake checking me then taking off.
that's something that pisses me off about insurance. When my truck got hit by a semi truck, and then drug 20ft while in park, it F'd the transmission. They fixed all the cosmetics but the truck was like 6 months old. I find it highly disappointing that we are required to have insurance but the insurance is not required to truly fix the issue. I had a brand new truck that had never been in a wreck and insurance was required to what... fix a dent in the back quarter panel, replace bumper and replace a wheel. But the issues with a wrecked car can pop up down the road (no pun intended) once those ground off gears start getting into the fluids.
Yeah, it is frustrating. Honestly once they do the deal to check it out I may try to buy it back from them if they total it but it doesn't have a bunch of issues. I would much rather finance some body work than a replacement car.
 
Something about that immediate panic and fear in him just made me relax and start to think the situation through more clearly. I told him it was his lucky day, since my car wasn't too bad and I had changed my mind about beating the crap out of him for brake checking me then taking off.

yeah I've been rear ended 10 times. I was parked every time, so it's not like I was driving crazy or anything but 7 out of the 10 I took a look and said, meh no big deal. One time I had to get some work repaired on my truck. the next time the gal had smashed the bumper in (again on my truck) so we agreed to just have her cut me a check for repairs and keep insurance out of it, and the third time was the semi truck that clipped my truck and drug it down the road. I went full bore on them cause it was a hit and run out of their own facility so I went straight to the office and hounded them. your situation is so weird, he must have felt like he was in the wrong to let it go like that
 
Sucks to hear of these misfortunes. I am glad you are both not hurt worse!

Have you really considered only buying a car within the amount they total the car for? So if you get $7k for the Z, only buying a used car for $7k, no payments on something nicer. You can find running cars with AC at almost any price range. It’s more a balance of needs vs wants. My car is only worth about 6 grand, but it runs like a top & is quite comfortable, also getting 30+ mpg. It’s not sexy, but I make it look good

what % advantage do you think the gear contributes? I remember Arnold in that docu series saying 5%. I mean... maybe he's downplaying what it did for him, but then you watch a guy like @Hyde and I think a person would have to be an idiot to not accredit his massive hard work, thoughtful programming, and huge caloric intake along with the gear for the numbers he has been hitting the past year.

I think the part that is on my mind is you seem to be leaning up, or at least, not getting fatter, despite getting much larger.

Cardio is up, without losing muscle mass
Caloric intake is up, without gaining substantial BF

so it's a fantastic balance you have going here.

I will let Kleen speak for himself, but I feel it’s not so much a percent advantage kind of thing as an ENABLER. Using steroids takes the governor off, supercharging processes that - when you do the right things, the diet and the requisite training - allow continual and extreme adaptations to eventually take place.

From a strength perspective, guys using steroids tend to lift about 8-15% more than they can without, for the individual. I am on the top end; I get a LOT out of them.
 
I will let Kleen speak for himself, but I feel it’s not so much a percent advantage kind of thing as an ENABLER. Using steroids takes the governor off, supercharging processes that - when you do the right things, the diet and the requisite training - allow continual and extreme adaptations to eventually take place.

From a strength perspective, guys using steroids tend to lift about 8-15% more than they can without, for the individual. I am on the top end; I get a LOT out of them.

That all feels like what I have observed from you. Absolutely no doubt they have a positive contribution but I've watched the grind long enough to know the amount of work and nutritional discipline that has to be done with it.
 
That all feels like what I have observed from you. Absolutely no doubt they have a positive contribution but I've watched the grind long enough to know the amount of work and nutritional discipline that has to be done with it.

Said another way, I have a higher ceiling AND I get a lot more return on my efforts than you will. But I still have to eat (or not eat) the extra food, and expose my body & joints to the greater weights or volumes in training, and live with all of the side effects/stressors that presents. If I only take steroids, they don’t do that much with no other changes, unless I just keep taking more progressively. But that has very real practical limitations (sides and stressors).
 
Sucks to hear of these misfortunes. I am glad you are both not hurt worse!

Have you really considered only buying a car within the amount they total the car for? So if you get $7k for the Z, only buying a used car for $7k, no payments on something nicer. You can find running cars with AC at almost any price range. It’s more a balance of needs vs wants. My car is only worth about 6 grand, but it runs like a top & is quite comfortable, also getting 30+ mpg. It’s not sexy, but I make it look good



I will let Kleen speak for himself, but I feel it’s not so much a percent advantage kind of thing as an ENABLER. Using steroids takes the governor off, supercharging processes that - when you do the right things, the diet and the requisite training - allow continual and extreme adaptations to eventually take place.

From a strength perspective, guys using steroids tend to lift about 8-15% more than they can without, for the individual. I am on the top end; I get a LOT out of them.
I like that explanation calling it an enabler, I couldn't think of how to word it but that was the gist of what I wanted to say.

Honestly on the car thing, if my wife will take my car and I can get myself a beater I would be fine with that. I don't really want to tell my wife she has to drive a beater so I can do my contest or have more room in the budget. I would prefer that she have the better car between the two of us to be perfectly honest. However that is definitely a consideration here and to be honest until you mentioned it the idea of giving her my nicer ride hadn't crossed my mind yet. I know she sometimes get nervous with it being bigger. Unfortunately even though her car was in excellent condition I don't expect the insurance to give top dollar and don't expect to see much more than a couple thousand once they hit us for the deductible. Honestly I haven't spoken to my wife too much about it being totaled because she is emotionally attached to the car and gets visibly upset and teary eyed at the thought of losing it. It was the first car she picked that she really wanted and the first car she got for herself that she paid off so she is just torn up about the idea of losing it. So I will have to broach that topic with her when we get the news and see where we can go from there.
That all feels like what I have observed from you. Absolutely no doubt they have a positive contribution but I've watched the grind long enough to know the amount of work and nutritional discipline that has to be done with it.
Facts, you have to put in the grind if you want the good results. Its like an amplifier, if you put crap music in you will get louder crap music coming out, if you put great music in it you get a concert of wondrous sound on the other end.
Said another way, I have a higher ceiling AND I get a lot more return on my efforts than you will. But I still have to eat (or not eat) the extra food, and expose my body & joints to the greater weights or volumes in training, and live with all of the side effects/stressors that presents. If I only take steroids, they don’t do that much with no other changes, unless I just keep taking more progressively. But that has very real practical limitations (sides and stressors).
Agreed!
 
Dang Chris! That really sucks about the car stuff! Maybe the insurance will be willing to work with you and/or give you the option to not total it! So glad y’all are both okay and they weren’t worse. Just so frustrating for sure though!!
 
How bad off is your wife’s car? I didn’t get a chance to read through all the posts yet but wanted to throw this out there.
If they do total it and pay you off the value, a lot of times you can buy it back for literally nothing. I did this to one of my campers that insurance totaled. Fixed the things that needed it rest was cosmetic. Especially if she was to take your car and you drive it. Just a thought but obviously I don’t know how bad of condition it’s in. I will catch up on all the posts tonight.
 
My car isn’t expensive, but I really don’t consider it a beater. It has some hail damage, but the paint and interior are in truly great shape, no appreciable wear, and everything works as factory. All of it! The exhaust is quiet, it has no rust despite being an IL car, it is clean. It was well cared for by my mother, then later my little sister, before I bought it.

I have had beaters, but this is not that - not even a little bit. You might be surprised by what you can find, especially if she also prefers smaller cars like I do, like the Z.

I don’t want to diminish your scenario - just to give you some hope! The used market has been improving again.
 
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