DaPack..Fighting Age One Day at a Time

July 21st, 2025 (Monday)

Weight: 200lbs

Session #1
Squats;**SBD Sleeves
2 sets 5 reps 155lbs, 205lbs
2 sets 3 reps 225lbs, 250lbs
2 sets 2 rep 275lbs, 295lbs
2 sets 1 rep 315lbs, 335lbs

Session #2
Leg Press;
7 sets 13 reps

Leg Curls;
4 sets 13 reps

Leg Ext;
4 sets 13 reps

Been 7 weeks since I did actual squats considering everything happy to get what I did. Since April been rough training and ever weeks seems like something. Thinking right now baseline bench is 275-285 and squats are 345-355. Emailed my doctor again, 3rd time, for labs on my test level so hopefully this time they will approve them. Told them been on TRT for 12 to 13 years and never been a long period, 7 weeks, where I had it tested without outside factors playing a role. Found a local place for $160 but $15 is a lot better.
 
Good luck, I hope it gets better quickly. Definitely worth paying for yourself it they can't push it through the insurance due to time limits the insurance company agrees to in between certain testing.
 
MrKleen73 said:
Good luck, I hope it gets better quickly. Definitely worth paying for yourself it they can't push it through the insurance due to time limits the insurance company agrees to in between certain testing.
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Ulta lab tests you can order anything you like ala carte and have a Quest pull it. Can probably get total and free t for less than $160 I’d think.
 
Hyde said:
Ulta lab tests you can order anything you like ala carte and have a Quest pull it. Can probably get total and free t for less than $160 I’d think.
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Thanks for the help. My doctor finally put the order in for it. Recommend early morning so will have to wait until next Monday but at least will only cost $15 now.
 
July 23rd, 2025 (Wednesday)

Session #1
Deads;**Sumo
2 sets 3 reps 225lbs, 275lbs
4 sets 1 rep 315lbs, 365lbs, 405lbs, 440lbs
1 set 0 reps 475lbs

Session #2
Leg Press;
4 sets 13 reps

Lat Pull Downs;
4 sets 13 reps

Seated Rows;
4 sets 13 reps

Stiff Arm Pull Downs;
4 sets 13 reps

The way 440 moved going to say right now 455 is my max for deads. Hopefully can get back on track and start getting my numbers back up.
 
The gym that puts the best meets on out here is switching to NPL for the next couple instead of USPA. Don't know if all their meets will be NPL but really don't know how I fell about it. Last year 8,000+ completed in USPA compared to 300+. Plus is lots of just their meets to choose from. The list of up coming meets
Screenshot_20250724_071854_Instagram.webp
 
dapack said:
The gym that puts the best meets on out here is switching to NPL for the next couple instead of USPA. Don't know if all their meets will be NPL but really don't know how I fell about it. Last year 8,000+ completed in USPA compared to 300+. Plus is lots of just their meets to choose from. The list of up coming meetsView attachment 253800
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If it’s the same promoters running them, what I’ve found is that’s what makes the experience - that is more important than fed. But if it’s new promoters, it will be a gamble.
 
Hyde said:
If it’s the same promoters running them, what I’ve found is that’s what makes the experience - that is more important than fed. But if it’s new promoters, it will be a gamble.
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Makes sense. They put on the best meets out here hands down. They always run smooth
 
dapack said:
Makes sense. They put on the best meets out here hands down. They always run smooth
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Fed choice is important basically if you want to do Nationals (or Worlds), but otherwise assuming you’re okay with the equipment and lifting standards expected in a fed, the specific promoter and region is much more relevant to finding a good local meet.

How organized they are, do you agree with the judging, is there a good energy, what is the lifter population like, etc.

Sounds like that place probably has it good!
 
July 27th, 2025 (Sunday)

Average Weekly Weight: 199lbs

OHP's;
2 sets 7 reps 75lbs, 95lbs
2 sets 5 reps 110lbs, 125lbs
2 sets 3 reps 135lbs, 145lbs
2 sets 2 reps 155lbs, 160lbs
1 set 1 rep 170lbs

Flat Dbl Press;
7 sets 7 reps
 
July 28th, 2025 (Monday)

Squats;**Front, Cerberus Sleeves
2 sets 5 reps 155lbs, 185lbs
2 sets 3 reps 205lbs, 225lbs
2 sets 2 reps 245lbs, 265lbs
2 sets 1 rep 285lbs, 305lbs

Leg Press;
5 sets 13 reps

Tight on time last 2 days but finally at least got 2 weeks in a row of working out on my main lifts. Went in this morning for blood work for my test levels and I don't know what my doctor ordered but they took 7 vials. They did mention more tests, different tests, for liver and kidney's so maybe that is it. Guess will know in a couple days when I get them back.
 
July 30th, 2025 (Wednesday)

Session #1
Deads**Sumo
1 set 7 reps 225lbs
1 set 5 reps 275lbs
1 set 3 reps 315lbs
1 set 2 reps 365lbs
3 sets 1 rep 405lbs, 425lbs, 455lbs

Incline Press;
1 set 7 reps 135lbs
1 set 5 reps 155lbs
1 set 3 reps 185lbs
1 set 2 reps 205lbs
2 sets 1 rep 225lbs, 235lbs

Session #2
Lat Pull Downs;
4 sets 13 reps

Face Pulls;
4 sets 13 reps

Seated Rows;
4 sets 13 reps

Stiff Arn Pull Downs;
4 sets 13 reps

Leg Press;
5 sets 13 reps
 
August 4th, 2025 (Monday)

Session #1
Squats;**Pause/ Cerberus Sleeves
2 sets 5 reps 155lbs, 185lbs
2 sets 3 reps 205lbs, 225lbs
2 sets 2 reps 245lbs, 260lbs
2 sets 1 rep 275lbs, 290lbs

OHP's;
5 sets 5 reps 95lbs, 105lbs, 115lbs, 125lbs, 135lbs

Flat Dbl Press;
6 sets 7 reps

Session #2
Leg Press;
5 sets 13 reps

Flat Dbl Press;
4 sets 13 reps

Push Downs;
4 sets 13 reps
 
how long have you been off the TRT now?
I really don't know anything about rehabbing low T after many years of the TRT like you've done, but I know that the natty stuff I've used from @sns8778 has been great for symptoms. I can't verify that the T boosting products have "boosted" my testosterone because I haven't tested before and after but a lot of the simple things like his M-Test and alpha gel have definitely given me very alpha/high t feelings/symptoms like strong libido and overall better moods etc.

dapack said:
Might be time to.change genders at the meets. Lol
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lol this cracked me up 😂
 
Dustin07 said:
how long have you been off the TRT now?
I really don't know anything about rehabbing low T after many years of the TRT like you've done, but I know that the natty stuff I've used from @sns8778 has been great for symptoms. I can't verify that the T boosting products have "boosted" my testosterone because I haven't tested before and after but a lot of the simple things like his M-Test and alpha gel have definitely given me very alpha/high t feelings/symptoms like strong libido and overall better moods etc.


lol this cracked me up 😂
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Was 9 weeks I think after stopping and blood draw. Been taking some stuff to help get me to a new norm but don't know if it helps or not. Mood/ energy is definitely lower but use to it now and Libido is gone. Still waiting for more test to determine if I will go back on. Def not matter what will be late September if I do.
 
Why are you doing this to yourself? Get the damn cystatin c and GGT panels yourself from somewhere online; you can get tested in a few days from now at a Quest. You can have accurate measurements of kidney health and liver damage in less than a week for probably under $100, but you’re walking around for months with a limp dick to save $80 on bloodwork?

Testosterone doesn’t damage the liver.
 
And you aren’t going to magically restart at your age, not after years of TRT. Even with tons of pharmaceutical intervention and 6 months of time off, you’d be lucky to be pulling 2-300ng/dl total t.
 
Hyde said:
Why are you doing this to yourself? Get the damn cystatin c and GGT panels yourself from somewhere online; you can get tested in a few days from now at a Quest. You can have accurate measurements of kidney health and liver damage in less than a week for probably under $100, but you’re walking around for months with a limp dick to save $80 on bloodwork?

Testosterone doesn’t damage the liver.
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Will look into that. Doctors always told me being on trt can damage liver and since was high got freaked out. I know moving forward my levels will always suck unless I am on trt. Was waiting for this result just to confirm and the ultrasound on liver. Going on vacation in September and figured when I get back would be good time to jump back on. That is the main reason for wating until then. Did like 8 other blood tests and all came back good. So Def get back on soon
 
Unfortunately that is the exact bloodwork I expected to see after being on TRT for so long. I thought of going to Clomid for TRT a while back, but after really looking into the likelihood of restarting my HPTA it just didn't make sense to put myself or my family through the hormone rollercoaster. I hope you figure things out, because I am with Hyde on this one.

Why wait until after your vacation to start feeling your best? I am confused on that one. If you have a script you can take your stuff with you so why would you want to wait to begin feeling better? It might just be me, but I would want my test high and happy on vacation. You saved for this trip to be the best experience, you gonna cut it short now?
 
MrKleen73 said:
Unfortunately that is the exact bloodwork I expected to see after being on TRT for so long. I thought of going to Clomid for TRT a while back, but after really looking into the likelihood of restarting my HPTA it just didn't make sense to put myself or my family through the hormone rollercoaster. I hope you figure things out, because I am with Hyde on this one.

Why wait until after your vacation to start feeling your best? I am confused on that one. If you have a script you can take your stuff with you so why would you want to wait to begin feeling better? It might just be me, but I would want my test high and happy on vacation. You saved for this trip to be the best experience, you gonna cut it short now?
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True. After reading Hydes post again I agree. Going to start tonight and will get back on 100mgs a week. Really in the end don't think 100mgs a week is doing anything in the gym but out of the gym is the key.
 
dapack said:
True. After reading Hydes post again I agree. Going to start tonight and will get back on 100mgs a week. Really in the end don't think 100mgs a week is doing anything in the gym but out of the gym is the key.
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This is what you need to do - for your actual health, physical and mental.

Physiological levels of testosterone and estrogen are important for cardiovascular, neurological, and optimal emotional health. Plus, while I appreciate having no libido isn’t actually a problem for yourself when you’re in that place, it does ultimately reduce your affection towards your partner, which can undermine your relationship subtly. You still love her just as much, she’s still your queen, but women need to FEEL your attention sometimes too. And that doesn’t happen as much when you could just care less about the intimacy.

I’d agree the difference in low to mid test may not make may not make much of a noticeable difference in the gym now, but the amount of muscle and physical capacity you’d have a year from now would certainly be compromised.
 
Hyde said:
Physiological levels of testosterone and estrogen are important for cardiovascular, neurological, and optimal emotional health. Plus, while I appreciate having no libido isn’t actually a problem for yourself when you’re in that place, it does ultimately reduce your affection towards your partner, which can undermine your relationship subtly. You still love her just as much, she’s still your queen, but women need to FEEL your attention sometimes too. And that doesn’t happen as much when you could just care less about the intimacy.
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I've had this talk with my wife since women are obviously constantly dealing with libido issues and I've even told her that it's probably the shittiest experience to me. I can deal with bouts of depression, anger, etc but having no drive definitely makes me feel like something is missing. I'm fortunate that right now the natty stuff I get from Steve does plenty for me in that department but when people tell me they have no libido I definitely feel for them because it's like the most basic human instinct, imo.
 
Dustin07 said:
I've had this talk with my wife since women are obviously constantly dealing with libido issues and I've even told her that it's probably the shittiest experience to me. I can deal with bouts of depression, anger, etc but having no drive definitely makes me feel like something is missing. I'm fortunate that right now the natty stuff I get from Steve does plenty for me in that department but when people tell me they have no libido I definitely feel for them because it's like the most basic human instinct, imo.
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When you come off into a post cycle time, it’s common with test crashed to have no drive. And if using a SERM, especially Clomid, it can be even worse for some time. It’s really more like apathy, just no interest. More like simply not being thirsty, but our sexuality is also a core component of humanity. So while it may not bother someone very much actually, as it makes things less complicated, it does mess with the way they interact with others & form relationships (or not).
 
Hyde. A lot of what you said makes sense. My wife says l have not been myself in a while. The chantix messed with me and after that stopped trt. So since about mid April with all that. Will be interesting in a couple weeks comparing now to after a few weeks back on trt
 
dapack said:
Hyde. A lot of what you said makes sense. My wife says l have not been myself in a while. The chantix messed with me and after that stopped trt. So since about mid April with all that. Will be interesting in a couple weeks comparing now to after a few weeks back on trt
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Be ready in case you get a surge of libido, or even become more assertive/excitable in daily life. My observation is it’s the changes in androgen levels that can cause this moreso than any particular dose. When you go on or up the dose in general, that’s when to really watch your behavior. But self-awareness usually makes it easy to handle.
 
Hyde said:
Be ready in case you get a surge of libido, or even become more assertive/excitable in daily life. My observation is it’s the changes in androgen levels that can cause this moreso than any particular dose. When you go on or up the dose in general, that’s when to really watch your behavior. But self-awareness usually makes it easy to handle.
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is that typically a temporary swing as the body adjusts or an overall lifestyle improvement once on a permenant dose? I have a buddy close to 70 I've mentioned who has been on TRT for over a decade and I see these traits in him still to this day. I watch him closely cause to me he seems like the poster of a successful TRT administration in later years. especially when he's in a group with same aged men who are not.
 
Dustin07 said:
is that typically a temporary swing as the body adjusts or an overall lifestyle improvement once on a permenant dose? I have a buddy close to 70 I've mentioned who has been on TRT for over a decade and I see these traits in him still to this day. I watch him closely cause to me he seems like the poster of a successful TRT administration in later years. especially when he's in a group with same aged men who are not.
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When you up the dose from what you are used to, that’s when you will be most likely to experience new behavior. Once you have been at a given protocol for some weeks, you tend to get used to it more-so (and also likely developed better coping strategies for your routine interactions).

So if someone is taking a load of gear, they might have a hard time regulating their emotions. But it will be much harder when they first go to that dose vs 6 weeks into it.
 
Hyde said:
When you up the dose from what you are used to, that’s when you will be most likely to experience new behavior. Once you have been at a given protocol for some weeks, you tend to get used to it more-so (and also likely developed better coping strategies for your routine interactions).

So if someone is taking a load of gear, they might have a hard time regulating their emotions. But it will be much harder when they first go to that dose vs 6 weeks into it.
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I agree completely here. It is the initial bumps that have to be monitored. That first week or so is challenging, then things tend to stabilize until you bump the dose again. Smaller jumps aren't too bad, but they all seem to have an adjustment period.
 
Hyde said:
Be ready in case you get a surge of libido, or even become more assertive/excitable in daily life. My observation is it’s the changes in androgen levels that can cause this moreso than any particular dose. When you go on or up the dose in general, that’s when to really watch your behavior. But self-awareness usually makes it easy to handle.
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Doing x2 a week at 50mgs. Def will keep watch on my mood swings.
 
August 10th, 2025 (Sunday)

Session #1
OHP's;
1 set 9 reps 75lbs
1 set 7 reps 95lbs
1 set 5 reps 115lbs
1 set 3 reps 135lbs
1 set 2 reps 145lbs
1 set 1 rep 155lbs

Flat Dbl Press;
7 sets 7 reps

Session #2
Flat Dbl Press;
4 sets 13 reps

Seated Dbl Press;
4 sets 13 reps

Skullies;
4 sets 13 reps

Push Downs;
4 sets 13 reps
 
when you say session 1 and 2, is that like a morning and afternoon lifting session?
are you feeling better with the TRT regiment back in play? the volume looks good from yesterday-
 
Dustin07 said:
when you say session 1 and 2, is that like a morning and afternoon lifting session?
are you feeling better with the TRT regiment back in play? the volume looks good from yesterday-
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A lot depends on the day. Days off sun/mon usually 1st will be 10ish and 2nd around 2ish. Wednesday when I do a double about 45mins in between. So far mood is improving a little and energy.
 
August 13th, 2025 (Wednesday)

Deads;**Sumo
7 sets 3 reps 225lbs, 225lbs, 225lbs, 275lbs, 315lbs, 365lbs, 405lbs

Incline Press;
5 sets 5 reps 135lbs, 150lbs, 165lbs, 185lbs, 200lbs

Lat Pull Downs;
4 sets 11 reps

Seated Rows;
4 sets 13 reps

Straight Arm Pull Downs;
4 sets 13 reps

At least got 2 workouts in for the week. Not happy with strength but with the inconsistency it is to be expected.
 
August 17th, 2025 (Sunday)

Average Weekly Weight: 197lbs

Bench;
1 set 9 reps 170lbs
1 set 7 reps 185lbs
1 set 5 reps 205lbs
1 set 3 reps 225lbs
1 set 2 reps 240lbs
1 set 1 rep 255lbs

Bench;**Pause/ Feet Up
7 sets 7 reps 135lbs

Been since coming out of covid that I have been this weak, though it was a lot worse. At least the one positive is that I can only get stronger from here.
 
Yeah, this is unfortunately to be expected when your test is in the bottom of the bucket. It should rebound quickly. Will be a great time for accumulation while levels are coming back up.
 
Hyde said:
Turns out, men actually do need testosterone to function optimally 🤷‍♂️
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LOL honestly didn't think 100mgs a week would cause this sort of issues. Thought worst case a little dip in numbers, maybe 5% at the most. At least got what I wanted in the end and that was to see how much being on/ off trt really does effect my overall life. Never thought 100mgs would do this much.
 
August 18th, 2025 (Monday)

Squats;**Front/ Cerberus Squats
2 sets 7 reps 115lbs, 115lbs
2 sets 5 reps 125lbs, 135lbs
2 sets 3 reps 145lbs, 155lbs
2 sets 2 reps 160lbs, 165lbs
2 sets 1 rep 175lbs, 185lbs

OHP's;
5 sets 5 reps 95lbs

Wasn't until last few sets left in fronts that I got it down how to hold it. Overall not a bad workout.
 
dapack said:
LOL honestly didn't think 100mgs a week would cause this sort of issues. Thought worst case a little dip in numbers, maybe 5% at the most. At least got what I wanted in the end and that was to see how much being on/ off trt really does effect my overall life. Never thought 100mgs would do this much.
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I don't know a lot about TRT but maybe you are a strong responder in the way that I am to a lot of stuff. I have really felt like I responded strong to pretty much every minor compound I have taken. With the anavar having been my favorite, but even right now I'm only on the entirely natty stack anabolic XT and alpha one and it's night and day different using these two natural supplements vs a few weeks ago when I was taking absolutely nothing...
 
Dustin07 said:
I don't know a lot about TRT but maybe you are a strong responder in the way that I am to a lot of stuff. I have really felt like I responded strong to pretty much every minor compound I have taken. With the anavar having been my favorite, but even right now I'm only on the entirely natty stack anabolic XT and alpha one and it's night and day different using these two natural supplements vs a few weeks ago when I was taking absolutely nothing...
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Maybe that is. Guess it does effect a lot of different things and when combined it is a huge difference.
 
dapack said:
LOL honestly didn't think 100mgs a week would cause this sort of issues. Thought worst case a little dip in numbers, maybe 5% at the most. At least got what I wanted in the end and that was to see how much being on/ off trt really does effect my overall life. Never thought 100mgs would do this much.
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Dustin07 said:
I don't know a lot about TRT but maybe you are a strong responder in the way that I am to a lot of stuff. I have really felt like I responded strong to pretty much every minor compound I have taken. With the anavar having been my favorite, but even right now I'm only on the entirely natty stack anabolic XT and alpha one and it's night and day different using these two natural supplements vs a few weeks ago when I was taking absolutely nothing...
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The reason “only 100mgs” is making such a profound impact here is because it’s correcting a severe deficiency. DaPack is in andropause - he does not make his own testosterone in any sufficient quantity. People can exist on 64oz of fluid/day for a long time in the right scenarios, but if you don’t drink for 3 days at all you’re probably going to die soon.

Furthermore, drinking a gallon per day doesn’t double your health or vitality, but it can certainly improve things somewhat further. Hormones are a bit like that. You can do a lot on a little, but if you have none at all then things can really start to go to hell - and taking more isn’t going to be multiplicative.
 
Hyde said:
The reason “only 100mgs” is making such a profound impact here is because it’s correcting a severe deficiency. DaPack is in andropause - he does not make his own testosterone in any sufficient quantity. People can exist on 64oz of fluid/day for a long time in the right scenarios, but if you don’t drink for 3 days at all you’re probably going to die soon.

Furthermore, drinking a gallon per day doesn’t double your health or vitality, but it can certainly improve things somewhat further. Hormones are a bit like that. You can do a lot on a little, but if you have none at all then things can really start to go to hell - and taking more isn’t going to be multiplicative
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Makes sense like that. When yiu have zero doesn't take a lot to move things in the right direction
 
dapack said:
Makes sense like that. When yiu have zero doesn't take a lot to move things in the right direction
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Yep, when you are at 38, it only takes getting to 76 to 2x, and to get to even 600 that is pretty much 16x what your natural levels are. So yeah, it is going to be a substantial difference.
 
August 20th, 2025 (Wednesday)

Session #1
Deads;**Sumo
4 sets 3 reps 225lbs (DE)
6 sets 2 reps 275lbs, 300lbs, 325lbs, 350lbs, 375lbs, 400lbs

Incline Press;
5 sets 3 reps 135lbs, 155lbs, 170lbs, 185lbs, 200lbs
1 set 2 reps 215lbs

Session #2
Leg Press;
5 sets 9 reps

Lat Pull Downs;
4 sets 13 reps

Face Pulls;
4 sets 13 reps

Seated Rows;
3 sets 13 reps

Stiff Arm Pull Downs;
3 sets 13 reps

Cannot remember the last time 400x2 was actually hard. As long as I stay healthy still planning on doing the meet Dec 6th which would be 10 weeks out after I get back from vacation in Sept. Will be probably one of my worst meets but every meet has it's own storyline to it, so not worried about what may happen.
 
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