KLEEN LIVING - A log about Life, Training, and Nutrition.

[Dustin07]

I hear you there, totally understand your approach. I think I've been rear ended something like 11 times now. only twice did any sort of damage. One time was while I was in the process of bagging my silverado to make it a lowrider, the girl smashed my bumper into the quarter panel and asked if she could just "pay" for the damage and not include insurance. I was like absolutely cause insurance is just going to make it look like it did but I'd rather rip that bumper off for a rollpan and I can do the bodywork myself anyways

 

[Hyde]

Sorry to hear about the accident, but glad you had a great visit besides all that drama.

Do not run the EQ with only your TRT test. There’s a good chance it will crash your estrogen taken at similar dosages as test, especially low doses. Beginning my third week now with testosterone dose up at 400mg while using 200mg EQ, and I’ve yet to need an AI. Definitely with more bodyfat than you.

I’m really liking the cycle, feel great, BP is 126/78 in the early afternoon after coffee (pulse 61), solid libido, mood, and strength. Joints are better than TRT as well. Just saying that I would do like 200 test, 100 EQ if you wanted to double your weekly milligrams from TRT and push more collagen synthesis. Keep in mind Test does increase that as well; most anabolics will to a degree I believe. EQ is just the best per mg, followed by deca and primo I think.

 

[gphagan1]

Sorry to hear about the accident, but glad you had a great visit besides all that drama.

Do not run the EQ with only your TRT test. There’s a good chance it will crash your estrogen taken at similar dosages as test, especially low doses. Beginning my third week now with testosterone dose up at 400mg while using 200mg EQ, and I’ve yet to need an AI. Definitely with more bodyfat than you.

I’m really liking the cycle, feel great, BP is 126/78 in the early afternoon after coffee (pulse 61), solid libido, mood, and strength. Joints are better than TRT as well. Just saying that I would do like 200 test, 100 EQ if you wanted to double your weekly milligrams from TRT and push more collagen synthesis. Keep in mind Test does increase that as well; most anabolics will to a degree I believe. EQ is just the best per mg, followed by deca and primo I think.

Yeah 200 Test/ 100 EQ would be a good little healing and repair cycle. And a nice boost for workouts, yoga, and cardio. Actually I like the sound of that, and just have maybe some Telmisartan on hand and maybe take Nattokinase.

 

[MrKleen73]

I hear you there, totally understand your approach. I think I've been rear ended something like 11 times now. only twice did any sort of damage. One time was while I was in the process of bagging my silverado to make it a lowrider, the girl smashed my bumper into the quarter panel and asked if she could just "pay" for the damage and not include insurance. I was like absolutely cause insurance is just going to make it look like it did but I'd rather rip that bumper off for a rollpan and I can do the bodywork myself anyways

Yeah, I wouldn't have minded that in this situation. Give me the cash please!!!

Sorry to hear about the accident, but glad you had a great visit besides all that drama.

Do not run the EQ with only your TRT test. There’s a good chance it will crash your estrogen taken at similar dosages as test, especially low doses. Beginning my third week now with testosterone dose up at 400mg while using 200mg EQ, and I’ve yet to need an AI. Definitely with more bodyfat than you.

I’m really liking the cycle, feel great, BP is 126/78 in the early afternoon after coffee (pulse 61), solid libido, mood, and strength. Joints are better than TRT as well. Just saying that I would do like 200 test, 100 EQ if you wanted to double your weekly milligrams from TRT and push more collagen synthesis. Keep in mind Test does increase that as well; most anabolics will to a degree I believe. EQ is just the best per mg, followed by deca and primo I think.

Yeah, that makes sense, and while I don't want high estro, I definitely do not want low either.

Yeah 200 Test/ 100 EQ would be a good little healing and repair cycle. And a nice boost for workouts, yoga, and cardio. Actually I like the sound of that, and just have maybe some Telmisartan on hand and maybe take Nattokinase.

Right, I probably wouldn't need to change my daily supports for that. Just keep up, and monitor BP. I wouldn't really expect much in the way of sides from that. Perhaps a donation for HCT if needed.

I fasted 24 hours yesterday and finished the day off with 93/7 meatloaf, and potatoes. I will probably do OMAD today as well.

 

[Dustin07]

Yeah, I wouldn't have minded that in this situation. Give me the cash please!!!

to be fair I had two guys bump me at redlights cause they fell asleep at the wheel lol, all the rest were women. at one point I was so used to women crashing into me that I started telling them there were easier ways to get my number.

 

[Hyde]

Yeah, I wouldn't have minded that in this situation. Give me the cash please!!!

Yeah, that makes sense, and while I don't want high estro, I definitely do not want low either.

Right, I probably wouldn't need to change my daily supports for that. Just keep up, and monitor BP. I wouldn't really expect much in the way of sides from that. Perhaps a donation for HCT if needed.

I fasted 24 hours yesterday and finished the day off with 93/7 meatloaf, and potatoes. I will probably do OMAD today as well.

You would just add the 100mg or whatever EQ to get it going, then after a week or two start bumping your test up to whatever point feels right over a couple weeks so you don’t need an AI but don’t feel dry either.

 

[GreenMachineX]

Sorry to hear about the accident, but glad you had a great visit besides all that drama.

Do not run the EQ with only your TRT test. There’s a good chance it will crash your estrogen taken at similar dosages as test, especially low doses. Beginning my third week now with testosterone dose up at 400mg while using 200mg EQ, and I’ve yet to need an AI. Definitely with more bodyfat than you.

I’m really liking the cycle, feel great, BP is 126/78 in the early afternoon after coffee (pulse 61), solid libido, mood, and strength. Joints are better than TRT as well. Just saying that I would do like 200 test, 100 EQ if you wanted to double your weekly milligrams from TRT and push more collagen synthesis. Keep in mind Test does increase that as well; most anabolics will to a degree I believe. EQ is just the best per mg, followed by deca and primo I think.

Wait, what will crash his e2? I must be missing something.

 

[Hyde]

Wait, what will crash his e2? I must be missing something.

Boldenone Undecylenate - Equipose/EQ

 

[GreenMachineX]

Boldenone Undecylenate - Equipose/EQ

I know y’all have more experience than I, but everything I’ve ever read about EQ says it aromatizes, as opposed to antiaromatase action, especially if on TRT…

 

[SkRaw85]

I know y’all have more experience than I, but everything I’ve ever read about EQ says it aromatizes, as opposed to antiaromatase action, especially if on TRT…

Uh oh now you’ve done it lol!
FWIW, I have to take an AI with EQ (even at lower test dosages) and I know a few others that do as well. For example, 360 test/240 EQ I need to take 12.5mg exem weekly or e2 creeps up fast (confirmed with bloods). Meanwhile some people are crashing estrogen with EQ. I personally wish it did lower for me, like with primo.

 

[Hyde]

I know y’all have more experience than I, but everything I’ve ever read about EQ says it aromatizes, as opposed to antiaromatase action, especially if on TRT…

This is absolutely correct.

BUT Bold aromatizes to E1, estrone - not E2 (estradiol). This can be largely inert in the male body.

And it binds much more readily to aromatase enzymes than testosterone, so what can happen for many is that because EQ is hogging more of the aromatase enzymes up, there aren’t enough to significantly convert test to e2.

So, like all steroids, it comes down to individual response. About 5 years ago I used 120/120 test and EQ on a cruise. By week 7 I had dry achey joints, my lipids never recovered, poor libido, I was dry as hell - obvious low e2. But it also was bugging my gyno slightly! Now years later, and also microdosing most of my gear, I am on 400/200 no issues.

The takeaway is start light and do not expect to go 1:1, as it’s rare.

 

[GreenMachineX]

This is absolutely correct.

BUT Bold aromatizes to E1, estrone - not E2 (estradiol). This can be largely inert in the male body.

And it binds much more readily to aromatase enzymes than testosterone, so what can happen for many is that because EQ is hogging more of the aromatase enzymes up, there aren’t enough to significantly convert test to e2.

So, like all steroids, it comes down to individual response. About 5 years ago I used 120/120 test and EQ on a cruise. By week 7 I had dry achey joints, my lipids never recovered, poor libido, I was dry as hell - obvious low e2. But it also was bugging my gyno slightly! Now years later, and also microdosing most of my gear, I am on 400/200 no issues.

The takeaway is start light and do not expect to go 1:1, as it’s rare.

Interesting, so basically, the worst of both worlds .

 

[Dustin07]

@MrKleen73 I saw this and thought of you. I saw it as a compliment, hope you do too lol

 

[Hyde]

Interesting, so basically, the worst of both worlds .

No, just depends on how you respond. For many, EQ will let you handle more testosterone without requiring an AI to also have controlled estrogen, while contributing anabolism/recovery on its own. But response is always individual.

It is a terrible drug if you don’t plan to make a donation at some point though, as its blood-thickening ability per mg is famous. Worse than primo.

 

[MrKleen73]

to be fair I had two guys bump me at redlights cause they fell asleep at the wheel lol, all the rest were women. at one point I was so used to women crashing into me that I started telling them there were easier ways to get my number.

LMAO!

You would just add the 100mg or whatever EQ to get it going, then after a week or two start bumping your test up to whatever point feels right over a couple weeks so you don’t need an AI but don’t feel dry either.

Thanks, I added the EQ with my Wednesday shot. I will increase testosterone in the next week or two.

@MrKleen73 I saw this and thought of you. I saw it as a compliment, hope you do too lol

View attachment 257203

WooHoo! I have a bit of all of these. I would definitely say a full on bodyweight like you see at a decent playground, or functional fitness area of a gym is definitely a Level 5 gym for those who can use it properly.

I have to say, getting started on the calisthenics is very humbling. Not the pushups, pullups, lunges and the like, but the other skill work that hits muscles in such a different way that can make you feel so weak. I am sure having scap control issue doesn't help with picking it up, but picking it up should help with the scap control issues. I keep starting and getting humbled quickly on some of that. I know if i can just get it in my head that once I push through these things everything else will start building quickly. However sometimes it feels like I haven't done that much by the end but I am fried from trying so hard. Which makes it feel like an unsuccessful workout.

No, just depends on how you respond. For many, EQ will let you handle more testosterone without requiring an AI to also have controlled estrogen, while contributing anabolism/recovery on its own. But response is always individual.

It is a terrible drug if you don’t plan to make a donation at some point though, as its blood-thickening ability per mg is famous. Worse than primo.

Yeah, the blood thickness is a concern, but I am going to make sure to donate before the end of the year to make some room for more blood, and will likely donate again towards the end of, or just after the run is over.

In the end the I am hoping that this gradually turns into a blast rather than just trying to increase collagen production for healing. Of course that all depends on how my body responds to trying to correct the current issues I am dealing with.

Fasted Weight this morning 207.2 the weight is dropping back off quickly. Of course this weekend the wife and I are celebrating our anniversary, and I think the wife and I might do an overnight trip somewhere and that means enjoying that food. Our actual anniversary is on Monday.

 

[MrKleen73]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention...

I am so sore!!!! That vacation deconditioned me, that and the barbell just seems to cause more soreness than the calisthenics even if I am moving more weight with the calisthenics. Although Pull ups always get my lats.

Tuesday - I did Incline bench, flyes, lever dip machine, DB Upright Rows, and OH Triceps Ext with a triceps bar

Wednesday - I did a total of 35 pull ups of varied grips, for 5 more reps than my last session. Then 3 sets of hanging back shrugs - hanging from the bar working upper and midback. Then added in some curls to finish things off.

I am going to hit lower body tomorrow after a rest day today. My lower back is still a bit crunchy, so I will have to test things out to see

 

[gphagan1]

Happy Anniversary

 

[Dustin07]

Of course this weekend the wife and I are celebrating our anniversary, and I think the wife and I might do an overnight trip somewhere and that means enjoying that food. Our actual anniversary is on Monday.

congrats and happy anniversary homie. for some reason I have it in my head that you guys usually or previously had done your trips like later winter/feb ish for the anniversary. I didn't realize it was right before Christmas. what a double whammy for you

Although Pull ups always get my lats.

dude after yesterdays pull-up effort I had to have my wife drive her knuckles into my right lat just to catch my breath lol. I told her I was glad it was on my right side this time cause if it was on my left side I'd have having a panic attack thinking I was having a cardiac moment the way it pulls all the way across on the pec.

 

[MrKleen73]

Happy Anniversary

Thx! It is actually today, we prefer to take a weekend trip but had a graduation party Saturday so just did an overnight one Saturday night then did some date stuff all day yesterday. We will continue today, this is the first year in our 23 years we weren't able to take our anniversary off. We are bit upset about that but I will get into it shortly. Anyway, Saturday we went to our party then left to get to Galveston, ended up going to a taqueria we found on one of our last trips that makes some killer food! Then we went somewhere for a couple hours to watch a 60-80's classic rock cover band. They were pretty good. Then we went back to the AirBnB and finished the night out in the private hot tub next to the firepit. Sunday we woke up and went to a local spot known for good breakfast in "The Strand" area of Galveston, it is the more walkable area with lots of shops restaurants, and bars. The special was Filet Mignon, Shrimp and Grits, and boy was it good!

congrats and happy anniversary homie. for some reason I have it in my head that you guys usually or previously had done your trips like later winter/feb ish for the anniversary. I didn't realize it was right before Christmas. what a double whammy for you


dude after yesterdays pull-up effort I had to have my wife drive her knuckles into my right lat just to catch my breath lol. I told her I was glad it was on my right side this time cause if it was on my left side I'd have having a panic attack thinking I was having a cardiac moment the way it pulls all the way across on the pec.

Yeah, December is BRUTAL for me... Anniversary, Christmas, and Jo's birthday on the 29th. I feel like I go into the new year in debt every year. LOL

Ouch, that sounds miserable. I have been dealing with a little bit of that pec tightness from pulling on occasion too.

Okay so a little more about Jo's work situation because I am really hoping she gets to turn in a BIG FU to her office today.

Her Office Administrator that took over about 18 months ago is really growing into a micro-manager and messing with morale for the entire office. Jo is the senior for her position in the office and her boss tends to have one set of rules for everyone else and one set of harsher rules for Jo. Because Jo knows more about the whole office than everyone she won't let her off if anyone else is out. So she basically gets punished for being the go to person. However, she will let others off while there are others out. She refused Jo our anniversary day off even though there were people in to cover.

Well, the fun part is Jo has been interviewing elsewhere the last 2 weeks and did her final interview Friday. When she was leaving the office the OA told the receptionist, "JoAnn will be back at the first of the year!" We were hoping she would get the actual offer Friday so she could put in her 2 weeks and take today off, but it didn't happen. So now hoping she gets the offer today and she can go in and drop her 2 weeks notice on her boss's desk! She has every intention of letting the firm know she is leaving specifically due to this ladies personality, and management style. All the staff is looking for other positions, but Jo was lucky enough to have someone who could refer her to one of the few places hiring here at the end of the year.

I don't know what I am weighing but I imagine I am close to where i was at the beginning of last week. I decided weighing wasn't important since Jo and I are still going to lunch, and dinner today. Just because we couldn't do the trip doesn't mean we can't celebrate the whole time. We treat our anniversary more important than birthdays, Christmas, or any other holiday really. I mean it is probably the most important date of our lives. It was the beginning of our promise to each other that created everything that is our life now.

So, we will likely go to Benihana for lunch, and then go get some Italian or something tonight. Then the diet will be back on. To be honest, I wasn't expecting a lunch today, but my wife told me she wanted it since she felt bad we couldn't take the day off because of her work.

 

[Segansational]

Good luck to her on the new position, hoping she gets it and can coast comfortably into the New Year!

 

[Dustin07]

good luck to Jo and Happy Anniversary to you both!!

I'm a sucker for dates with the wife. I love vacations, but a chill date with the wife is sorta like my gym time. just turn off the outside world and enjoy life for a bit.

 

[MrKleen73]

Good luck to her on the new position, hoping she gets it and can coast comfortably into the New Year!

Agreed! I feel pretty confident after the OA saying that to the receptionist, I think it is probably just down to getting the offer together. I just hope it happens soon since it would be nicer if she gets to give a full 2 weeks. Of course this is a useless 2 weeks for her to give, they won't be finding anyone this year.

good luck to Jo and Happy Anniversary to you both!!

I'm a sucker for dates with the wife. I love vacations, but a chill date with the wife is sorta like my gym time. just turn off the outside world and enjoy life for a bit.

Yeah, me too! We aren't quite empty nesters, but the responsibility of taking care of our kids is pretty much done now. So we get to do a little more if we want to. We often forget to take a little time for us outside of this anniversary trip. However, we will definitely be taking a couple more weekend trips this year. Might have to cut into some of our concerts, but we are getting older, and concerts during the week are harder and harder to justify unless taking the day off the next day which limits the number we will go on now anyway. So now, it really has to be someone we truly want to see to justify taking a day of PTO after. I mentioned that to Jo for the last concert. I was like we have left early the last 3 concerts because we wanted to get home for work. So we need to figure out how to make that workout for us a bit better.

 

[gphagan1]

Hopefully Jo gets the new position, and she can tell that manager to take this job and shove it, and you guys have a Happy Anniversary. My wife and I are the same way about our Anniversary. We try to always go on a trip.

 

[SkRaw85]

Best of luck to Jo! That admin sounds like a real C U Next Tuesday, that’s not a healthy environment and to hell with the disrespect! Those kind of jobs just chip years off your life and cardio health.

 

[Dustin07]

Those kind of jobs just chip years off your life and cardio health.

underrated comment here-

 

[Hyde]

A true classic:

 

[MrKleen73]

Hopefully Jo gets the new position, and she can tell that manager to take this job and shove it, and you guys have a Happy Anniversary. My wife and I are the same way about our Anniversary. We try to always go on a trip.

Thanks, like I mentioned I can't think of another day that was more important to the rest of my life than our wedding day. Every good thing since then has hinged upon that moment.

Best of luck to Jo! That admin sounds like a real C U Next Tuesday, that’s not a healthy environment and to hell with the disrespect! Those kind of jobs just chip years off your life and cardio health.

Exactly, we are still waiting to hear something unfortunately. I am not exactly sure what the timeline they are working on is either. They may not need her to start on the 2nd of the year. I am still feeling pretty confident, but the offer letter sure would be nice!

underrated comment here-

Agreed, a negative workplace is very detrimental to a good life.

A true classic:

AMEN, and it was a good movie too!

Things are going pretty good this week, I have been doing an OMAD type of thing so far this week. Just letting some of the extra water and carb weight fall back off of me. Doing plenty of walking and some core work the last 2 days. Going to do some real training today when I get home.

I am getting myself mentally ready to jump into a focused plan, most likely going to try the body weight program I wanted to try earlier this year. I have come to the realization that I am not going to be able to crush anything if I can't lock in and be consistent. So I am just getting myself ready to set a 6 month goal on the calisthenics. I am becoming curious how good I could become if I truly focus on it 3 times a week every week. It is something I really do want to do, but often feel like I am not getting in a good session for my other body parts since the skill parts wear me out before I even get to the strength training. However I know if I can be consistent with the skill and body line work that the other stuff will be much easier as I progress. So I need to just get my ego out of my way, and have enough humility to start, and stick to it instead of letting ego tell me to do something I am better at so I can enjoy it more right now.

The plan I am considering is to just focus on weight loss, PT exercises for injured areas, as well as skill and bodyline work over the next 2 weeks to improve that base. Then move into the full on program at the beginning of the year giving myself a solid 6 months to improve as much as I can. I will do 3 days a week on the main training and try to do Yoga twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I will add some things in for conditioning as I go along.

 

[MrKleen73]

I have been doing a lot of walking this week as well as a lot of bracing work, and using some bands for ankles, and RC work. Getting myself ready to start the full on program at the beginning of the year.

Weight is back down to 206, where it was before our anniversary trip. So a nice recovery on that front. So far it looks like my maintaining between 205-210 for the beginning of the year is going well. Might even get down under 205 depending on how things unfold.

 

[GreenMachineX]

I have been doing a lot of walking this week as well as a lot of bracing work, and using some bands for ankles, and RC work. Getting myself ready to start the full on program at the beginning of the year.

Weight is back down to 206, where it was before our anniversary trip. So a nice recovery on that front. So far it looks like my maintaining between 205-210 for the beginning of the year is going well. Might even get down under 205 depending on how things unfold.

What percent BF do you estimate?

 

[MrKleen73]

What percent BF do you estimate?

Somewhere around 20% could be a little higher or lower. Not lean, but not quite tubby yet either.

 

[Dustin07]

Somewhere around 20% could be a little higher or lower. Not lean, but not quite tubby yet either.

so just rockin' the standard dad bod then?

 

[MrKleen73]

so just rockin' the standard dad bod then?

View attachment 257356

Yeah pretty much, look at the "Dad-shoulders" on his "Dad-Bod". SHEESH!!!

 

[gphagan1]

Somewhere around 20% could be a little higher or lower. Not lean, but not quite tubby yet either.

Hey, from Thanksgiving to New Years we’re aloud to carry a little more weight…it’s in our contract as men.
Seriously though I think your plan of a body weight training program with yoga will be good for you. You have the genetics to still hold a really good physique, and those types of workouts will help you to actively heal any lingering injuries, and help you to lean into your athleticism. I guess the closest I get to that is beating the crap out of my heavy bag, and all my stretching, which I really love doing both. I also love riding my bike with my Grandson, but even though it’s active and a little cardio, that’s mainly about quality time with him. After all my old butt isn’t going to do the Tour de France anytime soon.

 

[GreenMachineX]

Somewhere around 20% could be a little higher or lower. Not lean, but not quite tubby yet either.

Right on. I did some measurements and put them in Grok…he says about 25% for me…still I’m hoping to stay about 211 into the new year (or 215 tops bloated).

 

[Dustin07]

I’m hoping to stay

I think this is the consensus for a lot of us right now lol. I went from thinking I'd keep making progress right through the holidays to......... well Jan 1 is right around the corner! LOL

 

[MrKleen73]

Hey, from Thanksgiving to New Years we’re aloud to carry a little more weight…it’s in our contract as men.
Seriously though I think your plan of a body weight training program with yoga will be good for you. You have the genetics to still hold a really good physique, and those types of workouts will help you to actively heal any lingering injuries, and help you to lean into your athleticism. I guess the closest I get to that is beating the crap out of my heavy bag, and all my stretching, which I really love doing both. I also love riding my bike with my Grandson, but even though it’s active and a little cardio, that’s mainly about quality time with him. After all my old butt isn’t going to do the Tour de France anytime soon.

Agreed, I a not sweating anything here. I am right n the area I planned to be for the rest of the year. So as long as I don't screw the pooch, and toss in a little fasting things are going to be good. I am not too far out of shape. and activity is going to be much higher in the new year.

Part of the thing with calisthenics is that I have always thought it was cool but it has a steep learning curve since a lot of it is skill based not just moving weight once you get passed the super basic things most people can do. You really have to settle into some humility to learn it coming from being an advanced trainer in bodybuilding style lifting. As far as muscle goes, I have no fears of losing any, I am around 208, and have lifted this year with pretty much 0 consistency on a lowered TRT dose of 120mg weekly and am holding what I have now. So bringing in more consistent resistance training from here only brings a possibility of growth or maintenance even with bodyweight only work. At least that is how I see it. Add to that a 160mg a week increase once I bump my test up to 180 a week next Monday.

Right on. I did some measurements and put them in Grok…he says about 25% for me…still I’m hoping to stay about 211 into the new year (or 215 tops bloated).

Yeah, I am not 100% that I am not touching or close to that. It is kind of hard for me to guess once I get close to 20% it all kind of looks the same until 25ish% Honestly, the exact number doesn't matter too much. The percentage is more than is ideal, but something I am okay with over the next week or so. Then when it comes time to get lean, I really just focus on getting lean enough my gyno does not show through my shirts much at all. That is normally around what i would guess to be 12-15% which by then my abs are actually pretty prominent, but back fat is still noticeably higher. Ideally that will be the range I try to settle into and maintain. I don't think there is any more bulking in my future. So getting leaner, and staying leaner needs to be a focus for me going forward.

I think this is the consensus for a lot of us right now lol. I went from thinking I'd keep making progress right through the holidays to......... well Jan 1 is right around the corner! LOL

Haha, yeah, unless you promised yourself it wouldn't happen there is nothing wrong with a little excess over the holidays. You just have to accept you have to clean it up later if it matters to you.

We are cutting things down to the line this year... I had to order a new auger and control panel for my pellet smoker, water got into the shed and bad things happened. The parts are not all here yet, but the last of them will be here by tomorrow. The auger and guts should be home when I get there today. The new control panel should be here tomorrow. I think it will work without the new control panel and will see how that works out tonight. Then tomorrow if I have time, and the control panel arrives I will put that in. The cool thing is for an extra $13 I got an upgraded control panel that has 2 meat thermometers, and is also wifi/bluetooth capable. Before it was just one twist knob with temperatures, so that is cool!!!

Anyway, if these items don't fix things up I will be taking the food out to my sons and he and I will cook it there and bring it back to the house. I am going to go by Sam's this afternoon to pick up a whole ribeye roast. They have some there that are choice, not PRIME, but ribeye is so marbled anyway, a slow cooked choice roast will be unbelievable. If they have sold out of those I will be getting some whole PRIME tenderloins to smoke instead. Basically going to be dropping about 300-325 on the meat alone. Honestly, I think I may cut me and my son 2 big ass steaks off of it and freeze them for later. If I get the whole roast there will be plenty.

 

[Dustin07]

The cool thing is for an extra $13 I got an upgraded control panel that has 2 meat thermometers, and is also wifi/bluetooth capable. Before it was just one twist knob with temperatures, so that is cool!!!

This is the part about my pellet smoker that I freaking loved. I could drive down to the home depot and still see the temp etc. I think I had a lemon of a smoker personally with some of the issues I had but I told my wife if the engineers who had developed the electronics part of my smoker had also done the rest of it I think it would be have been perfect.

I think I may cut me and my son 2 big ass steaks off of it and freeze them for later. If I get the whole roast there will be plenty.

hell yeah I would! that's my favorite cut of beef right there!!

 

[MrKleen73]

This is the part about my pellet smoker that I freaking loved. I could drive down to the home depot and still see the temp etc. I think I had a lemon of a smoker personally with some of the issues I had but I told my wife if the engineers who had developed the electronics part of my smoker had also done the rest of it I think it would be have been perfect.


hell yeah I would! that's my favorite cut of beef right there!!

Yeah, that will be pretty cool. I may not be able to build much of a bark in it, but I can get a nice smoke ring, and that is 95% of it right there. Plus my son is bringing over some sort of way to increase the smoke a little. Something he bought to make his pellet grill better. He has the top of the line Traeger.

Yeah, I am thinking 2 1.5 inchers off the good end for steaks!!!

 

[Dustin07]

the other thing about traegers that is nice with the digital controlls is I think you can run them a lot lower than an egg style so you have the option of things like beef jerky, smoked fish, etc (and I see a lot of guys doing smoked cheeses in the traeger groups). I am not even sure what the lowest temp is I can run an egg on, I think lowest I've tried is 225 and that is likely too hot still for beef jerky... I'm thinking like 145-165 is likely ideal for jerkey and cheeses but its been a long time since I've done either one...

 

[MrKleen73]

the other thing about traegers that is nice with the digital controlls is I think you can run them a lot lower than an egg style so you have the option of things like beef jerky, smoked fish, etc (and I see a lot of guys doing smoked cheeses in the traeger groups). I am not even sure what the lowest temp is I can run an egg on, I think lowest I've tried is 225 and that is likely too hot still for beef jerky... I'm thinking like 145-165 is likely ideal for jerkey and cheeses but its been a long time since I've done either one...

If you have an air fryer you can make jerky there, at least mine can make it so it says. Of course it won't be smoked so there is that. Bottom line, if it isn't a true smoker, you are settling, it just depends how you are settling.

 

[Dustin07]

If you have an air fryer

you know we've looked at them a lot and used the neighbors a few times but just never pulled the trigger on buying one ourselves largely I think because we just don't have any more space to store it lol. we're like 3/4 empty nest now and I swear we have less storage space now than when the kids lived at home

 

[gphagan1]

Agreed, I a not sweating anything here. I am right n the area I planned to be for the rest of the year. So as long as I don't screw the pooch, and toss in a little fasting things are going to be good. I am not too far out of shape. and activity is going to be much higher in the new year.

Part of the thing with calisthenics is that I have always thought it was cool but it has a steep learning curve since a lot of it is skill based not just moving weight once you get passed the super basic things most people can do. You really have to settle into some humility to learn it coming from being an advanced trainer in bodybuilding style lifting. As far as muscle goes, I have no fears of losing any, I am around 208, and have lifted this year with pretty much 0 consistency on a lowered TRT dose of 120mg weekly and am holding what I have now. So bringing in more consistent resistance training from here only brings a possibility of growth or maintenance even with bodyweight only work. At least that is how I see it. Add to that a 160mg a week increase once I bump my test up to 180 a week next Monday.

Yeah, I am not 100% that I am not touching or close to that. It is kind of hard for me to guess once I get close to 20% it all kind of looks the same until 25ish% Honestly, the exact number doesn't matter too much. The percentage is more than is ideal, but something I am okay with over the next week or so. Then when it comes time to get lean, I really just focus on getting lean enough my gyno does not show through my shirts much at all. That is normally around what i would guess to be 12-15% which by then my abs are actually pretty prominent, but back fat is still noticeably higher. Ideally that will be the range I try to settle into and maintain. I don't think there is any more bulking in my future. So getting leaner, and staying leaner needs to be a focus for me going forward.

Haha, yeah, unless you promised yourself it wouldn't happen there is nothing wrong with a little excess over the holidays. You just have to accept you have to clean it up later if it matters to you.

We are cutting things down to the line this year... I had to order a new auger and control panel for my pellet smoker, water got into the shed and bad things happened. The parts are not all here yet, but the last of them will be here by tomorrow. The auger and guts should be home when I get there today. The new control panel should be here tomorrow. I think it will work without the new control panel and will see how that works out tonight. Then tomorrow if I have time, and the control panel arrives I will put that in. The cool thing is for an extra $13 I got an upgraded control panel that has 2 meat thermometers, and is also wifi/bluetooth capable. Before it was just one twist knob with temperatures, so that is cool!!!

Anyway, if these items don't fix things up I will be taking the food out to my sons and he and I will cook it there and bring it back to the house. I am going to go by Sam's this afternoon to pick up a whole ribeye roast. They have some there that are choice, not PRIME, but ribeye is so marbled anyway, a slow cooked choice roast will be unbelievable. If they have sold out of those I will be getting some whole PRIME tenderloins to smoke instead. Basically going to be dropping about 300-325 on the meat alone. Honestly, I think I may cut me and my son 2 big ass steaks off of it and freeze them for later. If I get the whole roast there will be plenty.

That Ribeye Roast sounds like a plan….they are so good smoked. My wife is cooking a ham and I was gonna put a Turkey on to smoke, but man you got me thinking I need to go down to the meat store and get a Ribeye Roast….ha, just typing that I’ve talked myself into it.

 

[MrKleen73]

you know we've looked at them a lot and used the neighbors a few times but just never pulled the trigger on buying one ourselves largely I think because we just don't have any more space to store it lol. we're like 3/4 empty nest now and I swear we have less storage space now than when the kids lived at home

Yeah, if you don't have a place for them then not always a good idea. We have 2 of them, one is
Ninja® Foodi® 6-in-1 Smart 10-qt. 2-Basket Air Fryer
and the other is the
Ninja® Foodi® Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer with Built in Thermometer

We got the indoor grill when our jumbo foreman grill knockoff died last year. I actually use it to reheat anything that should be crisp, and it does a good job with burgers and wings if not cooking outside. Even dropped a steak in it once and it didn't come out bad. Not an amazing sear, but not a disappointing one considering.

This is their space saving model
Ninja® DoubleStack™ XL 2 Basket 10 QT Air Fryer

My family uses both of them a lot. They are very convenient, and a great way to make things if you are only feeding a couple of people. Plus they are awesome for making things crispy again when reheated. I haven't done the jerky yet, but I keep telling myself I will get to it. LOL

That Ribeye Roast sounds like a plan….they are so good smoked. My wife is cooking a ham and I was gonna put a Turkey on to smoke, but man you got me thinking I need to go down to the meat store and get a Ribeye Roast….ha, just typing that I’ve talked myself into it.

Oh yeah, you can't go wrong with it. It is definitely an upgrade from ham and turkey.

 

[Segansational]

so just rockin' the standard dad bod then?

View attachment 257356

LOL. I recently saw a similar post with a photo of Cbum, saying that is what ladies mean by a dad bod, is that too much to ask? OK, so just to recap, let me just be a professional bodybuilder - in fact, one of the best in the world - and just be a hair into off season mode to have what is considered an "average male body" these days? What kind of expectations are those?? No wonder you have all of these tik tokers on outrageous cycles at a young age if that's what the average female lately thinks is modest effort physique goals.

 

[MrKleen73]

LOL. I recently saw a similar post with a photo of Cbum, saying that is what ladies mean by a dad bod, is that too much to ask? OK, so just to recap, let me just be a professional bodybuilder - in fact, one of the best in the world - and just be a hair into off season mode to have what is considered an "average male body" these days? What kind of expectations are those?? No wonder you have all of these tik tokers on outrageous cycles at a young age if that's what the average female lately thinks is modest effort physique goals.

Well, lets not forget the triple 6's... 6 foot, 6 figures, 6 inches plus... They all think they are 10's now, and that they deserve the world. I laugh when I see some 3 on her best day talking about how a man has to be hot, and make a mil a year for them. As if some rich stud is looking for a 3...

 

[Dustin07]

Wife cooked up some steaks experimentally from our stash last night. shes cautious with ribeyes cause ours are frozen in 2 packs and she's not a ribeye fan but she knows its my favorite. one night she did dice them up for philly cheessteak though and it was amazing. at first I gave her grief for ruining my ribeye, then I tasted it and said we need to do that again! haha

but that experimental top round that she cooked up last night, it was good, just chewy. that was got me thinking about jerky....

I haven't done the jerky yet, but I keep telling myself I will get to it. LOL

LOL. I recently saw a similar post with a photo of Cbum, saying that is what ladies mean by a dad bod, is that too much to ask? OK, so just to recap, let me just be a professional bodybuilder - in fact, one of the best in the world - and just be a hair into off season mode to have what is considered an "average male body" these days? What kind of expectations are those?? No wonder you have all of these tik tokers on outrageous cycles at a young age if that's what the average female lately thinks is modest effort physique goals.

Well, lets not forget the triple 6's... 6 foot, 6 figures, 6 inches plus... They all think they are 10's now, and that they deserve the world. I laugh when I see some 3 on her best day talking about how a man has to be hot, and make a mil a year for them. As if some rich stud is looking for a 3...

So funny dude. Wife and I are thinking of kicking off something Jan 1 to dial in before vacation in May. I'm convinced I need to drop 10 still and tells me "well I'll get this new membership at Orange Theory then weight train with you, I have a lot of work to do. at least you're already ready!" thats my girl, she thinks i'm ready for the beach when I'm convinced I gotta drop at least 10, if not 15. meanwhile, she can't figure out for the life of her why I FAR prefer her at home in her pajamas over her fancy office clothes

 

[Dustin07]

also, I'm a big fan of anything Ninja at this point. they just seem to be high quality. my parents got a simple ninja coffee maker and I swear it makes better tasting drip coffee....

 

[MrKleen73]

also, I'm a big fan of anything Ninja at this point. they just seem to be high quality. my parents got a simple ninja coffee maker and I swear it makes better tasting drip coffee....

Yeah, my woman is the same way with me. Even now, when I am not even close to looking my best she tells me I am sexy, or grabs my butt when she walks by. Of course they like the big thick, but not fat look as much as the abs look. I think part of that is they feel safer the more formidable we look to others, and a lil fluff makes us look a lot thicker.

Agreed, we are a Ninja household. They have a good name and keep to the formula of making high quality products at a reasonable price while making them attractive enough to leave sitting on the counter. I have their blender with all the attachments, the Ninja coffee maker too, and I love it. Outside of it not having an actual steamer, it froths your specialty drinks quite well you just have to nuke the milk ahead of time to get it hot without the steam. I like that it has a rich and classic setting plus individual cup and specialty options for brewing. I am considering their self sharpening knife set next.

 

[Dustin07]

Agreed, we are a Ninja household. They have a good name and keep to the formula of making high quality products at a reasonable price while making them attractive enough to leave sitting on the counter. I have their blender with all the attachments, the Ninja coffee maker too, and I love it. Outside of it not having an actual steamer, it froths your specialty drinks quite well you just have to nuke the milk ahead of time to get it hot without the steam. I like that it has a rich and classic setting plus individual cup and specialty options for brewing. I am considering their self sharpening knife set next.

years ago before my wife and I got married I bought the delonghi (sp?) espresso maker "for the house" kinda for the girls and my wife more than me cause it had that frother and whatnot and I just wanted good shots of coffee. over time it started failing here and there, pumps go out, and you can take it for a repair if you want (I ended up giving it to a co-worker) but aside from the frother attachment and italian name, I'm just convinced its any better than what Ninja or even Nespresso make for quick good coffee!

 

[MrKleen73]

Well I had an eventful evening, my final part showed up last night so I went to work to replace all the guts in my pit boss pellet grill. Well I ran into some rusted out screws that basically kept me from taking the thing apart. Since time was short, and I had a few complaints about my old pit boss I went and got a new one last night so I could cook todays meal. I had to race out to Academy at 10:00PM, got home about 11, then had to do the burn in, and let it cool down before putting up for the night. I got to be about 1:30AM after everything, and got up at 6:15. I started seasoning it first thing this morning.

So, here is my new pellet smoker. I didn't try to get the jack of all trades this time. I got the competition smoker. It has some insulation in the sidewalls making it maintain temp much better. It is also a vertical, but at 400 I could put my hand pretty much anywhere on the outside other than the smoke stack which means it will keep heat in really well too. Especially on colder cooks.

This is the meat after trimming the fat and silverskin we had 2 7.3lb roasts. I was surprised I tried to eyeball halfing them with the different shapes of the ends and was only 1/10th of an ounce off. Talk about a good ee! It has really good marbling for a choice cut of meat.

Here they are all slathered up in a hopefully bark enhancing seasoned coating of spicy mustard, mayo, and a bunch of rub. I did the rub the way I normally do, but say this guy swearing by using mayonoaise to build a better crust. So I used about half of the usual mustard, and added in the3 mayo this time to see what was what. The one on the bottom is going to be a spicy offering. It has a lot of crushed red pepper mixed into the rub, as well as a decent amount of Red Hornet Habanero Hot Sauce. It's not crazy probably about 70,000 on the scoville scale. It is also the chuck end, because... UHM... I cooked it, so I get to pick what end I want to be spicy, the end with all the marbling!!!! Like I said this has pretty darn good marbling for a choice piece of meat all around.

Anyway, Merry Christmas, or Happy Holidays if Christmas ain't your thing.