The Maximus Pact

[Dustin07]

Thanks for all the encouragement guys! It truly means so much.

You're riding that perfect surf wave right now broski- enjoy it!
When things break you down just remember this experience and how with a little recovery and giving yourself grace it only took a few days to find your groove and start smashing iron again. glad to see you doing so well!

It’s cherry blossom season here

honestly my favorite time of year, I LOVE Spring.

 

[MrKleen73]

It’s cherry blossom season here

It's pretty on the trees but look like a packing peanuts explosion on the ground. LOL

 

[Dustin07]

It's pretty on the trees but look like a packing peanuts explosion on the ground. LOL

we are wrapping up the nastiest part of pollen season here, my buddy calls it a giant tree orgy. the yellow pollen gets over EVERYTHING and can be a PITA to clean lol. I'm one of those that never rakes up the leaves and stuff though I just mow them in and let them compost... not sure if I'm doing myself more favors or harm in that regard lol

 

[MrKleen73]

we are wrapping up the nastiest part of pollen season here, my buddy calls it a giant tree orgy. the yellow pollen gets over EVERYTHING and can be a PITA to clean lol. I'm one of those that never rakes up the leaves and stuff though I just mow them in and let them compost... not sure if I'm doing myself more favors or harm in that regard lol

Well if you have been doing it for a long time and not having issues with grass dying or getting thin, it is probably a non-issue. I think I heard that there are certain trees that as they decay can leave to much of something that makes it harder for things to grow afterwards.

Yep according to Gemini,

Yes, certain trees release chemical compounds through their decomposing leaves—a process known as allelopathy—that can inhibit the growth of other plants. While most leaves act as beneficial mulch, specific types create a harsh environment for understory plants.
Reddit +4
Key Trees with Allelopathic or Slow-Decomposing Leaves:

• Black Walnut: Famous for producing juglone, a chemical that inhibits many plants.
• Oaks: Leaves contain high levels of tannins, causing them to decompose slowly, which can form a thick barrier that suppresses growth.
• Pines/Beeches: Leaves are tough and nutrient-poor, decomposing very slowly, which can limit microbial growth.
  Reddit +2

How They Affect Growth:

• Physical Smothering: Thick, slow-decaying leaves can blanket the ground, preventing sunlight from reaching young seedlings.
• Soil Acidification: Some leaves, like pine needles, can increase soil acidity, which limits which plants can survive there.
• Chemical Inhibition: Compounds in the leaves act as natural herbicides, preventing the germination of competing plants.
  eddit +4

However, for most trees, decomposing leaves are beneficial, adding nutrients and improving soil structure.

 

[Dustin07]

Well if you have been doing it for a long time and not having issues with grass dying or getting thin, it is probably a non-issue. I think I heard that there are certain trees that as they decay can leave to much of something that makes it harder for things to grow afterwards.

Yes, certain trees release chemical compounds through their decomposing leaves—a process known as allelopathy—that can inhibit the growth of other plants. While most leaves act as beneficial mulch, specific types create a harsh environment for understory plants.
Reddit +4
Key Trees with Allelopathic or Slow-Decomposing Leaves:

• Black Walnut: Famous for producing juglone, a chemical that inhibits many plants.
• Oaks: Leaves contain high levels of tannins, causing them to decompose slowly, which can form a thick barrier that suppresses growth.
• Pines/Beeches: Leaves are tough and nutrient-poor, decomposing very slowly, which can limit microbial growth.
  Reddit +2

oh thats interesting, I didn't know that some leaves had chemical compound issues, I did however know that the pine needles do that is a majors struggle in our front yard because a whole row of needled trees line on one side. it really hurts the soil PH and only moss likes to grow there. I've been taking pictures of it and working with Claude though and this year after two lime treatment and one natural fertilizer the grass is coming in thicker and looking the darkest and healthiest green I've ever seen!

 

[Shadowblaze]

Day 128:

It was a good leg day again, it feels nice being back and I’ve been grinding cardio a lot. Which is also great.

Still working through anxiety along with fixing some relationships in my life but it is what it is.

 

[Shadowblaze]

Day 129:

I felt pretty weak today, I’m not sure why honestly. But otherwise it was a good lift.

 

[Shadowblaze]

Day 130:

I was feeling weak both yesterday and today so today I just reduced my volume on the cardio and sprints but kept the rest the same. It was pretty good.

I got a date later so wish me luck.

 

[Hyde]

How’d the date go?

 

[Shadowblaze]

How’d the date go?

Great bro, thanks for asking. We went mini golfing and then went on a walk after

 

[Hyde]

Great bro, thanks for asking. We went mini golfing and then went on a walk after

Sounds perfect

 

[Shadowblaze]

Sounds perfect

Yeah man it’s been great. We were just talking after church for like 4 hours, not even doing anything just talking outside the whole time

 

[MrKleen73]

Yeah man it’s been great. We were just talking after church for like 4 hours, not even doing anything just talking outside the whole time

That's the good stuff right there!!!

 

[Shadowblaze]

Day 131:

I had another lift where the progress wasn’t quite as good as I’d hoped but that’s all good. I think it’s because my gallbladder has been flaring up and I’ve been losing weight because of it, I’m currently 170lbs.

I absolutely grinded the incline treadmill for 20 minutes after my lift too. I’m gonna be sleeping good tonight.

 

[Dustin07]

I had another lift where the progress wasn’t quite as good as I’d hoped but that’s all good.

what do you consider progress? Right now I touch heavy-ish weights in that 90%+ zone occasionally just as a little confidence builder/maintenance until I run another strength cycle but when I ran CUBE I only touched 90% I think one time towards the end of the 6 week run. most the work was done around 70-80% building up. I really enjoyed it. I didn't PR on week 6, missed the goal, but came back fed on week 7 and hit my PR. I'm thinking about running it again late May. This is just the one I had stumbled over:

Cube Predator Bench Program Spreadsheet (2026) - Lift Vault

Brandon Lilly's 6-week Cube Predator bench program: a light and a heavy bench day each week, the week-by-week loading, and a free spreadsheet.

liftvault.com

 

[Shadowblaze]

what do you consider progress? Right now I touch heavy-ish weights in that 90%+ zone occasionally just as a little confidence builder/maintenance until I run another strength cycle but when I ran CUBE I only touched 90% I think one time towards the end of the 6 week run. most the work was done around 70-80% building up. I really enjoyed it. I didn't PR on week 6, missed the goal, but came back fed on week 7 and hit my PR. I'm thinking about running it again late May. This is just the one I had stumbled over:

Cube Predator Bench Program Spreadsheet (2026) - Lift Vault

Brandon Lilly's 6-week Cube Predator bench program: a light and a heavy bench day each week, the week-by-week loading, and a free spreadsheet.

liftvault.com

For me I was just hoping that muscle memory would kick in and I’d progress faster. But it’s like I’m making the gains for the first time.

 

[Dustin07]

But it’s like I’m making the gains for the first time.

check out @GreenMachineX 's log. we all make gains for the first time many times over lol. those newbie gains come back over and over after injuries, illness, etc. enjoy them every time!

 

[Shadowblaze]

Day 132:

I had a good lift today, progressed nicely on most exercises.

I find adductor exercises hurt my spine so I’m taking them out. Since I don’t want adduction and abduction to get out of balance I’ll take abduction out too.
Do you think that adductors and abductors already get trained decently enough during compound leg exercises?

The sun has been out and it’s finally warm again. It’s hovering at about 14-19C during the week and goes up to 26C on the weekend.

 

[Resolve10]

It really depends on your goals and needs, but there are plenty of times when I didn't do anything specific for them (or maybe just some light work during warm ups).

Lots of squats, pulls, and various hard single leg work was plenty for lots of my goals and needs.

 

[Shadowblaze]

Does anyone here have experience with ketotifen? I know it’s a research chem on some sites but to my knowledge it’s also a prescription drug.

I’ve been researching it and want to use it for my long covid. I’ve had long covid for the past 4 years. Some people notice big relief since it’s a H1 antihistamine and a mast cell stabilizers, so it helps with many COVID symptoms.

One big thing it can help with is with POTS, which I got after I got COVID.

 

[Hyde]

Does anyone here have experience with ketotifen? I know it’s a research chem on some sites but to my knowledge it’s also a prescription drug.

I’ve been researching it and want to use it for my long covid. I’ve had long covid for the past 4 years. Some people notice big relief since it’s a H1 antihistamine and a mast cell stabilizers, so it helps with many COVID symptoms.

One big thing it can help with is with POTS, which I got after I got COVID.

Do you supplement with Niacin? There was a study where they found people suffering from Long COVID were deficient in B3 - it seems the virus promotes a deficiency. When they supplemented 1-300mg daily for some months, ideally 2-300mg initially for a while, many symptoms improved or resolved in time.

 

[Hyde]

Quick search shows up to 2,000mg per day was even evaluated, but 5 years ago what I read was 2-300mg working well. And that worked well for myself and a couple coworkers. You just want to give it a couple months to work.

 

[Shadowblaze]

Day 133:

I had a good upper day today, been making steady progress again.

My gym is so hot though lol, sweating so much.

 

[Hyde]

Day 133:

I had a good upper day today, been making steady progress again.

My gym is so hot though lol, sweating so much.

If you aren’t already, make sure to add sodium to your pre/intraworkout fluid. I usually add 1/4tsp table salt to my preWO drink, and 1/2tsp (2 x1/4tsp) to my intra water. This is about 600mg sodium pre and 1,200 intra. In the summer I might raise that total from 1,800 up to 3,600 or so, but it gets quite humid and hot in IL without AC in the gym - I’ll soak 2 shirts through between 6-8am training.

Try taking 1/4tsp prior and 1/4tsp intra to start. Then adjust up/down based on how you feel. But staying better hydrated when sweating a lot will enhance your staying power & pumps by comparison, and help prevent injury/cramping. Not just to muscles, but even the discs in your spine.

 

[Shadowblaze]

Day 134:

Got to the gym later today and just did 45 mins of cardio.

Rn I’m trying to realize that there’s more to life than just lifting, so I also went to mini golfing and hung out with my friends.
I’m preparing for the next big push in my life right now. It’s been rough the past while but I’m planning to start my biologic soon and a few other things for my health, then I can truly focus back on lifting.
In the mean time I’ll still make gains but slower obviously.

 

[Shadowblaze]

Day 135:

I had a pretty good lift today. I’ve still been grinding cardio so today I did 100 floors on the stairmaster.

Progress has slowed down but I’m getting my stuff in order with my health still.

I weighed in at 169 today. First time in the 160s in a while.

 

[Shadowblaze]

Day 136:

I had a pretty good lift today. Same as usual honestly, hit my compounds and isolations and cardio. Not much to speak about this workout, but that’s not always bad

 

[Shadowblaze]

Day 137:

Im still working with doctors to take care of my health with regards to my gallbladder condition, autoimmune condition, mental health and long covid so I’ve taken my foot of the gas in the gym until my body can handle the stress a bit better.

I realized part of the reason why I was getting sick so often is because my immune system was under so much stress from my job and lifting on top of my condition.

I’ve just been trying to maintain mass and size while only going about 3 or 4 days a week now.

 

[GreenMachineX]

Are you doing a HIT style, 1 set to failure, or am I reading your log incorrectly?

 

[Shadowblaze]

Are you doing a HIT style, 1 set to failure, or am I reading your log incorrectly?

Yep, I’ve been doing that low volume style.

 

[GreenMachineX]

Yep, I’ve been doing that low volume style.

Gotcha. Are you enjoying it? Making progress with it?

 

[Shadowblaze]

Gotcha. Are you enjoying it? Making progress with it?

I’m trying to maintain right now until I get my health in check and can push harder again, so the gains haven’t been as good as usual.

When I’m better I’ll give it a proper shot for a good 8-12 weeks and then deload and evaluate my results.

 

[Shadowblaze]

Day 138:

I’ll only be going to the gym 2-3 days a week from now on. Until I can get my health in check.

I changed up my training plan a bit.

 

[akboom87]

Just a check in to see how you are doing man, hope all is well

 

[Shadowblaze]

Just a check in to see how you are doing man, hope all is well

Hey bro, I’m doing alright. I didn’t mean to disappear on you guys.
There’s been quite a lot going on in my life and I haven’t been able to work or train much.
I hope to be back lifting properly soon, I might make a new log when I return and try to put more effort into making good posts. I need to work on my mental health a re evaluate my goals in both life and training.

I truly hope you’re all doing well. It means a lot that you check up bro. Thanks for the support

 

[akboom87]

Hey bro, I’m doing alright. I didn’t mean to disappear on you guys.
There’s been quite a lot going on in my life and I haven’t been able to work or train much.
I hope to be back lifting properly soon, I might make a new log when I return and try to put more effort into making good posts. I need to work on my mental health a re evaluate my goals in both life and training.

I truly hope you’re all doing well. It means a lot that you check up bro. Thanks for the support

No worries on the lifting side sometimes life takes a front seat and that’s what you do. Mental health is a priority so definitely focus on that and find out what works for you brother

 

[Dustin07]

I need to work on my mental health a re evaluate my goals in both life and training.

What are you doing these days for a little peace and R&R if you are taking a short break from training? This is my favorite time of year and you live in my favorite region in the world (ours, lol). you do any fishing this year?

 

[Shadowblaze]

What are you doing these days for a little peace and R&R if you are taking a short break from training? This is my favorite time of year and you live in my favorite region in the world (ours, lol). you do any fishing this year?

I’m not a big fisher personally, but a lot of my friends are.

Though here in BC the fishing is great, we got all the lakes you can ask for

I’ve been going on a lot of walks for my mental health and meditating.

 

[Shadowblaze]

Happy Canada Day yall

I know there’s not many Canadians on here lol but still gonna say it.

 

[sns8778]

Happy Canada Day yall

I know there’s not many Canadians on here lol but still gonna say it.

Happy Canada Day!

 

[Dustin07]

Happy Canada Day yall

I know there’s not many Canadians on here lol but still gonna say it.

Man I thought for sure you guys would be celebrating July 4th with us by now

 

[Shadowblaze]

Hey guys, I feel like I owe an explanation as to why I was gone.

I have been really struggling with my mental health. With anxiety so bad I didn’t leave my house for a few weeks and couldn’t shower for a few days at one point. Anxiety has affected every area of my life and I practically starved myself for a month. I ended up losing all my progress and my bench went back down to 135. I practically constantly had a sense of impending doom.
I believe part of my anxiety is due to MCAS from long COVID.

On another note I have let fitness absolutely consume my life rather than add to it. My time off has helped me realize that.

I’ve come to the realization that I just can’t train and keep gaining with my health issues, it’s a sad truth but it takes a big toll on my body and it just couldn’t keep up.

On top of that I was training in an ego lifting way. For example on my bench press I would always ego lift with leg drive and elbow wraps and I realize that in the long term that sets me up for injury. So I’m completely changing up my program and removing the ego lifting aspect of it to create safer progress in the long term. I’m also gonna stick with my program for longer.

I’ve been playing soccer with my church in a recreational league and it’s a lot of fun but doesn’t consume my life.

I’m still training though, just not as intense as I used to and even got back up to a 205x6 raw bench.

It’s gotten much better but I’m still struggling with my mental health and even leaving the house is hard often but I try to make time for lifting. My mental health has completely changed my life. I’m still unable to work sadly.

If anyone has any advice as well I’d appreciate it. Thanks for taking the time to read and sorry for disappearing on you all.

 

[Hyde]

Sorry to hear things have become so bad in your life.

Without a doubt, my sincerest advice would be to get back to some kind of work/job. This adds stability, routine, forces social interaction and keeps you tethered to reality. All things that could have positive consequences for your anxiety longterm. It also improves sense of self-worth & contribution/belonging to society.

Usually things worth doing are hard. The fact that going outside & facing the world is very difficult should be your indicator of the immense value in that undertaking. A journey of a thousand miles still always begins with a single step.

 

[akboom87]

Sorry to hear that man. Like Hyde said I would think getting some sort of routine wor/job would be a benefit and a step forward. Wish I had some better advice but just don’t have a lot of experience or knowledge around this topic.

 

[gphagan1]

Sorry you’ve been going through all that brother. Like Hyde said getting a job and getting around people will help bring some stability and change your focus. It’s good you’re involved in church. If you don’t have a therapist, you should probably get one, if you are able. And support groups where you can talk through your issues with others that deal with similar challenges. Sometimes, if you have a chemical imbalance the proper medication can help. I do believe doing some kind of fitness can help. And I know this is probably extremely difficult, but when you start to have those negative thoughts, realize it’s a lie, and try to think of as many good things in your life and one step at a time just try to change your thought process. I’ll keep you in my prayers brother.

 

[Dustin07]

I have been really struggling with my mental health. With anxiety so bad I didn’t leave my house for a few weeks and couldn’t shower for a few days at one point. Anxiety has affected every area of my life and I practically starved myself for a month. I ended up losing all my progress and my bench went back down to 135. I practically constantly had a sense of impending doom.

been there enough to now know the difference between anxiety attacks and panic attacks. if you want a full breakdown of my experiences and solutions you can dm me, would be a lot to clutter your log with. but suffice it to say I was at one point locked in my condo for 3 days and an attack would knock me out, like completely passed out for 4+hrs at a time. was miserable. they thinned out over a few years and i'm at a point now that I don't even remember the last time.

Post in thread 'To Infinity.... and Beyond!'

Mar 8, 2016

update
started taking Tribulus about 2 weeks ago. almost immediately started getting shortness of breath, but I did not associate it with the Trib. it would be just a 5 second instance occasionally a few times.

by about the 1 1/2 week point (last thursday) the shortness of breath turned into an all out anxiety attack type thing. I had my brother take me to the ER and they put me on an EKG to check me for a heart attack. my symptoms were very tight painful chest, shortness of breath and that's probably about it, but I was also feeling the adrenaline just shooting through my body...

• Dustin07

On top of that I was training in an ego lifting way. For example on my bench press I would always ego lift with leg drive and elbow wraps and I realize that in the long term that sets me up for injury. So I’m completely changing up my program and removing the ego lifting aspect of it to create safer progress in the long term. I’m also gonna stick with my program for longer.

I’ve been playing soccer with my church in a recreational league and it’s a lot of fun but doesn’t consume my life.

one the one hand, I tend to treat every training session as a competition. everything from pulling on my knee sleeves, lacing my shoes, to putting on my wrist wraps is a ritualistic moment that gets my brain fired up to compete, even if the competition at hand is simply my next working set. I enjoy that build up, personally.

on the other hand, I've many times said something similar to what you just said about soccer. (even though I hate soccer and love Ted Lasso). fitness doesn't have to be hours at the gym and fitness is a lot easier when its an activity you just love to do for the sake of playing like when we were kids and we'd come in for dinner soaked in sweat and mud. we didn't even "earn" the calories we burnt, we just enjoyed it cause it was fun. as adults we 'force' it and its often not 'fun'. if you can find fun/play, then you will build a healthier mind to match your fitness IMO.

 

[sns8778]

Hey guys, I feel like I owe an explanation as to why I was gone.

I have been really struggling with my mental health. With anxiety so bad I didn’t leave my house for a few weeks and couldn’t shower for a few days at one point. Anxiety has affected every area of my life and I practically starved myself for a month. I ended up losing all my progress and my bench went back down to 135. I practically constantly had a sense of impending doom.
I believe part of my anxiety is due to MCAS from long COVID.

On another note I have let fitness absolutely consume my life rather than add to it. My time off has helped me realize that.

I’ve come to the realization that I just can’t train and keep gaining with my health issues, it’s a sad truth but it takes a big toll on my body and it just couldn’t keep up.

On top of that I was training in an ego lifting way. For example on my bench press I would always ego lift with leg drive and elbow wraps and I realize that in the long term that sets me up for injury. So I’m completely changing up my program and removing the ego lifting aspect of it to create safer progress in the long term. I’m also gonna stick with my program for longer.

I’ve been playing soccer with my church in a recreational league and it’s a lot of fun but doesn’t consume my life.

I’m still training though, just not as intense as I used to and even got back up to a 205x6 raw bench.

It’s gotten much better but I’m still struggling with my mental health and even leaving the house is hard often but I try to make time for lifting. My mental health has completely changed my life. I’m still unable to work sadly.

If anyone has any advice as well I’d appreciate it. Thanks for taking the time to read and sorry for disappearing on you all.

I'm sorry to hear that things have been so tough for you.

You said:
On another note I have let fitness absolutely consume my life rather than add to it. My time off has helped me realize that.

^^^ I can absolutely relate to that. I did that when I was younger, and you may have seen me post sometimes that I still try to stay in shape, but not to the extent now that I completely abstain from things that I like. There is no right or wrong with this - for some people, absolute dedication helps them; but for some of us, it becomes too encompassing and adds to our stress levels.

You said:
I’ve come to the realization that I just can’t train and keep gaining with my health issues, it’s a sad truth but it takes a big toll on my body and it just couldn’t keep up.

^^^ I think an important thing here is to note that you have to train in a way that is best for you - not in a way that other people train, but in how you need to train for your issues. You know about my health issues, and I've talked to Hyde about this a lot with my own training that I tend to push too hard and have to have continuous self help talks with myself about not overdoing it because my autoimmune condition flares up so easily.

You said:
On top of that I was training in an ego lifting way. For example on my bench press I would always ego lift with leg drive and elbow wraps and I realize that in the long term that sets me up for injury. So I’m completely changing up my program and removing the ego lifting aspect of it to create safer progress in the long term. I’m also gonna stick with my program for longer.

^^^ I think that is a good idea. I stopped maxing years ago. My definition of strength is the amount of weight that I can lift within the desired rep range. I am all about form, and for me, a 4-0-2 tempo keeps me in check and I make better progress. If you have any questions about that, message me if you want.

You said:
It’s gotten much better but I’m still struggling with my mental health and even leaving the house is hard often but I try to make time for lifting. My mental health has completely changed my life. I’m still unable to work sadly.

^^^ I'm glad that its gotten better, but so sorry that you're going through it.

Send me a message on What's App when you have time. I'm glad to help in any way that I can.

 

[MrKleen73]

I don't have anything to add other than offering support, and recommend therapy if not currently in it. It has really helped me when I needed it. There is no shame in seeing one. Doesn't mean there is something wrong with you, just that you need help getting through something right now.

 

[Shadowblaze]

Just thought I should fill you guys in on how I’m doing. I hope you’ve all been well.

Anxiety is still prevalent in my life, but it’s more moderate now.
I joined my complex’s gardening committee to help keep me busy.

Lifts have been going well. I hit 225x4 on bench with clean form and 295x6 on squat. Still not where I was but I’m getting there.

Does anyone have experiences with MAOIs? I have been considering starting one for anxiety with my doctor.

 

[gphagan1]

Glad you’re still in the gym and keeping busy brother. Just keep on pushing through, you got this.