Yeah exactly….I’m the same way….. I’m a Production Manager and Engineer and I was always strong in math. He was a Maintenance Engineer with the General Motors Plant here in Atlanta, so he was always good with math, but he couldn’t resist the novelty of it.
Yep, I thought I would use it so much then nah, this is pretty inconvenient unless doing long division or something I couldn't do in my head.
Honestly, I would have to look into the specifics of it. I think in that particular case it comes down to frequency. I did very well for a while with 3 full body sessions very similar to that. I did one set to failure, then another set to failure with a drop set. Then a few weeks later I added in a 2nd drop set, and ran that until I was beat up. I built a lot of muscle on those 3 years of training like that. I would train a different movement for each full body session. Then sometimes I would change it up and do a 5x4 on my main lift for the day and then 1 set to failure with a double drop set each workout. So Day 1 would be bench 5x4, then everything else a double drop set only. Then next would be Pull Ups or Dead Lifts 5x4 and everything else 1 double drop set, then finally squats or leg press 4x5 and everything else a double drop set. So tons of volume not required with that level of intensity, but needed more frequent training stimulus. I think doing one solid work set to failure, especially with drop sets, or RP's 3 times a week is plenty to grow. Will it be as efficient for hypertrophy is total volume I am not sure. However, it was not slow enough to make me want to change my approach for 3 years. Normally it was about 6 weeks of the first way followed by 6 weeks of the second approach. I called it "The Kleen Machine" workout. Honestly, I have been considering something like this for this cut since it would stoke the flames pretty well with 3 fast paced full body sessions a week added to cardio. I also imagine it might be a little better on my joints without tons of volume overall.
Yeah I remember back in the day seeing one of Dorian Yates workouts and he would start with a warmup like 75% of his working set weight for 15 reps, and then a second warmup with 80% of working weight for 15 reps, and then two high intensity high TUT sets of 8 - 12 reps, with the last set to failure. So those warmups would definitely be like most people’s working sets and definitely pre-exhaust you.
as I read this another thought I had and always have is also the effect of gear on our various training regiments. Obviously it seems like PEDs allow us to train harder, recover better, etc both mentally and physically but in 2025 I've only had a couple weeks of var, which ended like a month ago, and I feel like i'm on PED's now things are going so well.
I find it hilarious how time and time again new studies that always come out seem to just validate old school stuff guys were already doing in the 60s-90s. But maybe that's the thing about experience, you don't need someone with a case study, 1000 lab rats, and a million dollar grant to tell you what worked and didn't work over the last year if you are in tune with the machine you've built.
www.discoverstrength.com
another thought I have here is that Ronnie is only a few years older than you and can't walk. I say that with sadness in my heart because he always seems like such a geniuine and nice man. But maybe building hypertrophy without squatting 800lbs has it's perks if it means longevity.
Haters wanna hate, lovers wanna love, I don’t even want, none of the above, I want to piss on you
given the option though I'd rather my tricep tear off than have to use a walker... but please God, neither...
You also have to keep in mind the people you are referencing are genetic freaks. Ronnie's genetics were perfect for bodybuilding. He had his genetics tested and of course anabolic traits were extremely high but so was his recovery ability, and other things were pretty much superhuman compared to average people. What broke him would have destroyed your average person. There was also a big difference in the amount of weight lifted between Ronnie and Dorian. Ronnie got that structural damage, I think more to do with the amount of weight he lifted as well as the amount of volume he used. If anything, it might show you the difference between similar levels of intensity but far more volume, and the link between damage, volume, and intensity. Something has to give, they all can't be top priority, the body can't handle it. However, Cutler and the like were also genetic freaks, and these people also had plenty of GH on their side. So anything they went through would be so much worse for your average human not on boatloads of GH. I wouldn't do too much comparison with them, as they might as well be a different species with all of the genetic blessings most high level pro's have.
Don't forget the genetic factor in being able to handle boatloads of gear. Ronnie was notorious for getting zero side effects from anything. On the other side of the fence you have guys like Kevin levrone who was an amazing responder to gear but couldn't handle the side effects for long term
Yessir! I will take it.
Yeah, Kevin Levrone was one of my all time favorites. I think Paul Dillet had the same issue, or at least was known to only use gear leading up into the shows when he was competitive. I was always so impressed by his sheer size, he just looked so massive on stage. I am not sure if that was the reason why, or if he just didn't have that consistency but I know it was talked about a lot. Apparently he was a super responder. Me, I come from a family with degenerative disks, arthritis, and plenty of side effects. Although admittedly, when it comes to building muscle, I am not too bad off at all.
Oh man that’s terrible….poor little guy. I hope it all works out for y’all.
That's terrible man, I'm really sorry. You know I'm a big baby when it comes to animals.
. I really hope everything turns around.
Thanks!Oh man that’s terrible….poor little guy. I hope it all works out for y’all.
Yeah, I remember the money you spent on the stray cat you found. I was really impressed with your willingness to spend all of that without any true attachment to the animal. You Sir, are a rare breed!That's terrible man, I'm really sorry. You know I'm a big baby when it comes to animals.
his arms were insane!
kabukipower.com
Yes, I completely agree. This is the first time we have had to do this and before, it was honestly a non-conversation. Putting the household budget on a backburner for a pet seemed like an irresponsible thing to do for someone in my situation. However, it is those benefits you speak off that was the bigger thing for me here. Like I mentioned this is the first pup my wife has allowed herself to truly love without any reservations since she was a child. Previously the other dogs were pretty much just other family members dogs to her and the one she had before this. Then she got crushed when they passed anyway and felt horrible for not enjoying them as much as she could have when they were alive. So this time she agreed to just let her have her heart. I don't want Jo to lose that, or be scared away from loving a pet like this again. Like you said a lot of benefits to having a dog that you adore and it adores you. So when it came down to it, there really wasn't much of a decision to be made other than me telling her to pull the trigger earlier because I could see Mushie's condition deteriorating. I am not sure if I would have done this for my dog, but he probably only has 2 years of life left due to his breed mix. One of them is an 8-10 year lifespan and the other is 10-12 and he is already almost 9 years old. Plus his surgery would have cost so much more being 135-140lbs compared to 20. yes she is a bit of a fatty, we put her on a diet and I expect after the urine was released considering how much they said was stuck in her bladder she might be down to 18lbs now. So about 2-4lbs left to go to get her to a nice and spry weight.
Yeah, probably so!probably a better solution than vodka or whiskey for a number of reasons, but I have actually done this before with mixed results.
Whiskey & Deadlifts
Are you looking for an excuse to get drunk or abuse alcohol? If yes then go away! This is most definitely not an article for you. Without a doubt the negative long term and short term effects of alcohol are very well documented. Particularly as an athlete, excess and even moderate alcohol use...
I had a big golf thing years ago... like maybe 10 years ago. so there were some drinks and a cigar it was all out boys golf, then I hit the gym after (xfit back then) and I was shocked at how well I was still able to lift and WOD. I don't think I've had a cigar since then, lol. they almost make me puke now days haha.
dude I totally get it and agree across the board. When I first moved in with my wife they had another dog, a beagle, worst dog ever, lol. He was out in the woods one day when I was out with him and the older german sheperd and went off on a scent. then he let out a loud yelp and we never saw him again. the GSD went after him, then came flying back to the house panting like he was going to have a heart attack, almost foaming. To this day I think the beagle was taken by a cougar as there have been a lot of sightings in our area. at the very least, it could have been a big buck, but I think cougar. When he died, none of the girls really shed a tear. But when Roxy died my wife lost it for a few days. these dogs really get into your heart. But with the dogs and the fish tank, I try to take the time to let them decompress me and be very intentional in how I recognize that the relationship is good for our own health as well. We invest so much in supplements, gym fees, good food etc, and I think when I spin it like that, it helps me justify the expense of keeping our animals healthy.
ha yeah sometimes a legit bro sesh can be fun. not going to be optimal every time for training but its funny how much weight you can move when you have that different garage and bbq mindset!
some day when finances align I can't wait to get back into hot rodding!!
For sure, and the comradery makes for a great session too.
Glad she came through the surgery good. Sounds like we all love animals around here. One of my female Akitas jumped the fence a few years ago and sliced her belly open. My wife came in the house scared to death and I went out with a towel and literally had to put part of her intestines back in the hole and wrap her up tight in the towel and we went straight to the Emergency Vet. After a $5000 surgery she pulled through and was fine. She was already 10 but I didn’t have the heart to have the vet put her down. She lived 2 more years and stayed happy and healthy, but I would do it all over again. Our dogs are like our kids. We have loved and lost lots of pets over the years, mostly to just old age, but probably the worst thing was our last male Akita got bit by a Copperhead and died last Summer. I found him in the back yard with his face and neck all swollen and the dead snake next to him, but he died on the way to the vet. That was rough
Wow that’s a lot of horsepower and torque for a Genesis V6. I bet it launches like a rocket, and he has a blast with it.When we originally took Mushie in for her infection the vet came back with the bad news and said this one is going to be a doozy. Of course it would happen to the Tucker family. That has just been how our luck has gone the last several years. We had 2 dogs pass unexpectedly, one from heat exposure, she got out of the gate and we couldn't find her. Then we found her passed away on our front porch a couple of hours later. She apparently made it back to the front door but no one was there because we were out looking for her. Then we had another (her mother) that had a crushed trachea from forcing herself up into Wraith's elevated food bowl resting her bodyweight on her neck to hold herself up to eat his food. She was having some breathing issues occasionally, and we had her on meds for that and lupus, but she was doing okay. One day my wife was working at home and she came in from outside, came up and kissed Jo and laid down beside her like she was going to take a nap, and just passed away right there laying at Jo's feet.
For sure, and the comradery makes for a great session too.
Right, I have so many things I would actually like to do with my car, but I have stopped upgrading for performance unless something needs replaced and the difference in cost is reasonable enough to justify it. Like the coilovers were only about 400 more overall than the struts for parts and honestly a little less labor since they were able to just remove the entire strut assembly instead of removing parts one at a time. I never did get the meth installed because I already had so much power I was breaking motor mounts when it shifted into 2nd gear. I still have the parts, but not going to do that until I know everything is good to go with the current power level. Also my son is actually tuning cars now on top of everything else this kid does. So next change I have done will likely be us installing the meth, and him lowering the % of torque allowed on the shift from 1st to 2nd gear. With good tires on there it just snaps the mounts, before the really good tires it would just spin right through 2nd gear so it wasn't as bad of a situation. I have also come to the realization that I am more than likely not going to be able to launch it anymore, and just have my son tune it to be more responsive in the top end. It can already rip all for wheels loose, a it doesn't need more low end power. Damn side mount engines and transmissions just can't handle the torque like a normally mounted motor and transmission.
A big part of why I do keep up with it a little is that it is something me and my son do together regularly. It is a bonding experience that we both love, and enjoy spending time doing together.
On another note, my son, who in no way has tried to save money on his performance stuff just put hybrid turbos on his Genesis G70. He already had the record for highest WHP and torque on a G70 / Stinger at 538 WHP, and like 740 torque at 2300RPM. I am curious how much more he will be getting out of the new turbos. He is working on the tune for it now. I bet he gets a big kick out of the extra boost! It was already a solid 10 second car, and the launches are nothing less than violent. If he punches it from 40 even with radials on it he just starts pinning. That thing is ridiculous, and for being a 4 door midsize luxury sedan with a v6 it is just stupid. Some of the cars he eats for lunch are pretty damn impressive. I don't know if it is obvious, but my son is an exceptional human being. He has my and my Dads intelligence but got his work ethic from his grandfather who could never sit still. Always the entrepreneur, and always hustling. I swear the kid runs off of 4 hours of sleep a day and just keeps moving. He does everything on his own, and if he doesn't know how he just becomes an expert on his own. he built his programming portfolio on his own doing contract work because he refused to work for people who didn't want to pay him his worth. Then took that to his current job and landed a job making over 200,00 a year after bonuses. He is just now about to turn 31. I am not a proud Dad or anything!
Me too, I think a lot of my olde philosophy was based on growing up in poverty, and I am just realizing that isn't the case and I am in a better position than most. We lost a boxer to a copperhead. It was my sons and it crushed him.Glad she came through the surgery good. Sounds like we all love animals around here. One of my female Akitas jumped the fence a few years ago and sliced her belly open. My wife came in the house scared to death and I went out with a towel and literally had to put part of her intestines back in the hole and wrap her up tight in the towel and we went straight to the Emergency Vet. After a $5000 surgery she pulled through and was fine. She was already 10 but I didn’t have the heart to have the vet put her down. She lived 2 more years and stayed happy and healthy, but I would do it all over again. Our dogs are like our kids. We have loved and lost lots of pets over the years, mostly to just old age, but probably the worst thing was our last male Akita got bit by a Copperhead and died last Summer. I found him in the back yard with his face and neck all swollen and the dead snake next to him, but he died on the way to the vet. That was rough
Yea for sure, I think with the new turbos he will be getting over 600 to the wheel. That thing eats!!!!Wow that’s a lot of horsepower and torque for a Genesis V6. I bet it launches like a rocket, and he has a blast with it.
Absolutely, I share my grief now, I believe it takes a strong man to admit vulnerability, and handle emotions well, while still allowing ourselves to feel them. Knowing other strong men feel the same way is going to be freeing in that aspect.
They truly were; all the names mentioned were totally bonkers to me.
There’s been plenty of whistleblowers who accounted the real truth, and Arnold is a verified liar many times over, but don’t confuse his era with the 90s either. Oil/injectable just wasn’t as readily available in Arnold’s time, so there was a lot bigger emphasis on orals earlier on. Arnold himself was quoted as just taking a handful of 5mg Dbol tabs daily before training, not even counting them out. But they might only take a few ccs of oil per week. Later on, the injectable doses really picked up.
for sure, he was pretty open about his manipulation of competition in pumpin iron lol
There was a book in the 90s that talked about the pro bodybuilders steroid use and even listed some of the big boys’ protocols, but I can’t remember the name. But Arnold and a lot of the pros in the 80s definitely lied about their steroid use, and would try and deny what was in that book. I’m sure part of why they denied it was reputation, but by the 90s the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990 placed more than two dozen anabolic steroids into the Controlled Substances Act, and that was a big part of why Ronnie and Jay would deny it when they started back then, because they really were not sure how far the government would take it with such high profile athletes. If they still deny it today, I’m not sure unless they just were sticking to their stories. But looking at them even way back then, not many people would believe they didn’t use steroids back in those days.
LMAO apparently me too, so much I took one unintentionally!I miss naps so much.
So in other words she keeps you going.
So in other words she keeps you going.
remind me, are you having the same back issues when training lower on machines too? You've done this long enough that I have no doubt you know what you can and should / need to do and you're obviously holding onto that lean mass!
Yeah man you know your body, and sometimes you just have to do what your body will allow. But it sounds like you still got a nice recomp going on, losing fat and putting more muscle back on. So that’s the ultimate goal…. it doesn’t matter how you get there.
All I use now are machines for lower body outside of lunges and the like. The Power squat felt good the first time I did it, so I did it again and a couple days later I noticed things worsening a little bit. I wasn't sure if it was the power squat machine, or something from upper body I did the next day. I think perhaps a combo of both, the power squat starting the irritation, and then the upper body work exacerbating it. So now I know that one is off the options list at least for a little while. I would have done leg press but it was in use, and i didn't have the time to wait.
Thanks, I am giving it some hell just trying to make sure I can stay consistently working everything no less than once a week. I have been successful in that thus far. Now to increase the burn, I am happy with my current size and plan on only focusing on keeping the muscle and losing more fat from here on out.Yeah man you know your body, and sometimes you just have to do what your body will allow. But it sounds like you still got a nice recomp going on, losing fat and putting more muscle back on. So that’s the ultimate goal…. it doesn’t matter how you get there.
ironically I think lunges are the thing that hurt my knee the most right now lol. Although I think its just a pulling sensation from other muscle groups getting stimulation.
