Kleen - Project 50: Under Construction

Ah Man, I lost an update here. I had a great upper body pull session Friday evening. I had everything type up on my other laptop and thought I had posted it.

Not going to go nuts trying to get the info in but here is the general outline of the session

Arsenal Lat PullDown - 3 works sets 1RIR

Cable Rows - 3 work sets 2RIR

MegaMass Isolateral high Row = 3 work sets 2RIR

Single Arm Stretchers - 1 set 0RIR

Arsenal Side Raise - 3 sets 2RIR

Arsenal Reverse Fly - 3 sets 2 RIR

Incline DB Curls x 3 sets 1 RIR

Db Hammer Curls x 3 sets 1RIR

Rope Triceps Ext - 2 sets 2RIR
- I noticed I was not getting a pump any longer and was sweating profusely so I stopped here instead of doing the final set.

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9/10/23 - Morning Weight 200.4 - Weight dropped down to 200.x since I have been trying to force in calories to keep from losing mass while I can't taste or smell.

Lower Body Session

Leg Press - 640x2RIR x 3 sets

Mega Mass Hack Squats 90x2RIR x 2 sets -
higher reps, the design of this one really puts everything on the quads, very well designed hack squat.

Mega Mass Pendulum Squats 45x2RIR x 3 sets - Such a deep ROM and stretch with these. I really enjoy this machine, and am amazed how little weight is needed.

Belt Squats - 90x2RIR x 1 set - I just didn't have it in me to do anymore. I was gasping for air by the end of my first warm up set. COVID really messed with my ability to get enough oxygen to the muscles and just took it out of me. Between that and the heat in the gym I just couldn't muster anymore energy to keep going on legs.

While recovering I started talking to a powerlifter who helped me get into the belt squat. After some chatting and him trying to talk me into doing a meet next year I tried my hand at the Arsenal Competition bench, it has a nice and wide bench with lots of padding. So I told him I wanted to try benching on them some day and he was like, well how about right now?

So we went over did some with just the bar, then like 8 with 135, we decided to see how 185 felt, was easy as pie and no pain in my subscap. Finally we bumped up to 225 and it moved so damn easy and fast. I did a few singles to see if my shoulder was going to act up and it didn't. So I may be able to add at least some barbell bench back into the rotation. Just going to do it slowly to see if I can't work back into some decent pressing. If I can get to where I can do 5-10 reps here with some good weight I should see some very nice results. Barbell Bench just has a way to it that really pushes my pecs hard, and always gets them seriously worked.

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9/11/23 - Morning Weight 200.2 - I am still maintaining right at 200, keeping weight and food intake up has not been easy with the loss of smell and taste, but I am doing my best. Currently fasting, and will end up going for a walk, or doing some cardio next door at the gym.
Still making good work even with the rona setback, nice work! Good to hear no flare up on the bench too!
 
9/11/23 - 35 minutes on elliptical 315 calories + a 36+ hour fast.

9/12/23 - Morning Weight 199.8 - Uh OH, I am gonna have to borrow some of @Smont's girl clothes. :) I am looking flat and noticeably smaller after fasting yesterday, but also leaner. My abs are not quite as defined as you might expect because my waist shrank a good bit, and my loose skin is trying to catch up. I have a little loose skin from when I got fat for a while when my ex was pregnant with my son. I blew up like a balloon, and my skin never recovered. Starting to get some veins down in my lower abdomen too.

My energy is still on the lower end from COVID but I am looking forward to the gym. I may do some of it at the gym across the street and finish up from the new gym. I want to get started training in the morning but to be honest, I am still a bit beat from COVID and the idea of getting up at 4:00AM to train while I am this tired just doesn't make sense at this point.

I am going to break my fast here in about an hour. Really hoping that I have more of my sense of taste back today just to make things easier. However I couldn't really smell my cologne when I put it on this morning so hopes are not too high there. I assume taste and smell are basically the same issue and will likely recover together. Either way, this morning I am hungry enough to get stuff down just to get the calories in but I would much rather actually enjoy it.
 
I have a little loose skin from when I got fat for a while when my ex was pregnant with my son. I blew up like a balloon, and my skin never recovered.

I mean of course we know age is a thing and people have a million loose skin hacks but it will be interesting to see if the fasting helps. I know that is one thing the fasting for life guys discussed in their podcast, about how of all their clients who lost 50-100lbs+ via fasting did not have to have loose skin surgery, whereas your normal person who starts out quite obese usually does have a ton of extra skin issues (not that you were obese, but you know what I mean)
 
So I just found this trying to get an idea of ideal classic measurements. It does not say classic physique specifically but that it is Weider's Ideal proportion Chart. I am really not far off from most of these measurements. My number came out to 2.94 when I did the calculation. Looking at the chart I am not doing too bad already. Biceps are over, forearm is good, chest is good, waist won't be a problem, hips on point, thighs are a bigger, but will obviously shrink a little as I get a lot leaner. All in all I am not in a bad position at a 13 months out.

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I mean of course we know age is a thing and people have a million loose skin hacks but it will be interesting to see if the fasting helps. I know that is one thing the fasting for life guys discussed in their podcast, about how of all their clients who lost 50-100lbs+ via fasting did not have to have loose skin surgery, whereas your normal person who starts out quite obese usually does have a ton of extra skin issues (not that you were obese, but you know what I mean)
I have a feeling I already missed the boat on that one. I already have the stretch marks. and have had the extra skin since my son was born 29 years ago. I got really good at posing around the loose skin during my prep so it wasn't obvious but yeah, as the waist gets smaller it does become an issue. Now I will be happy if it is somehow a little better, but I don't know that fasting is going to increase my GH levels now at 50 above what they were when I was 36 and taking a lot of GH stimulating supps, I was running double doses of USP Labs PowerFULL throughout the prep. I am not too worried about it. If loose skin takes me out of the running for a 50 and up Masters class it is my physique that is lacking. Then again, I may just do Masters, or even the Open class who knows, it really depends on Money and if there is anyone to compete with in my age class.
 
9/11/23 - 35 minutes on elliptical 315 calories + a 36+ hour fast.

9/12/23 - Morning Weight 199.8 - Uh OH, I am gonna have to borrow some of @Smont's girl clothes. :) I am looking flat and noticeably smaller after fasting yesterday, but also leaner. My abs are not quite as defined as you might expect because my waist shrank a good bit, and my loose skin is trying to catch up. I have a little loose skin from when I got fat for a while when my ex was pregnant with my son. I blew up like a balloon, and my skin never recovered. Starting to get some veins down in my lower abdomen too.

My energy is still on the lower end from COVID but I am looking forward to the gym. I may do some of it at the gym across the street and finish up from the new gym. I want to get started training in the morning but to be honest, I am still a bit beat from COVID and the idea of getting up at 4:00AM to train while I am this tired just doesn't make sense at this point.

I am going to break my fast here in about an hour. Really hoping that I have more of my sense of taste back today just to make things easier. However I couldn't really smell my cologne when I put it on this morning so hopes are not too high there. I assume taste and smell are basically the same issue and will likely recover together. Either way, this morning I am hungry enough to get stuff down just to get the calories in but I would much rather actually enjoy it.
I'm actually full as **** right now lol. I been eating takeout and anadrol for the last 48hrs lol. Last anadrol and I'm heading to get some African Cuisine right now.

Can't be on gear, I just wanted to puff up for a few days on vacation lol, and it worked!

Back to camp on Friday tho
 
So I just found this trying to get an idea of ideal classic measurements. It does not say classic physique specifically but that it is Weider's Ideal proportion Chart. I am really not far off from most of these measurements. My number came out to 2.94 when I did the calculation. Looking at the chart I am not doing too bad already. Biceps are over, forearm is good, chest is good, waist won't be a problem, hips on point, thighs are a bigger, but will obviously shrink a little as I get a lot leaner. All in all I am not in a bad position at a 13 months out.

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I have a feeling I already missed the boat on that one. I already have the stretch marks. and have had the extra skin since my son was born 29 years ago. I got really good at posing around the loose skin during my prep so it wasn't obvious but yeah, as the waist gets smaller it does become an issue. Now I will be happy if it is somehow a little better, but I don't know that fasting is going to increase my GH levels now at 50 above what they were when I was 36 and taking a lot of GH stimulating supps, I was running double doses of USP Labs PowerFULL throughout the prep. I am not too worried about it. If loose skin takes me out of the running for a 50 and up Masters class it is my physique that is lacking. Then again, I may just do Masters, or even the Open class who knows, it really depends on Money and if there is anyone to compete with in my age class.
This chart is cool, I will definitely look at this as we've been chatting about.
 
So I just found this trying to get an idea of ideal classic measurements. It does not say classic physique specifically but that it is Weider's Ideal proportion Chart. I am really not far off from most of these measurements. My number came out to 2.94 when I did the calculation. Looking at the chart I am not doing too bad already. Biceps are over, forearm is good, chest is good, waist won't be a problem, hips on point, thighs are a bigger, but will obviously shrink a little as I get a lot leaner. All in all I am not in a bad position at a 13 months out.

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I have a feeling I already missed the boat on that one. I already have the stretch marks. and have had the extra skin since my son was born 29 years ago. I got really good at posing around the loose skin during my prep so it wasn't obvious but yeah, as the waist gets smaller it does become an issue. Now I will be happy if it is somehow a little better, but I don't know that fasting is going to increase my GH levels now at 50 above what they were when I was 36 and taking a lot of GH stimulating supps, I was running double doses of USP Labs PowerFULL throughout the prep. I am not too worried about it. If loose skin takes me out of the running for a 50 and up Masters class it is my physique that is lacking. Then again, I may just do Masters, or even the Open class who knows, it really depends on Money and if there is anyone to compete with in my age class.
From my understanding the judges don't mark down a little loose skin for the older competition. If you and the guy next to you are identical except you had extra skin and he dosent I'm sure it would go to them but there's not a huge penalty for Masters
 
I'm actually full as **** right now lol. I been eating takeout and anadrol for the last 48hrs lol. Last anadrol and I'm heading to get some African Cuisine right now.

Can't be on gear, I just wanted to puff up for a few days on vacation lol, and it worked!

Back to camp on Friday tho
Sounds like fun! So can I borrow the sun dresses you had to wear last week then?
This chart is cool, I will definitely look at this as we've been chatting about.
Yeah, I thought it was pretty cool.

From my understanding the judges don't mark down a little loose skin for the older competition. If you and the guy next to you are identical except you had extra skin and he dosent I'm sure it would go to them but there's not a huge penalty for Masters
Yeah, I wouldn't think so. Of course that just means I need to be the most impressive in my class. EAZY PEAZY right? ;)
 
Sounds like fun! So can I borrow the sun dresses you had to wear last week then?

Yeah, I thought it was pretty cool.


Yeah, I wouldn't think so. Of course that just means I need to be the most impressive in my class. EAZY PEAZY right? ;)
Lol. I'm behind on your thread but I'm playing catch up right now. Are you dead set on doing a show or is it just up for discussion at the moment
 
Whenever I train at the barbell club I’m often unlocking it, either the first guy showing up that morning sometimes or like last night at 7:45pm going in solo. It has a really distinct pungent smell as I flip the lights on that somehow comforts me - like okay, we’re in the training hall, let’s get moving.
That's kinda like when I open up the boxing gym after hours or early. It's weird being the only person in a big ass gym.
 
So I just found this trying to get an idea of ideal classic measurements. It does not say classic physique specifically but that it is Weider's Ideal proportion Chart. I am really not far off from most of these measurements. My number came out to 2.94 when I did the calculation. Looking at the chart I am not doing too bad already. Biceps are over, forearm is good, chest is good, waist won't be a problem, hips on point, thighs are a bigger, but will obviously shrink a little as I get a lot leaner. All in all I am not in a bad position at a 13 months out.

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That chart is pretty awesome. at round 2.82 I think this is the one chart that makes my arms look big lol. Chest used to be 46 and neck is a 16 1/2 so I'd have to remeasure those but the guideline itself is pretty awesome.
 
Lol. I'm behind on your thread but I'm playing catch up right now. Are you dead set on doing a show or is it just up for discussion at the moment
Oh, I am pretty dead set on it. Only thing that would keep me off stage as of right now is if my gyno just looked too bad. I am not going to be one of those competitors that has bad gyno on stage. Some is kind of expected, but a man with a boob not so much. Honestly at this point, I do not see that being the case. Other than that, injury would be about the only thing to keep me from doing it.
That's kinda like when I open up the boxing gym after hours or early. It's weird being the only person in a big ass gym.
Yeah, the new gym I am training at it big and empty in the mornings and late at night. It is kind of cool and kind of odd having it pretty much to myself. Last 2 times I went in there was only 1 other person when I got there.
That chart is pretty awesome. at round 2.82 I think this is the one chart that makes my arms look big lol. Chest used to be 46 and neck is a 16 1/2 so I'd have to remeasure those but the guideline itself is pretty awesome.
Yeah, it is pretty cool, I don't know if it translates exactly to what one should strive for in Classic but it at a minimum gives you an idea if you are pretty proportionate.
 
Yeah, it is pretty cool, I don't know if it translates exactly to what one should strive for in Classic but it at a minimum gives you an idea if you are pretty proportionate.

it would surely help a person identify maybe weaknesses (genetic, or lack of training) worth doubling down on!
 
it would surely help a person identify maybe weaknesses (genetic, or lack of training) worth doubling down on!
Yeah, according to the reddit thing I got it from apparently it is not for Classic Bodybuilding specifically but what the Weider's considered perfect proportions in "Joe Weider's Bodybuilding System", published in 1988. Which is around the Classic Physique Era of Bodybuilding in the 70's- early 90's.

I just did as much of a workout as I could muster. I am really happy the focus right now is weight loss because I don't know that I can push volume enough right now to drive hypertrophy, but I can damn sure maintain muscle with what I can do.

I had to get my session in across the street, my daughter called me today and she seems to have a leak or something in her cooling system. So instead of training tonight I have to try to figure out if I can see where the water is leaking from or if she just ran it all out. She said the oil change place said they topped everything off but that doesn't mean that they did. I am partially hoping that is all that happened, but also hoping that isn't the case because we will have to find something else.

Upper Push - 4 second negatives, deep paused 2 second stretch, explosive concentric

Flat DB Bench - 65x3 sets 1-2RIR 12, 8, 7
- Nice deep stretch, heaviest dumbbells I have used for bench since coming back.

Assisted Dips - BW-60x3 sets 1RIR 13-9 reps - major stretch in bottom position

DB Super High Incline Press - 45x3 sets 1-2RIR 12, 9, 8

DB Side Laterals (SuperROM) - 10x0RIR x 3 sets


I was running out of time and gas. Wow is it hard to believe how much post COVID BS is kicking my ass. I have about half of my usual training capacity right now. I thought my good upper body session right before the 2nd time I got fever was just from it being upper training, but no, it was just that the 2nd part of the infection really kicked my ass.

If I have time after messing with Sage's car I will hit some more arms, and throw some rear delts into the mix in the garage.
 
the only guy in our office to get the jab (a bunch of them) was the last one to get covid and by far had the worst experience.
I will say when my wife and I had an exposure 4-5 months after we had legit covid, we bailed on a weekend trip with our elderly friends "just in case". we didn't tell anyone why, but we went and did our own thing for the weekend. had minor symptoms for half a day, then felt fine and figured we got our natural boosters.

If I'm going to be around the elderly I admit I'm more cautious but otherwise... for myself and my wife? just a cold.
I'm late to the party, but I'm definitely now in the "just a cold" mentality with covid, but the past couple years has taught us just because someone in the house is sick, doesn't mean we all have to be lol. So we now just kind of limit exposure to whomever is sick, because being sick sucks and life is too busy for it 😆
 
Yeah, I wouldn't call it just a cold anymore, but something like the flu from what I experienced, but only having about half of my anaerobic work capacity after, and the annoying stuff like no taste and low appetite are really causing me some issues with training.

That being said, they are amazing for my weight loss.

9/13/23 - Morning Weight 197.2 - Holy Hell, I am dropping weight quickly right now, down from 198.8 yesterday. Just doing my best to get grub in and surprisingly having a harder time with getting my carbs in. My waist is really slimming down in circumference which is great, but I am so flat you would think I am running full keto. I am probably going to see if i can increase fats more since I am still having such an issue eating solid foods. I am finding a couple things that go down easier so going to try to focus on those while dealing with this.

I did notice I was able to eat some spaghetti decently yesterday, it apparently has some of the things I can taste in it. So I almost even enjoy it. Probably going to make another pot to see if it helps me get more food in. That or make myself a big vat of turkey chili. I can use it for both, chili, and a spicy spaghetti sauce. Chili is great over rice or pasta. This lack of taste and smell just completely sucks.

I am going to do some cardio today, doing the Leg Press this weekend annoyed my back a little. I think I was just holding on to the handles too hard pulling myself down into the seat. The leg press over there the handles are set farther apart, and it just puts things at an odd angle. I will likely replace them with another exercise when there.

We are having some good pizza here for lunch. So I am going to grab at least one peice to see how it tastes, and may have a couple if it actually pleases my taste buds in some way. Other than that I intend to either go outside for a long walk at lunch, or go do some cardio, and abs across the street. I may just go outside, get some natural Vit D production going on.

I am just going to keep leaning out until around the first of October, then estimate current maintenance intake from there and start working my way back up over the winter, maybe a minicut or quick fasts here and there to keep things cleaner while pushing my way back up.
 
Yeah, I wouldn't call it just a cold anymore, but something like the flu from what I experienced, but only having about half of my anaerobic work capacity after, and the annoying stuff like no taste and low appetite are really causing me some issues with training.

That being said, they are amazing for my weight loss.

9/13/23 - Morning Weight 197.2 - Holy Hell, I am dropping weight quickly right now, down from 198.8 yesterday. Just doing my best to get grub in and surprisingly having a harder time with getting my carbs in. My waist is really slimming down in circumference which is great, but I am so flat you would think I am running full keto. I am probably going to see if i can increase fats more since I am still having such an issue eating solid foods. I am finding a couple things that go down easier so going to try to focus on those while dealing with this.

I did notice I was able to eat some spaghetti decently yesterday, it apparently has some of the things I can taste in it. So I almost even enjoy it. Probably going to make another pot to see if it helps me get more food in. That or make myself a big vat of turkey chili. I can use it for both, chili, and a spicy spaghetti sauce. Chili is great over rice or pasta. This lack of taste and smell just completely sucks.

I am going to do some cardio today, doing the Leg Press this weekend annoyed my back a little. I think I was just holding on to the handles too hard pulling myself down into the seat. The leg press over there the handles are set farther apart, and it just puts things at an odd angle. I will likely replace them with another exercise when there.

We are having some good pizza here for lunch. So I am going to grab at least one peice to see how it tastes, and may have a couple if it actually pleases my taste buds in some way. Other than that I intend to either go outside for a long walk at lunch, or go do some cardio, and abs across the street. I may just go outside, get some natural Vit D production going on.

I am just going to keep leaning out until around the first of October, then estimate current maintenance intake from there and start working my way back up over the winter, maybe a minicut or quick fasts here and there to keep things cleaner while pushing my way back up.
Man the weight is falling off! Of course does not help with what you got and loss of taste etc.
 
Man the weight is falling off! Of course does not help with what you got and loss of taste etc.
No doubt, but I am trying to make the best of it. I can't train enough volume right now to support growth anyway so just going to ride the cut until October where I will bump androgens again as I am increasing calories.
 
No doubt, but I am trying to make the best of it. I can't train enough volume right now to support growth anyway so just going to ride the cut until October where I will bump androgens again as I am increasing calories.
How high does your hematocrit and hemoglobin go when you blast, and what does it run on TRT only?
 
How high does your hematocrit and hemoglobin go when you blast, and what does it run on TRT only?
The highest I have ever seen my hematocrit is 52 on cycle, and one when I was just dehydrated. On TRT it normally hangs out around 48, and if I actually make sure to hydrate well it is sometimes lower.

I have actually been looking for this video I got from a "Safer use" website i am on and they have a blood Dr who talks about Secondary Polycythemia and he actually said that high hematocrit levels are not really dangerous. That polycythemia vera is confused with it where all of the clotting factors and everything are increased which causes increases in clotting and makes the blood very thick. However he said that simply is not the case with secondary, that it is only the RBC that goes up and that this is absolutely normal, and happened to people who live at altitudes all the time. That there is no extra risk as long as the other factors are not increasing with it. I don't know how true it was but he made a damn convincing argument.
 
The highest I have ever seen my hematocrit is 52 on cycle, and one when I was just dehydrated. On TRT it normally hangs out around 48, and if I actually make sure to hydrate well it is sometimes lower.

I have actually been looking for this video I got from a "Safer use" website i am on and they have a blood Dr who talks about Secondary Polycythemia and he actually said that high hematocrit levels are not really dangerous. That polycythemia vera is confused with it where all of the clotting factors and everything are increased which causes increases in clotting and makes the blood very thick. However he said that simply is not the case with secondary, that it is only the RBC that goes up and that this is absolutely normal, and happened to people who live at altitudes all the time. That there is no extra risk as long as the other factors are not increasing with it. I don't know how true it was but he made a damn convincing argument.
Yeah, I've heard that argument also and undecided why I want to believe with hct <55, but >55 I definitely believe it's bad. I'm 50-52 with my upper-middle normal free T. It's frustrating.
 
Yeah, I've heard that argument also and undecided why I want to believe with hct <55, but >55 I definitely believe it's bad. I'm 50-52 with my upper-middle normal free T. It's frustrating.
Agreed, if I were over 55, I would be considering donating some blood. I used to donate more often, but then I learned about ferritin levels and now I want to limit it to once or twice a year.

Do you make sure you are hydrated when you go in to do your bloodwork? If you normally do bloodwork fasted make sure you get up and have a big glass of water and maybe even a little salt. HCT is per blood volume and if you are dehydrated even slightly it is going to increase your HCT numbers by a few points minimum. Same with creatinine levels.
 
Agreed, if I were over 55, I would be considering donating some blood. I used to donate more often, but then I learned about ferritin levels and now I want to limit it to once or twice a year.

Do you make sure you are hydrated when you go in to do your bloodwork? If you normally do bloodwork fasted make sure you get up and have a big glass of water and maybe even a little salt. HCT is per blood volume and if you are dehydrated even slightly it is going to increase your HCT numbers by a few points minimum. Same with creatinine levels.
Yeah, always ensure I'm adequately hydrated. Yeah, I've tanked my ferritin to a 7 before too by donating every month for a year 😆 no more of that. My ferritin is 100 now, so I'm going to hold off donating for a while still
 
Kleen you made a big point when everyone was losing their taste & appetite from COVID initially that if it ever happened to you, you would be happy to just let yourself get shredded while it was easy.

Now it aligns with your overall goals. Leaner you get, better you will grow/rebound. Do not spend so much energy or worry trying to force your way upstream - this is a time in life to swim with the current, brother!

Seriously, I have lost my taste/appetite from COVID twice now, and I fully appreciate the struggle. It is a losing battle as is - don’t fear the shred. Salt all your food, as an aside, and consider electrolyte powders for your water. You need to treat sodium a bit more like keto in my experience, since carb & all food intake ends up lower and the body doesn’t want to store/fill well.
 
Yeah, always ensure I'm adequately hydrated. Yeah, I've tanked my ferritin to a 7 before too by donating every month for a year 😆 no more of that. My ferritin is 100 now, so I'm going to hold off donating for a while still
Smart move!
Kleen you made a big point when everyone was losing their taste & appetite from COVID initially that if it ever happened to you, you would be happy to just let yourself get shredded while it was easy.

Now it aligns with your overall goals. Leaner you get, better you will grow/rebound. Do not spend so much energy or worry trying to force your way upstream - this is a time in life to swim with the current, brother!

Seriously, I have lost my taste/appetite from COVID twice now, and I fully appreciate the struggle. It is a losing battle as is - don’t fear the shred. Salt all your food, as an aside, and consider electrolyte powders for your water. You need to treat sodium a bit more like keto in my experience, since carb & all food intake ends up lower and the body doesn’t want to store/fill well.
Yes, I sure did say that! Although, I have to admit it is harder than I actually expected it was going to be though.

Great advice @Hyde, it is hard to get out of your own head when weight drops so fast and you don't feel in control of how your body is reacting to food or training. Thanks for the reminder to just swim with the current, and make the most out of what I have been handed right now. Like you said, once I can switch directions and start to rebound I will have a lot more room to grow and push things before I have to pull back.

I have already decided to do 45 minutes of cardio 3 days a week minimum, between that and lower cals I should easily be in the lower 190's by the first. I just want to feel better in the process and think that you are probably right that increasing sodium will probably help with that. I noticed yesterday I was feeling like I was 3-4 days deep on a fast. Just moody, agitated, low energy which I think is likely electrolyte based in a lot of ways. So I will increase electrolytes. Let me ask you this since calories are already so restricted do you think that I should still be tossing a fasting day in here and there or would you avoid those completely since already so low on calories on the days I am eating anyway?

P.S. I did find another show within a few hours of the house in November of next year. So if I feel I need to push things a little longer to have more of a break between cycles I will do the show in November instead of October, give myself an extra month.
 
Smart move!

Yes, I sure did say that! Although, I have to admit it is harder than I actually expected it was going to be though.

Great advice @Hyde, it is hard to get out of your own head when weight drops so fast and you don't feel in control of how your body is reacting to food or training. Thanks for the reminder to just swim with the current, and make the most out of what I have been handed right now. Like you said, once I can switch directions and start to rebound I will have a lot more room to grow and push things before I have to pull back.

I have already decided to do 45 minutes of cardio 3 days a week minimum, between that and lower cals I should easily be in the lower 190's by the first. I just want to feel better in the process and think that you are probably right that increasing sodium will probably help with that. I noticed yesterday I was feeling like I was 3-4 days deep on a fast. Just moody, agitated, low energy which I think is likely electrolyte based in a lot of ways. So I will increase electrolytes. Let me ask you this since calories are already so restricted do you think that I should still be tossing a fasting day in here and there or would you avoid those completely since already so low on calories on the days I am eating anyway?

P.S. I did find another show within a few hours of the house in November of next year. So if I feel I need to push things a little longer to have more of a break between cycles I will do the show in November instead of October, give myself an extra month.

Having walked that path, I would not bother with a full fasting day right now when energy will already be low. By all means, tighten your feeding windows some so you can spare muscle a bit better, but this is going to be a scenario where you probably end up with lower protein and low calories often. What I found was I could only stand to eat hyper-palatable food, but I still had to stop eating much sooner. I would just be done after half a normal portion of something. Salt and sweetness are your friends; even though you can’t taste them your brain can tell it’s supposed to like them.
 
Having walked that path, I would not bother with a full fasting day right now when energy will already be low. By all means, tighten your feeding windows some so you can spare muscle a bit better, but this is going to be a scenario where you probably end up with lower protein and low calories often. What I found was I could only stand to eat hyper-palatable food, but I still had to stop eating much sooner. I would just be done after half a normal portion of something. Salt and sweetness are your friends; even though you can’t taste them your brain can tell it’s supposed to like them.
Excellent, thanks, that is exactly how I am dealing with trying to eat ang getting things down. I did grab a piece of pizza since it is normally really good and I could taste a little salt from it and the sauce helped it go down but I could only eat half of the piece. I was able to get down some spaghetti earlier so that is good.

9/13/23 Elliptical - 45 minutes 568 calories. It is crazy to me that I am able to knock out 45 minutes of semi-intense cardio without issue, but anaerobic capacity is shite! You would think my cardio would be suffering, or I did anyway.

Also good news, even with the limited volume yesterday my pecs are a little bit sore today. So at least it was good and effective training. I am going to go knock down 2 scoops of whey to get some more protein in.

On a crazy note, the lady who sets up our conference rooms with food and beverages told me today that he husband has not has his sense of smell or taste for 3 years now. I was like UHM... You didn't need to tell me that!!! LOL Ain't nobody got time to worry about stuff like that.
 
Had to Google those arsenal setups… very slick!
Yeah they are really cool, definitely better angles on them than the hammer strength stuff, and the way the handles are is pretty cool too. I am pretty sure Flex Lewis had a lot to do with the design on them, I believe he is a half owner. Our gym has a couple more things of their machines on order too.
 
The highest I have ever seen my hematocrit is 52 on cycle, and one when I was just dehydrated. On TRT it normally hangs out around 48, and if I actually make sure to hydrate well it is sometimes lower.

I have actually been looking for this video I got from a "Safer use" website i am on and they have a blood Dr who talks about Secondary Polycythemia and he actually said that high hematocrit levels are not really dangerous. That polycythemia vera is confused with it where all of the clotting factors and everything are increased which causes increases in clotting and makes the blood very thick. However he said that simply is not the case with secondary, that it is only the RBC that goes up and that this is absolutely normal, and happened to people who live at altitudes all the time. That there is no extra risk as long as the other factors are not increasing with it. I don't know how true it was but he made a damn convincing argument.
I had a ton of micro clots in my lungs when they did my ED CAT scan. Nothing to worry about as they were all small, but the doc said it’s likely from my test use.
 
I am just going to keep leaning out until around the first of October, then estimate current maintenance intake from there and start working my way back up over the winter, maybe a minicut or quick fasts here and there to keep things cleaner while pushing my way back up.

This sounds like we're on similar paths. Although, I may keep my cut going until Nov - or as long as I can reasonably stand to do so, given my last check in.

But totally hear @Hyde's advice - while you don't enjoy the food, just do it for sustenance!
 
I had a ton of micro clots in my lungs when they did my ED CAT scan. Nothing to worry about as they were all small, but the doc said it’s likely from my test use.
Interesting, I have never heard of that from testosterone use. I do sometimes feel like if Dr's aren't sure but they know you are doing something "unhealthy" that they kind of blame that automatically. I am definitely not saying in anyway that he is wrong. Just not something I have heard of as a side effect.

What is the plan of action to get them to dissipate or did he think they would just from you being off gear for a while? I would assume even small they would not want to leave clots if they can break them down.
This sounds like we're on similar paths. Although, I may keep my cut going until Nov - or as long as I can reasonably stand to do so, given my last check in.

But totally hear @Hyde's advice - while you don't enjoy the food, just do it for sustenance!
Yep, Definitely. This is my first go around with COVID, and @Hyde has made steady progress through multiple bouts with it so I will definitely defer to him. Just hoping it doesn't stick around for too long. I hear anything from a couple days, to my coworkers husband who hasn't been able to smell or taste in 3 years.

I did find I was able to get down and even somewhat enjoy some Ramen noodles last night, and some honey bunches of oats cereal plus a triple scoop protein shake. I drank the water from the ramen to get electrolytes up more too.

Today is a scheduled leg day, I am more than likely going to go into the gym tonight to get the job done. I don't really enjoy the leg press at the gym across the street, so probably just going to fast until around 4PM, eat some fish and rice to fuel up and then do my best at the gym. My intra will take care of getting in a decent amount of carbs and protein, then eat whatever i can muster after. At this point I am pretty sure I am around a 1000-1250 calories deficit.

9/14/23 - Morning Weight 198.2 - All the sodium, and carbs I got in yesterday helped fill me out a tiny bit. Looking tighter in the mirror, and abs are a little tighter. Love handles, and fat under my pecs is starting to make some more noticeable strides. Going to keep this train moving on down the track.
 
I had a ton of micro clots in my lungs when they did my ED CAT scan. Nothing to worry about as they were all small, but the doc said it’s likely from my test use.

Sure it is, because you’re a piece of **** off-label steroid abuser. No chance he just doesn’t have a good answer or realize that COVID promotes clotting disorder in the following months
 
I had a ton of micro clots in my lungs when they did my ED CAT scan. Nothing to worry about as they were all small, but the doc said it’s likely from my test use.

Sure it is, because you’re a piece of **** off-label steroid abuser. No chance he just doesn’t have a good answer or realize that COVID promotes clotting disorder in the following months
 
Sure it is, because you’re a piece of **** off-label steroid abuser. No chance he just doesn’t have a good answer or realize that COVID promotes clotting disorder in the following months
This was exactly my thought. We have enough sides to worry about without dealing with people just lumping stuff on top of it. Like you said COVID has been known to do this and so are some of the COVID vaccines.
 
Interesting, I have never heard of that from testosterone use. I do sometimes feel like if Dr's aren't sure but they know you are doing something "unhealthy" that they kind of blame that automatically. I am definitely not saying in anyway that he is wrong. Just not something I have heard of as a side effect.

What is the plan of action to get them to dissipate or did he think they would just from you being off gear for a while? I would assume even small they would not want to leave clots if they can break them down.

Yep, Definitely. This is my first go around with COVID, and @Hyde has made steady progress through multiple bouts with it so I will definitely defer to him. Just hoping it doesn't stick around for too long. I hear anything from a couple days, to my coworkers husband who hasn't been able to smell or taste in 3 years.

I did find I was able to get down and even somewhat enjoy some Ramen noodles last night, and some honey bunches of oats cereal plus a triple scoop protein shake. I drank the water from the ramen to get electrolytes up more too.

Today is a scheduled leg day, I am more than likely going to go into the gym tonight to get the job done. I don't really enjoy the leg press at the gym across the street, so probably just going to fast until around 4PM, eat some fish and rice to fuel up and then do my best at the gym. My intra will take care of getting in a decent amount of carbs and protein, then eat whatever i can muster after. At this point I am pretty sure I am around a 1000-1250 calories deficit.

9/14/23 - Morning Weight 198.2 - All the sodium, and carbs I got in yesterday helped fill me out a tiny bit. Looking tighter in the mirror, and abs are a little tighter. Love handles, and fat under my pecs is starting to make some more noticeable strides. Going to keep this train moving on down the track.

Blood thinners for the first couple days in hospital for preventing further clots but otherwise the little ones should pass.

Looking forward to you progress pics man sounds like you are on a solid roll now!

Sure it is, because you’re a piece of **** off-label steroid abuser. No chance he just doesn’t have a good answer or realize that COVID promotes clotting disorder in the following months

Maybe - I've heard so many theories from doctors I can't be sure right now! There is no doubt exogenous test can increase platelet count though. I suspect your supplement protocol protects you from much of that risk!
 
Blood thinners for the first couple days in hospital for preventing further clots but otherwise the little ones should pass.

Looking forward to you progress pics man sounds like you are on a solid roll now!



Maybe - I've heard so many theories from doctors I can't be sure right now! There is no doubt exogenous test can increase platelet count though. I suspect your supplement protocol protects you from much of that risk!

They do, but you need it all to effectively promote clotting - high RBC, high platelets, high hemoglobin, etc. You need very thick blood. Higher platelets alone aren’t a problem. Compare that to COVID and especially some of the vaccines which are now well associated with increased clotting in all demographics. The moniker “Clotshot” is not arbitrary. And you just got over COVID.

But let’s not blame the #1 culprit, rather something tertiary like high normal testosterone - because it was self-administered, of course.
 
I took an hour long walk by the bayou for lunch today. It was nice, just something to increase energy expenditure.

I just happily devoured about 12 oz of tilapia in 2 cups of rice with some Tony' Chachere's Bold and lemon juice mixed in. Wasn't too hard to get down and should help to fuel up for some legs this evening.

Also good news, I walked into one of our conference rooms earlier that had food in it and I caught a big whiff of the food. My mouth watered, it was great. It stuck around a little. I could also taste a little of the seasoning and lemon juice, still very faint, but I feel like I am slowly starting to get my taste and smell back which is awesome!
 
I took an hour long walk by the bayou for lunch today. It was nice, just something to increase energy expenditure.

I just happily devoured about 12 oz of tilapia in 2 cups of rice with some Tony' Chachere's Bold and lemon juice mixed in. Wasn't too hard to get down and should help to fuel up for some legs this evening.

Also good news, I walked into one of our conference rooms earlier that had food in it and I caught a big whiff of the food. My mouth watered, it was great. It stuck around a little. I could also taste a little of the seasoning and lemon juice, still very faint, but I feel like I am slowly starting to get my taste and smell back which is awesome!

Glad you’re recovering quickly!
 
Dang, I’m so far behind! I hate you’ve been sick and it’s been fighting you so hard to go away! I’m so glad things are starting to improve!!
 
Dang, I’m so far behind! I hate you’ve been sick and it’s been fighting you so hard to go away! I’m so glad things are starting to improve!!
Thanks awesome to see you in here!
Taste should come back full right when you’ve committed to the cut fully Invalid Link Removed
Of course that would make sense right. It is not all the way back but at least I am getting little improvements here and there. Salt, and citrus are my friends for palatability, that and sweet.

Either way, I am locked and loaded into a large overall deficit for the next 2 weeks, even if it my taste, and smell does come back all the way. It may change to different types of fasting, but the goal will not change.

The last 2 days I have increased sodium intake quite a bit, and managed to get in around 150g protein and 250c, yesterday with low fat intake so calories are definitely in a good deficit. Between that and a 4-5 hour feeding windows, I expect to see continued tightening.

9/14/23 - Lower Body

Stairmill - 5 minutes

Lying Leg Curls - 90x14, 10, 9 - 1RIR

Arsenal Super Squat - 90x16, 14, 11 - 1RIR

Mega Mass Pendulum Squat - 45x1RIR x 3 sets 13-9 reps

Front Foot Elevated Lunge (Glute focus) 20x1RIR x 2 sets, Downset BWx1RIR 1 set


I was much happier with this session,I was able to work harder and get more done. Wasn't really focusing on counting reps, just working hard and trying to get it done. The Arsenal Super Squat is a beast, it is pretty heavy without weight loaded and the foot platform and motion of the machine made getting an extreme ROM easy and really put a lot of tension n the quads doing them facing out. I thought about just flipping around and doing the reverse for lunges but opted for the lunges instead to get some isolateral work.

I was drenched in sweat, and happy to have had such a good workout. Went home had a shake, a piece of toast with grape jelly, and some cereal, then went and laid down for the night.

My quads are a little sore and my hammies are a lil tight. So definitely an effective session.

9/15/23 - Morning weight 199.1 - Getting my hydration up might have helped here, or the milk I am having with my cereal but I actually looked better this morning. Still in a deficit but feel better hydrated today.

I am about to go do some fasted cardio here shortly then break my fast when I get back.
 
Elliptical - 45 minutes + cooldown 601 calories - I just broke my fast with the insides of 4 breakfast tacos I snagged from the breakroom this morning. I am going to take all of the guts out of some of them and just make a kind of burrito bowl of sorts. Keep things pretty low carb since a decent amount of fat in the barbacoa meat.
 
Elliptical - 45 minutes + cooldown 601 calories - I just broke my fast with the insides of 4 breakfast tacos I snagged from the breakroom this morning. I am going to take all of the guts out of some of them and just make a kind of burrito bowl of sorts. Keep things pretty low carb since a decent amount of fat in the barbacoa meat.
Mmm Barbacoa breakfast tacos sounds amazing!
 
Mmm Barbacoa breakfast tacos sounds amazing!
Yeah, and I could taste them pretty decently too, taste is definitely improving each day.
 
Good Morning All!

9/16/23 - Morning Weight 200.1 - Filling out a little but staying lean.

Upper Push Session

BB Flat bench - 90Kg x 11, 9, 8, Empty Bar AMRAP 66 reps -
Just a little stupidity added in at the end there by suggestion of the guy who was spotting me. It actually annoyed my triceps and reminded me to stop the stupid sh!t!. No other direct triceps work done in the session to avoid an issue.

Arsenal Shoulder Press - 25x1RIR x 3 sets 15-8 rep range - Front delts were so pumped and just done after this.

Arsenal Side Raise Machine 60x1RIR x 2 sets, down set 40x1RIR - Massive pump I enjoyed going a little heavier on these.

Cable Upright Row w/ Hold - 70x1RIR x 3 sets

Super Set x2 rounds - High Rep Work
Arsenal Pec Flies - 100x1RIR
Arsenal Reverse Flies - 60x1RIR
- Pump was massive from this superset

DB Incline Curls - 30x1RIR x 3 sets
followed immediately by DB Hammer Curls 15xFail x 1 set

==============================================================================

9/17/23 - Morning Weight 200.1


I spent the day with my son, he just got a new Miata, fully loaded sport package, and tuned it, so we went out on a drive with a car club most of the day. I fasted until 2:30PM when he decided he was taking me to Fogo De Chao for lunch. I may be leaning right now, but I was not missing an opportunity to have a meatfest!

I probably ate around 1.5 of various meats, and kept the meal very low carb. Around 8:30PM I had my 2nd and final meal of 93/7 lean beef chili I made for prep meals this week, and called it a day. I won't hazard a guess for calories yesterday, but would assume I was in a surplus.

=================================================================================

9/18/23 - Morning Weight 204.4 - Got some stuff hanging around from yesterday, as would be expected. I will be fasting this morning, then doing some cardio or taking my walk at lunch then feeding for a pull session this evening.
 
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When you get to go to Fogo de Chao, you just thank God for smiling on you & worry about burning off the calories later!
 
Never heard of this Fogo place before but just pulled it up and see we have them locally, that' looks like a fantastic way to get some protein in 🤤🤤

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