KLEEN - STRONG BODY STRONG MIND!

[Hyde]

Gotta love that new gym experience

Kid in a candy store

 

[MrKleen73]

Kid in a candy store

No doubt!

OKay I had a few workouts before I left for Vegas then all week last week was a total week off from training and any semblance of diet while I was there. The sons car was not completely finished, it needs them to complete the tune so he can run at the higher turbo levels but the guy said it was sitting at about 450 at the wheel as it was. We had some fun playing with it at 8psi but with the tune they will be pushing about 18-20 PSI into that bad boy. That is all the fuel system can handle which should have it around 650-700 at the wheel. Unfortunately the fuel filter got clogged after a year of sitting and it sputtered to a stop just outside of Ft Worth. So we had to get a hotel there and they said they weren't going to have it finished until today or tomorrow so we took a bus home... You have to lve it when you tell a place what is wrong and they check everything but that first... Then at the end of the day Friday we get oh you were right... it was the fuel... we can't get the part today and are closed this weekend... NO!!!!!! Anyway we ended up having a good time in Ft. Worth just hanging out, resting and then finished of with a bad ass Churrascaria called Texas De Brazil, they have some in different locations across the country so if you see one check it out. I thought it was better than Fogo De Chao which is what most people I know are familiar with.

Hit up another full body session and have kind of honed in on a rep and set scheme set up I am liking for right now. It is pretty flexible but also gives me something to focus on. I am sticking with isolateral capable machines and movements on these. Warm Up to a straight bilateral work set in prescribed rep range then go straight into isolateral movements either maintaining tension on the stationary side, or keeping it in a stretched position by flexing the opposing muscle group.

Key BL= Bi-Lateral, IL = Iso-Lateral Sets = 2-4, > = no rest

Set scheme
LOAD - 2-4 sets - BL =8-12@8 > IL 2+2 > BL 4 > IL 2+2 >BL 4 > IL 2+2 repeat until RPE9 on iso-lateral movement, and failure on last set of exercise.
PUMP - 2-4 sets - BL =15-25@8 > IL 4+4 > BL 8 > IL 4+4 >BL 8 > IL 4+4 repeat until RPE9 on iso-lateral movement, and failure on last set of exercise.

Load Days - I use a Bilateral Machine on these movements so the iso-lateral movements are actually twice as much resistance, and also just rest the not working side as if doing a rest pause so I can get more reps in at the heavier weight.
Pump Days - I use an iso-lateral machine but lift bilaterally on the BL sections, and during the iso-lateral reps I employ either an isometric contraction, or stretch under tension on the stationary side to increase the metabolic reaction to the set.

It has been nice and intense, and a lot of fun while keeping my lifting numbers in a range that feels like it is going to be decently healthy for my joints.

Basic Plans for progression are going to be starting with a weight I get about 2-3 of these sets in and then working up until I get to 4 sets then increase the weight, or deload depending on how I am feeling and how long it took to get to that point. Maximum sets performed = 4 per exercise and only last set to failure.

These will be at least 2 days a week of training, and probably going to try to squeeze in two body weight / mobility days a week as well.

Yesterdays full body lift using mostly this method

10 minutes Cardio Warm Up
PUMP
Super Set
Leg Curls
Leg extensions

Super Set
Adductors and Abductors = 2 straight sets to 12 then finished of with a Myoreps set

Load
Lat Pull Down 3 sets
Decline Bench 3 sets

DB Side Lateral Heavy Partials 55x20 x 3 sets

Rear Delt Flyes - 3 sets

Super set x3 PUMP Sets
Biceps Curls
OH Triceps Extensions

I will begin to take my log book back into the gym with me to keep track of my lifts and make sure I am showing progress.

 

[Hyde]

I have been to that exact Texas De Brazil in Ft Worth about 5 years ago and it was one of the best restaurants I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing!! They know how to load you up and the design was very cool.

That genesis is gonna be nasty at 650 wheel - nobody really expects them to be that turned up even if they hear aftermarket blowoff and exhaust, nor do most realize the 4 cylinder blocks are based on Mitsubishi Evo architecture, which is famous for being able to hold 600s all day with a forged rotating assembly.

 

[MrKleen73]

I have been to that exact Texas De Brazil in Ft Worth about 5 years ago and it was one of the best restaurants I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing!! They know how to load you up and the design was very cool.

That genesis is gonna be nasty at 650 wheel - nobody really expects them to be that turned up even if they hear aftermarket blowoff and exhaust, nor do most realize the 4 cylinder blocks are based on Mitsubishi Evo architecture, which is famous for being able to hold 600s all day with a forged rotating assembly.

Yeah it was downright amazing!

@Hyde His is actually the 3.8 V6, he paid to have the engine built for turbo and put a beast of a turbo on it. Once he gets a better ECU and fuel management he can push about 1200 with the way it is built. The guy he had build it has the fasted Genesis in the world, or the one that holds the fastest 1/4 mile in the world anyway. He is building a twin turbo set up that is going to put him at about 1500 but still developing it. Apparenlty the 3.8 block is bullet proof too. They had to lower the compression on the pistons and build up all the internals but yeah this thing is pretty ridiculous. Even with 450-500 at the wheel the acceleration was well... violent would be a good word for it. I got in my 350Z when I got home and gassed it to go around someone and was like Oh Damn... this thing feels a lot slow now...

Unfortunately no way he can even try to be a sleeper though, with the custom headers and straight pipes @11.5:1 compression it sounds like a BEAST!!! We didn't get to track it, and a little too loud to be throttling it in small town plus not being sure how well it would hold traction in lower gears we decided to respect it and get used to the power but runs from 65-120 were pretty ridiculous, and the beast was still pulling hard in 4rth @ 120 with about 1500RPM left in the gear and 2 more gears to go. We shut it down there, didn't want to push the motor too much until it is tuned correctly.

Had a parents picnic and then an open house Trinity is doing well. She is also the star of her band performance. Has a solo / feature dance for the whole opening song during the halftime show. So she is really loving the Color Guard. Got her report card online last night, all A's and B's... good stuff!

Did some ankle stretches and rolled my feet last night when I got home from that then enjoyed some time with the family. Looking forward to getting another lift in tonight. I am sore from that last one, not a lot but definitely have minor DOMS.

Oh yeah, I am up to 210 again, holding some fat and some water but also filled back out a good bit. I am expecting to settle down around 205 in the next few days. I am feeling like I am at a point I will probably clean things up a bit, get my insulin sensitivity and stuff back where I want it and start focusing on some goals again.

 

[booneman77]

Texas >>>> Fogo for sure! we just went to the TdB up in buffalo awhile back and literally closed the place down ha... they were not thrilled with us and how much we ate. Price isn't bad compared to some other similar places too

 

[Hyde]

That’s very cool; a sturdy block is the secret to making big power. Everything else can be fabbed or modified, but if the base architecture can’t hold it’s going to be limited. It’s gonna be wild when they add another 200-250hp soon.

Congrats to Trin! Sounds like the kids are doing things they enjoy.

 

[MrKleen73]

Texas >>>> Fogo for sure! we just went to the TdB up in buffalo awhile back and literally closed the place down ha... they were not thrilled with us and how much we ate. Price isn't bad compared to some other similar places too

What is even better is that they are a little cheaper which is surprising.

That’s very cool; a sturdy block is the secret to making big power. Everything else can be fabbed or modified, but if the base architecture can’t hold it’s going to be limited. It’s gonna be wild when they add another 200-250hp soon.

Congrats to Trin! Sounds like the kids are doing things they enjoy.

Yeah they are really enjoying life right now. Trinity's schedule is ridiculous, but also very consistent which is good because we are getting to where we just know what to expect. Things seem to be on the uptick, and getting to where I can focus on some of my own goals for a little bit.

 

[Hyde]

Time to get in shape baby!

 

[MrKleen73]

Busy night with my daughter, ended up going out into the garage for a short workout after we got home. Nothing major just a nice pull up and shoulder pressing session.

Basic Warm Up

Ring alphabets

Super Set
Pull Ups Mixed grip 9 sets from 8 down to 3 reps
Seated Shoulder Press Machine - 9 sets 75x20ish, 100x15-20, 125x15@RPE8, 6 work sets to an RPE9 150x 14 down to 7 reps. last two to failure

Going to put some leg work in tonight. Trying to keep overall volume down and train as frequently as possible without creating issues. Will still be doing a lot of my sets as listed in my previous post but not all exercises work with that and sometimes I won't feel like it and want to do something else. Going to go shopping for some stuff to go low carb for a couple weeks. Will be starting in the next day or two. I don't think it should be too bad of an adjustment since I fast about 16-20 hours a day on average. Already pretty good at burning fat for energy.

 

[MrKleen73]

So far I haven't stuck to that rep scheme I came up with yet. Just having fun in the gym working things as I go throughout the week from different angles and what not. Last night was Legs with a touch of rear delts and chest.

Warm Up = 12 minutes full body HIIT Session, 3 min warm up then GO!!!

ICaarian True Squat Machine (facing out) 4 plates x20, 6 plates x12-15, 8 plates x9

ICaarian True Squat Machine (facing in) 10 plates x 20 x 3 sets

Super Set
Straight Arm Pec Deck - 85x20-25, 100 x RPE8, 130x RPE8, 9 and 10
Reverse Fly - 70x20-25, 85x RPE8, 100x RPE8, 115xRPE9, 100x RPE9

It felt good to push my legs a little on this machine. I was able to control the tracking of my knee a little better also which is good news. I was able to feel that glute firing toward the end of the sets letting me know it was at least doing some work in the movement. My quads on my right leg were not getting beat to death to do the work of the glute either. Normally my right quads are twice as pumped due to the extra work they have to do. So another sign things are getting better. I already have a little DOMS in my glute /ham tie in area...

 

[MrKleen73]

I did not lift yesterday, I had to be at work by 5:45 and had some other things to handle plus I had worked out for 3 days in a row in a psuedo full body fashion so a day off was warranted.

HOLY SQUATS BATMAN, MY ASS HURTS!
That's not from the squats Robin, its from me spotting you!

Yep, my glutes are LIT UP!!! Oh man did that face in true squat machine light me up. My glutes especially glute meds are tore up. I swear it feels like the glute/ham tie in is ripping apart it is so sore. I fukking love it!!!!

We have some VIP guests at the firm today I had to come in to support their meeting, and escort them to where we were going to set them up for the video. Doing my best not to walk like Frankenstein's Monster but it ain't easy, especially if I sit for any period... Gonna need the handicap stall today boys and girls!

 

[booneman77]

I did not lift yesterday, I had to be at work by 5:45 and had some other things to handle plus I had worked out for 3 days in a row in a psuedo full body fashion so a day off was warranted.

HOLY SQUATS BATMAN, MY ASS HURTS!
That's not from the squats Robin, its from me spotting you!

Yep, my glutes are LIT UP!!! Oh man did that face in true squat machine light me up. My glutes especially glute meds are tore up. I swear it feels like the glute/ham tie in is ripping apart it is so sore. I fukking love it!!!!

We have some VIP guests at the firm today I had to come in to support their meeting, and escort them to where we were going to set them up for the video. Doing my best not to walk like Frankenstein's Monster but it ain't easy, especially if I sit for any period... Gonna need the handicap stall today boys and girls!

Don’t sit down, might not be able to get up haha

 

[Hyde]

Don’t sit down, might not be able to get up haha

Lol when you use your belt like a lasso to pull yourself up off the toilet

 

[MrKleen73]

Had a couple nice workouts over the weekend for upper body with some short 15 minute HIIT sessions to warm up.

Tonight I did lower body and abs
After 10 minutes general warm up then about 10 minutes lower glute activation work.

Barbell Squats 45x15x3 135x10, 225x10 x 3 this was first time in a while squatting with a barbell.

Lever hack squat machine 225x12 x3

Abductor machine 6 sets of 12 top 2 at 205
Adductor machine - same as above.

Calf raises 250 multiple sets slight bend in leg to also engage soleus.

Ab sled 3 sets to failure.

 

[SkRaw85]

And how did the barbell squats feel?

 

[MrKleen73]

And how did the barbell squats feel?

@SkRaw85 I meant to make note of that but was on my phone. Not much of a phone typist. The squats themselves felt really good. I could tell my glute was full on activated this time around as my stability was good, my knee was able to track where I wanted it too but it took a little concentration. My knee is a little sore today but going to continue to press on with them. Probably just once a week to start. Let the weight push me into position a bit while forcing those knees out. Should regain some mobility and get some collagen production kicking off so long as I manage inflammation. Hoping the knee feels good tomorrow. No stinging or anything today, just a little stiff so not worried at this point. This is the stuff I have to push through as long as I know I stayed in good position.

GLute activation work I did at the beginning -
Trapped Knee posterior leg raise - 3 sets of 10 - takes the lower back out of the movement.
Single leg glute bridges - 3 sets of 10
Barbell GLute bridges 3x10
Banded Walking side to side 3 sets

 

[Hyde]

That’s the one machine I wish we had; the lever squat machine. My very first commercial gym I went to for years had one and I really enjoyed it but at the time never really appreciated it.

 

[Hyde]

That’s the one machine I wish we had; the lever squat machine. My very first commercial gym I went to for years had one and I really enjoyed it but at the time never really appreciated it.

 

[MrKleen73]

Just got back from a walk at lunch focusing more on walking through and pushing off with the ball of my right foot without flexing my toes. Seems the foot rolling, stretching, and glute work is finally showing some pay off. I was able to push off of the big toe area of the ball of my foot instead of everything being off to the side and it didn't feel like my arch was falling to do it. So that is actually pretty big for me. Going to keep up with the daily work in this area and I think my lower body will iron out nicely.

As far as my rotator cuff, I am still working on that area. Still touch and go there and I have to pay attention. Never sure if I will be able to do any type of chest press just depends on the day.

Size wise I am hovering around the 208-210 area consistently now while wearing a well fit 34 inch waist pant. I feel like I am tightening up ever so slowly, muscles have definitely started filling back out. If things keep going well I think my legs are going to keep filling back up toward their normal trained size and that should maybe give me a few more LBS of LBM. Once I am at a point I feel I have caught back up to a decent point I will start working more aggressively toward leaning back up.

 

[MrKleen73]

That’s the one machine I wish we had; the lever squat machine. My very first commercial gym I went to for years had one and I really enjoyed it but at the time never really appreciated it.

Yeah, I truly love that machine great for hacks and reverse hack squats.

 

[SkRaw85]

@SkRaw85 I meant to make note of that but was on my phone. Not much of a phone typist. The squats themselves felt really good. I could tell my glute was full on activated this time around as my stability was good, my knee was able to track where I wanted it too but it took a little concentration. My knee is a little sore today but going to continue to press on with them. Probably just once a week to start. Let the weight push me into position a bit while forcing those knees out. Should regain some mobility and get some collagen production kicking off so long as I manage inflammation. Hoping the knee feels good tomorrow. No stinging or anything today, just a little stiff so not worried at this point. This is the stuff I have to push through as long as I know I stayed in good position.

GLute activation work I did at the beginning -
Trapped Knee posterior leg raise - 3 sets of 10 - takes the lower back out of the movement.
Single leg glute bridges - 3 sets of 10
Barbell GLute bridges 3x10
Banded Walking side to side 3 sets

Glad to hear! Slow and steady for the win. Blew up my miniscus real bad in my early 20’s, no insurance for surgery, took a while but got it back to fighting shape. Glucosamine/msm/chondroitin is my best friend (and a bit of mk677 I’ve found in the past few years does wonders).

 

[MrKleen73]

Glad to hear! Slow and steady for the win. Blew up my miniscus real bad in my early 20’s, no insurance for surgery, took a while but got it back to fighting shape. Glucosamine/msm/chondroitin is my best friend (and a bit of mk677 I’ve found in the past few years does wonders).

Yeah, I think I am going to stick with 225 for a little bit and let things adjust. Probably going to start running some low dosed MK for a bit. My knee feels better today, not 100% but far less stiff. Starting to feel the DOMS coming in which is nice.

Took the night off to spend some time with the family last night. My elbows were still a bit tender from increasing volume, frequency and intensity since focusing more on my fitness again. Will hit up some Upper body tonight.

 

[ChocolateClen]

Have you looked in to BPC and TB500 for the knee?

 

[MrKleen73]

Have you looked in to BPC and TB500 for the knee?

No, not yet, there is no damage there, at least as far as I know. Just a lot of reconditioning and mobility under load forcing some adaptation. I was in an immobilization boot for 9 months due to a foot injury, and it really messed up my gate and severely inhibited my glutes from firing as well as lost a ton of ankle mobility. So just working through that stuff right now. I am being very careful not to create a knee problem while trying to retrain and mobilize those areas. Just can feel the stress of it being forced to change. Just had a lot going on when I initially got out of the boot a few months ago and chose not to squat after trying to do so until I was getting mobile enough to do so. Then got wrapped up in life and basically took a long while off.

I am considering some of those as options for my RC but I have no clue how I would pin into them since on the back side. So would have to be sub-q and let it go systemic. Honestly right now I am feeling hopeful and not in the slightest bit deterred by my knee right now. I fully expect it to get a little stiff the next few squatting sessions, but expect to also see improvement in that aspect every squat session. If not then I will likely look into something like that. I have a grip of peptides that I can toss at it at if it gets to that.

 

[MrKleen73]

Well no workout yesterday, rained out. Another historical rainfall in our area. Lots of surface roads under water and all that. I did get some much needed rest after I picked Trinity up from school early yesterday so that was good. Ended up napping from about 3:00-5:30 and still fell asleep before 10:00.

Will likely go to the gym to get one in tonight. Might do some deads and then going into an upper body pull workout.

 

[BOSSMAN]

Well no workout yesterday, rained out. Another historical rainfall in our area. Lots of surface roads under water and all that. I did get some much needed rest after I picked Trinity up from school early yesterday so that was good. Ended up napping from about 3:00-5:30 and still fell asleep before 10:00.

Will likely go to the gym to get one in tonight. Might do some deads and then going into an upper body pull workout.

Lots of rain...I'm hearing reports of 40"...stay safe

 

[MrKleen73]

Lots of rain...I'm hearing reports of 40"...stay safe

Yeah no doubt, I was lucky to be on the South East side of town and it hit the Northeast side really hard. We may have gotten 8 inches over the week in my area compared to the 35-40 on the North East side. It is funny talking about it like that because I think most people don't realize that the Houston Metropolitan Area is bigger than the state of New Jersey, and Harris Country is bigger than Rhode Island. So can be massive differences in how each "area of town" is hit with something like this.

 

[Rocket3015]

Glad to hear you are not Floating Away !!

 

[Hyde]

Stay dry!

 

[MrKleen73]

Glad to hear you are not Floating Away !!

Stay dry!

Thanks Gentlemen, actually had a great weekend with a couple showers but actually mostly sunny outside. Was a welcome break after the week of down pours!

Guess who did dead lifts this weekend??? THIS GUY!!! Hellz Yeah!

Friday I did an upper body pull session to balance out from the upper push session earlier in the week. Saturday was another off day, lots of stuff around the house to do and got in some quality time with the wife we had been needing. Sunday I decided I was going to test out Dead lifts. I will share a bit about both workouts below.

Friday Night - Upper / Lower Body Dynamic Warmup Followed by Upper Body Pull

Seated Row Machine - 5 work sets - No rest during set, 60-120 seconds rest - made sure rested enough for good performance but not over 2 minutes...
Set 1 =140lbs BiLateral x12, Iso x6,6, Bi x12, iso x6,6
Set 2 =180lbs BiLateral x12, Iso x6,6, Bi x6, iso x6,6
Set 3 =230 lbs BiLateral x10, Iso x5,5, Bi x5, iso x5,5
Set 4 =270lbs BiLateral x8, Iso x4,4, Bi x4, iso x4,4
Set 5 =320lbs BiLateral x6, Iso x3,3, Bi x3, iso x3,3

Lat Pull Down - 4 sets @ 180, first 3 to RPE8 4rth RPE10

Wide Grip Supported TBar Rows - 4 sets x 3 plates first 3 to RPE8 4rth RPE10

Pinwheel Curls 4 sets 55x10, 55x8, 45x11, 45x7

Hammer Curls 45x RPE9 x 3 sets

Oly Bar Curls - Close grip - Bar x RPE9, and Bar x failure

Rear Delt Fly Machine - 120x RPE8,9, &10 reps 10-25 range

Weighted Ab Slider Machine BW+70lbs - 4 sets max reps

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

Sunday = DEAD LIFTS BITCH!​

Warm Up = 10 minutes - Total Body Rower - multiple rowing styles and grips to get back activated and warmed up nicely then Reset Hips, & Performed GLute Activation work.

Conventional Dead Lift - 205x12, 225x12, 275x10, 315x10, 315x10, 315x10, 315x8

Sumo Dead Lifts 315x6, 315x3- Hook Grip failed, Double Overhand Regular Grip 225x10, 225x10, 225x10

Rear Delt Fly machine - 80 x 15-25 @ RPE9 x 4 sets

Kettle Bell Swings Hard Style - 80lbs until loss of explosiveness x 5 sets

GO HOME AND EAT!!!!!!

I can't tell you how awesome it was to dead lift again. Even though I was moving baby weight it felt so good!!! Something so guttural and primal about pulling weight off the floor. Just makes me feel more alive! I was astonished how at the end of my 225 set that my double overhand grip was already trying to fail me. I decided that I was going to use a hook grip from here on out to see if I can get it working well for me. I am already limited on weight I can pull so this was the best time to set ego aside and learn the ins and outs of the grip. Get some callous built up and desensitize the nerve endings in the thumb's nail bed. I think I could have pulled the full set of 6 on the second set of sumo if I had been using chalk.

I will say that the Sumo got my glutes firing HARD, so for now I am going to focus a bit on them as my main dead lifts and do my higher rep volume or speed work on conventional for a bit. Plus when I was starting to train Sumo before once I got efficient I felt like if I pushed it that i might actually be able to lift more on Sumo than my conventional so going to see where this takes me but try to do enough conventional to be proficient at both.

Anyway, I am liking that these are starting to look more and more like a lifters workouts and not so much of just machines only type of thing. I may not be able to bench right now but I feel like I am going to be able to pull pretty good again in relatively short order. Just have to gauge and pull back a bit so I don't create new problems buy moving up as fast as my strength might allow me. Any of you who knows me know that taking my foot of the pedal is where I run into problems... Hopefully the time being injured and having to operate everything scaled back will allow me to move forward more intelligently, being careful not to over do it.

 

[Hyde]

Hook grip and sumo go together like PB&J! Glad you got to do some yankin’! I remember when I was getting back into deadlifts after my QL tears and hitting 295 for sets of 8 in a soft belt was just the most satisfying thing, finally getting away from barbell row weights into basic deadlift numbers. It really is about the journey!

 

[SkRaw85]

Yesssssss! MFing deads! That’s always a great feeling after an injury. Congrats kleen

 

[MrKleen73]

Hook grip and sumo go together like PB&J! Glad you got to do some yankin’! I remember when I was getting back into deadlifts after my QL tears and hitting 295 for sets of 8 in a soft belt was just the most satisfying thing, finally getting away from barbell row weights into basic deadlift numbers. It really is about the journey!

Well I think you are into some nice deadlift numbers now. Not elite but better than basic. Where do you put your hands on the bar when setting up for sumo? Mine were on the smooth part of the bar, or my thumbs were anyway which is part of why I lost grip or so I think anyway.

Yesssssss! MFing deads! That’s always a great feeling after an injury. Congrats kleen

Yeah it is. I have been craving to pull for a while now.

Last night was eventful. I got in a decent chest workout and was doing some straightening up in the garage in between sets. Which seemed to be going well until it suddenly was not...

SHort but not timed rest periods

Machine Incline Press @45 degrees - 165x15, 180x15, 180x15, 195x12-15@9, 195x12@9
Machine Incline press @30 degrees - 195x12-15@9, 210x9@9
Flat Machine Press - 210x7@9, 210x4@10

Pec-Deck - 75x20+, 90x20+, 105x15-20, 105x15-20 then catastrophe struck!

I recently bought a portable hose roller to keep the hose on and was trying to put the hose on it in between sets. The contractors I had to fire had been using my hose and left it connected to the faucet wrapped up and hanging over the pipe. When i went to remove the hose it wouldn't budge and I noticed tool marks on the metal connector of the hose. They had tightened the damn thing with a wrench or vice grips or something. So I grabbed some channel locks and held the pipe still and tried to break the connector loose. The entire copper pipe broke off and a geyser started shooting out, pounding into my car that was 10 feet away with a lot more force than I would have thought. It was pretty unreal. Anyway that put a sudden stop to my workout. I got lucky pulled into Home Depot about 5 minutes before closing and found someone who went and got the plumbing guy just as he was getting ready to clock out. He was able to point me toward a quick fix capping the pipe off. It still has a very slow drip but I dug out some of the mortar under the pipe to make the drip run down the outside of the brick so we could at least have water in the house until I can get it fixed. Home warranty is supposed to cover plumbing but apparently they don't cover external plumbing... WTF!!!! Money is too tight to pay a plumber to come do it, so I am taking Thursday off to fix it myself... Wish me luck!!!

 

[BOSSMAN]

The DIY man...good luck!!
Hope for the best

 

[MrKleen73]

By the way ladies and gentlemen, I quit smoking pot Sunday night. I have been pretty habitual with it for most of my life and definitely the last few years and lots of things have suffered as a result. Flushed what little I had left Sunday and said i am done. I will be using CBD to help me come off without turning into a raging ass hat! Also the wife and i are hoping it will help with her appetite and nausea in the same manner that smoking did which is why we started back on it a few years back. She is not quite as sick as she used to be so hopefully that will work for her.

Also going to start up supplementing with Agmatine and NAC as another way to help recover at the suggestion of @HIT4ME and a study he referred me to here. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5993450/

If things go as they have when I quit before I would expect to see a lot of improvement in many aspects of my life but the most visible here will likely be to my physique as my discipline increases by a large margin. So hopefully things will get a lot more interesting to follow in here regarding seeing more progress.

Anyway guys, just wanted to mention it in here, and you guys are welcome if not even asked to check in on me once in a while over the next month or so to help hold me accountable that would be awesome.

Also wanted to say I am pretty proud of myself for not simply going to get me a big fat bag last night when all of this went down because it would normally be exactly what I would do when the **** hit the fan.

 

[Hyde]

I stay on NAC year round now as of the last year or so. Off cycle 600mg/day, on cycle 1,200mg, for liver health alone. When I pulled bloods a few weeks back my total bilirubin was lower than its ever been. Sounds like CBD may be a little work on the liver, and if so all the more reason to incorporate NAC.

I am proud of you for stepping up and making a decision to do what you feel is best for your family, and not just what’s easiest for you. Self-improvement and revelation is what living is about.

I don’t really pull sumo, but you do indeed need to get on the knurling. Close as you can get to smooth though of course.

 

[MrKleen73]

I stay on NAC year round now as of the last year or so. Off cycle 600mg/day, on cycle 1,200mg, for liver health alone. When I pulled bloods a few weeks back my total bilirubin was lower than its ever been. Sounds like CBD may be a little work on the liver, and if so all the more reason to incorporate NAC.

I am proud of you for stepping up and making a decision to do what you feel is best for your family, and not just what’s easiest for you. Self-improvement and revelation is what living is about.

I don’t really pull sumo, but you do indeed need to get on the knurling. Close as you can get to smooth though of course.

Yeah that is what I am seeing too. Although I wonder if it will be any worse than the wear it was getting already? I am not sure if I will be getting more or less CBD than when I was smoking a lot of flower. I will more than likely keep it as a staple too just in case. I think my last bloods I was using 500 or 600 a day and my bilirubin was in the teens.

Thanks for the comments about stepping up @Hyde it surely is not easy. I think whoever decided that marijuana was not addictive is an ass hat... Yeah maybe i didn't blow anyone for a bag and won't be shaking and feverish from DT's but the next month is a pretty scary thing for me to face. I have done it before and it is very hard and emotional, angry and aggressive person I become that first month or so is not a pleasant one. It normally starts about 2 weeks out from last time I smoked. It has me even more worried because I smoked more over the last few years than ever before in my life. So I only expect the adjustment to be that much harder. Then again before I did not have CBD to help with it either. So hopefully this goes well and then I can adjust my CBD use down after the intense period. Shouldn't be too hard since it won't also be kicking an escape mechanism like kicking THC is.

Either way, I want to show my daughter the difference avoiding it can make and make her proud. Hell make myself proud. I think we all know when we are doing something that is genuinely a negative thing for us and it is hard to be proud of yourself in that situation. Here's to self improvement!!!!

 

[Rocket3015]

I wish you the best in this journey, and will offer what ever support I can. I now offer you these words of encouragement.
"Only A Spineless Jelly Fish Would Let a Weed Get The Best Of Him"

 

[HIT4ME]

Well I think you are into some nice deadlift numbers now. Not elite but better than basic. Where do you put your hands on the bar when setting up for sumo? Mine were on the smooth part of the bar, or my thumbs were anyway which is part of why I lost grip or so I think anyway.
Yeah it is. I have been craving to pull for a while now.

Last night was eventful. I got in a decent chest workout and was doing some straightening up in the garage in between sets. Which seemed to be going well until it suddenly was not...

SHort but not timed rest periods

Machine Incline Press @45 degrees - 165x15, 180x15, 180x15, 195x12-15@9, 195x12@9
Machine Incline press @30 degrees - 195x12-15@9, 210x9@9
Flat Machine Press - 210x7@9, 210x4@10

Pec-Deck - 75x20+, 90x20+, 105x15-20, 105x15-20 then catastrophe struck!

I recently bought a portable hose roller to keep the hose on and was trying to put the hose on it in between sets. The contractors I had to fire had been using my hose and left it connected to the faucet wrapped up and hanging over the pipe. When i went to remove the hose it wouldn't budge and I noticed tool marks on the metal connector of the hose. They had tightened the damn thing with a wrench or vice grips or something. So I grabbed some channel locks and held the pipe still and tried to break the connector loose. The entire copper pipe broke off and a geyser started shooting out, pounding into my car that was 10 feet away with a lot more force than I would have thought. It was pretty unreal. Anyway that put a sudden stop to my workout. I got lucky pulled into Home Depot about 5 minutes before closing and found someone who went and got the plumbing guy just as he was getting ready to clock out. He was able to point me toward a quick fix capping the pipe off. It still has a very slow drip but I dug out some of the mortar under the pipe to make the drip run down the outside of the brick so we could at least have water in the house until I can get it fixed. Home warranty is supposed to cover plumbing but apparently they don't cover external plumbing... WTF!!!! Money is too tight to pay a plumber to come do it, so I am taking Thursday off to fix it myself... Wish me luck!!!

View attachment 186828View attachment 186829

So...I did you get a Sharkbite cap at HD? It is like $6

How thick is that wall? It goes into the basement, right? If it were me I would kill the main water supply, open the spigot next to the main and drain the system into a bucket, take a hack saw down to the basement and cut that pipe to the inside of the basement, then sand it as smooth as possible with 120 grit sand paper, and put on the sharkbite. ANY burs from cutting though can make the sharkbite leak...so get it smooth as you can.

It won't leak after that.

If you can solder, that is an easy fix though...and soldering can be tricky, but it isn't too hard.

Oh, and have a bucket when you cut the pipe..just for the left over water.

Yeah that is what I am seeing too. Although I wonder if it will be any worse than the wear it was getting already? I am not sure if I will be getting more or less CBD than when I was smoking a lot of flower. I will more than likely keep it as a staple too just in case. I think my last bloods I was using 500 or 600 a day and my bilirubin was in the teens.

Thanks for the comments about stepping up @Hyde it surely is not easy. I think whoever decided that marijuana was not addictive is an ass hat... Yeah maybe i didn't blow anyone for a bag and won't be shaking and feverish from DT's but the next month is a pretty scary thing for me to face. I have done it before and it is very hard and emotional, angry and aggressive person I become that first month or so is not a pleasant one. It normally starts about 2 weeks out from last time I smoked. It has me even more worried because I smoked more over the last few years than ever before in my life. So I only expect the adjustment to be that much harder. Then again before I did not have CBD to help with it either. So hopefully this goes well and then I can adjust my CBD use down after the intense period. Shouldn't be too hard since it won't also be kicking an escape mechanism like kicking THC is.

Either way, I want to show my daughter the difference avoiding it can make and make her proud. Hell make myself proud. I think we all know when we are doing something that is genuinely a negative thing for us and it is hard to be proud of yourself in that situation. Here's to self improvement!!!!

You are definately someone who steps up in my eyes. You are not quitting. You ARE a non-smoker now. Since Sunday.

What bad things do you think you will get out of your life now that you are a non-smoker?

What good things do you think you will gain?

I know you won't let your daughter down. It isn't an option. So, you are done smoking, I can tell right now.

 

[booneman77]

These guys are spot on... the one thing, no matter what, that we've seen from you time and again is accountability. good, bad, or indifferent, when you make a promise or a plan, you get what you put in and make the best of it. When its things like lifts or diets that are trivial, you're always the first to step up and say you either had it or didn't and that is often more important than just gutting things out and making a bad situation worse just for some sense of pride. Gotta prioritize the big things in life, and nothing is bigger than family. You know this as well as anyone and I have no doubts you'll make it a point to do whatever it takes to make the best for yourself and your family. Being self-aware is the first big step to making changes so you're already well on your way.

 

[jswain34]

Ive missed a lot in here and am on my way to the gym so dont have a ton of time. But:

1. Congrats on quitting the pot. I dont think its as bad as a ton of recreational drugs and/or alcohol but i dont think its as benign as the current culture around it would like to make everyone believe. The toxicologic principle that “the dose makes the poison” likely holds true with this substance too. Whether its better or worse in high doses in an acute ingestion or high accumulating doses from chronic use is still tbd id imagine. But, with the current use of it exploding (or at least people’s comfort in admitting use) there will be plenty of subjects available for retrospective studies in 10-20 years from now .
2. For sumo - you just want to find the place where your arms are directly perpendicular to the floor. If that falls onto the smooth part of the bar then i would recommend getting as close to the smooth as you can while your entiere hand is still in the knurled section. For me this corresponds to my pointers being on the edge of the smooth and knurl.

 

[MrKleen73]

I wish you the best in this journey, and will offer what ever support I can. I now offer you these words of encouragement.
"Only A Spineless Jelly Fish Would Let a Weed Get The Best Of Him"

I love it, AKA Don't be a bitch!

So...I did you get a Sharkbite cap at HD? It is like $6

How thick is that wall? It goes into the basement, right? If it were me I would kill the main water supply, open the spigot next to the main and drain the system into a bucket, take a hack saw down to the basement and cut that pipe to the inside of the basement, then sand it as smooth as possible with 120 grit sand paper, and put on the sharkbite. ANY burs from cutting though can make the sharkbite leak...so get it smooth as you can.

It won't leak after that.

If you can solder, that is an easy fix though...and soldering can be tricky, but it isn't too hard.

Oh, and have a bucket when you cut the pipe..just for the left over water.




You are definately someone who steps up in my eyes. You are not quitting. You ARE a non-smoker now. Since Sunday.

What bad things do you think you will get out of your life now that you are a non-smoker?

What good things do you think you will gain?

I know you won't let your daughter down. It isn't an option. So, you are done smoking, I can tell right now.

Thanks Brother and yes I put a shark bite on there. Unfortunately no basement, would be awesome to have a relatively self cooling area to have my gym in!!!! I am going to have to cut the brick out to really gain access to the pipe then will do everything you mentioned. As a matter of fact I plan to buy the Sharkbite coupler that has the spigot on the other end to put in there to replace the old one tomorrow. While I am home once I get that squared away going to go ahead and re caulk the house so I can finally paint it. Hopefully can find two or three days in close succession after that to paint. All these activities will keep me busy and thinking less of what I am not doing. Last two days have been pretty easy. It is a decision I made so it is settled. Just have to make it through the period when I get to be a grump...

These guys are spot on... the one thing, no matter what, that we've seen from you time and again is accountability. good, bad, or indifferent, when you make a promise or a plan, you get what you put in and make the best of it. When its things like lifts or diets that are trivial, you're always the first to step up and say you either had it or didn't and that is often more important than just gutting things out and making a bad situation worse just for some sense of pride. Gotta prioritize the big things in life, and nothing is bigger than family. You know this as well as anyone and I have no doubts you'll make it a point to do whatever it takes to make the best for yourself and your family. Being self-aware is the first big step to making changes so you're already well on your way.

Thanks brother, that is a great perspective and means a lot to hear that you see me that way.

Ive missed a lot in here and am on my way to the gym so dont have a ton of time. But:

1. Congrats on quitting the pot. I dont think its as bad as a ton of recreational drugs and/or alcohol but i dont think its as benign as the current culture around it would like to make everyone believe. The toxicologic principle that “the dose makes the poison” likely holds true with this substance too. Whether its better or worse in high doses in an acute ingestion or high accumulating doses from chronic use is still tbd id imagine. But, with the current use of it exploding (or at least people’s comfort in admitting use) there will be plenty of subjects available for retrospective studies in 10-20 years from now .
2. For sumo - you just want to find the place where your arms are directly perpendicular to the floor. If that falls onto the smooth part of the bar then i would recommend getting as close to the smooth as you can while your entiere hand is still in the knurled section. For me this corresponds to my pointers being on the edge of the smooth and knurl.

I smoked my first joint when I was 7 or 8 with my juvenile delinquent step brothers. They thought it would be fun to get me high and have me do stupid things for their entertainment. I thought they thought I was cool so that became the most fun thing we did together... I would ask for it because I wanted them to hang out with me plus it obviously feels good... I can tell you for certain that you do not run on all cylinders mentally when using any decent amount regularly. I won't be clear headed for another 3 weeks or so. I have a gift for gab but find myself stammering for words and a total inability to keep track of thoughts. There is a point of saturation where you are just always semi-stoned and don't feel good but am completely mentally hindered.

She is very proud of Mom and I for putting it down and knows what we are about to go through. She has our back and that is important too. I have explained to her how weak I feel when I can't control my desire to smoke and that I let myself down over and over again. How my use has negatively effected me, the house, my level of income and so many other things. If you ask me what the real dangers of weed are I will tell you now. It makes you capable of settling for a life that is beneath you. It is the "F*ck it!" drug and when you lean on it your life shows all the signs of you steadily saying "Ahhh, f*ck it!" Obviously not for everyone but that is where I see the danger in it. When you beging to rely on the ability to be able to smile through just about anything because you are baked then everything that should be getting done is easily put off. Not for everyone, I am an impulsive, and somewhat complulsive person so that is where it took me.

Right now this is my motivation, this is my new and improved Flower Power!!!

I want to thank all of you for your words of inspiration, it means a lot to me that you all took the time to do so. I was reluctant to say much but this is important to me so I want to hold myself accountable and from all of these responses I am very happy I did. Thanks Guys, it really means a lot more to me than you will ever know!

 

[SkRaw85]

I love it, AKA Don't be a bitch!
Thanks Brother and yes I put a shark bite on there. Unfortunately no basement, would be awesome to have a relatively self cooling area to have my gym in!!!! I am going to have to cut the brick out to really gain access to the pipe then will do everything you mentioned. As a matter of fact I plan to buy the Sharkbite coupler that has the spigot on the other end to put in there to replace the old one tomorrow. While I am home once I get that squared away going to go ahead and re caulk the house so I can finally paint it. Hopefully can find two or three days in close succession after that to paint. All these activities will keep me busy and thinking less of what I am not doing. Last two days have been pretty easy. It is a decision I made so it is settled. Just have to make it through the period when I get to be a grump...


Thanks brother, that is a great perspective and means a lot to hear that you see me that way.

I smoked my first joint when I was 7 or 8 with my juvenile delinquent step brothers. They thought it would be fun to get me high and have me do stupid things for their entertainment. I thought they thought I was cool so that became the most fun thing we did together... I would ask for it because I wanted them to hang out with me plus it obviously feels good... I can tell you for certain that you do not run on all cylinders mentally when using any decent amount regularly. I won't be clear headed for another 3 weeks or so. I have a gift for gab but find myself stammering for words and a total inability to keep track of thoughts. There is a point of saturation where you are just always semi-stoned and don't feel good but am completely mentally hindered.

She is very proud of Mom and I for putting it down and knows what we are about to go through. She has our back and that is important too. I have explained to her how weak I feel when I can't control my desire to smoke and that I let myself down over and over again. How my use has negatively effected me, the house, my level of income and so many other things. If you ask me what the real dangers of weed are I will tell you now. It makes you capable of settling for a life that is beneath you. It is the "F*ck it!" drug and when you lean on it your life shows all the signs of you steadily saying "Ahhh, f*ck it!" Obviously not for everyone but that is where I see the danger in it. When you beging to rely on the ability to be able to smile through just about anything because you are baked then everything that should be getting done is easily put off. Not for everyone, I am an impulsive, and somewhat complulsive person so that is where it took me.

Right now this is my motivation, this is my new and improved Flower Power!!!

View attachment 186851

I want to thank all of you for your words of inspiration, it means a lot to me that you all took the time to do so. I was reluctant to say much but this is important to me so I want to hold myself accountable and from all of these responses I am very happy I did. Thanks Guys, it really means a lot more to me than you will ever know!

Damn, first person I’ve encountered that has me beat. Popped my cherry at 9 and it’s been on ever since. You got this.

 

[Hyde]

I can’t believe how much Trin is growing up already! Boy you can still see she’s your baby though clear as day. Gotta lead by example for her sake.

You know, if ever there was something the opposite of pot, it’s probably tren. Nothing makes you less tolerant of any bullshit around you in your life. I will call it like I see it, consequences be damned. Family acting crazy? Best square up if you want to even talk to me. Boss cross the line? Time to find a new job. Gf disrespekkin? Guess I’m single now Tren is the truth; it shows you what you are when you live without compromise.

Use sparingly and wisely ️

 

[MrKleen73]

I can’t believe how much Trin is growing up already! Boy you can still see she’s your baby though clear as day. Gotta lead by example for her sake.

You know, if ever there was something the opposite of pot, it’s probably tren. Nothing makes you less tolerant of any bullshit around you in your life. I will call it like I see it, consequences be damned. Family acting crazy? Best square up if you want to even talk to me. Boss cross the line? Time to find a new job. Gf disrespekkin? Guess I’m single now Tren is the truth; it shows you what you are when you live without compromise.

Use sparingly and wisely ️

Haha, let me get my chit together then I can think about tren. I ran a very low dose the last month of my meet prep and handled it well. I will say this though... Weed is the same for me once you I got to the point I had enough in my system all the time. My initial reaction was the one you got because my inhibitions were down but I was not high. All those little snaps or overt aggression just start to come out. This happened to me during my recovery from shoulder surgery too. I was on percocet and became a serious a-hole to anything one, or situation I didn't like. The wife only had to tell me honestly once and I dropped it like a hot coal and dealt with the pain in order to not put my family through it.

However yeah on tren even low dose I was super opinionated and everyone HAD TO KNOW MY OPINION ON EVERYTHING!!!! I somehow kept it in check knowing I would be forbidden to use anabolics if I couldn't keep it in check at home. So I did but I can't even tell you how many scathing replies I wrote and deleted on here to people during that time...

 

[BennyMagoo79]

Trades smoking pot for deadlift.

**** yeah @MrKleen73

 

[Hyde]

I’m not advocating tren btw. I just think it’s funny!

 

[MrKleen73]

Oh, I know you weren't but I am not against it once I am squared away. Hell being clear of mind and more disciplined imagine what I could actually get out of it!!!

Will have to try a test and lower androgenic add on cycle before that though... Remember I couldn't even run a mild oral cycle at the end of last year /beginning of the year because my temper was getting the best of me so I quit less than a week in. Another thing I won't put my family through is me being an asshat over my hobby.

Who knows though, I am filling back out nicely, so we will see if I opt to get back on a cycle or not. Not leaning one way or another at this moment.

 

[HIT4ME]

Haha, let me get my chit together then I can think about tren. I ran a very low dose the last month of my meet prep and handled it well. I will say this though... Weed is the same for me once you I got to the point I had enough in my system all the time. My initial reaction was the one you got because my inhibitions were down but I was not high. All those little snaps or overt aggression just start to come out. This happened to me during my recovery from shoulder surgery too. I was on percocet and became a serious a-hole to anything one, or situation I didn't like. The wife only had to tell me honestly once and I dropped it like a hot coal and dealt with the pain in order to not put my family through it.

However yeah on tren even low dose I was super opinionated and everyone HAD TO KNOW MY OPINION ON EVERYTHING!!!! I somehow kept it in check knowing I would be forbidden to use anabolics if I couldn't keep it in check at home. So I did but I can't even tell you how many scathing replies I wrote and deleted on here to people during that time...

Wait? You're only an opinionated azzhat when you are coming off pot???

That is one way to look at it.

The other way to look at it is that you are more "aware" of yourself when you are not baked.

lol, just playing of course...but that sh1t was right there and had to be said...just too east.

I wonder how many of those deleted responses were geared at me...all of them? haha

 

[MrKleen73]

Wait? You're only an opinionated azzhat when you are coming off pot???

That is one way to look at it.

The other way to look at it is that you are more "aware" of yourself when you are not baked.

lol, just playing of course...but that sh1t was right there and had to be said...just too east.

I wonder how many of those deleted responses were geared at me...all of them? haha

Touche! Okay, okay I am always an opinionated ass hat but normally it is my wife's ass I am wearing as a hat so no complaints there...

Honestly I don't think I have ever really had too many things negative to respond to you about. We agree on most things and enjoy debating over the other 1-2%. We always keep things respectful in those debates though.

For me it is because I feel sorry for you for always being wrong and I feel I have to be kind...

Yesterday was the first day of the actual anxiety, stress and just being very on edge. I lost my temper a few times which I am not proud of but it is what it is. I just have to try to do better. My frustration levels just seem to be like a river that is always about to crest and send a flash flood of emotion raging through whatever is nearby. That and a lot of things just not going my way yesterday made it a very hard day. I would have much rather have spent the day at work than taking off to deal with the nonsense from yesterday.

I was trying to go through the internal wall to my pipe so I didn't have to remove brick and deal with all of that and found out that the contractors didn't tile under my dishwasher as instructed but instead tiled right up to the adjusting feet so I couldn't even turn them to remove my dishwasher to go through the sheet rock behind. Then the contractor tried to tell me he wasn't going to fix it and I had to threaten going to the BBB and blasting him on all of his social media with bad reviews. So he told me to go ahead and break the tile out and get the dishwasher out and he wold get someone over as soon as he could to do the tile. Not willing to do that until I know how long it will be for him to get someone over. Not gonna have to stare at that while in the mood...

The people who came to fix my washing machine started taking it apart to put some replacement parts before checking to see if he had the replacement parts and the removal made it to where we couldn't even get it back together in a functioning manner. SO we have to do laundry at a laundromat this weekend if we want to have clean close. My daughter forgot some stuff so i had to run that up to her at school then she called to have me pick her up because she missed the bus due to performing at the pep rally... With all of that I didn't get the bricks mortared back in yesterday. So yep, yesterday was a true test... I feel like I failed except I didn't because I didn't go get a bag.

Tonight I am going to go get a quick lift in and then go see a friend I haven't seen in a couple years for his birthday. So that should be nice. I think I am probably just going to do shoulders and arms tonight, and then hit lower body tomorrow.