precontest supp thread

Dude your forearms are looking hyugggggee.

Carbs themselves are definitely also helping with those endorphins/good feelings.

Beta T Booster has me so pumped as well.

Yo I got a side Q for you. Back in the days when you were doing strict keto diets and restricting carbs, on your low carb days did you notice trouble falling asleep? Vice versa on your higher days was your ability to fall asleep restored?
 
So the workout I'm currently running, all in order:

DAY 1 Heavy Upper Body
Barbell Bench 6x3
Bent Rows 6x3
Standing Shoulder Press 5x5
Pull-Ups (weighted) 5x5
Skullcrusher 3x5
Barbell Curl 3x5

DAY 2 Light Lower Body & Abs
Front Squats 1x25/1x20/1x15
Dumbbell Stiff-Leg Deadlift 3x12-15
Barbell Walking Lunge 2x30 (15 steps each leg)
Seated Calf Raise 3x20
Crunch 3xfailure

DAY 3 Rest

DAY 4 Light Upper Body
Decline Dumbbell Bench 1x15/1x12/1x20
Dumbbell Row 1x15/1x12/1x20
Dumbbell Lateral Raise 3x15
Pulldown (to front) 3x15
Preacher Curl 3x15
Overhead Unilateral D-Bell Extension 3x15

DAY 5 Heavy Lower Body & Abs
Squats 6x4
Deadlifts 1x8/1x6/1x4/1x2
Lying Leg Curl 3x6
Standing Calf Raise 5x5
Hanging Leg Raise 3x8

DAY 6 & 7 Rest

This is a program geared to increase size & strength; I especially like it because, aside from producing awesome results, you never get burned out. I've slightly adapted this to fit my equipment, but the original program was written by Dr. Clay Hyght, a competitve bodybuilder himself.
I'll run this for a couple more weeks yet, then switch to a more volumized routine again. I think one could use this routine almost indefinitely tho if they wanted too..
 
OCCFan023 said:
Dude your forearms are looking hyugggggee.

Carbs themselves are definitely also helping with those endorphins/good feelings.

Beta T Booster has me so pumped as well.

Yo I got a side Q for you. Back in the days when you were doing strict keto diets and restricting carbs, on your low carb days did you notice trouble falling asleep? Vice versa on your higher days was your ability to fall asleep restored?
Click to expand...

ha, thanx dude, yeah I'm feeling pretty huge right now (all those carbs talking..)
on the sleep tip, man until recently (when I started PowerFULL & the beta) I was lucky if I got 6 hours of sleep a night; most nights were like 5 hours. Sleep SUCKED on keto - and I lived keto for pretty much 4 years straight!! Never knew I deprived myself of such sleep while running that diet scheme. On reflection, it does seem now like I got more sleep on my carb-up days, but not a whole lot more... those were probably the nights where I got my 6 hours in..
Even back in the day tho, I was never one to get 8 hours a night in, always slept less.
You having problems sleeping on CKD?
 
snagency said:
ha, thanx dude, yeah I'm feeling pretty huge right now (all those carbs talking..)
on the sleep tip, man until recently (when I started PowerFULL & the beta) I was lucky if I got 6 hours of sleep a night; most nights were like 5 hours. Sleep SUCKED on keto - and I lived keto for pretty much 4 years straight!! Never knew I deprived myself of such sleep while running that diet scheme. On reflection, it does seem now like I got more sleep on my carb-up days, but not a whole lot more... those were probably the nights where I got my 6 hours in..
Even back in the day tho, I was never one to get 8 hours a night in, always slept less.
You having problems sleeping on CKD?
Click to expand...

A little bit. I find that I am having some issues falling asleep (Ill lay in bed for a good 2 hours before falling asleep and feeling tired). Once I am asleep I tend to stay asleep for a good 7 hours and then will go through a wake up fall back asleep for another hour or so. Before starting the CKD I would just pass out a good 30-45 minutes after laying down for the night and go the entire 8-9 hours like a log. Also on my carb up days I am literally asleep within 10 minuets of laying down and its higher quality sleep.

I know carbs play some roles in sleep patterns but I don't know if it would affect it to this degree (I also feel the sleep I get is much deeper on carb ups though). I began worrying about over training (since its one of the symptoms) but I seem to have relinquished other indicators while the sleep issue remains.

I figure I got about 2-3 weeks left until I will go back to carbs for a big lean bulker (and never go back to CKD again lol) and will be able to judge then if the lack of carbs was the major contributor to the problem. I wanted to see if you felt similar effects since you were hardcore keto for so long. Ill update you when I know if it was the true cause.

Sorry for the quick Hi-Jack man lol
 
OCCFan023 said:
A little bit. I find that I am having some issues falling asleep (Ill lay in bed for a good 2 hours before falling asleep and feeling tired). Once I am asleep I tend to stay asleep for a good 7 hours and then will go through a wake up fall back asleep for another hour or so. Before starting the CKD I would just pass out a good 30-45 minutes after laying down for the night and go the entire 8-9 hours like a log. Also on my carb up days I am literally asleep within 10 minuets of laying down and its higher quality sleep.

I know carbs play some roles in sleep patterns but I don't know if it would affect it to this degree (I also feel the sleep I get is much deeper on carb ups though). I began worrying about over training (since its one of the symptoms) but I seem to have relinquished other indicators while the sleep issue remains.

I figure I got about 2-3 weeks left until I will go back to carbs for a big lean bulker (and never go back to CKD again lol) and will be able to judge then if the lack of carbs was the major contributor to the problem. I wanted to see if you felt similar effects since you were hardcore keto for so long. Ill update you when I know if it was the true cause.

Sorry for the quick Hi-Jack man lol
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Nah, no worries man, this thread's intent is to be as helpful as possible bro..
There is no doubt carbs play a big role in sleep patterns; I didn't realize this myself until I went off keto. I too fell asleep lightning fast on carb days, figure it's the insulin factor. I'd also sweat bigtime while eating my sweet potatoes/oatmeal/banana for the last meal (carbs) on these days, then fall out within a half hour usually.
Yeah definitely let me know how you respond when you get back to a more friendly diet format!
 
I Just started checking this site out. I used to be a huge fan of anoter site but after reading your log. i have found a new home. You are very informative and helpful i will continue to follow. Like my Bro, Semper say, GET YOUR GROW ON!!!!
 
Thanks bro. Yeah I came from one of those "other" sites too, and I'm digging it here a lot more. Better info all around. It's nice to see a guy like Semper throw his format & motivation out there too, keeps a fella on track!
 
Looking huge man. I like all the feedback and helpful info in some of these threads as well :cool:
 
Nice to see ya drop by Boltster, figured you were still out celebrating your birthday or something.. so how's it feel to be 19 now? Getting old dude..
 
snagency said:
Nice to see ya drop by Boltster, figured you were still out celebrating your birthday or something.. so how's it feel to be 19 now? Getting old dude..
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haha it feels no different. I didn't even really think about it...but i haven't had a chance to think about much with all these papers and studying going on. Guess the school decided to give me some nice b-day presents :rolleyes:
 
Well, starting to work towards the cut cycle again, which I'll begin this w/e. Saturday is the 18-week out mark. Made some good progress with size, got up to 207 the other day, at 202.5 this morning. A little bloat in the belly (left over from a couple days eating whatever at the end of the bulking cycle) but I'm still veiny & look decent - LOT of difference between this 202 bw & the 203 bw I started prep last time at, I mean there is NO comparison. I'm feelin like a mini version of Jay Cutler right now, haha..
Back to 1-bodypart/day (5 days/wk) training for a minute, blasted shoulders something fierce today.. strength continues to be awesome..

D-Bell Press 1x12/3x6/drop set
Front D-Bell Raises 3x10-12
Lateral Raises 2x10-12
Bent Laterals 2x10-12
Shrugs 4x6-15
 
The body is really responding to the change in w/o format; lat day today, pump was just off the hook, back swole to the hilt!

Bent Rows 5x6-12
Lat Machine Pulldowns (D-Grip attachment) 4x6-15
1-Arm Long Pulley Rows 4x6-15
Standing Straight-Arm Pulldowns 2x15
Flat-Back Deads 4x6-15
 
Log still going strong man, keep up the good work :cool:
 
Wrote up a structured diet that I started implementing today, will run this for the next couple weeks or so, see where I'm at then.
Macros are 300/270/40@2640 cals from whole foods, 5 days/week (not counting aminos or liver tabs or the like, which of course I'll be using), and 2 days/week (SUN/WED) I'll bump the carbs up to 450 or so. I'm spreading the foods out over 7 meals. Just ordered some Core Nutritionals ABC (so I'll be using this and Xtend/VasoCharge this time around instead of PurpleWraath), Core MRP & PWO (so I'll be using these in addition to Beverly MassMaker/Ultra Size/Muscle Provider). Adding back PowerFULL & Recreate into the mix Saturday. All the supps are lined up (wish I had some USP test booster tho...), diet's ready, LET'S ROCK!
 
snagency said:
Wrote up a structured diet that I started implementing today, will run this for the next couple weeks or so, see where I'm at then.
Macros are 300/270/40@2640 cals from whole foods, 5 days/week (not counting aminos or liver tabs or the like, which of course I'll be using), and 2 days/week (SUN/WED) I'll bump the carbs up to 450 or so. I'm spreading the foods out over 7 meals. Just ordered some Core Nutritionals ABC (so I'll be using this and Xtend/VasoCharge this time around instead of PurpleWraath), Core MRP & PWO (so I'll be using these in addition to Beverly MassMaker/Ultra Size/Muscle Provider). Adding back PowerFULL & Recreate into the mix Saturday. All the supps are lined up (wish I had some USP test booster tho...), diet's ready, LET'S ROCK!
Click to expand...

damn 450 grams of carbs and shredding bf, :dance:

I hear ya on the beta test booster too bro. I am DIEING to try that stuff out. Praying somehow its obtainable by July 1 when I start my USP stack but doubt it since it sounds like it will be quite the rage when its released (and take a little bit of time preparing for the release).

Also good choice on the Xtend (I'm a big fan). Only BCAA complex I have used thus far. 2 scoops Xtend + 2 scoops Bulk + 1 tbsp (5 grams) bulk Leucine = straight cash money. This your first trial of it or have you used it before?
 
OCCFan023 said:
damn 450 grams of carbs and shredding bf, :dance:

I hear ya on the beta test booster too bro. I am DIEING to try that stuff out. Praying somehow its obtainable by July 1 when I start my USP stack but doubt it since it sounds like it will be quite the rage when its released (and take a little bit of time preparing for the release).

Also good choice on the Xtend (I'm a big fan). Only BCAA complex I have used thus far. 2 scoops Xtend + 2 scoops Bulk + 1 tbsp (5 grams) bulk Leucine = straight cash money. This your first trial of it or have you used it before?
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I like that dancing dude, he's pretty cool! Nice feedback OCC, I like your Xtend protocol too. Never tried the Xtend before, but I've always heard great things about it, never any bad. I liked the PurpleWraath, nothing wrong with it at all; the deciding factor was I got a pretty good deal on the Xtend/VasoCharge combo pack. And the Core ABC just looks fantastic, had to try me some of that too!
 
Thought I'd throw out some progress notes. Was a rough last week, physically I just wasn't "on" where I usually am, and intensity was suffering, so I took consecutive days off from training and made the 3rd day all cardio with treadmill/bike ride/tennis. Nice change of pace to recharge my batteries, had a very intense back/hamstring day Friday and an awesome bicep/tricep/ab day yesterday, resting today. Weight's at an even 200 this morning. Really feeling the Recreate these last few days; tennis esp. was crazy, had to break out the headband to control the sweat in my eyes!
Semper's got me all fired up, seeing his pic at 11.5 weeks out -- just INSANE! Yesterday was the 17-week out mark for me. I've never started prep this far out before, but Ben sure has made me reconsider my timing..
The goal is still to compete in the 182-185 range; I mean I'll go wherever the diet takes my body (obviously), but I'd like to think with this much time to prepare I'll be able to hold more muscle than last time around. Quality mass has been added in the last 6 weeks, shoulders & traps are the biggest they've ever been, and legs are thick..
I am thoroughly enjoying the VasoCharge/Xtend combo, this is good stuff. Very impressed with the Core products as well; I plan on rotating the ABC/Xtend throughout prep. I created a concoction of 2 scoops Beverly MassMaker/1 scoop Core PWO for my after w/o shake (then some solid complex carbs 45 min. later), this is one tasty shake & the macro complex is PERFECT!

Yesterday's workout:
Close-Grip Bench 4x6-12
Reverse-Grip Pressdowns 4x6-12
V-Grip Pushdowns 4x6-8
EZ-Bar Curls 4x6-12
Spider Curls 4x6-8
Reverse-Grip Curls 4x6 ss w/
Wrist Curls 4x20-30
Hanging Leg Raises 4x12-16
V-Ups 4x12-16
 
Everything looks and sounds solid bro! I appreciate the words a great deal! Get your focus ultra sharp and dial this baby on in!

"I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in a maze of mediocrity. I won't give up shut up, let up, or slow up!!!"

GET AFTER IT BROTHER!!! THE TIME IS OURS!
 
semper27 said:
Everything looks and sounds solid bro! I appreciate the words a great deal! Get your focus ultra sharp and dial this baby on in!

"I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in a maze of mediocrity. I won't give up shut up, let up, or slow up!!!"

GET AFTER IT BROTHER!!! THE TIME IS OURS!
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You got it my man. That quote is great!
 
Felt like moving some heavy weights today, so ran with it, concentrating on quick & powerfull lifts with slow & controlled drops. Strength continues to rock; set a PR on my incline press leading off, set the tone for a good session..
Time to get serious - shaved off all my hair, ready to get lean & mean!! LET'S DO THIS!

Chest
Incline Bar Press 5x6
Flat D-Bell Flye/Press Combos 4x6
Dips 3xbw (to failure)
Explosion Push-Ups 1xfailure
Ab work 6 sets
 

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lookin mad swole keep it up man!
 
Still staying with the heavy training today despite a dip in carb intake for a short time, hammered the legs this morning. Knees have been a bit achey lately, so I've upped the Cissus to 9/day (from 6). I love this stuff!
Have been selected to be a tester for the new Core Zap pre-workout matrix (thanx Core Nutritionals!); can't wait to get rocking that along with Recreate! Shredded & intense times, they are a comin! YEAH!

Quads today:
Squats 6x6
Leg Extensions 4x10 ss w/
Inner Quad (pulleys) 4x12
Donkey Calf Raise 3x16
Standing Calf Raise (toes angled) 2x12
15 minutes mountain biking (mostly uphill)
 
snagency said:
Still staying with the heavy training today despite a dip in carb intake for a short time, hammered the legs this morning. Knees have been a bit achey lately, so I've upped the Cissus to 9/day (from 6). I love this stuff!
Have been selected to be a tester for the new Core Zap pre-workout matrix (thanx Core Nutritionals!); can't wait to get rocking that along with Recreate! Shredded & intense times, they are a comin! YEAH!

Quads today:
Squats 6x6
Leg Extensions 4x10 ss w/
Inner Quad (pulleys) 4x12
Donkey Calf Raise 3x16
Standing Calf Raise (toes angled) 2x12
15 minutes mountain biking (mostly uphill)
Click to expand...


ZAP and Recreate stacked together is going to be awesome! I look forward to your log!
 
CoreDoug said:
ZAP and Recreate stacked together is going to be awesome! I look forward to your log!
Click to expand...

Thanks Doug! I do anticipate good things, it's an intriguing formulation (always liked icarin myself, interesting addition btw), and I'm pretty caffeine tolerant so should be no worries combining w/ Recreate.. Ready to get this on!
On a side note, I am enjoying the other Core products immensely. ABC is good stuff - I like the higher amounts of BCAA's & the Citrulline Malate/Beta-Alanine dosing, killer combo!
 
snagency said:
Thanks Doug! I do anticipate good things, it's an intriguing formulation (always liked icarin myself, interesting addition btw), and I'm pretty caffeine tolerant so should be no worries combining w/ Recreate.. Ready to get this on!
On a side note, I am enjoying the other Core products immensely. ABC is good stuff - I like the higher amounts of BCAA's & the Citrulline Malate/Beta-Alanine dosing, killer combo!
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How do you plan on dosing the recreate and zap? Just wondering because i will be doing this as well! I needa get me some of that Core MRP tho....wanna hit some of that up when they get neovar 2.0 on nutra...lol sorry talking to myself :afro:
 
bolt10 said:
How do you plan on dosing the recreate and zap? Just wondering because i will be doing this as well! I needa get me some of that Core MRP tho....wanna hit some of that up when they get neovar 2.0 on nutra...lol sorry talking to myself :afro:
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Well that way there's always someone listening huh Bolt? :think: lol..
My first thought is to run them together 1/2 hour before w/o, then run Recreate again solo mid-afternoon. When I get my carbs back up again I'm gonna stack P-Slin & AP for pre w/o meal - toyed with that a bit in the last week and I really like it. What are you thinking?
 
hmm well i may start off low dose of recreate to see how i handle the extra stims but something like recreate when i wake up, then zap pre-workout, then another recreate dose later. Not entirely sure yet but i am gonna think about it until i get my zap :)
 
bolt10 said:
hmm well i may start off low dose of recreate to see how i handle the extra stims but something like recreate when i wake up, then zap pre-workout, then another recreate dose later. Not entirely sure yet but i am gonna think about it until i get my zap :)
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Yeah, thought about doing that as well, but I handle caffeine really well, it would only be 350mg combined. I drink a cup of java when I wake up too, but just one cup. I would think your protocol would work tho, esp. if one is caffeine sensitive.
 
snagency said:
Yeah, thought about doing that as well, but I handle caffeine really well, it would only be 350mg combined. I drink a cup of java when I wake up too, but just one cup. I would think your protocol would work tho, esp. if one is caffeine sensitive.
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yea i have gone up to 300mg caffeine pre-workout before so we shall see. I wanna do the zap alone first tho to see its effects without extra stim
 
bolt10 said:
yea i have gone up to 300mg caffeine pre-workout before so we shall see. I wanna do the zap alone first tho to see its effects without extra stim
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Makes sense. I would isolate as well, 'cept I don't have time to right now; I've done Recreate long enough that I know how that feels isolated, so I should be able to give some objective feedback on the Zap effects..
 
Awesome back & hammy day yesterday; finished up the week strong with my last bi/tri/ab day in current format this morning, going back to the 4 days/week, upper/lower body split rotation that I utilized prior to running this scheme (just a few minor tweaks). I plan on running this out for the next 4 weeks, taking me to the 12-week out mark at which time I'll incorporate the routine I originally started this log with, a 3-on/1-off format. I'll detail as I go..
Time to break for the holiday w/e - no cheats for me, I'm in the zone right now! The 12-week out mark is the first day of summer (June 21); I'll post a progress pic then & I'm telling ya'll right now, be prepared to see some drastic changes!!
IT'S ON!!
 
I look forward to your contest prep again! Can't wait to see the improvements as well :cool:
 
YabbaDabbaDoo!!
I figured if FitFranco can quote Gomer Pyle (shazzam) then I could quote Fred Flinstone..
Set a PR on wide stance squats today in rep format of 6/5/4/4/4, increased weight on every set. YEAH! Been low-carbing it for a week & a half prior to yesterday (got 300g carbs in) & then used an isolated intra-workout protocol of Core ABC/creatine/dextrose with P-Slin during today's w/o before I go back to low-carb for another stretch. Man, workout felt good! (wish I had me some ZAP to run tho, but with this format energy was def. not lagging)..
Deads were strong as well, leg curls (matched PR), and heavy standing calf raises followed.
Hoping I get ZAP today, gonna workout tomorrow even tho w/e are scheduled off on this format, get in some shoulders/traps/arms/abs & cardio. A little pre w/o stim would be nice since I'm going to try something a bit different tomorrow: fasted training first thing in the morning w/ a MulletSoldier protocol. Progress is happening!
 
Little sneak peak on the progress, show the cuts coming in.
Pic sux, I know, tried to take another one but batteries ran out, don't have extra on hand; show's enough tho I think.
Not ready for a full body shot yet, still need to trim dem abs, but it's coming along!
 

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Got the ZAP last night, log will be up Monday..
As for today, did indeed run fasted training first thing this morning; energy was off the hook, sweating profusely as I did some "bonus" training on scheduled off day.
I figured it was a good spot to experiment w/ fasted-state training, coming off a 300g carb day Thur. and a 450g carb day yesterday (didn't wanna let all that stored glucose go to waste on a rest day). Back to @100g carbs daily for next 10 days..
Also gave me a chance to try a Mullet protocol, using AP upon rising (along w/ ZAP) and ingesting BCAA's only prior to w/o, then running P-Slin at end of session for postworkout shake.. really liked this protocol, and I feel a bit of redemption as well cuz I've thought for a long time that P-Slin could be utilized nicely in this fashion (I asked this question a long time ago in this thread, nobody gave me any feedback..)
Anyway, I may do a bit more of this during these next 10 days..

Traps/Bi/Tri/Abs/Cardio
4 sets High Pulls
2 sets Front Shrugs
2 sets Behind-Back Shrugs
2 sets Barbell 21's (ss w/)
2 sets Reverse-Grip Triceps Pushdowns
2 sets Zotto DB Curls (ss w/)
2 sets Triceps Pushdowns
6 sets Abs (3 diff. movements)
12 minutes varied-speed cardio (mod. to high intensity)
 
YEAH! Diggin this fasted-training bit, ran the protocol again this morning (with a few supp additions that came in the mail over the w/e) and workout was AWESOME! ZAP & Recreate was OFF THE HOOK, energy was unreal, strength stable, even as I switched rep scheme up to 15-20 per set. (I'm not just dropping to light weights, altho obviously it is lighter than what I've been doing; on some sets where I can't get all reps I'm using rest-pause technique till I do complete them all). And the sweat.. good grief man, had to bust out a mop when the session was done, lol! I remain extremely surprised that I'm feeling this good, energetic & strong despite no food intake prior to training, I mean this is a whole new experience for me. Think I will continue this for the 10-day low-carb duration, as I try to make some serious headway on tightening up & shedding some fat during this time..

Workout: Upper Body
3x15-20 Flat Bench
4x15-20 Decline DB Flyes
3x15-20 Double DB Rows (off incline bench)
3x15-20 DB Shoulder Press
3x15 Pull-Ups (this required a few rest/pauses)
3x15-20 Decline Close-Grip Bench (elbows out, like a chicken)
3x15-20 DB Preacher Curls
 
Today's training was just nuts. We had a storm last night & a mini cold front moved in (so temps are about 10 degrees lower than yesterday), yet I sweated more today than yesterday. ZAP continues to be a revelation; no jitters, focus and intensity up, strength solid as I continue fasted, hi-rep, low-rest protocol..

Workout: Lower Body
3x20 Leg Extension
3x15 DB Jump Squats
3x15 DB Stiff-Legged Deadlifts
2x15/12 DB Walking Lunges (each leg, so 30/24 steps total)
3x15 Lying Leg Curls
4x20 Standing Calf Raises (toes straight/in/out/straight)

60 seconds rest thruout between sets, finished in about 37 minutes, then did 12 minutes steady-state cardio and crawled in from my garage thru the pool of accumulated sweat..

Good times!!! Loving this!
 
Off day yesterday, thought about just hitting some abs & running a little cardio this morning, body was sore as hell yet from Tuesday's w/o. Then the ZAP kicked in.. so much for shankin it today.
Weight was at 192.6 upon waking; cuts are starting to come in, veins are starting to pop out, leaning out phase is going well. I'm "feeling" that special time coming when you go thru that phase where massive daily changes take place, serious body recomp.. Man, I love this time!
Not even an accusation yesterday that I'm doing steroids can get me down right now! (Not the first time I've been accused of such tho -- haters!). The workout..

Upper Body
3x15-20 DB Decline Press
3x15 DB Decline Hammer Press
3x15 DB 1-Arm Row (ran all these non-stop, no rest)
3x15 DB Lateral Raise (palms out grip)
3x20 Wide-Grip Pulldowns (to front)
3x15-20 Zottman Curls
3x20 Unilateral DB Tri Raises
2x15 Double DB Lying Tri Press
12 minutes HIIT cardio

Rest was 60 seconds per set, except where noted (1-arm rows).
 
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