Also, since this is a new topic, for anyone who is brand new to this stuff, or is curious about where to begin, I know that myself and many others in this topic would be overjoyed to help you out. This is a judgment free zone and we all started somewhere before we turned into jacked gods. Please post if you have questions or want any advice!
Nice to see someone making progress!
On squat day I skipped back squats after I felt my usual right hip/glute discomfort even at very low weight. Instead I substituted a bunch more low weight Zercher sets. Max was 10 reps at 125. I'm kind of enjoying the very different feel of the Zerchers at the moment. Also did some leg press, which I'm not really a fan of, but it's better than nothing.
OHP went really well on its day though. My shoulders were feeling the best they've felt in weeks with no soreness. Was able to do 2 singles at 142.5. First single felt really good and strong, just not enough in the tank for another rep. Took a brief rest and then was able to get another.
I will always respect people who have abs. I dont know if respect is the right word. I acknowledge the discipline it requires to not eat a completely trash diet constantly. If I eat at a deficit for more than a day I honestly want to kill myself.
I'm increasing either my reps/sets or weight each time. The issue I have is that while I'm working out the last few sets are always a struggle. Maybe need to break the sets up and have a short 5-10 second rest before completing the full set, which I think is fine. My concern is that I'm not having any soreness or muscle pain. Like even though the work out is challenging and I feel a good pump, later that day - nothing. The next day - nothing. I'm worried that means I'm not working hard enough but the fact that the sets are challenging at the end makes me think I am.
consistent protein and creatine is the solution for me there
I love strength training. Today was the start of my second time through all my workout plans.
First week Squats were 6x(230)5x(240)3x(260)1x(280), today 6x(240)5x(250)3x(275)1x(310).
Hoping to hit 315 later this week.
I started intermittent fasting.Dude if you get jacked, combined with the phenomenal swag, its over for everyone else
JFC it's a cheat code.
Its been a week yall. Nearly lost my home to a forest fire. Had just a few minutes to pack up what I could and get out. Thankfully the fireman did an amazing job holding the line, but I struggled to eat or sleep well for a few days. First day back in the gym, I lost 8 pounds lol. I know it will be back in a few days, but still. Trauma can nuke you in just a few days
Damn dude. Sorry to hear that. I can definitely relate though. Few years ago I had to also do an emergency evac for a forest fire encroaching on the neighborhood I lived in the time. Only could take a select few items too. Luckily nothing happened outside of not being able to get back in my house for a couple days.
Got my incline back up to 220. This has my excited for a couple reasons. It's improving again, after being stalled forever. And the fact that my PR of 245 was when I weighed 182, I'm only 25 pounds away from this, and I'm 17 pounds lighter. I think I might actually get a PR on this in the next month or so.
Also another tidbit. I remember not being able to hit the 100's on the dumbell on flat bench until just recently(I also mentioned when I finally did in the previous topic), I'm hitting 95's right now on Incline. Another milestone for me once I hit those 100's.
I already have the muscle, I just got very depressed years back and blew all the way up to 468 pounds. Got down below 300 before covid, then went back up to 360. Been stuck at 330-350 ever since, even with a lot of diets and working out. A lot of it is simple aging keeping everything "stuck" in metabolism, but I think intermittent fasting will really work. I've been doing it for three days and already my energy levels are insane.