True that! I moved a couple thousand pounds of scrap metal two days ago and was legitimately sore and tired yesterday. It’s just that I’m accustomed to being able to do 8 hours of manual labor then follow it with a 30-set workout and half an hour of cardio. My recovery is bad and has been for a year or so.
I’ve said for years that gym’s exist because in general (in developed nations) we don’t do manual labor any more…
I believe this too, I remember seeing Matt Vincent say that now life has become so easy that we have to create fake work just to use our bodies properly and feel like men.
When I was 17 I did landscaping for my dad and lifted six days a week. I think my secret was fast food. Three Jr Bacon Cheeseburgers was my daily post workout meal.
Lots of protein to rebuild muscles, lots of fat to produce testosterone, and carbs from the buns to replace glucose. Makes sense to me!
And only $3!
3/22/19, Friday
Squat max test
15 x 20
65 x 10
115 x 5
135 x 3
155 x 1
175 x 1
195 x 1
215 x 1
230 x 1
240 x 1
250 x 1 (PR!!)
This was fun. And exciting. Since my leg was crushed 17 years ago, I’ve literally never tested my squat max. I’ve always kept the RPE around 6, not wanting to damage anything. I haven’t consistently back squatted for a year-plus, and I’m pleased with this starting point.
Many effective strength routines are based on percentage of 1RM, so I need to learn it for my staple lifts. This week, I plan to have another go at every-other day squats, lifting three times a week. After squats, I’ll test another key lift or two for 1RM.
Once I’ve completed this week of testing, I’ll have a better idea what type of program to run - full body or an upper-lower split are the current prime contenders. Low reps with higher percentages for a couple lifts don’t drain me nearly as much as high-volume, low-weight training. I need a full day of after a lifting day, but walking on the off day feels great, so the current plan is to lift three days, squatting five singles at 75 percent of 1RM, follow the squatting with a low-volume split, and walk on two or three off days. The next step is testing 1RMs and deciding which lifts I want to focus on.
3/23/19, Saturday
Walk
2.4 miles, 43:17, 18:03 average mile
This was the first installment in my low-intensity, regular-walking schedule. I hope to build over a few months to one walk, ruck, and run each week. This time around, I’m requiring myself to practice restraint and let the regular, low-intensity exercise have its positive effects.
Awesome TnT, now you don’t do anything foolish Ya hear.
You could try some 531’ing that is kind of an upper lower split.
Very nice work on the squat PR. Well done.
Awesome pr !
Congrats on the PR! Progress!
I’ll add my congrats on the PR. That one was hard-earned, and a long time coming. Those are the most satisfying kind.
Congrats on the PR man! Exciting stuff
Thanks, Simo! I’m chugging along after you 
Thanks, 'hog! I’ve not caught you yet, but be watching 
Thanks, CL! You’re right, it IS progress, and it feels good. Slow, steady progress is my outlook now.
You’re right, Steve - hard-earned accomplishments are (some of) the most satisfying. Thanks!
Thanks, The Other Jacko Congrats on placing in your show!!
3/24/19, Sunday
EODS (Every-Other-Day Squats) and upper body 1
Warm-up
Single leg plate curls
Curls/lateral raises/ triceps extensions / BPAs
Squats
Wow. The 15-pound warm-up was the most difficult set. The 185s felt to easy - THIS is the way to build strength!
DB Standing OHP - 1RM test
I used to be stronger at these. No matter. I’ll be working at 75% in my next session with this exercise.
Wide Neutral Grip Rows
My hands are nearly 3 feet apart. These bad boys are difficult and frustrating, largely because my lower traps are so weak. Which is why I’m doing 'em.
Push-ups on handles / chest supported rear delt flyes / DB curls
This was a fantastic day of lifting. I’m excited about this slow-and-steady approach!
3/26/19, Tuesday
Warm-up
Single-leg glute bridges, 3-second pause at top, 2 x 10 / leg
Squats
15 x 20 (10 regular, 10 overhead)
65 x 10 (16" box)
115 x 5
140 x 3
165 x 2
185 x 1
185 x 1
185 x 1
185 x 1
185 x 1
Good mornings
135 x 8
135 x 8
135 x 8
I’ve never done GMs as a regular exercise. I’m not sure if I’ll keep them or go with RDLs.
Single leg calf raise w/dumbbell
20 x 10
20 x 10
20 x 10
Walking lunges
bw x 12
bw x 12
bw x 12
This was a pleasant, basic leg workout. I’m uncertain whether I’ll alternate upper body and lower body workouts or will do one leg session a week, letting the squatting and walking strengthen my legs for the first month.
Speaking of walking, I’ve missed two outings this week from sheer busy-ness. I plan to go tomorrow though, and that will set me up for my rest day (Saturday) then into the next training week.