Huh, I’ve probably got 10x the ‘normal’ TT for adult males right now and my tolerance for loud noises is still just as shitty. It’s strange that yours resolved with TRT. Awesome, but strange.
100% this for me. I’m training half as hard as last year and am making serious physical and strength changes. Wild when I think about the justification I had for not making progress, until I addressed all of those reasons and still couldn’t add weight to the bar.
So we’re about midway through the challenge now, aren’t we? How is everyone doing?
Things are feeling good here. I’m not breaking any records, but I feel good and strong and eating remains in control.
Things are going well. I’m consistently eating 3,500 calories a day and still gaining about 1/2lb a week. Maybe .75lb a week. I’m playing with adjusting my macros and so that’s going okay. I’m trying to stuff 455g of carbs down my throat and it’s not real enjoyable for me. My weight was 186 this morning. I’m tackling Super Squats and I’m on week 2. I’m doing the abbreviated plan from the book but i feel like I’m killing it.
Deff looking tighter mate. Nice progress.
I agree. It’s a visible difference.
Agreed x3. If you’re making visual progress in a matter of just weeks at this stage, I’d say you’re firing on all cylinders.
I’d say things are going well for me too. I’m up about 5 lbs (a bit slower pace than I was planning for), but still headed in the right direction. Strength is definitely up and training continues to be something I look forward to. I don’t think my pictures show much progress, but then again, I knew this was going to be a long game. Most importantly, this challenge motivated me to start an online log and draw inspiration from other members here.
Down to 167 this morning. Slow and steady progress but that’s what I’m going for. Two more lbs to go.
Inverting the question that @EmilyQ asked:
Is anyone not making progress?
Why?
If you don’t know the answer to those questions, nows a great time to speak up and get some help from the crew.
Clocked in just under 65kgs yesterday am, so over 3kg down since xmas.
Lifting, conditioning, BJJ, and focus on protein intake.
Go team!
I’m down 2lbs and hit a rep PR. Progress is slow, but any progress is good considering my effort level
Turns out having a coach actually helps! I was doing far more volume than optimal in the past. Results >> sense of accomplishment from doing insane workouts
Last week of a gain phase for me that is going pretty well. Added around 4kg in 9 weeks.
The hard work of slowly dropping some fat will start next week.
Anyone got useful tips for what works for them please share.
Workout #5 for super squats today. Hit 180 x 20 so feeling good about that. Even though I’m a little run down right now. The 20 rep squat is getting very hard. It takes almost all I have to finish the last 5 reps.
Well, it’ll be my case, I’m afraid - Stronglifts went rather well, doing my PRs on several exercises, while gaining mass is NON-existent… Strained personal situation and preparations to move abroad are taking their toll, but overall, it seems, that I’m somehow f***g unable to gain a pound, which would be visible - and yes, I kinda struggle with Super Squats now, as it’s rather hard for me to work in longer sets (over like 6 reps).
I’m gonna post some photos tomorrow.
Can you elaborate on this? I’ve always struggled with gaining weight and muscle. I’ve probably never pushed hard enough or ate enough but even though I’m on week 2 of Super Squats I could not recommend it enough at the moment.
I’m not familiar with stronglifts.
Hey mate, I think @T3hPwnisher has said it well and often recently, ‘get comfortable being uncomfortable’ re being hungry.
Plenty of protein.
Be prepared to lower lifting volume, and longer recovery - based on my recent/current cut.
2c and all.
- cut out any liquid calories and fats for cooking. Both add calories without satiety
- walk around more
- cut back on volume- will help with appetite
My bit of experience.
I did fasted LISS first thing in the morning, incline treadmill walks. Used a caffeine pill or two and water rather than coffee/tea.
Kept my lifting the same. I was lifting bodybuilding ranges with machines.
I also increased protein significantly (probably close to 2g/lb) and cut overall calories elsewhere. I can’t remember exactly what my targets were but it was most likely right at a pound a week.
I weighed morning and night and tracked a 10 day trendline. It’s also the only time I meticulously tracked calories. The relationship between the rate of weight lost was in proportion to my calorie deficit.
Also lots of water, usually with a pinch of salt.
To be fair, I didn’t have much muscle to start with but I also didn’t lose any of it.
Eating the same thing every single day.
Timing carbs to be pre/intra workout only (I use pineapple chunks/juice for this… and for other reasons).
Check your weight, measurements, and progress pictures every 2 weeks. You should be able to see progress in 2 weeks time; if any one of those three metrics are improving - you’re on the right track.
Avoid excess fats. You probably only want 50-60g fats daily.
Remind me, are you natural or using TRT/gear?