Guess I was caught in the server crash, so here is my intro . . . again . . . and I'm going to split it up to get to 10 posts
Age: 54
Ht: 6'1"
Wt. 198
(continued)
Guess I was caught in the server crash, so here is my intro . . . again . . . and I'm going to split it up to get to 10 posts
Age: 54
Ht: 6'1"
Wt. 198
(continued)
Background:
Early 1990s - weight training, rock climbing and martial arts.
Soon after got into endurance events and transitioned from bulk (200+ weight) to triathlon training. Late 90s to early 2000s competed in 60+ triathlons including 2 Ironman distance events.
During this time I weighed between 180-185 (actually heavy for triathlon) with 8-12% bf.
Due to various injuries (knee, shoulder and back) backed down to recreational training and started heavier weight training.
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Wake Up Call:
Soon after was diagnosed with cancer in late 2000s and dealt with surgery and treatment. Used several steroids ballooning up to 248 (not a pretty picture) and down to 165 with treatment, then back to 190 with more steroids (not the fun way to do it).
During this time my business tanked so besides cancer I was fighting for my financial survival as well. Lost my exercise mojo and just worked day to day until i woke up at about 225 (Not the good weight).
Spent the last two years getting back into shape but with age I realized the excess doesn't come off like it used to I've tried everything . . . diet, exercise, weights, cardio to some outrageous levels (I'm extremely well versed in exercise science and nutrition), but can't get down past 18-20% bf (age and genetics are a bitch). To get below this number, I tend to loose strength and muscle.
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Current:
I'm in the gym 5 days a week as well as biking on weekends (100-120 miles). My weights have went up, however, I've hit a plateau and looking to push past it. I cannot do squats due to knee issues, have lower back issues that preclude unsupported bent over lifts and a shoulder impingement that I'm extremely careful with (again, that age thing). However, i have decent strength:
Bench Press: 250 x 4
Leg Press 650 x 5
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Plan:
I've read and researched for over six months and have access to some very knowledgeable people. I have arrived at a 6 month plan and have everything either in hand or arriving this week.
Some of this is experimentation (reasonable) on myself with age and injuries taken into account. Some is adapted from literature and advice taken from research and opinions. What I am going to do is run this plan for 6 months and keep a good log and pics. Also will be doing bloods throughout.
I will not post a day by day, however I will post updates as I go.
By the way, currently cancer free.
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Past Cycles:
Several in late 90s, early 2000s mostly related to endurance training (remember epo).
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Goal:
BF: 10-14%
Bench: 300
Leg Press: 800
More interested in general recomp and building a good physique than adding 30 pounds.
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Bloods at Start:
Test: 492
LH: 4.4
FSH: 3.3
Estradiol: 20.4
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Bonus:
Girlfriend/Fiance is in with me!
Some of the same issues I have at 50+.
Ht: 5'7"
Wt: 150
BF: 28%
Bench: 135
Leg Press: 400
Has trouble losing since she went through "the change". Has some good advice from several ladies we know who have "been there, done that." I won't post as much about her, but will give a general update.
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Looking forward to reading and learning from this forum.
Wish us luck and thanks for the support!
"You never fail until you quit trying"
The End