Log to the 4th of July

dk8594

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Gyms are back open today. Gonna see what I can do before the 4th of July pool parties. Haven’t worked out in 2 months so Will be far from stage ready, but want to at least be pool ready. Not optimistic that I could put my size back on in a month so I am going to see how cut I can get. Will hope back on the gains train in august.

Will post pics weekly til the 4th

My starting point.

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snake

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Good plan with the diet, that's easier to achieve in that time frame. You will harden up but don't rush your way into an injury.

As for the pool parties, 90% of the guys that lift were/are in your shoes and most guys don't even lift. My guess is come the 4th, you're the most jacked dude there even if you're not happy with where you're at.
 

Seeker

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Good news for you here. Two months is not that long at all being off. You will gain it back a LOT faster and with less work then it took you to biuld it before your time off. In just 6 weeks, with a properly planned return, you'll gain back all your strength and lean mass you have lost. Two months off for an experienced lifter is not that long.

Now the not so good news. And this is JMO. Now is not a great time for anyone to cut and try to get to lean. Cutting weight and trying to get to lean can suppress your immune system. Now is not a good time to weaken ones immune system.

Plus, I don't think cutting and trying to gain the strength and lean mass back you lost is good timing. Just sharing my opinions. I think you'll be fine and ready if you just go back to consistent smart training and good dieting habits.
 
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dk8594

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Good plan with the diet, that's easier to achieve in that time frame. You will harden up but don't rush your way into an injury.

As for the pool parties, 90% of the guys that lift were/are in your shoes and most guys don't even lift. My guess is come the 4th, you're the most jacked dude there even if you're not happy with where you're at.


Thanks, Snake. Going back with realistic expectations of the volume and weights I'll be doing and the mobility I've lost so fingers crossed I remain injury free.

July 4th had been marked on my calendar since Summer of last year as to when to peak. Definitely won't be at my peak on the 4th, but given the time remaining it seems feasible. Looks like my true peak will be 4th of July 2021:)
 

dk8594

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1st workout in the books.

Chest, delts, and triceps. Went down consistently 20% across the board, but it felt like home.

Hardest part? The 30 mins of cardio.
 

dk8594

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Under estimated how sore I would be. Considered doing cardio again yesterday, but don’t want to press on the gas too quickly.

2200-2400 calories.

Up the fat in my diet to control appetite. About 40%
 

dk8594

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Back, rear delts and cardio tonight.

Feels good to be sore and has done wonders for my mental state.

I noticed very few people whose body has changed during the 2 month closure. Either the majority were able to find an equivalent to do at home or their workouts were so ineffective that stopping them doesn’t matter? It’s strange.
 

dk8594

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Something about leg day and all the endorphins....makes me feel like everything is going to be alright
 

PZT

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gotta love the swoll haha
 

dk8594

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Back tonight. Nothing special, but I knocked the rust off and was really able to grind and squeeze my lats. Joints have loosened up and am no longer feeling like an “average” 42 yr old. In other words, back to feeling myself and it feels fuking awesome.

Stepped in the scale yesterday morning and was an even 200lbs, was a bit of a blow to my ego but it’s all good.
 

dk8594

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Week 2. Not a lot of movement on the scale but am hardening up in my chest, shoulders, and arms.

Embarrassed to say that at one point when gyms were closed I had wondered if I had missed anything by spending so much time in the gym over the years. More confident than ever that the answer is no.

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Good luck brother. I’m trying the same thing right now. as well. I just starting week two. The consensus was to at least keep carbs at least low/moderate. I’m prob around 100g
 

dk8594

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About 2 weeks back in. Cardio no longer feels like a death march and DOMS much less second week than the first. Joints feel really good now that they are moving regularly again.

Physically.....no idea how much has changed.

Emotionally...feels like I had gotten so used to the fog that I had forgotten what a beautiful view I have when the fog lifts. Feeling the same changes from a sense of well being as when I first started trt.
 

dk8594

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2 full workout rotations in the books. Starting rotation 3.

Not sure if this is still a cut log or not. Honestly have gotten over the “I haven’t worked out in 2 months. Gotta prove something to myself.”

Just want to continue having kick ass workouts. If that means not being calorie restricted so be it.



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snake

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Just want to continue having kick ass workouts. If that means not being calorie restricted so be it.

Stay the course you plotted; it's too soon to start making any adjustments. You're original thought process was sound so give it some time. (Just my opinion)
 

dk8594

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Stay the course you plotted; it's too soon to start making any adjustments. You're original thought process was sound so give it some time. (Just my opinion)

You’re right. Thanks for the accountability, brother.

Back to 2500 calories.
 

Gibsonator

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good difference between 1st and last pic, keep it up bro
 

dk8594

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Hovering between 202 and 201lbs.

Getting back to tanning too. Always forget what a difference that makes.

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