macgyver
TID Board Of Directors
- Nov 24, 2011
- 1,996
- 1,672
Hey all. I've been around but have not posted up any progress shots in a while. (probably over a year). I used to post up training vids every once in a while. Last year, I made a big shift in my training. I stopped pursuing strength goals and just wanted to enjoy myself without always feeling beat up. As I enter my mid 40's the heavy weight was just wearing on me. I am not what many would think of at a traditional "powerlifter", but strength goals always were what excited me. I am not a huge guy (5'9 and always stay in the 200lb range) My best lifts (raw) at 198 were a 420(comp) paused bench, 635 deadlift and 550 squat.. I did not really compete much, just local bragging rights events with good friends. Never got around to doing a full power meet in a real federation comp. (just never got around to it.) With young kids, my weekends are usually focused elsewhere....
So last year, I decided to totally change my training. I still lift "heavy" things, but I dont really push for heavier and heavier weight. I took almost a year off squatting and just put on 495 every once in a while to make sure I am not weak. I work a lot of leg press and accessory work. I rarely bench over 315 anymore (my shoulders thank me)...and most workouts I stay at 225 and use reverse grip. Hell....I have not even deadlifted in almost a year! I dont think I would have built my base this way, but I have been able to maintain easily on this type program. Even strength.
What I have really focused on is controlling my intake and staying in a fairly lean condition year round. It was a nice way to spend the year. I took a shot from August to Dec to see if I could gain any size. I ate up 25lbs over that time, but sadly as I strip weight (I am back around 200) I dont think I really gained anything. I think I am about tapped out mass wise. I think I would have to lose the "training wheels" and take things to another level which at this stage of my life, is not for me. Ive been on trt for almost 3 years now and that has allowed me to dabble a little. Prior to that I was lifetime natural. My 'dabbles' are pretty conservative stuff. That 'dabbling' has netted me about 7-10lbs over the past 3 years which I dont think I could have gotten naturally.
Anyway, I shot this in the gym tonight and finally feel like I am getting where I want to be. Not contest shape by any means...but I am able to maintain this condition year round. I am going for even leaner this year and will be dieting the next few months. I know most guys on here dont consider 200lbs all that big. But I have learned weight is an illusion. If I were back at my old bodyfat I carried 5 or 6 years ago when I was out of the gym, I think I would be 235-240.
I am not really a bodybuilder, so dont bust my balls too bad on my shitty posing. Not sure if I ever would compete.....maybe, but I dont see myself as a bodybuilder. (but I have great respect for those that really walk the walk). I am just happy to be healthy and decently strong and approaching good shape for a dude in his 40's.
Many thanks to several guys on here who have given me great advice along the way!
So last year, I decided to totally change my training. I still lift "heavy" things, but I dont really push for heavier and heavier weight. I took almost a year off squatting and just put on 495 every once in a while to make sure I am not weak. I work a lot of leg press and accessory work. I rarely bench over 315 anymore (my shoulders thank me)...and most workouts I stay at 225 and use reverse grip. Hell....I have not even deadlifted in almost a year! I dont think I would have built my base this way, but I have been able to maintain easily on this type program. Even strength.
What I have really focused on is controlling my intake and staying in a fairly lean condition year round. It was a nice way to spend the year. I took a shot from August to Dec to see if I could gain any size. I ate up 25lbs over that time, but sadly as I strip weight (I am back around 200) I dont think I really gained anything. I think I am about tapped out mass wise. I think I would have to lose the "training wheels" and take things to another level which at this stage of my life, is not for me. Ive been on trt for almost 3 years now and that has allowed me to dabble a little. Prior to that I was lifetime natural. My 'dabbles' are pretty conservative stuff. That 'dabbling' has netted me about 7-10lbs over the past 3 years which I dont think I could have gotten naturally.
Anyway, I shot this in the gym tonight and finally feel like I am getting where I want to be. Not contest shape by any means...but I am able to maintain this condition year round. I am going for even leaner this year and will be dieting the next few months. I know most guys on here dont consider 200lbs all that big. But I have learned weight is an illusion. If I were back at my old bodyfat I carried 5 or 6 years ago when I was out of the gym, I think I would be 235-240.
I am not really a bodybuilder, so dont bust my balls too bad on my shitty posing. Not sure if I ever would compete.....maybe, but I dont see myself as a bodybuilder. (but I have great respect for those that really walk the walk). I am just happy to be healthy and decently strong and approaching good shape for a dude in his 40's.
Many thanks to several guys on here who have given me great advice along the way!
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