- Nov 24, 2011
- 1,408
- 722
@dan gable The straight up truth is my training these days is laughable. To many on the outside, they probably look at my training and think I am dedicated and work hard. By the metric of most gym goers, that is probably true. But for most of my close to 20 years training I really pushed myself in the gym. Never the 'make yourself puke' type push yourself, but rather the lift as heavy as you can,
Most of my training has all been strength based, Simple compound movements from 3-12 reps. Squats, deads, bench, bent rows, standing OHP, weighted pullups......that was pretty much the foundation of my training for many years with some finishing work thrown in. Maybe a few iso sets at the end of a workout.
My training now..... is a lot of machine stuff (which I always do very light and concentrate on getting at the muscle). I do LOTS of light TUT stuff. No organized structure, just go in and do what I feel like. By no means do I recommend my routine.
I pretty much got to a point where I realized there was almost no difference between me pushing as hard as I could on a programmed periodized program and just screwing off. So I have taken the approach of being easier on my body and just go have fun in the gym.
The weird thing, is I have been able to maintain my strength. I took 2 full years off squatting 'normal'. I would do no-handed squats just for fun. After that time off, I decided to see where my strength was and after 4 workouts to tighten back my form, I had no problems with a 535 squat (at aprox 200lbs). Same goes for deads. Took almost 3 years off and within 5 workouts training deads I pulled 585x3 and backed off since I did not want to pull too hard and hurt something.
Cliffs: I would not recommend to anyone my training I do now as I dont think it will do anything but essentially maintain. But at 46 I am not looking for PR's. I get a hair up my ass every now and again and will move some weight around, but I essentially control my training now with diet. It will totally determine the direction I take.
Gains are far, few and inbetween, so I just take a balanced long term approach to everything. Including AAS. I have only turned to the 'dark side' a few years back. I have never run enough to where I can tell any real difference. I never see any noticeable spikes in strength and never lose any after the cycle is over. BUT over time, I believe it has allowed me to push past where I could have gotten naturally (definitely while trying to keep lower bodyfat). Time and consistency can really accomplish a lot. Coming at is from this approach, I can maintain my build and strength on 'normal' test levels. Again at 46 I am not looking to be anything other than happy and feel good. I have been 230 with passable abs (@5'9") and it does not feel great to me. Although I feel like a monster in the gym, the other 95% of my life does not feel great. I feel best sitting about 200-205. Kind of like the bodybuilders back in the 70's. "Big" guys, but not crazy huge and looked fit as well a being big.
Sorry for the long drawn out answer. But we all have different goals. Mine is by no means the only one and I respect the mass monsters and know that route is tough as well. Just sharing my perspective. One that was helped tremendously from many of the good brothers on this forum. I knew absolutely nothing about AAS prior to coming over here and I am forever grateful for all the great advice I have been given.
Most of my training has all been strength based, Simple compound movements from 3-12 reps. Squats, deads, bench, bent rows, standing OHP, weighted pullups......that was pretty much the foundation of my training for many years with some finishing work thrown in. Maybe a few iso sets at the end of a workout.
My training now..... is a lot of machine stuff (which I always do very light and concentrate on getting at the muscle). I do LOTS of light TUT stuff. No organized structure, just go in and do what I feel like. By no means do I recommend my routine.
I pretty much got to a point where I realized there was almost no difference between me pushing as hard as I could on a programmed periodized program and just screwing off. So I have taken the approach of being easier on my body and just go have fun in the gym.
The weird thing, is I have been able to maintain my strength. I took 2 full years off squatting 'normal'. I would do no-handed squats just for fun. After that time off, I decided to see where my strength was and after 4 workouts to tighten back my form, I had no problems with a 535 squat (at aprox 200lbs). Same goes for deads. Took almost 3 years off and within 5 workouts training deads I pulled 585x3 and backed off since I did not want to pull too hard and hurt something.
Cliffs: I would not recommend to anyone my training I do now as I dont think it will do anything but essentially maintain. But at 46 I am not looking for PR's. I get a hair up my ass every now and again and will move some weight around, but I essentially control my training now with diet. It will totally determine the direction I take.
Gains are far, few and inbetween, so I just take a balanced long term approach to everything. Including AAS. I have only turned to the 'dark side' a few years back. I have never run enough to where I can tell any real difference. I never see any noticeable spikes in strength and never lose any after the cycle is over. BUT over time, I believe it has allowed me to push past where I could have gotten naturally (definitely while trying to keep lower bodyfat). Time and consistency can really accomplish a lot. Coming at is from this approach, I can maintain my build and strength on 'normal' test levels. Again at 46 I am not looking to be anything other than happy and feel good. I have been 230 with passable abs (@5'9") and it does not feel great to me. Although I feel like a monster in the gym, the other 95% of my life does not feel great. I feel best sitting about 200-205. Kind of like the bodybuilders back in the 70's. "Big" guys, but not crazy huge and looked fit as well a being big.
Sorry for the long drawn out answer. But we all have different goals. Mine is by no means the only one and I respect the mass monsters and know that route is tough as well. Just sharing my perspective. One that was helped tremendously from many of the good brothers on this forum. I knew absolutely nothing about AAS prior to coming over here and I am forever grateful for all the great advice I have been given.
) I ate two plates of nuggest that size (10oz of raw chicken pre cooked) A chobani strawberry yogurt, a granola bar and a snack pack of choclate covered raisins. 
