Fitness |OT| Pumpin' Iron and Spittin' Blood.

I booked myself into a nice hotel a couple of weeks ago that had a good gym (and not busy).

They had a Concept2 rower that I used to use a lot, but haven't used in over a decade.

I got a couple of good ergos in. Setting 10, 20 minutes. Just over 4,500m at around 23 strokes per minute. Not too shaby considering. My heart rate didn't go below 150 and was exceeding 170 though. 😅
 
I don't think you'd have this issue without steroids. I just wear form fitting clothes. Most everything looks good when you're fit.
Why wouldn't you have the issue without steroids ? If you consider that most clothes have pretty much the same width for shoulders and hips, when one or the other is under/over developped (even without steroids), clothing can become difficult
 
For the ones with the more "advanced" physiques here, how do you handle clothing ? Like having very broad shoulders but small waist, how do you dress ?
While I am far from being advanced, I find that I have the same issue due to genetics.

I have broad shoulders, small waistline but wide hips. I look like a freaking minecraft character if I wear a normal shirt.

The only thing that would actually compliment my figure are compression shirts and tank tops. That or dress shirt that I tuck in my pants so I can show my waistline.
 
Accepted the fact that I'm injured. Was doing plate-loaded shoulder presses and the twinge I've felt over the last few days turned into more than that.

Need to (begrudginly) take a few days off.
 
Why wouldn't you have the issue without steroids ? If you consider that most clothes have pretty much the same width for shoulders and hips, when one or the other is under/over developped (even without steroids), clothing can become difficult

I don't know anyone with this issue past or present in my 25 years of lifting including myself. If anything, worrying about how you look in clothes becomes a non-issue, not something to worry about. Shoulders that fill a shirt while the waist area stays loose looks great.
 
Last edited:
I don't know anyone with this issue past or present in my 25 years of lifting including myself. If anything, worrying about how you look in clothes becomes a non-issue, not something to worry about. Shoulders that fill a shirt while the waist area stays loose looks great.
I find it super odd. I mean a quick google search:

Contrary to what most guys believe, dressing well is actually harder for muscular men than those with a more average build. While men's clothing has gotten slimmer to accommodate us skinny guys, those of you with a bit more stature are still forced to choose between clothing that is too short and baggy, or too small and skinny. On top of that, the same things that can work in favor of many men (narrow lapel sizes, pleated pants, small patterns, etc.) will actually look goofy on a muscular guy.


If you are a muscular guy that consistently puts in the work at the gym, you are fully aware of the struggle of buying clothes that fit right, especially dress shirts. It's always the same story that you can never find an athletic fit that comfortably hugs your waist while showing off your muscular chest, muscular neck and muscular arms.

Unfortunately, most retailers don't cater to men with athletic bodies. The shirts are either baggy or restrictive and pants are another challenge altogether. It's such a common concern that muscular men frequently have to spend even more having their clothes tailored.

If you are reading this, you likely have built a respectable physic and have started your journey to dressing better. It is also likely that you have hit the same barriers we muscular men face, finding clothing that fits well. I am confident you have heard advice like "fit is king" or "fit will fix most style problems." While I agree with these statements, for us dialing in that aspect of our style is the most challenging part of the journey. The problem is that companies make clothing to fit everyone. With most of the US being in some range of obesity this leaves a lack of clothing companies that cater to the muscular man. The other issue is that those companies who do cater to muscular men often only provide clothing for the incredibly muscular and lean type. While this is excellent news, most athletes go through cycles of higher and lower body fat making this clothing only useful when you are in the low body fat part of your cycle. Over the past year and a half, I have been trying to find brands that work for my slightly more muscular than average frame.
 
I find it super odd. I mean a quick google search:










If you can afford it, no matter your build, get your shirts tailored or bespoke.

You only need a few and wear an undershirt to extend their life.
 
If you can afford it, no matter your build, get your shirts tailored or bespoke.

You only need a few and wear an undershirt to extend their life.
This. Being a short guy, this is even more evident. Shit just doesn't fit well no matter what shape I am in. Especially pants. It's either too tight or too long when I was fatter. Short legs disadvantage 😔
 
If you can afford it, no matter your build, get your shirts tailored or bespoke.

You only need a few and wear an undershirt to extend their life.

I ordered shirts twice, once after my super cut, and now since I gained back 20 pounds (some shirts still fit, but a bit too tight around the arms and shoulders). But that's for shirts, any other piece of clothing in stores is near impossible to wear.
 
I find it super odd. I mean a quick google search:










I didn't look at all of them but the one I did click on was ways to show off that you lift. Is that what you meant? Shorter sleeves to show horseshoe Tris, etc? I thought you had issues finding a fit cause of your proportions which shouldn't be an issue unless you're Prime Ronnie Coleman in a suit( He looked ridiculous btw). Not that clothes are hard to find cause you're too muscular. I'd say it's much harder to find clothes that make you look slim when you're fat.
 
Not at all

Well, maybe it just isn't an issue for average height people. I'm 5'9" and about as big as I can get without steroids and depending on the brand, I can wear any T shirt or dress shirt and look pretty good without using a tailor. The easiest time I have finding clothes is when I cross my T's and dot my I's for 3-5 months and get into the best shape possible. Essentially everything looks good on me unless I go with an extra-large, then it's just baggy lol

I have a 6'1" friend who has never had any issues as well. At one point he was 220 with 18" arms and he looked great in clothes. But if you're 6'5"+ I can see having issues, but I still think you'd have just as much if not more if you were fat and tall.
 
Well, maybe it just isn't an issue for average height people. I'm 5'9" and about as big as I can get without steroids and depending on the brand, I can wear any T shirt or dress shirt and look pretty good without using a tailor. The easiest time I have finding clothes is when I cross my T's and dot my I's for 3-5 months and get into the best shape possible. Essentially everything looks good on me unless I go with an extra-large, then it's just baggy lol

I have a 6'1" friend who has never had any issues as well. At one point he was 220 with 18" arms and he looked great in clothes. But if you're 6'5"+ I can see having issues, but I still think you'd have just as much if not more if you were fat and tall.

No it's not linked to the height, I don't really understand how you don't see the issue, but nevermind, it's not that important
 
Found out the shoulder problem I posted about before was due to lack of flexibility/not stretching and warming up enough. Shoulder now feels even better than it did pre-injury.

I'm never gonna slack on warming up and stretching again.
 
No it's not linked to the height, I don't really understand how you don't see the issue, but nevermind, it's not that important

Because, like I said it gets easier for most people to find clothes that look good, not harder. I don't care who you are. It's much harder to find clothes that hide a potbelly while still looking nice than muscular shoulders. So all you need to do is find form fitting clothes, and it will look good. Try that when out of shape. "I really don't understand how you don't see the issue." you say but I already said, I've been in shape for 99% of the time since 1999 and the only time I feel self conscious with clothes fitting too tight or showing my love handles is the few times I got out of shape again.

Also, just because you found a bunch of links to support something, doesn't mean its the case most of the time. I can do the same thing.


"AI Overview
Learn more

Working out can make it easier to find flattering and well-fitting clothes because it can lead to a more consistent body shape and size, making it easier to find clothes that consistently fit well. Additionally, being in good physical shape can make clothes look better in general.


Here's why working out might make it easier to find clothes:
  • Consistency in Shape and Size:
    Regular exercise, especially when combined with a healthy diet, can lead to a more consistent body shape and size. This means that clothing sizes and fits are more likely to stay the same, making it easier to find clothes that fit well and consistently.
  • Improved Body Composition:
    Working out, especially strength training, can help build muscle and reduce body fat, leading to a better body composition. This can improve the way clothes look and fit, as muscle is denser than fat and can improve overall physique.

  • Enhanced Confidence:
    Feeling good about your body and having a good fit in clothes can boost confidence. This can lead to a more positive self-image and a greater willingness to experiment with different styles and outfits.

  • Easier to Find Flattering Garments:
    A more toned and defined body can be easier to style with clothes. Certain cuts and styles may become more flattering or easy to wear, as they will enhance the physique.

  • Reduced Risk of Clothing Fit Issues:
    Consistent exercise can help maintain a stable weight, reducing the chances of clothes fitting awkwardly or becoming too tight or loose as body composition changes"



 
Found out the shoulder problem I posted about before was due to lack of flexibility/not stretching and warming up enough. Shoulder now feels even better than it did pre-injury.

I'm never gonna slack on warming up and stretching again.

Any particular warming up routine for the shoulder?
 
I havent bothered doing weights yet. But I cant believe it. I actually have got off my ass the past bunch of weeks, joined a gym and have did some light treadmill and biking. Nothing crazy and personally I dont even know what I'm doing but just messing with the timer and incline settings.

I've lost 6-7 lbs.

I've been eating slightly better too. But not much better to be honest. But it's a start. My goal is to lose some more lbs, then amp up with some weights, and also at some point better eating. So I'm going to see how well just doing boring treadmill/bike drops pounds before it levels off and I need to do more.

My starting weight was high at 230-ish. So I got a lot to lose. I dont really have a goal. But my weight when I graduated university long time ago was around 190-ish I think. And my normal weight was in a 210-220 band for a long time. Then inched up to 230 and stuck. So I've always been a bit chunky. But if I can get back down to lets say 200-210 I'd be happy.
 
I havent bothered doing weights yet. But I cant believe it. I actually have got off my ass the past bunch of weeks, joined a gym and have did some light treadmill and biking. Nothing crazy and personally I dont even know what I'm doing but just messing with the timer and incline settings.

I've lost 6-7 lbs.

I've been eating slightly better too. But not much better to be honest. But it's a start. My goal is to lose some more lbs, then amp up with some weights, and also at some point better eating. So I'm going to see how well just doing boring treadmill/bike drops pounds before it levels off and I need to do more.

My starting weight was high at 230-ish. So I got a lot to lose. I dont really have a goal. But my weight when I graduated university long time ago was around 190-ish I think. And my normal weight was in a 210-220 band for a long time. Then inched up to 230 and stuck. So I've always been a bit chunky. But if I can get back down to lets say 200-210 I'd be happy.

Good luck
 
First post in this thread but I've always kept an eye on it.
I've always been into keeping fit but like most of us as we get older life finds a way to make it harder than it should be.
But I'm only here to offer a recommendation on what's worked for me at the moment and that's Apple Fitness Plus, you can get a monthly subscription or yearly and it's filld with different trainers and techniques with different times of length.
Personally I'm enjoying the trainer Kyle's strength training and all you need is a set of dumbbells and exercise mat.
It does track details on your watch but not necessary although I find the watch data from outdoors runs keeps me invested and you can Airplay the training videos from your iPhone to your TV if it supports Airplay so there's no need for an Apple TV either. You can stream or download the videos to your iPhone so it's very flexible.
I'm really enjoying it and have been using it for about seven months now, there's most likely a free trial too.
I hope this helps someone.
 
Last edited:
I subscribed to an insurance, for a price that seemed interesting, only to see that they increased the amount after learning about my weight and height. Apparently my BMI is "at risk" so I have to pay more. (I'm like at 220lbs for 6ft).

Arnold never told us about this issue
 
Alright, so I'm up for 2 weeks holiday and since my car has to be fixed now and I have to stay, I decided to do my most insane cut so far.

Starting on Thursday last week I'm doing 2,5 weeks no stop training every day. Monday to Wednesday I hit the gym early in the morning and to 1,5-2 hours of cardio, Thursday to Sunday I do weightlifting in the late afternoon. I addition I go for a walk at least an hour every day. All this while being on a good diet (only Saturday I eat a bit of icecream)

Now that by itself is not so bad, I've done much worse. What makes it worse this time is that I decided to dehydrate while doing this cut, meaning drink as little as somewhat possible. Been doing this already for two weeks and to my surprise it gets easier now. I try to stay below 1,5 litres of water per day and mostly get my fluids through food.

I'm curious to see how my body will react. One thing I don't understand is that I'm usually never thirsty in the morning and only get so towards the evening. Seriously, I've done 1,5 hours of cardio this morning without a sip of water and I felt good. Better than I did last time when I was properly hydrated. Very strange… can't wait for the next few days when it finally get really hot here.
 
Last edited:
Alright, so I'm up for 2 weeks holiday and since my car has to be fixed now and I have to stay, I decided to do my most insane cut so far.

Starting on Thursday last week I'm doing 2,5 weeks no stop training every day. Monday to Wednesday I hit the gym early in the morning and to 1,5-2 hours of cardio, Thursday to Sunday I do weightlifting in the late afternoon. I addition I go for a walk at least an hour every day. All this while being on a good diet (only Saturday I eat a bit of icecream)

Now that by itself is not so bad, I've done much worse. What makes it worse this time is that I decided to dehydrate while doing this cut, meaning drink as little as somewhat possible. Been doing this already for two weeks and to my surprise it gets easier now. I try to stay below 1,5 litres of water per day and mostly get my fluids through food.

I'm curious to see how my body will react. One thing I don't understand is that I'm usually never thirsty in the morning and only get so towards the evening. Seriously, I've done 1,5 hours of cardio this morning without a sip of water and I felt good. Better than I did last time when I was properly hydrated. Very strange… can't wait for the next few days when it finally get really hot here.
I can't imagine myself cutting while taking out fluids. Zero sugar carbonated drinks is the only thing saving myself from insanity.
 
I can't imagine myself cutting while taking out fluids. Zero sugar carbonated drinks is the only thing saving myself from insanity.
Believe me, I'm drifting there already… My Coke Zero in the morning was part of the routine…

Anyway, my thinking was that I don't see why there is no recommendation limit for drinking. For food you have it everywhere, no matter if you eat healthy or not. Why is there no such thing for water but we are told to hydrate all the time no matter if we're thirsty or not? Doesn't really make sense to me.

So I decided to go in as hard as possible for my current cycle (8 weeks) and see how my body reacts. It's getting a bit rough now but I was counting on that anyway.
 
Now that by itself is not so bad, I've done much worse. What makes it worse this time is that I decided to dehydrate while doing this cut, meaning drink as little as somewhat possible. Been doing this already for two weeks and to my surprise it gets easier now. I try to stay below 1,5 litres of water per day and mostly get my fluids through food.
I thought the more you drink the more cut you get. At least that's what I did during my first big cut (down 60lbs), kept drinking a lot
 
I thought the more you drink the more cut you get. At least that's what I did during my first big cut (down 60lbs), kept drinking a lot
I'm not so sure this works forever and/or for everyone. I've always been a heavy drinker (soft drinks in my youth and then water later) and I feel like my body adapted/developed accordingly. It's hard to describe. I just wanna try once. Found it interesting how hard it is to find literature around this topic. Everything's about more hydration and there is nothing critical about it. I find this curious considering that there are such things as water fastings. Hmm…
 
Alright, I'm at the end of week 3 of my current cycle and it looks like this is going to be a very rough 5-6 more weeks. Very clean diet with a minimum amount of drinking is tanking my mood. Hope it's all worth it in the end. Strength is still good and/or improving but overall it's already taking a huge toll on me.
 
Alright, I'm at the end of week 3 of my current cycle and it looks like this is going to be a very rough 5-6 more weeks. Very clean diet with a minimum amount of drinking is tanking my mood. Hope it's all worth it in the end. Strength is still good and/or improving but overall it's already taking a huge toll on me.
You inspired me to start a summer cut as well, doesn't go down as fast as I would like to, but still overall good progress on my end, swimming helps a lot, despite my oversized legs being more a deadweight than helpers
 
You inspired me to start a summer cut as well, doesn't go down as fast as I would like to, but still overall good progress on my end, swimming helps a lot, despite my oversized legs being more a deadweight than helpers
Awesome bro. I'll keep posting a weekly progress, maybe even with some pictures at the end so so you guys (and future me) know what you have to go through and if it's all worth it.

Please do as well, so I know I ain't the only maniac.
 
Awesome bro. I'll keep posting a weekly progress, maybe even with some pictures at the end so so you guys (and future me) know what you have to go through and if it's all worth it.

Please do as well, so I know I ain't the only maniac.
Nah I cut any type of social presence online, even pictures. And I'm never satisfied with how I look anyway.
 
Alright, I'm at the end of week 3 of my current cycle and it looks like this is going to be a very rough 5-6 more weeks. Very clean diet with a minimum amount of drinking is tanking my mood. Hope it's all worth it in the end. Strength is still good and/or improving but overall it's already taking a huge toll on me.
Going forward…. Just finished week 4. It was 3x cardio for 1,5 hours on Monday-Wednesday and my usual weight training from Thursday to Sunday.

Have to say that my mood bounded back big time. Felt much better this week and had a lot less problems with my new diet.

For the drinking I made a little change after I almost blacked out once in the gym. Decided to drink next to nothing except my Shakes and for my supplements when not training and then just go for it during training - and it's been an amazing choice. Had some of my best workouts for months.

So I'm pretty happy for now. Couple of more weeks to go. Next week it's back to work so I don't have time for the cardio any more, hence only weight training for here on in. Will be done with my Creatine cycle next week and will then switch to my (natty) Testo cycle.

So far I've had no real downsides except my tanking mood last week. Strength keeps increasing a little bit (despite eating and drinking less) and as an interesting consequence I seem to have eliminated my snoring. 🤔
 
Just had a plate of scrambled eggs with jalapeños and diced shallots.

Now it's time to head to the gym for a chest and tri session.
 
Going forward…. Just finished week 4. It was 3x cardio for 1,5 hours on Monday-Wednesday and my usual weight training from Thursday to Sunday.

Have to say that my mood bounded back big time. Felt much better this week and had a lot less problems with my new diet.

For the drinking I made a little change after I almost blacked out once in the gym. Decided to drink next to nothing except my Shakes and for my supplements when not training and then just go for it during training - and it's been an amazing choice. Had some of my best workouts for months.

So I'm pretty happy for now. Couple of more weeks to go. Next week it's back to work so I don't have time for the cardio any more, hence only weight training for here on in. Will be done with my Creatine cycle next week and will then switch to my (natty) Testo cycle.

So far I've had no real downsides except my tanking mood last week. Strength keeps increasing a little bit (despite eating and drinking less) and as an interesting consequence I seem to have eliminated my snoring. 🤔
How much weight have you lost? Usually that's a key factor in snoring.

Glad the cuts are going well for you guys! I did one from august to about January of last year. Dropped 47 pounds. 240 to about 194/193. I'm slowly going back up now. Sitting at about 197.5/198.5. My high end strength tanked (specially squat and overhead press) but relatively, I'm stronger now… and the strength is increasing again). Much happier with my weight.

Going to have a much more responsible bulk this go around.
 
Last edited:
How much weight have you lost? Usually that's a key factor in snoring.
Nah, no for me. Been going up and down from 88-92kg constantly. I really have troubles gaining weight in general I must say

I've been experimenting with a couple of things since 2023. The fluid cut now made the biggest difference in months. See below graphs.

IMG-4204.jpg
IMG-4205.jpg



The app I use is called SnoreApp and it's amazing btw. Costs next to nothing.

That said, my cut is progressing well. Really getting used to the lower fluid intake now and my strength hasn't suffered. Today was super hot for our standards and I was still able to do my regular training.

4 more weeks to go.
 
Last edited:
Going to have a much more responsible bulk this go around.
I do the same. Between mid-2023 and early 2024 I did a cut, and was too happy of the results, I kept losing until I became too thin (despite still weighting 190lbs), like I had a 28 inches waist. I did a bulk since last year, went back to 231lbs, now trying to cut while maintaining as much as possible, currently at 218lbs, trying to go down to 200 (should be pretty cut by that point, unless I lose too much muscle)
 
Nah, no for me. Been going up and down from 88-92kg constantly. I really have troubles gaining weight in general I must say

I've been experimenting with a couple of things since 2023. The fluid cut now made the biggest difference in months. See below graphs.

IMG-4204.jpg
IMG-4205.jpg



The app I use is called SnoreApp and it's amazing btw. Costs next to nothing.

That said, my cut is progressing well. Really getting used to the lower fluid intake now and my strength hasn't suffered. Today was super hot for our standards and I was still able to do my regular training.

4 more weeks to go.
Interesting. Why the lower fluids thing?
I do the same. Between mid-2023 and early 2024 I did a cut, and was too happy of the results, I kept losing until I became too thin (despite still weighting 190lbs), like I had a 28 inches waist. I did a bulk since last year, went back to 231lbs, now trying to cut while maintaining as much as possible, currently at 218lbs, trying to go down to 200 (should be pretty cut by that point, unless I lose too much muscle)
Good for you for getting back up there. I like being leaner, and just run lean, so it's hard to commit to going back up. That said, I think I have it figured out now and have a nice drift upwards. I'm in no real hurry.

You are doing a great job
 
Interesting. Why the lower fluids thing?
Hard to explain. I've been dieting for a decade now and pretty much have full control over what I eat. For fuilds it's a bit of a different story. Imagine food cravings… but for water. Something like this. Hence I decided to cut down as much as possible for a few weeks now. I'm now down to more or less 1 litre on off days and around 2 litres on training days. Want to keep this going and see how my looks and feelings change.

I know it's pretty much contra to all science available but I just can't shake the feeling that something isn't right here.

Will see. Wasn't expecting my snoring to go away but that's what seems to have happened for now and I wanted to share. For everything else I think it'll take a bit more time to adapt. Knowing myself it usually takes around 8-10 weeks to see benefits (or damage) of a new diet.
 
Hard to explain. I've been dieting for a decade now and pretty much have full control over what I eat. For fuilds it's a bit of a different story. Imagine food cravings… but for water. Something like this. Hence I decided to cut down as much as possible for a few weeks now. I'm now down to more or less 1 litre on off days and around 2 litres on training days. Want to keep this going and see how my looks and feelings change.

I know it's pretty much contra to all science available but I just can't shake the feeling that something isn't right here.

Will see. Wasn't expecting my snoring to go away but that's what seems to have happened for now and I wanted to share. For everything else I think it'll take a bit more time to adapt. Knowing myself it usually takes around 8-10 weeks to see benefits (or damage) of a new diet.
Interesting. Well, good luck and let all of us know your results.
 
Going forward…. Just finished week 4. It was 3x cardio for 1,5 hours on Monday-Wednesday and my usual weight training from Thursday to Sunday.

Have to say that my mood bounded back big time. Felt much better this week and had a lot less problems with my new diet.

For the drinking I made a little change after I almost blacked out once in the gym. Decided to drink next to nothing except my Shakes and for my supplements when not training and then just go for it during training - and it's been an amazing choice. Had some of my best workouts for months.

So I'm pretty happy for now. Couple of more weeks to go. Next week it's back to work so I don't have time for the cardio any more, hence only weight training for here on in. Will be done with my Creatine cycle next week and will then switch to my (natty) Testo cycle.

So far I've had no real downsides except my tanking mood last week. Strength keeps increasing a little bit (despite eating and drinking less) and as an interesting consequence I seem to have eliminated my snoring. 🤔
Another week done and the cut is still going great. By this point I basically got used to my clean diet and also the new drinking habits for the most part. Actually have to force myself to drink more during training, lol. Only struggle a bit in the evening but I still rarely overshoot the limit I set myself.

Still no real downsides. Worst I could say is that my strength is stalling a bit here and there but I'm still improving on most lifts, which is kinda crazy considering how much less calories I ingest now. Snoring is still on an all time low. I also noticed I ain't as drained after the workout any more, which was my main goal with the new drinking regiment. It's been a while since I enjoyed training as much.

A few more weeks to go until my 2nd fat burner cycle is finished, then my cut is supposed to end. The way it's going now I may just stick with it. Don't miss the extra food at all.
 
After 1 month, lost about 9lbs, arms still big (19 inches), legs less big than before (27.5 inches) but waist going way down (32 inches), I'll try to keep this level as much as possible until I'm down to 200lbs
 
Top Bottom