The Minotaur's Challenge and Progress.

[Minotaur]

Since I've been piping up with questions and comments about my keto endeavor, I didn't want to clog the Senior's Keto Thread with my comments and questions, and turn it into the Minotaur Show, lest I become a pain in the ass. Hence, this catch-all little dumpster for my beginnings, progress, goals, etc. So, I'll be a pain in the ass in my own thread. :D (note to audience... The Minotaur does not take himself seriously).

I found a spreadsheet I made back in the day. It's from1997; I really started working out around 1993-1994. I posted those pics in the pics, thread, but I'll just throw them in here for consolidation's sake.

I did have measurements from 1993-94, but they're on an old *** PC-XT in my storage locker... best extrapolation for size is that I wore a 14.5" shirt collar, 38 jacket, and Small for pullovers, polos, T-shirts, etc.

(D'oh! I forgot to add that I'm 5'5" and currently 45 years old, 46 in July. In 1994 I was 37, etc.)

Summer 1994...

http://www.imgmag.org/images/minotaur/Cruisex1994.JPG

My measurements in Nov. 1997...
Weight... 170
Neck... 15.5
Chest... 42
Biceps/Triceps... 13.75
Forearm... 11.5
Waist... 36
Hips/butt... 37
Thigh... 23
Calf... 15.25

Summer 1997...

http://www.imgmag.org/images/minotaur/PoolBoy.jpg

Summer 2002...

http://www.imgmag.org/images/minotaur/Make_a_muscle.jpg

The quality of the next few pix is not good.

December 2002...
(I really hate this shot! I've seen pix of kangaroos with less of a pouch :( )

http://www.imgmag.org/images/minotaur/Image003.jpg

April 2003...

Weight... 210
Neck... 17
Chest... 47
Biceps/Triceps...16.5
Forearm... 13
Waist... 40
Hips/butt... 43
Thigh... 26
Calf... 16.25

http://www.imgmag.org/images/minotaur/Image023.jpg

http://www.imgmag.org/images/minotaur/Image025.jpg

Just a few months ago my arms measured a shade over 16. Then a few weeks ago they were 16 3/8. Today, they measured 16.5, cold flexed! :) This was after my weekend carb refeed, but even after last weekend, or even a few weeks ago when I was eating carbs, they never measured 16.5. This is a first. Now I'm greedy and want 17" :D

Even after my dietary debauchery this weekend, when I used my keto strip ths morning, it still turned color. So I guess I was still in ketosis.

As far as goals, I don't care what the scale weight is, but I want to lose 4-5 inches from my waist. That would put me at about 10-12% bodyfat. Achieving that will make everything else fall in line... like being able to strut around in a speedo or butt floss at the beach. :D That's really it.

[little lats]

Damn boy you got some shoulders.. keep it up!

[edster951]

your a solid looking fella.....keep it up.

[TwoWalks]

Originally posted by Minotaur
hate this shot! I've seen pix of kangaroos with less of a pouch :( )



Greed can be a good thing - go for the 17". But watch the kangaroo pouch remarks - that pouch looks a lot like the one on a fellow I am really close too :D

I say work hard and train hard while doing the keto and get them speedo's ready - but if going for the butt floss look stay off the California beaches ok. :)

You should be extremely proud of the mass gain and I agree dang those are some delts.

[tracyb555]

Looking good Minotaur! Keep up the good work.

[Minotaur]

Thanks for the feedback, especially about the delts... you know, the ones I complained about not growing a while back. I've noticed lately that they are growing, along with my arms. The primary reason why I am having a hard time finding a suit jacket that fits right (another complaint... um, I mean thread). :D Once I lose some fat, the definition will be better.

[IPR]

Good move Mino in having your own thread :)

I can see a real shrinking of the waist between Dec and April, definite progress.....and those delts and arms look real good.

Like you I rarely drop out of ketosis on my carb-ups, probably because I also workout during the weekend. You don't need to stay in ketosis, so you may want to experiment and see how many carb grams you can take.

Good luck :D

[Gator]

Nice work Min..
Keep it up..People kill for thickness like that...Seems to come naturally for ya..

Congrats on all yer gains

Gator

[Minotaur]

Thanks again. :) One of the big reasons I love this board is because everyone is so civil and 'mature'. Peoples' goals are realistic and encouraged.

You know, IPR, I saw the same thing. And it really knocked me out. The Buddha Belly really is shrinking.

Gator, about the thickness... I may have mentioned elsewhere that the doctor at the chiropractor's office commented about my bone structure... that I have short thick bones. So I guess it stands to reason that I have short thick muscles. All together it makes me look... well, short and thick. Hence the bull references. I've come to accept, and even appreciate my structure. It's a challenge buying clothes sometimes, but on the whole it's not too bad.

[mainer001]

Holy crap Minotaur. You are definitely piling on the mass. Great job. You are looking good. Keep it up.

[MagicMel]

Excellent job Minotaur!

As I recall from a previous thread from long ago, I mentioned that your starting stats were very similar to my own from last summer,
170lbs @ 5'5". I went on a weight loss regimen at that point, though, and only until last October did I start "bulking" when I reached 142lbs.

Just out of curiosity, do you remember what your stats were after 1 and 2 years of training?

[Minotaur]

Originally posted by MagicMel
Excellent job Minotaur!

...

Just out of curiosity, do you remember what your stats were after 1 and 2 years of training?

Thanks Mel. :)

Yeah, I kind of remember. That would be around the time of the 1994 cruise pics above. I didn't post stats, but they were sort of like this...

Age 37.
Weight 137.
Neck 14.5, from shirt size.
Chest 38-39, jacket size actually. So chest was probably a tad smaller.
Waist 31-32, from pants size.

I'm assuming I was about 13-14% body fat. That's a real rough guess based on remembering that I had some belly flab, and I did have a calipers test done; however, I was pretty skinny muscle-wise.

So at the time being 137 lbs and 14% bf, and currently being 210 and about 18% body fat, in 9 years I've gained 73 lbs total; 54 lbs muscle and 19 lbs of fat gained. Not scientific, but as near as I can figure. Need to lose 20 lbs or so. That's my goal.

It wasn't a steady 6 lbs muscle gain per year; in the beginning I was doing aerobics (Step Reebok) and very extremely light weights. More like toning :rolleyes: It was really only around April 1999, when I joined the Y that I started squatting, deadlifting and benching. Even though I did gain some muscle before that, it was then that I started to pack it on.

[Gator]

Well Min, I too enjoy being short n thick..LOL
It is hard to buy clothes as well....I got fitted for a wedding and they had to put a 54 jacket on me, Im 5'6" !! LOL
The pants were haayuuuugge !!!
Accept and embrace it Bro..Like I said, people would die for the thickness aspect of what u have...

Keep up the good work..

Gator

Originally posted by Minotaur
Thanks again. :) One of the big reasons I love this board is because everyone is so civil and 'mature'. Peoples' goals are realistic and encouraged.

You know, IPR, I saw the same thing. And it really knocked me out. The Buddha Belly really is shrinking.

Gator, about the thickness... I may have mentioned elsewhere that the doctor at the chiropractor's office commented about my bone structure... that I have short thick bones. So I guess it stands to reason that I have short thick muscles. All together it makes me look... well, short and thick. Hence the bull references. I've come to accept, and even appreciate my structure. It's a challenge buying clothes sometimes, but on the whole it's not too bad.

[Minotaur]

Originally posted by Gator
I got fitted for a wedding and they had to put a 54 jacket on me, Im 5'6" !! LOL
The pants were haayuuuugge !!!


54 jacket @ 5'6"!? Oh, you are my hero! And I call myself a bull!? I've been trying on 48. The shoulders and arms are OK, but the misection is too big. I should probably go up a notch to 50 for the arms and shoulders, then have the sides taken in.

[TwoWalks]

Originally posted by Minotaur
54 jacket @ 5'6"!? Oh, you are my hero! And I call myself a bull!? I've been trying on 48. The shoulders and arms are OK, but the misection is too big. I should probably go up a notch to 50 for the arms and shoulders, then have the sides taken in.

So now we each begin to notice something about the clothing industry for men ... they design clothes for pears Even in my youth I could not buy a suit ... wore a 46 coat and they came with 42 pants, I wore a 29. Can only imagine what the model they build clothes on looks like. :D

[Minotaur]

Originally posted by TwoWalks
So now we each begin to notice something about the clothing industry for men ... they design clothes for pears

No joke... this is true. Look at Ralph Lauren's oxford shirt line, or Brooks Bros. oxfords... they are cut for guys with x size neck, and a big belly and no shoulders or chest, apparently. I had a good number of these shirts that when the neck used to fit, the midsection was enormous. Then as I grew, the neck and shoulders were ridiculously tight, but the midsection was still roomy.

[Gator]

I wish I could buy shirts from those places..
I went into Bachrachs in the mall, i was walkin around looking at shirts, the sales girl comes up to me and says, "Theres no way youll fit into anything we have, theres a Big n Tall store I think can help you"..LOLOL
Been there as well, they have some good stuff, but if u want a quality shirt, etc..its hard to find it there..
Where do u guys get yer shirts ???
I find them on racks here and there..It aint easy tho..

Gator

Originally posted by Minotaur
No joke... this is true. Look at Ralph Lauren's oxford shirt line, or Brooks Bros. oxfords... they are cut for guys with x size neck, and a big belly and no shoulders or chest, apparently. I had a good number of these shirts that when the neck used to fit, the midsection was enormous. Then as I grew, the neck and shoulders were ridiculously tight, but the midsection was still roomy.

[Minotaur]

Originally posted by Gator
Where do u guys get yer shirts ???
I find them on racks here and there..It aint easy tho..

Gator

Same here... I don''t have a loyalty to any particular brand or style. I find shirts where I can. And I try not to spend a lot of money on shirts. I know that my size changes, and I'll have to ditch the shirts eventually. :( I've learned to like what K-Mart and Walmart are showing. :D

Right now I need XL for the neck, but the body of a L fits fine. XL is just a bit too roomy, but I'll deal with it. As long as the rest of the L shirts fit, it's OK; I rarely wear a tie anyway, and wear my collars open.

Have you seen Rheingold Fashions (http://www.rheingoldfashions.com)? Great looking stuff. I'd love to try them. Maybe I will once my physique settles in.

[Eye2_Man]

You look like someone you don't want to mess around with. If you don't mind the question, what would your 3-lift sum at max effort be? Flat Bench + Squat + Deadlift

[Minotaur]

Oh suuure now you're gonna call me out on bullsh--! So I have to put up or shut up. :D

Seriously, my bench sucks. The best it ever was, was 185x6. My goal is 225. That would make me happy. My squat and deadlift maxes were 315x4, each, so I guess that gives an 815 total. Pretty pathetic. :( I haven't deadlifted or squatted in a while because I'm nursing my back with the chiropractor. No injury, just muscle tightness and inflammation.

The joke and deception is that for my height, I have the 'size' and thickness (of course there's fat too :rolleyes: ) but I'm really not that strong, though I did gain a lot of strength over the past few years, no mistake. I think I may work on that again.

[Gator]

Ill hop in w/ya Min..
Bench...well i tore a pec last year so thats a dead issue, i just use dbells now, it doenst hurt that way..Im doin GVT so I stay in the 85/90 range, I still have a fear of retearing it..Gives me the willies..i wasnt really a big bencher, i hated it..
Dead....got up to 545 when I played the power game..
Squat...495

Back in the day I did the power thing, right now my body is paying for it tho..LOL

Gator

Originally posted by Minotaur
Oh suuure now you're gonna call me out on bullsh--! So I have to put up or shut up. :D

Seriously, my bench sucks. The best it ever was, was 185x6. My goal is 225. That would make me happy. My squat and deadlift maxes were 315x4, each, so I guess that gives an 815 total. Pretty pathetic. :( I haven't deadlifted or squatted in a while because I'm nursing my back with the chiropractor. No injury, just muscle tightness and inflammation.

The joke and deception is that for my height, I have the 'size' and thickness (of course there's fat too :rolleyes: ) but I'm really not that strong, though I did gain a lot of strength over the past few years, no mistake. I think I may work on that again.

[TwoWalks]

Originally posted by Minotaur
The best it ever was, was 185x6.

My squat and deadlift maxes were 315x4, each

815 total.

Minotaur: Good news ... If converted to 1 rep max it would give you a total of 903, stronger than you thought :D

[mainer001]

TwoWalks,

What is the conversion for one rep max? I know I have read it somewhere but I cannot seem to find it.

Thanks.

[TwoWalks]

Originally posted by mainer001
TwoWalks,

What is the conversion for one rep max? I know I have read it somewhere but I cannot seem to find it.

Thanks.

Mainer, sent you a PM.

[Minotaur]

Before last week I hadn't squatted in a few months. The last time I squatted, I thought 225 would break my back. :rolleyes: Understand that I used to do 275-295 for reps and sets.

Anyhoo, I did 225 last week and thought I'd go through the roof on the way up... no resistance. Same this week. I was done with my legs workout before I started it. :D It's pretty much going the same way for all the other workouts. Strength is on an upturn, it seems. I'm happy about it. :)

The really exciting this is that my midsection is shrinking to almost nothing (well, relatively speaking). My pants are swimming around my waist. When I turn sideways, I see less and less of a gut bulge. It's about 7 weeks of keto, and this is the first time in yeeears that I'm shrinking this fast.

When I started keto about 6 weeks ago, I was 210 on the gym scale, with workout clothes and boots. With the same clothes and boots tonight I was 203. The funny thing is that this all seemed to happen within the past week or two. I feared that I was losing muscle too, but my other measurements have stayed about the same (arms, legs, chest).

Looks like I'm on my way. :)

[IPR]

Mino....this is GREAT to hear :D

I found and many otthers say the same, that keto gets better the longer you are on it. Maybe its just takes a little longer than most diets to see the real results, but when they come......:D

[Hibiscus09]

That's great, Minotaur! Happy to hear you're doing so well! :D

[Minotaur]

Originally posted by IPR
Mino....this is GREAT to hear :D

I found and many otthers say the same, that keto gets better the longer you are on it. Maybe its just takes a little longer than most diets to see the real results, but when they come......:D

Yes, another testimonial from another satisfied Keto Follower. :D

In reality I've lost about an inch from my waist, by tape measure and could probably go down one pants size.

The tricky part is eating when you're out and don't really have control. For example, I had to have lunch out yesterday. My lunch companion suggested pizza. I would love pizza, but I said I'd have to pass on that. I felt bad keboshing the idea, but I wasn't going to sabotage the diet. So we agreed to the cafe next door that served a big taco salad... grilled chicken, mixed greens in a fried taco bowl. I opted for blue cheese dressing, and left the taco bowl, though I heard a tiny Guido voice saying "Ay! yo Frankie... eat me." :confused: But I was strong. :)

[TwoWalks]

Originally posted by Minotaur
though I heard a tiny Guido voice saying "Ay! yo Frankie... eat me." :confused: But I was strong. :)

Ah the key to success :)

Minotaur do fantastic. A person can tell from the way you wrote that you are feeling awsome and excited about the progress and this will only create more determination and make every aspect even easier to maintain. Good Job :D

[Minotaur]

Originally posted by TwoWalks
Ah the key to success :)

Minotaur do fantastic. A person can tell from the way you wrote that you are feeling awsome and excited about the progress and this will only create more determination and make every aspect even easier to maintain. Good Job :D

Oh, you caught that, huh!? I'm about as transparent as Saran Wrap. :D When I'm really psyched and upbeat it shows even in my writing, when I'm infuriated (like at patmel's doctor) that shows too. I'm so readable. :p

Seriously, this last week's results are what I have been looking for, for a couple of years (really... years).

My friend is encouraged by his weight loss too. He's not doing a carb refeed since his workouts are not very intense. I even told him this morning that his gut is shrinking (and it is... I never lie to make someone feel better). We've both gotten comments from people about our weight loss.

As you-know-who says, "It's a good thing." :)

[Bob45]

Minataur, you look like a big strong dude no matter what the numbers are? I'm sure a lot of guys say they would never mess with you! Good job.

[IPR]

Mino....yea eating out can be awkward at first, but it becomes second nature especially as the results start to show :D

Once people start understanding they accomodate you, its easier than eating with a vegiterian, and in most places there is something you can eat.

Also most places are happy enough to modify an order to suit, although being in Japan I still get odd looks when I saw I don't want rice ...... they think I'm ill or something :D

[TrishB]

Minotaur...if you maintain that upperbody and cut at the waist, you are going to have an incredible body.
Glad keto is going so well for you!
You have made IPR a happy man. :D

[Hibiscus09]

I just looked at this thread, saw that I had responded, but still hadn't seen the pics until now. I'm kind of loopy that way. LOL You have really put on a lot of mass -- you're doing great!! :D I know you're loving Keto & I'm glad it's working for you. Keep up the good work! :)

[Minotaur]

Thanks guys and guyettes. The encouragement is most appreciated. :) It's also sort of an incentive and motivation to keep improving.


Originally posted by TrishB
Minotaur...if you maintain that upperbody and cut at the waist, you are going to have an incredible body.
Glad keto is going so well for you!
You have made IPR a happy man. :D

Someone recently told me I actually have more of an impressive V taper than I give myself credit for. And not being a good poser, it's hard to see.

I have about 4-5" I want to lose from my waist. My chest is 46, and my waist is currently 39. If I can keep most of my upper body size (I do have some fat around my chest and upper back :(), I'll be looking at a 12" drop from chest to waist. Not bad. :)

[Musicguy]

Great progress Minotaur,

I'm just getting caught up reading some of the different threads..... it's great to see so many people doing challenges and achieving new goals.

[Minotaur]

The diet is in the crapper, and the workouts are pfft. But for this week only.

See, my 'father-in-law' (I'm not married, but it's just easier to say 'xxx-in-law') passed away on Saturday. We knew it was coming at some point; he was very ill, in and out of the hospital and nursing home. In the end, at last he's free now.

So, with the funeral arrangements and what-not, the diet has gone to Hell. I've just been eating whatever I can whenever I can. The real problem is that I'm not eating enough. So I expect some fat and muscle to go bye-bye.

Well, there's always next week to start again... I'm just letting myself go this week.

[Musicguy]

Originally posted by Minotaur
The diet is in the crapper, and the workouts are pfft. But for this week only.

See, my 'father-in-law' (I'm not married, but it's just easier to say 'xxx-in-law') passed away on Saturday. We knew it was coming at some point; he was very ill, in and out of the hospital and nursing home. In the end, at last he's free now.

So, with the funeral arrangements and what-not, the diet has gone to Hell. I've just been eating whatever I can whenever I can. The real problem is that I'm not eating enough. So I expect some fat and muscle to go bye-bye.

Well, there's always next week to start again... I'm just letting myself go this week.

It happens. Sorry to hear you've been through a rough time. I'm sure we've all been through times like these; take care of yourself and your loved ones, and you'll get back on track when the time is right. Keep your heart in the right place, and things will work out.

[Hibiscus09]

Sorry about your loss, Minotaur. My mom had a prolonged illness & I think I actually felt happy when she went to heaven & I knew she wasn't in pain anymore.

Don't worry about this week with your workouts & eating -- things happen that cause us to not be able to do it sometimes -- just keep moving forward. :)

[Bob45]

Sorry for the loss. One week is nothing.

[Kane Fan]

I love Minotuars
are you a AD&D gamer?

[Minotaur]

Originally posted by Kane Fan
I love Minotuars
are you a AD&D gamer?

No, sorry... I don't have the time or patience for any kind of games. Even jigsaw puzzles, which are supposed to be relaxing turn me into a raging beast. :eek:

[TwoWalks]

Originally posted by Minotaur
Well, there's always next week to start again... I'm just letting myself go this week.

Minotaur my Dad use to tell me something:

Any man can get knocked down at any time - The measure of a man is how quick he gets back up.

Your doing great and next week you will just work that much harder.

[Minotaur]

Originally posted by TwoWalks
Minotaur my Dad use to tell me something:

Any man can get knocked down at any time - The measure of a man is how quick he gets back up.

Your doing great and next week you will just work that much harder.

True, true. I think there is a Japanese proverb that goes something like "Fall 7 times, get up 8 times".

I don't feel like I've backslid or failed. Not just for one week. I just feel overwhelmed this week, between the funeral and being very busy at work. My bosses are great; this week at work was very challenging and stressful, but mainly because there was lots to do. It was a good kind of stress.

I just felt that the last thing I needed to stress over was my diet and workouts for one week. And having all you guys concur makes it easier. :)

[Eye2_Man]

Sorry to hear about your ex-father-in-law. You'll come back with a vengeance.

[Minotaur]

It was only a week's layoff, but it seemed like light years ago that I was in the gym last. Things are quickly settling down. I made up my mind to get back to the gym today and get the diet back on track. One thing I learned from last week's eating pattern is that carbs are out as a dietary staple. I'm now convinced that they have been the root of my (lack of) fat loss problem. I feel so swollen. :( But anyhoo... I am back on keto track. :)

I did legs tonight, Max OT style...

Squats, warmup 225x8, 3 sets 245x6
Leg press 3 sets 540x6
Hack squat (machine) 3 sets 140x6

I was so happy to be back to a normal routine that I found myself looking around the gym and thinking to myself "God, I love this place". :)

[Hibiscus09]

LOL -- that's a lot different from the "Man, let me out of here!" way I felt today after being touched at the water fountain. LOL

Glad you're back at it!! :D

[Musicguy]

Way to go Minotaur; getting yourself back there is always the hardest part, so you can look forward and upwards now!

[IPR]

Mino.....its good to get back ain't it.

I've had the same experience when taking a week off keto, thinking it would be an excuse to indulge in the forbidden fruits of a carb life only to find all I wanted to do was get back to my keto foods.

[Bob45]

Glad to see you are back on track Mino.

[Gator]

Welcome back Mino

Gator

[Minotaur]

Thanks for the support and encouragement, guys. :)


Originally posted by IPR
Mino.....its good to get back ain't it.

I've had the same experience when taking a week off keto, thinking it would be an excuse to indulge in the forbidden fruits of a carb life only to find all I wanted to do was get back to my keto foods.

True dat.

I completely psyched myself over the weekend that come Monday, it was back to animal flesh and grease. And so it is. :D

And I'm walking like an old man from my legs workout last night. Like John Cougar Mellencamp said "it hurts so good". :D

[Hibiscus09]

Maybe ya'll wouldn't bloat up so badly from the carbs if you ate them more regularly. LOL :D

[Minotaur]

Originally posted by Hibiscus09
Maybe ya'll wouldn't bloat up so badly from the carbs if you ate them more regularly. LOL :D

Been there, done that, didn't work. When I eat carbs, I get swollen, gassy (I always thought it was the protein), and IBS symptoms. Without the carbs, I get none of that. For a day or two after a carb up, I'm gassy and ****ing my brains out. :(

[Dutchman]

Good to see ya back at it with a vengeance Minataur. I know all too well the emotional drain you've experienced but your lifting can be an anchor in such storms. Go hells bells and remember we are all in your corner. Goodluck!

[Hibiscus09]

Awww, Minotaur -- what if I want to bake you some cookies? :D LOL

[Minotaur]

Originally posted by Hibiscus09
Awww, Minotaur -- what if I want to bake you some cookies? :D LOL

Saturday... cyclic ketogenic diet. :D

[Hibiscus09]

That's good -- you should have to do without cookies. :D

[kendo]

Sorry to hear about your sad loss Minotaur good to see you back on track. When your waist comed down we will all see a great v-taper with the shoulder development you have. Maybe shoot for a 32" waist might be a bit more hard work though?

[Minotaur]

Originally posted by kendo
Maybe shoot for a 32" waist might be a bit more hard work though?

I can only fantasize about getting down to a 32" waist. I think though, that the best I'd be able to do is 34-35", even getting fat way down. I've got short thick bones that make me generally wide. I was told this after x-rays at the chiropractor's office. It's OK though. That will still give me about a 12" drop from chest to waist.

[Gator]

Just make your shoulders bigger !!!!
Good luck and welcome back..

Gator


Originally posted by Minotaur
I can only fantasize about getting down to a 32" waist. I think though, that the best I'd be able to do is 34-35", even getting fat way down. I've got short thick bones that make me generally wide. I was told this after x-rays at the chiropractor's office. It's OK though. That will still give me about a 12" drop from chest to waist.

[Hibiscus09]

I keep trying to do that -- mine won't grow. :(

Hey, I just noticed your message about a R.O. Have you had one taken out on you? LOL

[Gator]

Umm no, a guy on my softball team has that on a t shirt last game, I was in sticthes..LOL

Originally posted by Hibiscus09
I keep trying to do that -- mine won't grow. :(

Hey, I just noticed your message about a R.O. Have you had one taken out on you? LOL

[Hibiscus09]

Just glad they're not something you collect. . . :D

[Minotaur]

Originally posted by Gator
Just make your shoulders bigger !!!!
Good luck and welcome back..

Gator

Woikin' on, woikin' on it! :D I'm shooting for getting up to a 50 jacket. Early last year I tried on 46s, then a few weeks ago I tried on 48s. A tad too small. Next stop... 50!

[Minotaur]

Well who'da thunk it!? (keto fans, that's who!). OK, OK I'll stop being stupid. :rolleyes:

:D

Yes, I am shrinking. My waist had been consistently measuring at 40ish with the Tape Measure From Hell. The other day I decided to check, and lo and behold, on the first, 'not thinking about it' measurement, my waist measured a tad more than 38".

My size 40 pants are absolutely swimming on me. I guess I'll just keep using the 4th hole in my belt, and pulling my pants up. Unfortunately I can't wear my 36 dress and casual slacks yet, but the 36 jeans fit fine.

Here's a really strange thing... I tried on a size 46 jacket that fit really well. In fact it was a bit large in the midsection. The chest and shoulders were roomy enough; the arms could have been a tad roomier. Either this jacket must be cut generously (because my chest actually measures 46"), or I've lost enough fat to make a smaller size fit... I haven't lost any size on my chest or arms.

Neither have I lost very much scale weight. Still hovering around 205. :confused:

Now I'm definitely at that in-between-sizes stage. It feels good that the pants are getting loose and the shirt sleeves are getting snug. :)

[Musicguy]

Good report Minotaur.

Glad to hear that things are going in the right direction for you.... keep it up!

[IPR]

:D :D
Brilliant news.

[kendo]

Maybe the 32" aint a dream :cool:

[Minotaur]

Maybe you're right, Kendo, maybe you're right. :)

It looks like my hormonal issues are settling down too. I saw my endo the other day for my TSH follow up. My TSH is 1.1. That's just about perfect. But what's more, it goes along with feeling pretty damn good. She was pleased.

I really surprised myself last night in the gym. It was chest night, and I was geting a little bored with using the machines. Since I had been losing some strength, I was relying on the safety of the machines (read, I was being a wuss).

So I decided to use the bench. Well, I'm not going to list the weights I used :rolleyes: but let's say that I started with 1?5 for 8 reps, then added 10 lbs to that for 8 reps, then added 10 lbs to that for 2 more sets of 6 reps each. Then I did incline dumbells for 3 sets of 8. The upshot is that for not benching in months, I got up to 20 lbs less than I was benching before, for sets and reps.

Even my squats are just 20 lbs away from where they were... did 255 for a couple of sets of 6 reps the other night.

Yeah, baby, yeah! The bull is out of the chute!

[mainer001]

Way to go Minotaur.

[TwoWalks]

Coming to a theatre near you this summer:


THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN
Starring Minotaur

great job all the way around

[Minotaur]

(yeah, my first mistake :D)

I haven't been doing any cardio while ketoing. As I 've posted, I'm making pretty good progress, but I wonder if I'd do better by adding some cardio. Maybe a 20-30 min. run here or there, a bike ride, or something to that effect?

[Bob45]

If you have the time and energy for cardio and lifting with keto go for it. It will help.

[IPR]

Mino......some thoughts on cardio

Fat loss is enhanced by high intensity exercise, specifically weight lifting and HIIT type cardio. However, you must treat HIIT cardio in a similar way you do your workouts with off days etc between workouts and HIIT, otherwise you will slow your fat loss as you would by lifting weights everyday.....the bodys hormonal response is the same.

In keto cardio should be incorporated, as it should be with any diet purely for cardiovascualr health.

30mins of low/moderate intensity cardio does not produce a GH response, hence it doesn't enhance per se, although there are some metabolic rate advantages. But it is good cardiovascular wise, and if intensity isn't high you won't produce the rise in cortisol either that comes with HIIT.

The upshot of all this is:

1. Yes do cardio.
2. If low/moderate you can do this on the off day after a workout, which helps with active recovery (increased blood flow into muscles etc) without raising cortisol.
3. If doing HIIT, this would replace lifting and should be treated in the same way as far as recovery is concerned.

Not quite the simple yes answer you wanted eh ;)

Personally I do no. 2, where I do workouts everyother day with cardio on off days.

[Minotaur]

Originally posted by IPR
Not quite the simple yes answer you wanted eh ;)

Personally I do no. 2, where I do workouts everyother day with cardio on off days.

That's a simple enough answer.

When I do cardio, it's 'fun' cardio, like running or bike riding. I know it has the same physical effects, but the mental effect is different.

Also when I'd do cardio, like go for a run, it was on an off-lifting day.

So basically, you confirmed what I was thinking.

Thanks. :)

[TwoWalks]

Originally posted by IPR
Mino......some thoughts on cardio


Not quite the simple yes answer you wanted eh ;)



A very easy to understand answer and a great answer: they don't get any better than that :)

[Bob45]

Great lesson IPR, I thank you too!

[Minotaur]

Well, this week I'm a little disgusted. Of course, it's nothing I won't get over. I'm feeling the effects of the weekend carb up... I feel like a 'blotation device'... aka Shamu... aka Chumley the Walrus... aka... well, you get the idea. :D

I have to rethink this whole carb up thing. It seems the more I stay off them, the more sensitive I am to them. I blow up, get gassy, and crave more carbs. I love carbs... I hate carbs... I can't get enough carbs... I want to avoid carbs... I need carbs... I can live without carbs... !!! Oh God I'm so confused... !!! :D

Of course, it would help if I'd get out and do some cardio. :rolleyes:

While I see some fat loss in a few areas of my body, my midsection is hanging on. But my upper back is showing cuts. And even under the washing out effect of the gym's flourescent lights, I often see definition in my arms and shoulders, which seem also to be growing nicely.

And my weight is going up. With workout clothes on I tip the gym scale at about 208. I've been using creatine for several weeks now in my post workout apple juice/whey protein shakes.

I've been wearing size 40 slacks, which are actually pretty loose. Yet 38s are too snug for my taste. I'd rather wear slightly larger slacks instead of having a bit of belly pudge poke over the waistband.

My goal is 36 pants. I'll never get down to 32/34 without sacrificing too much muscle in my legs and butt. I'll probably still have to wear 38 or 40 slacks, yet have the waist taken in. That part is OK by me.

So I guess I'm doing OK. :)

[TwoWalks]

Originally posted by Minotaur
I have to rethink this whole carb up thing. It seems the more I stay off them, the more sensitive I am to them. I blow up, get gassy, and crave more carbs. I love carbs... I hate carbs... I can't get enough carbs... I want to avoid carbs... I need carbs... I can live without carbs... !!! Oh God I'm so confused... !!! :D



Heeheee, hey Minotaur if it will help make you feel any better, done the same thing this past weekend. Then just too help with equation, drank little water and threw some salt in just for good measure.

Blew up like a beach ball and have sounded like a whoopy cushion for three days. Scale weight jumped 4#'s and the waist inflated 1 1/4". Whew, good news is that it will go down and away, perhaps before the coming weekend. Then of course, I will do something stupid this next week end and look like a beach ball all over again. :D

[Minotaur]

I think it was I who cleared the legs room last night at the gym. :rolleyes:

[TwoWalks]

Originally posted by Minotaur
I think it was I who cleared the legs room last night at the gym. :rolleyes:


one more good reason for working out at home

The sonic booms in a closed space really shake you up though. :D

[Hibiscus09]

I love carbs...

This is where I'm at on the subject. I'm carbing up right now for my bike ride later this evening. :D

[IPR]

Mino.....a couple of ideas that might help.

Cut your weekend carb-up to just 12hrs, say Sat morning to Sat evening. Then add a single evening meal carb-up Tues evening. This is what I am currently doing.

The other thing is the apple juice with your whey, too much will head for the liver rather than the muscles. IMO you would be better off with just whey on its own than with fruit juice unless its grape. If possible use dextrose (can be ordered online) or go for just the whey and water.

IMO our muscles don't get anywhere nearly as depleted as we like to think, so carb-ups don't need to be so huge.

Also, your gut bloat will probably be the creatine, drop it and see the difference ;)

The other thing is you may have reached your bodyfat set point. Stick with your plan and you will gradually lower this point.

[Minotaur]

Originally posted by IPR
Mino.....a couple of ideas that might help.

Your ideas are always helpful. :)


Cut your weekend carb-up to just 12hrs, say Sat morning to Sat evening. Then add a single evening meal carb-up Tues evening. This is what I am currently doing.

Hmm... I could do this. I would have to be diligent about eating enough on Saturday. Saturday and Sunday eating is catch-as-catch-can. That is, I don't eat on schedule because I'm usually out and about running errands or 'missions of mercy' as we call them. This may be sabotaging my efforts.


The other thing is the apple juice with your whey, too much will head for the liver rather than the muscles. IMO you would be better off with just whey on its own than with fruit juice unless its grape. If possible use dextrose (can be ordered online) or go for just the whey and water.

Oh really!? See, now that's interesting. I use the apple juice for the post workout creatine. I understand that apple juice and grape juice (actually more carbs per serving than apple juice) are the best for transporting creatine, as well as for the post workout insulin spike.


IMO our muscles don't get anywhere nearly as depleted as we like to think, so carb-ups don't need to be so huge.

Yeah, I'm beginning to see this. :rolleyes:


Also, your gut bloat will probably be the creatine, drop it and see the difference ;)

The other thing is you may have reached your bodyfat set point. Stick with your plan and you will gradually lower this point.

Hmm... this is worth considering.

I've cycled on and off creatine for several years. I'm one of the people for whom it seems to increase strength. But I think it may now be causing some puffiness. I had to add two more links to my watch band. And as I indicated, my weight has gone up a few pounds.

Yeah, I'm on board with the set-pont idea. I have to remember, even though I'm on hormone replacements, this does not mean everything is perfect or 'eu-' anything. I believe that there is always something amiss even on hormone replacements.

I'll do some progress pics soon. I think there is a change. I'm not giving up hope on getting to my goal. I've seen keto working for me. I just have to realize that everything for me is slower. I didn't gain the weight overnight... it actually crept up on me over a few years.

[little lats]

Mino, I really agree with the 12 - 24 hours (tops) carb up. Last weekend I only had 2 meals. I don't notice any strength differences. Now that summer is here I want to start doing a 48 hour carb up. Having a hard time resisting the burgers on the grill!!

I think all of us agree that lifestyle plays a good part of this. Keep it going bud!!

[IPR]

Mino......you are doing great.

Keto is just my way of life now, so have been experimenting abit.

IMO the big carb-up isn't necessary, and in general once you start to feel bloated it means your glycogen store are pretty much full. Think about it, I can have a big carb meal and feel no bloating at all, its immediately transported to my muscle stores, but towards the end of my carb-up a small carb meal can leave me feeling REALLY bloated, why the difference, stores are full.

My current approach is to have carb meals twice a week, but each is much shorter, plus the post workout dextrose in my shake. But even with this I have played around. For leg days, definitely plenty of dex, back as well, chest a little less and arm day I only have whey ad water. For cardio I have a blended protein with some olive oil.

btw, the reason fruit juice is not great as a post workout carb source is because of the fructose. Fructose will preferentially replenish liver glycogen instead of muscle which we obviously want to avoid. Grape juice has less fructose and more dextrose which will preferentially replenish muscle glycogen, hence pure dextrose or maltodextrin is best.

The reason the two juices are used for creatine is because they are non-acidic, using dextrose will be just as good if not better for your creatine transportation.

I'm confident you will get to your goal ;)

[Musicguy]

Originally posted by IPR
in general once you start to feel bloated it means your glycogen store are pretty much full. Think about it, I can have a big carb meal and feel no bloating at all, its immediately transported to my muscle stores, but towards the end of my carb-up a small carb meal can leave me feeling REALLY bloated, why the difference, stores are full.

Very helpful, IPR; thanks!

I have noticed this effect for a long time, without really knowing what was involved. Obviously, since I'm not a keto eater, it may not be exactly the same thing, but I've learned how to pay attention to what I'm feeling in my body insofar as making choices for my next meal, i.e. protein, fat, or carb.

[Minotaur]

Thanks IPR. These sound like good tweaks, and I guess after 3 months of otherwise good results (started the week of Mar. 17), it's time to tweak and kick it in the butt. :)

[Minotaur]

Yeah, I've come to a realization and a resolution. That's why I'm not really ranting, because I accept this.

I've had it with dieting. I've tried ckd (as we know from this and the Senior's Keto thread), Body for Life, Gladiator Diet, 40/30/30 (and various permutations thereof), etc. All hormone levels are normal with replacements (thyroid, t, gh) and I feel great. Yet losing fat is, for me, extremely difficult. Yet I have been adding muscle. I know this because my weight has been going up (boy has it), and my arms have grown, yet my waist measurement is pretty constant.

Maybe I'm just accepting that I'll never get to a 10% bodyfat physique, and liking myself as a chunky muscle bear.

I'm 5'5" and probably about 212-215 buck nekkid, 40" waist, 46" chest, 16.5" biceps, 17" neck. I wear size 40 pants, which are a bit loose. Having had to buy new slacks in size 40 and shirts in XL/17 1/2 and seeing how comfortable well-fitting clothes are has made me say "the hell with size and dieting!"

I want to put another half inch or so (at least) on my arms and a few more inches on my chest, for example. My goal is always to keep my chest larger than my gut. A 48-50 chest and 40 waist is my goal. And of course to get stronger and increase lift poundages. But that will never happen by dieting.

I've caught my reflection in windows and mirrors at the mall, seen how chunky I am and thought "damn! sexy looking bear! Is that me!?" I don't try to 'suck in' my gut anymore. Hey, it's there, and I'm proud of it. I've even started referring to myself as 'just a fat guy that lifts' or as a fat muscle bear.

The hell with dieting, the hell with watching ratios and calories. Keto, Body for Life, Gladiator Diet, Zone, Atkins... bah! I want to eat like a man... pizza, a couple of sandwiches for lunch, steak and taters, beer, diner food, bagels with butter and cream cheese, muffins!

Health is not a problem because of the lifting and cardio (I run and bike ride).

I'm probably going to get crap from people as in "gee Frankie, put on some weight huh?" or "getting a little chubby" (yeah, I got a chubby for ya). :mad: However, my planned response is going to be "yes, I have... thank you".

And no more geedee effin shaving! Just my back and arms. I'm keeping the pelt on the front.

Damn, I feel good bellowing that out.

(Watch... I'll eat like an animal and probably lose weight. :rolleyes: )

[TwoWalks]

Originally posted by Minotaur

I've cycled on and off creatine for several years. I'm one of the people for whom it seems to increase strength. But I think it may now be causing some puffiness.

Minotaur, Creatine is probably the most fasinating suppliment that is known to produce results. It really has the least scientific studies and 99% of its use is theory. It gets results, it does what it says it does and no one really knows why.

The bloat and puffiness is of real interest, so I have a guestion: After you did your loading phase, how much per day do you use for maintenance on Workout days? and also on non-workout days?

[Minotaur]

I never did a loading phase. I've read that it's just a way to get you to use more; that it has no real benefit. But who knows. As for maintenance I was using ~5g after a workout which is 3-4 days per week. The only time I used it on non-workout days was on 2 or 3 occasions, on a Saturday or Sunday. Then it was ~5g 2x/day.

[TwoWalks]

Originally posted by Minotaur
I never did a loading phase. I've read that it's just a way to get you to use more; that it has no real benefit. But who knows. As for maintenance I was using ~5g after a workout which is 3-4 days per week. The only time I used it on non-workout days was on 2 or 3 occasions, on a Saturday or Sunday. Then it was ~5g 2x/day.

Ok, this sort of fits something I was reading last week. The basis of the article was that the body used from 3-5g in a workout and that the natural rate of replenishment from the body was 2-3g. So there is a deficit of about 2-5g depending on a person body and the workout they do. The author said that the excess of Creatine is then stored in the sub dermal fat and when its filled the excess is the converted in Creatinine and goes out through the waste. The theory being that as soon as you begin to see the puffiness, this is a sign to cut down on the amount used per day. So alot of this makes sence. The author also talked about the loading phase vs the straight line use and the time element difference. He said that usually people that load and then are using too high of a daily amount notice the puffiness within a two week period and that the people that do a straight line dose, usually see it after the first thirty days.

It is beginning to sound to me like it has a lot of the same sign of Carb loading and uses a lot of the same adjustments.

Thanks for the info.

[IPR]

LOL ....Mino.

Why not just call it your maintenance phase (for the next 20yrs) ;) :D

Yea, its no point being unhappy with how you are if you can't change it. Be yourself :D

[Minotaur]

I was right that my arms feel and look a little bigger. I just measured my arm at 16.75". If I got another 10 lbs on me, I'll bet I could get to 17.5". Not bad at 5'5".

That's all... carry on. :D

[Hibiscus09]

Cool!! Congratulations on bigger arms! :D

[Minotaur]

Thanks. Now I have bragging rights. :D

[TwoWalks]

Originally posted by Minotaur
Thanks. Now I have bragging rights. :D

Bragging rights and a right to brag ... Great job :)

[Minotaur]

Thanks. :)

I think 17s are just around the corner. YEE ha! Another internet pal commented that getting close to 18" (even 17.5") on a 5'5" frame would look awesomely huge. They'd look bigger too by shedding an inch or two (or three, OK... ) from my midsection. That will come after the growth. I tried gaining and losing at the same time by dieting and lifting. It doesn't work.

I'm going for it... Eat, lift, rest, grow, rest, eat, lift, grow, rest, grow, grow, eat, lift, rest, grow... :D

[Minotaur]

I posted in the Seniors keto thread that I think it's about time to get back on the stick. Fun time with the dietary debauchery and musclebear run amok is over, I think. 'Bedtime for Bonzo', to coin a phrase.


Originally posted by Minotaur
Maybe I'm just accepting that I'll never get to a 10% bodyfat physique, and liking myself as a chunky muscle bear.

This part is still true. And it's not like I don't have clothes that will fit me at that size (I do). It's just I have to dig them out of storage. It's easier to stay fat. j/k :D My build is such that I'll always be stocky and bearish. And that's OK. It's just that I'm getting too fat.


Originally posted by Minotaur
I'm 5'5" and probably about 212-215 buck nekkid, 40" waist, 46" chest, 16.5" biceps, 17" neck. I wear size 40 pants, which are a bit loose. Having had to buy new slacks in size 40 and shirts in XL/17 1/2 and seeing how comfortable well-fitting clothes are has made me say "the hell with size and dieting!"

Update... about 215 lbs, 47" chest, 41" waist, 17" biceps (yes, I made it! woohoo!). My size 40 slacks are getting a weeeee bit *gasp* snnnn-- *gasp* uugg. *whew*.


Originally posted by Minotaur
I want to put another half inch or so (at least) on my arms and a few more inches on my chest, for example. My goal is always to keep my chest larger than my gut. A 48-50 chest and 40 waist is my goal. And of course to get stronger and increase lift poundages. But that will never happen by dieting.

Well, in reality I'd be happier with a 36-38 waist.


Originally posted by Minotaur
(Watch... I'll eat like an animal and probably lose weight. :rolleyes: )

Well, THAT didn't happen! :rolleyes:

So on Monday 10/13 it's back to sausage, eggs, egg salad, tuna salad, hamburgers, bacon, chicken, cottage cheese...

Here's to less of a musclebear gut. :D

[Bob45]

You could be cut if you put your mind to it Minatour. I've been saying I am going to get back into lifting and cut up for years. The kids just laugh. Sure Dad. This is the year I am going to do it. With a lot of help from everyone on here. I won't be big but I'll be cut.

[Minotaur]

Liffing vell iss de best refench. OK, so it's so 90s, but it makes the point. :rolleyes:

When people tell me I can't do something, or challenge me, is when I go balls to the wall and do it.

Yeah, I think it's time to go for it again.

Besides, I love keto foods. :D

[Musicguy]

Go for it Minotaur! You can do it, and everybody here is supportive.

[Minotaur]

Yes they are... let no one ever doubt that for a second. ;) Thanks.

[Bob45]

I need more cutting company too. It's actually fun changing the way you look.

[TwoWalks]

Minotaur, If you want to cut down some, there is no doubt you can do it. Do it with small changes and without changing a lot at one time and the journey down is a whole lot easier if slower. Slow also means less muscle loss.

Just look at the whole diet and start cutting:

wk 1 per day cut 250 calories
Wk 2 per day cut 200 calories more
Wk 3 per day cut 150 calories more
wk 4 per day cut 100 calories more
wk 5 per day cut 50 calories more

Now when you get to the week where you lose 2#'s just hold there until the weight slows to 3/4# then move down to the next week. You won't even notice the change in eating this way. :)

[IPR]

Originally posted by Minotaur
Besides, I love keto foods. :D
And what better reason is there than this :D :D

Enjoy keto food and if you want to lose play with cals, if you don't, well....don't ;)

[Minotaur]

Originally posted by IPR
And what better reason is there than this :D :D


None I can think of! :)

Except of course getting rid of the blubber, finally.

[F071557]

I mentioned elsewhere about having sleep apnea. I went for a CAT scan and a sleep study recently to determine the extent of my apnea.

According to the ent specialist (one of the best in the region) he said I not only have sleep apnea, I have SEVERE sleep apnea... 93 occurrences per hour.

So I am having surgery. Jan. 14th. The doc was reading my reports and shaking his head. Without hesitation we talked about surgery and what he's going to do. It will be what's called uppp... uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. He'll cut away the uvula (I'll never speak French again), trim down the soft palate and the back of my tongue, yank out the tonsils, correct my septum, remove the nasal polyps and trim down the turbinates (bony ridges inside the nose). They are also overgrown.

He said I'll be out of work for 7-10 days, maybe more. He says I shouldn't have much pain because he uses RFA, radiofrequency ablation, to do the surgery instead of cautery or traditional methods. But it will be an overnight stay in the hospital.

I'm looking forward to this. :) I'll finally be able to sleep properly. What's more, he said it's very likely that the inability to lose weight is tied up with the inability to sleep. It's a catch-22... you can't sleep because you're overweight (actually only one of many reasons), but you can't lose weight because you're too fatigued to work out intensely.

So for now I'm just eating and working out moderately. I'll go guns-blazing after my recovery.

[F071557]

I didn't start ketoing again until this past Monday. I want to get a head start on losing some fat in preparation for surgery, among other reasons.

And all in all, I have to say it was pretty easy to start up again. Except for yesterday, Thanksgiving Day. We stayed home and prepared a small turkey I got from work. Most of the day I just chowed down on turkey and some other keto snacks. But unfortunately I did have stuffing and cranberry sauce. Probably too much, mind you. Because today, pants that were OK last week when I wore them last are now quite snug. This happens every time I eat carbs! I just blow up. :mad:

Well, I'm not stressing about how badly I damaged my journey into ketosis, because beginning today I am eschewing all non-veg carbs. You know, there's a Japanese proverb that says "Fall 7 times, get up 8".

[F071557]

Tomorrow it will be one week to go before I have my Roto-Rooter® surgery for OSA, Obstructive Sleep Apnea. I have my preadmission testing tomorrow morning. Everything should come out OK, with a green light for surgery.

I'm already planning my goals post recovery...

Training I've been very consistent for the past 10 years (yes, really), missing only a few workouts a year. Usually they were planned layoffs and coincided with some personal activity. So I never stressed over the time out of the gym.

However, recently I've become discouraged with my lack of progress. Little did I know that the fatigue I was fighting and slogging through was from undiagnosed (until recently) sleep apnea.

Before this diagnosis, I fought hormonal battles: deficiencies in thyroid, gh and testosterone. While I felt markedly better after going on replacements, there was still something amiss. Enter OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea). But will it ever end? Yes, on Jan. 14, 2004 when I get Roto-Rootered® in my throat and sinuses.

R & R No amount of rest and relaxation was of a good quality. Again, looking forward to being able to sleep deeply and restoratively.

Cardio Bad, bad, and bad. Too tired to even trot a mile. Took the bike out one beautiful afternoon, rode a couple of miles and came back sucking wind. I used to run 10-12 miles, and even did a marathon. This will come back. I plan to add a couple of short cardio sessions to begin with, and add on from there. Got to get Mr. Heart in good shape.

Diet What's been the point? No matter what I did or didn't do, it didn't work. Again, looking forward to sleeping being the answer to not burning fat or using nutrients properly. Think of an engine running without enough oxygen to burn its fuel. I'm looking forward to being able to eat copius amounts of clean, quality food. No junk, no processed, low fat, moderate carb, moderate protein.

More specifically, these are my goals...

(Where I am right now...)
Age: 46
Height: 5'5"
Weight: 210-215 lbs.
BF: 20-21%
Arms: 16.5"
Chest: 47"
Thighs: 26"
Neck: 17"
Calves: 16"
Waist: Oh no you don't! Well, OK in the interest of total honesty... 40" (Gosh, that hurt to type :( )

Where I want to be/focus/goals post surgery...

Start really kicking butt in the gym: deads and squats >300 for reps; bench >200 for reps; lose 4-5" from my waist; add 1-1.5" to arms (18" arms on my frame would be awesome); 1-2" on chest.

I want to maintain a total weight of ~200 lbs, but get bodyfat down to about 12-14%. I'm not into the bber look; I prefer to keep some 'padding'. I like the "he's built like a brick $#!+house look". I want to start running again, only for cardio fitness, and bike riding. The days of long distance running are over and incompatible with my weightlifting and gaining goals.

Yes indeed. I'm ready. :D

[Hibiscus09]

I like the "he's built like a brick $#!+house look".

From your measurements, it looks like you're there! :)

I hope everything goes well for you tomorrow and during your surgery. I'll be sure to pray for you. :)

[supadave]

Just read some of this and looked at your pics,you've made some amazing gains. Hope everything goes well and you reach your goals.

[F071557]

Thanks Guy and Guyette. :)

I'm afraid I've lost a little bit of size in the past month or so. I was working my second job (retail), which takes a toll at Christmas time. I've been out of the gym for over a month, and not eating right. Fortunately some of the size has been fat. Not from where I want it, but hey, I'll take it. ;)

I'm confident of the progress I'll make in the coming months. Anything I've lost wrt strength and muscle, I will gain back, and then some.

[PHIL DONAHUE]

Originally posted by F071557
I didn't start ketoing again until this past Monday. I want to get a head start on losing some fat in preparation for surgery, among other reasons.

And all in all, I have to say it was pretty easy to start up again. Except for yesterday, Thanksgiving Day. We stayed home and prepared a small turkey I got from work. Most of the day I just chowed down on turkey and some other keto snacks. But unfortunately I did have stuffing and cranberry sauce. Probably too much, mind you. Because today, pants that were OK last week when I wore them last are now quite snug. This happens every time I eat carbs! I just blow up. :mad:

Well, I'm not stressing about how badly I damaged my journey into ketosis, because beginning today I am eschewing all non-veg carbs. You know, there's a Japanese proverb that says "Fall 7 times, get up 8". hey man that sounds like good eating, your wife sure can cook. im big too my wife cooks huge meals, my arms are 18 inches and growing natural no juice . my trick is eating big in the morning and mid day then taper off in the evening. but sometimes i sneak a little debbie . i will pray for your health problems as hibiscus says. The good lord will help you and reward you for your faith in a true and righteous god who deals justly with his creation. the bible says the prayer of a righteous man is heard . you will find a lot of people in this section are faithful and know god , they read the bible and live it .

[F071557]

Well, actually I did most of the cooking. And eating. :)

I didn't last too long on the keto bandwagon (again). :( Knowing that I was having surgery and would be out of the gym for that and working a second job around Christmas time, I threw all caution to the wind.

I haven't even eaten as much as I typically would at this time of year, however. I've even lost some weight, but not all of it fat. :( That's why I'm champing at the bit to get back to the gym after surgery, and to start on a rampage of lifting, eating, resting and growing.

[F071557]

I got home this afternoon and was enjoying a Met Rx/chocolate ice cream shake for lunch. I have to be on a semi-liquid diet for another day or two. After that I can try a regular diet. I took the meds that the doc prescribed and will probably conk out in a little while. I get to take liquid Tylenol w/codeine 4x day. I have some Vioxx and antibiotic and prednisone.

Surgery took about 2 hours. My nose is stuffed, as he said it would be, but I cannot blow it for another week, until I see him for a post-op. I have to just let it drain and blot it up. I seem to feel stitches at the back of my tongue. I have no uvula, just a small hole where it was that will probably close up.

As far as pain... minimal. It feels like the sore throat that comes with a nasty cold. It's somewhat painful to swallow, as any sore throat would be. My nose is mildy sore from him working in there. All in all the biggest discomfort is the stuffy nose; the meds will take care of the pain and inflammation in my throat.

My bp was excellent, though hr a little high. But I do idle a bit fast. I'm also somewhat out of shape. Doc says I can start mild exercise in about two weeks, but no heavy lifting for a while yet. Being pro-exercise himself, he said I was talking to the right guy when I asked when I could go back to the gym. Also, my oxygen level was excellent. All in all, it went perfectly. Now the healing begins.

Would I do this again? If I had to, yeah. I wouldn't want to have to if you get my drift, but if I had to, yeah, I would. I feel good about this.

[Hibiscus09]

I'm so glad you made it through everything so well! :) So, does this mean no more sleep apnea for sure? I hope so -- that would be a scary thing. I know you must be very excited about the prospect of peaceful sleep and I'm sure this will greatly benefit your weightlifting and recovery. :D

[supadave]

Glad to hear everything went well frank.

[Musicguy]

Glad to hear a good report. Here's hoping for a fast recovery!

[F071557]

Thanks y'all. :) Yeah, I can't wait to get on with things. But I'm not going to rush it. One doesn't heal as quickly at 46 as at 26.

Hib... there's always a chance that it's not completely successful, but I'm really hopeful that this one is a success. After a while I may have another sleep study to see how it compares to my previous one.

I'll be posting regular progress like everyone else. :)

[F071557]

I had my 1 week post op follow up with my surgeon Friday morning. He asked me how I felt. I told him I felt pretty good with just a few exceptions... the pain that comes and goes, that even the Vicodin doesn't always blunt. He said "normal". I can take the stuff as I need it, not to worry about any schedule. Especially at night. I said I could somewhat tolerate solid food, but it was still mostly soft and semi-solid. When I said I gobbled down a piece of chicken he raised his eyebrows and said "good!".

So then he looked inside my nose and throat and almost had an orgasm. He said I am about 1 week ahead of where I should be. I am healing faster and making better progress than he anticipated (maybe my gh replacement?). He was so impressed with what he saw I should have asked him if he wanted to sign it. :D (he probably did, with the stitches).

Then he said "hold still" and removed some crust and crud from inside my nose that was binding it up. He said "now breathe". I thought I was going to cry because I could breathe so clearly through my nose. Even though for the past few days I have been breathing through my nose, with my mouth closed. I'm not snoring either. It's more like purring.

The doc said to continue doing and eating what I have been. I can definitely go back to work Thursday 1/29. Then I see him in 3 weeks.

By today, the pain is diminishing more. I've actually been going a number of hours between pain med doses.

[supadave]

It sounds like you are recovering great Frank. Glad to hear it. I bet you'll feel like a new man after all this

[Hibiscus09]

That's great! I'm glad recovery is going so well for you! :)

[F071557]

And I'm champing at the bit to get back to the gym. But that won't be for about another month.

I'm not at all happy with the way I look. I've lost an inch from my arms, and what's worse, they feel smaller and softer. :(

What I'm thinking of doing is starting a log of measurements and progress. I want to see how fast things start happening. I used to be quite diligent, almost obsessive about keeping my log. I have some goals in mind, and I wat to see how long it takes to regain the ground I lost, compared to getting there the first time.

I understand that the second time around, things happen really fast. Especially considering a layoff of only a couple of months (work schedule before the surgery kept me out of the gym for a month or so).

[Musicguy]

Originally posted by F071557
What I'm thinking of doing is starting a log of measurements and progress. I want to see how fast things start happening. I used to be quite diligent, almost obsessive about keeping my log. I have some goals in mind, and I wat to see how long it takes to regain the ground I lost, compared to getting there the first time.

Sounds like a great idea.... glad to hear you're doing well! Sounds like the recovery is going better than expected.

[PHIL DONAHUE]

i need my snout cleared out my wife says i almost wake up the neighborhood snoring. fo17666 if you are a back sleeper that could cause some sinus problems too try sleeping on your stomach so sinus drainage will be more plausible. if your wife cooks big meals late this could cause sleep problems too going to bed on a full stomach can and will cause bad sleep patterns try going to bed hungry, it could be your sleep apnea culprit . also a creatine ,protein drink at night will soothe the stomach . GOOD LUCK FO16754

[F071557]

Well, I am done with the doctor. He doesn't need to see me anymore.

I saw him last Friday (2/13) for my 4 week/1 month post op follow-up. He asked how I feel; remember I saw him 3 weeks ago. So I told him...

I'm beginning to feel really great. A little more every day.

Throat is almost completely rid of soreness. Occasionally has that feeling of fighting off a sore throat. Actually more like a dryness, and some itching. I can eat and drink anything now, though very cold liquids are irritating. Strange. I'm off the pain med; once or twice a day I take ibuprofen if I think I need it.

My nose was discharging some dried blood and crust. The doc said that's from surgery; poking around in there with surgery changes the consistency of the mucus. It will become normal again. He said I should be irrigating my nose with warm water and salt, which I've started doing again. It's made a world of difference in my breathing and clearing out my nose. I should also be drinking a lot more water. I've been slacking.

I am sleeping better and deeper, more energy, less fatigue. Much less snoring (will probably never stop), no waking up gasping for air.

All in all he was very pleased with my healing and progress. He said it was perfect. I told him I couldn't be happier with my progress and how I feel. I am really really happy and pleased. This was definitely worth the pain.

I even went back to the gym last Saturday for a full body workout, just to test myself. It turns out that I lost little strength. However, I didn't push myself. I went easy. I'll probably start on my regular split this week, but starting light. I'm about ready to start some cardio again to get rid of this mukluk I've accumulated. I was always just too tired to push myself to do cardio.

[Hibiscus09]

My nose was discharging some dried blood and crust. The doc said that's from surgery; poking around in there with surgery changes the consistency of the mucus. It will become normal again. He said I should be irrigating my nose with warm water and salt, which I've started doing again. It's made a world of difference in my breathing and clearing out my nose. I should also be drinking a lot more water. I've been slacking.


LOL -- that reminded me of when I had my nose done in my early 20s. I could not believe what was coming out of my nose. I'm still sure some of it was brain tissue. :D

I'm glad you're feeling much better and sleeping better! I know you're glad to have all of that behind you. :)

[F071557]

If someone was around after I'd blow out a chunk of that crap, I'd say something like "I wonder what part of my brain that is, wanna see if you recognize it?" and then try to recite the alphabet... "d p m a u e t q... oops, I guess I know what part of the brain that was." :D

Yeah, now maybe I can get on with life. :)

[PHIL DONAHUE]

your wife will be happy the snoring has stopped, glad your lifting again the heavy weight will come back give it time. a round of 1-test from the cyber store and you will be throwing that weight around.

[F071557]

Originally posted by PHIL DONAHUE
a round of 1-test from the cyber store and you will be throwing that weight around.

Oh no! :eek: No prohormones or exogenous substances! I have had a hard enough time getting my testosterone level up to jack with it any more. I'm on testosterone replacement, because I apparently don't produce it myself. My pituitary fails to send the signals to produce it. With pituitary failure, I don't know how my system would handle any prohormones. My endo and uro would go crazy if anything looked suspicious.

Thanks anyway. :)

[Minotaur]

I started doing cardio again about 4 weeks ago. Now that I am sleeping better, I have more energy. Workouts have been better, and are getting better. I find myself saying "Just one more set", or "work through one more song" (on the cd player). Then it's one more, and one more and...

Cardio consists of the stationary bike or treadmill for about 30-40 mins. 3-4x/week, hr @ about 75%. Treadmill is 3.5 mph @ incline. Today I was doing the incline walk on the treadmill and felt like I could ratchet it up a bit. So I cranked it up to 4.5mph and then 5mph and ran steady for about 10 minutes.

Considering that I haven't run in almost 2 years, I thought that was pretty good. I'm down to 210, from 220, and lost about an inch from my waist. Ideally I'd like to lose another 3-4". Small steps.

[Hibiscus09]

Excellent!! I'm glad it's making you feel more energetic -- it does the same for me. :)

[Minotaur]

I'm getting to a point that I think I can sell some of the energy I produce.

[Minotaur]

Originally posted by Minotaur
So I cranked it up to 4.5mph and then 5mph and ran steady for about 10 minutes.

That was April 10. Yesterday I ran a contiguous 20 minutes, doubling the time of a little over a week ago. Actually if I had backed off to recover a bit, I probably could have gone another 5 or 10 minutes. But I was already over 35 minutes for total cardio.


Originally posted by Minotaur
I'm down to 210, from 220, and lost about an inch from my waist. Ideally I'd like to lose another 3-4". Small steps.

Now this is where it gets kooky. Not that I'm stressing over it, just an observation...

I thought the gym scale was very accurate. Maybe not? I weighed in on it at 215 yesterday afternoon. I bought a new scale for home, tried it yesterday afternoon, weighed 220 and this morning it showed 218 (that makes sense to lose 2 lbs after bodily functions). Though I don't think Monday mornings are the best time to weigh oneself (weekend debauchery :D). I'll switch to Friday or Saturday morning. ;)

So I think I'll stick with my scale, using it only as a benchmark for progress. I can see in my face and pants that I'm losing, yet my arms are growing again.

Goal is about 195 and 12% bodyfat.

[Hibiscus09]

Glad your running is going well. :) Mondays are definitely not good for me on the scale -- I love weekend debauchery. :D

[Minotaur]

Originally posted by Hibiscus09
I love weekend debauchery. :D

Tell me about it! :eek:

[Dorian]

Frank I don't even use a scale any more. makes me too depressed.. :)

[Original Poster]

Originally posted by Minotaur
I started doing cardio again about 4 weeks ago. Now that I am sleeping better, I have more energy. Workouts have been better, and are getting better. I find myself saying "Just one more set", or "work through one more song" (on the cd player). Then it's one more, and one more and...

Cardio consists of the stationary bike or treadmill for about 30-40 mins. 3-4x/week, hr @ about 75%. Treadmill is 3.5 mph @ incline. Today I was doing the incline walk on the treadmill and felt like I could ratchet it up a bit. So I cranked it up to 4.5mph and then 5mph and ran steady for about 10 minutes.

Considering that I haven't run in almost 2 years, I thought that was pretty good. I'm down to 210, from 220, and lost about an inch from my waist. Ideally I'd like to lose another 3-4". Small steps.


Great Job Minotaur.

I love my cardio too....but I get burned out from time to time from it. But it sure does make me sleep and feel much much better.

Keep up the great WO....cardio ON ! ;)

-- Chi

[Minotaur]

Originally posted by Dorian
Frank I don't even use a scale any more. makes me too depressed.. :)

Hahaha... it's just to satisfy a curiosity (I know curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back :D) and mark progress.

[Minotaur]

Originally posted by Chi_town
Great Job Minotaur.

I love my cardio too....but I get burned out from time to time from it. But it sure does make me sleep and feel much much better.

Keep up the great WO....cardio ON ! ;)

-- Chi

Thanks.

Yeah, I shoot for 4 sessions per week, but if I'm feeling a little out of it, I'll back off. Two to three is my absolute minimum, and I try to get them in the early part of the week. Then I know it's done and I can feel good about it. :)

[Original Poster]

Originally posted by Minotaur
Two to three is my absolute minimum, and I try to get them in the early part of the week. Then I know it's done and I can feel good about it. :)

I find myself doing the same thing. This makes the weekend and fridays (usually) much easier as to where I am not playing catch up cardio wise. But now with summer approaching, I usually end up doing more cardio activities and backing off on my lifting.

-- Chi

[Minotaur]

Not the best quality from a webcam. I actually do have some more definition than shows in the second pic.


February 17, 2004 (scary :eek: )...
http://bullriderbilly.homestead.com/files/pix/Image013.jpg

April 20, 2004 (getting better)...
http://bullriderbilly.homestead.com/files/pix/Image020.jpg

My mug...
http://bullriderbilly.homestead.com/files/pix/Image028.jpg

[Minotaur]

I ran on the road yesterday for the first time in at least a year. The route was a shade more than 2 miles (exactly 1 mile from door to turnaround point, but I went around the block on the return). I ran almost the entire 2 miles, except for a walk here and there of a few feet, and a stop for a breather or two. It took me about 30 minutes, all told. Slow, but I'm really pretty pleased.

The pants are fitting real well these days, the gut is shrinking, and I'm starting to see results.

My legs are pretty sore and stiff today. Running on the road is NOT like running on a treadmill (which I only recently started again).

Now, the question(s)... do I blow off my legs workout tonight, or do some light cardio to work out the stiffness (stationary bike), and maybe do legs tomorrow night? Or go ahead and do legs, but lower intensity? Or not do legs at all this week to give them a chance to adapt again to road running? I'd like to run 2-3x/week in additon to 1 or 2 other cardio sessions.

Considering that I do legs on Monday night, chest and shoulders on Wed., and back and arms on Fri. where should I put running in relation to that?

[fitnessman]

Rule number 1,238...... If its sore dont work it!!!

[Hibiscus09]

It depends on what your priorities are Minotaur. If you want to build up your running, I would run through the week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday possibly) and maybe move legs to Saturday. I would think you are not going to be able to do legs as heavy as you are accustomed if you plan on running regularly for more than 3 miles at a time. If you're going to keep the mileage at or below 3 miles, you may be able to once you get adjusted to the running. I think I'd push back the workout for this week if your legs are sore and maybe do them tomorrow night. Just don't run before you do legs tomorrow night. :) However, if you do legs and if you plan on running the next day -- that will be tough also. It's a dilemma. LOL

I prioritized running when I was trying to do a particular race and pushed legs back -- other than that I focus more on lifting legs and run shorter distances when I do choose to run (i.e., 3 miles).

[Minotaur]

Originally posted by fitnessman
Rule number 1,238...... If its sore dont work it!!!

The rule was obeyed. :D

[Minotaur]

Originally posted by Hibiscus09
It depends on what your priorities are Minotaur. If you want to build up your running, I would run through the week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday possibly) and maybe move legs to Saturday. I would think you are not going to be able to do legs as heavy as you are accustomed if you plan on running regularly for more than 3 miles at a time. If you're going to keep the mileage at or below 3 miles, you may be able to once you get adjusted to the running. I think I'd push back the workout for this week if your legs are sore and maybe do them tomorrow night. Just don't run before you do legs tomorrow night. :) However, if you do legs and if you plan on running the next day -- that will be tough also. It's a dilemma. LOL

I prioritized running when I was trying to do a particular race and pushed legs back -- other than that I focus more on lifting legs and run shorter distances when I do choose to run (i.e., 3 miles).

My running will be limited to cardio and fat burning, nothing more than that anymore (I did a marathon a few years ago). I used to run 15-20 miles per week, but I didn't lift like I do now. I used to be a runner who lifted weights. Now I'm a weightlifter who runs (well, wants to run :)). If I get to do more than 6-9 miles per week, that will be it.

I blew off my workouts tonight because I'm still a little stiff. No points for heroism. lol My gut feeling is that once I adapt tor road running again, I'll be good to go... run one day and lift the next, or vice versa... work legs Monday then run Tuesday.

I think tomorrow night I'll do legs and an easy bike session. I like the recumbent bike because I can sit back with my headphones on and relax. :D

[Hibiscus09]

Cool - Brian (hubby) is doing his first marathon in December! :) I think he's nutso -- but he probably thought the same thing when I set out to ride my bike 150 miles. :D

[~*IronBelle*~]

Reading through this thread has made me wonder whatever happened to mainer.

[fitnessman]

Originally posted by Minotaur
The rule was obeyed. :D

Good man!!!! Sometimes it tougher NOT to train and LISTEN to our bodies....You made the wise choice.

Live injury free to train another day!!

:)

[Hibiscus09]

Reading through this thread has made me wonder whatever happened to mainer.

I've wondered that at times also - he was really nice.

[Gator]

someone shoot him a PM or an email

Gator

[~*IronBelle*~]

I sent him a PM about 4 months ago I think because his name came up in another thread I was reading. He never responded. You don't think anything happened do you?

At one point he used the forum a great deal --every day in fact---and then suddenly he stopped posting completely. Very strange.

[Minotaur]

MagicMel is also MIA. Their last posts were Aug. '03.

[Hibiscus09]

I saw MagicMel online today -- maybe he's just in a quiet mood. :) He's still checking up on us. :D

[~*IronBelle*~]

Yeh I saw him too. He doesn't post much either these days. But obviously still loves us. :D

[Minotaur]

That I can really be losing fat and gaining muscle at the same time? My weight is remaining pretty stable at 217-218, but my pants are getting looser, my gut and waist are shrinking, noticeably, I can see fat loss in my face and neck, and my arms and shoulders look bigger. I can see and feel some upper ab cuts and bulges (not soft fatty ones...HARD ones! :) )

I'm just really surprised that I could be losing fat and gaining muscle so that my scale weight remains status quo. Hey, I'm happy and not complaining, I'm just amazed! :D

As I posted in the Diets thread. my diet is ~2100-2600 calories, ~40/40/20 or 40/35/25 p/c/f. I'm also taking creatine daily.

My workouts are a 3-4 day split with 3-4 days of 20-40 mins. of cardio. Weight training is usually 9-12 sets/bodypart, 6-8 reps.

Mon. Legs (squats or leg press, leg extensions, leg curls).

Wed. Push: chest, shoulders, tris (flat bench or dbs, incline bench, dips, ohp and/or front raises, upright rows, cgbp, pushdowns, extensions, etc.). Not all of them all the time, varying. Shoulder circumference is 52", up from 47" a few years ago.

Fri. Pull: back and biceps (shrugs, rows, occasional deads, pulldowns, pullovers, EZ bar curls, hammer curls, reverse curls). My back is getting wide and thick. I almost had an orgasm (it doesn't take much) when I saw my traps in a reflection. :D

Sat. or Sun. Maybe another Push session, focusing more on shoulders or tris, or bis and tris (if 48 hours from last bis workout).

Is this really possible!?

[NuclearArms]

Your calories in looks less than expenditures vased on the workout and cardio. Protein is adequate for growth. I've been sticking close to the same weight and I'm adding size. Fitty is doing the same.

[Minotaur]

From the Pro-Trainer site (http://www.protraineronline.com/past/july2/nutrient.cfm) that someone here recommended along time ago, @ 20% body fat and 218 lbs, my BMR/24 hrs is 2378
The Average Fitness Buff Maint. 3532
The Average Fitness Buff Loss (1.5 lb/wk) 2782

My waist is currently 40ish. My goal is to get back into my 36s, and keep my chest at 48 (currently ~47+). The 4" loss = ~16-20 lbs, down to 195 and 12% bodyfat.

So according to this, by staying below 2700 calories, I should see at least a 1.5-2 lbs fat loss per week. And it looks that way. I'm just astounded (and happy :)) that my growth is keeping pace with fat loss.

Here's another kooky thing... I used to be able to take my thumb and middle finger, and have them meet around my wrist. Not anymore... there is almost a finger's width gap! And I had to get rid of a bunch of shoes that were too small. I used to wear 8-8 1/2, now I wear 9 1/2 (I even has a pair of 10s).

I know I'm probably overthinking the plumbing, but I'm bored at work. :D

[supadave]

Sounds like things are going good Min.

[Minotaur]

Yes indeed, and I hope they keep going this way. :)

[Minotaur]

Got on the scale this morning. Every Friday morning I get on the scale, buck naked (I know... there's an image you can live without), before drinking my shake and weigh myself. I try to be consistent in the conditions when I weigh myself. When I use the gym's scale, it's always with gym clothes on, at the same point in the week, for example. Then I measure myself.

This morning I was pleasantly surprised. The scale showed exactly one pound lost. The tape measure showed almost one inch lost from midsection. Then I take this an plug it into a web based bodyfat monitor. I don't know if it's accurate, but I use it to track progress. Then I take this and dump it into an Excel spreadsheet (OK, so I'm anal-retentive! lol).

Last week's results were...

217lbs. 20.4% body fat. 44 pounds of fat and 173 pounds of lean (muscle, bone, body water).

This week's results are...

216lbs. 18.9% body fat. 41 pounds of fat and 175 pounds of lean (muscle, bone, body water).

Net loss 1lb, Fat loss 3lbs, Lean gain 2lbs. Fat percentage lost is 1.5%, which is 3.22lbs from 217.

Now, I know it's pretty difficult to gain two lbs of muscle in one week, AND lose 3 lbs of fat. But I am using creatine, which plumps the muscles with water. This can skew the numbers, I guess.

Moreover, it's about 8 weeks that I am consistent in diet and cardio. And we know what happens around 8 weeks, don't we? ; )

Goal is 200lbs, 12% bodyfat, 36-37" waist by July 4, 2004

GEEK ALERT!!! GEEK ALERT!!! GEEK ALERT!!!

How I figure this...

216 * .07 (% of body fat I want to lose to get from 19% to 12%) = 15lbs of fat;

15/4.3 (each 1" of fat on the waist = about 4.3lbs) = 3.5" lost, from 40 to 36.5"

I am SOOOO overthinking this! lol

[fitnessman]

Nice work!

Dont let the numbers game mess with you too much;)

[warped]

I feel ya on the 8 weeks thing. Just broke through mine this past few days. Went from 257 to 240 in 8 weeks, hit the old brick wall for 10 days, now it's moving again.

[Minotaur]

Originally posted by fitnessman
Nice work!

Dont let the numbers game mess with you too much;)

Thanks Fitty.

Nah, I hear ya about the numbers. I forgot to mention that it's the pants and the mirror that are telling the true tale. Numbers can lie, but the mirror doesn't. The gut is definitely shrinking, as well as some definition forming in the upper back and the shoulders. The size 40 pants are feeling big in the waist. I'm not ready for 38s, but 39s would be nice, if they made 'em. The legs and butt will never budge, so it will always be 38-40s and a nip and tuck at the waistband.

[Minotaur]

Originally posted by warped
I feel ya on the 8 weeks thing. Just broke through mine this past few days. Went from 257 to 240 in 8 weeks, hit the old brick wall for 10 days, now it's moving again.

Congratulations! Beer and steak and fries all around for us!

Oops, wait, we're still cutting. :D

[fitnessman]

Originally posted by Minotaur
Thanks Fitty.

Nah, I hear ya about the numbers. I forgot to mention that it's the pants and the mirror that are telling the true tale. Numbers can lie, but the mirror doesn't. The gut is definitely shrinking, as well as some definition forming in the upper back and the shoulders. The size 40 pants are feeling big in the waist. I'm not ready for 38s, but 39s would be nice, if they made 'em. The legs and butt will never budge, so it will always be 38-40s and a nip and tuck at the waistband.

Work provides my clothes for the summer (when I have to be in the field) I have to get the 38's and my legs barely fit into them, but the waist is too loose and makes it hard to keep shirt tucked in. Pants really piss me off...LOL!

Yes! Beer and steak all around!! :)

[Original Poster]

Nice work Minotaur !

Like Fitty says, don't over emphasize the numbers.....let the mirror and your women/woman be your gauge of progress. ;)

Keep up the great work !

-- Chi

[Minotaur]

Thanks guys. You all are great inspiration and encouragement. :)

[warped]

Originally posted by Minotaur
Congratulations! Beer and steak and fries all around for us!

Oops, wait, we're still cutting. :D

Dinner tonight is a steak and grill asparagus, close. :D

[Hibiscus09]

Great work, Minotaur!! Except for that negative nakey body image thing you have going on there! ;) I get on the scale buck naked every morning (LOL!) and then I walk by the mirror thinking, "Damn!! I look good!" Try that next time!!

[Minotaur]

There's a TV commercial where a guy is flexing in the bathroom mirror, but it's real foggy. Then he put on his glasses and sees how blubbery he is. I can relate. lol

[supadave]

nice loss/gains Min

[Minotaur]

Thanks for asking... he's still having problems with his back. Always will. The court case should be coming up soon, 6 1/2 years after the injury. Unfortunately getting him to exercise or eat right is like getting blood from a stone. I guess we have to exercise for both of them. :confused:

[Minotaur]

So, I'm sitting in my cubicle at my pc, my back faces the aisle. One of the computer room guys who also lifts comes up behind me and says "Hey Frank, you been deadlifting? Your back is huge."

Made my day! :D

[Hibiscus09]

Very cool!! Don't you love that?!

[Minotaur]

Yep... and I made sure I did deadlifts Friday night. :D

[Minotaur]

How about that... 6 months to the day of my last progress report.

Well, it's been 6 months of Hell. If you notice, I've said little about myself in all this time. It wasn't pretty. I couldn't stay with cardio or dieting for very long... a lot of getting on and falling off and experimenting.

Weight topped out at 230 lbs, waist at 42. Ye gods! :eek: Not to mention feeling crappy the whole time.

My thyroid medication was not stabilizing, so my doc switched me back to my previous med. We started with a lower dosage and had to increase it. I also found out during all this time I'm possibly insulin resistant, and probably gluten intolerant. So all wheat, oats, rye, barley and other grain products are out of my life. I've also pretty much eliminated white rice and taters and most non-veg, non-fruit carbs.

I'm not concerned about Thanksgiving because I've simply accepted and made up my mind that wheat and grain products make me ill. I can easily stick with turkey, ham, vegs and fruit... meat, leaves and berries ala cave men.

And guess what? In the past 4 weeks or so, I've lost about 6 lbs. I've gone from 228 to 222. I'm pretty much doing a ratio of 40/10/50 p/c/f. My pants are getting loose again, after having been so snug that I could hardly close them. :eek: My goal is still to get to about 200 lbs and 12-14% bodyfat. I figure I'm about 18.8% now. I was about 20.3% a month ago.

My cardio is still iffy... I just don't like it, but I know I have to do it. However, my weights are kicking ass. And I'm growing in the right places. :)

[fitnessman]

My cardio is still iffy... I just don't like it, but I know I have to do it. However, my weights are kicking ass. And I'm growing in the right places. :)

Sounds like me :)

[TrishB]

It looks like things are moving in the right direction for you. Sorry that your diet needed to change because of medical reasons, but it the end results are positive.....then you can reverse some problems.

OK..now don't wait for another medical problem like a heart attack to happen before you start doing cardio! Get your butt moving. :)
(How's that for trying to kick your butt?)

You are doing super now...keep up the great work!

[AssToGrass]

That I can really be losing fat and gaining muscle at the same time? My weight is remaining pretty stable at 217-218, but my pants are getting looser, my gut and waist are shrinking, noticeably, I can see fat loss in my face and neck, and my arms and shoulders look bigger. I can see and feel some upper ab cuts and bulges (not soft fatty ones...HARD ones! :) )

I'm just really surprised that I could be losing fat and gaining muscle so that my scale weight remains status quo. Hey, I'm happy and not complaining, I'm just amazed! :D

As I posted in the Diets thread. my diet is ~2100-2600 calories, ~40/40/20 or 40/35/25 p/c/f. I'm also taking creatine daily.

My workouts are a 3-4 day split with 3-4 days of 20-40 mins. of cardio. Weight training is usually 9-12 sets/bodypart, 6-8 reps.

Mon. Legs (squats or leg press, leg extensions, leg curls).

Wed. Push: chest, shoulders, tris (flat bench or dbs, incline bench, dips, ohp and/or front raises, upright rows, cgbp, pushdowns, extensions, etc.). Not all of them all the time, varying. Shoulder circumference is 52", up from 47" a few years ago.

Fri. Pull: back and biceps (shrugs, rows, occasional deads, pulldowns, pullovers, EZ bar curls, hammer curls, reverse curls). My back is getting wide and thick. I almost had an orgasm (it doesn't take much) when I saw my traps in a reflection. :D

Sat. or Sun. Maybe another Push session, focusing more on shoulders or tris, or bis and tris (if 48 hours from last bis workout).

Is this really possible!?


Yes it is really possible. I bought all new clothes a few weeks ago. 34's were tight. I was 208 pounds. Now I am 212 and they are fitting looser. I was able to go one more notch on my new belts. My shoulders in my shirts are a little tighter also. I am on a similar program to yours diet wise. YES!

[A.FreeRadical]

That I can really be losing fat and gaining muscle at the same time? My weight is remaining pretty stable at 217-218, but my pants are getting looser, my gut and waist are shrinking, noticeably, I can see fat loss in my face and neck, and my arms and shoulders look bigger. I can see and feel some upper ab cuts and bulges (not soft fatty ones...HARD ones! :) )

I'm just really surprised that I could be losing fat and gaining muscle so that my scale weight remains status quo. Hey, I'm happy and not complaining, I'm just amazed! :D
Is this really possible!?

It is possible. I measured myself on June 27th recorded my measurements and forgot about it until I found my notes yesterday. After I measured myself, I was amazed too.

I am 5'9" tall. In June I weighed 184 lbs. Today I weighed myself and I am still 184 lbs. Some people would really get upset if they ate very clean and worked out extremely hard for 5 months and did not lose one lb. Not me, my goal was to lose fat, not lose weight.

Well, here is the rest of the story:

__________ June / Nov

Neck______16.5" / 16.5"
Shoulders__49.0" / 51.0"
Chest_____42.0" / 42.0"
Biceps____14.5" / 15.3"
Waist_____37.0" / 33.5"
Hips/glutes 39.0" / 40.0"
Thighs____21.0" / 23.0"
Calves____14.0" / 14.5

Weight_____184 / 184
Body Fat%__ ? / 12-14% (scales/calipers)

I don't know what my body fat was in June, but I had lots of fat on my chest, stomach and love handles. I would guess I was 16-18% body fat in June. It looks like I lost 11 lbs of fat and put on 11 lbs of muscle.

Needless, to say, that made my day. I kicked ass in the gym today too. :D

*
aA.FreeRadical a

[Minotaur]

OK..now don't wait for another medical problem like a heart attack to happen before you start doing cardio! Get your butt moving. :)
(How's that for trying to kick your butt?)



Thanks! Hey, what are friends for!?

Oh, but wait... doesn't the AHA say that weightlifting is just as good for the heart as aerobic exercise!? [ducks and looks around] :D

[fitnessman]

Oh, but wait... doesn't the AHA say that weightlifting is just as good for the heart as aerobic exercise!? [ducks and looks around] :D

My squat routine gets my heart pounding more than any cardio has.

[Minotaur]

I was able to go one more notch on my new belts. My shoulders in my shirts are a little tighter also. I am on a similar program to yours diet wise. YES!

My belts are wavering between the third and fourth holes. And with shirts, I am firmly ensconced in 17 1/2 or XL. I had to yank all my 16 1/2s and 17s. For some knit shirts (like polos) that are a little oversized, I can get away with L. I don't mind shirts being a little snug as long as I can get that V taper going on, and get rid of the gut.


It is possible. I measured myself on June 27th recorded my measurements and forgot about it until I found my notes yesterday. After I measured myself, I was amazed too.

*
aA.FreeRadical a

Yeah, you've made good progress too! I wished I kept consistent logs throughout the years, but unfortunately, they were sporadic. I can only guage my measurements by the clothing sizes I wore.

I started out wearing 14 1/2 or S shirts, now I take 17 1/2 or XL, or even XXL in some brands. My jackets were 38-39, now they are 46-48.

[Minotaur]

My squat routine gets my heart pounding more than any cardio has.

Yeah! Last night I did legs and back. I did leg press with some decent-for-me weight (I'm avoiding squats and deads for awhile for a condition that involves Prep H type products... 'nuff said? :rolleyes: ), partial deads, seated cable rows and shrugs. Man, I was dripping with sweat. I sweat just as much when I lift as when I do cardio.

Instead of intimidating myself with 30-40 mins. of cardio, I'll just set out to do 20 minutes, and keep going if I have a mind to. If I set my goals too high, I bail out.

[fitnessman]

Man! How can you work back after legs? I train legs so freakin hard I have nothing left!

[Original Poster]

....... And I'm growing in the right places. :)

Did your wife confirm that ? ;) ;) :D

Nice going Minotaur !

[Minotaur]

Man! How can you work back after legs? I train legs so freakin hard I have nothing left!

I didn't think I could either, and I don't usually. But the way my schedule falls this week, I needed to compress my workouts. I don't know if I'd make this a habit.

[fitnessman]

I see...And you did cardio after that?

[Minotaur]

I see...And you did cardio after that?

Hell no! :eek:

[fitnessman]

Hell no! :eek:

Whew I was begining to think I was a sissy ;)

[magnus wsm]

Did your wife confirm that ? ;) ;) :D

Nice going Minotaur ! minotaur is special he has a spousal partner of the same gender . we all need to gather round him and support him becuase he is different. his man friend is crippled and draws disability , at least you guys support him and do not ridicule him. that is why this site is so great like the love and support that was shown john h . at least you guys [moderators] condone his lifestyle this shows the maturity of this site. ryan does appreciate this kind of correct moderating. people are different some people just need appreciation like gay pride parades. have you seen them there colorful and entertaining for happy people. the 35 section has very open minded persons, willing to help in all areas of life. at least this site realizes the dollar potential of gay body building even mr.olympia competitors some are openly gay and some are closet gay. but either way this site is numero uno in the dept of being openly and judicially for the gay body builder. there are no gay powerlifters yet as i know of , but im sure you guys would warmly welcome them as you did minotaur and john h among others . great site guys !!!!!

[Minotaur]

Thanks Magnus. That was a nice post. ;) I don't bring up a lot of my personal life unless it's relevant; I don't believe in shoving anything in anyone's faces. We are who we are.

Btw, there are quite a few gay powerlifters around. Some of them have participated in the Gay Games, another one from the UK participates in regular UK pl meets. Like many of us, I guess they tend to keep it quiet.

I've said over and over again, this board is probably the ONLY board that is consistently civil towards everyone.

[Minotaur]

Whew I was begining to think I was a sissy ;)

Yeah, right! With the numbers you put up, I should be such a sissy! :D

[fitnessman]

minotaur is special he has a spousal partner of the same gender . we all need to gather round him and support him becuase he is different. his man friend is crippled and draws disability , at least you guys support him and do not ridicule him. that is why this site is so great like the love and support that was shown john h . at least you guys [moderators] condone his lifestyle this shows the maturity of this site. ryan does appreciate this kind of correct moderating. people are different some people just need appreciation like gay pride parades. have you seen them there colorful and entertaining for happy people. the 35 section has very open minded persons, willing to help in all areas of life. at least this site realizes the dollar potential of gay body building even mr.olympia competitors some are openly gay and some are closet gay. but either way this site is numero uno in the dept of being openly and judicially for the gay body builder. there are no gay powerlifters yet as i know of , but im sure you guys would warmly welcome them as you did minotaur and john h among others . great site guys !!!!!

Different by whos standards? Condone? Dollar potential? There is no agenda here in this forum.

I am not flaming your post here. Minotaur to me is just another guy of 35 trying to be the best he can be. One of the people who I look forward to reading his posts.

If any of my brothers and sisters are happy in their lives, I am happy.

[fitnessman]

Yeah, right! With the numbers you put up, I should be such a sissy! :D

:D

[magnus wsm]

[QUOTE=Minotaur]Thanks Magnus. That was a nice post. ;)

Btw, there are quite a few gay powerlifters around. Some of them have participated in the Gay Games, another one from the UK participates in regular UK pl meets. Like many of us, I guess they tend to keep it quiet.

QUOTE] you know minotaur the gay games are as much a show of power as espn,s worlds strongest man contest. you know people would be suprised at how many are closet gay afraid to reveal there lifestyles. john h was instrumental on this board posting over 5000 posts about his lifestyle. he even detailed his ideas which were cutting edge. whatever happened to dorian the moderator , he seemed hostile to gay and bi-sexual weight lifters. dorian always said it was becuase as a child he was molested and his son was later molested. this was the root of his hostility toward peoples of same gender preferences. really without having gay pride and acknowledging your lifestyle you do a disservice to homosexual people and there agendas. closet gays are afraid of being open and truthful to themselves. i feel alot of people are afraid of being honest with themselves and disclosing there same sex desires . but sympathizers are amongst the crowd , just afraid to reveal there desire,s. the moderators here have always been sympathetic to this cause , except a few conservative moralistic ones. some teenage boys look for information and most gay members freely and openly give homosexual based advice with the heart felt open seal of approval from most moderators. this shows there ability to accept any all things of all members, except a few conservative bible based hardcore christian members who due to there up bringing cannot understand the very act . the 35 section and other sections do condone and appreciate its gay members accepting there lifestyles as normal and revelant . you know if you accept a person you accept there whole persona , you put your mark of approval on there actions . actually you become instrumental in there agendas. like john h he was honest and truthful and most members and moderators approved of his un waivering honesty. some were hostile but these were few and far between seeing most got banned and he posted at least 5000 enlightening stories. this detailed account of john,s life over his time at bb.com shows how much this board accepts and condones this lifestyle. un-biased can be a positive thing for the gay cause, showing somes desire to become a part of this lifestyle. but are closet gay becuase of persecution , this is understandable . some willnot understand based on religion or family-social values. its amazing that ones desires and acts are becoming mainstream now. just 20 years ago it was taboo and some considered a sin. but minotaur i know your a church going man episcopalian , so this shows even the church wholeheartedly accepts it. except a few hardcore bible based individuals who cannot accept an alternative lifestyle.

[Minotaur]

Magnus,

John H posts over at Ironmagazine.com now. He has some good insights into people, but unfortunately he sometimes goes too far and pisses people off.

Dorian and I had some deep conversations via pm; he saw a side of me that made him realize I am a real person, and not a stereotype. I think he's been banned though. Things got a lot out of hand on the Sex forum a while back. I got caught up in some of the problems, but I've learned a lesson... you can only educate and lead by example, but you can't force people to change their minds about anything. The other lesson I learned was to STAY AWAY FROM THE SEX FORUM!!! :D

Seriously it's like trying to persuade people to adopt healthier habits and an exercise routine. If they don't want to do it, they won't. I've nagged people about it, but only met with resistance. People will do the right thing in their own good time.

[A.FreeRadical]

I've nagged people about it, but only met with resistance. People will do the right thing in their own good time.

Hi Minotaur,

I have nagged people, sometimes... with unbelievably good outcomes, other times, it really sucked. Most people will do the right thing, in their own good time, the rest of them will probably make a terrible mess of it.

So be it. That is true of everything.

I am straight, you are gay, so... (hahaha, just about everything that I could
think of that was about lifting and male bonding has a sexual overtone.) So... how is your bench doing? er, er your squat? How ya hangin'? Oops. That really is the only problem. We just have to get comfortable with it and we move on. :D

*

aA.FreeRadical a

[Minotaur]

Hi Minotaur,

I have nagged people, sometimes... with unbelievably good outcomes, other times, it really sucked. Most people will do the right thing, in their own good time, the rest of them will probably make a terrible mess of it.

So be it. That is true of everything.

I am straight, you are gay, so... (hahaha, just about everything that I could
think of that was about lifting and male bonding has a sexual overtone.) So... how is your bench doing? er, er your squat? How ya hangin'? Oops. That really is the only problem. We just have to get comfortable with it and we move on. :D

*

aA.FreeRadical a

I took a little quiz Which ArchAngel are you most like? (http://quizilla.com/users/zortified/quizzes/Which%20ArchAngel%20are%20you%20most%20like%3F/)

My results:
Rafael. You're most like the ArchAngel of Healing. You want people to shape up, and you nag. But you mean well, and you're well loved despite it. Or because of it. You bring the donuts even as you tell people to eat more veggies.

This line "You want people to shape up, and you nag. But you mean well" is especially true. And of course, the road to Hell is paved with good intentions.

Most people that meet me, unless and until they get to know me well, don't pick up on it that I'm gay. Actually that's sometimes a problem because guys will start talking about women and marriage and relationships, and invariably ask if I'm married or have a girlfriend. I shy away and give vague answers, and use gender-neutral speech, not because I'm closeted or embarrassed to be gay, but I tell on a need-to-know basis. Then it dawns on them, and they get embarrassed for being so dense and don't know what to say anymore. They get self-conscious, but there is no need to be. So then I have to do damage control and put them at ease. :rolleyes:

So, not to worry... I'm just a regular guy like everyone else. Well, with one exception. ;)

[ZAMORANO]

Hello everbody!

It is the man that counts, his values, ethics AND most of all the iron he moves when in the gym!

Well done Minotaur, keep the fire burning!

Peace!

[Minotaur]

Thanks. The fire is STOKED! :)

I'm starting to lose some weight again, and I'm encouraged.

Fri 10/22/04: body fat 20.3%, 228 lbs
Fri 11/26/04: body fat 18.8%, 221 lbs

Sat 2/5/05: body fat 12%, 205 lbs (goal)


And my lifts are going up and are getting easier... I keep adding weight.

I've decided to eliminate non-veg carbs. It turns out I may be gluten intolerant (though I cheated last night and had a brownie).

[magnus wsm]

Thanks. The fire is STOKED! :)

I'm starting to lose some weight again, and I'm encouraged.

Fri 10/22/04: body fat 20.3%, 228 lbs
Fri 11/26/04: body fat 18.8%, 221 lbs

Sat 2/5/05: body fat 12%, 205 lbs (goal)


And my lifts are going up and are getting easier... I keep adding weight.

I've decided to eliminate non-veg carbs. It turns out I may be gluten intolerant (though I cheated last night and had a brown-EYE). LOSING WEIGHT IS THE HARDEST GOOD LUCK .

[fitnessman]

LOSING WEIGHT IS THE HARDEST GOOD LUCK .

Once the mind is set, the body will follow.

[Minotaur]

Very true. Thanks guys. ;)

I took my Saturday morning measurements, and was a little disappointed in what the tape measure and scale showed. I use both and plug into a body comp calculator to chart progress, not as an absolute value. I was disappointed because the past weeks' momentum seemed to slow.

But a little thing can upset and skew the results... a little more water retention or depletion, glycogen getting low (I haven't carbed up yet), and so on.

I'm not discouraged, and I will stay the course. I'm beginning to feel better, physically, and the strength is creeping up.

My bench, compared to some of you guys is pathetic (I've never had a strong upper body, despite its relative size), but it's increasing. Last week my bench sets were 155x10, 195x8, 205x6. That was the week I finally broke 200. Yay me! :D This week I got another set of 205x6 (155x10, 195x8, 205x6, 205x6). Plus the other chest work I did at higher than previously normal weights. :)

Next week I'll shoot for 205 for all 3 work sets. My goal is really only 225 and then take it from there.

My mind is set, so my body better listen up! :D

[NuclearArms]

Had your blood hormone levels checked lately? May be time for an adjustment.

[Minotaur]

Had your blood hormone levels checked lately? May be time for an adjustment.

Ah, yes, that's part of it. I'm going for a follow up blood test in two weeks. Last blood test showed TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) pretty high, which means my thyroid replacement dose was too low. Doc increased it. An intermediate Free T3 test showed it going up. That's good.

Btw, I forgot to mention that what's encouraging is that my pants are getting looser, despite what the tape measure and scale show or don't show. And I look better in the mirror. My midsection does look to be shrinking. No one has a more critical eye than I do!

[NuclearArms]

...what's encouraging is that my pants are getting looser, despite what the tape measure and scale show or don't show.
Sometimes the physical measurements and our own eyes can be decieved. Clothes generally give us a good response to progress in this area.

[Hibiscus09]

I have pretty darn critical eyes when looking at myself in the mirror! :D

It's so true about the clothes. I did a cutting thing recently and my size 2 pants were getting pretty loose in the waist and bootay, even though my bodyfat loss seemed to stall about halfway through my plan. I've now been sick with an ear infection for two weeks, not exercising, and eating everything in site. My bootay is filling out the pants quite nicely at this point. LOL I'll do better starting tomorrow. :D

Your doing great, Mino, and I hope you reach your February goal!! :)

[Minotaur]

Your doing great, Mino, and I hope you reach your February goal!! :)

Thanks, so do I! ;)

[Minotaur]

As a frame of reference, the jeans I'm wearing in the 3rd pic (today) are 40 waist. Chest measures 47.5, and biceps, cold flexed are 17" even. Hopefully I'll be looking back at these in embarrassment (well, I'm embarrassed now :rolleyes: ).

[Minotaur]

As of this writing, my weight is ~227lb, waist measures ~41-42", pants are a snug 40.

My only New Year's resolution is a multipart one...

Drop the 20 lbs of bear fat I've been whining about and start stretching.

To accomplish the first part, dropping the bear fat, I've decided to re-commit to cardio. Whether I do some cardio after I lift on those days, or I do cardio on off-lifting days, I'm going to do cardio. All I'm committing to is 20 minutes 3-4x/week (T, Th, Sa, Su). That's the minimum and all I expect of myself today. More than that (which I know I will achieve) is gravy, but not required. If I set goals too high, I will scrub it. That 20 minutes doesn't include the warm up and cool down. That's the All-Out, Hell's Bells, B*lls-to-the-Wall effort.

But just for today. I'm not looking to the future, I'm not setting a deadline, I'm just doing this for today. One day at a time, just for today, each day. That's how I quit smoking cold-turkey 10 years ago Jan. 1. One day at a time I didn't smoke... just for today I won't smoke. Ten years ago. :) So, if I can do it to quit smoking, I can do it to achieve my fitness and physique goals.

So far I've run 2 days this week, Sunday for 9 minutes (3 3-minute intervals interspersed with fast walks) and last night for 20 contiguous minutes! I just kept going. OK, the pace was slow, 4 mph, a 15 minute mile (even in my running heyday my average crusing pace was about 11-12 m/m). I do need new running shoes though. Mine are shot. Shoes will make or break a runner.

Just for today I'm going to watch my diet closely. It's going to be primarily meat (and fish and poultry), leaves (vegs) and berries (occasional fruits) with some dairy (Hood's Carb Countdown milk, regular cottage cheese, hard cheeses). I'm not going to worry about how much weight I'm losing, or how long it takes. I'm just going to do these things for today, everyday. Just for today.

I'm on my way. ;)

[1stindoor]

I'm just going to do these things for today, everyday. Just for today.

I'm on my way. ;)
Just for today...I'll tell you you're doing great. Keep at it and you'll see the results of your increased cardio in no time.


psssst...just for tomorrow. I'll throw in some extra encouragement to get you started. Your method of quitting smoking was pretty ingenious. It'll work for the cardio as well.

[fitnessman]

Go Frankie go! :D

[Hibiscus09]

Good attitude, Mino! I know you can do it! :) I want a new pair of running shoes, but I believe my Saucony's have another month or so of life to them.

Happy Wednesday to you!!

[countryb4all]

Very positive attitude, I like it!

Just constantly remind yourself of the benefits and of your goals. Be hard but fair on yourself.

Good luck.

[Minotaur]

Thanks all. ;)

I decided that I'm tired of being a victim and blaming my hormones, or my age or this or that for the weight not coming off. I'm tired of seeing other guys whose shirts drape from their chests and don't highlight a bulge of their guts, and not being one of them. I want flat abs. I don't care if they are cut (I don't like the ripped look), I just want the beachball gone. I will be positively orgasmic and arrogant with my waist at 36-38". That will be a 10-12" drop from chest to waist. So I'll have my pants taken in. :D

The bottom-line, end-of-the-day truth is that I have to get my fat ass out on the road or the treadmill or the bike and keep it there. I'm one of those people, I guess, that has to do cardio to get the fat off and keep it off, being that I am ordinarily sedentary with a desk job. Not to mention having to get my triglycerides down. No excuses or whining. I want this!

[Musicguy]

...I'm not looking to the future, I'm not setting a deadline, I'm just doing this for today. One day at a time, just for today, each day. That's how I quit smoking cold-turkey 10 years ago Jan. 1. One day at a time I didn't smoke... just for today I won't smoke. Ten years ago. :) So, if I can do it to quit smoking, I can do it to achieve my fitness and physique goals......I'm not going to worry about how much weight I'm losing, or how long it takes. I'm just going to do these things for today, everyday. Just for today.

Excellent way of looking at things!

[bbgonnabe]

As a frame of reference, the jeans I'm wearing in the 3rd pic (today) are 40 waist. Chest measures 47.5, and biceps, cold flexed are 17" even. Hopefully I'll be looking back at these in embarrassment (well, I'm embarrassed now :rolleyes: ).

Man you look powerful. How much can you lift on bench, curls, squats, etc.?

[Minotaur]

I'm not really that strong. My best bench to date is 215 for reps, I've squatted and deadlifted 315 for reps, and my best curls have been 95-105. I guess my pl total would be about 1,000 lbs. Someone once told me that for my size (5'5") that's really not bad. I'm still working on improving strength and losing fat. My weight goal is about 200-205 and ~12% bodyfat. I've got about 20 lbs to go.

[Minotaur]

I haven't lost as much fat as I'd hoped, given all the time I've spent chronicaling the fat loss problem. In fact, I know I've gained, because slacks are snug this year that were not last year. Damn that insulin resistance! :mad: I'm pretty sure that's what it is, because I have about 5 of the 7 or so indicators: Fat concentrated in the gut, yet I can see an outline of abs (tells me it's visceral fat, hallmark of IR); low HDL; high LDL; high triglycerides; elevated blood glucose; easily fatigued. I have an appointment with Dr. Endo in a few weeks. Will discuss testing insulin level.

But, dear Diary, I feel like I have gained muscle despite this. Current stats:

Neck 17.5
Chest 48
Thigh 27
Arm 17+
Calf ~17
Weight 228
Height 5'5" (I don't expect that to change).

Diet is pretty much 40% protein, 35% low gi carbs, 25% fat.

Exercise routine:
Mon, legs: Squats or leg press, leg extension, leg curls. Sets of 12,10,8,6,12,12.

Tue, cardio: Step Reebok as mentioned in my thread. (http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=485500) Goal is to get back into running and bike riding also. I took the bike (Raleigh C30 hybrid) out yesterday for the first time this year. Six miles that proved I have work to do.

Wed, chest: flat bench, incline bench, pec deck or vertical press or db press. Sets of 12,10,8,6,12,12.

Thu, cardio.

Fri, back & bis: Rows, shrugs, pulldowns. Sets of 12,10,8,6,12,12.
Sat or Sun, shoulders & tris and cardio: Seated ohp, side raises, front raises or upright rows; pushdowns or pullovers. Sets of 12,10,8,6,12,12.

Crappy webcam shots comparing this year to last year. Doesn't look like much change either way, but I can tell from T shirts and polo shirts that are more snug in the chest and shoulders this year over last year. This is more for my own reference when I look back over this thread.

[jaguarr]

I dunno, man. You look a little more swole and defined in the latest crappy webcam pics than you do the old crappy webcam pics. :)

jag

[Minotaur]

Haha that's why I rely on my clothes to tell the story. When I reach my goal I'll use a regular camera for comparison to how I looked before.

[GREENFEATHER]

You know what you have to do, come down here and bike with me. I'll have you buff as a MOFO in no time!! :D Seriously, I'm adding in carbs to my keto diet in the am and cutting way back on some of the other things that I was eating, especially on carb ups. Suffice it to say the carb ups weren't too clean!! I'm also kicking up the cardio considerably from this time last year so I'm curious where I'm gonna land in 4 months time.
Good luck and good medicine!

[Minotaur]

When I did ckd 2 years ago, I went crazy on my weekend carb ups and by Monday I felt as bloated as the Michelin Man. Now the carbs I use are oatmeal, whole wheat (pasta and bread), brown rice, sweet potatoes and vegs.

I always loved biking. My biking was on a Raleigh M50 mountain bike, with its original knobbies, on the road. I could push to a 30 mile ride but not much more because of the tires. I put streets on it last year, but found that it needed so much tune up work that it wasn't worth it. I got talked into a new hybrid. The bike shop owner said I was not the guy I was 10 years ago to be pounding a mountain bike on the road. The hybrid is nice, I just need to get used to its feel.

I think that between the stepping, the biking, and getting back to running, I should be able to drop the fat and get the IR under control.

[Minotaur]

Dear Diary:

I walked last night and tonight. About 2.2 mi. in about 40-42 mins. both nights. I did not attempt to run, because every time I do that, being as out of shape as I am, I get disgusted. I opted to not go to the gym and work my legs, as I do on Mondays. I'm finding that working legs every week is becoming a little too much. I'm not recovering as fast as I used to. Besides, my legs are pretty strong and thick: they've always responded well to training.

I took my iPod Mini and set out. I worked up a sweat and felt pretty good mentally and physically. I felt like I worked fairly hard, but not overly. I recovered pretty quickly. I've even added the About.com Walking site to my Favorites. I'm going to add walking in to my cardio routine along with Step Reebok and biking. With these three activities, I should not get bored of cardio. I will probably do Step Reebok on nights the weather isn't conducive to being outdoors to walk or ride or if I feel like it's time to alternate activities.

What prompted me to start walking again, and I'm embarrassed to say because I was embarrassed into it... is that I saw a nicely-built guy walking shirtless the past two days. I don't think he was taking a walk break from running, because I saw him walking along the same route as I was driving. He was built not unlike me (with a little less fat); so I thought "hey, if it's good enough for him, it's good enough for me". : )

I'm encouraged, because just from the past few cardio sessions, I feel my stamina is coming back. And I feel like I have things to do now that are enjoyable.

[jaguarr]

Well, you being able to check out hot guys without their shirts aside, walking IS damn good cardio. Hehehe! I try to take a half hour break and go for a walk outside when I'm at work and can get away long enough to do so (weather permitting). It takes the edge off and helps keep the oxygen going, and since I started doing so the 5-10 minutes I spend before every workout jumping rope gets easier and easier.

jag

[Minotaur]

Well, you being able to check out hot guys without their shirts aside, walking IS damn good cardio. Hehehe! I try to take a half hour break and go for a walk outside when I'm at work and can get away long enough to do so (weather permitting). It takes the edge off and helps keep the oxygen going, and since I started doing so the 5-10 minutes I spend before every workout jumping rope gets easier and easier.

jag

Bwahaha I am pretty pathetic and transparent. :D

Seriously, I've had my best inspiration for starting a workout routine because I saw a guy that I thought was really attractive and whom I wanted to emulate. I started exercising back in 1992 because of the cover model of an issue of Exercise For Men Only. It turns out that the cover model was the model for an article on aerobics. He had a great physique. And the same thing happened to start me walking now. If I hadn't seen this guy walking, who has the same sort of build as me, I probably would not have given walking a thought. So, whoever he is... thank you. ;)

The new facility my company is building is going to have a fitness center. I don't know when it will be ready, but I will take advantage of it asap. I can either weight lift or do cardio in the afternoon, or stay after work, or go to my gym. The point is that I'll have more time and opportunity to get cardio in, either indoors or outdoors during the day.

I gotta get this fat off me, and get my blood work right. I want this!

[Hibiscus09]

Hi Minotaur! :) That's great news about the workout center at the new facility. That will make things much more convenient. :D


I started exercising back in 1992 because of the cover model of an issue of Exercise For Men Only. It turns out that the cover model was the model for an article on aerobics.

LOL, everyone used to always ask me "Do you teach aerobics?" I wanted to scream, "I LIFT WEIGHTS!!" :D Sad I have to announce it, huh? LOL

I love biking too! I need to get back to doing that more myself.

[Minotaur]

LOL, everyone used to always ask me "Do you teach aerobics?" I wanted to scream, "I LIFT WEIGHTS!!" :D Sad I have to announce it, huh? LOL



It's no worse than when people say with an astonished look on their faces "oh, you lift weights, really?" or "are you still weightlifting?"

Why, doesn't it show? :rolleyes:

[Musicguy]

Good job on the walking, regardless of motive, LOL.

I've used walking as exercise for years, and really enjoy it. Lately I've been doing some interval work, mixing moderate paced running with walking.

Best of luck to you!

[GREENFEATHER]

Min, yif you're ever in my area, you're welcome to tag along with us. I just got back from a 3 hour tour ( damn, that sounds like Gilligan's Island, LOL!). Got rained on and everything, I wonder if I'll have to shower later since I just got one? THIS WEATHER IN THE NORTHEAST BLOWS !!!

[Minotaur]

Good job on the walking, regardless of motive, LOL.

I've used walking as exercise for years, and really enjoy it. Lately I've been doing some interval work, mixing moderate paced running with walking.

Best of luck to you!

Thanks...

I think the key is to mix it up. If you stick with just one activity you get really bored. That's kind of a no-brainer, but we forget and get into a rut. Then we give up altogether. *looks around sheepishly* :o

[Minotaur]

Min, yif you're ever in my area, you're welcome to tag along with us. I just got back from a 3 hour tour ( damn, that sounds like Gilligan's Island, LOL!). Got rained on and everything, I wonder if I'll have to shower later since I just got one? THIS WEATHER IN THE NORTHEAST BLOWS !!!

Thanks for the invitation. Of course it would be way down the road, but the offer is appreciated.

The rain finally stopped today, but now it's pretty humid. I've been driving around with a/c in the truck. Yeah, the weather lately has sucked! Grrr...

[joed]

So feather says the weather blows & mino says it sucks. Which is it???

Feather, you've got some great old sayings. I haven't heard that one in years.

[Minotaur]

So feather says the weather blows & mino says it sucks. Which is it???

Feather, you've got some great old sayings. I haven't heard that one in years.

Well, it's like a window fan... it sucks one way and blows another. Like Alanis Morrisette's music. :D

[GREENFEATHER]

I got in a 50 miler this am. I think the stepper is the best thing that's happened to my biking in a long time. The weather blows buffalo, is that any better? :D
Now on the other side of the front, it's humid, I was sweating like a ho in court on her third bust!:D This is my kinda weather!! Hazy, hot and humid, just the way I like it.

[joed]

I know what you mean. I did some time in Bainbridge after I got out of boot in the Great Lakes, then went to Bremerton, S. of Vancouver to take a carrier to Frisco. Maryland vs Washington=day & night in June. High times for a 20 yr old though.

[Minotaur]

I got in a 50 miler this am. I think the stepper is the best thing that's happened to my biking in a long time. The weather blows buffalo, is that any better? :D
Now on the other side of the front, it's humid, I was sweating like a ho in court on her third bust!:D This is my kinda weather!! Hazy, hot and humid, just the way I like it.

When I ran and was training for the Marine Corps Marathon back in the day (waaaay back in the day) being that it was a Fall marathon, I trained in the summer. I used to go out on Sunday mornings for my weekly long run around 8:30-9:00am, when other people were finishing, and run untill noon-1:00pm in the blazing sun. I loved it.

[Minotaur]

I got my test results and saw my endo today. Thyroid numbers are perfect, second time in a row. This makes 6 months of thyroid stability. Yay!

But my blood sugar jumped from 103 to 109. The lab range is up to 99. My triglycerides are still way over the range @ 218. Not to mention the abdominal fat that will not go away. Grrrr... All this was while on cinnamon the whole test period. Doc shook her head. I said "we haven't really talked about insulin resistance or Metabolic Syndrome. And, my father had Type II diabetes".

She agrees that I could have a Metabolic Syndrome and have had a predisposition to it because my blood sugar has been inching upward. She has not been blind to it, just watching. She agrees that even though my HbA1c is in range, it is at the high end of the range.

I told her how and what I eat (40/35/25 p/c/f and low gi carbs, etc.), my exercise, etc. She approved and said I am doing everything I can. She said the only medication that might be a possibilty is a new one called Incretine. She is not wild about Glucophage because of the weight gain (NOT the way we want to go!) or Actos.

So tomorrow I go for a Glucose Tolerance Test and insulin level. We'll take one step at a time.

[jaguarr]

Heya Mino,
My doc had me on Niaspan for awhile for my triglycerides. They've seem to do pretty well on their own thanks to quitting smoking and getting better exercise and some fish caps going. The worst part of Niaspan is that it caused hot flashes. Nothing like feeling menopausal as a 35 year old male. LOL! Good luck!

jag, Metabolic Syndrome victim...

[Minotaur]

My doc doesn't want me taking niacin... it can raise blood sugar. This isn't what we want either! I did the fish oil caps too for the trigs. They didn't really help, and were more of a pain in the ass than anything, because I had to take a handful of them to get the dosage doc wanted (6g).

I've been doing some more reading about insulin resistance and prediabetes. With a blood glucose level of 109 I am about ready to cross the line into prediabetes (110). This is serious ****. :(

Correction: The new med I referred to is not called Incretine, it is a gut hormone known as an incretin. The brand name is Byetta.

[Hibiscus09]

Yay for the thyroid stability! :D

Sorry about the blood sugar. I hope the new medication helps you. It is so stressful when you have a family history of a disease, but I know you're doing everything you can with diet/exercise, so hopefully, this medication will be the one to work for you.

[jaguarr]

This is serious ****. :(


You bet it is, and I'm glad you're staying on top of it, man. A lot of people don't and pay for it. Keep us posted!


jag

[Minotaur]

Yeah, it's about time Mr. Thyroid settled down. I said to the doc, you're NOT changing my dosage! She laughed and said of course not. This was a reference to having to try different dosages to get the correct one.

Well, I had the glucose tolerance test this morning as well as blood draws for IGF-1 (for monitoring my gh replacement) and serum insulin level, to verify this blood sugar/insulin resistance thingie. I had fasting blood drawn, then drank a fruit punch flavored solution of 75g of glucose. Then they took blood at 1/2 hour, 1 hour and 2 hours. I should have the results sometime next week.

Depending on the results, Doc may just want me to continue with diet and exercise (my trigs, LDL and HDL did improve somewhat). I know she's not thrilled about throwing a pill at me. She's cool. I'll keep youz up to date.

Whatever the results, I clearly have something funky going on and I intend to treat it as if it were full blown diabetes. That is... NO sodas, sweets, high glycemic carbs (pizza is OK because the cheese lowers the glycemic index :D), white potatoes, white rice, etc. The only time I indulge is on the weekends, but even then it will be out. And I rarely drink alcohol, never hard liquor (can't stand it). Only very rarely will I have wine or beer.

[shercolt]

Minotaur,

I don't know what all supplements you are taking, but there are many "bodybuilding" supplements on the market that have a direct impact on one's thyroid funcitoning. So beware.

Also, the pics of your body look good to me. You look like a real man, and not some paper thin - skinned, dehydrated, no fat, stained skinned, blinding white toothed creature in a posing suit.

Big is Good. Hairy is Good. Thiick is Good.

More pics !!!!

[Minotaur]

Minotaur,

I don't know what all supplements you are taking, but there are many "bodybuilding" supplements on the market that have a direct impact on one's thyroid funcitoning. So beware.

Also, the pics of your body look good to me. You look like a real man, and not some paper thin - skinned, dehydrated, no fat, stained skinned, blinding white toothed creature in a posing suit.

Big is Good. Hairy is Good. Thiick is Good.

More pics !!!!

Thanks for the tip and the compliment. :)

The only supps I take are whey protein, tribulus, 7-Keto DHEA and vitamin supps. I do not take any fat burners because of the effect they might have on the thyroid. And I avoid soy at all costs. It interferes with thyroid hormones. For most people that's not a problem, but for those of us on thyroid replacement and impaired thyroid functioning, those things are trouble.

I will always try to remain thick and husky, though I have a goal in mind for waist size and weight. I've been compared to a tank, a truck, a bull, and told I look like I could wrestle a tree, not to mention not wanting to be run into in a dark alley. Scary is good too. :D Yet little kids are not frightened at all by how I look. In fact, they seem to be attracted to me. Animals too. I guess they know who is their friend.