So much for the "steroid" theory: One year anniversary of getting off my lazy ass!

[MantisShrimp]

Partly copied from my journal. 1/19/2006 (MLK day 2005) marked the one year anniversary of when I started lifting again (after essentially a 10 year hiatus.)

One year ago I could barely flat bench 155x8 (on a smythe machine). Today I broke 230x14RP on free weight (230x8,4,2.)

I did not know how to deadlift, and did not know how to squat. Today I easily deadlifted 415 and I can squat about 225x8 (squat up from 135 a few months ago, my initial squat was especially pathetic.)

Transitioned from smythe to power rack.

Probably joining the APA in 2006 to compete as submaster. I am 33.

I weighed 205 then, I weigh around 235 now. BF is roughly the same, maybe 1% more (12-13%.) 250 by the end of 2006. Hopefully at 10%, no more than 12%.

And I did it all with hypogonadism (dangerously low testosterone, which has only recently been remedied by my doctor.) I put on 30 pounds of mass in one year w/ test hovering around 230 ng/dL. So much for the "it's the steroids not the lifter" theory put forth by too many people on this site.

And I did it with a permanently busted hand (with screws in my immobilized right thumb.)

I wouldn't say my gains were the greatest or fastest on this site, but I'd bet they were in the top 10%. I am now on exogenous testosterone per my doctor. So I like to tell people I am on steroids and watch them freak out over something they don't even understand.

My program has consisted of mainly high intensity compound lifts, and constant eating. I lift hard, all the time. I don't do light days. I hate them. Even when I set out to do one, I can't, I end up overdoing it.

As a result, I have been sick a few times this year. Oh well, that only happens when I drink or fail in my diet. I ate around 8 times a day, every day, for the entire year. My job allows for grazing, and I graze constantly. I do not count calories, but I evaluate every piece of food and consider it's macronutrient value, and the time of day at which I am eating it. Excess bodyfat is handled by the treadmill, and I do not think about BF or fat beyond that, in fact, I drink olive oil straight sometimes, and I pop a ****load of EFAs. I always drop fish oil caps on the floor, and I am deathly afraid of rolling over them with my chair and stinking up the room.

Other supps have included beta carotene, B complex, C, E, multi, ZMA, flax, 5-HTP, melatonin, ibuprofen, Go!, caffeine, Diesel RFW, and a ****load of whey. I drink green tea daily. I follow Ivy's NTS (nutrient timing) relatively closely, and I have never undertaken a workout without drinking protein/high-gi carbs (dex, fructose) before, during, and after the workout.

Two main things have disrupted me this year: partying, and sleep disorders. I work night shifts so sometimes I have trouble sleeping, and I never get more than 7 hours of sleep in any given day. sometimes as low as 5.

I have studied and read both this site, other sites, and books extensively over the past year. I have the NSCA-CPT course prep materials and I have listened to the 17 CD set probably 5 times or more. Knowledge is a big part of my approach, I am very science oriented, but I also understand that once you are in the gym, it is time to shut up and fight the war.

Anyway, I just wanted to share this. I seriously cut back on the drinking toward the end of 2005 and got on prescription test, so maybe if I am lucky I can make 2006 as growth oriented as 2005.

[ArchDukeOfTops]

congrats man. I can really identify with the drinking/and night shift factors. These are pretty much the same draw backs I face. I have cut back drinking to about once every couple months, but I seriously thinking about just quitting all together. I'm at a point in my life where it really just doesn't benefit me to drink at all.

Just curious, when did you find out you had low test, what led you to believe you may need to get tested?

[MantisShrimp]

Originally Posted by ArchDukeOfTops

congrats man. I can really identify with the drinking/and night shift factors. These are pretty much the same draw backs I face. I have cut back drinking to about once every couple months, but I seriously thinking about just quitting all together. I'm at a point in my life where it really just doesn't benefit me to drink at all.

You know the thing is, I really love beer, I love to seek out great and innovative beers from all over the world (especially Belgium and Germany.) But I have had a problem with moderation, most of the time I have no desire to start drinking, but when I start, I don't usually stop until I'm passed out. If you can handle the moderation, drinking is actually good for your HDL levels, in fact, my doc recommended I drink a beer or a glass of wine a day. I'm assuming he doesn't want me pounding a 12 pack every 2 weeks instead.

The thing that really makes you wanna quit is reaching that point where the lifting is actually more important than partying, and not just in theory. It's gotten to the point where I am out drinking with friends and I will start to get mad about my BAC because I know it will screw up my training the following day, so I actually stop drinking, and start drinking water.

Just curious, when did you find out you had low test, what led you to believe you may need to get tested?

I was going to my doc for an appointment I set up due to a TVA strain which I thought was an inguinal hernia (from poor breathing during maximal effort trap bar deadlifts.) While there, I asked for a normal physical, so he did blood pressure, height, weight, pulse, lung volume tests, etc. So I asked him if blood tests were part of the physical and he said that they could be if I wanted them to. So I asked him to do it, and asked if test was included. He said no. So I asked him to include test, and he said ok. Honestly I was going into it thinking my levels were going to be HIGHER than normal because at the time I was getting angry and horny a lot. But the opposite was true.

Then I found out about this and a light came on.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irritable_Male_Syndrome

[ArchDukeOfTops]

That's interesting. I don't think I have low test levels (25 years old) but I think I may get bloodwork done the next time I go for a routine check up just to make sure.

[MantisShrimp]

Originally Posted by ArchDukeOfTops

That's interesting. I don't think I have low test levels (25 years old) but I think I may get bloodwork done the next time I go for a routine check up just to make sure.

33 is supposed to be about 7 years too early for ordinary age-related low test, but in the case of hypogonadism, I am told it can result from anything ranging form sports related testicular trauma to the mumps virus. It's good to get tested, I think every guy should, especially one who counts on his T to help his hard work in the gym to matter. I wonder how much mass I could have added if I went on test in 1/2005 instead of 11/2005. Also, BB.com has a new HRT (hormone replacement therapy) forum under Steroids, which is great.

[dparm99]

Originally Posted by MantisShrimp

disrupted me this year: partying

I hear you mate! Story of my bodybuilding life - i reckon i'd be huge if i gave up going out and drinking etc.

[_Lifter4Life_]

Originally Posted by MantisShrimp

Partly copied from my journal. 1/19/2006 (MLK day 2005) marked the one year anniversary of when I started lifting again (after essentially a 10 year hiatus.)

One year ago I could barely flat bench 155x8 (on a smythe machine). Today I broke 230x14RP on free weight (230x8,4,2.)

I did not know how to deadlift, and did not know how to squat. Today I easily deadlifted 415 and I can squat about 225x8 (squat up from 135 a few months ago, my initial squat was especially pathetic.)

Transitioned from smythe to power rack.

Probably joining the APA in 2006 to compete as submaster. I am 33.

I weighed 205 then, I weigh around 235 now. BF is roughly the same, maybe 1% more (12-13%.) 250 by the end of 2006. Hopefully at 10%, no more than 12%.

And I did it all with hypogonadism (dangerously low testosterone, which has only recently been remedied by my doctor.) I put on 30 pounds of mass in one year w/ test hovering around 230 ng/dL. So much for the "it's the steroids not the lifter" theory put forth by too many people on this site.

And I did it with a permanently busted hand (with screws in my immobilized right thumb.)

I wouldn't say my gains were the greatest or fastest on this site, but I'd bet they were in the top 10%. I am now on exogenous testosterone per my doctor. So I like to tell people I am on steroids and watch them freak out over something they don't even understand.

My program has consisted of mainly high intensity compound lifts, and constant eating. I lift hard, all the time. I don't do light days. I hate them. Even when I set out to do one, I can't, I end up overdoing it.

As a result, I have been sick a few times this year. Oh well, that only happens when I drink or fail in my diet. I ate around 8 times a day, every day, for the entire year. My job allows for grazing, and I graze constantly. I do not count calories, but I evaluate every piece of food and consider it's macronutrient value, and the time of day at which I am eating it. Excess bodyfat is handled by the treadmill, and I do not think about BF or fat beyond that, in fact, I drink olive oil straight sometimes, and I pop a ****load of EFAs. I always drop fish oil caps on the floor, and I am deathly afraid of rolling over them with my chair and stinking up the room.

Other supps have included beta carotene, B complex, C, E, multi, ZMA, flax, 5-HTP, melatonin, ibuprofen, Go!, caffeine, Diesel RFW, and a ****load of whey. I drink green tea daily. I follow Ivy's NTS (nutrient timing) relatively closely, and I have never undertaken a workout without drinking protein/high-gi carbs (dex, fructose) before, during, and after the workout.

Two main things have disrupted me this year: partying, and sleep disorders. I work night shifts so sometimes I have trouble sleeping, and I never get more than 7 hours of sleep in any given day. sometimes as low as 5.

I have studied and read both this site, other sites, and books extensively over the past year. I have the NSCA-CPT course prep materials and I have listened to the 17 CD set probably 5 times or more. Knowledge is a big part of my approach, I am very science oriented, but I also understand that once you are in the gym, it is time to shut up and fight the war.

Anyway, I just wanted to share this. I seriously cut back on the drinking toward the end of 2005 and got on prescription test, so maybe if I am lucky I can make 2006 as growth oriented as 2005.

Im curious, your training doggcrap for sure, but whose training you? Dante wont for sure if you are just learning to squat, and if your drinking lots etc...

Please have respect for DC and don;t say your training it unless being trained by him!

By no meams am I "flamming" you, just think of it as respect for a fellow friend.

Lifter,

[gymratluke]

Originally Posted by MantisShrimp

Partly copied from my journal. 1/19/2006 (MLK day 2005) marked the one year anniversary of when I started lifting again (after essentially a 10 year hiatus.)

One year ago I could barely flat bench 155x8 (on a smythe machine). Today I broke 230x14RP on free weight (230x8,4,2.)

I did not know how to deadlift, and did not know how to squat. Today I easily deadlifted 415 and I can squat about 225x8 (squat up from 135 a few months ago, my initial squat was especially pathetic.)

Transitioned from smythe to power rack.

Probably joining the APA in 2006 to compete as submaster. I am 33.

I weighed 205 then, I weigh around 235 now. BF is roughly the same, maybe 1% more (12-13%.) 250 by the end of 2006. Hopefully at 10%, no more than 12%.

And I did it all with hypogonadism (dangerously low testosterone, which has only recently been remedied by my doctor.) I put on 30 pounds of mass in one year w/ test hovering around 230 ng/dL. So much for the "it's the steroids not the lifter" theory put forth by too many people on this site.

And I did it with a permanently busted hand (with screws in my immobilized right thumb.)

I wouldn't say my gains were the greatest or fastest on this site, but I'd bet they were in the top 10%. I am now on exogenous testosterone per my doctor. So I like to tell people I am on steroids and watch them freak out over something they don't even understand.

My program has consisted of mainly high intensity compound lifts, and constant eating. I lift hard, all the time. I don't do light days. I hate them. Even when I set out to do one, I can't, I end up overdoing it.

As a result, I have been sick a few times this year. Oh well, that only happens when I drink or fail in my diet. I ate around 8 times a day, every day, for the entire year. My job allows for grazing, and I graze constantly. I do not count calories, but I evaluate every piece of food and consider it's macronutrient value, and the time of day at which I am eating it. Excess bodyfat is handled by the treadmill, and I do not think about BF or fat beyond that, in fact, I drink olive oil straight sometimes, and I pop a ****load of EFAs. I always drop fish oil caps on the floor, and I am deathly afraid of rolling over them with my chair and stinking up the room.

Other supps have included beta carotene, B complex, C, E, multi, ZMA, flax, 5-HTP, melatonin, ibuprofen, Go!, caffeine, Diesel RFW, and a ****load of whey. I drink green tea daily. I follow Ivy's NTS (nutrient timing) relatively closely, and I have never undertaken a workout without drinking protein/high-gi carbs (dex, fructose) before, during, and after the workout.

Two main things have disrupted me this year: partying, and sleep disorders. I work night shifts so sometimes I have trouble sleeping, and I never get more than 7 hours of sleep in any given day. sometimes as low as 5.

I have studied and read both this site, other sites, and books extensively over the past year. I have the NSCA-CPT course prep materials and I have listened to the 17 CD set probably 5 times or more. Knowledge is a big part of my approach, I am very science oriented, but I also understand that once you are in the gym, it is time to shut up and fight the war.

Anyway, I just wanted to share this. I seriously cut back on the drinking toward the end of 2005 and got on prescription test, so maybe if I am lucky I can make 2006 as growth oriented as 2005.

CONGRATS!!!!

[Jotun]

Originally Posted by _Lifter4Life_

Im curious, your training doggcrap for sure, but whose training you? Dante wont for sure if you are just learning to squat, and if your drinking lots etc...

Please have respect for DC and don;t say your training it unless being trained by him!

By no meams am I "flamming" you, just think of it as respect for a fellow friend.

Lifter,

You can always spot a DC-type lifter because they're the only ones who call it a "smythe" machine.

I love the attitude of this thread and the poster. It's a good kick in the pants for all the guys out there who think they can't gain muscle without juicing. Beginners can learn ton from just that single post.

[MantisShrimp]

Originally Posted by _Lifter4Life_

Im curious, your training doggcrap for sure, but whose training you? Dante wont for sure if you are just learning to squat, and if your drinking lots etc...

Please have respect for DC and don;t say your training it unless being trained by him!

By no meams am I "flamming" you, just think of it as respect for a fellow friend.

Lifter,

I have no desire to be trained by Dante or anyone else. If Dante had wanted his methods to be licensed, he would have not published them for free in CFP and on various message boards. Even though I mention DC in my journal and sometimes in other places, I have been careful--and you will note this if you search--to never claim to be doing actual DC. Not only because I am not doing explicit DC, (it is merely an influence upon my own custom training) but because I specifically sought to avoid the sort of weird and cultlike inquisition I see people getting for just mentioning DC, or worse, claiming to be "doing DC." FWIW the DC in my username is where I live, not my training regimen.

I think some of the authoritarian DCers sometimes forget that in order for DC to become DC, Dante had to hybridize and syncretize the best elements of what he personally experienced into a new form, and I intend to take that liberty, as there is nothing specifically unique or messianic about Dante which makes him the only person capable of training innovations, and I think he'd probably be the first to tell you that.

No disrespect to you, you seem like a very dedicated and enthusiastic guy, I am just pointing out a weird subcultural element to the DC training, it's like any social club, the more exclusive you try to make it, the more curious people become, and the harder it gets to keep it secretive. If he really wants people to stop claiming to be doing doggcrapp, he should publish a specific manual or description of the program and patent the program.

[MantisShrimp]

Originally Posted by Jotun

You can always spot a DC-type lifter because they're the only ones who call it a "smythe" machine.

I picked that smythe term up from Dante's CFP pdf (ok, he didn't actually write the pdf, but someone compiled a pdf of his message board writings.) Has sort of a nice Olde Englishe ring to it.

I love the attitude of this thread and the poster. It's a good kick in the pants for all the guys out there who think they can't gain muscle without juicing. Beginners can learn ton from just that single post.

Thanks man. I swear I get so angry when people start acting like juice is some magic bullet, not only does it mislead natural lifters into thinking their situation is hopeless, but it wrecklessly slanders steroid using lifters who really only derived 5-10% of their gains from the hormones. I liken it to makeup, you can look at a pretty girl and claim it's the makeup, but we all know it's much more than that...I've seen big fat hogs with great makup, and it didn't make me want them any more. It's a cosmetic, an adjustment, a tweak, not the meat of a program.

Nobody wants to listen to poor $AJ , but he's right, food is the real steroid. Constantly positive protein balance and progressive loading. It's really no more complex than that.

On this day next year I am going to post even more insane figures.

[MsDominatus]

woo hoo Mantis! This is so inspiring and exactly what I needed to read today (even though it was posted yesterday) as I am down in the dumps. Thanks for the update