Getting old sucks!!! A lil about me...

[ElGopher]

For context Im gonna share a lil about my background. In the early 2000's in my 20's I used to run huge cycles I worked at max muscle ( supplement store) and was pretty jacked. Then partying and chasing tail got the best of me started partying with girls doing lots of drugs and I ended up getting hooked on pain killers I still trained once in awhile then stopped all together..
I was in active addiction for over 13 years. After 5 years I lost everything and was homeless, 8/14/24 I finally went to rehab and got everything checked out and its a miracle that im relatively healthy despite my severe and addiction but even after a year sober I was still feeling depressed low energy and couldnt stay motivated to get back into the gym. I got my testosterone levels checked and found out why I felt the way I did my total test was at 114!! I guess all the gear in my 20's permanently shut me down. So I started administering my own trt regimen Im doing .5 cc 3 times per week for a total of 450mg of testosterone enanthate.. I was feeling great getting back into the gym loosing weight and bam I fuck my shoulder up!! Lol!! It hurts really bad doing any pressing movements for chest I dont even wanna risk trying any shoulder presses which brings me to the point of this post... GETTING OLD SUCKS!!!

 

[JJB1]

For context Im gonna share a lil about my background. In the early 2000's in my 20's I used to run huge cycles I worked at max muscle ( supplement store) and was pretty jacked. Then partying and chasing tail got the best of me started partying with girls doing lots of drugs and I ended up getting hooked on pain killers I still trained once in awhile then stopped all together..
I was in active addiction for over 13 years. After 5 years I lost everything and was homeless, 8/14/24 I finally went to rehab and got everything checked out and its a miracle that im relatively healthy despite my severe addiction but even after a year sober I was still feeling depressed low energy and couldnt stay motivated to get back into the gym. I got my testosterone levels checked and found out why I felt the way I did my total test was at 114!! I guess all the gear in my 20's permanently shut me down. So I started administering my own trt regimen Im doing .5 cc 3 times per week for a total of 450mg of testosterone enanthate.. I was feeling great getting back into the gym loosing weight and bam I fuck my shoulder up!! Lol!! It hurts really bad doing any pressing movements for chest I dont even wanna risk trying any shoulder presses which brings me to the point of this post... GETTING OLD SUCKS!!!

There’s no need to do any form of barbell or smith machine presses for delts or chest. I stopped both at age 40. My chest actually got better from using various hammer strength machines and fly/pec deck machines. For delts, I switched to a lot of dumbbell lateral raise variations using multiple different angles/positions.
I hear you, man! Getting old is a bitch! I was an opiate and Crystal meth addict for 6 years. Congratulations for getting off all that crap!!!
Find the exercises that feel safe and work around your injuries. Injuries occur a lot at our age. Just accept it and learn to train around them. You will still grow!

 

[GhostReaper]

The common trap..I felt Bulletproof..
I can handle anything..that God Complex..
Gear..brought out my addictive behavior..and fell into the Trap..
There are a lot of passed users here..
But also many Here, that are still using..

Those Hard one's aren't easy to shake..often like me, it takes numerous Rehabs to realize I'm the Problem..and the Solution..
There's been a few Brothers..you can tell..
Many are not here any longer..

I was Blessed..so many times I put myself in Worst positions..sleeping in cars...work that day,get paid..off to the Races..
It's an unsavory Underworld...
That' won't change..until the person finally decides to Change..
Until Then...all efforts are in vain..
I greatest Respect for the One's that pull it together..and leave that World..
Statistics aren't good for most..

There's strength in our stories..that can help others..just knowing..some of the worst of us..
Are not only Clean..but Prospering..

Z

 

[GhostReaper]

The common trap..I felt Bulletproof..
I can handle anything..that God Complex..
Gear..brought out my addictive behavior..and fell into the Trap..
There are a lot of passed users here..
But also many Here, that are still using..

Those Hard one's aren't easy to shake..often like me, it takes numerous Rehabs to realize I'm the Problem..and the Solution..
There's been a few Brothers..you can tell..
Many are not here any longer..

I was Blessed..so many times I put myself in Worst positions..sleeping in cars...work that day,get paid..off to the Races..
It's an unsavory Underworld...
That' won't change..until the person finally decides to Change..
Until Then...all efforts are in vain..
I greatest Respect for the One's that pull it together..and leave that World..
Statistics aren't good for most..

There's strength in our stories..that can help others..just knowing..some of the worst of us..
Are not only Clean..but Prospering..

Z

 

[ElGopher]

There’s no need to do any form of barbell or smith machine presses for delts or chest. I stopped both at age 40. My chest actually got better from using various hammer strength machines and fly/pec deck machines. For delts, I switched to a lot of dumbbell lateral raise variations using multiple different angles/positions.
I hear you, man! Getting old is a bitch! I was an opiate and Crystal meth addict for 6 years. Congratulations for getting off all that crap!!!
Find the exercises that feel safe and work around your injuries. Injuries occur a lot at our age. Just accept it and learn to train around them. You will still grow!

Thanks for the advice bro!! I felt defeated like now what do I do.. But I will try some of those variations and keep on pushing!!

 

[01dragonslayer]

For context Im gonna share a lil about my background. In the early 2000's in my 20's I used to run huge cycles I worked at max muscle ( supplement store) and was pretty jacked. Then partying and chasing tail got the best of me started partying with girls doing lots of drugs and I ended up getting hooked on meth then pain killers I still trained once in awhile then stopped all together..
I was in active addiction for over 13 years. After 5 years I lost everything and was homeless, 8/14/24 I finally went to rehab and got everything checked out and its a miracle that im relatively healthy despite my severe fentanyl and meth addiction but even after a year sober I was still feeling depressed low energy and couldnt stay motivated to get back into the gym. I got my testosterone levels checked and found out why I felt the way I did my total test was at 114!! I guess all the gear in my 20's permanently shut me down. So I started administering my own trt regimen Im doing .5 cc 3 times per week for a total of 450mg of testosterone enanthate.. I was feeling great getting back into the gym loosing weight and bam I fuck my shoulder up!! Lol!! It hurts really bad doing any pressing movements for chest I dont even wanna risk trying any shoulder presses which brings me to the point of this post... GETTING OLD SUCKS!!!

Hey my friend. Thanks for sharing your past. First I would like to commend and congradulate you on your journey in getting sober. I cannot imagine how hard that was but I know its rough.

About getting older....yes it DOES suck and many of us are there. My body started breaking down in my late 40s. It's hard to accept but its reality. I constantly have to tell myself that I'm not 25 anymore and at times I am usually reminded by a week or a twinge of a prior injury. Eventually you will start to accept it but for some it takes time or possibly an injury.....let's hope that not the case.

Just remember that there are many good bros here that will help when you need it. Wishing you the best is your road back.

 

[ElGopher]

The common trap..I felt Bulletproof..
I can handle anything..that God Complex..
Gear..brought out my addictive behavior..and fell into the Trap..
There are a lot of passed users here..
But also many Here, that are still using..

Those Hard one's aren't easy to shake..often like me, it takes numerous Rehabs to realize I'm the Problem..and the Solution..
There's been a few Brothers..you can tell..
Many are not here any longer..

I was Blessed..so many times I put myself in Worst positions..sleeping in cars...work that day,get paid..off to the Races..
It's an unsavory Underworld...
That' won't change..until the person finally decides to Change..
Until Then...all efforts are in vain..
I greatest Respect for the One's that pull it together..and leave that World..
Statistics aren't good for most..

There's strength in our stories..that can help others..just knowing..some of the worst of us..
Are not only Clean..but Prospering..

Z

Thank you for your response ! It does help knowing that Im not alone and many others have walked in my shoes.. I cant help but feel discouraged at times because Im having a hard time finding employment but at the same time Im grateful having gone through everything I have lived through because I am a much more humble and grateful person today where as before I took everything forgranted. Im sure I have a purpose because I tried taking the easy way out after I my ex wife left me and took the kids and then I lost my home I mainlined a massive dose of fentanyl over a gram and I somehow lived I was doing only Heroin then so medically there's no other explanation than God.. I dont yet know my purpose but Im sure I have one!!

 

[Machforce1]

There’s no need to do any form of barbell or smith machine presses for delts or chest. I stopped both at age 40. My chest actually got better from using various hammer strength machines and fly/pec deck machines. For delts, I switched to a lot of dumbbell lateral raise variations using multiple different angles/positions.
I hear you, man! Getting old is a bitch! I was an opiate and Crystal meth addict for 6 years. Congratulations for getting off all that crap!!!
Find the exercises that feel safe and work around your injuries. Injuries occur a lot at our age. Just accept it and learn to train around them. You will still grow!

I second this. I haven’t bench pressed in years. I use the hammer strength plate loaded incline press as my main movement as well as weighted dips. My chest has never been better. I tell you what’s helped me grow as an older dude and that’s static holds and slow negatives. I don’t know what it is about them, but they’ve really helped me get way more muscular.

 

[ElGopher]

Hey my friend. Thanks for sharing your past. First I would like to commend and congradulate you on your journey in getting sober. I cannot imagine how hard that was but I know its rough.

About getting older....yes it DOES suck and many of us are there. My body started breaking down in my late 40s. It's hard to accept but its reality. I constantly have to tell myself that I'm not 25 anymore and at times I am usually reminded by a week or a twinge of a prior injury. Eventually you will start to accept it but for some it takes time or possibly an injury.....let's hope that not the case.

Just remember that there are many good bros here that will help when you need it. Wishing you the best is your road back.

Thanks bro!! I really appreciate the support !! Im now 44 and boy I feel it especially with my past ! lol I really appreciate the words of encouragement and It great knowing there's some awesome people here that wont judge me.. I will also try to do my part and chime in but so much info has changed since the early 2000's when I was bodybuilding back in that era EAS were the cutting edge supplement s and I was following the POF(point of flexation) training routine from iron mag ..lol anyone remember that??

 

[ElGopher]

I second this. I haven’t bench pressed in years. I use the hammer strength plate loaded incline press as my main movement as well as weighted dips. My chest has never been better. I tell you what’s helped me grow as an older dude and that’s static holds and slow negatives. I don’t know what it is about them, but they’ve really helped me get way more muscular.

duly noted!!! thanks friend!!

 

[Rambo187]

If you had great shoulders back in your prime, you can bring them back without heavy pressing. If you never built shoulders to begin with, you won’t develop them properly without heavy presses. Lateral raises, rear delts, and machines can maintain or refine size, but serious shoulder growth requires heavy pressing..

 

[JJB1]

I second this. I haven’t bench pressed in years. I use the hammer strength plate loaded incline press as my main movement as well as weighted dips. My chest has never been better. I tell you what’s helped me grow as an older dude and that’s static holds and slow negatives. I don’t know what it is about them, but they’ve really helped me get way more muscular.

I really love the wide grip hammer strength press. I rarely ever see it at gyms, but man, does it give my pecs a great stretch!
Also. this STRIVE fly/pec deck with 3 different tension settings. One setting starts real heavy and gets easier as you move through the rep. It gives an insane pump! And, I also really love the dip machines where you can set the handles real close so they barely hit the side of your hips as you press downward, fully engaging the pecs instead of the triceps. I can’t train my upper chest due to reoccurring injuries in the pec insert under the delts, rear delt/lat insert, rotator cuff tears, and a torn labrum.

 

[J.S.]

I second this. I haven’t bench pressed in years. I use the hammer strength plate loaded incline press as my main movement as well as weighted dips. My chest has never been better. I tell you what’s helped me grow as an older dude and that’s static holds and slow negatives. I don’t know what it is about them, but they’ve really helped me get way more muscular.

Static holds and slow negatives, couldn’t be truer! I do both with almost every lift I do. I’m 69 so old is something I know about,lol.

 

[Knarfster]

For context Im gonna share a lil about my background. In the early 2000's in my 20's I used to run huge cycles I worked at max muscle ( supplement store) and was pretty jacked. Then partying and chasing tail got the best of me started partying with girls doing lots of drugs and I ended up getting hooked on pain killers I still trained once in awhile then stopped all together..
I was in active addiction for over 13 years. After 5 years I lost everything and was homeless, 8/14/24 I finally went to rehab and got everything checked out and its a miracle that im relatively healthy despite my severe and addiction but even after a year sober I was still feeling depressed low energy and couldnt stay motivated to get back into the gym. I got my testosterone levels checked and found out why I felt the way I did my total test was at 114!! I guess all the gear in my 20's permanently shut me down. So I started administering my own trt regimen Im doing .5 cc 3 times per week for a total of 450mg of testosterone enanthate.. I was feeling great getting back into the gym loosing weight and bam I fuck my shoulder up!! Lol!! It hurts really bad doing any pressing movements for chest I dont even wanna risk trying any shoulder presses which brings me to the point of this post... GETTING OLD SUCKS!!!

It sounds stupid, but look up Norse Organics Muscle & Joint Builder Balm. I have no idea howor why it works. I can just say that my wife and I are 60 and 61 and both had a bad shoulder and had a hard time with pressing movements. now er are both in the gym 6 days a week, no problem.

P.S. DO NOT BUY it from Amazon.

 

[GhostReaper]

If you had great shoulders back in your prime, you can bring them back without heavy pressing. If you never built shoulders to begin with, you won’t develop them properly without heavy presses. Lateral raises, rear delts, and machines can maintain or refine size, but serious shoulder growth requires heavy pressing..

One of the biggest reasons for the Vets Sub..
So the new guys can see the mistake we made..and the damage it did to our bodies..so they don't make the same stupid mistakes..
I used to love..behind the neck, heavy military presses..
At 31..I PR'ed military presses free weight..245lbs for 4 reps..at a 180lbs I thought that was impressive..
It was, until a friend of mine, a little bigger, say 225lbs..he was pressing 405..
We both agreed..we were stupid.

Upright Rows with 185lbs..Killed my Neck..
We did know any better..we do Now..
Not listening to guys that are paying the price today for those mistakes..
Probably the most foolish thing ever..

Z

 

[GhostReaper]

Thank you for your response ! It does help knowing that Im not alone and many others have walked in my shoes.. I cant help but feel discouraged at times because Im having a hard time finding employment but at the same time Im grateful having gone through everything I have lived through because I am a much more humble and grateful person today where as before I took everything forgranted. Im sure I have a purpose because I tried taking the easy way out after I my ex wife left me and took the kids and then I lost my home I mainlined a massive dose of fentanyl over a gram and I somehow lived I was doing only Heroin then so medically there's no other explanation than God.. I dont yet know my purpose but Im sure I have one!!

Brother..I always have time to talk about the Real shit in Life..One former addict to another.
Sometimes, it takes someone that's been there to Understand..
Z

 

[Rambo187]

One of the biggest reasons for the Vets Sub..
So the new guys can see the mistake we made..and the damage it did to our bodies..so they don't make the same stupid mistakes..
I used to love..behind the neck, heavy military presses..
At 31..I PR'ed military presses free weight..245lbs for 4 reps..at a 180lbs I thought that was impressive..
It was, until a friend of mine, a little bigger, say 225lbs..he was pressing 405..
We both agreed..we were stupid.

Upright Rows with 185lbs..Killed my Neck..
We did know any better..we do Now..
Not listening to guys that are paying the price today for those mistakes..
Probably the most foolish thing ever..

Z

Nothing feels better than pressing heavy when you’re young. Nothing feels worse than pressing heavy when you’re older.

I built serious shoulders before 30. My left one pays the price now, but I work around it. These days, high reps with moderate weight are enough to maintain and I’ve even added size over the years with this style.

It’s a bit foolish, but in my opinion, that’s what it takes to build great shoulders. You pay the price later in life. The gym should be fun. If you never push yourself hard now and again, you’ll probably lose focus.

 

[chadmack]

I am 51 & clean beside peds now but oxycotton & cocaine ruled my life for several years & there are several others here in the same boat.
Luckily right b4 i lost everything wife, kids, home, & the rest of my mind i realized i was about to lose everything i ever wanted or dreamed for.
I can no longer to any barbell type pressing but dumbells are pretty shoulder friendly for me.

 

[MindlessWork]

Welcome to the club! It's normal the older you get the harder it gets to keep the hard earned gains from the years of heavy training. As we get older there's a time certain beloved exercises end up being abandoned but don't give up hope as you'll discover great alternatives to those exercises that will be just be as effective.

 

[Rambo187]

I used to smoke alot of weed. Times got rough, lost my job as a custodial engineer and had to suck cock to get high.

I Really fucked my shoulder up from giving intense handjobs. Finally quit the weed, thank God.

I look back on those days and don't miss getting high at all, but I do miss suckin cock

 

[chadmack]

I used to smoke alot of weed. Times got rough, lost my job as a custodial engineer and had to suck cock to get high.

I Really fucked my shoulder up from giving intense handjobs. Finally quit the weed, thank God.

I look back on those days and don't miss getting high at all, but I do miss suckin cock

As soon as i forget this is a gay BB forum some1 always reminds me

 

[Glycomann]

Thank you for your response ! It does help knowing that Im not alone and many others have walked in my shoes.. I cant help but feel discouraged at times because Im having a hard time finding employment but at the same time Im grateful having gone through everything I have lived through because I am a much more humble and grateful person today where as before I took everything forgranted. Im sure I have a purpose because I tried taking the easy way out after I my ex wife left me and took the kids and then I lost my home I mainlined a massive dose of fentanyl over a gram and I somehow lived I was doing only Heroin then so medically there's no other explanation than God.. I dont yet know my purpose but Im sure I have one!!

God wields the power of life, death and creation. You are lucky or blessed that he happened to glimpse you that day. Return the favor by rising to what he has planned for you.

 

[Rambo187]

As soon as i forget this is a gay BB forum some1 always reminds me

I'll always bring it full Circle. We need to get back to the meat and potatoes of ASF. Why this place is and will always be the best place for us BB gays to hang.🏋‍

 

[MrWhisper]

For context Im gonna share a lil about my background. In the early 2000's in my 20's I used to run huge cycles I worked at max muscle ( supplement store) and was pretty jacked. Then partying and chasing tail got the best of me started partying with girls doing lots of drugs and I ended up getting hooked on pain killers I still trained once in awhile then stopped all together..
I was in active addiction for over 13 years. After 5 years I lost everything and was homeless, 8/14/24 I finally went to rehab and got everything checked out and its a miracle that im relatively healthy despite my severe and addiction but even after a year sober I was still feeling depressed low energy and couldnt stay motivated to get back into the gym. I got my testosterone levels checked and found out why I felt the way I did my total test was at 114!! I guess all the gear in my 20's permanently shut me down. So I started administering my own trt regimen Im doing .5 cc 3 times per week for a total of 450mg of testosterone enanthate.. I was feeling great getting back into the gym loosing weight and bam I fuck my shoulder up!! Lol!! It hurts really bad doing any pressing movements for chest I dont even wanna risk trying any shoulder presses which brings me to the point of this post... GETTING OLD SUCKS!!!

Great job getting clean man!

So I get your natural levels are low but instead of actually doing TRT you went straight to a Test cycle? 450mg wk is not TRT friend. Maybe try 200mg wk of Test and 2IU GH.

I get the getting old part and have removed straight bar DL and Front and Back BB squats. I only do BB Bench Press like once a month. DB are just such a safer option for me and I have a bad right shoulder that has never been the same after a labrum tear.

Heal up and keep grinding. Maybe time for some BPC-157 to help with healing.

 

[GhostReaper]

As soon as i forget this is a gay BB forum some1 always reminds me

You didn't know it's a Gay BB Forum..
Most don't find out until..
You meet up with a friend from ASF for lunch..
Hanging out at his apartment drinking beers and watching the game..
Suddenly, the lights go out..
Then you realize..there's no way back from this..
Man up, do the deed and hope like Hell, he doesn't release the video on YouTube..
Happens all the Time...
Z

 

[GhostReaper]

I'll always bring it full Circle. We need to get back to the meat and potatoes of ASF. Why this place is and will always be the best place for us BB gays to hang.🏋‍

It does beat pinning yourself..!!!
Z

 

[ruffus]

Wait till you are in your 60's. I quit most straight bar work in my late 30's. As it wasn't healthy for my shoulders and could do better with other things. I realized some time back that sarcopenia is a real thing. I just try to shrink as slow as possible. Life s a process that can only be learned by experiencing it.

 

[GhostReaper]

I found a solution for not damaging your shoulder on bench..
A foam bench block..
Most have several hights so you can dial it in on the best distance from the chest..
I won't do any flat bar without it..
Mainly for prevention..once you damage shoulders on flat bar..it's usually a rap..
Mine were starting to pop and grind..
Lateral Raises didn't help..

I highly recommend some research into those if you're experiencing problems, before it's too late..
Z

 

[01dragonslayer]

Thanks bro!! I really appreciate the support !! Im now 44 and boy I feel it especially with my past ! lol I really appreciate the words of encouragement and It great knowing there's some awesome people here that wont judge me.. I will also try to do my part and chime in but so much info has changed since the early 2000's when I was bodybuilding back in that era EAS were the cutting edge supplement s and I was following the POF(point of flexation) training routine from iron mag ..lol anyone remember that??

Iron mag??...hah...loved it. Never missed an issue. I remember EAS as well...Bill Phillips.

That's one reason why this forum is here my friend....share experiences and opinions....take advantage.....and never hesitate to ask questions.

 

[GhostReaper]

Muscle Media..
Z