Serious talk

[Jlifts]

What up folks,

Has anyone gotten to the point where they're just fucking fed up with lifting? Obviously not permanently, just in the moment.

Hear me out. Like tonight I got done with a successful, painful leg day. Took a short stroll to the studio room, took my shirt off, and just kind of looked at myself. I swear to god I couldn't tell you one thing that I didn't think looked just absolutely mediocre as fuck. Then I just get to thinking ya know, I am 24 now so I might just be bitching, but I've been lifting and exercising since I was 15, genuinely lifting since I was 18, I bust my ass in the gym, I track my lifts, track all my food and drinks, do cardio, stay away from seed oils, alcohol, and shit that's not beneficial to me, and I still look like shit. Got mild gyno from puberty just to top it all off. Bad genetics? Shitty insertions? Who knows man. My shoulder hurts, and can never get a goddamn answer for it, all my shit clicks and creeks, and for what?

I've got my first cycle on hand, just cutting a bit before I take the leap (not overweight or anything) wanted to really try to maximize my natural limit, but man this dogshit mindset is just making me constantly second guess it, because I feel like I'll just look like dog ass on it, and have that shoulder holding me back from lifting heavy shit.

Maybe this is the consequence of social media, unreal expectations, maybe I just need some OG's advice. So If you answered yes to the first question, what kicks you in the ass to just keep grinding away?

 

[Ziath11]

Social media really fucks with our minds and what’s reasonable. Sounds like a coach may be a good investment. Takes out a lot of guess work and it’s exciting and new because you got someone by your side. If you don’t mind paying for it which isn’t much in the grand scheme of what you get it might be beneficial for you. I’m never happy and that pushes me to grind everyday that and I wanna be the best version of myself.

 

[Jlifts]

Social media really fucks with our minds and what’s reasonable. Sounds like a coach may be a good investment. Takes out a lot of guess work and it’s exciting and new because you got someone by your side. If you don’t mind paying for it which isn’t much in the grand scheme of what you get it might be beneficial for you.

I agree, I have a coach on hold here in the forum, just finishing up some large investments and I plan on taking the plunge.

 

[Ziath11]

I agree, I have a coach on hold here in the forum, just finishing up some large investments and I plan on taking the plunge.

I’ve worked with a coach before and it was great so I’m sure it’ll give you a good push and help with some mental blocks

 

[Jlifts]

I’ve worked with a coach before and it was great so I’m sure it’ll give you a good push and help with some mental blocks

Yeah and hopefully I’ll grow my fucking chest.

 

[Ziath11]

Yeah and hopefully I’ll grow my fucking chest.

Chest with a bum shoulder is shit man. There’s a couple movements you can try to get around it

 

[Jlifts]

Chest with a bum shoulder is shit man. There’s a couple movements you can try to get around it

Yep it’s really disheartening. I do everything I can to work around it.

 

[Ziath11]

Yep it’s really disheartening. I do everything I can to work around it.

You see a doctor about it?

 

[Jlifts]

You see a doctor about it?

So many times. Physical therapy, physical therapy, Physical therapy, like bro I’ve been to physical therapy so many fucking times and pay out of pocket for them to not do shit

 

[DisgruntledJimmy]

That's rough, man. I've torn my rotator cuff before and spent months doing PT for my shoulder which naturally set my chest progress back as well. Tons of mobility work with those bands. Still get occasional aches when I'm doing heavy chest work to this day. When those aches do appear, I've learned to transition to cable chest movements instead of BB/DB for that workout.

I do think what helped me immensely was hiring a heavily experienced personal trainer to help me work on my chest for a few months. Guy was able to pinpoint several tiny details where I was deviating from form and had no idea. For example, I found out I had a poor connection with my left shoulder blade (same side where the tear happened) which also affected my rear delt growth as well as my lats. By spending additional time on those issues, I was able to really lock them back and thus minimize shoulder involvement in pressing movements.

I've done a shit load of physical therapy for various injuries and I always seem to prefer hiring an experienced personal trainer once the injury is healed. I'm sure my experience with physical therapists is somewhat rare but I find that most of those guys tend to focus on solely healing the injury rather than work with me to find what irregular movement patterns I'm doing that's leading to the injuries in the first place.

So I guess what my advice would be is to hire an experienced trainer. One who's been in the field for many years, kept up to date with his training, and possibly even specializes in shoulder work. These guys should be able to look at you and tell you in layman's terms exactly what's going on and design a plan to help you move forward in your physique.

 

[Jlifts]

That's rough, man. I've torn my rotator cuff before and spent months doing PT for my shoulder which naturally set my chest progress back as well. Tons of mobility work with those bands. Still get occasional aches when I'm doing heavy chest work to this day. When those aches do appear, I've learned to transition to cable chest movements instead of BB/DB for that workout.

I do think what helped me immensely was hiring a heavily experienced personal trainer to help me work on my chest for a few months. Guy was able to pinpoint several tiny details where I was deviating from form and had no idea. For example, I found out I had a poor connection with my left shoulder blade (same side where the tear happened) which also affected my rear delt growth as well as my lats. By spending additional time on those issues, I was able to really lock them back and thus minimize shoulder involvement in pressing movements.

I've done a shit load of physical therapy for various injuries and I always seem to prefer hiring an experienced personal trainer once the injury is healed. I'm sure my experience with physical therapists is somewhat rare but I find that most of those guys tend to focus on solely healing the injury rather than work with me to find what irregular movement patterns I'm doing that's leading to the injuries in the first place.

So I guess what my advice would be is to hire an experienced trainer. One who's been in the field for many years, kept up to date with his training, and possibly even specializes in shoulder work. These guys should be able to look at you and tell you in layman's terms exactly what's going on and design a plan to help you move forward in your physique.

You make a great point, because I definitely have a noticeable difference in my left lat and left shoulder, which is my bad one. Even when I try to lat spread the left sides very iffy depending on if my shoulders bugging me, feels like I can’t actually flex it.

 

[Milford King]

Just keep in my mind … if you’ve had gyno issues from puberty related natural hormones then you’ll definitely want to keep an AI on hand and post cycle therapy in case shit goes sideways. You’ll hate it if you don’t. If this is your first cycle you’ll be blown away by what testosterone can do alone. Just keep an eye on estrogen related sides.

 

[Jlifts]

Just keep in my mind … if you’ve had gyno issues from puberty related natural hormones then you’ll definitely want to keep an AI on hand and post cycle therapy in case shit goes sideways. You’ll hate it if you don’t. If this is your first cycle you’ll be blown away by what testosterone can do alone. Just keep an eye on estrogen related sides.

For sure brother. I have raloxifene, aromasin, and nolvadex on hand in prep for this cycle!

 

[Jlifts]

Just keep in my mind … if you’ve had gyno issues from puberty related natural hormones then you’ll definitely want to keep an AI on hand and post cycle therapy in case shit goes sideways. You’ll hate it if you don’t. If this is your first cycle you’ll be blown away by what testosterone can do alone. Just keep an eye on estrogen related sides.

Another thing that’s making me second guess too, I already can’t stand it and I wouldn’t say it’s that bad.

 

[zionoir626]

I finally got a bench press block..it's a hard foan block with channels for the bar..
It prevents you from coming all-the-way down..
My front shoulders were starting to really be a problem..
After two days with it..Pain is gone..
It's worth every penny..
If you want, I can look and see what company I got..
Best $39.oo I've spent..
Z...

 

[Jlifts]

I finally got a bench press block..it's a hard foan block with channels for the bar..
It prevents you from coming all-the-way down..
My front shoulders were starting to really be a problem..
After two days with it..Pain is gone..
It's worth every penny..
If you want, I can look and see what company I got..
Best $39.oo I've spent..
Z...

Yeah man that would be great actually, I’ll look into one.

 

[zionoir626]

Here you go..Brother
BENCHBLOKZ.COM
I got the small one..
It's a one man company..
You call, a person answers..the owner..!!
On the website there's a code for 10% off..he ships second day mail..
Great quality...
Whenever I'm looking to buy something, I do some research.There are others cheaper ones, but I'm extremely happy with this one..!!
If you get one and it works for you..
Tell others..
It's a shoulder saver..
Anytime Brother..
Z...

 

[CoffeeS]

Here's a youtube I found when looking for advice for my shoulder, you probably already saw it, but the guy explains shoulder mechanics and ways to get around that pain.

Like you, I have a difference in size from my right to left deltoid, pec and trap. Lats seem fine so far. Like DJ said, using bands and a trainer to point out the differences in the movements can help. And Z, using a bench press block to avoid the pain, yet still train. Great advice and both are hands on experience.

I try to look at things like a clock or a circle - there are 60 minutes on that clock face, 360 degree's in that circle, no matter what the issue is, there is a different angle to come at the problem. We just have to take the time to figure that out.

 

[CoachCabo]

I don’t exactly like going to the gym. My first few sets are painful. My body hurts for days afterwards. Same with eating. Sure I eat more than just bodybuilding fuel, but even then I just despise the chewing and full belly afterwards.

But what I do enjoy is knowing that I am doing my body more good than harm. Also, living here where not only do I see guys 10+/- years of my age, but also many tourist in that age group. They look like shit and move like they have more orthopedic deficits than I do.
So I guess I get a sort of Schadenfreude-esque enjoyment from looking way better and knowing my health is superior.

At your young age you really can do these things in moderation. You have time and age on your side. But you also have to resign yourself that exercise is just like eating and sleeping. These are mandatory for a good life, physically and mentally.

People need to wake up and realize that every day doesn’t have to be fabulous, every meal doesn’t have to be some orgasm of the palate. And so, every training session won’t be awesome. Regardless, you get significant benefit from it.

Change comes, usually not too quickly. Do you have a profession or perhaps a hobby that you became a journeyman or master overnight..or even in months or years?

I bought myself a guitar on my 21st birthday. Thirty-nine years later I still suck at it. I have had periods where I made great strides. But I still suck.
More recently I took up superbike racing. I started at 46. I focused, put in the time and effort, and made progress every time I went to the track. Nothing came easy but I made that first year a good one. Same with bodybuilding. First year I did five shows with five trophies. If I saw today what I really looked like back then, I would have quit. I didn’t really look like a bodybuilder. But I kept at it.
Thirty-six years later I am still going for it.

 

[heckler7]

if you think like that at 24 youre gonna have a real complex later in life

 

[Jlifts]

if you think like that at 24 youre gonna have a real complex later in life

What do you mean?

 

[Big Puppy]

time for a break. let your body rest, regroup, and go back. also work on realistic expectations, realize youre young and have many years left to grow big. get some motivational material via books or online. quit treating it like a job.

 

[AR-15]

I agree, I have a coach on hold here in the forum, just finishing up some large investments and I plan on taking the plunge.

Just remember that a good coach can and will make a huge impact on your life. That being said not all coaches are equal. Take your time and maje sure you have a good relationship with him or her because you basically have to give in to their way of doing things. You’re also going to have to tell him 100% truth about everything you do. How well you two interact and get along will make or break your partnership. I’ve had a handful of coaches along the way and the difference between a great coach and a sucky one is really just how well you jell. Just my opinion though

 

[heckler7]

all of lifes problems have already been answered in old punk rock songs

 

[Powerhousehb]

I have days where I get discouraged with lifting. I think everybody does at some point in life. As long as I keep moving forward towards my goal and I dont regress Im satisfied.

Have you tried BPC-157, & TB500 healing peptides for your shoulder to see if this might help. Research them. They work miracles. I believe some of the sponsors here sell them.

 

[Astro95]

Just be mindful that once you hop ON it’s also a tedious journey. I personally work very long hours and very taxing labor, and when really busy sleep about 4 hours if I still push my self to hit the gym meal prep and pin, but sometimes just being torn between being late to work or missing my daily pin is a pain in the ass, guess 3.5 hours of sleep it is! It’s just as easy to hop on and not see expected results and hop right off just to have messed with your hormones for nothing. Only thing I would say is make sure you’re in it to win mentally before anything and when the ups and down come which they will wether natural or not, you push past them and don’t quit. Also, after I got my gyno removed my whole outlook on my physique changed. Might be something worth saving for if it bothers you as much as it did me. Good luck, stay positive and keep pushing.

 

[555gymrat]

I was literally thinking the same thing today. I was looking around the gym, seen some guys i seen in the gym i seen 20 years ago, first thought was, dude looks ok but hes been in here 20 years, taking that into account he looks like shit, then….BOOM it hit, FUCK ME, i been in here just as long and i look like shit!! Alot of things went through my head, but first thing was whatever i been doing obviously aint working….i think a coach would definitely help you….this might sound crazy, goes against everything people say BUT everyone is different, the best gains i ever got on my chest, i was 16, no pro hormones but had them teenage hormones, i had a bench, was on house arrest with nothing to do, i hit chest 4 to 5 times a week for 2 months, ate protein shakes like crazy, and my chest was huge, put on 20 lbs of muscle in 2 months and had a six pack. Ive been considering hitting chest more than 1 to 2 times a week again, hopefully getting some size back there again….

 

[Jbswole40]

Yea I get that feeling on occasions, but it has to do more with ,nagging injuries, work stress,life stress,legal problems, family problems and just recently sickness stuff.etc..sometimes a few days off do you some good..but I'm always itching to get back into it..

 

[Astro95]

Yea I get that feeling on occasions, but it has to do more with ,nagging injuries, work stress,life stress,legal problems, family problems and just recently sickness stuff.etc..sometimes a few days off do you some good..but I'm always itching to get back into it..

That’s where the high stim energy drink/pre workout and TNE-Inj Sdrol combo come in handy! Let’s go fuck up these weights! 😂 totally agree. When I’m burnt tf out is because the wife, work or general life stress. If I win the lottery today, you best believe my training, diet and sleep would be on point 365 days a year.

 

[Jbswole40]

That’s where the high stim energy drink/pre workout and TNE-Inj Sdrol combo come in handy! Let’s go fuck up these weights! 😂 totally agree. When I’m burnt tf out is because the wife, work or general life stress. If I win the lottery today, you best believe my training, diet and sleep would be on point 365 days a year.

This is correct..
Hi stim,pwo,tne sdrol hellyea..and a nap +a call into work..I'm not coming In. Today.lol..
All serious it's work/family life that drains me days of lackluster sleep add up to chronic fatigue