Great info here guys. My experience has been improved by slowly changing my approach to fitness.
I’ve accepted and embraced TRT.
I’ve stopped alcohol and drug use.
I get 7 hours sleep minimum, no matter what.
I have retired from movements that no longer serve me: deadlifts, bench and squats.
I no longer chase numbers on the bar, or on the scale.
My rep range is usually 15-25 now, which means lighter weight and slower reps. I focus on form, stretch and squeeze.
I lift less, I am down to 2-3 days per week.
I cardio more. I wish it wasn’t true, but the more LISS I do, the better my mood, libido and overall pain levels are.
I’ve gravitated away from foods that cause gut issues. If I’m farting, bloated or shitting weird, I’m sure it’s not exactly fighting inflammation.
I take magnesium, vitamins A/D/K, taurine and Circumin.
At night before bed in front of the TV, I take inventory and am on the living room floor using foam roller, psoa rite, or any number of tools I have, as well as doing a few relaxing yoga poses.
The whole point of lifting for me was to:
1) not look like a victim - achieved
2) get girls - achieved, married for 13 years
3) protect myself - If my charm and wit don’t work, I can hold my own until I reach my gun
4)manage anxiety/stress- still able to do
I have come to terms with my ‘meathead days’ staying in my past, and look towards a future I want to live. I am at peace with the size I have, and focus on bringing up smaller body parts, staying lean and being pain free. I’ve learned that the lighter I am, the better I feel!