Melly Mel's Log From Hell

[anonynmous39596706]

When you're too full to chew and swallow

I find it amusing that you guys have a hard time eating enough. Two years ago I was 320lbs at 6'0". And that was when I was trying not to eat too much because I was a fat slob.

1 Gallon of 1% milk
2 scoops whey Isolate
2 pb&j's
2 Pop Tarts
2 cups Greek yogurt
6 eggs
1 big chicken breast
Pasta. I didn't measure it. I just snacked on it intermittently.
1 lb. of baked smelts

That would be about my typical day if you replaced the gallon of milk with a gallon of ice cream, the 2 pop tarts would be two boxes of pop tarts and the smelts would be swapped out for a bag of dollar burgers. You don't get over 300lbs eating light. Now I restrict what I eat and still hit around 3000cals.

 

[Seven]

@johnnyBALLZ
View attachment 27814
Hey JB! I just drank 2 glasses of spaghetti and meatballs! Most excellent!!! When you're too full to chew and swallow and you need the calories because the big mean man keeps busting your stones about eating and eating and eating, this rocks!!!

Actually that doesn't look bad, kinda looks like chocolate. I'm with Ogh...chewing may help give ya a strong jawline.

 

[Oregongearhead]

I find it amusing that you guys have a hard time eating enough. Two years ago I was 320lbs at 6'0". And that was when I was trying not to eat too much because I was a fat slob.

That would be about my typical day if you replaced the gallon of milk with a gallon of ice cream, the 2 pop tarts would be two boxes of pop tarts and the smelts would be swapped out for a bag of dollar burgers. You don't get over 300lbs eating light. Now I restrict what I eat and still hit around 3000cals.

That's the hard part for us older guys , clean bulking without adding belly fat . I've been 35% BF before and it wasn't pretty .

When I bulk now I check my gut size with a paper tape measure at least twice a week . I weigh myself once every Sunday .

 

[anonynmous39596706]

When I bulk now I check my gut size with a paper tape measure

Do you remember your max? Around my fattest part I was a whopping 56"(maybe 58" but I pulled the tape tight). I lost 100lbs and it dropped to 43" which means I am still carrying lots of visceral fat.

 

[strongsafety41]

You and JB are fucking committed Mel! I hate chewing but the sound of blended chicken and rice or spaghetti and meat balls just doesn't sound quite right. But I have to commend you guys for the commitment.
Having said all that; I'll probably change my mind about blending in 6 weeks when I see Mel's progress pics. Lol. I'll be blending my ass off at that point.
Keep grinding Melly Mel.

 

[brutus79]

You and JB are fucking committed Mel! I hate chewing but the sound of blended chicken and rice or spaghetti and meat balls just doesn't sound quite right. But I have to commend you guys for the commitment.
Having said all that; I'll probably change my mind about blending in 6 weeks when I see Mel's progress pics. Lol. I'll be blending my ass off at that point.
Keep grinding Melly Mel.

I don't even care if it's gross. I can't have jb getting all swole on me and fucking mands has way too big of a head start. Sirloin shooters here I come!

I am practiced anyways- had my jaw broken three times... I talk just as much shit in real life to groups of people- and you can't smoke weed with a jaw wired shut- you will use the blender! Thank god I'm sober...

 

[Melly Mel from hell]

Week 1, Day 3 7-31-15, Friday am

Shoulders: Music - Van Halen (Van Halen)
Shoulder day...The bane of my existence. My least favorite day of the week because shoulder day = PAIN. Please don't laugh at my girly weights. It's the best I can do. Even at these weights my shoulder are killing me for hours after but I'll continue to do it because that's what we do. We deal for the swell.

Face Pulls ( warm up) Slow pace
80 x 12
80 x 12
80 x 12

Seated Smith Shoulder Press (TUT 4-1-2)
105 x 10
115 x 10
125 x 7
105 x 7

Db Side Raises (TUT 3-1-2)
25x 10
25 x 11
25 x 10 R/P x 3

Bb Front Raises (TUT 3-1-2)
Bar x 8
Bar x 11
Bar x 10 R/P x 3

Pec Deck Rear Delt
115 x 12
130 x 10
130 x 9 R/P x 4

 

[ROB581211]

Week 1, Day 3 7-31-15, Friday am

Shoulders: Music - Van Halen (Van Halen)
Shoulder day...The bane of my existence. My least favorite day of the week because shoulder day = PAIN. Please don't laugh at my girly weights. It's the best I can do. Even at these weights my shoulder are killing me for hours after but I'll continue to do it because that's what we do. We deal for the swell.

Face Pulls ( warm up) Slow pace
80 x 12
80 x 12
80 x 12

Seated Smith Shoulder Press (TUT 4-1-2)
105 x 10
115 x 10
125 x 7
105 x 7

Db Side Raises (TUT 3-1-2)
25x 10
25 x 11
25 x 10 R/P x 3

Bb Front Raises (TUT 3-1-2)
Bar x 8
Bar x 11
Bar x 10 R/P x 3

Pec Deck Rear Delt
115 x 12
130 x 10
130 x 9 R/P x 4

I remembering you saying you weren't a fan of abs. If you do your presses standing it plays hell on your core. Just a thought brother. Don't have to use huge weight just focus on keeping tight.

 

[MindlessWork]

Train thru the pain barrier brother you will get there!

 

[Melly Mel from hell]

I remembering you saying you weren't a fan of abs. If you do your presses standing it plays hell on your core. Just a thought brother. Don't have to use huge weight just focus on keeping tight.

I can't. Because of my back issues when I do shoulder presses, be it Bb or Db, I have to have my back supported. Between my back and shoulders there are postures and movements I just can't do. I'm going to work a few of the ones I don't normally do into this cycle at low weight to start but there are some that are just not possible and standing presses are one of those. I wish I could because it's a great movement. Much like squats and deads, it's a whole body movement. Unfortunately without my lower back supported I can't push much weight above my head like that.
Let this log and other mature members like OGH be a testament to the fact that as you get older you can work around your physical shortcomings and still make progress as long as you possess the desire and the will to kill it. Everyone here has that or you wouldn't be here.

 

[ROB581211]

I can't. Because of my back issues when I do shoulder presses, be it Bb or Db, I have to have my back supported. Between my back and shoulders there are postures and movements I just can't do. I'm going to work a few of the ones I don't normally do into this cycle at low weight to start but there are some that are just not possible and standing presses are one of those. I wish I could because it's a great movement. Much like squats and deads, it's a whole body movement. Unfortunately without my lower back supported I can't push much weight above my head like that.
Let this log and other mature members like OGH be a testament to the fact that as you get older you can work around your physical shortcomings and still make progress as long as you possess the desire and the will to kill it. Everyone here has that or you wouldn't be here.

If your ever interested in some stretches or little things to do for help with lower back pain let me know. Shoot me a PM or something. I have 2 completely blown discs in my lower back and was told I would never deadlift or squat again and I can pull 545 and squat damn near 500. I don't know the extent of your issues but I'll pass along anything I can to help out. That's what this place is all about.

 

[brutus79]

I can't. Because of my back issues when I do shoulder presses, be it Bb or Db, I have to have my back supported. Between my back and shoulders there are postures and movements I just can't do. I'm going to work a few of the ones I don't normally do into this cycle at low weight to start but there are some that are just not possible and standing presses are one of those. I wish I could because it's a great movement. Much like squats and deads, it's a whole body movement. Unfortunately without my lower back supported I can't push much weight above my head like that.
Let this log and other mature members like OGH be a testament to the fact that as you get older you can work around your physical shortcomings and still make progress as long as you possess the desire and the will to kill it. Everyone here has that or you wouldn't be here.

I sometimes do military presses standing with just the barbell. 50 behind the head and 50 in front no rest. Brutal. My shoulders hurt pretty fucking bad some days and it's the best I can do.

 

[greenddog1]

If your ever interested in some stretches or little things to do for help with lower back pain let me know. Shoot me a PM or something. I have 2 completely blown discs in my lower back and was told I would never deadlift or squat again and I can pull 545 and squat damn near 500. I don't know the extent of your issues but I'll pass along anything I can to help out. That's what this place is all about.

Don't keep that info to just pms. Share with the rest of us. Thanks.

 

[ROB581211]

Don't keep that info to just pms. Share with the rest of us. Thanks.

When I get home and have some time I'll go through everything I've done over the past few years to help the situation. The stretches and ways I've learned to adjust my back to keep everything in line. Just gonna take some time and thought to make a good solid post. But I promise no matter what injury to issues you may have there is always ways to make it work.

 

[Oregongearhead]

Do you remember your max? Around my fattest part I was a whopping 56"(maybe 58" but I pulled the tape tight). I lost 100lbs and it dropped to 43" which means I am still carrying lots of visceral fat.

I measured a 49" waist at one time , but it was probably over 50" at times. . Way to big for 5'5" . Around 240. That was when I took action at 242lbs

 

[ROB581211]

Alright I want to give a small bit of back ground of my injury before anything. I'm not 100% sure what caused it but I know the final draw was after a leg workout and I bent over to tie my shoelace and felt an intense pull in my lower back. Long and short of it I played it off for a few weeks and tried to tough it out. The pain kept getting worse and worse. So I went to my family Dr and he prescribed me tramadol for pain. Prednisone for the inflammation ( which was the only true relief as far meds go because it killed the disc swelling) and some muscle relaxers I believe it was generic flexural (waste of time). So then came the time for repair. I went to a chiropractor but wasn't the traditional kind he was certified in the form ART.

1. Active release techniques (ART) is a soft tissue system/movement-based technique developed and patented by P. Michael Leahy. It claims to treat problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. There is little evidence to support its efficacy. The technique is advocated largely by chiropractors.
   Anyways. My disc inflammation was causing major muscle spasms which rotated my hips and spine out of line pretty bad. So the most effective things he taught me to do on my own was lay on my bed with my feet hanging off and push up with my arms while keeping my hips down. Almost like a push but without moving the lower half of your body. If you have a wife or significant other have them put pressure on your hips and lower back to make sure they don't raise when you push up on with your arms. This a decompression of spine stretch. I was told to perform between 10-20 pushes holding at the top for 3-5 seconds then do one where you hold at the top about a minute at the end. I had to do this 3x times a day. Since my hips and spine where out of whack I did another stretch where you use a doorway and put your feet on one side and use your forearm to brace yourself on the other side. Then you drop your hip down from left to right to right or vice versa depending on which way you are out of whack until you feel a few pops and cracks. I did both of these 3x times a day for months. and still do to this very day of something feels out of line. Again this was only the things I was able to do on my own at home. There was other things he did but I can duplicate that on my own.
   Now I did my own rehab. I was out of the gym for a good 6-8 weeks which was the longest I've been out since I started lifting. I made sure to do as many core related exercises that I could think of. A minimum of 30-45 mins a day. The biggest ones I focused on was all the different variations of planks while I was at home on free time. Then at the gym I used minimum weight and did a ton of lower back extensions at all angles. I did every types of abs workout you could think of. It took a while to be able to leg raises but they work your core in a great way. Bosu balls and foam rollers also are amazing for various types of relief and stretches. I focused on this for a good 3-5 months before I even attempted any kind of weight on any exercise. I know a lot of this seems very basic and general but if you stay true to it and put the same amount of effort you do into your other lifts it will change you for the better. This was very long winded but as general as I could put it. If you or anyone else has any detailed questions let me know. I've received so much help from guys here and I want to contribute as much as I can. I can even make a few videos of the 2 major stretches if need be. Your core is everything and should be as big of part of your workout as any other muscle group especially if your have back issues. It supports every movement you do. Again sorry for the long winded post I wanted to give the background of my injury as well as I believe it's best to know what I was trying to solve. Hope this can help a few guys out there.

 

[Skull]

Alright I want to give a small bit of back ground of my injury before anything. I'm not 100% sure what caused it but I know the final draw was after a leg workout and I bent over to tie my shoelace and felt an intense pull in my lower back. Long and short of it I played it off for a few weeks and tried to tough it out. The pain kept getting worse and worse. So I went to my family Dr and he prescribed me tramadol for pain. Prednisone for the inflammation ( which was the only true relief as far meds go because it killed the disc swelling) and some muscle relaxers I believe it was generic flexural (waste of time). So then came the time for repair. I went to a chiropractor but wasn't the traditional kind he was certified in the form ART.

1. Active release techniques (ART) is a soft tissue system/movement-based technique developed and patented by P. Michael Leahy. It claims to treat problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. There is little evidence to support its efficacy. The technique is advocated largely by chiropractors.
   Anyways. My disc inflammation was causing major muscle spasms which rotated my hips and spine out of line pretty bad. So the most effective things he taught me to do on my own was lay on my bed with my feet hanging off and push up with my arms while keeping my hips down. Almost like a push but without moving the lower half of your body. If you have a wife or significant other have them put pressure on your hips and lower back to make sure they don't raise when you push up on with your arms. This a decompression of spine stretch. I was told to perform between 10-20 pushes holding at the top for 3-5 seconds then do one where you hold at the top about a minute at the end. I had to do this 3x times a day. Since my hips and spine where out of whack I did another stretch where you use a doorway and put your feet on one side and use your forearm to brace yourself on the other side. Then you drop your hip down from left to right to right or vice versa depending on which way you are out of whack until you feel a few pops and cracks. I did both of these 3x times a day for months. and still do to this very day of something feels out of line. Again this was only the things I was able to do on my own at home. There was other things he did but I can duplicate that on my own.
   Now I did my own rehab. I was out of the gym for a good 6-8 weeks which was the longest I've been out since I started lifting. I made sure to do as many core related exercises that I could think of. A minimum of 30-45 mins a day. The biggest ones I focused on was all the different variations of planks while I was at home on free time. Then at the gym I used minimum weight and did a ton of lower back extensions at all angles. I did every types of abs workout you could think of. It took a while to be able to leg raises but they work your core in a great way. Bosu balls and foam rollers also are amazing for various types of relief and stretches. I focused on this for a good 3-5 months before I even attempted any kind of weight on any exercise. I know a lot of this seems very basic and general but if you stay true to it and put the same amount of effort you do into your other lifts it will change you for the better. This was very long winded but as general as I could put it. If you or anyone else has any detailed questions let me know. I've received so much help from guys here and I want to contribute as much as I can. I can even make a few videos of the 2 major stretches if need be. Your core is everything and should be as big of part of your workout as any other muscle group especially if your have back issues. It supports every movement you do. Again sorry for the long winded post I wanted to give the background of my injury as well as I believe it's best to know what I was trying to solve. Hope this can help a few guys out there.

That was very detailed an I'm sure it will help alot of guys out ROB. Thanks for sharing the info bro

 

[ROB581211]

That was very detailed an I'm sure it will help alot of guys out ROB. Thanks for sharing the info bro

As for my MRI results my 2 lowest discs were the probalem. Sorry I can't believe I forgot that part. I have to find my paperwork to get the medical names of them. But long and short one was completely herniated and other was basically crushed. On the MRI it looked liked a flat black pancake instead of a nice puffy marshmallow like it should

 

[Melly Mel from hell]

I sometimes do military presses standing with just the barbell. 50 behind the head and 50 in front no rest. Brutal. My shoulders hurt pretty fucking bad some days and it's the best I can do.

I'm working that into my next shoulder routine. Thank you for that.

 

[Melly Mel from hell]

As for my MRI results my 2 lowest discs were the probalem. Sorry I can't believe I forgot that part. I have to find my paperwork to get the medical names of them. But long and short one was completely herniated and other was basically crushed. On the MRI it looked liked a flat black pancake instead of a nice puffy marshmallow like it should

We have the same issue. I'm severely herniated at L4 and L5 and moderately herniated at L3 and S1. 7 1/2 years ago I had surgery. I had a double Bi-lateral laminectomy ( a laminectomy at both levels L4 and L5 on the right and left side of the spine) and I had spinal stenosis removed at the same level. I was issue free for 6 years but in January of 2014 the pain started again. so now I have herniations from L3 through S1 and the stenosis is coming back. None of this is uncommon, especially for someone my age that pushed it their entire life. Another surgery is probably in my future but until then its just pain, I work around it.
And Rob, this is my cycle log but I don't care how long your post is. So to you or anyone participating here. I want you all to post whatever you think is relevant to whats going on here. If it's information that can help someone then post away. I'm sure there are others here that have the same physical issues I do. This lifestyle can be hard on your body and I imagine we either have or will have similar issues if your in it long enough. So please, if you think you have information can help someone, put it up.
Thanks Rob for that info.