[Drew]

Update,

Wedding now rescheduled for next year, feel a bit relieved as the uncertainty in the current scenario was stressing me out.

I’m thinking to try to retain as much as possible during this lockdown, then cut down another 15lb before a conservative gaining phase. Does that sound reasonable?

[Drew]

I don’t think you’ll get the same hypertrophic response without heavy weights and comparable equipment.

I’ve personally set different goals instead in terms of fitness, conditioning and education.

[Drew]

Tbh this lockdown has only increased my desire and motivation.

What I was doing before was working for me, so I’ll continue on broadly same lines.

Strength always comes back fairly quickly for me anyway.

[Drew]

Yeah I’m going to increase running/cardio and work the body weight stuff hard.

Could only be for a short time or could be a prolonged duration. So I’m setting myself a routine and targets on pullups/press-ups/squats/sit-ups.

[Drew]

I’m a fan of belts on squats and deadlifts.

They have a place for safety and also increasing how much you can lift through intra abdominal pressure.

Personally I prefer a prong belt. I had a lever belt for a while but had to continually adjust it due to losing/gaining weight (there are also exceptions like the SBD which is preferred by many).

I would personally spend more on a decent belt, one that lasts.

Brands to look for (high end)

Inzer
Titan
SBD (hybrid lever)
Pioneer
Wallander

Probably a few more, if you want something lower cost then strengthshop but I have mixed feelings about it sometimes.

Hope that helps.

[Drew]

As well as getting a coach, I would get someone experienced to make sure your lifts are to comp standard (in person ideally).

[Drew]

Thank you for the replies it is very much appreciated.

[Drew]

Hi there @jade-kelsie

Cardio is 30 mins of either stairmaster or elliptical x4/week.

On off days I aim for 6,000 steps but I am increasing that to 8,000 from today.

Weight training is an upper/lower approach with a lower volume set up. Strength is improving on a weekly basis at this point.

No fat burning supplements etc being used

[Drew]

Ok so I have been training hard and making a lot of improvements in performance.

Seem to be gaining muscle too which is odd given the low calories (arms up half an inch). I think this may be due to a more effective training approach and a novel stimulus.

Actual weight on the scales isn’t moving much- maybe 0.5-1lb a week. It’s ok for the amount of time I have but I would like it to be quicker.

Is upping the activity once more a good choice in this scenario? Currently on 30 mins 4 x PW and trying to get active on rest days.

Thank you

[Drew]

Enjoying the detailed posts and inner thoughts whilst going through the process.

What’s your favoured leg press Dan? I know you mentioned there’s one you prefer.

My gym has just got a vertical leg press, how do you find them? (Seen you’ve used recently in your log).

[Drew]

Very excited for this too.

It’s good that the site is constantly improving and evolving.

[Drew]

Good following your log

Is that Ripped Basildon? I like that gym. Good selection of kit there

[Drew]

Great point @kuba

Really enjoyed reading the different perspectives in this thread.

I will 100% have a word with myself when I wake up angry! As I have so much to be grateful for

[Drew]

Appreciate all the comments, looking into it now

[Drew]

Thanks Hilly much appreciated.

I’ll look into that some more