[Drew]

88kg/5’11

[Drew]

One of my all time favourite athletes on the site back!!

Welcome Sas

[Drew]

Training on and off for a long time mate, since I was a teenager really.

Health issues, injuries and life have interrupted things a lot. Building some consistency now, maybe a powerlifting competition before long to complete the circle (competed in PL in early 20s).

Yes exactly we all start to look and feel better! I’m sure if you could see how you look now when you first stepped in the gym, you would have taken that all day!!

[Drew]

Hi Louis,

Great, open and honest post from you about where you’re currently at.

You look awesome and represent what the majority of people who train would want to look like!

I’m natural, in my late 30s and trying to balance everything when pursuing life goals outside of bodybuilding too. So it’s great to hear you’re personally happy with how you’re approaching things right now (ie a balanced more lifestyle approach).

[Drew]

I’ve suffered with chronic generalised anxiety, social anxiety and various other anxiety conditions for a long time.

All these things, CBD, Theanine, various supplements etc will help superficially.

You need to get to the route cause and address that in my opinion.

CBT or ACT are what will make the biggest difference. Many people say it’s saved their life!

Hope you get better soon.

[Drew]

Emporium is one of the best known for bodybuilding.

Coliseum is Aston is rated too, never been myself though.

Ultimate Fitness has a central location, and looks decent too.

Dinos gym in Solihull is a great atmosphere and always a good session.

[Drew]

Thanks so much for the replies @hilly and Christian!

Going to increase the calories as suggested.

Also now looking at this as more of a multi year growth period ??

[Drew]

@88kg

[Drew]

Choose based on whatever your passionate about.

I chose a very academic degree (law) on the basis it would be a foundation for career success… What I learnt eventually was that unless you’re passionate, you won’t excel.

However, I would say that a degree would open many doors outside of fitness itself. It’s really hard to know what you want do do at 28 let alone 18, so maybe choose something that offers you a wider choice of options following.

Whatever you chose to do, apply yourself and get as much practical experience as possible. Most degrees are worth a fraction of what they were 10/15+ years ago, so differentiate yourself at every turn.

[Drew]

Coming to the end of this gaining period, currently 89k, will continue until I’m 91ish then hold before cutting down to a genuinely lean base.

I’m 5’11, 36/natural

Got some big strength goals to hit over the next 6 months so just got to keep up the consistency!

[Drew]

PULL

Weighted chin-up

1×5, 1×9

Chest supported row

1×5, 1×7

Pulldown

1×5, 1×10

Seated row

1×8, 1×12

Pullover

1×6, 1×10

Rear delt

1×9
1×11

Preacher curl

1×8
1×5
1×10

[Drew]

PUSH

Flat dumbbell

1×8, 1×8 (too heavy on back off)

Smith overhead press

1 x4, 1×6

Dips

1×6 (best for a while on +(50 x6)
1×8

Pec Dec x3

Rolling tricep x3

Alternate curl x2

Side raises x3

[Drew]

Switched to the PPL setup, three times a week.

Enjoying it so far. Luckily the shoulder injury has improved, although I did get a back strain which has stopped heavy pills for while.

[Drew]

Lats play a bit role in bench press

This is why many powerlifting coaches put a heavy emphasis on lat work for bench

It’s a good sign IMO if your lats are feeling sore, shows you’re engaging them

[Drew]

How often are you running the PPL Rich?

The chest support t bar is a winner every time, I get a great connection on that