Hey all, I wanted to share my journey over the last 2yrs.
I joined Scotts site about a year ago, but have been lifting all my life with my most recent journey starting 3yrs ago.
The Start - Year 1
When I started I weighed about 295lbs standing tat 6'1". I feel awful and had all sorts of aches and pains. I had also been diagnosed with a herniated C5/C6 disk in my neck. I joined my local Planet Fitness and started working out. My early routines were basic to get started. After about 3 months I started following the Arnold's Blueprint to Mass and then the Arnolds Blueprint to Cut over the next 9 months. I saw amazing gains and some fat loss with a total lost weight of about 35lbs, but a decent chunk of bodyfat. The biggest diet changes were cutting out soda and energy drinks. Suppliments were Multivitamin Protein, BCAA and Pre-Workout. Calories werent super in check, but wasn't eating bad or a ton of food.
The Middie - Year 2
I changed up my training and started following Scott's videos. Also I did try to implement more cardio, but still wasn't seeing amazing progress.. I also dialed in my eating to reflect my BMR +/- depending on If I was bulking or cutting. This made a much greater impact on my overall look and physique. I was able to lose about 25lbs more, but still looked "Fat". Even with meal prepping and limiting the cheat meals, I still wasn't seeing the changes I wanted. Suppliments were Multivitamin Protein, BCAA and Pre-Workout with BSN Nitrix 2.0 and L-Carniting and CLA stack, and fish oil.
Current - Year 3.5
I Joined Scott's site and became a member. I read tons of forum posts and articles on how to trim down using diet and different training. I tried 90 days of one thing and then I would change after not seeing much fat loss. Diet was on point for the most part with trying to keep within 2400 calories and getting 220-250g of protein in per day while limiting carbs to 140ish. I was able to lean up a bit more in my shoulders, legs and arms, but my waist didnt budge at all.. I still look fat and now i've gained weight (up to 245-250lbs now).. Suppliments were Multivitamin Protein, BCAA and Pre-Workout, CLA/L-CarnitineyCeyenne Pepper Extract/Green Tea Extract/Fish Oil/Joint Compound/D3 (5000iu).
I finally broke down and went to an Adult Medicine Specialist and had some detailed blood work done.. The results were kind of shocking and disheartening.. I found out my Testosterone was only at 253ml/mg.. I also had my body fat checked and found out I was at 21% bodyfat with 200lbs of lean muscle mass. I was a bit disheartened as I was really hoping to be below 20%.. On my follow up visit with my doctor I was prescribed TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) as my numbers were below the normal scale of 270 - 1070.
Question - I've only been on it for a week, but I wanted to see if anyone else out there has had a similar issue. Also if anyone has suggesitons on how to train and if there should be any changes on my diet now that I'm on TRT I would really appreciate it..