Posted: 1/24/2003 12:56:12 PM EDT
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Hello, I am being treated for prostate cancer with a drug that inhibits my body's testosterone production. I am fifty-six. I have been working out regularly since last May. The first four months I walked 4-5 miles every day. Since September I have worked out at the gym 5 days a week doing cardio and circuit training.Most recently I have been weight training and doing "super- sets" for the major muscle groups. Although I do see an improved fitness level, I am not seeing the muscle definition that one would associate with almost nine months of regular exercise. Incidently, I eat healthfully. My question is; is it more likely my age or the lack of testosterone which is causing the seeming lack of apparent muscle growth and definition. Thanks in advance for your replies. |
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Your (our)age and low testosterone levels go hand in hand. At this stage of our lives putting on muscle is a difficult task,but not impossible. Keep working out and eating healthy.If you work with enough intensity muscle will grow...a bit,and with a good diet and decreased body fat,your definition will improve. |
| Bummer, about the prostate...I honestly do not know about "lack" of the big T and how it affects folks. But I'd think "supersets" would be a little early in your senerio. I'd stick to MAJOR muscle exercises w/steady progress, rather than mainly "shocker" supersets after just 9 months. But thats just me. Good Luck! |
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If your taking a drug for prostate growth I assum you are taking 5mg Finasteride (Proscar) is that correct? If so It does not inhibit your testosterone production. It inhibits the conversion of Testosterone to DHT through an enzyme. At your age your testosterone levels are going to be WAY low anyway so you are not going to have the ability to lose fat and gain muscle as easily as a younger guy. Id try a ketogenic diet (no carbs) if you are looking for more definition (lower body fat) but as far as gaining muscle its going to be a tough long uphill battle. The DHT will increase your strength by allowing you to activate more muscle fibers at once but this is only through your nervous system. The lack of DHT has no impact on your ability to grow lean tissue. You will need to do a somewhat higher volume of training and stay away from the 6-8 rep sets though since you will be losing your peak strength. |
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At your age it is very important to do stretching exercises before any physical activity. This helps prevent injuries from occuring. I would also suggest that you do your weight-training every other day so as to give the muscles a chance to rest. You may even want to do the running one day, and hit the weights the next. It is admirable that you are engaged in both areobic and strength training at your age. This is one way to help prevent maturity-onset diabetes, and will condition your cardio-vascular system. Keep at it!! |