Posted: 10/7/2014 1:07:27 PM EDT
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I've been exercising regularly since last December. Haven't seen discernible improvement in muscularity for over 6 months, so sometimes the effort seems more like an exercise in futility, and the apparent lack of progress is somewhat discouraging.
If anyone else has similar experience, what did you do to keep motivated? |
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I've been exercising regularly since last December. Haven't seen discernible improvement in muscularity for over 6 months, so sometimes the effort seems more like an exercise in futility, and the apparent lack of progress is somewhat discouraging. If anyone else has similar experience, what did you do to keep motivated? If you want some advice, maybe you should give some more details. What type of program have you been doing? Rome wasn't built in a day, but you may be doing it wrong. |
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Age ------- 69 Sex ------- M Height ---- 72" Weight --- 155 lbs Diet ------- No specific diet. I consume as much protein (beef, chicken, turkey, fish, etc) as I can. Program - Basically the same as shown in http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_1_113/1641604_Muscle_Development_and_MS.html&page=1#i48113496 |
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What are your T levels? ETA: Getting my testosterone fixed had an amazing impact to my motivation and overall well being.
You are too thin for much muscle. Without a structured diet, you will not take in enough consistently to build muscle. Again, if you don't eat enough, you don't build muscle. At 6', 155 lbs, you don't eat enough. Your program does not appear to have any progressive overload. It's more "exercising" for activity's sake. If you want to build muscle, you have to add weight. From what I understand, you might have some limitations so that may look different, but incorporate weights. |
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What are your T levels? Quoted:
What are your T levels? AFAIK, that's never been tested. If it can be judged by my greatly diminished sex drive, the T levels are probably very low. You are too thin for much muscle. Without a structured diet, you will not take in enough consistently to build muscle. Again, if you don't eat enough, you don't build muscle. At 6', 155 lbs, you don't eat enough. The first four months of the year I ate enough to increase bodyweight by 4 lbs per month. Somewhere in the April-May timeframe I noticed a visible increase in fat around my midsection, so I reduced my food intake to cut weight gain to no more than 1 lb per month. I figured it was better to go slow and try to add lean mass, rather than keep gorging on food and become obese in the process. Your program does not appear to have any progressive overload. It's more "exercising" for activity's sake. That's incorrect. It's doing what I can, with what's available to me. If you want to build muscle, you have to add weight. From what I understand, you might have some limitations so that may look different, but incorporate weights. As noted in the other thread, I am using weights, where feasible. If I could incorporate more weight training, I would. |
| That was sarcasm. You post one of these threads every few months where you get various forms of advice. You are quick to point out where the advice won't work, you're already doing it or can't do it. Either a) you don't really want to put in the effort to improve your quality of life, b) you can't improve your quality of life or c) your case is far beyond anyone's knowledge here. |
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AFAIK, that's never been tested. If it can be judged by my greatly diminished sex drive, the T levels are probably very low. Get tested. Get it fixed. Or don't. But recognize that it will have a tremendous negative impact. The first four months of the year I ate enough to increase bodyweight by 4 lbs per month. Somewhere in the April-May timeframe I noticed a visible increase in fat around my midsection, so I reduced my food intake to cut weight gain to no more than 1 lb per month. I figured it was better to go slow and try to add lean mass, rather than keep gorging on food and become obese in the process. There is a distinct difference between eating to add mass vs eating to become obese. Granted, without appropriate programming changes, your diet has little effect on muscle building. That's incorrect. It's doing what I can, with what's available to me. Just because you're doing what you can with what's available to you doesn't mean it's optimal, or even beneficial, to muscle development. Read Starting Strength and Practical Programming. Not for the workouts, but for the programming info. As noted in the other thread, I am using weights, where feasible. If I could incorporate more weight training, I would. Refer to the programming point above. Quoted:
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What are your T levels? AFAIK, that's never been tested. If it can be judged by my greatly diminished sex drive, the T levels are probably very low. Get tested. Get it fixed. Or don't. But recognize that it will have a tremendous negative impact. You are too thin for much muscle. Without a structured diet, you will not take in enough consistently to build muscle. Again, if you don't eat enough, you don't build muscle. At 6', 155 lbs, you don't eat enough. The first four months of the year I ate enough to increase bodyweight by 4 lbs per month. Somewhere in the April-May timeframe I noticed a visible increase in fat around my midsection, so I reduced my food intake to cut weight gain to no more than 1 lb per month. I figured it was better to go slow and try to add lean mass, rather than keep gorging on food and become obese in the process. There is a distinct difference between eating to add mass vs eating to become obese. Granted, without appropriate programming changes, your diet has little effect on muscle building. Your program does not appear to have any progressive overload. It's more "exercising" for activity's sake. That's incorrect. It's doing what I can, with what's available to me. Just because you're doing what you can with what's available to you doesn't mean it's optimal, or even beneficial, to muscle development. Read Starting Strength and Practical Programming. Not for the workouts, but for the programming info. If you want to build muscle, you have to add weight. From what I understand, you might have some limitations so that may look different, but incorporate weights. As noted in the other thread, I am using weights, where feasible. If I could incorporate more weight training, I would. Refer to the programming point above. |
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That was sarcasm. You post one of these threads every few months where you get various forms of advice. Quoted:
That was sarcasm. You post one of these threads every few months where you get various forms of advice. Yes, and this thread is pretty typical. I asked for ideas on staying motivated during a period of no progress, but everybody who responded wanted to give advice on my workout and diet. 
You are quick to point out where the advice won't work, you're already doing it or can't do it. Would you rather I lie and say, "Hey, that's a super idea. I never thought of doing that. It should work great. All I need to do is install a well-equipped gym in an area of two square feet." Either a) you don't really want to put in the effort to improve your quality of life, b) you can't improve your quality of life or c) your case is far beyond anyone's knowledge here. a. If I didn't wish to improve my quality of life, I would not be doing workouts 3 times a day, 6 days a week. b. There is very little I can do about my present living conditions. I'm in a facility where the only alternative to the meals that are prepared is to not eat. I don't have the option of a "structured diet," so it's a waste of your time and mine to tell me that I need to eat better. I would if I could, but I can't. Similarly, I have no access to a gym, and no space in my small room to install machines, benches, or other equipment. I recognize the need for progressive overload, but I'm severely limited as to just what I can do in that regard. Criticizing me for not doing more weight training is unhelpful. Workable ideas for how to incorporate more weight exercises would be welcomed. c. I'm not asking anyone to diagnose my medical problems. |
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if your facility isnt adequate, get a new one. travel to a new one. Fuck it. Do whatever you want, but if you're not fervent about fixing stuff 'by any means necessary' then you're doing yourself a disservice. Shit- THIS IS NOT Medical advice, but if I had a fucked up situation with weakness, muscle wasting, etc. I'd likely turn to anabolics because... fuck it. not doing them in my mind would be doing myself a disservice... of course I'd also jump to a country where they were legal. |
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Just because you're doing what you can with what's available to you doesn't mean it's optimal, or even beneficial, to muscle development. Read Starting Strength and Practical Programming. Not for the workouts, but for the programming info. Programming info? What does that mean? |
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I'll try and help. I did not read the other thread in its entirety. Your workout sucks for building muscle. I'm not being facetious. As heavy as you can lift for 8 to 10 reps, 3-4 sets. Old school. Not forever, but long enough to start some new growth Have you tried strength bands? If you haven't then you need to. They're compact and there are a lot of exercises where you do not need an attachment point other than standing on a section of the band. If you don't have the means or transportation to get a set pm me your address and I'll send you one. There are a ton of YouTube vids on using them. Edit: you'll stay motivated by trying something new. The bands and sore muscles from higher weight and low reps will do the trick.  2nd edit: as heavy as you can manage for 8-10 reps whether that is 25 pounds or 2.5 pounds on the bands. You'll like the bands. |
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Your workout sucks for building muscle. Quoted:
Your workout sucks for building muscle. Yes, I know. Like I said, it's the best I could do in the circumstances. All I've had available for weights has been plastic bottles and jugs that I rescued from the recycle bin and filled with water. The heaviest is 21 lbs. Have you tried strength bands? No, but I've been considering them, as per the "Resistance Bands for Developing Lats?" thread. If you don't have the means or transportation to get a set pm me your address and I'll send you one. That's very considerate, but not necessary, thanks. I have someone who can buy them for me. There are a ton of YouTube vids on using them. Yup. Been watching several of them the last couple days. |
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Yes, and this thread is pretty typical. I asked for ideas on staying motivated during a period of no progress, but everybody who responded wanted to give advice on my workout and diet.
Would you rather I lie and say, "Hey, that's a super idea. I never thought of doing that. It should work great. All I need to do is install a well-equipped gym in an area of two square feet." a. If I didn't wish to improve my quality of life, I would not be doing workouts 3 times a day, 6 days a week. b. There is very little I can do about my present living conditions. I'm in a facility where the only alternative to the meals that are prepared is to not eat. I don't have the option of a "structured diet," so it's a waste of your time and mine to tell me that I need to eat better. I would if I could, but I can't. Similarly, I have no access to a gym, and no space in my small room to install machines, benches, or other equipment. I recognize the need for progressive overload, but I'm severely limited as to just what I can do in that regard. Criticizing me for not doing more weight training is unhelpful. Workable ideas for how to incorporate more weight exercises would be welcomed. c. I'm not asking anyone to diagnose my medical problems. Quoted:
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That was sarcasm. You post one of these threads every few months where you get various forms of advice. Yes, and this thread is pretty typical. I asked for ideas on staying motivated during a period of no progress, but everybody who responded wanted to give advice on my workout and diet.
You are quick to point out where the advice won't work, you're already doing it or can't do it. Would you rather I lie and say, "Hey, that's a super idea. I never thought of doing that. It should work great. All I need to do is install a well-equipped gym in an area of two square feet." Either a) you don't really want to put in the effort to improve your quality of life, b) you can't improve your quality of life or c) your case is far beyond anyone's knowledge here. a. If I didn't wish to improve my quality of life, I would not be doing workouts 3 times a day, 6 days a week. b. There is very little I can do about my present living conditions. I'm in a facility where the only alternative to the meals that are prepared is to not eat. I don't have the option of a "structured diet," so it's a waste of your time and mine to tell me that I need to eat better. I would if I could, but I can't. Similarly, I have no access to a gym, and no space in my small room to install machines, benches, or other equipment. I recognize the need for progressive overload, but I'm severely limited as to just what I can do in that regard. Criticizing me for not doing more weight training is unhelpful. Workable ideas for how to incorporate more weight exercises would be welcomed. c. I'm not asking anyone to diagnose my medical problems. I've been reading your threads for a while and see this recurring theme: - you come here and ask a generic question, for which you get generic responses - those generic responses are totally inappropriate for you because you have very unique medical and living conditions that very few on this board have any experience with or knowledge of - you get tell everyone their responses won't help you, but don't explain why, other than vague references to medical issues or living situation that don't really spell out you problems - people here get annoyed with you This is a great board with lots of knowledgeable people, almost none of whom probably have the necessary knowledge or training to address your very unique issues. I'd recommend you either: 1. be very specific as to your limitations when you ask for advice so people can tailor their responses to you or 2. consult with a doctor or trainer with actual experience with your medical condition for expert advice. |
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http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=149147293
Here is something I wrote up a while back on the in the gym variables you need to control. Apparently I am now an accomplished author as I found a ripped off version of this article. When it comes to long term motivation in a hobby I think enjoying the process is the key. If you are motivated only by seeing progress you have to realize no matter who it is, everyone will stall out at times and when you hit that point you need something else to fall back on. I am not saying you shouldn't enjoy seeing progress, but it shouldn't be the only source of motivation because it won't be around constantly. |
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I've been reading your threads for a while and see this recurring theme: - you come here and ask a generic question, for which you get generic responses - those generic responses are totally inappropriate for you because you have very unique medical and living conditions that very few on this board have any experience with or knowledge of - you get tell everyone their responses won't help you, but don't explain why, other than vague references to medical issues or living situation that don't really spell out you problems - people here get annoyed with you Your post is astoundingly full of error. However, you are right about there being a recurring theme, but it isn't as you state. Here's how it actually goes: - I come here and ask a specific question, which is ignored by the responders, who instead want to critique my workout program and diet. - I then provide the requested information, to which the response is invariably that I need to lift heavier and eat better. - I then say I'm already aware of that, but my personal circumstances limit me to light weights or bodyweight exercises, and my diet cannot be changed significantly. - People here get annoyed with me for being unable to implement their ideas, as if it is a matter of choice on my part. - I get annoyed with those people because they not only persist in that attitude, but they never answer the question in my OP. |
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Your post is astoundingly full of error. However, you are right about there being a recurring theme, but it isn't as you state. Here's how it actually goes: - I come here and ask a specific question, which is ignored by the responders, who instead want to critique my workout program and diet. - I then provide the requested information, to which the response is invariably that I need to lift heavier and eat better. - I then say I'm already aware of that, but my personal circumstances limit me to light weights or bodyweight exercises, and my diet cannot be changed significantly. - People here get annoyed with me for being unable to implement their ideas, as if it is a matter of choice on my part. - I get annoyed with those people because they not only persist in that attitude, but they never answer the question in my OP. Quoted:
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I've been reading your threads for a while and see this recurring theme: - you come here and ask a generic question, for which you get generic responses - those generic responses are totally inappropriate for you because you have very unique medical and living conditions that very few on this board have any experience with or knowledge of - you get tell everyone their responses won't help you, but don't explain why, other than vague references to medical issues or living situation that don't really spell out you problems - people here get annoyed with you Your post is astoundingly full of error. However, you are right about there being a recurring theme, but it isn't as you state. Here's how it actually goes: - I come here and ask a specific question, which is ignored by the responders, who instead want to critique my workout program and diet. - I then provide the requested information, to which the response is invariably that I need to lift heavier and eat better. - I then say I'm already aware of that, but my personal circumstances limit me to light weights or bodyweight exercises, and my diet cannot be changed significantly. - People here get annoyed with me for being unable to implement their ideas, as if it is a matter of choice on my part. - I get annoyed with those people because they not only persist in that attitude, but they never answer the question in my OP. You don't get it. The human body responds to specific stimuli that build muscle. This is widely known and proven over the years. Unless you change your inputs, your outputs will be the same. Exercise selection only goes do far. Diet optimization only goes do far. Programming only goes so far. Combined, these things provide a powerful means to change your body. This, of course, affects motivation if your goals have anything to do with looks, strength and/or weight. If your goal is to just exercise and be active, they become less important...but, then, you wouldn't be asking the question. You get the same advice on diet and programming because you express the same goals that require the recommended changes. Short version: you cannot achieve your goals under your present situation and with your current attitude. |
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I read your other thread and at 69 with MS just maintaining what you have would seem like progress to me. Any chance you could get a workout partner? maybe training with someone else would keep you motivated. That would probably help, but no, there's no real chance of that happening. The majority of the other residents are in their 70s, 80s, and 90s, and all of them are in extremely poor physical condition, much worse than I. Actually, most of the time I have no trouble staying motivated. Every once in a while, though, I get discouraged. It was on one of those "down" days that I started this thread. In retrospect, I should've held off until the feeling passed. |
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I have been in a similar situation. I was doing things counter to my goals and not making progress. I kept motivated by changing to things that were in line with my goals. Quoted:
I have been in a similar situation. I was doing things counter to my goals and not making progress. I kept motivated by changing to things that were in line with my goals. Thanks for the feedback, and addressing my question. First thing tomorrow I'll begin looking into what changes I might be able to make. I then reminded myself that the desired result is making myself harder to kill. Heh, heh. Being killed is not something I'm especially concerned about. 
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