10 years ago, I started something I never finished. I started lifting and I was really impressed by how quickly I started to notice functional strength increases from my workouts.
The extra strength was useful in my every day life. It diminished somewhat over the years, but the strength never left. It’s always amazed me how just a few months of work had long lasting benefits. I’ve always wondered what would happen if I had just stuck with it.
Testosterone is a blessing
I have always bulked up quick. I believe my levels are adequate. I can’t speak for other dudes but I think most men have high enough levels to see quick progress. Especially compared to the testosterone challenged, fairer sex.
Testosterone is an actual drug and it is provided freely by my body, and I don’t want to waste it. I’m getting to the age where men start to drop off, but one thing I know is lifting helps retain the capacity to produce it, as well as keeping the diet clean and making sure I get enough Vitamin D, zinc, and other critical nutrients.
I can already feel that my testosterone is higher following lifting, and I can also see my sleep is improving. I was waking up at 4:30 every night but now that I’ve started lifting heavier I’m getting 7-8 hours of sleep.
Two Weeks
Two weeks isn’t a long time, but I’m already seeing definition, size gains, and my body is leaning out.
I’ve also started developing calluses on my palms from the kettlebell.
Speaking of which, last time out I used a gym, but my main problem with gyms is it’s hard for me to stay consistent with driving places, especially when it’s cold, I’m tired, or it’s late.
This time around I am planning on using kettlebells, a trap bar, a curl bar, dumb bells, a basic bench, a dip and pull-station and body weight exercises.
I’m committed this time to making this habit one of my foundational stories. The time I got huge. I’m trying to be careful with injuries and with leveling the weight up very slowly. Last time around I increased too quickly and I learned that while the major muscles may have been strong enough to do the lift, the supporting muscles , ligaments, and other structures may not be strong enough, and that can lead to injuries.
I’ll update again in a few weeks.