Hey, gopro......got a question for you

[walken1]

I'm a National Guard guy who is now on Active Duty (the 9/11 thing) and it has changed my workout patterns. When I was at home, I worked like a dog all day doing manual labor. After work, I would come home and do a hard workout in a fatigued state at least 4 times a week. Now, I'm doing a desk job in the Army. I have increased the frequency and duration of my workouts because I don't have to do hard work. I have also added alot more cardio (like walking 8 - 18 miles with an 80lb. pack) and running. I have to because I don't want to be a vegetable all day. I have not gotten stronger! The squats are still there, But I've lost reps on all of my upper body exercises! However, I have lost no size. In fact, I've gain 8 lbs. because I don't work like a madman all day anymore. I've been working out for over 20 Years (age 38) and I just don't get it. How could 7 months do this to me? I thought maybe it could be the running and stuff.....although taxing, I don't think its as hard as throwing concrete blocks and lumber all day. Or could it be that the increased workouts are causing overtraining even though I'm not nearly as tired now at the end of my day? Any ideas?

 

[LAM]

In terms of stress. Do you feel much more stress now than you did before you where activated? High levels of environmental stress wreak havoc on testosterone levels.

 

[walken1]

Thanks, LAM......you could be right. I've heard a big change can cause more stress than you percieve. I've also developed some aches and pains that don't stop me, they just nag me. Could this cause excess cortizone that leads to a catabolic state?

 

[LAM]

High stress = higher cortisol levels and lower test levels.

make sure you keep your EFA intake high to help with test production.

 

[walken1]

Right.....I got some EFA softgells I take when I don't get stupid and forget.

 

[gopro]

Hey walken. This is a bit strange. I would automatically say you are overtraining except that you gained 8 lbs which is odd. Usually, although not always, a gain in weight will bring with it and increase in strength. Are you sure this is a gain in lean mass though? Could it be a gain in bodyfat from decreased daily activity?

I am curious about your current workout program. I think you are probably still overtraining with the additional sets, days, and running.

You should keep your EFA's high as was suggested, and perhaps add a test raising supplement like Tribex and/or a cortisol lowering supplement like phophatidylserine.

I am also curious about your diet. Is your protein intake high enough? Are you getting good post workout nutrition?

Let me know some more info.

 

[walken1]

My diet is much the same as it always was, although I don't eat quite as much now. My protein intake is low by most people's standards but I never had any problems with it before......I don't eat meat and I usually get by on less than 80g per day provided by supplements. What's the skinny on this Tribex stuff? Is it an herbal like tribulus or is it more like a prohormone?

 

[gopro]

You should bring your food intake back up and certainly be eating more protein! Tribex is the best tribulis product out there, along with Tribestan. It can help with test levels.