First time bulk

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  • Caged_Heat
    Caged_Heat Posts: 1,031 Member
    edited July 2015
    I've been reading your thread the past couple of days. I appreciate you documenting this (as well as the sense of humor of all the contributors). I thought I would chime in not to hijaak the thread but to support your experience with my own.

    My story: I'm doing my first bulk too... at 64 it's a scary thing to do on many levels. I joined MFP January 2012 at 208 pounds ready to lose 30. I lost 50 in three years. Lost too much and ended up with tendonitis in my arms trying to keep up in the gym. So I started eating more. Ramped up from deficits at around 1700 calories a day to my present 2400, which I've been at since mid-March.

    My lowest weight was 150 on Mar. 1 although I dropped a quick 5 being sick so I usually figure 155. I'm bouncing around 166-167 now. About half is muscle according to measuring. Getting "chubby" around the waist which is scary but as I believe you said, I know how to lose. :smiley:

    I've experienced some upper body gains in measurements, look a lot better, and definitely have improved my strength. I mix free weights and machines. I did the Power Muscle Burn program for several months and now doing "powerbuilding" based on the two types of hypertrophy I read about on T-Nation. 4-day routine with muscle groups.

    In hindsight, I should have started maintenance MUCH sooner but was busy chasing the illusive last 10 pounds around my waist, which never happened. Slowly making my way back and relying on the "process" to work for me. I'm getting support from an MFP friend who knows her stuff and I trust her. I plan to evaluate my progress on October 1 and see if it is time to cut or keep going a little longer.

    I put off bulking (actually it just feels like eating too much after 3 years losing) for several months because I was afraid to gain fat again. At my age, many more factors come into play, IMO. It's been trying emotionally at times and I'm feeling uncomfortable now with the fat gain (about 40%) but the muscle & strength gains have been encouraging.

    I will keep following this thread as it is similar to my experience. Thanks again and keep up the good work.
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  • _benjammin
    _benjammin Posts: 1,224 Member
    edited July 2015
    Sorry to hear about your injury. Sounds like any pulling exercise will aggravate and prevent healing. Couldn't you still squat and bench 3x a week? Benching with safeties (or in a power rack) and utilizing a false/suicide grip may allow for healing.
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  • Caged_Heat
    Caged_Heat Posts: 1,031 Member
    asflatasapancake wrote: »
    Unfortunately, @Finishing_Strong's post seemed to be a bit of foreshadowing for me.

    I'm pretty sure I have tendinitis.
    I met a guy at the gym with shoulder pain. He referred me to a chiropractor who also did ART, or Active Release Technique. I had several sessions that helped tremendously. I also had ibuprofen shots in each shoulder. Immediate relief and mobility and non-steroidal. I'm not 100% but much better and can lift pain free 99% of the time. You can research ART online, see YouTube demos, and look for providers. Try http://www.activerelease.com
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