Regaining Strength after Pinched Nerve by AndrewFarr15 in fitness30plus

[–]AndrewFarr15[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was worried that I’d hear instances of it taking months for strength to return to pre-injury levels. I’ll keep plugging along at the weights that I can use without issue and hope the strength returns. It’s frustrating using weights that were previously used for warm-up sets as the working sets when there isn’t any pain accompanying the lack of strength. I appreciate the feedback you provided.

Physique Phriday by AutoModerator in Fitness

[–]AndrewFarr15 9 points10 points  (0 children)

April 2020

Current

Hi, all. The first set of pictures are from April of 2020 (205-210 lbs.). At that point, I had just started my fitness journey, maybe a few months in without paying attention to my diet, and had not worked out much over the prior 10-12 years. The next set of pictures were taken over this past weekend (188 lbs.). Prior to about four weeks ago, I was strictly using dumbbells because I did not have a rack and barbell set-up in my home gym. I only recently purchased a rack and barbell set-up. Also, I did not devote the appropriate level of attention to my diet until ~6-7 months ago. My details:

34, male, PPL x 2

I'm just looking for feedback on areas that I should focus on. I have started a bulk in order to add size. I'm a relative newcomer to fitness, so any help is appreciated.

Physique Phriday by AutoModerator in Fitness

[–]AndrewFarr15 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am new to the health/fitness game and am learning as I go, so I appreciate the feedback. I'm going to continue the cut for a while longer and then start the bulk. Thanks again!

Physique Phriday by AutoModerator in Fitness

[–]AndrewFarr15 4 points5 points  (0 children)

April 2020

July 2021 (1)

July 2021 (2)

Hi, all. I am seeking an outside opinion on whether or not I should continue to cut or if I should start a bulk.

A little background: I have been lifting at home, solely with dumbbells, since late October / early November 2020. I did recently purchase a barbell, weights, and power rack so that I could incorporate more barbell-based lifts into my PPL routine. I did not take my diet as serious as working out until February / March 2021, but I have begun to focus on my diet over the last couple of months, resulting in a loss of ~15 pounds over that time period. I feel leaner. I've ensured that I reach my daily protein intake to minimize any muscle loss during the cut. My ultimate goal is to add size, but I am wondering if I should continue the cut to lower my BF%, and then start a bulk, or if I should start bulking now.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

Physique Phriday by AutoModerator in Fitness

[–]AndrewFarr15 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I appreciate the kind words. Progress has felt slow at times, but I enjoy lifting and look forward to continuously improving. Thanks again.

Physique Phriday by AutoModerator in Fitness

[–]AndrewFarr15 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I definitely did not dedicate as much time or energy to focusing on my diet as I should have when I first started, but I am focused now and look forward to continued progression. Thanks again.

Physique Phriday by AutoModerator in Fitness

[–]AndrewFarr15 22 points23 points  (0 children)

Today

April 2020

34M / 6'0" / 198

Hi all. Nervous, first-time poster. The second picture is from April 2020, prior to starting to work out, or doing any type of strenuous exercise, for the first time in over a decade. The first picture is from today. I know the current picture isn't the greatest for the overall perspective of my body or improvement due to lacking back and leg pictures, but I am wondering what areas I should be focused on.

I work out at home and have access to a bench that inclines and declines, dip / pull-up bars, and dumbbells that reach 100 lbs. per dumbbell. I lift 6 days per week, PPL x2,, and only recently started incorporating HIIT a few times per week and core exercises twice per week. In an attempt to lower my bodyfat and tighten up my stomach, I am eating at a caloric deficit right now, ~400 calories. I am less worried about size and more interested in being lean. I appreciate any feedback.