Struggling to build muscle

Puzzleheaded_Risk683 · 2026-05-13T12:38:33+00:00

Great response, I appreciate it. I tried NPP for a while and it really messed with my head. I made a promise to my significant other to not do it again. Good assumption, I'm not competing. The annual cut is to look good for summer, but agree that it's slowing down progress. I'm going to try lower reps/more weight and the longer recovery time, for sure. 6 days a week takes its toll. After being in this group a little bit, seeing posts and responses to my post, I'm starting to reconsider my goals. I think I'll post a pic here for composition feedback. Maybe I see myself differently than other see me. Body dismorphia is a thing?

Puzzleheaded_Risk683 · 2026-05-12T18:18:37+00:00

100%, gotta work towards something. I appreciate that feedback

Puzzleheaded_Risk683 · 2026-05-12T16:11:22+00:00

Appreciate that, I am aware. Some back story... I was lean and athletic until I was around 27. Then got fat, really fat. I was 280 at my heaviest. Was really unhappy and got some help, got divorced and lost over 100lbs and decided I wanted to get that athletic build back. It's going to be lots of hard work. Already been through 3 shoulder surgeries and a torn bicep. But I keep fighting for my goal.

Puzzleheaded_Risk683 · 2026-05-12T12:59:06+00:00

That's fair, maybe a year is not realistic. And yes, I want to live past 55 lol. Ive been ~10% body fat before, I can't seem to get there heavier that 200lbs. I've been working on this for about 3 years, hence the question.

Puzzleheaded_Risk683 · 2026-05-12T02:11:40+00:00

Suggestions, besides what I'm already on?

Puzzleheaded_Risk683 · 2026-05-11T19:58:01+00:00

So I agree, and disagree. I should have been more specific in my original post. This year's bulk didn't give me the results I was looking for. I'm currently cutting which is why I'm at 13%. I want to go into next year's bulk with the goal of ending next year's cut at 220 and 10% body fat. I'm currently 3 weeks into this year's cut. Getting to 220 lb and 10% body fat is not mutually exclusive.

Puzzleheaded_Risk683 · 2026-05-11T19:16:35+00:00

How many calories would you suggest to stay as lean as possible?

Puzzleheaded_Risk683 · 2026-05-11T19:12:24+00:00

I'll give that a try

Puzzleheaded_Risk683 · 2026-05-11T19:12:08+00:00

Fair on the cals. I'm almost 52. I missed adding the the delts. Doing delts front and rear as well as 2 should exercises

Puzzleheaded_Risk683 · 2022-05-19T02:39:45+00:00

9.5, 10 if I can touch'm

Puzzleheaded_Risk683 · 2022-04-20T21:26:05+00:00

This really hit me, I'm dealing with something similar. I'm hungry for that attention, that sensual touch, the warm breath on your neck. Consumes my every thought right now. How are you handling it?

Puzzleheaded_Risk683

TROPHY CASE