All-Purpose Health and Fitness Thread

[Technico Support]

As of this past weekend, I’m finally below my initial goal weight, 76ish pounds down from two years ago.  I feel like I probably have 10-20 to go, we’ll see.  The biggest difference maker for the last 15-20 pounds was cutting out alcohol.  I was convinced hard liquor and diet soda drinks were fine since they had no macros.  Turns out hard liquor actually has calories anyway!  So I was at or under my food calorie goal every day, but then drinking like 600-1000 calories.  So now I only drink on Saturdays.  Anyway, thanks for letting my skinnier ass brag here.

[Shartnado]

15 hours ago, Technico Support said:

As of this past weekend, I’m finally below my initial goal weight, 76ish pounds down from two years ago.  I feel like I probably have 10-20 to go, we’ll see.  The biggest difference maker for the last 15-20 pounds was cutting out alcohol.  I was convinced hard liquor and diet soda drinks were fine since they had no macros.  Turns out hard liquor actually has calories anyway!  So I was at or under my food calorie goal every day, but then drinking like 600-1000 calories.  So now I only drink on Saturdays.  Anyway, thanks for letting my skinnier ass brag here.

Unfortunately, alcohol is a macro and a shitty one at that. I guess it's like carbs and fats put together without any of the benefits of either one, just the calories. I have read that since your digestive system cannot actually use the alcohol's calories in their original form, they need to processed in the liver and turned into fat and the only way to avoid this, is to cut down on the intake. 

I have definitely cut down on the times of consuming alcohol for the past 5-6 years, if not the units when actually getting my drinking on, but that has reduced the overall consumption very significantly. I'm happy about that but also miserable. 

That being said, if anyone wants to lose weight and alcohol is still part of your diet, cutting it back (or out) will likely have a huge positive impact, if you can do it without resorting to a constant sugar rush or caffeine high!

[Technico Support]

I just switched to half an edible twice per day until the alcohol cravings subsided.  .  Drinking less actually made me want liquor less when I do have it.  Now, just drinking on Saturdays (cheat day), I drink less on that day than I used to.  

[Curt McGirt]

Anybody ever use kratom? A long-time friend of mine with serious alcoholism (and also dissociative identity disorder  though he's only mentioned that in passing once and never brought it up since) has been using it after a lot of shit -- jail time, hospitals, rehabs -- and it's been helping him a lot. He's forty-someodd days sober and apparently doing well. Compared to how he was, with a new horror story every time he called, his kid being dangled in front of him by his ex-wife like a carrot, it's like night and day. 

As far as myself? 11 days so far. I've only had one "using" dream as they call them which is pretty good because I've had them every night previously. 

[Nice Guy Eddie]

52 minutes ago, Curt McGirt said:

Anybody ever use kratom? A long-time friend of mine with serious alcoholism (and also dissociative identity disorder  though he's only mentioned that in passing once and never brought it up since) has been using it after a lot of shit -- jail time, hospitals, rehabs -- and it's been helping him a lot. He's forty-someodd days sober and apparently doing well. Compared to how he was, with a new horror story every time he called, his kid being dangled in front of him by his ex-wife like a carrot, it's like night and day. 

As far as myself? 11 days so far. I've only had one "using" dream as they call them which is pretty good because I've had them every night previously. 

In all honesty, I had never heard of kratom until it was brought up that Sabu had used it prior to his last match. I'm all for whatever can help someone stay clean. Unfortunately, there is nothing to curb cocaine cravings like there is for alcohol or heroin. 

Congrats on the 11 days. It sounds cliché, but everyday clean is a gift. I just made it to six months, which I haven't had since I've been 15 years old. Good news to hear about your drug dreams subsiding. I have them every now and then, and holy shit, do they feel fucking real. 

[Curt McGirt]

I just realized that this is the same guy I've written about before on here in the LiveJournal page. So anyway, he's doing a hell of a lot better. If you read those stories you see just how bad it was and for him to be anywhere near better than that is practically a miracle. 

The first time I heard of kratom was the Sabu thing too. My bud says it's kind of like being drunk, but you're functional? He didn't explain it real well via text, I'll have to have another long talk with him soon. Unfortunately I just looked it up and someone OD'd after a combination of that, Paxil, and lamotrigine (Lamictal); I take the latter, so I dunno about this. I'll look around for some other experiences. Kids, remember: Always do your due diligence about your drugs.

[Technico Support]

Congrats and best of luck to both you guys!

[Shartnado]

Got under 185 for a spell yesterday after a 90 minute walk after waking up. That was right back up this morning, but I'll be damned if I'm not nearly as cut as I used to be at below 180. Big if true, still not sure. 1 hour cardio this morning as well along with slow walking and biking during the day. On the other hand, today I have consumed literally thousands of extra calories on refeed. Was looking pretty jacked even with no pump whatsoever, which is an encouraging sign at least.

By next week it will be close to a month and a half without any alcohol, but Finnish Midsummer will put a swift end to that. Even with that, this has been the driest I think I've ever been during the diet. There has always been a couple of exception weekends along with Midsummer, this time, none of that business. There was a Rock/Metal Festival over here  just a few kilometers away from me (again) this weekend, but this year I chose not to go. Way easier not to get tempted just staying at home (eating pizza and ice cream, however)!

[Shartnado]

This is from the time I went full Trapbar, even though I know you should never go full Trapbar !

https://youtu.be/6WIHwHstS_E?si=oxPJsK97rpisdWqO

I ended up doing bigger and better lifts here and there after this, too, but it remains a really good session!

 

[Technico Support]

Posting this week's workouts for fun.  Been running more than lifting to take advantage of the running weather.

Sunday: 10 mile run

Monday: 4 miles on the treadmill (raining), then about a half hour of chest, triceps, shoulders

Tuesday: 8 mile run

Wednesday: 3.5ish mile run, then about a half hour of back, biceps, core

Thursday: shot for 6 mile run, only did 5 (too fucking hot, too run down from the week)

Today: half hour full body at the gym, 5 mile run

[Ryback Hates Bullies]

Congrats to Technico on the weight loss (at-ing not really working for me).

The last few months I have almost exclusively working out in a really busy big box gym. And tbh, it's been a lot better than I thought it would. I've enjoyed having access to lots of stack-loaded machines - a few really blow (the seated leg curl is basically unusable). The Dumbell area is really busy, so are the cable stacks, but they have a lot more power racks than they used to so that's been not too bad.

I am actually now transitioning to using the gym at the office, given they're 'requesting' more regular attendance, though I will be going to the box gym today and likely Monday.

Pressing-wise, things have been going well. It's been 2 1/2 years since the injury and I am now finally at the point where I feel I'm pushing past that. I've recently hit rep PRs on medium-close, close and super-close bench at 100kg (11, 10 & 9 reps respectively). I also hit rep PRs at 105 and 110 on my medium-close (8 and 6).

My all time 'best set' is 115kg x 5, which was probably around 3 years ago. It was on a bench where I could set the rack height though - which is not the case at the gym I've been using or the gym I will be using (No safetys eihter)....unless I want to set-up in the rack. Tbf my work gym is quiet....so that might work, though I might occasionally visit some better gyms on daypass.

I also recently hit an OHP PR of 80kg. I actually failed 82.5kg but nearly got it and probably would get it another day. That said, new gym means realistically starting with the weight tapered down.

New work gym has an angled smith machine which I've not had regular access to previously. Maybe I can finally get Smith Machine GMs to feel good. We'll see. One thing I did really like is that they had this wide straight-bar attachment for the cable station - doing curls with it is *chefs kiss*. They also have a landmine set up with a proper row bar attachment - not as nice as a full on T-bar, but a good lengthened-bias row nonetheless. They also have all 5 of the Imitation Mag Grips. And the power rack has band pegs.....do I finally do some proper Westside training. Maybe!

Leg wise, I had a bout of Meralgia Paresthetica recently in my left quad....due to too much work on the Abductor I think. Had to keep to leg extensions for a few weeks. It seems ok now though.

After a weight-loss period last year, I have realistically been on a bulk of sorts for 10 months. And I actually think it's been pretty successful, but I probably do need to contemplate another cut at some point. I really don't want to though haha.

 

 

 

[Technico Support]

2 hours ago, Ryback Hates Bullies said:

Congrats to Technico on the weight loss (at-ing not really working for me).

Thankya buddy!  Your work gym sounds awesome.  I, too, am "encouraged" to come in a little more...my work gym is pretty good but obviously no free weight barbells and plates due to liability issues.  Of course, the showers were broken Monday, which is awesome after a 3 mile treadmill run and a half hour of weights.  Deodorant and body spray yaaaaaaay!  

 

Heat wave in my area this past week = running outside only Sunday and Friday.

• Sunday: 6 mile run that I had to cut short to 5 when the expected extreme heat started maybe a half hour into it
• Monday: 3 miles on the treadmill (varying speeds between 5 and 6), then chest, shoulders, triceps
• Tuesday: Same as the day before but with back, biceps, and core
• Wednesday: See Monday but at my actual gym, not work
• Thursday: At the actual gym, HIIT on the treadmill for a half hour (4.5mph jog, 8-9 sprint), then back, biceps, core, and legs
• Friday: FINALLY able to run outside without risking heat stroke, 6 miles because my legs were dead from HIIT

 

Today: Cheat and recovery day.  Down 81ish pounds since starting a little over two years ago.  Might shoot for 100 just to make it a nice round number.

Edited June 28 by Technico Support

[Shartnado]

Took this year's first photo of the cut today, after a 55-minute jog/stairs, sauna and 90 minute pump workout outside . I will probably go back to the professional photos for my profile pic, but I put this up, so you can see it's business as usual, even at almost 48 years old!

[Curt McGirt]

Dude, Shartnado, I can't help it... every time I look at one of your photos I think of Will Rahmer from Mortician. 

[Shartnado]

3 hours ago, Curt McGirt said:

Dude, Shartnado, I can't help it... every time I look at one of your photos I think of Will Rahmer from Mortician. 

And I will take that as a huge compliment, whether it is intended as such or not! I salute you!

[Shartnado]

The grueling photoshoot is done, with some crazy shots in there, but I'm afraid there is way less usable (possible) profile pics in the lot, but it did have a couple double bicep shots from the back that almost made my head explode! So, money well spent. 

[Curt McGirt]

I am a huge Mortician fan, completely unashamedly, so it is definitely a compliment. They are one of the bands that most unjustly gets a bad rap in... anywhere, really. They fucking RULE. 

[Technico Support]

Hey yo, this week's workouts:

Sunday: ran 6 miles outside

Monday: ran 5 miles outside (was shooting for 6 but it was HOT)

Tuesday: half hour of lifting (chest, shoulders, triceps), 4 mile run outside

Wednesday: 7 mile run outside

Today: 5.25 mile run outside, half hour lifting (back, biceps, legs, core)

Taking tomorrow off for the holiday, Saturday off for my normal rest day, then back to the grind Sunday.

Edited July 4 by Technico Support

[Shartnado]

On 7/2/2025 at 7:40 PM, Curt McGirt said:

I am a huge Mortician fan, completely unashamedly, so it is definitely a compliment. They are one of the bands that most unjustly gets a bad rap in... anywhere, really. They fucking RULE. 

One of my oldest friends is a fan, too! I mean he is a fan of hundreds of bands, just like you and me, but he's the only one who has mentioned Mortician to me before. He was praising them, if I  recall correctly. Definitely not hating on them, that's for sure!

[Shartnado]

@Technico Support Where is your weight at currently? Do you feel like the shed pounds have improved your cardio further? I mean I remember you telling that your cardio has always been on a good level despite being a big guy!

I ran without the weight vest last weekend and it felt like cheating !

[Technico Support]

39 minutes ago, Shartnado said:

@Technico Support Where is your weight at currently? Do you feel like the shed pounds have improved your cardio further? I mean I remember you telling that your cardio has always been on a good level despite being a big guy!

I ran without the weight vest last weekend and it felt like cheating !

Thanks for asking!  Currently at 226 and change, down from around 310 about two years ago.  I'm sure dropping the weight has helped, but this weather hasn't!  It's been so hot and sunny (high 80s/low 90s) that it just wears me out and I'm lucky if I can get six miles (trying to find shadier routes definitely helps).  But I had two recent days that were cloudier and cooler and I was able to go 10 miles each day -- contrast that with the fact that I've only done 10 twice before that and that was like a year-ish apart.  So I guess increasing the long run frequency means I'm getting in better shape.

[Shartnado]

So you should be pretty F'n jacked at this point, because that is a huge cut! The weather here in Finland has been cold as fuck for June/July, especially compared to last May//July which was awesome. The problem is that it has also rained a whole lot, so it has ruined more than a few cardios for me, but I still made the F'n cut this year, too!

Anyway, keep up the awesome work, those are some badass numbers as far as losing pounds is concerned!

[Shartnado]

Some running this morning and over the weekend. Running without the weight vest does indeed feel like cheating at this point, but it does feel nice to get some distance in without having to slow down to a brisk walk constantly.

Got the rest of the photoshoot pictures and the backshot that became my newest profile pic is an all-timer. I guess those Seal Rows, pull downs and Meadows' Rows ended up paying off, and shrugs too, I guess? Not quite as happy with these overall, compared to last year, but the couple of gems in there make up for it. Also, this does prove that going on a serious bulk and constantly trying to go heavy with most moves and significantly cutting down the reps for the most part is the way to go, going forward as well.

For the next couple of weeks, it will just be maintenance and recovery and refeed and trying to mentally prepare for the next 12 month cycle of this grind.

[Shartnado]

Some walking, running and resistance band workouts during our trip. Walking throughout the day, as usual, but the amount of excess calories is enough to offset all of that and then some! Have been sleeping more than 10h a night for a few days now, so this shows I'm tired but should also help me recover for the future. 

Accidentally bought goats milk for my coffee, but it went very well in scrambled eggs! Was thinking of adding what is left of it with my milk based protein shake tomorrow. 

Edited July 20 by Shartnado
this milk is not from a cow!

[Technico Support]

This week’s workouts!

Sunday: Half hour upper body lifting, 7 mile run 

Monday: 6 mile run (work shit blew up, had to cut short and get home for a meeting)

Tuesday: See Sunday, but with 5 mile run

Wednesday: 8 mile run

Thursday: same as Sunday

Today: 7 mile run

Hell of a tough week.  40 miles of running, a new record for me.  Tomorrow is my day off from my insane workout schedule (after morning weigh in!).  Gonna drink some beer and eat some cookies.