Essential Random Gym Thoughts Revisited...

[xXMASHERXx]

When I get back from my sub-Saharan Africa holiday I need to see a PT something serious.

Taken a lot of time off squats but I still have this niggle in my lower left spine. That groin injury was no joke, so innocuous but the effects are lingering.

For leg days I’m all machines for the time being.

I head to Naija on Christmas, then will bounce through the African continent until I’m back in Cali during MLK Jr Day in Jan’26. Already booked a PT appt for then.

But in 2026, I simply can’t have these lingering issues. I need to take things to the next level fitness wise.

I mean this in the nicest way possible, some of us were trying to warn you of this. The comments we made had no malicious intent. A lot of us have been through this ourselves or witness others go through it. Hell I had a calf strain earlier this year for a similar reason. Either way hoping you have a safe travel and speedy recovery

 

[The ADD]

NGL, looking back I was off my game most of 2025. With all the life changes, I realized I was at best just coasting in the gym and with nutrition. Honestly, nutrition was not good.

That’s said, the switch to the new gym has me re-energized. I’m past cutting, bulking, lifting super heavy. 20-30 minutes of cardio, 30-45 minutes of lifting on gym days 5 times a week and 45-60 of cardio the rest of the week.

This be the way.

 

[phcitywarrior]

I mean this in the nicest way possible, some of us were trying to warn you of this. The comments we made had no malicious intent. A lot of us have been through this ourselves or witness others go through it. Hell I had a calf strain earlier this year for a similar reason. Either way hoping you have a safe travel and speedy recovery

It’s all love bro.

You, @The ADD @dtownreppin214 and @trap101-ETHout-Allegri-In been deff holding me down with advice and tips. Dap + Rep

When I had that groin injury I was still in the early stages of receiving bad news where you kinda deny it or question what happened. All my other injuries there was an incident, usually soccer related, that led to the injury whereas the groin I just woke up one morning and it was off. That’s why at first I was like “nah, it’s probably something I can push through”

But now I’ve accepted part of fitness is finding how to be fit within the constraints of your body. Like if you have back issues maybe swap out Squats for Leg Press.

This AM was leg day but had to modify it quite a bit. Sure I’d love to squat, RDL etc but I have to work with what my body can handle.

2026 gonna be better regardless

 

[xXMASHERXx]

It’s all love bro.

You, @The ADD @dtownreppin214 and @trap101-ETHout-Allegri-In been deff holding me down with advice and tips. Dap + Rep

When I had that groin injury I was still in the early stages of receiving bad news where you kinda deny it or question what happened. All my other injuries there was an incident, usually soccer related, that led to the injury whereas the groin I just woke up one morning and it was off. That’s why at first I was like “nah, it’s probably something I can push through”

But now I’ve accepted part of fitness is finding how to be fit within the constraints of your body. Like if you have back issues maybe swap out Squats for Leg Press.

This AM was leg day but had to modify it quite a bit. Sure I’d love to squat, RDL etc but I have to work with what my body can handle.

2026 gonna be better regardless

Absolutely. Most of us want to each other succeed and not suffer some of the setbacks we have. I was in this same spot during covid when I torn my meniscus. Was doing too much and my body was trying to tell me that but I wouldn't listen until eventually it forced me to listen. For me lifting is a hobby I love and I enjoy discussing it with everyone here. I learn a lot from you guys as well and I try to share what I know with you all

 

[dtownreppin214]

fukk it 2026 i'm hopping on peps.

RETA + TESA + GHK-CU

summer 2026 will be fukking glorious.

PT 141 if you want to put your woman through the mattress.

 

[The ADD]

Old Man Moment:

Annual labs came back pretty solid. Stay on top of your health brehs. Get you water, steps and dat dere fiber in. Don’t try to reverse it in your 40s

 

[KingsnBucs1987]

Picked up a Viking Press attachment and a belt Squat attachment to get some variety in my lifts.

 

[KingsnBucs1987]

Anybody fukk with or have done zercher squats before, been looking into them as as something to do on my non squat days and to try to incorporate for single leg lifts

 

[phcitywarrior]

Good 4 mile run this morning. This cardio has been needed since my leg days haven’t been as intense.

Finish these next 10 days well before I go on holiday. When I get back return to the plan of excellence but also refine my diet plan. I have to vary my diet and sources of vitamins and minerals.

Long story short: 2025 was a B-, started off very strong but plateaued at the end of summer/early fall when I got injured from soccer and also got lax with vice consumption. Maybe added 3-4 lbs as a result but my larger 25lbs weight loss remains and my exercise consistency is still here.

Feeling good for 2026 once I bring it back to basics and limit the vice.

 

[The ADD]

Yep…….

Anybody fukk with or have done zercher squats before, been looking into them as as something to do on my non squat days and to try to incorporate for single leg lifts

 

[KingsnBucs1987]

Yep…….

Tried them for the first time today, they weren't too bad, other that the bar being irritating, but shyt I can wrap a towel around the bar.