10Pushups’s BodyBlog

I worked very hard last year, lost lots of weight, but never managed to produce any measurable or noticable muscle gains.

Now, I’m 10 or 15 pounds heavier than I was. I’ve been getting back in shape aerobically for the last few months. I haven’t managed to lose any weight despite hiking 250 KM with very little food over a 10 day period. Weight loss is a funny thing. If I were to go by the "tables" of energy used for activities, I would have lost somewhere between 10 and 15 pounds. I suspect that when I am in good condition, my body uses calories very efficiently. I probably actually lost two or three pounds, but didn’t have a correct weight before I left. But, the lack of weight loss is not so important since I’m not overweight in any way. In fact, when I was 10 or 15 pounds lighter, I was probably underweight. Right now, I’m concered with putting on muscle.

I have done lots more reading since last summer and have learned much. Last year I was trying to lose fat while gaining muscle. That’s totally possible, but I was trying to lose fat too fast. I was constantly in Ketosis, which while great for losing weight, is really horrible for gaining muscle it seems. It really messes with your hormones, in particular your testosterone level. I feel like I am just recovering from it now.

So, now I am on to a much more sensible program. I’m not just eating lots of protein this time, but am making sure to eat carbohydrates with it. I’m also trying to eat my carbohydrate/protein mix when I am in a carbohydrate deficit, after working out or in the morning before eating anything else.

I’m also following "the rules" as best as I can for increasing testosterone levels. My latest free testosterone test shows me about 10% higher than a few months ago, so that might mean I am on track. Though, it could be just a result of less stress and better sleep.

I just started lifting weights again. I’m feeling confident that this time I’ll succeed with my muscle gain goals even though I’ve failed a dozen other times on various "programs".

Ever an optimist.