I like to lift, but I am pretty terrible at understanding correct terminology. When you say 50 lb. dumbbell push press, is that 50 lb. in each hand, or 50 lb. total, ie. 25 in each?
Also, I'm heading up to Canada next month to do some serious hiking. I'm in the market for new hiking boots. Any recommendations? Thanks, Chris.
Would you be willing to expand on the Metformin decision here or in another post?
I am somewhat surprised to read that your specific goal is lowering blood sugar; my understanding is that you eat fairly low carb. Is your blood sugar still high anyway? Or is this more for possible longevity benefits? Or cheat meals? (I've definitely thought of getting some spare Metformin for the latter situation, which is embarrassing, I admit.)
Also, you clearly do tons of cardio/HIIT, so I would be interested in a follow up post in a handful of months to hear if you feel Metformin impairs this sort of exercise at all. (I've always thought if I started Metformin, I might cycle it to be "off" pre-cardio adventures.)
I eat very low carb. My blood sugar is okay but my thesis is that it could be even better. When I was on a CGM it showed that my high protein, moderate fat, low carb, and zero processed sugar diet was good but my blood sugar was quite impacted by stress. Sorta (only kinda) funny but you could see how my portfolio was faring by my CGM's app chart. This Metformin idea was for longevity benefits. I don't like cheat meals. I'm happier trying to literally forget the flavors of foods I want to avoid. I'm better at zero (alcohol/desserts/carby meals like pizza or pasta/bread) than low.
But I have been doing a good bit of reading after getting the Metformin script and am newly concerned about the potential impact on testosterone and hypertrophy; not willing to even potentially compromise those areas. Reasonably likely that my wife (not concerned as I am about those two and somewhat laxer on bread and pasta) will end up the better fit for it.
For me, pharma is a halfway house. I look at a carby/processed diet and am quite convinced that taking meds to lower its impact is worth the costs and side effects. Then I think about it more and realize how much I'd prefer to skip the costs and side effects and just focus on behavior/discipline to skip the carby/processed food altogether.
When people complain that they either cannot gain or lose weight, I simply believe they are not trying hard enough. If you have a sound plan to either gain or lose weight, then double down. If you don't have a sound plan, then find one. I have seen Keto, carnivore, and the myriad in- between diets produce results. Gaining weight is not that hard, gaining muscle mass takes very hard work, especially as you get older. Chris is right, you got to love the Grind, cause that is what it takes.
"Fine." "No." Love the mindset in the reflection.
I like to lift, but I am pretty terrible at understanding correct terminology. When you say 50 lb. dumbbell push press, is that 50 lb. in each hand, or 50 lb. total, ie. 25 in each?
Also, I'm heading up to Canada next month to do some serious hiking. I'm in the market for new hiking boots. Any recommendations? Thanks, Chris.
50 lbs. in each hand.
Have a great trip to Canada. I love these (https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/product/cross-hike-2-mid-gore-tex-lg9230.html#color=70288) because they are essentially a more supportive and higher version of my trail running shoe. Comfortable but I prefer a less stiff boot.
Those look ideal. Greatly appreciated
Would you be willing to expand on the Metformin decision here or in another post?
I am somewhat surprised to read that your specific goal is lowering blood sugar; my understanding is that you eat fairly low carb. Is your blood sugar still high anyway? Or is this more for possible longevity benefits? Or cheat meals? (I've definitely thought of getting some spare Metformin for the latter situation, which is embarrassing, I admit.)
Also, you clearly do tons of cardio/HIIT, so I would be interested in a follow up post in a handful of months to hear if you feel Metformin impairs this sort of exercise at all. (I've always thought if I started Metformin, I might cycle it to be "off" pre-cardio adventures.)
Thanks,
Chris
I eat very low carb. My blood sugar is okay but my thesis is that it could be even better. When I was on a CGM it showed that my high protein, moderate fat, low carb, and zero processed sugar diet was good but my blood sugar was quite impacted by stress. Sorta (only kinda) funny but you could see how my portfolio was faring by my CGM's app chart. This Metformin idea was for longevity benefits. I don't like cheat meals. I'm happier trying to literally forget the flavors of foods I want to avoid. I'm better at zero (alcohol/desserts/carby meals like pizza or pasta/bread) than low.
But I have been doing a good bit of reading after getting the Metformin script and am newly concerned about the potential impact on testosterone and hypertrophy; not willing to even potentially compromise those areas. Reasonably likely that my wife (not concerned as I am about those two and somewhat laxer on bread and pasta) will end up the better fit for it.
For me, pharma is a halfway house. I look at a carby/processed diet and am quite convinced that taking meds to lower its impact is worth the costs and side effects. Then I think about it more and realize how much I'd prefer to skip the costs and side effects and just focus on behavior/discipline to skip the carby/processed food altogether.
When people complain that they either cannot gain or lose weight, I simply believe they are not trying hard enough. If you have a sound plan to either gain or lose weight, then double down. If you don't have a sound plan, then find one. I have seen Keto, carnivore, and the myriad in- between diets produce results. Gaining weight is not that hard, gaining muscle mass takes very hard work, especially as you get older. Chris is right, you got to love the Grind, cause that is what it takes.