These were sent in via multiple messages so I condensed them all here:


Part one:
So, I’m 31 years old, 245lbs, 5’10 … probably would be in decent shape around 190-200. I am the type of guy who lifts 3 or 4 days per week. Kind of always going to the gym but not die hard consistent. The last 4 years it has been better. My family history, most guys in my family are what I would consider true endomorphs and I’m right in the same boat. My grandfather passed with colon cancer at 52 and had heart issues, grandmother passed with a stroke. My Mom has a heart issue, my Dad in his early 50’s 2 years ago had a 4 way bypass. My pops also has diabetes. I know I am headed down that path. I have even heard my Dad say that his weight battle has been a lifelong challenge. My Dad and all his brothers are big men, in college they were all football players & wrestlers throughout high school. They range from about 6’1-6’5 all about 320-390. His brother had a heart attack 4 years ago and that year lost 100 lbs. So, what’s my excuse? I mean if I know I am headed down this path and I go to the gym how come I am still 40 lbs over weight?

I found out last year I have low Test levels, the doc said since it doesn’t bother me too hard we are letting it ride for now. When this first happen I had told him I was down and out, in the gym all the time and the results just weren’t there … I told him I get all emotional during sad commercials. Sad commercials, what the hell? But I also, told him I wasn’t lying to myself. I hit the gym hard the last few years, I have squatted and pulled 380ish. Yeah it’s not strong by far, but it isn’t 135 either. I also eat what I want usually and do no cardio. I have been on blood pressure medicine since I was 21 and the doc says if I don’t improve I will be on cholesterol meds in the next few years. So good food is expensive right? Well, how many co-pays do I really want to pay in the future.

Part two:
So, then I start reading Justin Harris, Shelby, carb cycling approaches. I have been trying to learn myself more and more. I just started cardio and have been trying to move carbs around my workout schedule. But, I feel like I am on a road trip from here to California. I’m on the east coast, I know “head west” but without a road map am I getting there efficiently?

I’m 31, it is now or never. I may finally get to California, I may finally be in shape and stronger, but how much time have I wasted or will I waste bumping down the road headed in the general direction?

You keep putting up transformation pictures, and trust me bro, if I was in one and my low test was rockin’ hard I would probably tear up man. I know that sounds like a puss. But, here’s the truth, if I don’t start to make headway I will be having open heart surgery in the future.

I have all kinds of personal excuses, trying to get married, trying to have kids, moneys tight, fiancé was laid off, help family with money in hard times. But, I read Dave Tate’s logs and everyone’s. I am not making excuses for life, life happens so I am not going down that road.

part 3
Here is a good example. I started reading on DC training in the beginning 2000’s. I started to learn my body and began using his methods this last year. You have to follow it to a “T”, I have tweaked it for me but it has helped me to understand better b/c it was such a good road map. Don’t over think it, eat big, train heavy, recover, do it again and again, eat well, adjust carbs as you need, beat the log book, stretch, do the big moves. Then I found Westside then Wendler. I keep finding pages to the map, and I’m loving it. I get better and better. Things are improving, but diet is huge for me, diet and cardio are pages to the map I really need.

In 2010 I would love to be 200 lbs at some point, stronger at the same time. I would like to break 400 in the dead and squat - ass picking up apples, my bench sucks, but I would like to do 275 for a few reps or 315. My legs are my strong point and I can hit a low squat. My calves are defined and big, in the summer I get people asking me what do I do for calves weekly. So, that feels good and wish the rest would grow with them. But you know genetics, I do calves like twice a year, Lol.

part 4
2010 I would like to really nail diet and commit to doing a minimum amount of cardio. My doctor told me even though I have been on blood pressure meds since 21 I may be able to come off if I got the fat off. I would love to make my insulin response spike again while utilizing carb cycling.

So, carb cycle, become stricter on the weekends. Continue to use dc training principles using a push pull leg routine and rest-pauses maybe and lighten the weights a tad and use cycles and ramp up to heavier weights. Double my protein and try to take in less carbs as I need. Start with 20 minutes of cardio and ramp up as weight loss slows down.

Right now for breakfast I eat a few whole omega eggs, 3-4, grits, and ham, turkey bacon or chicken. Mid morning snack, protein and greens, chicken and broccoli. Lunch, protein and greens. Mid afternoon snack same. Post workout shake then dinner hour later meat and a salad. On my training days I just add a little carbs to each meal before I lift then pwo shake and none for dinner. I need to stop cheating here and there. I am making headway but would love a road map. If I earn the ebooks I can try to do something in return. Not ask for any more help I guess unless I pay but I could document my progress maybe?

part 5
Thanks for everything man, you are doing great. I have seen your progress this year on the stage and in business. You seem to have a good heart and do “the right thing” that will continue to take you far. You would be amazed how many folks don’t have that same type of outlook. Hard work pays dividends.

Thanks,

Jared

www.TroponinNutrition.com,
Shelby Starnes