Let me start by saying that I’m not a fitness trainer or health professional. What I’m about to share is simply my own experience—what has worked for me after years of trial and error. If you’re looking for guidance, always consult with a professional to tailor things to your specific needs. Now, with that out of the way, let’s dive into my fitness journey, where the road was long, the carbs were low, and the discipline was high.
It still blows my mind that I can finally see my abs. After years of dedication, they decided to show up, and let me tell you, the feeling of seeing them for the first time was pure euphoria. It wasn’t always this way. My physique—what some now call “muscular”—is a more recent development, something I’ve achieved in just the past 2-3 years. But the truth is, physical fitness was only half the battle. My mental health had to come first.
Start With Your Mind, Not Your Muscles
Before I even got serious about my current fitness routine, I had to check in with myself mentally. Learning how to love myself and understand that I’m enough, regardless of my physical appearance, was a game-changer. You can have all the muscles in the world, but without mental peace, it’s empty.
Once I had that mental foundation, everything else fell into place, and it became easier to tackle the physical side. I also made sure to focus on sleep—not just the hours, but the quality. I’m committed to getting at least 8 hours of sleep every night, and taking a magnesium supplement before bed has really helped me fall into that deep, restful sleep needed for muscle recovery. According to research, magnesium plays a key role in sleep regulation and muscle function.
The Game-Changer: Diet Discipline
Let me tell you, you don’t just wake up with abs one day because you wished for them. It wasn’t until I got disciplined about my diet that things started to change. For me, a low-carb approach works best. I read every label and focus on high-protein, low-carb options—think meats, veggies, fruits, and full-fat, low-sugar snacks.
Now, I’m not saying everyone should go low-carb, but it worked for me. A study in the Journal of Nutrition backs this up, showing that low-carb diets can lead to significant fat loss while maintaining muscle mass . That’s when I noticed my abs started to pop—when I got real about my food choices.
My Workout Routine: Go Hard or Go Home
I work out six days a week, and I’m not just in the gym for the vibes. I lift four days a week and dedicate two days to cardio and abs. Oh, and I sprinkle in a couple of HIIT classes when I’m not traveling. My lifting sessions? They’re brutal. I go hard—pushing my muscles to fatigue by the third or fourth set. And here’s a pro-tip: perfect form over heavy weights, always. I use an app called Shred to customize my workouts and track my progress.
Supplements: The Boost You Need
Okay, so you’ve got the diet and the workout plan—now what? Supplements. I’m a huge fan of nitric oxide pre-workout drinks (they help boost blood flow and endurance during my sessions ), a lean protein shake after workouts, and my daily stack of multivitamins, fish oil, and vitamin D. Seriously, vitamin D is crucial for muscle recovery and bone health . Don’t sleep on it.
The Secret Sauce: Testosterone (Yes, Really)
Here’s where things get real. I’ve been on my fitness grind for a long time, but about three years ago, I started cycling testosterone. I do it in three-month cycles: three months on, three months off. For me, testosterone was the next level. It helped me reach a more balanced weight for my build—because, honestly, I was underweight before.
Now, I’m not advising you to go this route. In fact, if you’re considering it, talk to a doctor first. Get your testosterone levels checked, and see if it’s right for you. There are plenty of natural ways to boost testosterone through diet and lifestyle changes , so do your homework.
One over-the-counter option that’s getting a lot of buzz is Turkesterone. It's a plant-based supplement that some bodybuilders swear by for increasing muscle mass naturally. You can grab it on Amazon, but again, do your research.
The Truth Behind the Muscles
Look, here’s the thing: a lot of those super-buff dudes you see on Instagram? They’re not just hitting the gym and eating chicken breasts. Many are on some form of testosterone therapy, but they rarely talk about it. It’s important to recognize that while genetics play a part, most of us will need a little extra help if we want to look like we’ve stepped out of a bodybuilding magazine.
So, if you’re thinking about adding testosterone or another supplement to your routine, get everything else locked in first. I’m talking a year of consistent habits before you even think about it. And love yourself throughout the process—you’re enough as you are.
That’s it, folks! Fitness is a lifestyle, not a sprint. You’ve got to make it part of your daily routine, just like brushing your teeth. And remember, it’s about what works for YOU. Now, go out there and crush it—just don’t forget to sleep.
Comments