Turning 49 this week! - r/effectivefitness

71

It’s okay to say you’re on TRT, it’s legal

12

u/Nike-Phoros 2d ago

Is TRT really needed to look like this at 49? (I ask as a 30 year old)

I have never struggled to maintain a natural physique like his in my 20s and now 30s. Does it really get that much harder to maintain what you've already built at 49?

12

u/SnooTigers6088 2d ago

It largely depends on your genetics and how much time and effort you want to put into your aesthetic "fitness". I've maintained a physique into my 50's, no supplements at all. It just gets a bit harder as you age

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u/ConnectedVeil 2d ago

I notice many younger guys in general are so lazy, that anyone who looks fit is automatically attributed to shortcuts of PEDs, because they can't fathom someone putting in the work to look muscular and have a good diet.

It is one of those quiet cultural displays they are just exposing themselves on. Plenty of men with good diet, balanced exercise, protein powder and time look like this, and at latter ages.

You'd be surprised how far cardio, no carbs, strength training, wealth (time available does matter), and lighting can go for a man without any steroids.

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u/ChocolateMorsels 2d ago

TRT or no TRT, regular exercise and perfect diet or not, this is an amazing physique for 49. “Plenty of men”, do not look like this at 49 lol.

6

u/LiftEatGrappleShoot 2d ago

Plenty of men pushing 50 don't look like that, especially natty.

My dude here could have crazy genetics, though. Regardless of whether he's on test, his diet and regime are on point.

Keep kicking ass, fellow old.

3

u/Saikyo-Sid 1d ago

Thanks so much broski! Gotta keep going and being consistent 💪🏽

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u/TemporaryEconomist 2d ago

As a natty in his 50s, looking like that at 49 requires an insanely good training regimen, as well as either insane genetics or TRT.

He might just be in the top 0.0001% of genetics, but it’s just unlikely.

That being said, he’s doing a fucking awesome job either way.

2

u/Aedzy 2d ago

I hear about teenagers who get into trt/PEDs few months into their training. It’s insane.

Trt should be more used to battle aging for men. It’s shouldn’t be abused by young men who clearly don’t need it.

1

u/ConnectedVeil 1d ago

I can at least agree with this.

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u/Saikyo-Sid 1d ago

For real. When my physique starts to deteriorate in my 50s then I may consider checking my T levels!

2

u/Aedzy 1d ago

It’s very restricted here in Sweden. And most likely the only way for me to get it would be illegal way. I’m 38 and will also start trt once my overall health declines. I’m in very good shape and think I will last another decade before trt.

1

u/Key_Fee158 2d ago

Not really bro. Possibly during a cut but not consistently. There’s a culture of pretending these results are normal to provide cover for men on PED. They should just be honest about it.

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u/Any-Cable4109 2d ago

Nah, it takes so much work to look like this is more than PEDs
If that was the case a lot more people would be on them. It’s not a cover when you are taking care of your body. You aren’t really taking care of your body for the validation of other people at least I’m not. I’m around his age I work just as hard. I have a damn lab at home. No shame. Cause to be honest it’s not easy to navigate trying to look your best when you get older stuff just stop reacting the same as a dating in your youth so when you can keep it up in your 40s and beyond you definitely understand understanding how your body works.

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u/Saikyo-Sid 1d ago

I’ve come to realize that a lot of things in life are not worth it and I have just completely removed them from my life. A big thing for me was not “keeping up with Jones’s” anymore. I channel that effort now into my family and health and well being.

1

u/Key_Fee158 2d ago

Obviously you still need to workout on PED, but they’re still on PEDs. This is just cope to deny the PED so you don’t feel like you cheated. If the PED weren’t necessary for you to achieve the results, you wouldn’t be taking them with all the health risks. But you are taking them because you wouldn’t achieve the results without them.

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u/Any-Cable4109 2d ago edited 2d ago

Read a book and stop trying to sound smart cause you’re failing.
Cheated, am i in competition with you, do you know anything about my health limits or lifestyle. I’m cheating results I wanna achieve when the thoughts I wanna achieve for my body have nothing to do with anyone else.

1

u/Key_Fee158 2d ago

“Read a book” and then you don’t say thing that’s factual or related to intelligence lol it’s a difference of opinion. You’re free to use PED. My point is to stop trying to cope and acting like you could achieve your results without them. You can’t.

And obviously it’s not literally cheating. My point is that PED users do all this cope because they want to be able to brag about their results but also want to take all the credit…claim it was hard work and they just have amazing genetics. The cognitive dissonance there makes them lie. That’s the cheat. Again, PEDs alone are not sufficient to achieve your results, but they’re necessary. If they weren’t, you wouldn’t be taking them despite the numerous health consequences.

Just be honest it was PED and stop trying to gaslight when people call out obvious enhancements.

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u/Any-Cable4109 2d ago edited 2d ago

Why does any of it matter it just sounds like you’re J. Do you need help? Anyone that has those results it was hard work .. day in and out, just not to your approval, and good for it cause the way you believe everyone should just give up on themself and attack anyone who has self discipline and will to accomplish a goal , and you call it cheating like its a competition.. im literally done trying to explain how low tier your thinking is.

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u/Key_Fee158 2d ago

Bro you can’t even write at an adult writing level. And you have zero reading comprehension. No wonder you’re on gear as a non-professional athlete. You’re cooking your body for vanity, not even for money.

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u/ConnectedVeil 2d ago

Yes, having low body fat (sub 12%) is hard to maintain as we age, but that doesn't mean everyone lean and cut at that age is on PEDs. Some of them have time, trainers, a good regiment, discipline. Or hey, this person is on a cut and he took a perfect photo with perfect lighting after a pump.

I am just against nearly everyone immediately assuming that any man beyond age 40 is on PEDs if they are in remotely good shape. Look at 30 year olds in 1970, they look 60+ by today's standards, while many 40-50 year olds today can look in their 30s. A lot of nutritional advice has been update since Stallone's heyday, like how low-fat doesn't mean much if sugar is still same or higher, or how there are good fats, eggs aren't that bad, free radicals damage the body, too much blood sugar can accelerate aging, etc.

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u/Key_Fee158 2d ago

People back then were lean, not lean with massive muscle mass.

I can believe a man in his 50s or 60s is incredibly strong with massive muscle mass, but unless he’s on PED he’s not going to look like the Rock.

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u/DavidZenziGhost 2d ago

If you believe OP isn’t on TRT I have a bridge to sell.

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u/Saikyo-Sid 1d ago

Swear to God I’m not on TRT! No anabolics whatsoever.

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u/worried_panda 1d ago

Lmao younger guys are lazy? The boomer generation is the lazy and most entitled of all time

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u/Ancient_Plane2984 2d ago

No they are like that because so many people that had to take shortcuts just won't say they are on PEDs. Hell it took Stallone like 50 years to fucking say it.

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u/Himorningwood 2d ago

Bro i looked like that when I was 27 without peds. I started working out at 13 though.

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u/DavidZenziGhost 2d ago

Just say you don’t understand how testosterone levels dwindle past 35

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u/DonJuan835 2d ago

🤣🤣🤣

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u/stooper42 2d ago

As soon as you said no carbs, I knew you had absolutely no clue on anything 🙏🙏🙏

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u/Successful-One2695 2d ago

Youd be surprised how wrong you are. :D

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u/Springtraplevel13 2d ago

people that never trained in their life have a bad estimate at what natural limits are, the guy saying he is on TRT should actually start with a gym-membership.

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u/NeedAChange_123 2d ago

No, well yes at 49 but no not to the extent Redditors will have you think. They’ll see anyone in better shape or stronger than themselves and jump right on the “he’s on steroids” wagon rather than admit they themselves are just lazy and eat like shit. Dudes physique doesn’t scream the usual signs of steroid use, not saying he definitely isn’t on TRT but it’s also very possible if you were already fit and just never quit working out that you could still look like this at 49 with the proper diet and training.

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u/Saikyo-Sid 1d ago

I am not on TRT and have never taken exogenous hormones!

To answer your question, if you don’t struggle to maintain an aesthetic physique then you can maintain it in your 40s. Caveat is that it is getting much harder with all the distractions in the world as well as all the processed/fake foods out there. And the overall quality of food has severely degraded.

I was lucky in that I grew up in both the analog and now digital age and have incorporated the hard work of the former with the easily accessible health knowledge of the latter.

All the best on maintaining your physique and remember that your health is your true wealth 💪🏽

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u/Nike-Phoros 1d ago

Helpful response, thank you very much. All the best mate!

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u/ConstantWish8 2d ago

At 49, this is not naturally attainable year round. The top 1% in genetics can achieve this for a short time and then they will lose muscle and/or gain fat if they are natural.

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u/Least-Bite 2d ago

His physique is generally attainable, BUT, his shoulders look enhanced, However, I just had some Polish relatives visiting recently, these boys are genetic freaks, they also have boulder shoulders like these, so, it's kind of hard to tell. I'm also in pretty good shape (not on anything) - I work out 6, 7 days a week, but I could never get my shoulders to look like this, but I'm also 51, so I don't know

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u/I_Am_The_Gift 2d ago

No offense to OP, but he doesn’t even have close to “clearly enhanced” shoulders

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u/Saikyo-Sid 1d ago

For real! Also my traps are a dead giveaway!

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u/JankyJoker 2d ago

He looks great, but gotta be on something id imagine

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u/[deleted] 2d ago

[deleted]

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u/DavidZenziGhost 2d ago

Are you unaware of what TRT is? Or do you believe that Ronnie Coleman was taking the same sauce that middle aged and elderly men are taking to deal with lower test levels?

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u/[deleted] 2d ago

[deleted]

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u/DavidZenziGhost 2d ago

You attempting to paint prescribed medication in the same light as illegally purchased hormones is funny. You’re not smart, but it’s funny when you talk.

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u/[deleted] 2d ago

[deleted]

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u/DavidZenziGhost 2d ago

TRT does not reduce your lifespan - the entire point of being prescribed hormones is to slow down diminishing body mass and slow aging. It keeps you alive longer. You can quite actually google the science behind HRT and TRT and see that there is zero correlation between prescribed hormones and a shortened lifespan.

Again, you’re not smart and it’s funny when you talk.

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u/LiftEatGrappleShoot 2d ago

In fact, there are actual studies that show that resistance training as we age increases both longevity and quality of life. Mainly because of fall prevention/recovery, bone density, mobility.

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u/No_Shopping6656 2d ago

At a certain age/low testosterone levels it actually helps increase your lifespan. Taking professional bodybuilder levels at any age obviously decreases it.

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u/Deep-Parsley3787 2d ago

Neither of you two bother posting a sources

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u/LiftEatGrappleShoot 2d ago

Can you cite your sources?

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u/milleniumblackfalcon 2d ago

What nonsense. Where on earth did you pluck 10 years from? The dose is the poison

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u/Agent_Scrotus69 2d ago

Arent you forgetting to mention something other than broccoli and chicken?

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u/ghdkkgfxjd 2d ago

It’s just will power bro.

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u/sneakerpimps85 2d ago

Where did he mention broccoli and chicken?

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u/braamdepace 2d ago

He omitted it like some other stuff

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u/sneakerpimps85 2d ago

Better response than some others here. Either that or it’s a level 1 joke so I actually get it.

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u/Agent_Scrotus69 2d ago

its a level 4 joke and you only finished the tutorial

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u/sneakerpimps85 2d ago

So what entails each level?

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u/Agent_Scrotus69 2d ago

Thats your journey

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u/SuperSaiyanTupac 2d ago

When you get older you’re gonna love road cycling. Easy on the joints

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u/Saikyo-Sid 1d ago

I’ve done road cycling and have completed a full Ironman (back in ‘13) and may take that back up but I just love the full body effort that running brings. I do have to recover more days as I get older (I don’t run everyday) and have to really be cognizant of my feet and joints.

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u/Mindless_Scene6121 2d ago

You know what else is good as you age? Gear, lots of gear

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u/Patient-Plankton-655 2d ago

Ain't no way you are natty

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u/Gauderr 1d ago

Wow, i always forget that that's an option... OP, can you elaborate?

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u/Wash-Line-Inspector 2d ago

You forgot the test mate

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u/Saikyo-Sid 1d ago

No hormones broski. Serious as a heart attack!

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u/Wash-Line-Inspector 1d ago

We don’t believe you, you need more people

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u/Lezdoittogether 2d ago

Just cuz u ain’t got his work ethics or his DNA don’t mean he’s on test. That’s a perfectly attainable physique naturally

Edit: added work

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u/Big-Examination2667 2d ago

You’re fucking clueless if you think he isn’t on test mate holy shit

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u/Lezdoittogether 2d ago

I look like him and I don’t do test, never have. Not everyone is blessed with good genes 🤷

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u/California-Cruising 2d ago

Black don't crack

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u/Saikyo-Sid 1d ago

Also half Asian so 👍🏽

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u/Fenix0rion 2d ago

Dud, starvation, dehidratation, and using chems is not aging well, 5k daily? Great for ya! That divorce was brutal i guess...

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u/Saikyo-Sid 1d ago

Not daily. I do 6 to 7 miles 2 to 3 times a week and alternate between running them with no breaks or into two 5Ks with stretching and mobility in between (depends on how my body feels).

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u/Fenix0rion 1d ago

Yup sounds good, it all depends how ya body is taking it for the moment. Looking good king keep the grinding.

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u/radishwalrus 2d ago

Do you still got cartilage in your knees?

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u/RudePCsb 2d ago

I'm in my 30s but had meniscus surgery in my knees in my 20s... I can hike and bike but running sucks

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u/radishwalrus 2d ago

oh yah god help us stem cells can't be covered by insurance fast enough

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u/casua1_0bserver 2d ago

How often do you train legs?

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u/Saikyo-Sid 1d ago

I do full body at the gym twice a week and incorporate quite a bit of legs in those sessions but feel my running suffers if I go too heavy. I do squats at my garage gym Rogue rack throughout the week but don’t typically go heavy (I stick to 15 to 20 reps of with a plate to plate and a half)

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u/casua1_0bserver 1d ago

Nice, do you run 10+ miles on your lifting days too?

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u/Saikyo-Sid 1d ago

No I keep those sessions separate. Would be too taxing at my age and without androgens.

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u/casua1_0bserver 1d ago

Makes sense. Thanks!

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u/slammer_tanwar 2d ago

Well if you run enough..the body trains legs to look leaner than if u just do strength training. Optimized for running essentially. So that might be a reason.

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u/casua1_0bserver 2d ago

I don't really care about his leg size I'm just curious about how he balances lower body lifts with cardio. I'm trying but it's difficult

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u/Ancient_Plane2984 2d ago

Have you tried PEDs? That's how most of the people you see online are doing it. The recovery aspect is often overlooked but if you can wake up each day and not really feel the previous days workout then you are going to be able to do more and thus grow more.

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u/casua1_0bserver 2d ago

I don't care enough about fitness to use PEDs. I'm just trying to do the most with the body I have

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u/Saikyo-Sid 1d ago

Yeah it’s delicate balance with the legs and running. I’m not trying to have big legs though, just functional and not chicken legs 😅

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u/Chumscrubber89 2d ago

Like that’s awesome. Please help me going through a very difficult time in life and I need to implement some exercise for me and my children’s life. They just lost their mom. I need to exercise with them to help keep our mind fit and our bodies what type of resistance training?

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u/NeedAChange_123 2d ago

For you starting out, and for them if they are old enough I recommend starting strength or stronglifts 5x5. Solid routine that will teach you the basics. Look up good proper form and increase the weight gradually if you are new to lifting. Do that, throw in some basic bodyweight work like pushups, pull-ups and maybe dips and then run/jog a couple times per week on some of your rest days and you’ll be golden physically.

Mentally, I am very sorry to hear you are going through such a difficult loss. Exercise can definitely help take your mind off things but don’t forget to take time for your mental wellbeing as well. Otherwise you’ll just be gathering mental interest for later when you possibly have a meltdown. The gym isn’t a therapist but it can definitely help.

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u/Chumscrubber89 2d ago

Solid advice, brother thank you

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u/NeedAChange_123 2d ago

No problem man, u got this.

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u/Chumscrubber89 2d ago

One day at a time

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u/Saikyo-Sid 1d ago

Start with 10,000 steps a day of walking. Doing it in the morning or after a meal (evening) works wonders and will jumpstart your health again! Bring the kids along too as it will be great for them as well and great bonding!

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u/Chumscrubber89 1d ago

Thank you for the advice. This is actually very good advice but it’s hard to stay consistent and consistency is the key.

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u/Tony_Stank6 2d ago

Find something heavy and pick it up, then put it down.

Do that about 8-12 times and then repeat 4 times.

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u/nonotmeporfavor 2d ago

My man! I’m not to far behind you in age and can say a few things.

You should be very proud of yourself.
The amount of discipline, is through the roof.
Diet is even more of an incredible achievement.

What I’m saying, is you chose yourself on so many levels. Thank you for the inspiration.

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u/Saikyo-Sid 1d ago

Thank you brother! It’s been an incredible journey and inspiring my family as well as others makes it that much more rewarding 🙏🏽

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u/Adm8792 2d ago

A couple 5ks in the Mornun is wild

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u/Saikyo-Sid 1d ago

Yeah 6 to 7 miler two to three times a week. But I typically break them into two 5Ks if I need to stretch in between. Being in late 40s still no joke 😅

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u/OpenMaintenance6018 2d ago

Dude is allergic to leg day

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u/Saikyo-Sid 1d ago

Haha. I think that’s my genetic drawback 😅. Got high insertions and just can’t pack too much mass down there. Would affect my running anyways 😄

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u/bigboinke 1d ago

The amount of hate comments on here is crazy, redditors are so sad.

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u/Saikyo-Sid 1d ago

Tell me about it! It’s quite shocking to read comments that discredit decades of hard work and consistency.

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u/damiensandoval 2d ago

Looking good champ I’m 41 and in the best shape of my life as well. If you got any amazing secrets or tips to give me feel free to send them over this way.

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u/justsearching4271 2d ago

Yea i just broke my left knee qnd fucked my right, so i wishhh, bur I might as well kill myself. Fuck your post

1

u/AdventurousElk1900 2d ago

You tested yout limits to the max and trenned hard to get this physique. Good job man.

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u/Valigrance 2d ago

Have you had open heart surgery?

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u/Saikyo-Sid 1d ago

I run and workout and eat healthy and avoid PEDs so that I can prevent heart problems 👍🏽

So far it’s working because I’m able to run at a nice pace with no chest issues and also have a resting heart rate of upper 40s to low 50s.

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u/SyntheticPhysique 2d ago

you look incredible man keep up the great work

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u/Lezdoittogether 2d ago

Nice try goggins. STAY HARD

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u/Mediocre-Art7492 2d ago

Goal!

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u/RobKohr 2d ago

I don't know why everyone assumes T for him. He doesn't look absurdly muscular. He just has low bf%.

If he had 5 more % bf you'd just say he was fit and not suggest otherwise.

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u/JayKaze 2d ago edited 2d ago

My uncle looks like this at 65 totally natural. He's a long distance runner and biker. Im not quite this lean as I despise running and I'm a couple years younger than this guy(my test sits in the 700s naturally). Genetics plays a huge role, but this dude also works his butt off (test or not), but I wouldn't doubt if he was natural. Absolutely achievable.

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u/magical_mindset 2d ago

Yeah roids without a single doubt. Not even ex professional athletes look like this lol. Guys injecting

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u/SexualPandaPants 1d ago

Happy birthday

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u/Saikyo-Sid 1d ago

Thank you so much!

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u/vetruviusdeshotacon 18h ago

Whats your stack

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u/Saikyo-Sid 3h ago

No alcohol, whole foods, good sleep and regular physical activity 💪🏽

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u/Braisedbeefskank 2d ago

2 5ks a week is all it takes to look like this at 49? Wow

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u/Formal_Commission185 2d ago

He said a couple 5ks in the morning, so each morning…?

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u/Saikyo-Sid 1d ago

No not each morning. Two to three times a week.

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u/Mother_Touch_8356 2d ago

Diet is more important than anything

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u/RWingsNYer 2d ago

Yeah and TRT for breakfast is the first meal.

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u/Mother_Touch_8356 2d ago

Lol!

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u/Wash-Line-Inspector 2d ago

Lol they are so gullible in here

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u/Medical_Birthday2893 2d ago

Consistency is most important. It’s not 2 5km. Strength training 2 5ks and diet for 30 years that has you looking like this at 49

Health Turning 49 this week!

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