Workouts, Rest, and TRT

[Texkota]

Quick questions for the experts.

I recently started testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and I'm feeling a little bit better everyday. I'm feeling that I need to hit each body part twice a week instead of just once, that way I don't "waste" my increase in T-Levels. I know this is mental or a placebo effect or whatever you want to call it. Before testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) I was working out three days a week, hitting each body part once, some groups more than once in a secondary role. Is there any science to this? I know we need rest to allow us to grow, however, is that rest period decreased with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)? Can I go four days a week and hit each body part twice or would this be over training?

Texkota

 

[ardbeg]

every body is a little different. yes, you need to rest. how much is up to you. i can go for weeks on end at the gym (like, literally, seven days a week for months). the problem is, i won't actually see any gains. i find when i break it up into 3 on, 1 off, or 5 on, 2 off, that i actually see visible changes and my lifts go up.

taking t does reduce your recovery time. personally, though, i'd be careful to give yourself rest. twice a week for a hard workout is, for me, kind of pushing it. if i go max squats on, for example, sunday, i try not to hit squats too hard for 3-4 days. and even then, i won't go back above 75% for a couple weeks (I max out probably every 3 months on a lift).

why do you think you need to have less rest time? just work different lifts. for me, that would be olympic lifts one day, power lifting the next day, some mild cardio or strongman stuff the next day, and change it up. plus, i program a couple months at a time, so i know where i've been and where i'm heading.

are you maybe getting bored?

 

[300winmag]

Well you are on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and not a cycle, so I dont think you need to over think the science of working out or treat it any different than if you werent on TRT. There are a myriad of exercise plans out there. But like ard said you probably need to give yourself at least 1 rest day a week and two is probably better. U actually need rest to build muscle and recover. The only things I know of that you can do day in and day out are abs and cardio and even those should be cycled. But as far as weights, I think at least giving a day between target areas are best. When I lifted I would do chest and back on Monday and Friday. Shoulders and arms on tuesday and Thursday/Friday. I think one day off in the middle of the week was perfect. Or least do cardio on that wednesday. One thing with weight training is being smart about the amount of weight and reps. I have seen guys throw up 100lb dumb bells over and over and not gain a thing. Your better off doing lighter weight with the correct reps and move up from there.

 

[Mr P]

Quick questions for the experts.

I recently started testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and I'm feeling a little bit better everyday. I'm feeling that I need to hit each body part twice a week instead of just once, that way I don't "waste" my increase in T-Levels. I know this is mental or a placebo effect or whatever you want to call it. Before testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) I was working out three days a week, hitting each body part once, some groups more than once in a secondary role. Is there any science to this? I know we need rest to allow us to grow, however, is that rest period decreased with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)? Can I go four days a week and hit each body part twice or would this be over training?

Texkota

Like the others posted, how much rest u need depends on the person and how intense your training is... but u can look out for sings of "overtraining" like, A plateau or drop in performance, Elevated resting HR(compare it from week to week)and monitoring your elevated training HR..
Ongoing (chronic) muscle soreness, or your body "telling" u to skip workouts... however I'm not saying challaging yourself is a bad thing, and pushing yoruself is what get's u through those plateaus, but u and only u know when your over doing it..


As far as resting like we all know it is rest that makes you stronger, because it is the rest that allows the muscles that you have broken down to heal and recover..So now that your on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can u "train" harder or rest "less" the answer lies with u... Monitor your body/gains for one thing the higher test levels will improve your energy levels, motivation & strength, so I would take advantage.. make sure u keep changing your training, as our bodies are very adaptable & u want to keep your muscles challanged.

 

[Texkota]

Thanks everyone, great info I really appreciate the help. For now I'm making gains in the gym after starting testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), my best bet is to not change anything until a change is needed, plateaus, body needs rest, body is energized ready for more work, etc.

It's amazing how simple things really can be.