+ 16 3 years - 160 to 205.
3-year progression.
The photos are roughly 6 months apart, give or take a week or two.
160-162 lbs 172-175 lbs 180-182 lbs 185-187 lbs 197-200 lbs 202-205 lbs
For nearly 5 years I fought low testosterone.
Total T was usually around 200-250 ng/dL. Free T was 6-9. SHBg was 13-15. I trained hard, ate well, slept well, and still struggled to put on meaningful muscle.
I avoided TRT for years because I didn’t want to rely on it. Looking back, I probably spent too long trying to fight biology.
Finally started TRT 3.5 years ago.
The first couple years were TRT-level doses.
The biggest difference wasn’t just the scale weight. It was finally feeling like my effort matched my results.
Looking back at the first photo, I remember thinking I was doing everything right and wondering why I wasn’t growing.
The reason I’m posting all six photos instead of just a before-and-after is because I wanted to show the progression actually happened over time. No crazy 12-week transformation. Just years of consistency and gradually adding tissue.
Now I’m sitting at 202-205 lbs and trying to decide what comes next.
If you were in my shoes, would you peel now and see what I’ve built, or keep pushing and add another 10-15 lbs before cutting?
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Nice job man… I’m guessing you always had a high metabolism. Keep up the solid work my man
Thanks bro, definitely higher than average metabolism. Always had abs as long as I can remember. But I’ve always played sports or worked out or something active. Never been a fan of the couch or the tv.
Appreciate all the support, guys. The biggest takeaway for me is that small improvements compounded over years end up looking like a huge transformation. Just keep showing up.
Great work, brother.
Personally, I’d probably push for another 10-15 lbs before cutting. Keep the surplus reasonable and make it a quality growth phase.
That said, a lot depends on your end goal and how big you ultimately want to get.
Based on what you posted and how you look, I think you still have a lot to gain from another growth phase before pulling the trigger on a cut.
Either way, you’ve done a hell of a job. The best part is that it was built over years of consistency, not a quick transformation.
Props, big bro !
Appreciate that, brother. That’s kind of where my head is at too. I’m still relatively lean, strength is climbing, and I feel like there’s probably another 10 maybe15 quality pounds in the tank before it’s worth pulling calories. The goal was never a quick transformation, just years of stacking good habits. I want to be 220-230 9-11% in a few years. Maybe break 250 by 45 years old.
Your advice and wisdom, shared with others helped me learn and look at things from a different perspective and sharpened my build over the past year. I appreciate your input!
My man is ready to hit the lake, drink a couple beers, and fuck consistently! Oh, and kill it in the gym consistently! Awesome progress brother.
Looks like you’ve always been able to keep lean and solid abs…so with that in mind, if I was in your shoes I’d probably keep going for another 10-15.
Appreciate it, man. The lake, a couple beers, and consistency might be the most underrated stack in existence. I’m leaning toward pushing another 10-15 while I’m still staying reasonably lean.
Sleep, Cardio and reasonable calorie beers are the true secret to keeping the abs pretty well. I eat 2900-3400 calories a day - Cardio vs Lifting
I would
Finally!
The grind paid off! Happy for you, bro
Thanks, brother. There were definitely times it felt like progress was moving at a snail’s pace, but looking back at old photos makes it obvious the grind was worth it.
No ragrets! But I should have started TRT sooner
what consistency gets you. Good job, bro
430am cardio, 5 am lifts 5-6 days a week. And abs every day. That’s it. And time
Looking great man, good work
100%. Consistency is boring until you compare photos a few years apart. Then all those ordinary days that seem like you’re walking backwards start adding up to some serious forward momentum
Looking good. The name Bodi matches your shorts choices haha
Appreciate it, brother. At this point those shorts have been through more growth phases than I have. I’ve had to sew them a few times. Keep ripping the waist seem on squat day.
Basically the most comfortable shorts I’ve ever had.
Looking good Bodhi! Fkn killing it
Thanks, brother. Still chasing improvements, but looking back at where I started makes me pretty damn happy with the progress. Just wish I wasn’t so stubborn about starting TRT I’m almost fkn 40!
same age here, wish i had started sooner too. Got hung up on "have to do it forever" still do some. I've considered hcg alongside to keep testes structurally ok so if i come off in 60s or whatever i'm not too much lower than i was before, but i've been shut down for almost 2 years so i'm sure that ship has sailed. Who cares tbh, barring a zombie apocalypse test will always be easy to get and pinning is nbd.
Absolutely fire transformation my guy. Sick
Appreciate that, man. Just a lot of consistency over a long period of time. Looking back is kinda surreal. It definitely pays to take photos. You know you don’t see it day to day. It gets grueling. But having the photos helps get through the plateaus.