I’ve bulked with IF, but it’s definitely challenging. I had to eat calorie-dense foods—peanut butter, avocado, and protein shakes—to hit my numbers. It’s not for everyone, though. Sometimes eating every 3–4 hours just makes more sense.

You’re not alone, @OliviaWilson—I’m all about cottage cheese too! I mix mine with a scoop of protein powder and a little cinnamon. It turns into a dessert-like snack that’s packed with protein.

@OliviaWilson, the spicy food myth is wild! Here’s one I heard:

“Only eat green foods to detox your body.” Someone legit told me to eat just spinach, broccoli, and cucumbers for a week. I tried it for two days before I caved. Turns out, “detoxing” is nonsense—your liver and kidneys do that for you.

I’ve tried everything from PPL to bro splits, but the upper/lower split seems to work best for me. It’s easier to recover, and I’ve noticed better strength gains. I also adjust volume based on how I’m feeling—less sets if I’m feeling worn out.

Home equipment has been a game-changer for me. I’ve got a kettlebell, resistance bands, and a pull-up bar. On busy days, I just do 15-minute circuits, and it keeps me consistent.

Great advice, Ethan! Tracking progress and focusing on the “why” definitely make sense. Thanks for sharing your tips, everyone—I feel pumped to try a new challenge in 2025. Let’s crush it!

Wow, these are some inspiring stories! Ethan, that plank challenge sounds brutal but rewarding—I might give it a shot. And wilson, 100 squats a day with friends is a great idea for accountability! SteelSpartan, the 75 Hard challenge sounds next level. Two workouts a day is no joke. How did you m ...

Great advice, FlexQueen and SteelSpartan. I’ve been meaning to try collagen, so I’ll add that to my routine. Magnesium sounds like a solid option too—I’ll do some research. Appreciate all the input, everyone!

Awesome suggestions, everyone—thank you! I’ll definitely try mixing in some of these, especially the massage gun and cold showers. I’ve been slacking on my active recovery, so yoga might be a great addition.

Anyone have thoughts on recovery supplements like creatine or collagen?