I was never JP big, but I did walk around at 280 @ 5’8.5”, and could get to a lean 250-255.
Guys who go from transition from tons gear and being “bodybuilding huge” need to consider a few things.
1- Mental health. I have severe depression and anxiety, always have. Bodybuilding was my outlet. Had I gone from being a huge competitor to NOT, it would have been a combination of less drugs and less “stuff to do” that kick up the depression. When making the crossover back to a normal life, men need something to do, something to focus on, and a sense of identity. I was lucky to have started BJJ years before transitioning out. Also, my job is unrelated to bodybuilding. New stuff to do, and I didn’t have to constantly identify as a “that guy”. If you shrink up while still having to make your income in the industry, it’s like a heroin addict trying to stay clean while working in an OxyContin factory.
2- Time while huge. Dante often talked about set point theory. Well, he was right. I went down to 140-210mg of test for quite a while, reduced training, and did other stuff... and never broke 250. Those with average genetics may shrink faster (often because their doses were 1.5-3x what they claimed), but I sincerely believe that the body develops some sort of weight homeostasis.
3- Heart health. Nobody fucking does cardio. Take piles of expensive pills, but fuck actual cardio fitness. This isn’t going to work well in the long run for 95% of users. BJJ helped get my heart and lungs in shape. If your resting HR isn’t low without Rx assistance, and if leg day gets you winded, the years you spent big have “compounded interest” on the taxes your heart has paid while holding that size.
Jujimufu is a guy who is keeping the athletic/healthy bodybuilding thing going well. Even if he’s taking some risks with cycles, the layers of health he’s adding with diet, cardio, and athleticism are going to contribute to a longer life. He came to our BJJ school last night!