View Full Version : Not the average kid...
mjsef88
03-01-07, 11:14 am
This is my story, and feel free to comment.
My name’s Matt, I’m a freshman in college majoring in exercise physiology. I’ve been weightlifting for 4 years, and seriously bodybuilding for 1 ½. And, long story short, I got lucky and I live at home and commute to school. My friends say “what’s lucky about that? You can’t go out and party and drink all the time like us.” I say I’m lucky because I have a family that supports me (and foots my grocery bill). I’m lucky because it keeps my ass grounded. I know if I was away from home I’d be partying, just like them. I’d fall to temptation, be a half ass lifter, skip cardio, skip the right meal for some junk food. But, unlike the “normal” college kid, I can wake up at 5 am to eat eggs and oats, which would probably make the “normal” college kid throw up (probably from being hung over).
I started bodybuilding, like many guys, through weightlifting for sports. I went to a small high school and any guy played 2-4 sports a year, instead of mega-high schools where guys only play one sport and train year-round. My junior/senior year I played football and lacrosse. But after lacrosse (the spring sport) was over, I still hit the weights every day after class and all through the summer. I started to get more into it, reading everything and anything I could. I learned about proper nutrition, different techniques, and found out what worked for me. And that lead me to where I train now.
My gym is a real paradise. Its hardcore, well, the most hardcore in the area. Yeah, there are a quite a few people who piss me off there (we all know the types, so I wont go into that here), but none of them are there at 6am. There aren’t any “noise machines” (which are a real fucking joke if you ask me), or trainers dishing out stupid advice. To those of us who are there for a reason, it’s pure. Everyone respects each other, takes care of their shit, and leaves. There isn’t much small talk, except for maybe a nod or someone asking for a spot. The people that are there 5 days a week know me and have seen me train, they know I’m not just some punk 18 year old beach body lifter, unlike every other teen there.
Now, here’s why I’m here. I may be young, but I train old-school. That’s the only way I grow. High intensity, high volume, high reps, and heavy fucking weight. I’m challenging every single teen out there that’s reading this to break down the stereotype that we’re all curl addicts. We’re supposed to be the future, right? What is that saying about our sport when we are no longer the future but the animals of the past? Now, honestly I believe…fuck that…I know there are other teens out there like me. And I’m saying, step the fuck up and go the extra mile, finish that last rep, choke down that dry tuna and smile.
That’s what I have to say about that. But this thread is here for my thoughts on my last 3 weeks of my 16 week “contest” diet.
For more info on that, check it out: http://forum.animalpak.com/showthread.php?t=499
excessive endorphins
03-01-07, 11:25 am
great job bro,i have no idea who you are but i can say im proud of you.its great to see someone whose doing something with their life making something of themselves through hard work and dedication.after hs/when i get my license i plan on leaving the annoying ymca im at,truly (un)hardcore and get somewhere serious and get on a strict diet.
but all props to you bro,and best of luck with your journey
btw,as it comes to mind im sure your one of the guys who live by the motto:blood sweat tears,
example(i ripped 7 callacice off pulling off my first 405 deadlift,no gloves,screaming the whole way,then after i wrapped my hand up continuned to do mt deadlifting sets)
most people wouldve run to mommy ha
Big Rich
03-01-07, 11:45 am
great job bro,i have no idea who you are but i can say im proud of you.its great to see someone whose doing something with their life making something of themselves through hard work and dedication.
+1
Keep up the great work!
ryanlemley1
03-01-07, 12:07 pm
awesome brother. keep it up. we like to see that...young people who've been bitten by the ANIMAL
welshwarrior
03-01-07, 3:12 pm
Well said. Im a teen lifter and some of the kids my age who 'lift' are a joke. they walk around with their shakers and tight tops talking shit and are maybe 160. I swear this one guy actually thinks he is Jay Cutler.
ryanlemley1
03-01-07, 3:30 pm
drinking cell-tech..i bet
example(i ripped 7 callacice off pulling off my first 405 deadlift,no gloves,screaming the whole way,then after i wrapped my hand up continuned to do mt deadlifting sets)
most people wouldve run to mommy ha
i was pulling 315 for reps and had little to no skin on my shins. it was bloody, it wouldnt stop, it hurt like hell, but i still had 2 sets to go.
and yeah...hatebreed-live for this. picture perfect song.
"Every drop of blood,
Every bitter tear,
Every bead of sweat,
I live for this. "
No, I’m not talking about the army, or Nike, but one. Today it was cold, 33 degrees. It was raining heavy. As I drove to the gym this morning I thought about One. How little and insignificant one really is, but if you don’t respect it, it could ruin you. One degree made the difference between a shit load of snow or a wet road. One could mean making the lift, or getting crushed/injured. One extra pound of fat could make or break a competition, and one extra mile could make your skin just that much tighter.
The other night I had to go to a 3 hour class to renew my CPR certification. The paramedic that was running the class brought up how to treat a person with diabetes. “most often than not, one little change in their routine could put them in a serious medical condition. If something happens in the morning and they eat later they could potentially have low blood sugar, and pass out.”
As I was sitting in the class I thought about that. No, I’m not diabetic, but I think we are all affected by “Bodybuilding Diabetes”. Everything is so routine, everything is so mechanical for us, and one little change or slip up could fuck us over for the day. I know if I am on the go and have a shake instead of my chicken, I feel fucked up, like something isn’t right. I’m not saying I pass out, but its funny how we are who we are. Change is good, I’m not arguing that, but unexpected change is a bitch. This ever happen to you?
yesterday i was walking up to the gym doors when my partner called.
"hey man, my co-worker asked if i could cover his shift, so i cant make it today"
whatever, i had legs. my partner being there or not really didn't matter. here's the background on him. he's brand new to this game. maybe 2 weeks. he is a close friend of mine and he asked if he could train with me. i laid down some rules for him, and i gotta give it to him, he's followed them to a T, he even shows up on time to my early morning sessions. but, since he's new, i am just having him do the basic shit. i mean fuck, im 3 weeks out, and i have a few years, and a few pounds on him. but whatever, he's a great kid.
but anyways, i was doing front squats, and during a break it got me thinking. "can you cover me?" there's none of that in the gym. you can't "pick up" someone's workout for them. you can't do their shit for them. i mean, how would you react if someone at the gym came up to you and said "hey, something came up and i have to leave, can you do my shoulders for me?" you'd look at them like they were insane.
but, i tried my best to cover for my friend. i had the best leg day i've had since i started dieting out. i was going to talk to him the next time i saw him about skipping lifts, and how you gotta make sacrifices. this morning we trained arms. i asked him how work went, getting ready to talk to him. he said work was good, and that he did his time at the gym straight from work at 11pm. now, my buddy is a pure ectomorph at about 130, and a little shorter than me at 6'1'', but i know this kid has the balls and heart to be 200 shredded.
Doesn't train well with others. I really can't stand people that don't put as much effort in as me, or have the intensity that I have, because it does nothing but bring you down, bro.
I say you lay down the rules, again.
yeah man, but uh...did you read the end part. he did do his leg training after work.
your point still stands when people dont match your intensity.
Here in michigan, its spring break. the fact that there's snow on the ground means nothing.
so, my best friends are all home for the week. That means the usuial, we all go out to eat, watch movies, and just hang out. We catch up over dinner, and i think nothing of drinking a protein shake in the parking lot before we (they) go in to eat at our favorite pizza place. dont get me wrong, if it were 2 weeks from now, i'd be all over that, but buisness is buisness, right?
we were all going around the table. Everyone was telling their stories of binge drinking, sexual conquests, how they smoked X amount of pot after X amount of beers. then it came my turn. "what have you been up to man?" a thousand thoughts run through my head, how much it sucks to be dieting, how i hate cardio, how i live for every second in the gym. None of that mattered to them. so i shrug and say, "school and bodybuilding, the usuial." it got silent, some of the guys just kind of stared at me. They knew lifting was serious to me, and they began to lecture me about how "im getting too involved and i should go out and live life and party" a dark cloud started forming in my head and i swear my eyes went red. i stole a comeback from big ant, saying that a they looked like they were put together in the dark. My better friends just laughed, they knew what i do, and they dont say shit about it. They know how much it means to me. the conversation changed and everything was back to normal. its funny how college changes people, like i said, im lucky.
I'm the only kid in our weight room you'll see doing deads and barbell rows on any given day. I'd say literally 75% of the kids in there go for towel bench, box squat, and curls EVERY SESSION. The other 25% are football players going on to college ball.
darktenacity14
03-05-07, 3:26 pm
hey mjsef88, looks like im not to far from you. I live in Mt Pleasant because I go to school at CMU, but home is Macomb Mi like 30 min from Royal Oak. Yea I know that feeling of people giving you shit for eating a chicken breast and rice when they are all going out to clog their arteries with some Mcdonalds. Funny thing is that I am on probation and can't drink on the weekends which keeps me grounded and gives me no choice but to get my Zzz's and stick to my diet. Good to see a fellow animal thats cut from the same michigan cloth.
happens all the time - the world is just fucked up
I always get that thng "you dont party and drink and go out?" - My response is no you little bitches, while you chasing tails and wasting time and money Im building a dream - taking down a goal and putting up a new one. I wake up in the morning and look forward to hitting the gym, having people stare at me and wonder what the fuck im on, why Im in the gym so much and why im never big enough. It all boils down to this, you can either take the fucking hard route, or you can take the easy one. Sure I could party, not give a shit about my life and its direction and be one of those cool shits you see on MTV who all they do is talk about who they hooked up with and their stupid fucking pointless life of parties and "good times". I take that hard road, I WANT TO bust my ass to get huge, and I do. I hit the gym and take names, I make people stare and I make those same little bitches shut their mouth. Cuz when its time to show what you achieved in life, I wanna just take off my shirt and be like - this is what I've achieved - all my goals.
So dont let people get under your skin, dont let them beat you down, and never let people make fun of your dreams - hell ive had PLENTY of kids tellin me im stupid for wanting to get bigger, too young, wasting my life - but how am I wasting my life, when im achieving goals and at the same time happy as ever. Let em have their fun, and when those little bitches need help, let the weight crush em.
Thats why I lift. Its my life - its me and I know who I am, and I got some hate that fuels my hunger haha okay ALOT of hate but hate only makes me want to lift more and that same hate makes me stay as myself and never go against myself or the iron.
I agree with brewer. If you drink and party and expect to get anywhere in life you need to rethink some things. What really gets me are the kids who show up at the gym (thinking they are "hardcore") three days a week and have the nerve to sit there and talk about going out and drinking that coming night with the rest of their pussy friends who are also there. They just take up space; they are the same kids who are using the machines and weights that I could be using. I may be selfish for this but its all about "me" when I'm there.. I'm there to do one thing and one thing only..
It could be that I go to my college public gym. At home I go to golds but I do the best I can while i'm here.
In response to the first post; I live here (at school) and like it much more than being at home.. I don't have my parents to get in the way of my training.. also the gym is about 100 feet from my dorm so I can go at any hour of the morning I like.
btw: I've been training for three years and can't get enough.. My dad started me off at 15 and I blew past him just this year. He asks me for advice now. Just wanted to put something out there about myself. Take care guys..
Cr4zYH3aD
03-06-07, 8:38 pm
I'm glad to be alone and keep my mouth shut at the gym
finally i come across another person that has a mindset like me. Im 17 and lift at my schools weightroom, which i run, and everything in there is old school. just barbells, free weights and chalk. Theres always the occasional outburst given by me to the young ass-clowns in there making noise and screwing around. everyone throughout the whole damn high school and middle school knows who i am and how serious i am about lifting. they dont talk to me, and i dont talk to them. I barely take spots, i hate having the feeling of someone having to help yoiu lift weight. but if necessary, i will.......but rarely ever. They know its time to leave when i load up the barbell with 405 for my deads or squats. I cant help but stress the number of stares i get from the youngin's too. I am glad that Ive read your story and hope you enjoy me sharing mine with you. its not a complete chapter of life of bodybuilding, but its a small little peice for anyone out there who reads it. mabey ill post the whole thing later, it depends. Glad to finally see another one of me out there.
-SiSu
awesome brother. keep it up. we like to see that...young people who've been bitten by the ANIMAL
congrats on embrading the animal.....
My grandpa has been in the ICU in the hospital for the past 2 1/2 weeks. he has been intubated and heavily sedated for the past week, with no hope of recovery. As to his wishes, they are going to take him off of the tube tomorrow morning at 9am. It's his time. He got me into the game, he bought me my first bench and weights, when everyone thought i was getting too serious, he thought i wasn't serious enough. He was a bodybuilder, but he never competed. he always said that "bodybuilding is a personal sport, its a definition of yourself, for you". That was his way. as he got on in years he really took pride in me lifting. he liked to think that i was lifting for the both of us.
Today i had legs, the decision to pull the tube was made on wednesday for friday. This morning i blasted my quads to hell.
3x10 smith machine duck (wide stance) squats supersetted with close stance squats. totaling 20 reps per set.
Leg presses, 4x 12, 10, 12, 8
leg extensions 3x 10
Hack Squats, 2 tripple drop sets 10 reps each time before weights were stripped.
free front squats 2 ballbusting sets of 20, 15 reps.
Stiff leg deads 3x15
lying leg curls 2x15 supersetted with 2x10 standing leg curls.
sissy squats 3x10, first 2 with bodyweight, last one with a 45.
after i stumbled to the locker room i threw up. i dont know if it was from the workout, or from all the shit i've gone through the past week.
i'd give anything to talk to him one last time, but i already know what he'd say... "get serious, lift for the both of us". Earlier in my posts i talked about going the extra mile, now i'm going the extra two miles, one for me, one for my grandpa.
BigGuy345
03-08-07, 11:13 pm
My grandpa has been in the ICU in the hospital for the past 2 1/2 weeks. he has been intubated and heavily sedated for the past week, with no hope of recovery. As to his wishes, they are going to take him off of the tube tomorrow morning at 9am. It's his time. He got me into the game, he bought me my first bench and weights, when everyone thought i was getting too serious, he thought i wasn't serious enough. He was a bodybuilder, but he never competed. he always said that "bodybuilding is a personal sport, its a definition of yourself, for you". That was his way. as he got on in years he really took pride in me lifting. he liked to think that i was lifting for the both of us.
Sorry to hear of your loss. But it seems like you have something very special between the two of you to hold on very thightly to his memory. Keep lifting bro, your grandpa would have wanted that for you.
Ya dawg, my grandpa has cancer in his throat, lungs, and pancreas. I'm not trying to compare, but when it comes to suffering dawg, I feel horrible for both of them. Everything happends for a reason dawg, and that's why you get thrown these curveballs. Eitehr way, you never get too much shit that you can't handle.
mjsef88
03-12-07, 10:05 pm
today sitting at the funeral home i thought and pondered about so much. Socializing with family in friends i havn't seen in years. "Boy you've grown", most of them havnt seen me since i was a small child. But funerals do that, they call in everyone so they can pay their last respects.
Since my brothers and sisters of this leigon couldn't be there this is what he was.
"My grandpa was my drive. when i was in 8th grade i was at my grandparents house, and i was a fussy eater. when everyone was eating beef stew (a new favorite of mine) i was eating stoufers french bread pizza. i ran down to the fridge and got the box out. I came up and said "grandma, i can eat both of these" holding up two boxes each containing two pizzas. my grandpa swiftly lifted up my shirt and patted my gut saying "that is why you have this". it wasn't ment in a hurtful way, and i knew that. I was always tall and wide, but not the good wide, not the bodybuilder wide. after i started working out and bodybuilding people would comment. "Matt, my god, your getting big." When i finnished my first true bulk my grandma said "matt, your so muscular. your so big" my grandpa would always say "yeah, you are, but you could be bigger." when i finnished my first cutting diet everyone would say "matt, your so lean" my grandpa always said, "yeah, but you could be a little leaner." he was my rock, he kept my ass grounded. now, whenever i look in the mirror, i think to myself, man, you sure are comming along, you are getting more ripped, i think of what my grandpa would say, "yeah you are, but your still a little soft here or there". My grandpa live on, he lives on in the mirror and in my head."
schwarzi40
03-13-07, 1:32 am
My grandpa was also a very important figure in my life before he died two years ago. He was a quiet man, but he was the hardest man I have ever known. I identified with him and always aspired to be as tough as he was. I feel for you dogg - always cherish the memories of loved ones and aspire to be like the greats.
my best friend is a valet at a white collar "gym" spa type place. he talked to a manager for me (without me knowing it) and got me an interview. i mean, you gotta pay the bills. i walk in, buzzers on the doors, the famous noise siren, clean, preppy, upscale, women and men casualy doing abs or working on the stairmaster. A SMALL SNACK BAR WHERE YOU CAN BUY FUCKING DORITOS AND COKE. you hear about places like these, but you never really believe that all of it is true. well brothers, it is.
anyways i walk into the office, and the manager sits down. he looks like a cool guy, he's huge too. not the fat huge, the animal huge. im dressed in a shirt and tie, and he asks me if i work out. i explain that im bodybuilding when i diet and i powerlift when i bulk. and that im currently dieting for a show and that i train at the RO gym. he looks at me and imeadiately says "i'll bet you hate this fucking place don't you". i laugh and nod and say "its not what i think of when i hear gym". he finnishes the interview, says im a good kid, and that hed says he will call me back...
as soon as i left i went over to my gym. i thought about all of the wasted space. i looked at the guys who are a waste of space at my gym, and was thankful that they were there. because i'd rather have them than the spa i was just at. i killed my shoulders and went home with a smile on.
if i get the job, or even if i dont, i want to train there for one week. show all the pussys and wanabe lifters what this is all about. i want to go animal on them. deadlifts, squats, db presses (which suprizingly there went up to 120), push presses. everything, that one week, go all out hard and heavy. if i enlighten one kid, and get thrown out doing it, then it was all worth it.
digitalbeast
03-16-07, 11:44 am
Yo brother,
Yea I feel ya on all your points. You have some good posts. I work out at Southfield Powerhouse on 12 and evergreen and I live in Royal Oak.
The gym/spa your talking about maybe getting a job at...is it in Birmingham? I went and personal trained some girl from work and she was a member there...I got a free week pass and went there without her a few days and showed those people who was boss. People would just look at me and shake there heads in disgust as I would superset the hell out of there equipment lol.
Sorry to hear about your grandpa. I lost my best friend in April 2005, its been my motivating factor for everything in life since. Keep up the good work and reap the benefits.
Yo brother,
Yea I feel ya on all your points. You have some good posts. I work out at Southfield Powerhouse on 12 and evergreen and I live in Royal Oak.
no way man, i started out in that powerhouse. i just left a few months ago for my new gym. im sure i've trained alongside you sometime while i was still there.
digitalbeast
03-16-07, 6:19 pm
no way man, i started out in that powerhouse. i just left a few months ago for my new gym. im sure i've trained alongside you sometime while i was still there.
Nice- a few friends worked out there so I joined up. I was not impressed at first cuz the place was pretty dirty but the gym got sold to some new people and they have really made a nice place and they continue to do so.
If you ever want to come in and train a day or something that would be cool.
If you ever want to come in and train a day or something that would be cool.
that would be cool. im finnishing up the last part of my "contest" diet, so i dont wanna switch anything around now. but when i start bulking back up i'll definately PM you.
digitalbeast
03-19-07, 10:51 am
Sounds good brother- good luck!
I'm trying something new this week. My football strength coach told me about it last year, and i never gave it a second thought until now. I've always had music when i lift. But as of late, i just tune it out when i am actually under the bar. This week the ipod stays in the car, just getting me pumped on the drive to the gym. Lifting in silence. it really gives me the peace of mind to think. to find out who I am and why i am here at the gym, when 95% of the population is asking me that same exact question.
I came up with this today inbetween sets.
"Will It"...my new motto for the week. It has a double meaning that I found works both ways for me.
Will It...as in my iron will. my knowing that no matter how many plates I put on the bar, it WILL move. That feeling like I am indeed the shit. I am strong, you cannot fuck with me. Not saying that i strut around the gym, but it's more of a connection between the iron and me.
Will It...in the question form. Will it move? Will the pain be there again? Will I lose the chicken i just forced down? Will the weight win? Will i tear something? Will I get up next morning at 5am for cardio?
both ways keep me in check. on one hand i am high on a pedistal, but then the doubt sets in. then when the doubt comes in the iron will says "fuck that, move that shit".
This is what keeps me in a (near)perfect balance.
Must feel good man, glorify in it while it's there. Let your time shine.
so i got that question today. what are you on?! my ex-girl was in town today. we went out for some coffee and caught up. she knows i'd never think of using, but its always nice to get that question. looking like i am on steroids without using them.
i havn't talked to her in a good 3 months. i saw her a few weeks ago. she came to my grandpa's funeral wake. that was nice of her. we were a wierd relationship. we were great together, and the only reason we broke up (actually she dumped me) was because she went up to school. i stayed home. it wouldnt of worked.
she was asking me all these questions about school (she's a double major in kin. and nutrition, so were in similar feilds.) then she got personal. "you got a girlfriend? you seeing anyone? what else are you doing besides school and lifting?" i told her how i've basically become determined on my one goal. to be a big bad motherfucka. she say's i've become obsessed. thanks to the forvm i threw out the quote "obsessed is just the lazy man's term for determined". she kinda smiled. she told me i HAD to go up to state to party next weekend. don't get me wrong, i'm not the average kid, but if im bulking up i go out and party, have a couple. but when im dieting down, for a contest or just because, it's 100% buisness. i inform her im dieting, she gives me a look, and we changed the subject.
on my ride home i thought about everything. was i a hypocrite for drinking when i bulking, and i know hangovers won't come into effect because i dont lift saturday or sunday? was it alright to know i smash the weights monday-friday early morning, then go drive 2 hours and drink that night? i look at my family, no one is an alcoholic, well, no one in my family thinks anyone in my family is an alcoholic. its just that we drink. weddings, funerals (like my grandpa's), family reunions. its just what happens in our faimly.
then i thought about what Schak, "go out, have a beer, try and get laid. its a good destressor."
so that concluded my thought. i may go out and party once every 2 months when bulking, but that beats out the guys that go out and party 4 times a week, every week.
im no hypocrite.
AU_Lifter
03-29-07, 11:46 pm
I know that im not near as strict with everything that I should be doing but i know that im making litttle steps towards th inevitable....Animal. Keep on pushing the weights, and remember that it may get tough at times but it will pay off in the end if you stick to it.
mjsef88
04-07-07, 10:14 am
We all know Machines "Chains that hold us". i took that shit to heart. here are MY chains that hold ME down.
around my neck i have 3 dog tags and a key. its such a simple fashion statement to many, but it means so much more to me. and it's never not around my neck, its always a constant reminder.
The first 2 tags on the same chain say "STRENGTH" and "HONOR". these chains bound me to never break that code.
The third tag was my grandfathers tag from WWII. it was given to me after his passing. like i said in an earlier post, one rep for me, one rep for grandpa. its a form of contract that i wear around my neck. if i pussy out, then that means my grandpa pussies out, FUCK THAT.
the last thing is a key. its the key to my lock on my locker. yes, it serves its function, but its also where i lock up my ego. my time in the gym is just that. MY TIME. if a guy pulls 500 deadlifting, then good for him, if a guy gives me shit, then good for him, i dont fucking care.
its funny how we all have our chains to hold us down. mine keep me in reality.
so i havnt had time to write in this lately. i just finnished up school for the semester, it was tough, but i still managed to get a 3.5 gpa and not miss one workout.
I got bored today after i got home from gym. So i decided to look through some of the older Animalpak articles. You know, the ones in the livin' section on pages 12-14. i re-read Intensity or Insanity and other great pieces of literature. i was just about ready to get back in my car and train again, but rest is the key, right?
anyways, one thing stuck out to me.
"Listen, we are not normal people. We do and think things that most individuals just don't understand. Getting excited to go to the gym is not a normal thing. But when you get bit by the bug, it is. You know that each day you train is a step closer to immortality" -Schak, the Epidemic
thats what im living. my training partner and i are the only ones out of our "circle of friends" that understands what we do. yeah, a couple of my boys work out, to keep up apperiences, but they cant touch us with a 10 foot pole, intensity wise, weight wise, dedication wise. some guys and girls say they feel bad and wish i could go experience life (e.g. drinking, eating "normal" food, and partying until i cant party anymore). Im fucking dieting, get that shit out of my face. yeah, there's a time and place for it all, and in moderation (and on a bulk) its all good, but not now. not now. Because im not "normal people", i get excited to go to the gym, to push myself over the edge, to only pick myself up and do it all over again the next day. thats why every day i get one step closer to immortality.
aight man, i feel you.....it is good to know there are some college guys out there who care like us.....only 19 its just the beggining for us. keep training hard man. peace
matt
So as you know, Vinny put up the article about boxing (http://forum.animalpak.com/showthrea...ghlight=Vinny). I offered to write out my workouts through PM's, i got too many of them, so i figured i would post them here. The same club i boxed for also had a MMA branch that i switched over to. i have 1 year of boxing and 8 months of mixed martial arts under my belt. Due to my two clubs legal troubles i won't post where/who/when i fought, only that my boxing record was 7 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw, and 4 KO's. I never officially stepped in the MMA ring, but would have loved to had the chance. I put in my manditory 8 months of training (club rules) and the orginization shut down, so i havn't done anything outside of sparring for them.
These ain't for the weak.
BOXING
Warm up- stretching, 1 mile jog, 10x50yrd. sprints
Mon- Heavy bag, 1 hour on stationary bike, speed bag
Tues- Sparring
Wed- Power Training 1 - rest pause squats, power clean, hanging clean
Thurs- Footwork speed bag, heavy bag, 1 hour jog
Fri- Power Training 2- clean and press, rest pause deads and bench
Sat- Conditioning (Hills, parachutes, weighted vests)
Sun- Rest
MMA
warm up- stretching, light jog, high jumps to failure
Daily- 1 mile run, 4 mile sprint/jog (see Note 1)
Mon- Grappeling/wresteling and light punches/elbows
Tues- Submissions and light kicks/knees
Wed- heavy bag, speed bag, sumbissions against the dummy
Thurs- Power Training 1&2
Fri- Walk through grappeling, submissions, punches/elbows/kicks/knees then Sparring
Sat- Rest
Sun- heavy conditioning (45 minute runs, uphill runs, sprints)
Note 1: a 1/4 mile track, you sprint the long straight part, jog the curves
Note 2: these routines wern't set in stone, they did alternate and switch up from time to time.
So im workin a 9-5 (3:30 really) at a super ritzy private bank. I just picked it up as a summer job through a family connection. It's funny, i get the stares and glares when i walk through the doors. Young, tall, tan(ish), built, carrying in a cooler with all of my meals. I work with nice people, can't complain there, but its depressing. Most of them are middle-older age, and on the slightly heaviy-heavier side.
I don't get a paid lunch, so i take 3 10 minute "breaks" to choke down some chicken and rice or oatmeal. every day, 10:30, 12:30, 2:30. The easiest way to the bathroom is through the break room, and people see me sitting and eating through out the day. a couple of people make a couple comments "chicken again?" "my god, you actually bring a cooler?!" "man you're determined". for the most part everyone has been cool about it, and i just smile and say "yeah".
finally yesterday a guy said something to me that made me almost die on the inside. "I used to be that determined, i used to look like you do, but then i got tired of it all, chicks didnt like it." i imeadiately thought about that article on the site (i forgot who wrote it or what article its even in, but it said something to the tune of "Yeah, I used to look like you but i got tired of being that big.") Chicks didnt like it? you think im doing this for a piece of ass? i wanted to tear into the guy. After weeks of contest dieting i've been on a short fuse, and for the most part i've been keeping it in check. i took a deep breath and said "to each his own". he kind of chuckled and walked out the door.
Then it got me thinking about the older population. K1usa (no offence, i know your young at heart.), is busting his ass at his age, and even though i've never met him personally, i feel like i know him, and i know i'd be in awe of him. Then i flashed back to the gym this morning, there are 3 older gentlemen (70-80ish) who lift when i do, yeah, they don't put up much, and they spend alot of time talking to eachother, but they are there. and i respect them for that. There are two overweight guys (40ish) changing their lives, i've watched them transform over the month and a half they've been there, and im more proud of them than the powerlifter who pushed a 500 bench the other day.
it all comes down to heart. i just hope and pray that i have the determination and heart in my years to come.
sorry if that is scattered, its just the thought process that went into writing this.
Iron_Spirit
05-17-07, 3:50 am
sorry if that is scattered, its just the thought process that went into writing this.
scattered noooooo.... me no understand. Haha. Joking.
I feel you with what you just wrote there. I've been pushing it for 5 years, and I still think of doing this within 50 yrs., have we got the determination to keep pushing? Does water get you wet?
“So when do you step up on stage?”
“I don’t know, I’m not really planning on it, maybe in a while”
“Then why are you doing this to yourself now?”
Yeah, that was a conversation I had today again in the lunchroom with another co-worker. She’s a nice girl, a little too old for me, but she’s cool, she gets what’s going on. She competes in fitness and figure competitions, so she is a little wiser than the average jane when it comes to bodybuilding. She got her coffee and left the break room, and as always, I reflected.
Why am I doing this to myself, I know for at least the next 8 months I don’t plan on stepping up on stage, so why am I putting myself through a mock contest diet. I guess it’s because I want to see what its like. I want to feel and understand my thought process when I am broken down and tired. I want to rise up and look in the mirror and smile, knowing I did what no one else I associate myself with could do, but then look and see I still have miles to go.
Fuck mediocrity, fuck just “looking good for summer”, fuck just going through the motions. I know this morning I exploded through my lifts, I know I’m taking steps closer to etching in lines and striations that I’ve never seen before. Everyone calls themselves animals, but really, how animal are you? Think about that the next time you decide to take a break, cheat on a diet, and skip a set or rep.
Respect and love to all.
Preston
05-19-07, 12:10 am
so i got that question today. what are you on?! my ex-girl was in town today. we went out for some coffee and caught up. she knows i'd never think of using, but its always nice to get that question. looking like i am on steroids without using them.
i havn't talked to her in a good 3 months. i saw her a few weeks ago. she came to my grandpa's funeral wake. that was nice of her. we were a wierd relationship. we were great together, and the only reason we broke up (actually she dumped me) was because she went up to school. i stayed home. it wouldnt of worked.
she was asking me all these questions about school (she's a double major in kin. and nutrition, so were in similar feilds.) then she got personal. "you got a girlfriend? you seeing anyone? what else are you doing besides school and lifting?" i told her how i've basically become determined on my one goal. to be a big bad motherfucka. she say's i've become obsessed. thanks to the forvm i threw out the quote "obsessed is just the lazy man's term for determined". she kinda smiled. she told me i HAD to go up to state to party next weekend. don't get me wrong, i'm not the average kid, but if im bulking up i go out and party, have a couple. but when im dieting down, for a contest or just because, it's 100% buisness. i inform her im dieting, she gives me a look, and we changed the subject.
on my ride home i thought about everything. was i a hypocrite for drinking when i bulking, and i know hangovers won't come into effect because i dont lift saturday or sunday? was it alright to know i smash the weights monday-friday early morning, then go drive 2 hours and drink that night? i look at my family, no one is an alcoholic, well, no one in my family thinks anyone in my family is an alcoholic. its just that we drink. weddings, funerals (like my grandpa's), family reunions. its just what happens in our faimly.
then i thought about what Schak, "go out, have a beer, try and get laid. its a good destressor."
so that concluded my thought. i may go out and party once every 2 months when bulking, but that beats out the guys that go out and party 4 times a week, every week.
im no hypocrite.
Ooooooo I envy you sir, I envy you. lol
-Preston[ANIMAL]
Preston
05-19-07, 12:13 am
“So when do you step up on stage?”
“I don’t know, I’m not really planning on it, maybe in a while”
“Then why are you doing this to yourself now?”
Yeah, that was a conversation I had today again in the lunchroom with another co-worker. She’s a nice girl, a little too old for me, but she’s cool, she gets what’s going on. She competes in fitness and figure competitions, so she is a little wiser than the average jane when it comes to bodybuilding. She got her coffee and left the break room, and as always, I reflected.
Why am I doing this to myself, I know for at least the next 8 months I don’t plan on stepping up on stage, so why am I putting myself through a mock contest diet. I guess it’s because I want to see what its like. I want to feel and understand my thought process when I am broken down and tired. I want to rise up and look in the mirror and smile, knowing I did what no one else I associate myself with could do, but then look and see I still have miles to go.
Fuck mediocrity, fuck just “looking good for summer”, fuck just going through the motions. I know this morning I exploded through my lifts, I know I’m taking steps closer to etching in lines and striations that I’ve never seen before. Everyone calls themselves animals, but really, how animal are you? Think about that the next time you decide to take a break, cheat on a diet, and skip a set or rep.
Respect and love to all.
You've got this game down bro, that's for sure...keep your head straight bro and I can tell that you're destined for all sorts of greatness.
-Preston[ANIMAL]
Energy is at an all time low. I’m going off an extremely high carb day (yesterday) to a 0 carb day today. My workout wasn’t affected much, because I don’t usually eat my carbs first thing in the morning anyways, so my deadlifts went up like normal. Sitting in this cubicle is mind numbing though. From time to time I minimize the screen. Some people have a beach that looks like paradise; my picture is one from animalpak.com, just a picture of a hardcore gym, weights all around. Yeah, that’s my paradise. At the time of writing this, I have been up for 6 hours; most of the world has only been up for 3-4. Do those two hours separate me from the white collars I work with? Does working in this place make me a white collar? Has my old blue been bleached in the wash next to my boss’ 300 dollar shirt? No, it hasn’t, because just like Animal, being blue collar is also a state of mind. I don’t get a ped icure weekly; I don’t roll up in a Porsche. I get paid alright for an intern, but I do the grunt work. I put in my time at the gym, then the office, then on the treadmill. Cardio, fuck, I still have that today. Here comes the boss with another stack of papers with my name on it, beautiful.
excessive endorphins
05-23-07, 9:26 am
wel brother,life gets the best of us at times.all we can do is work hard,and believe me your not alone with the hours thing. i was up at 5,walk 2 miles to my gym wait till 6 when it opens,lift for a hour shower then walk 5 blocks to school.
ur not alone,hope thats reassuring to you
Sitting there drenched in sweat shit kept racing through my head. “Does she like me? Do I like her? Fuck it; I’m done with that heartache. I’ve moved on.” I kept telling myself as I pushed through another set of standing shoulder presses. If you can’t tell, I saw my old girl last night, she’s still a knockout. We haven’t talked much since the split, but we’ve still remained friends. It was awkward for a while, but time heals everything. Last night we actually talked, and not just about the trivial bullshit of our day to day lives, I mean really talked. She says she misses me, I say I’ve missed her. She wants to get back together but she won’t come out and say it, hell, maybe it’s me that just won’t step up and say anything. She says she’s gonna be gone all of June on vacation in Europe, and then in late August she’ll be gone again ba ck to school. Its funny, she always supported my lifting, and everyone around here says if you find one like that, you should never let her go. Since her I’ve blown through 3 relationships, 1 that could have gone somewhere but died because she couldn’t handle my commitment and 2 that were just flings. What do I do? What do I say? We’re both in the same tight circle of friends, and they both tell us to move on. For the time being I go back to my original thought, fuck it. I’m in the gym, it’s my time, this rest between the set has gone on long enough anyways. It’s time for laterals. After my workout I went into the locker room, 2 missed calls from her. What’s she doing up at 6:02 in the morning?
excessive endorphins
05-23-07, 9:44 pm
at 6am shes missing you bro
So I’m breaking these stories into three separate posts, even though they are connected, they are that far apart that it wouldn’t make much sense to make one long story with a drastic turn.
It’s no secret that I bodybuild. People who know me well, somewhat know, and people I just meet. I mean, not to be arrogant, but you see a 200 shredded guy and just kind of make assumptions. My friends know this fact more than anyone else, because they put up with me going home at 9-10 pm to go sleep, because I’ve been up since 5am. All year I’ve been getting shit from them, “let’s go party! You’re leaving THIS early? You’re eating THAT shit again…have some pizza. And the one that sets me off… “MAN UP and drink with us.” Man up?! Why don’t you man up and train Back with me at 6am. A lot of argument happened on this board about who is animal and why. How you can’t “Choose” this life. I say if you can choose to go out partying and drinking and eating like shit, then you can CHOOSE to be animal. I’m not saying im on the caliber of any of the pros or writers on the website, but I try and be an animal none the less. Back to the story…These guys and girls are my family. Everyone in my “group” has been there for at least 5 years and I love them all to death. Now that it’s the season where guys walk around shirtless my group is coming up to me for advice. “Hey man can I workout with you? Can you give me a chest and bi routine? How can I lose 20 pounds and get shredded…but I only have a month and a half.” This isn’t a rant; it’s just venting a little. The shit I go through day in and day out. Don’t get me wrong, these guys do keep me in check at times, even though they may not know it. “Hey man, you can’t eat that, its not what you usually eat 29 times a day. Hey Matt, I thought you would have huge shoulders, you may wanna hit them up more (sarcastically).” This all leads to judgment.
Judgment, no matter how balanced you may be, no matter how liberal you think you are, you’ll still pass judgment. It’s just human nature. Like I said in the post above, it’s the time of year when layers of clothing get stripped off, and most of the body is exposed. I know that this year I’ve made huge accomplishments in my physique, but that’s not what I’m getting at. I know that when my crew and I go to the Beach/Waterpark/Camping/BBQ, when I’m shirtless or in a swimsuit, I will be judged. It doesn’t matter what my bodyfat percentage is, it won’t be lean enough. I walk a path that’s lonely, it’s almost expected of me to look perfect in my friends eyes. I could stand side by side with any guy I hang out with, and I will get more criticism than them, because they don’t work out, and I do. I’m supposed to look like Markus Ruhl or Arnie. It is humbling though. And it also puts a smirk on my face, because I know to take criticism with a certain stride. How will you take the judgment, even when it’s from someone you don’t know?
It’s around the boards, I got started, like so many other guys, because of sports and being overweight as a kid. I wasn’t obese, but I wasn’t skinny. I did, however, carry more fat than muscle. I played basketball (2nd string center) and baseball (starting catcher) in highschool for two years. After seeing me on the field a football coach approached me. Derek (I was one of the privileged who was allowed to call him by his first name) got me on the summer strength program for football. Later that summer I noticed change, and I signed up for the team. It was my first time playing ball outside of pick up with the guys. I was clumsy and uncoordinated on the line. I was a junior on JV, with 2 of the guys from my group who decided to play with me. I did have the time of my life, and I didn’t feel bad about being a junior on JV, I played the entire game, and more importantly, learned the game. Derek was the varsity linebacker and strength coach. He still worked with me in the weightroom after practice every day in the fall, and through the summer. The strength program was put on hiatus during the winter senior year, because every football player either did wrestling, basketball, or indoor soccer or lacrosse in the winter, except me. Derek got me powerlifting. And in the spring, during the inbetween period of winter sports ending and spring/summer sports beginning, the school weight room started to fill up. Athletes wanted to polish off their guns for the girlies. Then our coaches had enough and got us on a new strength routine. Not me, I didn’t lift with the rest of the team. Derek and I lifted at 6am every day during the school year and all through summer. While guys were box squatting I was going ass to grass with double their weight. When they were running I was Olympic lifting, deadlifting, benching, shoulder pressing. He was determined to crush us both, together. Our team went on to the playoffs, we played in the prep bowl at Ford Field, and we lost. The season was over but Derek and I weren’t. even though football was over. Through the winter and fall of my senior year we still lifted. He got me into actual bodybuilding. He taught me what worked and why. He showed me how to test the waters, how to see what works for me, and he instilled a passion that will follow me hopefully for the rest of my life. Yeah I got started because of sports, but I continued because of Derek.
School, work, lifting, family and friends. So much going on that I havn't had time to post. I've been lurking in the shadows for months. It feels good to sit and write. I finnished up my mock contest diet, I was happy with my results. I got down to 5-6% bodyfat. I got measured by a Trainer at my school that i'm buddies with, so i know it was legit. I weighed in at 179. after that 16 week peroid i was drained. I knew to expect it, but no words can describe what my mind went through. Keto diet, just chicken, protien powder, salad, almonds and natty pb. but at the flip of a coin words cant describe how i looked and how i felt for sticking to it.
fast forward to now...about 5 months later. Growth. thats whats up. I wrote down notes when i was all cut up. my plan for the fall/winter. here's the plan, along with the split. Right now i'm tipping the scales at 215, carrying a bit of bodyfat. Thats the thing tho. Its snowing. Hoodies, track jackets, sweatshirts, doesnt matter. Time to bundle up, time to gain that winter fat. my friends still get a kick about me losing weight, then ballooning back up. They come to me for advice on how to get big. I tell them they can't be afraid to get fat. "fat? the girls dont like that". hahaha. whatever. get out of my way.
monday: shoulders- hands down the area that needs the most improvement. big and thick. heavy laterals and presses. gotta keep in mind previous injuries from highschool sports. gotta train smart. traps will be built with heavy barbell shrugs and wide grip upright rows.
tuesday: back- lats, lats, lats. My back is thick, but not as wide. i need that cobra head. heavy rows, pulldowns, and unconventional lifts will be the key for this one. One thing i noticed when cut was my abs and sides were drawn in as far as possible, but the V wasn't there. This means lat work.
wednesday: chest- easily my strongest part. genetics threw me a bone with having a big strong chest. but hey, there's always room for improvement. Upper pecs, thats where its at. Heavy inclines and flys.
thursday: legs- puke day. I need to bring up my hams and quad sweep. nothing to be said here except heavy, deep, movements and hard work. gotta pay my dues.
friday: arms- just size. im bringing it back to basics, just dumbells and barbells. barbell curls, hammer curls, dumbell curls. thats it for bi's. short, heavy and sweet. close grip benching, skulls, and dips to add thickness for tri's.
throw in calves, abs, and reverse hypers for lower back, and thats all she wrote.
like i've said earlier, for me to grow i need to powerlift. reps go from 10-6, 8-4, or when i have a trusted spotter 4-1.
nutrition: Ha, eat, eat, eat. force feed. doesn't matter. keep it relatively healthy, but if i want something i wont hesitate to devour it. I'm also taking a page from the Lad, having a bowl of creamy chocolate ice cream at night before bed.
Supplements: K.I.S.S. just a solid powder. a during workout drink (similar to BigAnt's), and every so often Universal's Sterol Complex. Love that stuff. later on Pump will be thrown in the mix (after payday.)
Moose 13
12-03-07, 6:27 pm
well said brother..
I'm 20 years old and sometimes find myself looking down on my dumbass friends...but you get what you put in.
Old school is the only way to be...Arnold is near godlyness
Keep it up.
well said brother..
I'm 20 years old and sometimes find myself looking down on my dumbass friends...but you get what you put in.
Old school is the only way to be...Arnold is near godlyness
Keep it up.
yeah man. thanks for reading. your numbers in your sig sound sick. keep lifting heavy bro.
lifterkid17
12-03-07, 11:47 pm
hey man thats pretty sweet that you dont party and focus hard on your goals... i am jus tlike you, a freshman and i live at home to,which is nice cause it keeps me out of trouble.. so yeah its nice to meet someone on here with the same lifestyle.. so keep up the good work!!
RogueLion
12-04-07, 12:00 am
Whats good bro, I'm 20 as well, I work fulltime, go to college fulltime, and lift fulltime. I got a girl who supports me. Keep doing what your doing, don't care about those around you, people will always be negative to things they don't understand or to those they are jealous of. I played college ball for 2 years before I transferred out, I was one of the biggest strongest kids on my team and still got shit. People are jealous my man, they want our bodies, an animal body, without the sweat, the work, the bleeding hands, the choking down of food seven fuckin times a day.
By no means do I have an animal body, I'm only beginning my journey, but I know I'm strong as a fuckin lion, I got the heart of a fuckin lion, and the soul of an animal. I was made for a different time. Keep rockin!!!
Ok, its time to set the record straight. I love this company, I love this brand, I love this lifestyle. I think Universal is a one in an million company and this does not mean any disrespect twards them (so admins. dont chop off my head). But I have noticed more and more that some members of this place have turned into animals alright, sheep.
I read posts and more and more i hear..."i dont drink, dont smoke, lift like an animal, i go out when my friends drag me, but im unhappy, i have a disdain for those who choose to drink."
Now, lets break that sentence down. and brothers, there is way more to life than just the iron. I'm not saying that it isnt important, that it isnt part of our identities, but man. just take a fucking second to look at it from an unrelated third party.
1.) you put your body, (what you train, take care of, everything else) as number one. nothing too damaging going in there. I believe it was in Schak the Philosopher, "go out, have a beer, try and get laid. Its a good destressor." ... A beer, not 12. keep that in mind for later on in this post.
2.) you lift like an animal. so what. it's even in our general rules boys. so what if you train balls out, and Joe Suit next to you decided he may just even break a sweat today. to each his own.
3.) "you have friend that drag you out to parties." like i said, there is more to life than just the iron. listen to that..."you have friends that drag you out to parties" your boys know your situation, and they still include you. and what, you pay them back with a scowel on your face for the rest of the night. Im not saying get shitfaced, and if your dieting, you have every right in the world for that scowel. but ... just maybe... if your bulking up, that one beer that Schak was talking about might not hurt.
this doesn't apply to everyone, but read it. re-think yourself. be happy that you are here, and not in poverty. be happy that you have a gym at all.
excessive endorphins
12-04-07, 11:08 am
i read your last few posts brother,though i do not bodybuild nor plan on competing (bodybuilding) you have my utmost respect.Youve thrown around a lot of wise words on this forvm,youve shared your life experiences and just things you go through on a daily basis.Keep up the great work man,like some one else said "you get out what you out in" but im sure you know this by know.To see someone else near my age,and dedicated (in wht they do) is relieving,a true animal you are bro.
with all respect,excessive
I took this week off from the gym. need a break. being 19 you figure you can go forever. no need for breaks, no time for rest. that was my mentality for a long time. HO-ly shit gentelmen (and women)... rest is beautiful.
Since the start of the semeseter i've been training at 5:30am. Thats the only time it's really fit into my 18 credit schedule, plus friday-work day (8am-5pm). getting up with the sun was tough. I make the time to hang with friends on the weekends and about once a month head up to Michigan State to see my best friend, fuck that, brother...of 15 years. People ask me all the time why i dont shut down. They complain about getting up at 10am for class, and can't even fathom how i get up 5 hours earlier. Tired? shit. i dont have time to be tired.
5am the alarm goes off, down a cup of coffee and something small, and apple or banana, anything larger would come right back up. 5 15am im out the door. Shit, these things were timed down to a science. 12 minute drive to the gym. I knew which lights would turn red, yellow, and green according to what time it was. Funny thing, If i missed one, i'd get caught at every light on the ride. Lifting is quick, heavy and just enough. then after i reach that point i push further. 45 minutes-90 minutes. Depends on if im squatting/deadlifting/maxing/whatever. get home, shake down the hatch. shit, shower, shave, 8-10 eggwhites, with a few yolks thrown in for good measure. class. 3 hours. get home, 1/2-3/4 lb. of beef. gather up my stuff. Down another shake. Walk out the door. Class. get home 3 hours later. 1/2-3/4 lb of beef. study/write paper/write speach/ eat again. 9pm hit the sack. watch tv, try and regain that "normal" feeling in whatever bodypart i trained that day. Lay there and stare up at the ceiling, remind myself that im fortunate enough to have it over my head. Gotta sleep, tomorrow i get the oppertunity to do it all over again.
RogueLion
12-05-07, 7:00 pm
That some inspirational shit my man... Life is fuckin busy. We do this to ourselves though, punish ourselves though. I was talking to a guy at the gym the other day. He asked me how I was, I says tired, I had a class at 7:00 Am and straight through until 9:00 Pm. So here I am at the gym, 9 at night after being up for 14 hours, which ain't nothin compared to some of you guys. So I says I'm tired but who cares, I make myself do this, I force myself to eat, somepeople don't eat 12 eggs in a month let alone a day, some people don't have the bodies to lift weight, SUCH AN EXUBERANT DISPLAY OF ENERGY! Some people don't have it... take nothin for granted boys...
[QUOTE=RogueLion;234468] somepeople don't eat 12 eggs in a month let alone a dayQUOTE]
True stuff man. For about a month when i'd go grocery shopping (2-3 times a week) at my local mom&pops grocery store/butcher. i'd get looks from all the cashiers. Now im not one to compain, the are all lookers, until one day a girl asked me "Do you cater or something?" i said "sweetheart, thats 2, maybe 2 1/2 days of food for me". Now when i walk in the butcher doesn't even ask anymore, he just gets it ready.
Shit, like i said earlier, rest is a beautiful thing. Hit the gym today, shoulders and traps. Been itchin to get back in the gym. And, like so many other iron warriors, something special happened to me today. Pure and utter demolition. One week off, i figured i'd go in light for the first few sets, get the grove back. after warm ups presses on the smith i moved over to the dumb bells. i figure 25lbs for 12-15 reps. around rep 8 i looked in the mirror. 25lbs? what the fuck was i doing. This is my growth season, and I wont get anywhere with 25's. I stop at 10, move up weight. 4 sets later i move on to presses. Kept my numbers where they were when i took the time off. everything, every lift was like that. just pushing and pushing. and thats when it happened. my experience. I found my envelope. I found my breaking point. After I racked the bar doing standing military presses i nearly passed out. But i wasn't finnished, i still needed to hit up rear delts and traps. fast forward to traps, next thing i know im shrugging 315 without straps. I slam on another plate on each side. 405, the most i've ever tried, 7 solid reps, no belt, no chalk, no straps, nothing. felt good. For the past 2 training weeks i've had on and off days. I felt like i was going through the motions, well, that week off was just what the doctor ordered.
Now, I know enough that my numbers can't compair to some guys. but thats when the second realization hit. MY numbers, pushing MY envelope. thats all that matters. if Lifter A is squatting 95lbs and giving his all, and lifter B is doing 225, not even putting in effort, then you tell me, who would you rather train with?
Detroit animals, this saturday we set out to train legs, I know first hand the enviroment we will be in, seeing as how i train there twice a week. It's a standard powerhouse, kind of frilly because of the city its in. But,....at the very same time there are the cats in there making it a hardcore place. Yeah, there are soccer moms, pieces of ass, the elderly, the wanabes, the joe 6 packs, the bench freaks, mr "curls in the squat rack" (good luck saturday buddy), but there are also the beasts. I give this warning to those coming out on saturday, don't judge a book by its cover.
I know saturday i'll be pushing my limit. Maybe someone will beat my weight, maybe they wont. I don't fucking care, as long as im kicking the crap out of my self, and helping modivate a local brother do the same to himself, then i'll be fine.
im stunned. I'm still speachless. I'm still sore. I learned a great deal of information from the guys that showed up at the gathering. Last night I went to Outback Steakhouse with one of my buddies, I got there about 8 minutes before he did, so i just sat in my car. He pulled up next to me, and i got out. As soon as I stood up my face when pale. He asked what was wrong.
Shit, that was all i could think.
my left leg cramped up. bad. The worst I've ever experienced. I couldn't put pressure on it, I couldnt stretch it. I told him to go inside and get a table, i'd be in as soon as I could.
3 minutes later, I'm still out there, not able to move. I'm trying to softly flex and get some blood pumping.
2 more minutes go by, Ah, some feeling. I can put some pressure down. I'm going somewhere
about another 4 minutes go by. I can hobble. Thats good, I had about 50 feet to walk. every step felt better. It hurt. but it felt better.
I get to the door. find my buddy and sit down. He wanted to know what the hell happened. I told him about the day. As i sit here and type, My legs are still fucking sore. I can't wait for the next ABC meeting.
It’s a new year. I’m sick of toiling in mediocrity and average. This year I’ve talked a lot about judgment, well, now it’s time to step up. I have roughly 7 more weeks of training, then a one week vacation to visit family, then it’s down to business. I start dieting March 3rd. 16 weeks of hell, blood, sweat and cardio.
As it’s been said on here, I live at home, and school starts back up on the 7th of this month. My boys will be away partying, drinking, fucking, what have you. Two of my boys are still local, so there is still social interaction on the weekends, but Monday-Friday nobody, including me, gives a fuck if I go to bed at 8pm. Why am I going to bed so early, 5 am lifting is a motherfucker. Then in march its 5 am cardio, school, gym, and more cardio. Add on a heaping pile of no carbs and that’s a mix to see who can rise above and be something.
New years resolutions, some people have them, some don’t. I just have plans. Plans to make myself something new. Something badass. A few posts ago I talked about judgment, and how, compared to my friends, I am judged harder, even if all of my boys have beer bellies. My PLANS, ontop of competing, are to wipe away any shreds of judgment from my friends. At the beach, parks, or just walking around, I will be huge, I will be shredded, I will be Animal.
I’m gonna be bigger and badder in 08. Who’se gonna walk with me?
under7he13lood
01-05-08, 9:07 pm
2008 will be a great year. I am on the same mission as you, kicking my own ass 5 days a week. I must admit i'm a little bummed on the off days, except when I can't walk after doing legs. Then it's a blessing.
Keep up the good work. And remember, in a few years when our friends our out of college and overweight, we'll be the animals of envy.
God Bless
-Sam
Renji007
01-05-08, 9:57 pm
I'll walk with you man. I've had the same shit forever. People always ask me why I eat what I eat and why I don't go out to do stupid shit like drink at a party, or just have that "One bag" of chips or cookies. Hell, even my own mom says that I'm Obsessed. But every time it just comes down to me explaining that I don't do any of those things, and that I'm not obsessed because I simply have a big goal that I want to accomplish and that one simple bag, can mean the difference between me and what I want to be become.
But in the end no one will listen, and I will still seem like a freak to them because I am different, because I am trying to make myself into a work of art, into something that I can become proud of and that I can live within without complaint. Yet I still laugh as I hear people say "wow man, your arms are gross" when they see my veins, because I know that those words will one day become worthless and will have changed into words of envy and awe when my masterpiece is sen by every eye that ever doubted that it would ever become reality.
So everyday of this new year....This new era, I will walk along with my Animal brothers and sisters in the knowledge that everyday, every step, and every ounce of pain, sweat, sacrifice, and tears shall become one more blow and one more chisel in my mission against the mediocrities and ignorances that this world has created for itself.
Testpolska
01-05-08, 10:55 pm
It’s a new year. I’m sick of toiling in mediocrity and average. This year I’ve talked a lot about judgment, well, now it’s time to step up. I have roughly 7 more weeks of training, then a one week vacation to visit family, then it’s down to business. I start dieting March 3rd. 16 weeks of hell, blood, sweat and cardio.
As it’s been said on here, I live at home, and school starts back up on the 7th of this month. My boys will be away partying, drinking, fucking, what have you. Two of my boys are still local, so there is still social interaction on the weekends, but Monday-Friday nobody, including me, gives a fuck if I go to bed at 8pm. Why am I going to bed so early, 5 am lifting is a motherfucker. Then in march its 5 am cardio, school, gym, and more cardio. Add on a heaping pile of no carbs and that’s a mix to see who can rise above and be something.
New years resolutions, some people have them, some don’t. I just have plans. Plans to make myself something new. Something badass. A few posts ago I talked about judgment, and how, compared to my friends, I am judged harder, even if all of my boys have beer bellies. My PLANS, ontop of competing, are to wipe away any shreds of judgment from my friends. At the beach, parks, or just walking around, I will be huge, I will be shredded, I will be Animal.
I’m gonna be bigger and badder in 08. Who’se gonna walk with me?
True that bro. People make these new years resolutions...just so they can break them. We are on our journeys 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a fucking year. No breaks, no quit, no reward from others.
Good luck on the diet bro, if its your first one and you stick with it, You'll learn something about yourself on an even deeper level man. Trust me, its cardio at 4.30 when the world is still sleeping you really get to think and know yourself. Its an experiance I look forward to every time I have to diet down. Enjoy it bro.
Good luck on the diet bro, if its your first one and you stick with it, You'll learn something about yourself on an even deeper level man. Trust me, its cardio at 4.30 when the world is still sleeping you really get to think and know yourself. Its an experiance I look forward to every time I have to diet down. Enjoy it bro.
i've been through a mock 16 week diet last year. I didn't want to think about doing a show without knowing how my body works before hand. I finnished out ready to step on stage (although not as tan) at a professionally measured 4% bodyfat. I don't want any suprizes this time around with carbs and water and salts. I know this isn't an exact science, but now i have a better idea.
I am still not 100% sure if I will step up on stage, but i AM 100% sure i start dieting march 2nd.
Yes, i have a great deal of respect for those who step up on stage, but I also think that there is beauty in doing a show diet, putting your body and mind through that, only to prove something to yourself and not to a crowd. It takes an insane motherfucker to do that. especially at this age with all of the temptations that friends bring along (alcohol, drugs, "normal" food, late nights, etc.)
Let me start off by saying that these next thoughts are scattered at best. But this is the way my thoughts are being collected right now. The theme of this piece is Looking Back.
The Author’s name and exact quote escapes me now, but something along the lines of “We must look back to see who we WERE, before we look front to see who we ARE”
Looking back I’ve seen many things. These experiences have made me wise beyond my years. They’ve forced me to grow up in a time where I am supposed to act dumb and make mistakes. I’ve watched close friends struggle with addictions and rehab, I’ve watched loved ones pass, and I’ve watched my boys, my brothers, drift into their schooling and careers, their focus. These events have made me man up, and make wise choices, but also police my friends to make sure they make wise choices as well. I’ve had to watch over my family, my Grandmother, and take care of her when others are out of state. I’ve made my decision for my life to work towards Medical School.
This past year has been hard emotionally as well. My ex-girl has been around to visit. The real reason she decided to dump me (we were both 18 at the time) was because she didn’t want a long distance relationship. A month and a half later it turns out she’s dating a 24 year old guy, living in his parents basement, with no job, no car, no degree/not going to school. Who lives 0.5 miles from my house. Great. I’m one to try to remain humble, but come on. Then I started to go deep into my thoughts. What was wrong with me? What did I not do? I always treated her like a queen. This prompted me to sign up for a Psychology class. It is pretty standard class for any degree anywhere, so I decided to get it taken care of. Due to a clerical error, the class was overbooked. So the professor, a Psychologist, called up every student registered, he explained the situation, and offered two choices. Move into the auditorium, have everyone be taught there, or, split the class in two. The second class would be 12 weeks, instead of the usual 16, it would be an hour longer, the pace would be quicker, and the material would be of Honors Psychology II, instead of just Intro to Psyche. The credit would only go towards intro to psych. I said I would split off into the second class. The class sounded interesting, and 12 weeks is better than 16. There were 8 people that decided to do this, including me. The first day of class, “Dr. O” stood up and said “We are all mentally fucked. We ALL should be required to seek help, especially you, picking a harder class for no extra credit.” The 12 weeks went by, and I found out more about myself, my mind, and the inner workings of others than I could ever imagine. Everyone in the class ended up with an A, but not through a gimme, or grade curve. It was the most informative, fun, and educational class i have taken thus far. we even got free care too. We were able to see him twice a week for a 1 hour psychology session, for extra credit, the only condition was that we had to be serious about it, make every session, and not talk about the dialogue between classmates. I found out that while I don’t have any MAJOR psychological problems (come on, we all have some), it was out of my control. My ex-Girl and I were just too different to mix.
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring break is alright, It’s when my friends/brothers/family come home. But for months on end I’m stuck alone. 2-3 people that have known me long enough and love me that I can no longer call friend, but Family. I don’t make friends easily, especially from school. Because they may be there one semester but then gone the next. The gym is there. The weight is there. I’ve decided long ago that I am in this for the long haul. So I guess I have no qualms.
”We must look back to see who we WERE, before we look front to see who we ARE” suddenly the name is coming back to me. “Dr. O”
excessive endorphins
01-08-08, 4:24 pm
Let me start off by saying that these next thoughts are scattered at best. But this is the way my thoughts are being collected right now. The theme of this piece is Looking Back.
The Author’s name and exact quote escapes me now, but something along the lines of “We must look back to see who we WERE, before we look front to see who we ARE”
Looking back I’ve seen many things. These experiences have made me wise beyond my years. They’ve forced me to grow up in a time where I am supposed to act dumb and make mistakes. I’ve watched close friends struggle with addictions and rehab, I’ve watched loved ones pass, and I’ve watched my boys, my brothers, drift into their schooling and careers, their focus. These events have made me man up, and make wise choices, but also police my friends to make sure they make wise choices as well. I’ve had to watch over my family, my Grandmother, and take care of her when others are out of state. I’ve made my decision for my life to work towards Medical School.
This past year has been hard emotionally as well. My ex-girl has been around to visit. The real reason she decided to dump me (we were both 18 at the time) was because she didn’t want a long distance relationship. A month and a half later it turns out she’s dating a 24 year old guy, living in his parents basement, with no job, no car, no degree/not going to school. Who lives 0.5 miles from my house. Great. I’m one to try to remain humble, but come on. Then I started to go deep into my thoughts. What was wrong with me? What did I not do? I always treated her like a queen. This prompted me to sign up for a Psychology class. It is pretty standard class for any degree anywhere, so I decided to get it taken care of. Due to a clerical error, the class was overbooked. So the professor, a Psychologist, called up every student registered, he explained the situation, and offered two choices. Move into the auditorium, have everyone be taught there, or, split the class in two. The second class would be 12 weeks, instead of the usual 16, it would be an hour longer, the pace would be quicker, and the material would be of Honors Psychology II, instead of just Intro to Psyche. The credit would only go towards intro to psych. I said I would split off into the second class. The class sounded interesting, and 12 weeks is better than 16. There were 8 people that decided to do this, including me. The first day of class, “Dr. O” stood up and said “We are all mentally fucked. We ALL should be required to seek help, especially you, picking a harder class for no extra credit.” The 12 weeks went by, and I found out more about myself, my mind, and the inner workings of others than I could ever imagine. Everyone in the class ended up with an A, but not through a gimme, or grade curve. It was the most informative, fun, and educational class i have taken thus far. we even got free care too. We were able to see him twice a week for a 1 hour psychology session, for extra credit, the only condition was that we had to be serious about it, make every session, and not talk about the dialogue between classmates. I found out that while I don’t have any MAJOR psychological problems (come on, we all have some), it was out of my control. My ex-Girl and I were just too different to mix.
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring break is alright, It’s when my friends/brothers/family come home. But for months on end I’m stuck alone. 2-3 people that have known me long enough and love me that I can no longer call friend, but Family. I don’t make friends easily, especially from school. Because they may be there one semester but then gone the next. The gym is there. The weight is there. I’ve decided long ago that I am in this for the long haul. So I guess I have no qualms.
”We must look back to see who we WERE, before we look front to see who we ARE” suddenly the name is coming back to me. “Dr. O”
bro,your an animal,mentally just as physically,read my last post..
It seems you and i have alot in common,im 18..were both goin thru similar times,all you can do is look forward to a better tommorow
http://forum.animalpak.com/showthread.php?t=13984
Flip flop, Waif, wishy-washy. The common terms for people who can't decide. I can't decide, well, it's not that I can't decide, its becasue of something else. I like to call it the gift of 3rd person. I'm a thinker, and the whole "look at it from an outside perspective" has saved me alot of time and unnecessary shit. I like to walk in both worlds.
-I bodybuild, but i use powerlifting when im gaining weight.
-I talk about my workouts, my gains, but fail to mention the bad training days and the plateaus.
-I wouldn't mind some female company, but I dont want to put the "potential her" through this lifestyle.
-I sometimes talk about difficult times, yet fail to mention the great days, simply becasue they blur into eachother, the bad time stick out like a sore thumb.
-I sometimes think my life is "tough". yet I'm blessed with my family, who not only foot my food bill, but make sure my brother and i can get an education along with other things.
-I consider myself pretty harcore (i guess), but I, being human, sometimes fall to Teenage Antics
the list goes on and on. I try to not call myself Animal, I believe one must be called that by his fellow brothers. Yes, I know that there have been many posts/topics about the state of the Forvm, and its members "self-proclamed-im-a-badass-hardcore-animal-motherfucker-you-cant-touch-me", and I'm trying to clean up my laundry. But hey, dark, emotional posts make great literature, just ask Edgar A. Poe.
i'm not one to fly off the handle. I try and stay calm and collected. TRY. yeah, everyone has anger problems, especially a majority of those who visit these boards. I came from an athletic background that encouraged rage and just being pissed off. Football, Lacrosse, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts. Even when i assistant coached MMA, i expected my athletes to want to rip the face off of the opponent. I have since learned to harness that rage, and apply it when deemed necessary. The weights, Cardio, defending my boys, and those who do not have the means to defend themselves.
Not to steal a line from the Punisher, but it fits...
Frank Castle: Upset? Is that the word? I used to get upset. When I got a flat tire, when a plane was delayed. I used to get *upset* when the Yankees won the series. So if that's what upset means, what am I feeling now? If you know the word, tell me because I don't.
I have that feeling, the one that can't be describe. It's twards me. Looking back over the past 2 months, I've made great gains, but i've realized that more times than there should be, i've simply just moved the weight. MOVED not PUSHED. there is a difference. What is this outside factor messing up my training? It's the thing that i've strived the most to protect when I decided to commit to this. Friends. November-early January all of my buddies, friends, brothers, sisters, and random high school classmates have been a distraction. Zapping my energy. "I'm training legs today, but I want to walk around downtown tonight and not be 20 steps behind my group" "i'm training back, but i dont want to deadlift heavy because if i hurt my back i cant sit in the movie theater" "they are only in for a while, then get back to normal" was the last thing i remember when thinking about a hindered workout. After everyone went back to school and I was left alone to collect my thoughts, I got that indescribeable feeling. Needless to say the past 10 days have been intense to say the least. I have a little less than TWO months to pack on as much mass as possible before I take a week off to visit chicago. Then when i get back its DIET time. fuck. that means CARDIO time too.
I've finally gotten it all together. Time to make it stick.
Weakness
01-11-08, 9:20 pm
We belong to the same world, good work brother!
Carpe Diem P.T
01-11-08, 9:26 pm
Then when i get back its DIET time. fuck. that means CARDIO time too.
I've finally gotten it all together. Time to make it stick.
how is this working out? Many times i have gone 'Fuck yeah its diet and cardio time. WO WOO WOO LETS DO IT etc' - yet it all fell apart within a few weeks. been going hard for a good 6 months now. i want to look back in 5 years though and say 'yeah i ve been going hard for a good 5 years now.'
mjsef88
01-12-08, 11:50 am
how is this working out? Many times i have gone 'Fuck yeah its diet and cardio time. WO WOO WOO LETS DO IT etc' - yet it all fell apart within a few weeks. been going hard for a good 6 months now. i want to look back in 5 years though and say 'yeah i ve been going hard for a good 5 years now.'
What i've found that works for me is 20 weeks. the first 4 are just cleaning up the diet. No shit food, except for one day a week (usuially saturday). Then weeks 16-12 it's squeeky clean, chicken, eggs, low-carb protien powder, natty pb, almonds, olive oil. No carbs work's the best for me. depending on the training week that comes up next, and by what bodypart is lagging behind, i might have a bowl of oatmeal or two before that training day (example: shoulders are lagging, eat oatmeal before next shoulder workout). then weeks 12-0 its absolutely no carbs. Cuts me up, still get vascularity, and just an overall hardness.
That's why I take a week off before i start dieting. Relax, enjoy my company, and then focus on what is at hand. Actually this time around I'm cleaning up the diet for 3 weeks, then going to chicago to visit friends/family, and eat clean while i'm down there. Then on the bus ride back, focus up on the next 16 weeks.
Preparation is the key to success. You said yours fell apart within a few weeks. Have your goals, shoot for a certain weight loss or bodyfat percentage loss per week. Have ALL of your meals at least planned for the week.
Feel free to PM me if you ever have any questions/need anything clarified.
I've tried my hardest to not make this log about training directly, more about the philosophy and my thoughts. But I just had to share this with my brothers and sisters of the Forvm. (Don't worry, starting in March, when I start dieting, i'll have a log in the training section)
I've recently had the oppertunity to train a few days a month with a powerlifter in my gym. Old school Russian, thick accent. He's shown me a few tricks for lifting, seeing as how I follow G Diesel's philosophy of Power-Building.
This is a killer Tricep move...
Go ahead and lie down in a Smith Machine, and set the pins about 1/3 - 1/2 up from your range of motion (top 1/2 of a bench press). Now, stack on plates and do close grip bench presses. Takes the work load off of the chest, and puts it all on the Tri's. I am by no means a strong bencher, but I have worked up to 3 pies and a 25lbs. on one of my heaviest sets for a single.
Plus, the pins are there, along with the hooks if you can't get the lift. The move has added insane thickness to my tri's.
excessive endorphins
01-14-08, 7:01 pm
I've tried my hardest to not make this log about training directly, more about the philosophy and my thoughts. But I just had to share this with my brothers and sisters of the Forvm. (Don't worry, starting in March, when I start dieting, i'll have a log in the training section)
I've recently had the oppertunity to train a few days a month with a powerlifter in my gym. Old school Russian, thick accent. He's shown me a few tricks for lifting, seeing as how I follow G Diesel's philosophy of Power-Building.
This is a killer Tricep move...
Go ahead and lie down in a Smith Machine, and set the pins about 1/3 - 1/2 up from your range of motion (top 1/2 of a bench press). Now, stack on plates and do close grip bench presses. Takes the work load off of the chest, and puts it all on the Tri's. I am by no means a strong bencher, but I have worked up to 3 pies and a 25lbs. on one of my heaviest sets for a single.
Plus, the pins are there, along with the hooks if you can't get the lift. The move has added insane thickness to my tri's.
x2 keep at it
I admire your post here bro...good to hear this kind of power from one of our younger animals......stay grounded...no need to party your head off and puke your guts out...no need to keep up with the other dick heads out there doing that...nothing gained by being all messed up........stay strong bro....never give in or up
I admire your post here bro...good to hear this kind of power from one of our younger animals......stay grounded...no need to party your head off and puke your guts out...no need to keep up with the other dick heads out there doing that...nothing gained by being all messed up........stay strong bro....never give in or up
thanks brother, I appreciate the kind words. It's a crazy world for a college kid to live in, I'm blessed that my parents didn't only put a good head on my shoulders, but a somewhat-responsable one also.
It's insane the number of times that I hear teens in the locker room talking about what they are lifting today (9 out of 10 bench or arms) and then what party they are going to that night.
those other teens your looking for....im one of em. glad to see im not the only guy under 21 who does nothing but bi's EVERYDAY. working out with my f-ball team makes me sick...chest and arms every day. they are radicilous. i just sit in my queit little rack. doing my deads, my squats, what have you. but im screaming inside.
mjsef88
01-15-08, 12:39 pm
those other teens your looking for....im one of em. glad to see im not the only guy under 21 who does nothing but bi's EVERYDAY. working out with my f-ball team makes me sick...chest and arms every day. they are radicilous. i just sit in my queit little rack. doing my deads, my squats, what have you. but im screaming inside.
The purpose is clear. What year are you? When I was a senior me and a few other guys would grab the freshman and make them lift with us. Sometimes all you can do is stare at those who know better, but its another thing to take a young(er) one under your wing and show them the path.
Like I've said, this thread was to not be about my training, but man, I had a leg day for the books. I am always open to new techniques, ideas, even tweaks on staple movements.
Leg extensions 4 sets
standing leg curls 4 sets
machine leg presses 2 sets both feet, 2 sets 1 foot at a time, 2 sets both feet
dumbell stiff leg deadlifts 5 sets
hack squats, 2 plates a side, 2 burnout sets
lying leg curls, 2 burnout sets
top it all off with the sissy squat apparatus.
no squatting, but still had me seeing stars. i have to say, i like the machine leg press for now. especially for one leg isolation. I'll keep it in mind when dieting.
...speaking of which....
Right now I am happy with my progress, however I do feel like I have been gaining TOO much bodyfat along with the muscle. Today marks the 45th day before I start contest dieting. So now is a good time to stop dirty bulking. I'm guessing a good deal of excess is water as well. So, it's time to clean up. I am re-introducing cardio 4 days a week. My meals will remain somewhat constant. Tons of food, but now is the time to do a double take at the labels, and cut out the shit food, except for the weekends. Don't get me wrong, if I want to eat something right now, i'm going to eat it. I mean, come on, pretty soon I wont even be able to have that. Training remains the same, heavy, heavy, heavy. I feel this is a great plan of attack.
I've also talked to my best friend down in chicago (i'm visiting her/family feb 23-march 1). She has told her friends about my upcomming visit. Her friends have heard enough about her family from back home, so my friend mentioned that I bodybuild/powerlift. This is a shock to all of her friends (she's a theater major.....you can make your own mental images about the people she hangs out with.) She is in a dorm suite with 2 other girls, and I'm actually going to get a bed to sleep on. This brings another flare of modivation to lose some extra bodyfat. I don't want to take my shirt off to go to sleep and not look optimal nor feel embarrased. no, 5% bodyfat is not my goal. But it is time to lose the Keg around my waist.
blueIMlifter
01-16-08, 5:07 pm
bro i just started reading some of your stuff man and all i gotta say is it is like looking in the mirror. i cant wait to train with u and the other guys on saturday. i wont be doing back with u guys cause im goin to bust out some deads in about 45 minutes but what u say really hits the spot.
On April 7th, 2007 In this thread I talked about my chains. The things that are constantly around my neck, no matter what. Through showering/lifting/cardio/daily life/sleep. For those of you who don't care to read the origional article, They, on the surface, are 3 dog tags, and a key. 1 tag says "STRENGTH", the other says "HONOR", the last, and most important, is my late grandfathers dogtag from WWII. The key is that to my lock, on my gym back.
They, like everything on this earth, evolve...
Through many a deep thought and numerous ponderings with my spare time, I have decided to change a few things. Yes, I still have the 3 tags, and key, and I have also added another, separate chain, with a pendant of a cast-metal, flint bladed bowie knife. My father and I camp alot, and the first time he ever took me (when I was 2 years old), We went up to Whitefish Point in the U.P. He bough it for me there. At that age I had no idea what it was. It came home and was lost for 15 years. It was discovered in a box, which moved to my room. Just about a month ago I decided to wear it. It reminds me of the times spent with my dad camping/hiking/fishing/shooting. Yes, we still go camping many times yearly, and continue to do so for years to come.
my grandfathers tag has remained the same. There is no need to change anything that embodies. The same goes for the key. I make sure I lock my ego in my gym locker, along with my bag and street clothes.
The two things that have changed are the sayings on the dog tags. Strength and honor, while noble, have become to bastardized now a days. No, not by you here, but I notice it more and more commonly used in modern life. I felt like I personally started to blend in to the crowd. I had 2 new tags made up today. The first says ""ACTA NON VERBA" it is Latin for "Actions not Words". This is self explanitory. the second says "CONTRA MVNDVM" (or contra mundum). It is also Latin for "against the world". Not totally in a rebelious sense, but also to "GO AGAINST THE GRAIN OF THE WORLD". I thought it fit, given my feelings on Strength and Honor. My message is simple. Be Animal, that is manditory, but also BE YOUR OWN ANIMAL. Strive to be the best, but not just in the weight room, in school, your professional life, your personal life, with your friends and family. Maybe, just once, pick up a book on philosophy instead of a magazine. Read a Medical journal while you're sitting on the can, instead of the comics or the sports page.
excessive endorphins
01-17-08, 6:37 pm
"Maybe, just once, pick up a book on philosophy instead of a magazine. Read a Medical journal while you're sitting on the can, instead of the comics or the sports page."
x2 brother,we need not only strengthen out bodies,but our hearts and minds as well.
I am always left amazed and starstruck whenever I lift with anyone. Even if it's just for a set or two. There's a certain energy that people bring to the table that you can never expect. This goes from training with a few of my boys, to random cats in my gym, to the members of the Detroit ABC, and saturday was no different.
I have to be honest, i was nervous walking up the door into Rob's house. I've seen the pictures of his basement, and I wasn't expecting to feel good afterwards. There were 6 of us in total. It was an experience I have rarely witnessed in any type of training session. There was laughter, friendship, and an all around good time inbetween sets, but when someone was up, the intensity generated, the shouts/grunts/screams were fantastic.
I spent a majority of the session training with LegendKillerJosh. We hit up back, and there 3 movements that we hit, and the odd thing was there was quite a space of rest between sets, yet I was still fatigued after the workout.
barbell rows 4-5 sets
dumbell rows 60lbs dropset to 40lbs. 4ish sets, to fatigue
Deadlift 2 warmup sets, 3 working sets at 300 (all the weight in the basement). I pulled the first 300 for 5 with a belt and straps. The second set (pictured in the Gallery) was just with a belt and light chalk for 3 reps, and a final set of 4 American-no bounce, lockout sets completely RAW, no chalk, straps, or belt.
While I have had more physically intense workouts before, I think just the fact that 6 guys were crammed in a basement, lifting their asses off, created an atmosphere of just pure power. Everyone did a fantastic job lifting, and I met some guys that I would love to train with again.
Afterwards we went to a family resturant, the waitress was a little shocked at the volume of food ordered by all, but hey, you can't get big if you don't eat big.
I can't wait for the next session, Except next time, I think if we have more than 5 people, we should maybe try and find a gym.....haha not knocking Rob's basement or anything.
blueIMlifter
01-20-08, 9:37 pm
it was a pleasure liftin with u man. i for sure want to hit u up for advice because im on a mission starting feb 1st to get really serious about my cut. i read where u got down under 5% and thats where i wanna go. keep up all the good work man and lookin forward to liftin with u anytime.
1st detroit ABC session we were at the linkin park powerhouse and that kicked some serious ass.
One last push....
Today I picked up a 6lbs bucket of chocolate ice cream real gains, and a can of M-Stak. It's time to make one last push for size before Feburary 23rd. It's completely sunk in, well, more than usuial. Tomorrow marks 1 month....30 odd days to pack on as much lean size as possible....then its a week of relaxation and mental prep...then its showtime...4 months of hell. 16 weeks of cardio, dry chicken, and more fucking cardio.
but hey, it's time to worry about the HERE and NOW. I have a month. Thats what im focusing on now. Dieting will be addressed mentally in 38 days.
blueIMlifter
01-27-08, 11:14 pm
i might have missed this somewhere but are you doing a bodybuilding show this year?
i might have missed this somewhere but are you doing a bodybuilding show this year?
Maybe. There is one on june 21st and also another one on july 19th. (I think those dates may be one or two days off...). I'm going to give it a shot. Diet like I'm going to enter. I've already noticed some potential problem areas. If my dieting goes well and i take care of those areas then...yeah...im gonna try it. If not then it will be a good lean out for summer.
No, im not talking about a brand new suit, or what's trendy. (Fuck, if I can fit in it, i'll wear it). I'm talking about personal style in and out of the gym. how you carry yourself. Recently i've needed a slight change. I usuially train on off peak hours...5:30am....11:00 am.....1:30 pm. Depending on class/work schedule, those are the hours i lift. there are maybe 6-10 people in the gym. But, back to my needed change...i've gone on peak hours. 12 noon (lunchtime), 5:00-5:30pm, and 8pm. It's packed. Sometimes it is a bitch to get some machine or bench, but I love watching some of the big guys in my gym try to subconsciously intimidate the little guys, then end up looking like an ass. And i admire the little guy, sitting there, pounding out his 30lb dumbell shoulder presses, pushing himself. I bring that up, because the guy asked me for a spot. Just in talking between sets, it was his 2nd day in the gym since high school (he looked around 30-35). I could tell from his form.
in that little "story" there were 3 people, the ass clown with no style, bullying anyone just to make himself feel good, the "learner"...i'll get to him later. And then myself, I could have easily shrugged him off, but i decided to help.
Now, onto the Learner. he had style becasue he didn't get sacred, he didnt back down, and at about the 8th rep, he started struggling, but he pushed out 12. He strived to persue something. Physical strength, knowledge of something new/technique, and i guess just the courage to ask for help.
All too often I see an "Internet Genius" saying to do this to gain more muscle, or do that to lose weight. I wish there were more Learners not only in the gym, but also here, on the Forvm. who has the balls to say "i dont know" or "Keep it simple, stupid". or even better "no, this isn't worth getting into an arguement over". I guess it's just another Teen epidemic.
RogueLion
01-28-08, 7:47 pm
All too often I see an "Internet Genius" saying to do this to gain more muscle, or do that to lose weight. I wish there were more Learners not only in the gym, but also here, on the Forvm. who has the balls to say "i dont know" or "Keep it simple, stupid". or even better "no, this isn't worth getting into an arguement over". I guess it's just another Teen epidemic.
Amen. Fuck the bully. Help the weak and one day they'll help you. Life is too short to trample those around you. And for the internet genius, quit preaching and hit the gym, read a book, write a poem. My mind is jumbled I'll return to this post later.
blueIMlifter
01-28-08, 10:10 pm
Maybe. There is one on june 21st and also another one on july 19th. (I think those dates may be one or two days off...). I'm going to give it a shot. Diet like I'm going to enter. I've already noticed some potential problem areas. If my dieting goes well and i take care of those areas then...yeah...im gonna try it. If not then it will be a good lean out for summer.
awesome man. yo if u dont mind could u PM me a sample of your diet when u are cutting down. i feel like mine is pretty good but was just wondering how other ppl attack it. where are the meets at out of curiousity? if u compete in one of them i would definitely try and make it.
awesome man. yo if u dont mind could u PM me a sample of your diet when u are cutting down. i feel like mine is pretty good but was just wondering how other ppl attack it. where are the meets at out of curiousity? if u compete in one of them i would definitely try and make it.
Hey this post is basically just saying i got your message. I'll send you everything later on tonight.
awesome man. yo if u dont mind could u PM me a sample of your diet when u are cutting down. i feel like mine is pretty good but was just wondering how other ppl attack it. where are the meets at out of curiousity? if u compete in one of them i would definitely try and make it.
check your PM box - i also forgot to add i take in 2 gallons of water-no matter what. 1 gallon is plain water, the second has one packet of crystal light in it.
And as for the shows, the one on June 21st is in Flint, and the one on July 19th is in Detroit.
As of right now, i'm 50/50 on if i'm going to enter. I've brought my lats up, but my shoulders are still sticking. They have gotten so much stronger, but barely gotten any bigger. Damn genetics. Also, even though i'd be in the novice division, i'd be competing against the Men, instead of the Teens (i believe). It's not that I don't want to enter because I dont think i'll win, it's because I want to know that when I step up on stage I've accomplished ALL of my goals for my body, and that i'm happy with the hard work Ive put in. And right now, my shoulders are killing that. Good news is I dont have to officially sign up until 4 weeks out from both shows.
blueIMlifter
01-29-08, 8:33 pm
well that means bust your ass doin shoulders for a couple months here. maybe try hitting up shoulders 2 times a week to see if u can bring them up.
i think i am going to aim for 2009 for my first show. i think its gotta be one of those things where u just say fuck it and go for it. i think i believe one of hte pros on here say that u will always feel that u can improve on something....u eventually just have to say fuck it and go for it. anyways man i with u the best of luck.
i'll send u my diet for cutting. i think i will try cycling my carbs because i've always been a person who eats lots of carbs. i'll see how it goes.
i think i am going to aim for 2009 for my first show. i think its gotta be one of those things where u just say fuck it and go for it. i think i believe one of hte pros on here say that u will always feel that u can improve on something....u eventually just have to say fuck it and go for it. anyways man i with u the best of luck.
Solid words. who knows,maybe 5 weeks out from the show i'll get good separation in the delt heads. I'm not completely ruling out the show. But yeah, when you get the chance send me your diet. Maybe i could help you out with a few things. especially with the last couple of weeks, getting rid of water/salt/etc.
blueIMlifter
01-30-08, 10:16 pm
Solid words. who knows,maybe 5 weeks out from the show i'll get good separation in the delt heads. I'm not completely ruling out the show. But yeah, when you get the chance send me your diet. Maybe i could help you out with a few things. especially with the last couple of weeks, getting rid of water/salt/etc.
i would definitely be up for any advice...especially on the getting rid of the water and salt part towards the end. thanks for the help man.
I dont want to be here. I'm getting sick of it all. Don't get me wrong, i love my parents, they havn't been overbearing at all. I just need to get away. The reality of it all is setting in. my current life plans, expectations it's all becoming to much. It's no longer I WANT to go to medical school, but i HAVE to go to medical school. It's what everyone expects of me. It's no longer I WANT to work, but I HAVE to work. Gone are the days of my past where my parents took care of everything. But hey, thats what builds responsibilty, right?
now, that is the trend. That is what encourages me to shut off from the world. I've had the notion of enlisting. but i'm afraid that the second i mention it, i will be EXPECTED to, and not want to. I've always thought of going away, but not that far away. maybe try and get into the university of colorado, michigan Tech, go down to school in florida. I already have to plan on taking out a student loan, why not plan for some out of state tuition.
But, like i said, i've been blessed (sometimes more like cursed) with the gift of 3rd person. think of it as an over-protected-exaggerated conscience. Sometimes i forget how good i have it HERE. at HOME. food, laundry, a foundation that makes me eat right, keeps me out of trouble and in the gym.
is the constant worth the anguish?
I dont want to be here. I'm getting sick of it all. Don't get me wrong, i love my parents, they havn't been overbearing at all. I just need to get away. The reality of it all is setting in. my current life plans, expectations it's all becoming to much. It's no longer I WANT to go to medical school, but i HAVE to go to medical school. It's what everyone expects of me. It's no longer I WANT to work, but I HAVE to work. Gone are the days of my past where my parents took care of everything. But hey, thats what builds responsibilty, right?
now, that is the trend. That is what encourages me to shut off from the world. I've had the notion of enlisting. but i'm afraid that the second i mention it, i will be EXPECTED to, and not want to. I've always thought of going away, but not that far away. maybe try and get into the university of colorado, michigan Tech, go down to school in florida. I already have to plan on taking out a student loan, why not plan for some out of state tuition.
But, like i said, i've been blessed (sometimes more like cursed) with the gift of 3rd person. think of it as an over-protected-exaggerated conscience. Sometimes i forget how good i have it HERE. at HOME. food, laundry, a foundation that makes me eat right, keeps me out of trouble and in the gym.
is the constant worth the anguish?
after a good night's sleep, i've decided that the best thing for me right now is a long vacation. and lucky enough, i have one coming up.
mjsef88
02-04-08, 12:11 pm
for 2 years of my life i boxed. i fought in MMA, and i also coached MMA.
boxing was sort of an introduction. I had a great trainer. Rosco. He was an older black gentleman who saw some potential in a young white kid. he taught me the fundimentals, how to take a punch, shit like that. after doing a few local tournaments i got turned onto MMA. one of Rosco's old projects, Royce, was a coach of a local club. DET-MMA (detroit mixed martial arts). Unfortunately, i had to try out. I only had boxing skills, and a few wrestling moves. At that point i was strong enough that i could lift people and throw them. I dont know, maybe Rosco got me on, to this day i dont know how, but I made the team. a team of 10 guys, all aged 22-35...and me...at 17 and 1/2. The shit we did day in and day out would kill anyone. Royce was Ex-Military. Very quiet, never talked about it. I dont even know what branch he was in. All i do know is that he served during the first gulf war, and wasn't 11B, or a Marine. My guess was either Navy SEALS, or some kind of Army SF. anyways, he put us all through hell. the time came for our first meets. No, these wern't on ESPN, or even comcast local. Infact, i'll bet if you searced for DET-MMA in google, noting would come up. Fuck, even if you asked around the D i dont think anyone would know anything. because of my age, i couldn't actually compete that day.
fast forward 6 months....and i still try to supress the torture we went through on a daily basis. the cardio, polymetrics, sparring, beatings, tactics, unconventional training. Barebones training (logs, walls, buckets, chains, tires). Suddenly Football 2 a days in highschool didnt seem that bad anymore...
but yeah. Due to legal problems we were forced to disband. 2 weeks later we started back up. Legally following every sanction, standard, and rule. We were still underground, we still trained the same, but this time i was a coach. what the fuck?! was all i remember thinking. The same coaches ran everything, but they brought on a new group of guys to try out. By
"law" or maybe just because of our sponsor, they (the coaches) had to start from the ground up. Again, i guess Rosco got me back on...i still don't know why they chose me. But now i was on the other end. I was incharge of 10 guys, again, aged 22-35. and me at 18. Respect was hard to come by. The first day they thought i was just a waterboy, or a wannabe fighter. That all changed when some guy was giving me shit. I invited him into the ring...i walked out fine, he didn't. He left the team and someone else was called up to replace him. But the origional 9 treated me with respect after that. I helped some of the most massive and elite people get better. unfortunately, it got to a point where i had nothing else to teach. I was becoming a student again. I had to step down. Also, school started to get in the way.
why am i talking about all this? well, after a while, Rosco moved to cincinatti to be with his kids and grandkids. I recieved word a few days ago that he passed away. Royce, who moved to Cincinatti with him, called me the other day to deliver the news. It's weird, to be honest i havn't thought about either of the two in a long time, but it doesn't make me sad. He was a great teacher, and a great man. I havn't gotten upset about it, becasue, well to be honest we were taught to ignore emotions like pain in fighting, but also becasue he made me a better, stronger person.
My mind has been at a drift. School, Work, t