9 months & counting....contest prep & pics

[Texas Titan]

I am considering competing in my first bodybuilding show next spring/summer. I live in Texas and would like to do a Natural show in the area, maybe the Texas Shredder in Austin. I started at 6'3" 140lbs (skin and bones) at age 17. Now, I'm 6'4", 225lbs just turned 28 years old. I've wanted to compete for years, but always felt that I need to gain more mass first because of my height. I am a heavyweight, and compete against guys that are 5'8" and just look much bigger. I've had trouble filling out my frame, but have made some great gains over the past few months. I've attended a few bb shows over the past couple years and feel that conditioning is what wins shows, not just size. If I gain some more muscle and can really dial in the diet during the last 8-12 weeks, come in dry and ripped, I'll do pretty well.

I currently train during my lunch break at work at a downtown health club. I train 4-6 times a week using heavy compound movements and keep the diet pretty clean. I do cardio 1-2 times a week right now. I eat 4 solid meals a day (chicken/steak/tuna with rice/sweet pot) and add 3 protein shakes.

I use Pak, Pump, Nitro, Torrent, Casein Protein, Flex, and Ultra Iso Whey right now. Pump is AWESOME!

I am thinking of going to Metroflex once a month or so and working with Brian (owner) to have him take a few pics of me, watch me pose, take my bf and maybe train legs together. The main goal is to keep me on track over the next 9+ months. I seek advice from all of you seasoned competitors (Big Ant and Toni), what are some thoughts on working with a coach?

I am looking at the Texas Shredder Classic (WNBF) 5/2008 or a NANBF show in Tulsa, OK (my hometown) 6/2008. Any tips on good regional shows for a first-time competitor in the TX/OK area?

Here's a couple pics of me recently:
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x157/beniger/Bodybuilding%20-%20General/October2006-BB.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x157/beniger/Bodybuilding%20-%20General/May2007-BB.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x157/beniger/Bodybuilding%20-%20General/May20072-BB.jpg

I plan to use this thread to post pics and other contest/training/diet related info about my journey. I appreciate any advice and tips.

[RatedRSuperStar]

You look lean right now, and it should only take you a few months to shred up with a good diet and good routine, and then you have a lot of time ahead of you to prep for the show. I say you should bulk up for a few months and leave some time for prep when you feel it's time to do so. I'm only 5'7, 26 yrs old,weighing in at 170lbs, working on a mass building routine, and your physique looks close to mine. You could be a bit bigger at your height, way bigger. I'm not a competitor at this point, but just givin my two cents...

[Texas Titan]

You look lean right now, and it should only take you a few months to shred up with a good diet and good routine, and then you have a lot of time ahead of you to prep for the show. I say you should bulk up for a few months and leave some time for prep when you feel it's time to do so. I'm only 5'7, 26 yrs old,weighing in at 170lbs, working on a mass building routine, and your physique looks close to mine. You could be a bit bigger at your height, way bigger. I'm not a competitor at this point, but just givin my two cents...

Hey bro, thanks for your advice. I plan to do bulk over the next few months and then cut down. How are you bulking up now? Clean bulk or what? I hope to get to around 240ish before I cut. Thanks again for your comment.

[norrim1]

You've made some outstanding progress to get you where you are today. I wish you the best of luck and looking forward to seeing how your progress goes!

[Texas Titan]

You've made some outstanding progress to get you where you are today. I wish you the best of luck and looking forward to seeing how your progress goes!

Hey bro thanks for the kind words regarding my progress. I feel that I have a ways to go, but plan to take it a day at a time. I'll post some new pics and thoughts soon.

[jac71]

I am considering competing in my first bodybuilding show next spring/summer. I live in Texas and would like to do a Natural show in the area, maybe the Texas Shredder in Austin. I started at 6'3" 140lbs (skin and bones) at age 17. Now, I'm 6'4", 225lbs just turned 28 years old. I've wanted to compete for years, but always felt that I need to gain more mass first because of my height. I am a heavyweight, and compete against guys that are 5'8" and just look much bigger. I've had trouble filling out my frame, but have made some great gains over the past few months. I've attended a few bb shows over the past couple years and feel that conditioning is what wins shows, not just size. If I gain some more muscle and can really dial in the diet during the last 8-12 weeks, come in dry and ripped, I'll do pretty well.

I currently train during my lunch break at work at a downtown health club. I train 4-6 times a week using heavy compound movements and keep the diet pretty clean. I do cardio 1-2 times a week right now. I eat 4 solid meals a day (chicken/steak/tuna with rice/sweet pot) and add 3 protein shakes.

I use Pak, Pump, Nitro, Torrent, Casein Protein, Flex, and Ultra Iso Whey right now. Pump is AWESOME!

I am thinking of going to Metroflex once a month or so and working with Brian (owner) to have him take a few pics of me, watch me pose, take my bf and maybe train legs together. The main goal is to keep me on track over the next 9+ months. I seek advice from all of you seasoned competitors (Big Ant and Toni), what are some thoughts on working with a coach?

I am looking at the Texas Shredder Classic (WNBF) 5/2008 or a NANBF show in Tulsa, OK (my hometown) 6/2008. Any tips on good regional shows for a first-time competitor in the TX/OK area?

Here's a couple pics of me recently:
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x157/beniger/Bodybuilding%20-%20General/October2006-BB.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x157/beniger/Bodybuilding%20-%20General/May2007-BB.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x157/beniger/Bodybuilding%20-%20General/May20072-BB.jpg

I plan to use this thread to post pics and other contest/training/diet related info about my journey. I appreciate any advice and tips.

I'll be sure to follow your Journey bro. Maybe learn from you and hopefully help each other out in whatever we can.
I'm starting to consider stepping on the stage myself sometime in the future.

[ironshaolin]

dude, I say you look pretty friggin lean already, and if your show is a year away you got plenty of time to add on some more mass. Throw some Mstak in there, and eat like a fiend for a few months. With where your at right now, I think 12 weeks would probably be enough for you to get really shredded. Try and work on adding some thickness to your back, and make sure all the secondary muscles are up to par: i.e, calves, rear delts, forearms, etc. You got probably a good 6-8 months to try and add more size. Then give yourself 12 weeks out to diet, do alot of cardio, and I think you could probably be pretty competitive at a natural show.

[Texas Titan]

dude, I say you look pretty friggin lean already, and if your show is a year away you got plenty of time to add on some more mass. Throw some Mstak in there, and eat like a fiend for a few months. With where your at right now, I think 12 weeks would probably be enough for you to get really shredded. Try and work on adding some thickness to your back, and make sure all the secondary muscles are up to par: i.e, calves, rear delts, forearms, etc. You got probably a good 6-8 months to try and add more size. Then give yourself 12 weeks out to diet, do alot of cardio, and I think you could probably be pretty competitive at a natural show.

Hey bro, thanks for the advice. I just finished a 3 week cycle of the old M stak that I had a laying around. I had some great workouts and noticed an increase in strength. I need to bulk up, but may do it pretty clean. I just want to be able to see my abs and not get too sloppy. Thanks again!

[RatedRSuperStar]

Hey bro, thanks for the advice. I just finished a 3 week cycle of the old M stak that I had a laying around. I had some great workouts and noticed an increase in strength. I need to bulk up, but may do it pretty clean. I just want to be able to see my abs and not get too sloppy. Thanks again!

I don't see a problem with eating clean on a bulk, I think we all do it, LOL! Just up your caloric intake with some great clean foods, and you should pack on some meat in no time.

[Texas Titan]

I'll be sure to follow your Journey bro. Maybe learn from you and hopefully help each other out in whatever we can.
I'm starting to consider stepping on the stage myself sometime in the future.

Thanks for following my new Journey. I've considered stepping on stage for years now and am finally willing to take the plunge. I hope you decide to compete also when you feel ready. I know that I am not ready today, but I feel that a deadline will help push me past my previous limits. Train hard bro!

[Texas Titan]

I’m taking today off from training. I have noticed the early signs of overtraining. My whole body is sore and aches....probably because I hit Shoulders on Sunday, Arms/Abs on Monday, and Legs hard on Tuesday and could use a day off. I have not felt rested the past couple mornings when the alarm went off….in fact normally I wake up before the alarm. My diet and supplement program remain solid. So I plan to use today as a recovery day from my leg session yesterday.

I plan to grill up some burgers tonight with baked beans…..I’m so excited about the upcoming bulk diet. I plan to eat relatively clean, but will get the extra calories needed to support my training and recovery needs.

Already took my:
Animal M Stak, Animal Pak, Animal Flex, and have had 5 scoops of Ultra Iso Whey.

[BigAnt]

I’m taking today off from training. I have noticed the early signs of overtraining. My whole body is sore and aches....probably because I hit Shoulders on Sunday, Arms/Abs on Monday, and Legs hard on Tuesday and could use a day off. I have not felt rested the past couple mornings when the alarm went off….in fact normally I wake up before the alarm. My diet and supplement program remain solid. So I plan to use today as a recovery day from my leg session yesterday.

I plan to grill up some burgers tonight with baked beans…..I’m so excited about the upcoming bulk diet. I plan to eat relatively clean, but will get the extra calories needed to support my training and recovery needs.

Already took my:
Animal M Stak, Animal Pak, Animal Flex, and have had 5 scoops of Ultra Iso Whey.
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you know your body the best, bet you come back stronger and with more motivation, eat a burger for me no, eat two!

[Texas Titan]

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you know your body the best, bet you come back stronger and with more motivation, eat a burger for me no, eat two!

I'll eat a couple for you! Hey Big Ant, do you know anything about the Texas Shredder Classic in Austin? It's a natural show in early May each year. http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2007shredder.htm

Any advice on a good first show? My pics, etc, listed above.....

[BigAnt]

I'll eat a couple for you! Hey Big Ant, do you know anything about the Texas Shredder Classic in Austin? It's a natural show in early May each year. http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2007shredder.htm

Any advice on a good first show? My pics, etc, listed above.....

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Dave Goodin, is the man, stood on stage with him, he is an old guy like me LOL--

DUDE IS SHREDDED, ONE OF THE BEST NATURAL PRO'S AROUND!

OCB---not much info. on this newly formed org. I did one of their shows, not the best judging, but give it try, it will be good if Dave is affliated with it!

[Texas Titan]

My diet right now consists of:

6:45am Whey protein with soy milk
8:30 oats, honey, PAK, 2-3 scoops of Ultra Iso Whey
10:15 8-10oz red meat with sweet pot or rice
11:15 Animal Pump
11:30-12:30 Train
12:30 Torrent
2:00 banana, 2-3 scoops of Ultra Iso Whey
3:30 8-10oz red meat with sweet pot or rice, Animal Flex
6:00 8oz chicken breast or fish, steamed veggies and sweet pot
8:00 4 hard boiled eggs
9:30 Casein Protein Shake w/ soy milk

The 6:00 meal varies, sometimes roast, steak, burgers, chicken, fish, pork chops...some sort of meat with some veggies and sweet pots or rice. I am eating pretty clean now, but am looking to add a solid weight gainer to take early morning. May try Real Gains.

[Texas Titan]

My workout today:
Incline Flyes
3 sets of 12 with 35lbs
Incline Press
135lbs x 12
185lbs x 12
225lbs x 8
250lbs x 7
Decline Press (rarely do these)
225lbs x 8
275lbs x 5; 225lbs x 5 (drop set)
Flat DB Bench
8x75lbs
8x75lbs
Cable Flyes (done as a tri-set)
Standing straight up 3x8
Bent over 3x8
45 degree bend 3x8
DB pullovers
10x65lbs
10x65lbs

Great pump, took a few pics after the workout and should have them posted here soon...took the Torrent right after the workout and Pump right before.

[Texas Titan]

I took these after my chest workout yesterday. I don't think they look too bad. I weighed in at 225 after my workout (I'm 6'4"). The pics showed me one thing for sure.....I NEED SOME SUN!!!

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x157/beniger/Bodybuilding%20-%20General/2007-Augustlegs.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x157/beniger/Bodybuilding%20-%20General/2007-Augustfront3.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x157/beniger/Bodybuilding%20-%20General/2007-Augustfront1.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x157/beniger/Bodybuilding%20-%20General/2007-Augustfront.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x157/beniger/Bodybuilding%20-%20General/2007-August.jpg

[djzack]

definitely right about the sun part lol, I think you'll do better if you just work on mass then the last few months work on cuts. good luck bro!

[BigAnt]

My diet right now consists of:

6:45am Whey protein with soy milk
8:30 oats, honey, PAK, 2-3 scoops of Ultra Iso Whey
10:15 8-10oz red meat with sweet pot or rice
11:15 Animal Pump
11:30-12:30 Train
12:30 Torrent
2:00 banana, 2-3 scoops of Ultra Iso Whey
3:30 8-10oz red meat with sweet pot or rice, Animal Flex
6:00 8oz chicken breast or fish, steamed veggies and sweet pot
8:00 4 hard boiled eggs
9:30 Casein Protein Shake w/ soy milk

The 6:00 meal varies, sometimes roast, steak, burgers, chicken, fish, pork chops...some sort of meat with some veggies and sweet pots or rice. I am eating pretty clean now, but am looking to add a solid weight gainer to take early morning. May try Real Gains.

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this looks very good!

you have good energy to train, what about sleep, how many hours do you get?

[Texas Titan]

I get 8-9 hours sleep a night. Asleep 10:30ish and up at 7ish.

I may add Real Gains as my morning shake to add a few extra quality calories. Thanks for checking in again!

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this looks very good!

you have good energy to train, what about sleep, how many hours do you get?

[Texas Titan]

I hit arms/calves today (8/4/07). It was a pretty good workout. I was able to get some pics in after the workout and practice a few poses....

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x157/beniger/Bodybuilding%20-%20General/2007-August4thRearRelaxed2.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x157/beniger/Bodybuilding%20-%20General/2007-August4thFrontRelaxed.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x157/beniger/Bodybuilding%20-%20General/2007-August4thSideChest.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x157/beniger/Bodybuilding%20-%20General/2007-August4thRearStanding-1.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x157/beniger/Bodybuilding%20-%20General/2007-August4thFrontDoubleBi.jpg

[djzack]

sweet dude, you're getting your arms bigger, at least I think so, they're fucking sick bro, that's what you need for now, more and more mass. then you can worry about cuts.

[Texas Titan]

Thanks bro! I've been hitting my arms twice a week during July. Now I'm back to build up my shoulders, traps, and legs over the next 4 - 6 weeks. I plan to add the new Real Gains flavor when it comes out to help add some quality calories.

sweet dude, you're getting your arms bigger, at least I think so, they're fucking sick bro, that's what you need for now, more and more mass. then you can worry about cuts.

[Texas Titan]

I train balls to the wall every day! I lift hard and heavy. I give 100% in the gym…..I pay my dues. Do you?

I just finished eating a pack of tuna, a handful of plain almonds, drank a v8 juice and 2 scoops of protein. I eat clean, I eat tons of food each and every day.

I take tons of pills and powders in the pursuit of building a leaner, stronger body.

All of the sacrafices we make as bodybuilders…from the time (workouts and diet), to money (food, supplements, gym dues), to stress on the body…is it worth it? I have been at this sport for nearly 11 years now. I almost gave up last year, when I trained for a marathon and ran 12 races over the course of 12 months. I ran because I wanted more….I wanted to be normal and not have to be anal about my diet and workouts. I wanted to relax and enjoy life. I think I was burned out and frustrated with my lack of results. I made great gains during my first couple years of training, but feel I haven’t changed enough over the past 8 years of training to justify the time and effort I put in.

The problem is that I love this Iron Game. It’s part of me and who I am. I learn daily from my bodybuilding struggles and challenges. I look forward to heading to the gym each day during my lunch break. I give 100% in my sissy fitness club, while most members just half a$$ it. I push my body to its limits. I have to, I can’t just go through the motions. It’s not who I am. I hope and pray it never is.

I either have to give 100% to bodybuilding or quit. I cannot seem to just be "fit" and happy. I have to put 100% into something athletic and I sure don’t want to do another marathon. So although, I have many trials ahead of me over the next 9 months as I sculpt my body for my first contest, I must remember why I do this, why I put myself through this 24/7. This body was given to me as a gift from God, now it’s my responsibility to do the best I can with what I was given. I pursue this endeavor for my family, for my health, for my own personal satisfaction, and for the Lord who gives me the strength to keep pushing…

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x157/beniger/Bodybuilding%20-%20General/2007-Augustfront1.jpg

[Texas Titan]

This past Saturday I hit arms hard! I watched Animal Arms before I went to the gym and did the same workout. It felt awesome! I normally superset bi's/tri's to maximize the pump. The Wrath workout worked great and here are a couple pics...

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x157/beniger/Bodybuilding%20-%20General/August%202007/2007-August11thSideTri.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x157/beniger/Bodybuilding%20-%20General/August%202007/2007-August11thRearLatSpread.jpg

[Texas Titan]

I am working to bring up my legs and shoulders right now, while providing adequate rest. I've cut cardio down to 20-30 minute walks around my neighborhood. I am working on a lean bulk,water is 1.5 - 2 gallons per day, protein is 250-350 per day. My energy levels are up, workouts are great. I am up to 227 right now.
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x157/beniger/Bodybuilding%20-%20General/August%202007/2007-August11thSideTri.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x157/beniger/Bodybuilding%20-%20General/August%202007/2007-August11thRearLatSpread.jpg
Here's my new split:

Monday - Shoulders/Traps/Abs
Tuesday - Quads/Calves
Wednesday - REST
Thursday - Chest/Back/Abs
Friday - Hamstrings/Calves
Saturday - Biceps/Triceps/Forearms
Sunday - REST

[Texas Titan]

After my leg workout today I started to talk to a guy about sports. He does triathlons, running, and road biking. He was asking me about bodybuilding and training for a show. I had an "ah hah" moment…..

Bodybuilding is 24/7 with little room for error. I have a black belt in Tae-Kwon-Do, I have completed a full marathon, I played competitive tennis, basketball, and ran track in high school. With sports you have to perform on the field, but what you do outside of that is almost irrelevant. You can do run 10 miles, then eat pizza and beer and still finish your marathon. With bodybuilding, you MUST live it. Even in life, when I was in grad school, if I studied a little and paid attention in class then I did well. At work I put my time in, then go home and relax, but in Bodybuilding there is no time off, no rest. To be successful in changing your body you must balance rest, diet, recovery, and hard training to see real results. Are you willing to push your body in the gym and put proper time into your eating schedule, while balancing work, family, and friends?

I see guys in the gym all the time that train HARD, but never change, never gain strength or change their physique. Diet is 70+% of bodybuilding and fitness. This is where I’ve messed up in the past and the reason my results have been disappointing. It’s about the choices we make….sure you can be in good shape with above average exercise and diet, but to really be in the top 5% you MUST LIVE IT!

It’s not rocket science by any means, but you can’t just train hard in the gym….that’s the easy part, results are from what you do with the other 23 hours in your day…..