It's about that time - Marathon Prep Log

[TheOtherOne55]

QUADS/ADDUCTORS
Seated leg curl - 3x15
Adductor machine - 4x15 + drop
Leg extension (hard flex at top, slow down) - feeders sets until i get to a hard 15, then stay for 2-3 sets
Hack Squat - feeder sets up to a hard 12, 7 plates here
Linear hack - 4x20

This looks short but it wasn't. Still takes me around hour + with all the feeders. But another week of feeling strong on the gym on hacks. Knees are a-ok right now. I gotta give a shoutout to @Marathon becaue i am feeling lean and strong and just overall good right now running Sust + EQ. Shit is smooth as hell and dude always has great products. Everything ive tried from proviron to tren to mast is top notch and I highly suggest everyone check out his sales. The test cyp one is a great time to stock the hell up. But overall, feeling great.

300.9 today. Weight is moving. I'm in that groove where one change in the diet can be stretched for 3-4 weeks easy. I had multiple runs lke that last prep. Justin makes a change and then i can ride it for quite a while without anyyy more tweaks. Again, no hunger yet but defnitely at a point where i AM ready to eat every 2 hours. The only real change i have made so far is from some rice meals to red potatoes as its just more filling. But thats it.

In terms of issues, the L shoulder is an ongoing thing but its getting there. I had a discussion with some of the PM guys yesterday where I am going to kind of reevaluate my goals after this show and USAs. I love bodybuilding, it gives me a purpose and a passion and its something im good at. I dont have great genetics, but i have good genetics. I can groww fucking tissue. I can eat. And i can lay down slabs of new muscle. And i also have learned from my own mistakes and have been able to help guys do that as well. I know how to make it sound simple and to give a good plan to get big. I DO NOT have a small waist, i do not have great insertions and I have some injuries that severely hurt my ability to showcase my physique. IF...I did not have these decade old injuries, I am confident that I could maybe fandangle my way to a Masters Pro Card eventually. With them (and they wont go away) it just wont happen. And im a realistist. With no injuries peak me is maybe a top 10 national level guy, very good regional guy. But that aint the case. And as I look at myself and I realize that the greatest peak of BBing is out of reach....i ask myself IS THE DRUG PUSHING and probable health ramifications worth it? I am lucky in that my bloodwork has been bulletproof — I have no outstanding issue from getting to a 300+lb guy. And we know that IS a thing. There are lots of guys here that COULD be huge...but they also have a problem where something as simple as 600mg of test + EQ wreeecks there bloodwork. Or they can't eat. Or they get in their own way. Me? I'm a guy where 3g of shit doesnt do much to my health. I talk to LOTS of big guys and its about 50/50. Some are fighting tooth and nail to keep their bloodwork ok...they need cruises, they need breaks. And the other 50% can push it and take some telmisartan, some berberine and shit, they are ok. Its a mixed bag. I say all this because I love doing this and I think people need to hear someone whose been in the game 10+ years say it. Obviously this is an ongoing thing in my head and it wont be a set decision for a bit. But im stewing on it. A part of me says, "dude, for your family's sake, EVEN IF YOU ARE HEALTHY NOW, you should end it sooner than later." And i udnerstand that. Im 37 now and the goal has been to make it to 40 or 41 and hang it up. Another part of me says, "guys never reach their peak...there are 10000s of guys who have NBA dreams who get cut...they dont STOP playing basketball." That might not be the best analogy lol but u get it. Honestly, this shit comes into my head because i get so frustrated with my shoulder and not being able to show what COULD BE. It's a kick in the nuts....but enough about whining about things i cannot change. Regardless of these things, i work fucking hard and i present THE BEST VERSION of myself every time i step on stage. That's what i remind myself. I didnt get into this because I wanted a card, a trophy, anything....i got into this because i loved the process and I loved disappearing for a year only to show back up bigger and better and leaner.

 

[TheOtherOne55]

BACK
Lat activation work
Straight arm pulldown - 3x15
CG pulldown - 3x12
DY low row machine - RP set
Seated high row - 3x12
Chest supp midline row - RP set
lots of stretching

CHEST/SHOULDERS
Pec activation stuff (this has really helped honestly)
Fly machine - 3x15
Incline hammer - 2 top sets, back off
Flat hammer press - RP set
Cable flies - 3x15-20
Deep chest stretch
Rear delt cable flies - 3x20
Cuffed side lateral raises - 4x15
Incline bench rear delt swings - 3x20
Seated side raises - 4x15
L tricep cable exte - 4x15-20

298 today. First time UNDER 300 in over a year lol insane.
I'm still not impressed (nor should i ever be) with the look. Im wearing baggy shirts all day, dont wanna see the small soft look lol
Im leaner, still not lean lean. I know im LEAN when even at the end of the day post last meal, i look good. And still not that point yet. I'm sure its in the next 10-12lbs i think. And shit has been moving very fast. I'm just under 14 weeks out right now.

One thing im kiiinda dealing with and I regret not just fuckin biting the bullet this offseason is some gyno thats annoyingly flaring up. I remember beginning of offseason this past year B-boy DM'd me to tell me to not put that shit off and to get it done. And honestly, money was just a liil tight at the moment and i just didnt have the extra 6k to drop on something cosmetic. I do now. The wife is about to go back to work (daughter is old enough and pre-pre-pre school day care is great) and im about to take a new job. It will be a nice boost financially. Whats crazy is its not a big lump at all, but when i hit certain poses, its kinda pushes down and is more visible. UGH. Im going to have to reallly watch it this prep and hide it a bit. I obviously want to bring a better package every year and THIS YEAR wILLL be a better package, but its one thing that i need to get done post show so i never have to worry again. My only thought right now is to try and blast is it with some Ralox maybe? I dont wanna dial up the AIs, wayyy too far out. At this point, running Marathon's EQ and Sust, my estrogren is kinda contained by the EQ. I dont have to use any at the moment.

Btw, still havent seen the movie Magazine Dreams lately. But I willl see that shit soon. Ive had so many discussions with BBers saying, "bro, i refused to see this shit. It makes us look like fuckin psychopaths and junkies." And i get that, but i dont think we're giving enough credit to an audience if they want one movie and then make a broad generalization about an entire subculture because of it. I loved The Wrestler...i didnt leave thnking that the WWE is full of emotional freaks past their prime. I loved Tor...i didnt leave the theater thinking that symphony conductors were narcissists and abusers. I thought American Sniper was good and did leave thinking all NAVY SEALS were bat shit crazy. But...i also love movies and understand flawed character story. So who knows. I can tell from the trailer that that character is lost and flawed as hell...but i stilll wanna get sucked in and see the arc. Anyways. Just my thoughts.

 

[TheOtherOne55]

LEGS
Lying leg curl - 4x12
SS
Adductor machine - 4x20
Leg extension - 4x15 hard flex at top
SS
Abductor machine - 4x15
Hack squat - feeder sets up to hard 12, then back off set
Linear hack press - 3x15
SS
Glute ham raise - 3x12
Standing calf raises - 3x15
Donkey calf raises - 3x12

296.9 today so weight is moving. Had a high day yesterday and got to add 25g of carbs per meal just because i was looking extra flat.
But feel good. Pump was nuts today.

Again, this is the 3rd week with no changes and the weight is just mooovin. My body is in a groove. The minimal cardio i am doing feeels easy as shit. I am making sure i am just moving, no NEAT requirements but i dont sit around all day and try to run some errands even if its just a walk with the family in the afternoon. No fat burners. I'll post some pics on Saturday again to show you the more changes. Sat will be 13 weeks out. So still ALOT of time.

In terms of other life shit, my wife is about to go back to work and im deeep in interviews for a new job as well. Somewhat stressful time to be prepping but it is what it is. I am not a trainer nor am I a full-time coach or gym owner. That means bodybuilding is software...it just runs in the background. I wish i could say that quote was my own but its Ron Partlow's. He was just explaining that BBing in life should just be there, barely noticeable as you do other shit. Its not the MAIN thing, its the background...but its ALWAYS on. I felt that quote rang so true for those of us who have a regular family, a regular 9 to 5 and still do this thing at 100%. But hopefully this new gig works out. It will require me to go back into an office a bit but honestly, i want that. Being at home is easier for the BBing lifestyle, but it doesnt suite my professional talents. I need a team and i need to socialize with clients and coworkers. Little do they know my size and that im going to be eating 24/7 lol.

 

[TheOtherOne55]

GLUTES/HAMS
Seated leg curls 3x15
Abductor machine 4x15-20 hard squeeze
SL leg curl 3x12
Back ext glutes 3x10
Glute ham raise 3x12
Barbell glute bridge 3x10

CHEST/SHOULDERS
Pec activation work + shoulder mobility work
Fly Machine - 4x12
Incline hammer - top set back off
Decline hammer - RP set
Wide grip deep pushups - 3xAMRAP
Incline bench rear delt swings - 3x20
SS
Band pull aparts - 3x15
Cuffed side raises - 4x12
Cable rear delts - 3x15
DB side raises - 4x15
L tricep pushdowns - 4x15
Shoulder mobility work

295.1
Again...weight falling off. fassst. Shot some checkins to Justin on saturday and hiis response was, "man this is moving fast."
This week he told me to have a CHEAT DAYY on my high day to fill the hell up. Again, no fat burners, no increse in cardio. Body is just feeling everythnig and in the groove. Clothes fit great. No hunger. No fatigue. The ONE THING i still need to get in check is my stomach. Toward the end of offseason, i added visceral fat. I noticed it, i called it out to Justin. My diet wasnt horribly off like i had mad some weird addition or i was eating shit, but my A1c was high. I was just in the insulin resistant zone and i added some on my lower abs. WHen i pointed it out to him he wasnt overly concerned, told my subq fat was low and that his biggest dudes usually gained more visceral than subq at their peak weight. Still freaked me out a bit. Like i am lean...but i need to try to vacuum hard to pull that shit in. I know this shit will go away as i get leaner but now i am gettin a good look at it lol Realistically, I think can lose an additional 20lbs and be shreddddeddd. Maybe 275ish stage lean. And thattt last bit will probably be the visceral. Annoying but thats how it goes. Also, i knew it was true visceral as i got a dexa and it said i was 14% but it said my subq was low as fuck and it was an indeed and increase in visceral from last time.

But feel strong, the little cardio i am doing is a freakin breeze. Seen a couple of friends lately who hadnt seen me in 4-5 weeks and they immediately said, "jesus christ, you are a monster right now." Its nice to actually look like a large BBer right now lol My body dysmorphia is usually so high i never believe it.

Hardcore dadding the next couple days. Wife iis on a work trip so i'm manning the fort with the 2 year old who is in the THICK of terrible twos. Like everythng is a battle. Puttinig on a shirt for her pre-pre-pre school. Making dinner, doing anything lol. BUT..she loves going on "adventures" with dad to the grocery store or the park or costco. She's easy with me as long as i make shit a game and do some fun stuff. Today i'll kill her second wake window with a Costco run, maybe getting her some frozen yogurt and then watching Moana 2 lol easy shit.

 

[TheOtherOne55]

LEGS
Lying leg curl - 4x12 + partials
Adductor machine - 4x15
Leg extensions - 4x15 hard flex
Hack squats - feeder sets up till i cant hit 12 reps anymore.
Linear hack squats - 3x15
Walking lunges - 3 AMRAP

291.0
Again, weight falling. Making me a little nervous but we got time. Justin suggested i take a full cheat day but honestly, i dont think my digestion can handle a day of shit anddd trying to fill me up with that. Slightly pivoting to a higher carb high day and ill make maybe a dessert at the end of the night along with my free meal. My digestion has been good, not great. And if i just throw high fat and high carb in, i know i will pay for it for a week. I understand he is just trying to stop the avalanche that is happening, but i think we can slow it down. The truth is, my performance is not falling...so its not lke im losing so fast that Im thinking its real tissue. I also LOOK lean. Slightly taking a bit longer to get my stomach and chest (compared to last prep) but im lean for sure. I look 8 weeks out maybe. Not almost 12. But i'd rather be ahead that behind.

I was thinking about this yesterday. Someone at the gym said I was a professional bodybuilder and i corrected him saying, "if you think this is a pro, you'd be blown away by the real guys. I'm not a pro man." But he corrected me and said that yes I was a pro. Look at me. Look what i'm always doing. Look what i've done for years on years. And i get it. The IFBB is in its own fucking class. THAT is the definition of PROS. You won a pro card. But i also catch myself trying to motivate clients about their own behaviors and how they approach the game. Suppose i did become a pro tomorrow....what would change? If you ask yourself that and you have a laundry list of things, you are doing yourself a disservice. Because honestly, if i got a pro card tomorrow, nothing would change. I would weigh my meals the same. I would schedule my day the same. I would still be as disciplined as humanly possible. Robin Strand said something similar in a recent podcast. If you are running around telling people you're a pro BBer, thats one thing. But if you are living the lifestyle, training like a maniac, doing what needs to be done, being as dedicated as humanly possible. Hell, you're a pro in my eyes. And we all probably have different definitions of "doing what needs to be done," but youuuu knowww wtf that means. Are you skipping meals? Are you dedicated to this process, the craft? Are you lowkey a monk during 80% of the year? LOL yeah man, you're a pro bodybuilder without a card. And good for you for being obsessed with something. BBing is the only sport...or passion...or hobby...that requires you living the life 24/7 365. You can be in the NFL and fuck around in the offseason. Hell...i played with guys who did this! You can be a professional golfer and kinda turn it on an hour a day and then flip it off. That shit doesnt work with BBing. Or if it does, you dont make any good progress thats for sure. No do this, year in year out, for like 10 years...you're a freak, you're a monster, you're a big boy, you're the guy that people stop to watch at the gym. You are a pro...at least i think lol and i say that being completely cognisant that i dont haveee it. I was not meant to get that card. i was meant to do EVERYTHING but that. And i'm cool with it.

Time to eat. Think i'll get some sushi with the wife and kid tonight then maybe have a past and meat meal. Nothing insane. Stll low fat, high carb.
By the way, 2 year old has some molars coming in the back...she's a terror right now. Just pissed at the world lol This log is 30% training, 30% BBing thought process and 30% dad life LOL

 

[traininsane11]

LEGS
Lying leg curl - 4x12 + partials
Adductor machine - 4x15
Leg extensions - 4x15 hard flex
Hack squats - feeder sets up till i cant hit 12 reps anymore.
Linear hack squats - 3x15
Walking lunges - 3 AMRAP

291.0
Again, weight falling. Making me a little nervous but we got time. Justin suggested i take a full cheat day but honestly, i dont think my digestion can handle a day of shit anddd trying to fill me up with that. Slightly pivoting to a higher carb high day and ill make maybe a dessert at the end of the night along with my free meal. My digestion has been good, not great. And if i just throw high fat and high carb in, i know i will pay for it for a week. I understand he is just trying to stop the avalanche that is happening, but i think we can slow it down. The truth is, my performance is not falling...so its not lke im losing so fast that Im thinking its real tissue. I also LOOK lean. Slightly taking a bit longer to get my stomach and chest (compared to last prep) but im lean for sure. I look 8 weeks out maybe. Not almost 12. But i'd rather be ahead that behind.

I was thinking about this yesterday. Someone at the gym said I was a professional bodybuilder and i corrected him saying, "if you think this is a pro, you'd be blown away by the real guys. I'm not a pro man." But he corrected me and said that yes I was a pro. Look at me. Look what i'm always doing. Look what i've done for years on years. And i get it. The IFBB is in its own fucking class. THAT is the definition of PROS. You won a pro card. But i also catch myself trying to motivate clients about their own behaviors and how they approach the game. Suppose i did become a pro tomorrow....what would change? If you ask yourself that and you have a laundry list of things, you are doing yourself a disservice. Because honestly, if i got a pro card tomorrow, nothing would change. I would weigh my meals the same. I would schedule my day the same. I would still be as disciplined as humanly possible. Robin Strand said something similar in a recent podcast. If you are running around telling people you're a pro BBer, thats one thing. But if you are living the lifestyle, training like a maniac, doing what needs to be done, being as dedicated as humanly possible. Hell, you're a pro in my eyes. And we all probably have different definitions of "doing what needs to be done," but youuuu knowww wtf that means. Are you skipping meals? Are you dedicated to this process, the craft? Are you lowkey a monk during 80% of the year? LOL yeah man, you're a pro bodybuilder without a card. And good for you for being obsessed with something. BBing is the only sport...or passion...or hobby...that requires you living the life 24/7 365. You can be in the NFL and fuck around in the offseason. Hell...i played with guys who did this! You can be a professional golfer and kinda turn it on an hour a day and then flip it off. That shit doesnt work with BBing. Or if it does, you dont make any good progress thats for sure. No do this, year in year out, for like 10 years...you're a freak, you're a monster, you're a big boy, you're the guy that people stop to watch at the gym. You are a pro...at least i think lol and i say that being completely cognisant that i dont haveee it. I was not meant to get that card. i was meant to do EVERYTHING but that. And i'm cool with it.

Time to eat. Think i'll get some sushi with the wife and kid tonight then maybe have a past and meat meal. Nothing insane. Stll low fat, high carb.
By the way, 2 year old has some molars coming in the back...she's a terror right now. Just pissed at the world lol This log is 30% training, 30% BBing thought process and 30% dad life LOL

Honestly the only difference between you and guys like you and those at the Olympia is genetics and potentially time.
It’s not like those guys are doing something magical they just won the genetic lottery and stuck at it long enough to make it

Obviously you know this but I think a lot of younger guys think they’re doing something we’re not

 

[Neuro1234]

If you ask yourself that and you have a laundry list of things, you are doing yourself a disservice. Because honestly, if i got a pro card tomorrow, nothing would change.

Keep these kinds of thoughts coming, please. I think this part of your log tells a very real side to bodybuilding that most people will never think about. Good stuff.

 

[TheOtherOne55]

Honestly the only difference between you and guys like you and those at the Olympia is genetics and potentially time.
It’s not like those guys are doing something magical they just won the genetic lottery and stuck at it long enough to make it

Obviously you know this but I think a lot of younger guys think they’re doing something we’re not

Agree fully. And I would say mostly genetics.
I think the “time” thing is a genetic factor itself. Like albeit I’m taller so it has taken time to fully fill out my physique and I don’t even think it’s fully there yet. But u see freaks who have that proportioned look, filled out, IN their late 20s. Mind blowing. U can take two competitors, both 240 in stage condition, one amateur and one pro. And the pro just got their much quicker and proportionally has the waspy waist, wide shoulders already.

But just like u said, there is no magic pill any of us are doing. If anything, I try to show that BBing is mostly putting your head down and turning your brain off for years on end. Then, u look up and your stage look is 30lbs heavier lol shit is such a long game. Consistency, over a looong period of time, makes monsters.

 

[TheOtherOne55]

Keep these kinds of thoughts coming, please. I think this part of your log tells a very real side to bodybuilding that most people will never think about. Good stuff.

Thanks dude. I know some guys just want the “what are u eating and how much gear are you running.” But I always really enjoyed guys like James Hollingshead and Ron Partlow because they talk about the mindset more. The gear and food shit gets more and monotonous. It’s the same. Over and over and over again, believe me. But how you stay motivated and what you think about day in and day out is what’ll keep you going.

 

[bbxtreme]

Thanks dude. I know some guys just want the “what are u eating and how much gear are you running.” But I always really enjoyed guys like James Hollingshead and Ron Partlow because they talk about the mindset more. The gear and food shit gets more and monotonous. It’s the same. Over and over and over again, believe me. But how you stay motivated and what you think about day in and day out is what’ll keep you going.

The real and raw side of your log is why it’s the only one I religiously follow. Thoughts like you shared above are the things I talk with other bodybuilders about offline. IMO they are conversations that should be had here. I think anyone coming up and in this sport should know all sides.

 

[TheOtherOne55]

The real and raw side of your log is why it’s the only one I religiously follow. Thoughts like you shared above are the things I talk with other bodybuilders about offline. IMO they are conversations that should be had here. I think anyone coming up and in this sport should know all sides.

Appreciate it dude. And youuu of all people get all this. Your mind works the same as mine.

 

[TheOtherOne55]

BACK
Lat activation
Straight arm pull down - 3x15
High row - top set back off
DY low row - 3x12
Neutral pulldown - 3x12
SA seated row - 1x12
Barbell shrugs - 4x15

CHEST/SHOULDERS
Pec activation - 100% necessary now
Fly machine - 3x12
SS
Banded presses (really helps the squeeze and activation feel for me)
Incline Hammer - top set back off
Decline hammer - RP set
Press machine - MR set
Rear delt fly machine - 4x12
SS
Band pull aparts - 3x15-20
Cuffed side delt cables - 4x12
Standing side raises - 4x20

Weight is holding at 290 right now. I think i'm right on track. After discussin it with Justin, i think it makes sense.
I also dont think i've been trullly truly peeled out of my mind. And thats the goal. I've been BBing cut...but ive never been, "wow, great conditioning dude." Some guys can do this, some guys cant. I think it takes multiple years of competing (which is probably why i have never gotten to it before) and genetics. But this is a thing you only find out after multiple shows. And i myself, havent competed that much. I spent much of my 20s working, doing powerlifting meets, staying big and lean, but not BBer big and lean. And when PLing injuries caught up with me, i decided at north of 30ish to push the BBing card. So as far as the, "body has been there multiple times," mine just hasnt. But it IS a reality that when you get lean...the NEXT TIME you do it, is easier, you get to that shape much quicker and easier and lots of times the condition is just better. So i do feel that this time around. And Justin pointed that out. His message was more of a, "You arent ahead, you're kinda where you need to be when your goal is to look like a top SHW competitor." And I agree. Every prep is a learning experience. So i just make mental notes and keep pushing.

And i do know we will have to play with the look. The LARGER OF A BBER YOU ARE, the more you can manipulate a look. When you're 170lb shredded....you're shredded, thats what you are. The full version vs the flat version is real. But its not massively noticeable. But when you're over 250, the look is very noticeable. Me flat vs me full is a different looking BBer. I think a fantastic real world example of that (and i would never compare myself to him) is James Hollingshead. At the Arnold he weighed in at 253. Shredded but not huge on stage. Not a pop to his physique. And for HIM, that's not a top placing look. At the Detroit Pro he said he was a bit under 270. Yes...a different looooking BBer. Full as a house. But i think us playing with carbs and having these refeeds is helpful and keeps the ball rolling. To be honest, I wanna be dick skin peeled as THAT is what wins shows...but i also know I personally look my best full as a fucking house. So it will be a discussion. And we have 2 shows to kinda decide which one works.

In other notes, hunger is finally here. Nothing bad but at 2 hours, i want my next meal. The only small change this week was a very minor decrease in food. Nothing else. Not irritable yet or tired. But trying to make sure i can sleep as much as I can right now knowing it will allll go away soon enough. As for other life shit...my daughter is in the worst stretch of terrible 2s ever. Its insanely frustrating lol. I swear my wife is gonna kill her. Just fights everything, literally does the opposite of whatever you tell her. Its nuts. I'm also multiple interviews deeep for a new job, which is stressful. Ive had people give me the, "dude, starting a new job in the thiiick of prep will be a challenge of all challenges." And yes, it probably will lol But i also hate excuses. Im not a personal trainer, im not a full time coach. I'm a Creative Director. That's what pays the bills and allows me to live in expensive fuckin LA. So i build my BBing life (which is always 100% on) around it.

 

[TheOtherOne55]

BACK (2nd)
Lat activation work
Straight arm pulldowns - 3x12
Prime neutral grip pulldown - 3x10
Hammer high row - top set back off
Wide grip pulldowns - MR set
Prime neutral grip row - top set back off
DB shrugs - 4x12

290. Weight is chillin. Goes down on some low days, goes up on the medium days. I have a feeling the gas will be stepped on this week.
But workouts have been great. 0 drop off in strength, energy or anything. Hunger is lightly there but nothing bad. THIS particular workout was great. Fantastic pump compared to what I normally get. The LAT activation stuff is working wonders. Gotta give my PT guy credit because he's working his ass off trying to get my L shoulder/back working. The most evident problem right now is the obvious imbalance visually, but it is what it is. I'm not a pretty physique lol but i'm big and dense. It might win a show, it might get me 4th. All i can do is bring a better package than what i brought 18 months ago. The most glaring just "yep, that pose is bad" is my Front Lat Spread. That internal rotation on the shoulder and my frozen scapula just fuck it all up. I cannot get that lat to "wing itself out" for lack of a better term. So its basically my right lat looking huge and L let hidden behind my back. Ugly. I look at it as "win 4-5 poses with sheer muscle and mass and conditioning" and let another guy take that a a couple others and you're still in a good spot.

Another plus this week, my grimey Golds Gym North Hollywood just got revamped with new equipment. Like nothng badass like Arsenal or Prime, but allll new Hammer stuff. The old stuff had been there for no joke 20 years. The hack was cybex (which im mad we lost) and all it was beat the fuck uppp. THe smith machines were so old they actually needed weight to drop...like unhook them, they stayed in place lol soo much friction. But it was nice. Got me excited to hit it this morning.

Food wise im switching some stuff out. Adding some potatoes from rice, adding some metamucil for added fiber. Went from a shake to chicken breast. Regular stuff that happens when macros are slowly brought down over time. I think as my gym time goes up, with added cardio, lll really have to mess with my schedule. LAST PREP, it was always cardio in the morning, work for a bit and then find time early afternoon to go lift. But i was fully remote then and my schedule was easy. Im chillin now, but with new job stuff, i mght have to travel in La a bit more. And I actually enjoy doing my lifting early right now. Might have to be lift early, cardio after....2nd bout of cardio end of day maybe. I cant predict where we'll be in a month or so so it will allll evolve over time.

 

[TheOtherOne55]

HAMS/GLUTES
Lying ham curl - 3x12
Abductor machine - 4x20
Standing SL leg curl - 3x12
Glute ham raise - 3x12
Glute curlups on hyper - 3x20
Machine kick back - 2x15 hardd squeeze
Barbell Glute bridge - 3x10

CHEST/SHOULDERS
Pec activation work
Fly machine - 3x12
SS
Banded hard flex press - 3x20
Decline hammer - deeep stretch 3x12
Incline hammer - top set back off + drop
Regular press - 2x20
SS
Dips - 2x20
Rear delt fly - 4x20
Rear delt swing - 3x15
Cuffed side delt - 4x15
Side delt machine raise - 4x15

289. Weight starting to dip down again. A little under 11 weeks out.
Major change was added cardio. I was at on 3 days a week of minimal HIIT stuff. Basically, the same shit i did alll offseason. He upped the time and added it to 4 days per week. Its gonna move my schedule a lil bit, just to make time for this (or add another session EOD) but it works. No fat burners added or anything. Justin did say that will come next week so shit will move. His main comment was that I dont have 25lbs to lose. And if anything more than 2ish lbs is coming off, then its tissue so we just watch that.

Pec and lat are feeling good. The leaner i get the proportions are changing so my ability to twist and/or stretch is better. Like i can finalllly hit a side tricep lol its not that pretty YET...but its getting there. At 320, shit looks bad. Hell NO BBer hits a side tri in the offseason. But moblity is getting better. Even this declne hammer on this chest day, i get into a deep stretch and that opens everything a bit more and my shoulder suddenly feels and connects better.

Gear wise @Marathon is the best. Running his Sust + EQ right now and will throw in some Masteron in the next week or two. I'll kinda have to play around with when Tren and Var go in. Basically any time under 9 weeks out works, but i also want to watch my sleep and not fuck that train up tooo early. The gear is smooth, no knots but as I increase injections, feeling like a pin cushion sucks. Eventually, ill drop the EQ entirely and up the Mast and Tren at a certain point.

This week ive been on my feet all day. My wife just got a cushy new job in finance (she's a baller, much more than me) BUT...my daughter's daycare/preschool is out on spring break. So its been daddy/daughter adventures all day. That's why my updates have been sporadic. Im only able to write this now as she's down for her midday nap. But yesterday we went down to the Santa Monica pier, the beach, went to an arcade to play some games, then a park. Today was the Kidspace Museum of LA. They have a sensory exhibit which was pretty cool. Im sitting there eating tupperware rice and ground beef, she's eating a slice of pizza lol. But its also nice to go out there and show the other parents what the fuck is uppp sometimes lol. Bunch of 35-50 year old dumpy looking dads, give em a shock to their system haha. Im at the point now where no matter what i wear i look huge and muscular. I mostlyyy stay covered up at the gym, still wearing 4-5XL shirts. People will an eye can tell im dieting because my face...but i went from huuuuge to huge. If i wore a tank or a stringer, people would definitely know. But i just like staying covered now. Its easier, less convo. Leave me be.

 

[TheOtherOne55]

BACK
Lat activation
Straight arm pulldown 3x12
Seated chest supp high row 3x10
Hammer DY row RP set
Wide grip pulldowns 3x12
Low row 2x10

CHEST/SHOULDERS
Pec activation/shoulder work
Fly machine 3x15
Decline hammer 3x12
Chest press machine RP set
Incline hammer 2x12
Cable fly press 3x12
Rear delt flies 4x20
Cuffed side lat raises 4x15
SS
Band pullaparts 3x20
Side raise machine 4x15 + partials

285.8
10 weeks out. Apologies for the lack of updates. Kids spring break is doneee and im back into the rhythm of having more time. It was a crazy week + easter with the kid. But got all my shit done and weight is moving. Not tired or beat up. Overall, good well being, gym performance good. Im at that point where with a pump, i look fuckn great. Huge and lean. Yes, im always picky as fuck about my physique. I need better shoulders, better arms, fix my shoulder and pec...but im happy about the progress i am seeing from 18 months ago. A lot in the legs. My arm in my side chest and side leg are drastically bigger and better. I give credit to a full hamstring/glute day and arm day for that. I think for MOST GUYS, just overall size is whats needed. No, you dont need an arm day...you need an everything day. You're 205lbs. EVERYTHING needs to be bigger. But when you north of 250, you dooo actually have to make a point to say, "shit, that doesnt fit this physique and we need to change that." Jordan Peters was one of the first guys i heard say that and its true as hell. So even now i see things and its in the plan for this next offseason. Every year a little better in certain places. I dont need 20lbs, i need 2lbs here and there.

I'm also at the point hwere leanness and look will change with some drugs. Just EQ and Sustanon right now but throwing in Masteron this week. Ill hold back on tren and var for a bit. With this show being 10 weeks and possbly another a month later, i dont wanttt to be on tren and orals for 3 fuckin months. So if that means i dont get on the harsh stuff until 5 weeks out so be it. We'll see it though. I think with the addition of some stuff and as body fat keeps going, the look will look tighter and tighter.

Mentally, im cruising though. I'm abouttt to get a new job (which has been stressful) but because of that, it allows bbing to just be on in the background. The times when work has been a breeze, BBing BECOMES the sole focus and honestly, that shit sucks. When you are only concentrating on every meal and every bite and step, shit is intense. I actually enjoy this moreee because everything gets done, im 1000% dialed in, but im busy and focused on this job opportunity first and foremost. Of course some might say its fuckin harder because of that...family + job + bodybuidling IS a lot...i will say. But so is life. Sack up, get through it, if you want it, go fuckin get it. Today is a full day though. Kid is back at preschool day care. Had that hard and heavy chest/Shoulders day today, didnt have time for that morning cardio session so ill leave to go back to the gym at like 11am. Get that in, pick the kid up, feed her put her down for nap. Go get some PT on my shoulder before she wakes UP from nap. And then try to fit iin some computer time as im in the finale stages of this job shit.

 

[TheOtherOne55]

LEGS
Lying leg curl - 3x12
Leg ext - 4x15-20
Adductor machine - 3x20
Abductor machine - 4x12
Pit shark belt squat - build up to top heavy set, 1x8
Leg press - 4x20
Hip thrust machine - 3x10

BACK
Lat activation
Straight arm pulldown - 3x15
CG pulldown - top set back off
DY row machine - RP set
Hammer high row - 3x12 + drop set
Seated row - RP set
Barbell shrugs - 3x12

281.0.
Almost 9 weeks out.
insane week. Weight is moooving. fast. Last check-in Justin basically told me that we neeed to fill me up hard before we add fat burners. Told me for a high day i need to eat eat eat, at least 1000g of carbs and whatever the fuck i want. Literally pounded food, probably 1500g carbs plus made burger and tater tots plus some Tru Fruit (chocolate covered raspberries). Was fullll going to bed, already looking good. But i dont know wtf i ate, but woke up middle of the night feeling terrible. Went to the bathroom like 5 times, almost puked, just felt terrible. SOMETHNG didnt agree. Next morning was more of the same and was so dehydrated. I wasss excited for the look but man, just sucked lol i feel somewhat recovered now but this is what i get for trying to cram. Either way, back on track now. I just think Justin is very aware of how quick i can flatten out. I look massively different flat than full and can look very stringy. Too long flat makes me look terrible. So the goal is to keep losing this final 10-15 or so without getting gross and stringy.

Workouts have been good tho, no drop off in performance. Cardio is 4x per week at 20 mins HIIT interval. No fat burners yet. stuff is rolling. Fatigue is slowly creeping. Not bad, but im just noticing that im a bit more tired and not as peppy. Expected though. The one thing i have to say that is very different is that i just have more going on in my life right now. Thats probably why i havent kept this as insanely updated as I had intended to. Prep 2 years ago, work was blah, baby was just a nugget so i could basically have BBing be 80% of my day. Very diff this time. Kid is just more time consuming. I juuust accepted a big new job with a lot on my plate. More $$$, more things im in charge of. Basicaly a large upgrade in my career riiight as im in prep. Which mostly means that BBing has been "software" just running in the background. Make your food, workout, dont think about it too much. Do what needs to be done, then move on to the other priorities. When BBing is my sole focus, i feel pressure and I probably get in my head. But when life throws things at me and BBing is #3, i feel much better. I am at ease if that makes any sense. Thats a major difference between myself and like a PRO BBer. I love BBing because i love training, not because I love the stage. If the stage was taken away from me, i'm all good. I would still lift and try to progress my body because i just enjoy doing it. The stage is honestly juuust there so i can somewhat justify this passion. "Oh well im working toward something...a win..." rather than chasing something that can never be caught. So even right now. I am doing everything in my power to make this prep worth it. But could i do more? Maybe, but im not willing to sacrifice my family nor my 9 to 5 (which is how i live) to do something that make me no money whatsoever. I could skip meetings and dip out of work to do more posing and to make sure i do this and that. But I already make sacrifices. I also never want to throw MY PASSION into my family's life and have them suffer. For instance, I coulddd workout at other times of the day, maybe get more sleep. But i dont want to make my wife hold down the kid because I wanna workout at 10am....if i wanna do something, i will MAKE MORE TIME. I will get up earlier. I will stay up later. I wont inconvenience their life because I am passionate. Im the one who will suffer, not anyone else. This is already a selfish sport and i refuse to throw that back on my family or anyone else.

Drug wise stayin with good ole Sust + EQ and just added some Masteron in. Gameplan is to probably drop the EQ in a few weeks, up the mast and maybe throw in tren. No orals yet. Plan is to hold off on those until much later, especially if there's a chance im doing a second show. I dont wanna be running orals for 10 fuckin weeks. Not happening. Totaly drug load will be around 3g coming toward the end which is a lot but isnt insane either. But have to run because I have to present some shit to the cofounder of my agency in like 20 mins. Shake off the BBer mode and put on Creative Director mode for the rest of the day.

 

[TheOtherOne55]

BACK
Lat activation
Straight arm pulldown - 3x12
CG pulldown - 3x10 pyramiding up in weight
Seated high row - RP set
Neutral wide pulldown - MR set
SA low row - top set back off
Barbell shrugs - 3x20

279.8
Weight kinda holding. In a good place though.
Justin actually pulled back cardio and upped food for this week. Basically said that the engine was revving too hard and we needed to slow down a bit. So back at 12 mins of stairmaster HIIT 4x per week. I was at 20 mins. But cardio right now is a breeze. I've actually upped the intensity a bit just to make sure my HR is getting up there. I promise ill post some pics up here post this Saturday's check-in. I don't think im lean lean yet. LEAN...but not BBing lean if that makes sense. I say another 10-15lbs can be pulled.

Like i mentioned this past week, its nice to have BBing in the background. I just started a new gig after being a remote guy for 3 years. So I now go into an office 3 days a week which just means getting up a lil earlier (3:50AM) and prepping my food more. I drive about an hour south in LA and get my shit done. Its nice and im cranking...very little time to think about BBing...a good thing or a bad thing? For me, a good thing. Keeps me busy. My morning is filllled though. Get my daughter up, cook her food, her lunch, her food for AFTER pre school, then cook 4 meals for myself while killing a PWO meal. All before i have to shower and get out the door to drop her off. I get home around 7pm ish, enough time to eat my last meal, watch maybe one show then go to bed to repeat the same thing lol.

What's been on my mind lately is how much longer i want to do this. Not the BBing lifestyle. Not the cardio and meal prep and pushing my body. But the actual competing. And its not like ive competed a bunch. I spent my 20s doing PLing so i've only done 4 shows ever. But as I get leaner, i get more aware and can visibly see more of my physical imbalances. If i'm standing there, chillin in the gym, just being a gym BBer. A. I look good. But like i've bitched about before, this shoulder has made posing and truly hitting the correct poses sooo difficult with so many imbalances that its frustrating. I simply do not have what it takes to do what I want to do. It sucks but its the truth. I maaay be able to fandangle my way into winning a regional show (very dependent on who shows up) but in terms of anything larger than that? Nah. Can i stand next to a national SHW and look comparable, most definitely. But if you say, "ok hit a front lat spread." Oh hell no. I had always wanted to compete to justify WHYYY i live this lifestyle and why i do this. But do i neeed to justify it? Can i just be a Jordan Peters guy? lol Kinda accept that I dont have it but just live and do this solo? That's always on my mind.

 

[bbxtreme]

BACK
Lat activation
Straight arm pulldown - 3x12
CG pulldown - 3x10 pyramiding up in weight
Seated high row - RP set
Neutral wide pulldown - MR set
SA low row - top set back off
Barbell shrugs - 3x20

279.8
Weight kinda holding. In a good place though.
Justin actually pulled back cardio and upped food for this week. Basically said that the engine was revving too hard and we needed to slow down a bit. So back at 12 mins of stairmaster HIIT 4x per week. I was at 20 mins. But cardio right now is a breeze. I've actually upped the intensity a bit just to make sure my HR is getting up there. I promise ill post some pics up here post this Saturday's check-in. I don't think im lean lean yet. LEAN...but not BBing lean if that makes sense. I say another 10-15lbs can be pulled.

Like i mentioned this past week, its nice to have BBing in the background. I just started a new gig after being a remote guy for 3 years. So I now go into an office 3 days a week which just means getting up a lil earlier (3:50AM) and prepping my food more. I drive about an hour south in LA and get my shit done. Its nice and im cranking...very little time to think about BBing...a good thing or a bad thing? For me, a good thing. Keeps me busy. My morning is filllled though. Get my daughter up, cook her food, her lunch, her food for AFTER pre school, then cook 4 meals for myself while killing a PWO meal. All before i have to shower and get out the door to drop her off. I get home around 7pm ish, enough time to eat my last meal, watch maybe one show then go to bed to repeat the same thing lol.

What's been on my mind lately is how much longer i want to do this. Not the BBing lifestyle. Not the cardio and meal prep and pushing my body. But the actual competing. And its not like ive competed a bunch. I spent my 20s doing PLing so i've only done 4 shows ever. But as I get leaner, i get more aware and can visibly see more of my physical imbalances. If i'm standing there, chillin in the gym, just being a gym BBer. A. I look good. But like i've bitched about before, this shoulder has made posing and truly hitting the correct poses sooo difficult with so many imbalances that its frustrating. I simply do not have what it takes to do what I want to do. It sucks but its the truth. I maaay be able to fandangle my way into winning a regional show (very dependent on who shows up) but in terms of anything larger than that? Nah. Can i stand next to a national SHW and look comparable, most definitely. But if you say, "ok hit a front lat spread." Oh hell no. I had always wanted to compete to justify WHYYY i live this lifestyle and why i do this. But do i neeed to justify it? Can i just be a Jordan Peters guy? lol Kinda accept that I dont have it but just live and do this solo? That's always on my mind.

Competitors come and go. I’ve seen so many come through my gym only to disappear and see them again at some point unrecognizable.

No… a true hardcore bodybuilder is someone who looks it and lives it year round. That’s far more impressive than achieving a look one time, for one day. If we can do both along the way so be it, but competing doesn’t make the bodybuilder IMO.

 

[TheOtherOne55]

 

[tren]

You look great, man — and respect for actually throwing a solid face into the pose too. Most people forget their face exists when they flex lol.