Well... it's been too damned long since I've done a proper log... and this is a helluva time to start once since I finished my last show. And it looks like we need more quality logs on here, so I'll throw my hat in the ring!
For those that like logs that are ONLY a bunch of numbers and lifts... you might be sadly disappointed. I like to log how I feel, what's going thru my mind, things along those lines as well. So with that said, like all logs *SHOULD* start, here is a quick bio followed promptly with GOALS [you know... those things that you lose sight of and get depressed about when you feel you're not accomplishing what you want].
BIO:
I'm 31, 5'7", 180lbs (was 160 two weeks ago for my show) but my weight has stabilized. I finished 2nd place in an NPC Novice show (the guy who won first was hella shredded and I don't mind losing to a guy who obviously put in a shit tonne more work than me or the rest of us)! I've been lifting for approximately 4 years (before that, I was a fat slob at 35% bodyfat and had never done anything athletic before in my life.
GOALS:
My primary goal is to be a dual sport athlete - I want to compete regularly in powerlifting in the winter (bulky) months, and bodybuilding in the springtime. I'm no "pro" material - I train around pro powerlifters and couldn't imagine spending that much time in the gym and keeping my marriage... but I'd love to rise to the national level as an amateur in both sports. I've promised my friends that if I can get my deadlift up to 500 lbs, I'll do a meet this year. The next logical goal set for me is 405/315/500 (which, under 200lbs, makes you a Class I lifter in many federations).
My secondary goal is extremely odd - a major item on my bucket list is to do a bodybuilding show, a powerlifting meet, and a competitive eating contest all within one year. I consider it my "masters degree" in food and nutrition and proof to myself that I've mastered my diet in ways that too many people can't. True contests are hard to find in my area, so I will likely be reduced to a restaurant challenge. I'm 2 down outta 3 with only the eating contest to do, and have my eyes set on a 5 lbs steak (< 1 hour).
Lastly, the third goal is to not make too much work for myself with this bulk/powerlifting season... bodybuilding prep is very taxing on a marriage and professional life (and completely obliterates your social one). Any friends I had who don't lift aren't around anymore still (oddly, I'm okay with this LOL)... but while I don't mind pain while training, my wife shouldn't have to suffer.
CURRENT PROGRESS:
The easy ones are the lifts. Last year I did a push/pull (first meet) and my numbers were 265/415. Not super impressive, but hey, I got my total. Frankly, I never cared about my squat because it's not what holds me back.
My PR on bench was 365 (on more gear that I could even begin to name LOL).
My PR on deadlift is 430 (recently set)
I never really maxed out my squat as legs are my strong point, but I figure I'm in the low 400s.
In terms of bodybuilding, I am both blessed and cursed with really awesome legs. If anyone wants the secret to good legs, it's this - get fat - like really fat... like 35% bodyfat and just walk around some. That's it. I've yet to find anyone within 20lbs of me that has legs my size. There are bodybuilders at my gym who've been training for YEARS more than me and they cry every time they see my calves. But, the sad thing is, that means my upper body is WAY underdeveloped. I'm never happy with my arms (just because they aren't symmetric with my calves), though the NPC judges call out my underdeveloped chest more than anything and they're right.
THE STRATEGY
My strategy is basically this - I'm a proper middleweight in both sports it seems, so it makes sense to keep the weight range fairly sane. Going north of 200 lbs (unless for some reason it's pure sheer muscle, and wouldn't that be nice) will likely just extra weeks on the stepmill cutting for my next show in May/June.
Train heavy regularly and focus on deadlift + bench press. I've been doing nothing but volume for too long. While my squat is weak, I'm in no super hurry to bump it up like crazy.
DIET
I'm a recent convert to Flexible Dietting... but moreover, I've found that of all the carbohydrates, sucrose is giving me uuber strength after my workout. Cookies, donuts, and ice creame are really what I'm using to lead up to my max effort days, with a "reasonable" effort to keep it clean-ish on other days (and an even more reasonable effort on non-training days).
I'm not keeping track of macros currently, but now that my size is starting to stabalize after the contest, I will likely start with that again at some point. I'm likely around 2700-3000 calories a day just guessing.
I tend to rely on whole foods more than shakes. I average 0 - 1 shake per day right now.
TRAINING
Before prep my last training cycle was German Volume Training (which I *LOVED*) but my body is begging to lift heavier now. Training is split into 4 days, and my schedule allows up to 3 sessions a day (5AM before work, a 30 minute mini-session during lunch, and a proper training session after work). The two morning sessions are usually a mix of treadmill, bike, jump rope, to step mill.
Tuesday
- Max Effort Deadlifts
- Upper Back
Wednesday (or Thursday, depending upon work)
- Chest Volume Work
- Shoulders/Arms
Saturday
- Squats (usually only work up to heavy triples or so as it's something I de-emphasize)
- Deadlift variation
- Lower body volume work
Sunday
- Max Effort Bench
- Chest Accessory
YAY! CHEMISTRY!
Contest chems were pretty light - didn't do clen or anything like that. Did some Test + Tren (300mgs each if I recall), and adjusted down towards shorter esters (ending with suspension on last week). I did try some Winny the last couple weeks of the show but couldn't tell much from it. To be fair, I came in around 6% bodyfat... when you live in a small state like I do, that's about all you need in order to win a local show and this was hardly a qualifier.
But, I say that because I don't feel too bad hoping right back on the gainz train with two of my favorite compounds - EQ and Test E, 1g each / week. EQ has always treated me well in the libido department and keeps me vascular as FARK! Between that and Tren, it's really hard to name a favorite for me. I'm goign to get blood work done mid-June and if the values are all pretty peachy, plans are to do a good quality oral later this year (perhaps you guys should pick - I'm leaning towards superdrol but I'm game for a new one). I plan on watching a friend of mine compete in SPF Worlds this October in Vegas.
Currently I'm using "no-name" UGL who isn't a sponsor on here. What can I say... it's cheap, available, and does the trick... I used to be a diehard AMA fan back when they were sponsors (may they rest in peace) so I may be in the market for a new go-to guy.
Historically, anything north of 2 grams net anabolics / week doesn't do much for me, and I *REALLY* respond well to orals so I'm hoping to push up nice and smoothly with the oil and then bust out "the ace card" when I truly plateau.
I'm also running ~ 100mcg-200mcg CJC-1295 + GHRP-6 daily for the GH bump. Will likely switch back to actual GH next year but I have a mountain of peptides to work thru.
MY LOYAL FANS
I think the best logs are the ones where the followers kick in and interact. I take my role as human guinea pig very seriously and want to give you guys what you wanna see. I have a few *VERY* rare compounds (stuff you wouldn't see on a mainstream blog) that I like to throw in pre-workout just to mix things up, but whether you want to hear more about the chemistry, the diet, the lifts, or the pics, let me know and I'll make an effort to cater to those requests.
For those that like logs that are ONLY a bunch of numbers and lifts... you might be sadly disappointed. I like to log how I feel, what's going thru my mind, things along those lines as well. So with that said, like all logs *SHOULD* start, here is a quick bio followed promptly with GOALS [you know... those things that you lose sight of and get depressed about when you feel you're not accomplishing what you want].
BIO:
I'm 31, 5'7", 180lbs (was 160 two weeks ago for my show) but my weight has stabilized. I finished 2nd place in an NPC Novice show (the guy who won first was hella shredded and I don't mind losing to a guy who obviously put in a shit tonne more work than me or the rest of us)! I've been lifting for approximately 4 years (before that, I was a fat slob at 35% bodyfat and had never done anything athletic before in my life.
GOALS:
My primary goal is to be a dual sport athlete - I want to compete regularly in powerlifting in the winter (bulky) months, and bodybuilding in the springtime. I'm no "pro" material - I train around pro powerlifters and couldn't imagine spending that much time in the gym and keeping my marriage... but I'd love to rise to the national level as an amateur in both sports. I've promised my friends that if I can get my deadlift up to 500 lbs, I'll do a meet this year. The next logical goal set for me is 405/315/500 (which, under 200lbs, makes you a Class I lifter in many federations).
My secondary goal is extremely odd - a major item on my bucket list is to do a bodybuilding show, a powerlifting meet, and a competitive eating contest all within one year. I consider it my "masters degree" in food and nutrition and proof to myself that I've mastered my diet in ways that too many people can't. True contests are hard to find in my area, so I will likely be reduced to a restaurant challenge. I'm 2 down outta 3 with only the eating contest to do, and have my eyes set on a 5 lbs steak (< 1 hour).
Lastly, the third goal is to not make too much work for myself with this bulk/powerlifting season... bodybuilding prep is very taxing on a marriage and professional life (and completely obliterates your social one). Any friends I had who don't lift aren't around anymore still (oddly, I'm okay with this LOL)... but while I don't mind pain while training, my wife shouldn't have to suffer.
CURRENT PROGRESS:
The easy ones are the lifts. Last year I did a push/pull (first meet) and my numbers were 265/415. Not super impressive, but hey, I got my total. Frankly, I never cared about my squat because it's not what holds me back.
My PR on bench was 365 (on more gear that I could even begin to name LOL).
My PR on deadlift is 430 (recently set)
I never really maxed out my squat as legs are my strong point, but I figure I'm in the low 400s.
In terms of bodybuilding, I am both blessed and cursed with really awesome legs. If anyone wants the secret to good legs, it's this - get fat - like really fat... like 35% bodyfat and just walk around some. That's it. I've yet to find anyone within 20lbs of me that has legs my size. There are bodybuilders at my gym who've been training for YEARS more than me and they cry every time they see my calves. But, the sad thing is, that means my upper body is WAY underdeveloped. I'm never happy with my arms (just because they aren't symmetric with my calves), though the NPC judges call out my underdeveloped chest more than anything and they're right.
THE STRATEGY
My strategy is basically this - I'm a proper middleweight in both sports it seems, so it makes sense to keep the weight range fairly sane. Going north of 200 lbs (unless for some reason it's pure sheer muscle, and wouldn't that be nice) will likely just extra weeks on the stepmill cutting for my next show in May/June.
Train heavy regularly and focus on deadlift + bench press. I've been doing nothing but volume for too long. While my squat is weak, I'm in no super hurry to bump it up like crazy.
DIET
I'm a recent convert to Flexible Dietting... but moreover, I've found that of all the carbohydrates, sucrose is giving me uuber strength after my workout. Cookies, donuts, and ice creame are really what I'm using to lead up to my max effort days, with a "reasonable" effort to keep it clean-ish on other days (and an even more reasonable effort on non-training days).
I'm not keeping track of macros currently, but now that my size is starting to stabalize after the contest, I will likely start with that again at some point. I'm likely around 2700-3000 calories a day just guessing.
I tend to rely on whole foods more than shakes. I average 0 - 1 shake per day right now.
TRAINING
Before prep my last training cycle was German Volume Training (which I *LOVED*) but my body is begging to lift heavier now. Training is split into 4 days, and my schedule allows up to 3 sessions a day (5AM before work, a 30 minute mini-session during lunch, and a proper training session after work). The two morning sessions are usually a mix of treadmill, bike, jump rope, to step mill.
Tuesday
- Max Effort Deadlifts
- Upper Back
Wednesday (or Thursday, depending upon work)
- Chest Volume Work
- Shoulders/Arms
Saturday
- Squats (usually only work up to heavy triples or so as it's something I de-emphasize)
- Deadlift variation
- Lower body volume work
Sunday
- Max Effort Bench
- Chest Accessory
YAY! CHEMISTRY!
Contest chems were pretty light - didn't do clen or anything like that. Did some Test + Tren (300mgs each if I recall), and adjusted down towards shorter esters (ending with suspension on last week). I did try some Winny the last couple weeks of the show but couldn't tell much from it. To be fair, I came in around 6% bodyfat... when you live in a small state like I do, that's about all you need in order to win a local show and this was hardly a qualifier.
But, I say that because I don't feel too bad hoping right back on the gainz train with two of my favorite compounds - EQ and Test E, 1g each / week. EQ has always treated me well in the libido department and keeps me vascular as FARK! Between that and Tren, it's really hard to name a favorite for me. I'm goign to get blood work done mid-June and if the values are all pretty peachy, plans are to do a good quality oral later this year (perhaps you guys should pick - I'm leaning towards superdrol but I'm game for a new one). I plan on watching a friend of mine compete in SPF Worlds this October in Vegas.
Currently I'm using "no-name" UGL who isn't a sponsor on here. What can I say... it's cheap, available, and does the trick... I used to be a diehard AMA fan back when they were sponsors (may they rest in peace) so I may be in the market for a new go-to guy.
Historically, anything north of 2 grams net anabolics / week doesn't do much for me, and I *REALLY* respond well to orals so I'm hoping to push up nice and smoothly with the oil and then bust out "the ace card" when I truly plateau.
I'm also running ~ 100mcg-200mcg CJC-1295 + GHRP-6 daily for the GH bump. Will likely switch back to actual GH next year but I have a mountain of peptides to work thru.
MY LOYAL FANS
I think the best logs are the ones where the followers kick in and interact. I take my role as human guinea pig very seriously and want to give you guys what you wanna see. I have a few *VERY* rare compounds (stuff you wouldn't see on a mainstream blog) that I like to throw in pre-workout just to mix things up, but whether you want to hear more about the chemistry, the diet, the lifts, or the pics, let me know and I'll make an effort to cater to those requests.
. Besides increasing vascularity like a mofo, it includes several minerals (like Selenium, Magnesium, etc) that help restore alkalinity and electrolytes back to muscles. Plus, nothing says ur more hardcore than using a recovery designed for a fucking horse right?
