2008 Transformation Contest

Tonight I say goodbye to 2007.  2007 was a great year.  It was the year that I began to live again.  It was the year that I decided to take back control of my life.  So I bid adieu to 2007 and welcome in 2008.

2008 will see the birth of my first grandchild.  It will be the year that I ride 500 miles across Iowa on a bicycle.  It will be the year that brings me back to my fighting weight.  While I won’t be finished with my transformation, I  will be well on my way.

Don’t bother making resolutions.  Just set goals and achieve them by doing.  

May God bless and keep you all next year and every year in your future.

When I wake up tomorrow morning, it will be a New Year. Every New Year’s Eve that thought just astounds me. Nothing will likely be all that much different, but it seems as if the world views this change in date as a new slate, a chance to start something new or finish something you already started.

With that in mind, I am going to finish what I started on December the 26, 2007. I am going to spend the first 1/4th of 2008 giving it all I have and making my transformation a priority. My body is already making changes only near a week into it, but I know the best changes are yet to come.

I invite you all to finish what you may have started, or start something new, right along side of us in 2008. Make it the year of reinvention, the year of risk and reward!

SCT

My Mission - get my abs back and loose the winter coat. While some people are hibernating and putting on a winter coat of fluff I am dead set on shedding mine. I started on December 17, 2007 at a weight of 219.3lbs. Today, the final day of 2007 I am sitting at 210.5lbs. A nine pound difference in two weeks has me motivated to keep forging ahead in 2008.

Week 2 weight - 210.5lbs

It was eight years ago to the day that I was overweight, depressed and had no energy. I took up body-for-life for 12 solid weeks and it changed my life forever. I’m excited to be doing another transformation with more knowledge, more insight and more focus than 8 years ago. Will I have similar results as the first time, undoubtedly so.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A few years back when I was getting ready for my first show I found myself making excuses and complaining to others. I interviewed my friend and pro competitor, Lovena Tuley during that time. I’ve never forgotten what she told me which I coined, "The smackdown":

ISAAC: You once laid the smack down on my ass when I was whining about doing my first show. What advice do you have for others looking to get into this industry?

Lovena: Do it for you. Do it because it’s a labor of love for yourself. When the joy is gone - stop doing it. Never do anything that makes you uncomfortable or compromises your values. See my "smack down" definition below for details.

Smack down­
      "Stop focusing on what other people are doing and not doing. Bodybuilding is about a private, personal quest to make yourself, challenge yourself, and change yourself in whatever ways fit with your life philosophy. You are never really competing against others; you are competing with yourself. No one can defeat you but you! You can NEVER control the decisions others will make regarding their health and life.

      I have had to struggle with these kind of issues for many years. I would bitch and bitch about the unfairness but really, I made my choice. I am not sorry and I will be the last one laughing! No $10 trophy was ever worth my health or ethics. Honestly, nothing in this sport/arena is worth what they will ask you to pay. Make your decisions and live graciously with them. Offer no excuses and always do your best. If you are improving yourself, mentally and physically, every year- than you have success. Stop being a wimpy, grudge-holding, natural bodybuilder. Do it lovingly or don’t do it!!"

Read my full interview with Lovena here.

Ah yes, today was leg day. I actually love leg day because my legs are well very strong, its even more odd that my wife says she likes my legs. Shouldnt I be telling her that.

Anyways its a brief entry here, since my internet is down at home. Grabbing a friends computer for a minute.

Today I stacked 5 PLasmajet Pills, and Superpump 1 scoop…I’ve never ever ever had intensity to keep on going with leg day like I had today.
Minus the stinkin 14 year olds hogging the leg press machine to try and hit 210lbs, all was good.
My after feel is not so much of a pump, but I can tell that when I leave the gym there is weakness, the legs have been worked. But these products have helped me thru every last rep, even ones when I would have normally bowed out.

Yet another promising experience with Gaspari products….

P.S. The vanilla protien powder, and sugar free cheesecake pudding are great. Its a nice snack if you have a sugar craving, not a huge fan of the Malodextrin…but I dont eat it non stop just once or twice a week.

One last note before I forget, I’m down 4 lbs since the Wed weigh in

Someone had sent me a message via e-mail today asking what it is that helps me to stay motivated. One of the best quotes I’ve ever heard is, "Find people who have what you want, do what they’ve done, and get what they’ve got."

It was that quote that brought me to bodybuilding.com nearly 2 years ago, and the truth behind it that keeps me here. Throughout my journey I have met many people who have forged the road ahead, and I derive motivation from their journey. My journey has led me through many highs and lows, and now I find myself continuing it but in a more public way. Luckily for me, I do well under pressure.

So far my journey has been on track the entire way, for which I am thankful. I tore it up in the gym all week, and tomorrow I start my 2nd gym week in which I will tear it up all over again. My diet has been on point all week, and will continue to be so. I did allow myself one free meal, but that was part of the plan as well.

This week a large part of my motivation has been reading back over the journey of last year’s competitors in this very same contest. I’ve been droving through the old blogs and have been very impressed by the work ethic of all, but like the quote says.. find people who have what you want..  that would be the amazing Dvsness, you can follow the entire 2007 BodySpace Contest here.
Vanessa exhibited class and hard work through the entire contest, and part of my ‘plan’ is now to every day read a day’s worth of her journey back in last year’s contest.

In case you haven’t seen, here is a peak at the transformation Vanessa made:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

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On the topic of prizes, I think the real greatest prize is the change we will all make. Sure, it’d be nice to win money or something, but in the end there are no losers so long as we all make positive changes. You want more prizes than that? How about the generosity of Bodybuilding.com throughout this contest? Or the A-freaking-mazing amount of support/product Gaspari is setting us up with. We’ve already gotten prizes galore, if you want more.. earn it..

SCT, bringing the truth

When is bb.com going to announce exactly what it is that we are competing for?  I know we are all gung-ho about losing weight, making transformations, and shining the light on good health.  But it is Day 5 already.  I need something to work for here.  I’m tired.  I’m hungry.  I’m cranky.  I’m living in a non-understanding family that is not too supportive or respectful of my goals.  Last year’s contestants knew what they were fighting for before the contest even began.  We deserve the same.  Give us our carrot please.

"You set a goal to be the best and then you work hard every hour of every day, striving to reach that goal. If you allow yourself to settle for anything less than number one, you are cheating yourself."
–Don Shula

The new year is almost here, will you cheat yourself in 2008?

Who inspires and motivates you?  When I joined bb.com, I had never done an internet blog or chat room before.  I really didnt know what to expect.  I had just seen an ad in a magazine and something called out to me.  I knew it would be one of the best choices that I could make.

As I wondered around the site, I came across a post titled, "Dont let your string dangle!!".  As I read this post, I could visualize this muscle bound guy laying on the bench, press a huge amount of weight with his short strings dangling between his legs.  Then in  comes this cute fuzzy little kitten.  The string catches its eye and he pounces.  I could just see the shock in this mans eye as he realizes where the claws were,  racks the weight, and chases this little poor kitty down the hall.  I couldnt help but laugh.  As a matter of fact, I laugh about it everytime I see a cat playing with a string.  That is how I met and became friends with my "mickey"-Ninjabill.

Ninjabill’s sense of humor is extrodinary.  When he was discribing a recent event about being "discussed" by the old women during lunch, I about died with laughter.  He admitted that he proudly sucked up the whole c.w. moment.   And the time he confessed to his doctor about the reason he lifted was because he was a compliment whore had me rolling out of my seat.  I could just imagine the look on the doctor’s face.  Ninja share part of himself that most people are not willing to do.  His fear of traveling or things from his childhood that most would keep in the closet are all things that he faces and knows help make him Ninjabill.  He accepts them and uses them to make him stronger. He takes all these things in life and puts a spin on them that makes you appreciate the little things in life.

Ninja works a lot and alot of strange hours.  Yet he still manages to balance life.  He balances his family life (proud husband and father), working out, the jobs, and just plain everyday living.  He is proof that if you want this lifestyle you can have it no matter what your situation is.

His goal is to be a "freak".  He has shared with us his obsticle of being short and his desire to be big and muscular.  Now to me he is big and muscular.  Just check out his pics.  Muscles are everywhere.  But to Ninja there are still improvements to be made.  He will continue to strive to better himself.  He will make no excuse and accept responsibility for what he achieves.

His willingness to share his knowledge and encourage others to reach their potential is amazing.  He regularly comments to others here.  He doesnt sugar coat anything.  Gives them the straight honest truth with perhaps a little humor thrown in.  Its this input and honesty that gives me great inspritation.  It is so nice to have someone that believes and supports you.

We may have different goals when it comes to bodybuilding but his input and support is something I value.  I am so thankful to be his friend.  He inspires me daily.  He is proof that with hardwork, dedication, consistancy, and the right attitude we can achieve anything.  Thanks Ninja.  You are my "mickey".

PS:  BB.com could not have picked a better person to represent them in the upcoming magazines.  This is a truely deserving c.w. moment.  Suck it up my friend and enjoy.  I would celebrate with pizza and beer but my "mickey" would not be happy.  So you get a proud woohoo and a cheer. (Go Ninja! Go Ninja!)

I feel great.  Extremely sore but great.  The new routine has the DOMS kicking my hinny.  I need a body message.  Despite being sore as hell, I wouldnt change a thing.  I know I am making progress and doing my body good.  I am transforming it one day at a time.  I will keep pushing.  Progress is happening and I am loving it.  Bring on the burn baby!!!

Todays plan:
6:00am  Yep slept in! LOL  cytolean

6:30 Meal1:  4 strips of turkey bacon, 1 slice cheddar cheese, and 2 slices of whole grain bread with animal pak and flex.

8:00 Meal 2: 1 scoop instapro, 10 oz milk, 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1/2 cup raisen, 12 almonds, 1 tbsp peanut butter.  Mix together and enjoy the protein pudding.

By the way did I tell you gaspari’s protein is absolute fabulous.  I open the chocolate and want to dive right in.  Strawberry made my mouth water and the vanilla–all I can say is real french vanilla ice cream.  Dreamy.

11:00 Cardio  multimachines 45 minutes
0-5   EFX level 2 rpe 3
5-15 EFX level 6 RPE 5
15-30 bike RPM 80  RPE 5
30-40 treadmill 3% incline RPE 5
40-45 treadmill flat RPE 3

12:00 cytolean

12:30  meal 3: 4oz grilled salmon, 1 cup each squash and zucchini

3:00 meal 4: 1 scoop instapro with 1 cup yogart

5:30 Meal 5:  1 cup cottage cheese and 1/2 cup pineapple.

Woo-hoo!  I just embedded my first video!  I feel so cyber-smart!

Please keep in mind that I do not go to the gym to look cute or to feel girlie.  I go to the gym to be the man.  lol  And to get the job done. 

Waking up I had to ask, “What type of man will you be today?”  For many days I never asked this questions and in return I became the man you see in the pictures posted here.  So I ask that question and will ask it each day for the rest of my life.

Losing weight is not the ‘everything’ about me but it is the absolute focus during this contest.  Will I do the things needed to be successful?  Will I half ass my training?  Will I sneak in extra calories, miss meals, or fail to eat all of my vegetables? Will I be a man of doing or a man of dreaming?

I am tired and I am sore but I am pumped.  There is no quit or slacking today.  Before I go to bed I will ask, “What type of man were you today?”  Was I a man that I wanted to be?

Any one who thinks figure competitors don’t train hard is full of it. This morning I woke up at the butt-crack of dawn, had a cup of coffee and ventured out into the frigid Denver weather. I realized today that working out at 7am is much more enjoyable than 8:30 or 9am simply because the gym is 50% less crowded. Any whoo, I met up with my friend Sara Hurrle for a kick ass chest and arms workout at Greenwood Athletic and Tennis Club. This is one of the top clubs in Colorado and the United States. You can check Sara out at: http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/sarahurrle/. She is currently following the training for the NPC JR. USA in May and looking great. She won the Colorado PRO/AM figure title in her first time on stage. Check out the training video with Sara in my Colorado Connection Article.

We did a routine I am not used to and it whooped my butt.
Our workout:
Seated Incline DB fly - 20x
Seated Incline DB press - 20x
Standing Cable Fly High - 20x
We did 4 set of these with no rest in between each exercise. At the end of the 3 - rested for 2 minutes and hit it again.

Seated Flat bench DB fly - 20x
Seated Flat Bench DB press - 20x
Machine Press - 20x
We did 4 set of these with no rest in between each exercise. At the end of the 3 - rested for 2 minutes and hit it again.

Cable Fly Chest level - 20x
Cable Fly Floor level - 20x
Bench - 20x
We did 4 set of these with no rest in between each exercise. At the end of the 3 - rested for 2 minutes and hit it again.

Arms -
Cable kick backs - 20x per arm
Overhead DB press - 20x
Rope Pushdowns - 20x
We did 4 set of these with no rest in between each exercise. At the end of the 3 - rested for 2 minutes and hit it again.

1 arm extensions - 20x per arm
Reverse grip extensions - 1 arm - 20x per arm
Seat bench close grip - 20x (by this time I am wiped and barely got 15)
We did 4 set of these with no rest in between each exercise. At the end of the 3 - rested for 2 minutes and hit it again.

DB hammer Alternating arms - 20x
straight bar curls - 20x
laying rope pulls with resistance - 10x
We did 4 set of these with no rest in between each exercise. At the end of the 3 - rested for 2 minutes and hit it again.

We ended the work out with 30 minutes on the Gauntlet. Let me tell ya - you want to get the old heart rate up, this is the machine for you. It looks like a set of stairs that drop below you as you walk. This is the one machine that I sweat like no body’s business.

This was the best workout I’ve had in a long time. I will be joining Sara 1-2x a week for other workouts. I’ll make sure we videotape a few along the way and you will see the intensity of them. I have a few more surprises in the works with some other people in Denver. Check back for more right here on bodybuilding.com. My video camera should be arriving today from SONY - the blasted thing broke back in Sept and just getting it back now!

TIME TO EAT

Today marks the end of my workout week for week 1, as I hit the gym Sunday and Monday before the contest started, I decided that my shoulders would pay for being such a lagging bodypart. When I woke up this morning I went to the mirror, struck a front double bicep pose and said aloud, "You are going to kill it today, you are going to push yourself to the limit."

As I was up at 6am, I had plenty of time to eat and do supplements with proper timing before taking the wife to work at 7am. I can’t wait for the Gaspari stuff to come in as right now I’m literally keep supplementation to a bare minimum until those come in. Just pretty much Xtend and 3rd Degree Burn along with some Bulk BA.

After dropping off the wife at work I went straight to the gym, the roads were kind of crappy due to it deciding it still wants to keep snowing. I love the fact that it snowed Christmas day, but I mean is 3 days of snow really neccesary!?

After getting to the gym I was so pumped up that I didn’t even need the sauna. I went straight over to the preloaded barbells and started warming up my shoulders.

The weights on quite a few shoulder exercises went up, which will from henceforth be ‘bolded’ and ‘colored’ to indicate a personal record.

For an easy to read format of the weights, click here.

Weights:

Machine Military Press - 115×15, 135×15
- I think I’m going to go 125 for both sets next week, I had to rest/pause 3 times on 135, which means it might be too heavy and 115 felt too light.

Dumbbell Shrugs - 70s x 15, 75s x 15
- Next week is 75s for first set and 80 for second. Again, grip is causing some issues.

Smith Machine Shrug - 225×15, 275×15
- I am struggling here with grip vs difficulty, I can pull of 275 without a rest/pause but grip becomes an issue. I’m considering getting some new Straps since my old ones snapped.

Machine Upright Rows - 55×15, 65×15
- These will be purposely light for a few weeks to ensure my AC joint doesn’t act up on them. They felt good today and even with the light weight the timing scheme I used it burned like hell.

Side Lateral DB Raise - 15s x 15, 20s x 15.
- I can tell I’m getting stronger in the shoulders with these.

Front DB Raises - 12s x 15, 15s x 15
- Focus on these is now ensuring that I am raising the DBs towards the center of the body to get the full ROM for this exercise.

Rear Delt Raises - 40×15, 45 x 15.

After my Rear Delt Raises I felt like my shoulders were boulders and I was ready for some Abs and Calves. I did a bit more than called for on both exercises, but only because I have the next two days off from the gym.

Abs -
Obliques (weighted) - 50×15, 40×15 (both sides)
- I think 40 is better here as I can ensure I’m using JUST the obliques for the motion, 50 gets a bit hard and I’m starting to pull with my arms.

Weighted Crunches - 50×15, 60×15
- My abs are definately responding here, 60 is the perfect weight for now.

Calves -

Seated Calf Raises - 70×25
Standing Calf Raises - 150×25
Donkey Calf Raises - 125×25
Donkey Calf Raises - 310×8, 310×10, 325×5

As you can see I went a bit crazy with the Donkey Calf Raises. The range of motion was still good on the higher weight, but I just CANNOT push many reps on it.

Then I hit up some Cardio!

Incline Treadmill - 15 minutes
Track Walking (4.0mph) - 15 minutes

I walked out of the gym in a daze, never have I been so worn out by a shoulder workout. I literally got into someone else’s Cavalier (same year/make, different color) before realizing it wasn’t my car.

Nutrition has been on point, no deviations at all to note. I did end up substituting in an extra shake as a meal due to time constraints last night, but still on point. I’d share my current weight, but I want my competitors to be shocked next weigh-in

SCT

"Have respect for yourself. Love yourself and realize that whatever you attempt to achieve in life is a direct reflection of you. Be proud."
–Joe Greene

Be proud and love yourself! It’s gotta start from within my friends.