2008 Transformation Contest

Well ladies and gentlemen,

A few things to say today.  Pictures and video may be missed this week because I can not find the camera battery charger.  This is why I argued for a camera that took AA batteries but hey.   I know it is in the house somewhere and that I was the last person to handle it.  It will be in the last place I look, always is.

Let’s be frank here for a minute or two.  I am outclassed in this competition.  Maddi is looking cut.  Dare is a picture of proper form and steely resolved.  Mali is an animal that replaced an animal.  Those push-ups he did were strong and straight.  Fusion is young and has found his stride as he resets his motivational focus.  My competitors are all top notch and really class people.

I am another story.  There are some tremendous changes going on in me.  Some of the changes you can see in the pictures and some you can’t.  My journey was in full swing prior to the competition.  Starting in November I had 178 pounds to lose, give or take 10 pounds depending on what I look like near the end.  Today I have 143 pounds to drop.  That is terrific and I am very happy with that progress.  This progress is due in large part to bb.com and the members here.

What you may not see is the health improvement and strength gain I have undergone.  There are a few readers here that understand what it is like to be almost 200 pounds heavy.  Just living was an effort.  Now I am feeling strong and firm. My pants are far too large. My wife remembers what muscles feel like on her man’s arms, chest, and quads. I am moving better.  I care so much more about this than a scale number.  While the scale reads 1/2 a pound up I know that I am actually much better physically today than I was last Wed.  

So back to the competition.  Because I have so much to lose I will still be the fattest person in the group at the end even if I would lose 70 pounds.  Because I was the most out of shape I will still be the weakest in the group at the end.   This bugged me a bit a few weeks back.    Here I was in a competition that I feel I have almost no chance of winning.  I was wondering why I was even selected to be in the contest.   Yes, when I feel sorry for myself I go all out.

But that wasn’t the point of the competition and winning was never about who was chosen the transformer in the end.  The competition was setup by Bodybuilding.com and our sponsors to encourage others to join the journey to health and fitness.  This is why I was chosen and why Maddi was chosen.  We have competitors from the most out of shape to the close to very in shape and everything in between.   The thing the competitors have in common is that we are all using Bodybuilding.com to accomplish our goals and hopefully showing others how to best use the site.  I think it is in this sense that we are all winners here and owe a great deal of thanks to Bodybuilding.com and the sponsors for the opportunity.  

This is also not to take anything away from my fellow competitors.  Without their motivation and dedication they would not have improved the way they have since 12/26/07.  Just take a look at their progress pictures and you know that you are seeing people that know how to get after it.  Whichever competitor wins you can be assured that they fully deserved that win.

We see the end of the contest ahead of us and yet that ending is artificial for all of us.  The competition end is not the ‘end’ for any of the competitors.  You see, we will not fail at our goals.  I am certain that Maddi and Mali will end up on the stage.  SCT will be a great trainer.  Fusion, Dare, and myself will get our weight down and harden up to a point where we will not be embarrassed to wear a swimsuit.  

You know what?  It is good to be alive!

So this week we started a new contest at work. Golds Gym is running it this time. I took my personal fitness test with a certified trainer last week. Its a 12 week program, which overlaps this one. It will help to keep me motivated for many more weeks to come. Here were my results.

Pushups in 1 Minute- 29 ( Want to hit an even 60 by contest end)
Distance In 10 Minutes on treadmill- .75 Miles ( Want to hit 1.25 Miles in ten minutes)
Situp in 1 minute -14 (Want to hit 30 by contest end)
Stretch- 42" inches ( want to hit 48-50")

We have three months and the contest is based on your improvements over your baseline, number of workouts at the gym, weight loss, and fat loss.

In addition I feel the need to set some last short term goals for this contest.

1. Lose 10lbs over the next 5 weeks
2. Lose 2" off my Mid Section
3. Lose 1" off waist line

My body is responding slow to change, just one of those things. I’ve heard that the mind can heal people, I’ve seen stories of people using positive thoughts to heal cancer. Regardless I think my laid back/ easy going personality in life is holding me back. While I might push it in the gym, I always think mentally that my results will come in time. Maybe if I mentally think about things changing more rapidly they will.

In the video below Will Smith gives the audience the secret to life, running and reading.  When you watch the video you will find out that he doesn’t really mean running but anything that tests you to a certain point.

I have heard that little voice so very many times in the past.  Many times I gave into it.  Recently I have named that voice Fred the Bastard.  Fred never accomplished anything in his life and wants to make sure that I don’t either.  He pops up all of the time when the going gets tough.

Lately I have been able to tell Fred to go to Hell.  It is funny because Fred, while persistent, is a coward. just like most do-nothing people are.  It doesn’t take much to make Fred run and hide.  Simply another step, another rep, another set and he flees.   Oh, he always comes back and you might be tempted to listen, but simply take that next step and again he runs.

One day I will be like the greats.  I will have complete mastery of Fred.  The greats are great because they keep going when others stop, when they listen to their Freds.

"I am not the smartest or most talented person in the world, but I succeed because I keep going and going and going."  Sylvester Stalone

"The hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hey people,

Another week is over and I feel a little bit tired. I was working on my car for the last two days and it just so happened those last two days weather is sub zero LOL

Anyways I am progressing towards my personal goals and I am taking giant steps. Since last week I’ve lost 6.6 lbs and 1.8% body fat. I figure this is decent progress for an ex bodybuilder Anyway there is a catch to it, and I am rather proud of it. I did it all without any supplements at all. Somewhere mid last week I ran out of my amino and now I run free

Last night I did my kick box workout. It lasted about 80min and it was considered a light workout. Tonight I go for more intensity I hope I will survive

That’s it for today kid, keep your head up high and if you need motivation check my progress page

I got in a wonderful workout last night.  Really tore up the lower body.  It felt great since I really haven’t had a good workout in several days.  I felt like I was back into the groove of things.  

Tonight I am hoping to find a new love.  I am going to try a exercise that I found in this months Muscle and Fitness.   I was very excited when I seen it.  I have hopes it will move me towards being able to actually do a complete pull up. Its called a weighted smith machine pull-up.  Here is how it works:  You set the smith machine stops at waist height and set a bench a few feet away from the bar, parallel to it.  Take a wide overhand grip on the bar and squat down to hang under it.  Place your feet on the bench in front of you so your body forms an “L”.  At this point, a partner can add weights to you lap if you choose.  Obviously, I wont be doing that part yet.  From the hanging position, pull your chest to the bar, squeezing your lats hard, and the return to the starting position.   For those of you more experienced, you can switch hand positions to the close grip to hit the lower back. Or better yet alternate them.  

Here is my progress for the last week:

Weight: up one pound (215.0)
Body fat%: the same

No I am not disappointed.  I expected it since I had been sick and everything has been off.  I don’t want my competitors getting to cocky though.  I am back and feeling great.  Hardcore workouts continue.  Restocked the groceries…clean eating is on.  Water intake has been increased.  Got myself a little valentines gift too….a new mp3.  I am so ready to bring it…again.  

Here are this weeks pics:

Top of the World - That’s show I feel today! I still have a little bit of last week’s nastiness hanging around with a stuffed up nose and a cough when I laugh. This song is a Christian song and while I’m not big on preaching here I like the vibe of this song and it’s fitting for how I felt when I stepped on the scale today. BOOM BOOM 202 down from 219.5. That’s SEVENTEEN and A HALF POUNDS. I’ve got about 12 more pounds to go to be content with my physique. The abs are starting to show and life is good. I take off for Los Angeles tomorrow and will be covering the IRONMAN PRO for Bodybuilding.com. Fans can catch the live webcast here on bodybuilding.com and we’ll be posting videos and photos throughout the weekend. This is the first IFBB show of the year and I’m stoked to be heading to LA. I was wearing shorts today and it was fantastic Denver weather near record highs. A storm is rolling in tonight and when I leave in the morning it will be in the 20s and snowing. WTF? Great time to get to Cali.

BOOM BOOM BABY I AM DROPPIN DA FAT!

I’m on top of the world
Seeing for the first time
How beautiful You are
Here on top of the world

So you say you don’t feel like working out?  It is just too hard to get in shape?

I figured you guys could find interesting to check out your biorhythm I was skeptical but we all have our ups and downs. You can calculate yours here:

http://biorhythms.perbang.dk/

Anyways I am at my lowest point right now, so I guess when I get on top you better be afraid LOL

Here are my weekly progress pictures:

Front relaxed

Side relaxed, (yeah right )

Front double biceps

Front lat spread:

Rear double biceps:

Rear lat spread:

The quality is awful I know, please forgive

The past week, I have been sick (flu).  It really sucked.  I pray that you all will not get it.  I was not only irritated that I wasn’t able to really train and felt like I would be setback but feeling like crap on top of it didn’t help.  As soon as I started to feel good, I would run out of steam by early afternoon.  I have gotten plenty of rest now and am ready to hit it hard again.  

I won’t be posting pictures and progress until tomorrow.  Sorry for the delay.  

I wanted to say how proud I am of each of my competitors.  

Alen has jumped in with both feet.  I knew he would.  He is such a positive inspiration for me.  Over the next few weeks, I know we are going to see some amazing things from him

Fusioncom is making steady positive moves forward.  I think it may take him a little longer but he will reach his goals as long as he stays focused.  I look forward to encouraging him every step of the way.  

Maddi is looking fabulous. She looked fabulous in the beginning but it’s nice to see the glow and the excitement that she has from reaching her goals.  I know she is excited with all the muscle definition that she is getting.  

Jumbo has by far blown me away with his progress.  He has not only lost the most weight of the group but his mental transformation and consistent effort is so inspiring for me.  It takes a lot of character and faith to know that it’s going to take a while to see a major change in pics and still stay positive and strong during the long road.  I am so very proud of him.

Well thats my two cents.  

Stef

My newest tune that is on repeat more than should be allowed is by da man Bruce Springsteen. This song simply rocks. I played it on repeat in the gym today as I busted out a back and shoulders workout with The Great Sara Hurrle. Sheet my back hurts already. I then went on to do 45 minutes on the gauntlet. I’m stoked to report my fat ass is becoming smaller every day. I’m currently tipping the scales at 202lbs - down from a beginning weight of 219.5lbs. I’ll post progress pics tomorrow but in the mean time enjoy a lil music from the boss.

I just wanna hear some rhythm

I just wanna hear some rhythm

I just wanna hear your rhythm

I just wanna hear your rhythm

Check the recent news on my blog for complete details of my newest venture - MUSCLE PHONE.

http://blog.bodybuilding.com/liftstudios

You’ll be hearing and seeing a lot more out of MUSCLE PHONE this year. It’s been two years in the planning and prepping and the day has finally arrived. I’m beyond stoked to see this project come to life. It’s a reminder to everyone that anything you put your mind to you can and will accomplish.

I’m BACK YO! Last week was rough. I hadn’t been that sick in years. The flu straight knocked me the F’ out. That said it is a busy week in Liftland. I was scheduled to fly to Omaha, see family, attend an event for art students, give a talk at my old art college but I had to cancel. I was looking forward to the trip but I gots to be 100% for this week’s IRONMAN Pro. I fly out to LA on Thursday and will be there until the following Monday. It’s the kick off to the 2008 bodybuilding year and always one of my favorite events.

Last night I chilled out and watched the Grammys. There were a number of awesome performances and this was one of the top. The song "stronger" is one that has grown on me and ya can’t help but get into it. I think Kayne West is a whiny bitch when it comes to the whole scene and there is always something to complain about with this cat when it comes to award ceremonies. Despite my dislike for his constant complaining, I am a fan of his creativity and continual evolution. As you can see his performance last night was certainly something different and creative.

I’ll be announcing a little project that shows my creativity in a different way, later today. It’s been two years in the works and it will change the bodybuilding world. I’ve also become a bit more creative in my workouts and eating. Creativity can be shown in many ways… we all have it and express it differently. Are you stuck in a rut? Do something different, GET LOST TONIGHT.

Heya,

I just woke up. Last night I went bowling with my friends, quite a fun. Relaxing too. This was my firs night out in the town, for…well last six months. Nothing but work, work and more work.

Anyways, some big time mobster was shot in my building last night. The police was all over the place and got us residents all locked down in our apartments. Yeah, talking about some stress. I mean who are the to stop me from going out after six months.

Nevertheless, this morning I woke up, took the measuring tape and I saw progress. I lost two pounds. and lowered my body fat percent down 23% and I feel great.

And another thing. I got me self a kick box instructor! Well, actually it’s an old friend who asked me if I would like to punch some bags with him, so I guess it will accelerate my progress a bit. This means I have a workout every day in the week, no rest for me

Next week I plan to up the intensity for a notch so I suggest you people do the same. Don’t go thinking I will go easy on you

malibuilder

"Whether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother,

You’re stayin alive, stayin’ alive.

Feel the city breakin’ and ev’rybody shakin’

and we’re stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive.

Ah, ha, ha, ha, Stayin’ Alive, Staying Alive.

Ah, ha, ha, ha Stayin’Aliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiive……….
…………"

Don’t tell me I don’t make sacrifices.

I have a girlfriend that wanted to go dancing tonight.  I told her, "no".  

Now this goes against my very dance shoe nature.

I spent far too many years of my life doing NOTHING to squander an opportunity for a little bit a fun.

But I asked myself.  

I said, "Maddi?"  I said, "What?"  

I said, "Maddi?"  I said, "Tell me whatchyou want!"

I said,  

"WILL GOING DANCING TONIGHT TAKE YOU IN THE DIRECTION OF YOUR GOALS OR WILL IT TAKE YOU AWAY FROM THEM?" 

I said, "AWAY".

And so I cancelled my plans.

Why would dancing take me away from my goals?  Well certainly it would not have been the 6-7 shots of tequila I intended to imbibe upon.  

The mathematics being that one shot every three songs=calories which are danced off shot by shot.

No,…the reason it would have taken me away from my goals is this.  

I WOULD HAVE BEEN HUNG OVER TOMORROW.  

My body would be in recovery.  My eating would have been off.  My body wasting precious energy seeking homeostasis rather than muscleo-stasis.

Besides….

It’s too soon!

I like to give the boys 3-4 months to forget about me before I go back again. 

SO instead, I sit at home on a Saturday night….boiling chicken…eating salsa.

But my body will definitely THANK ME…in the morning!

The blog sits quietly waiting to be fed
Nothing new or insightful to write or be read
It is not exciting
This weight-loss fight
A simple process
Steady state progress
We see 1 or 2 pounds melt from the hulk
Not much with 145 pounds to shed of the bulk
Time and will are all it takes
Even if excitement it does not make
The blog though hungry might be
Will need to wait just like we
For weight-loss is what this is about
No need for frustration or  need shout
In the end
The 5 here will achieve results they seek
Even if it takes time to complete.