Applejack 4’s BodyBlog

I have been frustrated in myself lately. My workout partner compliments me, and I always brush him off. I always figure he’s just trying to be encouraging. As I prepare for a show that’s about 6 weeks out, I need to drop about 10-12 pounds to walk on stage at what I call Level 2 in my progress. I’ve been taking pics and uploading them to the site, but I have never taken the time to look at the pictures side-by-side. I did today, and I realize that I have made a lot of progress, and I should come in looking pretty decent, and I should be proud of myself no matter what.

I always check out pictures of other guys in the natural competition galleries at Bodybuilding.com, which is both good and bad. Seeing other competitors is motivating but the downside is that you can begin comparing yourself to guys that look better not knowing how long they’ve been training and forgetting that there are some genetic proclivities that may be working to their advantages. We can all be beasts, but it takes TIME and figuring out what works to get you to your best. I You can read all kinds of stuff, like I have and find that it really doesn’t work at all for you. There is no perfect formula.

First, I am country strong and also have great balance and flexibility. I also plateau very quickly so I have to change my workout about every 4-6 weeks. When trying to drob weight, I have found that my body is resistant to keeping weight off. I can drop and gain weight very quickly so I have to combine both high intensity cardio (intervals & plyometrics) with distance running. As far as weight-loss supplements go, I haven’t found one that works. I’ve tried at least 5, and most of them have made me sick in some way so I’ve left those alone. Many times the stimulants in them cause me to loose sleep and just make me entirely too jittery.

Sorry, I’ve gone off on a tangent. Basically take pictures yourself so you can see your growth over time. Write the word improvement next to the areas that have changed and them write keep pushing next to the areas that need work.

Yesterday I got really frustrated because my weight hasn’t been consistently dropping as I thought it would. I am really cardiovascular fit. I have to be b/c I have a heart murmur which is a common ailment in the family and usually tends to degenerate over time. Due to being cardio fit, I have to push myself even more to burn off calories. I actually like to run, which isn’t as common as you would think for bodybuilders.

This week, I am going to cut my longer distance runs to just 2 days (Tuesdays & Friday) and 2 miles each run and do intervals for 20 minutes at the highest intensity I can stand each day I work  in the gym and try some plyometrics as well at least one morning (Thursday)and then after my workout on Fridays.  ‘

I want to make 180 by the end of this month so I’ve gotta push and keep the eating to almost perfection. I’ve got plan so I feel much better. Go Me!

Found out yesterday that the OCB has a show scheduled in Rocky Mount, NC on July 18. I’ll do this show instead of the one in VA to save a little cash. I’ll be able to have friends there too since it’s only about a 40 minute drive from where I live now.

On my way to the gym shortly. Hope to post some new pics tonight since it’s been about a month. Did some extra cardio this weekend which helped me make weight so I am on track.

Right now I think I’m looking pretty good. I’ve got more than 10 weeks to lean out for my next show. I am pretty sure I can do it, but I’m sticking at around 190 right now, which is a bit frustrating. Spring is here so getting outside in the mornings to do those extra cardio sessions will definitely help me get to where I need to be. For my next show I want to get the mid-section nice and flat and then firm up my biceps, quads and back

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