D’s BodyBlog

This happens every bulk.  Can I accept losing a little definition in the short term for picking up muscle?  Will I have the discipline to keep up the higher calorie intake.  Will I not lose my mind and go on an insane cut, sacrificing the quality gains of the bulk?

I’ve got it under control this time - I think…  =)

Just because you don’t care about exercise and fitness:

• Don’t schedule meetings that run all day and night
• Don’t expect me to only eat once or twice a day
• Don’t expect me to want to eat a bunch of junk and drink excessively
• Don’t talk about my discipline like it’s OCD or something
• Don’t ask me to blow off workouts on a regular basis
• Don’t assume that you can’t make oatmeal, lentils or protein shakes taste good

Years ago, I worked up to a 500+ lb parallel squat and 20 rep sets with 405.  I then backed off of squats for a few years due to sciatica.  Once I discovered Rippetoe’s Starting Strength, I checked my ego, dropped the weight big time and learned to squat ATG and properly.

My training cycles through strength and hypertrophy phases.  The last strength phase I was on, I maxed out at 325×5.  I’m in a hypertrophy phase now and yesterday AFTER 100 reps of leg press and three sets of squats, I knocked out a set of 315×5 on my fourth set (and I had 1-2 reps left in me)!

I decided to work out with increased volume for the next 6 weeks.  Two workouts in, my outer chest, triceps, quads & hams are on fire! 

So, my bulk got quickly derailed when one of my training partners dropped a plate on my toe last Monday.  I am better (although the toe still looks ugly - no pics!) and ready to hit the iron again!  I didn’t make him feel bad this time, but I will unleash the fury of ddouble if anything like this happens again!

I am starting a 10-12 week bulk.  The goal is to put on 10-20 pounds.  I have to be careful and not get carried away with my food choices.  I’m opening up my diet, but I don’t plan to get sloppy.  I’m hungry right now!

Pics soon.

So…  A brother is stepping into the world of Twitter.  I’m going to try to keep it updated.

PumpedInATL is my name there.  If you’re out there, follow me and I’ll check you out too!

In bodybuilding news, I think I’m about two weeks away from giving The One a month run.  Stay tuned…

In my mind, summer is basically done.  That means it’s time to add some mass.  It just so happens that my karma is in order because I’ve selected to log Anabolic Innovations’ Cycle Support and Post Cycle Support.  What’s in the middle, you ask?  H-Drol, on the house from Anabolic Innovations.  I’ll probably throw in some Phera from my personal stash as well.  Heavy weights and big plates (of food) - I can’t wait. 

For the first time in several years, I decided to cut for the summer.  While most noticed and complimented me on my trimmer waist and increased definition, there were a few haters.  "You’re getting skinny" and about 10 variations of that comment.  Meanwhile I’m thinking, "You could use some of my discipline yourself".  Actually, my thoughts were peppered with expletives as well, but on the outside, I just smiled and changed the subject as quickly as possible.

I had to remind myself that some of these folks have no idea what it takes physically & mentally to cut.  I also reminded myself that those comments are back-handed compliments coming from envious people.

Pictures soon y’all

Call it bragging but I’m proud of myself.  I have been through one of the most stressful times EVER in my life and have managed to stay consistent to my routine.  I’ve also conquered the "jedi scale trick".  I’m letting the mirror and calipers dictate my success instead of looking at my weight.

Tough times usually shatter our discipline, but it is actually when we should cling tighter to our routines as a source of stability & normalcy.  I will setup the tripod soon and snap a couple of pics.