fighting40’s BodyBlog

I stepped on the scale this morning and found myself at 207lbs.  That is up from my March 31 contest weight of 195 and down from my pre-contest prep of 220.  Going into my first contest I really didn’t think I was going to lose that much weight.  I was however, very pleased with my conditioning at the contest and now consider that my benchmark.  I am preparing for my next contest in Aug and am trying to put on just a bit of size before I start my cut again.  I have been consuming about 4500 cals in a ratio of 45%carbs (whole wheat bread, oatmeal, yams, complex carbs in a weight gain product), 40% protein (96% lean beef, nf cottage cheese, egg whites, whey shakes and weight gain) and 15% fats (misc qtys in shakes, weight gain and 1/4 of all fat grams in an ounce of raw almonds).  I get nervous as the weight increases that along with that is going to come fat.  I know that’s what happens, but I just want to delay the start of my cut as long as possible before the show, so don’t wan’t the layer of fat to get too thick.  Compared to my contest, I already feel like a fat pig, but I can still see the obliques and the serratus so maybe I’m still ok.  I guess my goal would be to come into the Aug show 3-4 pounds heavier.  It doesn’t sound like much, but I bet it will make a big difference in the way I show.  If anybody has comments on the diet, let me know.  Thanks.

WOW!  When I start looking around at all the profiles, I am just amazed by the shape some of you are in.  Just when I think I am working hard and looking good, I see some of the dudes that are just huge and ripped and I know I am not working hard enough.  And the gals…pretty incredible.  I know it’s not about what others are doing, but how much am I improving.  However, on the bodybuilding stage, you have to stand next to others and allow yourself to be judged.  As they say, it’s not the destination, but the journey. I admire the dedication and hard work invested by all of you.  Keep smiling!

I am pleased and surprised by the support of the people on BodySpace.  It is motivating to read the positive comments provided in the short time since I put up my profile.  I am glad to know that there are lots of others who are setting goals and struggling to achieve them.  I assume everyone has their own reasons for trying to make changes, and the best part about this website is that regardless of "why", there are lots of people excited to share the "how" and provide that much needed mental boost.  Good luck to all in pursuit of your desires.

Just trying to kick this thing off.  I guess I will start using this thing like a journal until I get the hang of it.  The biggest thing on my mind right now is the tenderness in my right shoulder.  It is not muscle, but that makes me even more nervous.  I have been doing shoulder work and chest work unilatterally (just my left) until it starts feeling a bit better.  I worry that it will hinder my attempt to gain a few pounds before the Aug 11 show I am interested in.  I liked how ripped I was at the Vancouver show, but I still look way too skinny.  I know there are no magic gains waiting for me, so a couple of pounds every 6 months or so is what I am working toward.  One thing I learned from the last show is I need to practice my posing a bit more.  I couldn’t believe how nervous I was up there and it made my poses look too stiff.  A couple of pounds and better stage presence are my goals for the next show.

Welcome to the Bodybuilding.com BodyBlogs. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!