jacked in MI’s BodyBlog

I am 8 weeks out from my first bodybuilding competition, NPC Novice Michigan March 28, 2009.

I still have a good amount of work with my lower abs and surrounding skin but as long as I keep my diet strict, my cardio full bore, and my training focused I will be contest ready come comp day.

Keep blastin’ the iron everyone!

-Jeff

I attempted my second carb loading four days after the first one and it was great.

My carb loading consisted of six 1/2 cups of oatmeal with water, cinnamon and flaxseed oil through out the day and air popped popcorn for a snack last night. I achieved a 10/1 carb to protein ratio.

I hit two 45 minute cardio sessions along with back & biceps training yesterday.

My weight this morning did not change from yesterday’s reading so my goal of kicking my metabolism up a couple of notches with carb loading seems to be working and it is showing with a tighter waist and abs.

-Jeff

I did my first ever carb loading yesterday and the initial results are positive.

Oatmeal with cinnamon and flaxseed oil along with bananas were my food of choice during the carb loading.

My energy was good during my back and biceps workout and my body was warmer than usually throughout the day.

I am very interested to see how my body responds to this carb loading now that I am back to protein, good fats, and low carb eating.

Keep blastin’ the iron everyone! 

-Jeff

The office I work in makes a point of having an informal celebration of everyone’s birthday usually with cake and/or cookies.

Since my birthday is on the 24th I was surprised with it being celebrated today.

Instead of cake or cookies I was treated to an assortment of fresh fruit slices to share. I was completely taken back with this awesome gesture.

Hopefully, we will be able to continue working together even with the big question mark hanging over the US auto industry.

Happy Holidays everyone!

-Jeff

It has been quite a while since I have blogged so here’s a quick note.

Since completing my first 12 Week 5X5 program a few months ago I have continued to train 3 days/week with 30 min of cardio first thing in the morning Monday through Friday.

Having an endomorph build, I have cut out most starchy carbs, relying on veggies and fruits for my carb sources, to get me abs popping. With this training and diet approach, my weight is down to 170 lbs with no measurable decrease in lean mass but improved definition and vascularity.

In a few weeks, beefyemt, bb1968, and I will all be starting 5X5 programs to motivate each other.

If all goes well, I should be one lean and strengthened machine!

Keep blastin’ the iron everyone!

-Jeff

I did it, successfully completed 12 weeks of a three day per week 5X5 training regiment!

The numbers tell the story over 12 weeks:

BB Full Squat improvement from 290 to 381.25lbs

BB Bench Press improvement from 225 to 295lbs

Bent over BB Row improvement from 185 to 243.75lbs

BB Deadlift improvement from 271.25 to 347.50lbs

BB Incline Press improvement from 195 to 256.25lbs

Smith Machine behind the Neck Press improvement from 150 to 197.50lbs

Lying Tricep Press improvement from 105 to 132lbs

I especially want to thank bb1968 for introducing me to the Bill Starr’s intermediate 5X5 training regiment and my fellow BodySpacers for all of the support during this journey!

-Jeff

Half way through my 5X5 plan and I am excited to report out that my lifting stats have improved by nearly 13.5%!

All I can say is WOW!

The amazing physiques, the eye candy and all of those freebies

And look at this, I was able to meet the one and only MsFitness!

Fern is simply an awesome person.

And check this out, Wolf from American Gladiators.

It’s amazing the difference between 5′6" @ 180lbs and 6′4" @ 225lbs.

Tomorrow morning I am training with bb1968 which will be a blast.

’til next time, keep movin’ the iron everyone!

-Jeff

It has been 17 months since I decided it was time to start a dedicated training regiment and diet plan to better my health along with my single track mountain bike trail riding.

There is no turning back now

This year I am attending my first Arnold Classic. I know it’s going to be an awesome time along with the fact that I am also going to get to meet many people from BodySpace.

What’s also cool is that I am going to hit the gym Saturday morning and train with bb1968. Hopefully, I’ll still be able to walk and enjoy Saturday’s activities at the Arnold

Keep blastin’ the iron everyone!

-Jeff