235 lbs - What to do now? (natural)

[Diskd]

Hey all,

Been using this forum for awhile now, and thought it was time to post some pictures and ask for advice.

First, I'm 6'2 and now weigh 235. I just got up to my bulk goal weight I set awhile back. I've been bulking since Feb 2009 where I started at about 195 lbs. Along with the bulk where I added some quality size, I also added a lot of fat (Im carrying an inner tube around my midsection) which is kind of getting annoying to be honest.

Prior to committing myself to this bulk I didn't have much knowledge or experience in the gym, but now I'm pretty addicted to it and have learned a lot about training my body. I used to lift weights with little guidance before Feb of this year, where I would train like 3 sets per body part, and go to the gym pretty sporadically (like go a few times per month - basically doing nothing).

What I hope to get from this thread is a couple things: 1. What should I work on the most? (I always thought arms were lagging for the longest time - in the pics theyre close to 17.25 since theyre pumped, and my lower back doesnt show itself since I got a ton of back fat there, lol)

2. Should I continue my current bulk? Should I take a couple weeks with lower cals then continue the bulk? Should I cut to 10% BF then go from there? I really dont know what people recommend, and since Im still very newb to all this stuff I would really appreciate the advice.

3. How would you classify my body type? I was thinking I was pretty meso but I don't know for sure...

I hope to compete some day, I was always concerned with size (but now I feel like I have some decent mass to do some damage). I was eyeing the Natural Buckeye Classic - but I'm unsure if I'll be in town for it. I'd prob weigh in at about 200-210 or so?

Thanks for all the comments, I appreciate your time!

-Diskd

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/photo/data/500/medium/DSCN05497.JPG

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/photo/data/500/medium/DSCN05621.JPG

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/photo/data/500/medium/DSCN05512.JPG

[stayfit2008]

when is the Buckeye?? June? That seems like a good amount of time to prep and get ready. I'd say you would come in more like 190lbs. if not lighter for the show,..Starting your prep diet now,..well maybe a modified prep diet and work on losing a small amouint of weight/week would be a good point for you. How are the wheels?

[fltallpaul]

I can tell you from personal experience that committing to do a bodybuilding contest is the best thing you could ever do if you want to stay motivated and take your physique to levels you never imagined. 3 years ago I was in the same boat as you, life time spent in the gym but nothing really amazing to show for it. Fast forward 3 years and I am not a highly competitive bodybuilder who continues to amaze himself every week.

If you do decide to compete make sure to commmit to it. Don't think you'll start preparing and then decide. For your first show you should hire a coach to help you with the nutrition, training, strategies and a person to answer all of your many questions. I have my personal preference on coaches and there are some great ones on this forum.

Last but not least...let go of your idea of what you will weigh. Weight means nothing on a bodybuilding stage. The leaner you get the more you will stand out. Just ask anyone who didn't get lean enough but instead thought it would be great to compete at (*&lbs...just get lean, when you feel lean look at pictures of Brian Whitacre, Tommy Jeffers, Alberto Nunez, Ben Goins, Kurt Wiedner...then get back to work.

This is a great place to start for support...its the same place I began my journey, found Layne Norton and made friends with so many on here. If you show you are serious you will find a great deal of support. Good luck!

[Sporto1633]

Last but not least...let go of your idea of what you will weigh. Weight means nothing on a bodybuilding stage. The leaner you get the more you will stand out. Just ask anyone who didn't get lean enough but instead thought it would be great to compete at (*&lbs...just get lean, when you feel lean look at pictures of Brian Whitacre, Tommy Jeffers, Alberto Nunez, Ben Goins, Kurt Wiedner...then get back to work

Just wait until everyone sees your Midwest States pics...then your name will be added to that list ;)

Sporto

[Diskd]

when is the Buckeye?? June? That seems like a good amount of time to prep and get ready. I'd say you would come in more like 190lbs. if not lighter for the show,..Starting your prep diet now,..well maybe a modified prep diet and work on losing a small amouint of weight/week would be a good point for you. How are the wheels?

April 17, 2010 - Not sure If I can at this point just from the sheer fact I might not be in town during this month. Im also wondering on my mental status from a contest prep from lowered carbs - if I will be all there mentally?

Legs are good, I'll try to take some pics tonight and post them here - Mid thigh they're close to 27'' and over 29'' at their thickest part. Some cuts are starting to show through the more I train them - hopefully the pics can show it. I realize I will lose inches everywhere on my body once I decide to contest prep.


I can tell you from personal experience that committing to do a bodybuilding contest is the best thing you could ever do if you want to stay motivated and take your physique to levels you never imagined. 3 years ago I was in the same boat as you, life time spent in the gym but nothing really amazing to show for it. Fast forward 3 years and I am not a highly competitive bodybuilder who continues to amaze himself every week.

If you do decide to compete make sure to commmit to it. Don't think you'll start preparing and then decide. For your first show you should hire a coach to help you with the nutrition, training, strategies and a person to answer all of your many questions. I have my personal preference on coaches and there are some great ones on this forum.

Last but not least...let go of your idea of what you will weigh. Weight means nothing on a bodybuilding stage. The leaner you get the more you will stand out. Just ask anyone who didn't get lean enough but instead thought it would be great to compete at (*&lbs...just get lean, when you feel lean look at pictures of Brian Whitacre, Tommy Jeffers, Alberto Nunez, Ben Goins, Kurt Wiedner...then get back to work.

This is a great place to start for support...its the same place I began my journey, found Layne Norton and made friends with so many on here. If you show you are serious you will find a great deal of support. Good luck!

I appreciate the post Paul, its really motivating to see someone like yourself who was in my shoes at one point and see how they have progressed.

As far as a coach goes I already have a buddy (experienced competitor) of mine who has volunteered to help me out along the process. The point of these forums though is to gain more insight and different thought processes which would extremely help me. So obviously I am open to any comments and theories on what I should and shouldn't be doing.

Thanks for the posts so far guys, any other comments are appreciated...like my strengths and weaknesses and what I should focus on bringing up?

[fltallpaul]

Just wait until everyone sees your Midwest States pics...then your name will be added to that list ;)

Sporto


Thanks Tommy....so far I think my conditioning is better than it was two weeks ago. At this point all I am looking at is glutes and hams and the lines are deeper these days.

[rich55]

Good back width and chest thickness. You are not too far out of shape from bulking, but it always best to give yourself more time than less. Estimating that you may come in around 190-195. That gives you 40 lbs to lose, so I'd start your prep around 20 weeks out (put you around the beginning of December for the Buckeye). More time to cut will allow you to come in proper condition and enable you to keep more muscle. Crash dieting or sudden drops is what will drain you mentally, while dieting more slowly will keep your strength up and keep you feeling good.

The Novice heavy division at the Buckeye will be a good one. I have two guys in that division and know of a few more interested. Oh, and flyer time haha... :D

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b98/rich55/BuckeyeClassicFlyer41710-1.jpg

[Diskd]

Thanks for the comment Rich....I'm really looking forward to seeing how I would look cut (thinking about myself at 195 lbs is kind of scary)

Like I said I am not sure if I would be able to do the show at this point (really hope I can), but I will def find out for sure soon.

If I do the novice division am I eligible, and would it be worth it for me, to enter the open division?

I'm still convinced my arms arms a big weakness for me, as well as a lack of a v taper since my midsection is pretty chubby

[Diskd]

Quick shot of the legs tonight, little blurry but my camera is a little old too

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/photo/data/500/medium/DSCN05773.JPG

[Diskd]

Bump for some critiques please

[Barn01]

I'm still convinced my arms arms a big weakness for me, as well as a lack of a v taper since my midsection is pretty chubby

Haha well the chubby mid section won't be so chubby after 20wks+ of dieting ;)

[DanTheManB]

Haha well the chubby mid section won't be so chubby after 20wks+ of dieting ;)

true dat.

[str8flexed]

well I hope you take this well. You have good size and don't appear to have any major weakpoints. But, you only have 20 weeks. I would start dieting TODAY.

[FATHER FLEX]

well I hope you take this well. You have good size and don't appear to have any major weakpoints. But, you only have 20 weeks. I would start dieting TODAY.

This!

[Diskd]

well I hope you take this well. You have good size and don't appear to have any major weakpoints. But, you only have 20 weeks. I would start dieting TODAY.

Thanks Layne and Father Flex, just getting a hold/counting my current day to day cals the last few days and looking forward to my prep!

[Matt593]

Me n you all the way at the novice heavy division at the Buckye :) If you will be in town, do it!