16 Weeks to my first contest

[Katanator]

I have been training for 3 years now,but only started getting my diet right about 2 years ago,ive made quite good natural gains and think its time for my first contest now. Im planning on entering a division where for my height I have to weigh less than 83 kg(182.6 lbs). My contest prep wil be 16 weeks long,1 month of bulk diet with cardio and then 12 weeks of serious dieting. My plan will start on the 1 of december.
Some stats:
Gains over past 2 years = 26.4 lbs
Current weight = 211.2 lbs
Lenght = 1.78 m (5' 10")
Age = 20
Weight to drop to contest = 28.6 lbs
I wil keep track of al my progress here and please any help or input wil gladly be accepted since this is my first time. I also want to know if you guys think its possible to naturally drop to my contest weight without losing too much muscle mass.
Here is a picture of how I currently look while training chest.

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2813801&d=1288532627

[Adams08]

Well from what I can see def look like a big dude. Hard to tell with the picture though if you could lose 30 pounds or not. Def need to cut some for contest but as far as getting a accurate guess from people will need a better picture.

[Katanator]

I know its a bit early but started adding cardio to my daily workout now and seem to already see a small difference,also stopped using creatine to cycle it a bit,my official contest prep is only starting on the 1st of dec but im starting to get everything in place now,please guys any comment on how im looking now wil be appreciated. Another qeustion is wether you think I would be on a competitive level fro my height and a weigh op +- 82 kg(180 lbs),all these photos are completely unflexed or tensioned.
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2816531&d=1288620324
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2816521&d=1288620313
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2816511&d=1288620296

[fltallpaul]

If you are planning on only losing weight for 12 weeks you will not be able to get shredded and keep all your muscle. Dieting slowly and losing 1-2lbs a week is where you will retain the most muscle. Another thing I believe is you should not choose a weight to be, just keep dieting until your as lean as you feel you need to be. I am not sure what your plans are regarding competing. You mentioned natural so I am assuming you will remaining that way. I suggest finding contest pictures of the winners of the show your entering for a solid assessment.

Good luck and keep this journal updated. Thanks.

[Katanator]

No im going to lose most of my weight over a 16 week period and yes I agree to set a flat weight to be but thats just more or less,thanks for the input

[ChrisSierra]

24 weeks imo

[Katanator]

For some reason my pics doesnt show anymore,oh well wil just attach them again,any comments on how I currently look?,and if it would be able to create a nice stage physique with the amount of muscle mass I currently have,all the pictures are completely unflexed or tensioned

[IronResolution]

A SOLID base!
After your cut you will have a proportioned and amazing display.
I agree with the above posters. A slow and gradual cut will optimize muscle preservation.
What is your current nutritional / macro nutrient division?

Possible improvements: calves may be slightly disproportionate to upper body width. The ideal balance (suggested by a contest prep coach) is similar neck, calve, and bicep measurements.

Excited for the journey.

[Katanator]

Havent really started with my contest prep yet but already trying some of the poses,coment welcome

[Katanator]

Any input?

[bwelch1985]

you look great man. looooots of muscle on that frame! get the diet right and you're gonna do very well at your show...but start NOW.

[Katanator]

Thanks alot,yes im gona start asap,just want to get my exams behind me because stress and extreme training doesnt go hand in hand for me n tend to get sock very easily,eventhough I dont stress that much

[Katanator]

http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/img/user_images/growable/2010/11/06/30992712/gallerypic/1F6MCh4MX6V4Sg4FID3ywMYToTvE920.jpeg

[IronResolution]

The pictures are up.
Your Back Lat spread... money.

[Katanator]

Well here I am 4 weeks out,did a little test run on my prep week and these are the pics after a little pump up on saterday morning,guys can I please ask for comments on where I need to improve and what you think of my overall preperation for my first show

[zbert]

you have really put in some serious man and look right on target bruh. well def be following the rest of your log.

[Katanator]

So i didn't update my thread that regularly, was too caught up with my contest prep, but here's the result. I came second in my first show and first in my second shot. Was very pleased and definitely plan to compete again next year. Here is a pick or two.

[Katanator]

Oh ye forgot to say, I am from South Africa and the two shows were local shows on 2 following weekends

[EdizOz]

Excellent job bro! Well done. I hope i come in as lean as you (im currently 16 weeks out from my first showing). Any tips/pointers?
Repped