This week in the O35 II

[Jbizzlechizzle]

Proudly wore my compression shirt to the gym yesterday...

I really need to work on my posing... My triceps look pretty huge, but do I even curl? No, not never...

[Mark1T]

Nice work, JBizz.

Got to gym this morning and felt a little tired and not that confident. Left RC starting to feel the weight. But, I at least tried my best. Warm up was on the flat bench. Did 10 reps with 135, 8 reps with 185, 6 reps with 225 and 5 reps with 275. Then, to DBs.

Shout out to my boy, J who pushes me even on off days like today.

First try with the 130 DBs again was a fail because I over-shot the kick-up and dumped the DBs. I am human after all. For your viewing pleasure.



Rested about 2 minutes and tried the 130s again. Only fair set.



Second set with 110s. Shout out to our girl Maggie who stole my spotlight She can do that anytime, though.



Third set with 100s.



I did not count the fail as a set.

[yakabebe]

Quick update

11 weeks out from 2 Nationals, then 2 Pro Qualifier events and then Olympia in November in Las Vegas

[induced_drag]

@JB....your tris do look HUGE from the rear! Nice

@Mark Strong work! Thanks for starting the dumbbell call out thread.

@Yak Man, you are blazing the path. Incredible inspiration. Thanks for showing how it can be done!



Worked out at home tonight. Realized I have never really posed my legs before. I have snapped a few pics here and there, but never really "posed" them.

So I gave it a shot tonight. My light is real bad as it all comes from one side though the windows...but it will have to do as I dont see attempting this in the gym




Anyway....a few leg shots

[D2rmind]

Quick update

11 weeks out from 2 Nationals, then 2 Pro Qualifier events and then Olympia in November in Las Vegas

Great work! Inspiring!

[yakabebe]

@JB....your tris do look HUGE from the rear! Nice

@Mark Strong work! Thanks for starting the dumbbell call out thread.

@Yak Man, you are blazing the path. Incredible inspiration. Thanks for showing how it can be done!



Worked out at home tonight. Realized I have never really posed my legs before. I have snapped a few pics here and there, but never really "posed" them.

So I gave it a shot tonight. My light is real bad as it all comes from one side though the windows...but it will have to do as I dont see attempting this in the gym




Anyway....a few leg shots

Quick update

11 weeks out from 2 Nationals, then 2 Pro Qualifier events and then Olympia in November in Las Vegas

Great work! Inspiring!

Thanx fellas.

Using a totally different gym approach this season and a totally different eating programme together with a brand new supplement regime

Looking forward to see the changes at the time when I am good to go.

InducedDrag...legs are humongous! And why no posing in da gym... ?

[induced_drag]

InducedDrag...legs are humongous! And why no posing in da gym... ?

Thanks Yak

I need to find a better gym! Be cool to be around more serious trainees. Where I had to move my training (to work with my kids activities) is not much for serious people. Lots of chrome and treadmills if you know what I mean.

I am also still not comfortable with the whole "bodybuilder" thing. It is one thing to pose a few shots at home, but I am not comfortable with that as a whole in public. I have for most of my years trained mainly for strength. Again, being around more like-minded people might help that. (probably help my training too!)

Anyway wanted to say again what a great inspiration you are! Thanks!

[yakabebe]

Thanks Yak

I need to find a better gym! Be cool to be around more serious trainees. Where I had to move my training (to work with my kids activities) is not much for serious people. Lots of chrome and treadmills if you know what I mean.

I am also still not comfortable with the whole "bodybuilder" thing. It is one thing to pose a few shots at home, but I am not comfortable with that as a whole in public. I have for most of my years trained mainly for strength. Again, being around more like-minded people might help that. (probably help my training too!)

Anyway wanted to say again what a great inspiration you are! Thanks!

BB aint for everyone thats for sure.

But I hear ya...I still recall the cold feet I had on comp 1 when the prospect of getting up on stage in front of a lot of folks wearing as they call them here nothing bu "budgie smugglers"...was terrifying

But you do have the making there of a pretty damn good BBer..the shape, symmetry and size are all there..just need to get the thing "unwrapped"

[induced_drag]

BB aint for everyone thats for sure.

But I hear ya...I still recall the cold feet I had on comp 1 when the prospect of getting up on stage in front of a lot of folks wearing as they call them here nothing bu "budgie smugglers"...was terrifying

But you do have the making there of a pretty damn good BBer..the shape, symmetry and size are all there..just need to get the thing "unwrapped"

Thanks Yak! I will never rule it out for sure, just not in the cards right now. My kids activities keep me pretty busy. My entire workout schedule revolves around my daughters dance schedule

I have spent this entire years learning to eat to stay leaner. I have made a lot of progress there and currently am the leanest I have ever been and I dont feel like it is "work" to do it. I just changed the way I ate. I am going to continue very slow leaning now using carb cycling. My trouble areas are getting a lot better.

I hate to give you 1/2 a vid...but I shot this about 10 days ago to give you an idea of upper body. I suffer from having a fairly wide waist which is a strike against me as a bodybuilder. I have the shoulder and back development to make up a little from the back, but I lack those bodybuilder aesthetics from the front. I am not complaining as this frame makes me very good at generating power and I have decent strength for a guy in the 200lb range. I am just not "pretty" and I dont thing the word "aesthetic" would be used in a sentence to describe me.

Feel free to offer any criticisms. I know your eye is better than most. I am still learning to pose better too

[highiso]

When I was in my worst shape almost 6 years ago now, I saw this picture of Rob Riches. His physique was one that first inspired me to change.

Then I came here and met cmoore, another guy that has given me the motivation to not quit.

The changes I'm seeing year to year now are minimal at best but I've stuck with it making minor improvements, mostly just getting leaner every year with some size that's barely noticeable.

It has become somewhat discouraging as I see there's little more I can do to improve with the genetics I have. But I'm still here and not giving up yet and I encourage others to do the same.

I'm not close to Rob's physique but for comparisons sake I'm a far cry from where I started and it's gratifying to have a vision, go for it and improve.

[Vytis]

Jeez ID, you are looking beastly. I know we are always our own worst critics, but in your case I don't think you should be overly concerned with your "thick waist". Your massive back certainly makes up for any waist thickness that you perceive.

On your rear lat spread maybe consider flaring your elbows up a bit - this may open you up even more. And on your RDB and FDB consider tilting your elbows forward a bit. Again, this may flare your lats even more, giving you a greater V-taper (even though it's outstanding as it is).

[ajdahlheimer]

Everyone continuing to look fantastic in this thread. Did some fasted-cardio this morning. Down to 218.8 for weight and it looks like I have overcome my weight-loss plateau (was stuck at around a 20 pound loss for what seemed like eternity). Currently down 25-26 pounds since starting my cut. Gettin' there! Oh, and fear the beard!

[induced_drag]

When I was in my worst shape almost 6 years ago now, I saw this picture of Rob Riches. His physique was one that first inspired me to change.

It has become somewhat discouraging as I see there's little more I can do to improve with the genetics I have. But I'm still here and not giving up yet and I encourage others to do the same.

I'm not close to Rob's physique but for comparisons sake I'm a far cry from where I started and it's gratifying to have a vision, go for it and improve.

WOW!!!! That is AWESOME! Dont be discouraged. If I look at my progress since returning to the gym 5 years ago, I made 95% of the total progress I made in the first year back. So the past 4 years have been 5% or aprox 1% a year. BUT....I will say this, it is the small amounts of progress that really take your physique to new levels. It is those things that show your dedication and time invested. It may be lost on the general public, but those that know can see the work put in!

FWIW man, you have the physique that 95% of men would kill for. Keep up the good work!

Jeez ID, you are looking beastly. I know we are always our own worst critics, but in your case I don't think you should be overly concerned with your "thick waist". Your massive back certainly makes up for any waist thickness that you perceive.

On your rear lat spread maybe consider flaring your elbows up a bit - this may open you up even more. And on your RDB and FDB consider tilting your elbows forward a bit. Again, this may flare your lats even more, giving you a greater V-taper (even though it's outstanding as it is).

Vytis, thanks man. Yes we are our own worst critics at times, but I also know better than anyone what my weak points are. I have never had a "pretty" physique. But I make up for it in muscle thickness and density. Heavy training has certainly taken care of that.

I am a little confused as to what you mean by "flaring" the elbows. Do you mean up or down or front or back? It is very hard to learn to pose your back because you cant see it. I could definitely improve!

Thanks for the support!

Everyone continuing to look fantastic in this thread. Did some fasted-cardio this morning. Down to 218.8 for weight and it looks like I have overcome my weight-loss plateau (was stuck at around a 20 pound loss for what seemed like eternity). Currently down 25-26 pounds since starting my cut. Gettin' there! Oh, and fear the beard!

WOW man! Looking good. I can see a HUGE difference in your face/neck even with the beard . I tend to put weight on there too and dropping weight for me VASTLY improved my sleep quality (and my wifes )

Keep doing what you are doing. Ignore the voices in your head that tell you that you are shrinking! "F" them! To give you an idea, I am about 20lbs lighter then you right now and I have not had anyone tell me that I look like I shrunk! Quite the opposite.

The really good part is the way I feel. Although I do miss eating as much, on a day to day basis I feel soooo much better. Workouts will SUCK when eating deficits.....just suck it up and do your best. You already have lots of good quality muscle.....now is the time to let it come out!

Great work!

[bcapprentice]

Jeez ID, you are looking beastly. I know we are always our own worst critics, but in your case I don't think you should be overly concerned with your "thick waist". Your massive back certainly makes up for any waist thickness that you perceive.

On your rear lat spread maybe consider flaring your elbows up a bit - this may open you up even more. And on your RDB and FDB consider tilting your elbows forward a bit. Again, this may flare your lats even more, giving you a greater V-taper (even though it's outstanding as it is).

Would it also work if he titled back a little more in the back poses?

[yakabebe]

When I was in my worst shape almost 6 years ago now, I saw this picture of Rob Riches. His physique was one that first inspired me to change.

Then I came here and met cmoore, another guy that has given me the motivation to not quit.

The changes I'm seeing year to year now are minimal at best but I've stuck with it making minor improvements, mostly just getting leaner every year with some size that's barely noticeable.

It has become somewhat discouraging as I see there's little more I can do to improve with the genetics I have. But I'm still here and not giving up yet and I encourage others to do the same.

I'm not close to Rob's physique but for comparisons sake I'm a far cry from where I started and it's gratifying to have a vision, go for it and improve.

I mean DUDE!!!! Ya gotta be stoked on that transformation!

Major props!

[D2rmind]

When I was in my worst shape almost 6 years ago now, I saw this picture of Rob Riches. His physique was one that first inspired me to change.

Then I came here and met cmoore, another guy that has given me the motivation to not quit.

The changes I'm seeing year to year now are minimal at best but I've stuck with it making minor improvements, mostly just getting leaner every year with some size that's barely noticeable.

It has become somewhat discouraging as I see there's little more I can do to improve with the genetics I have. But I'm still here and not giving up yet and I encourage others to do the same.

I'm not close to Rob's physique but for comparisons sake I'm a far cry from where I started and it's gratifying to have a vision, go for it and improve.

There is no magic pill or shortcut to obtain these results. You have been an inspiration for me personally man. Thanks for sharing and keep the posts coming.

[Jbizzlechizzle]

Impressive work all around! The O35 isn't messing around...

ID those damn wheels are sick!

Highiso you have a helluva impressive physique, I'd say your genetics are just fine,but I know how it feels to always want to have more and be better.

AJ you're doing great with the cut. I can't wait to see where you end up.

Yak good luck, your cut is gonna be sick when your show rolls around.

Hit the gym for deadlifts today and had a decent day. Pulled 370 for 5 a couple of times and that whipped my butt, but I'm enjoying the back gains.

[Bando]

Went to lift in JTBNY's gym to train with BodyHard, (JT was resting for a comp) BH really knows his stuff when it comes to exercises to build muscle, really impressed with his knowledge. Did shoulders and arms, I was sweating like a pig, BH trains hard. Pic from after the session:

[Juggertha]

Very cool pic!

[induced_drag]

Impressive work all around! The O35 isn't messing around...

JB......man your progress just continues! Really done some awesome work since you joined up here. Keep it up! Really impressive!!!

Went to lift in JTBNY's gym to train with BodyHard, (JT was resting for a comp) BH really knows his stuff when it comes to exercises to build muscle, really impressed with his knowledge. Did shoulders and arms, I was sweating like a pig, BH trains hard. Pic from after the session:

Looks like a fun time! What is with the rapper stances?





I was at a wedding this weekend. Been a while since we have been to one. This one was in the mountains and I ended up being overdressed a little . Heck, half the people were in shorts. I took "casual" to mean...ok no tie or coat

Anyway....in a funny way it made me think of all those guys that are so big, they start threads how they cant find clothes to fit them. Somehow I managed Just lucky I did not have to button the neck Tough finding 18.5" neck shirts that dont look like blouses on the bottom. (that I will agree).

Pic of me and the wife. Yes....I wear something other than tank tops and ball caps! Best man gave me waaaay too many shots at the reception. Thank goodness we stayed there. Needless to say I am eating light today to make up for a massive slip in calories yesterday. I am so hungover that not eating is pretty easy today

[CHILDOFGO12]

cool update pics yall and keep up the great work.

here is a pic of me from last week, after my hubby's and my workout at the gym.

by the way that was taken almost 3 weeks after my show

[highiso]

Everyone continuing to look fantastic in this thread. Did some fasted-cardio this morning. Down to 218.8 for weight and it looks like I have overcome my weight-loss plateau (was stuck at around a 20 pound loss for what seemed like eternity). Currently down 25-26 pounds since starting my cut. Gettin' there! Oh, and fear the beard!

AJ, great work on breaking 220! Looking hyooooge!

I mean DUDE!!!! Ya gotta be stoked on that transformation!

Major props!

Thanks, Yak, What you're doing at 65 is amazing!

There is no magic pill or shortcut to obtain these results. You have been an inspiration for me personally man. Thanks for sharing and keep the posts coming.

Thanks and likewise, still trying to figure out how you only weigh 171. Looking huge and cut in your avi!

Impressive work all around! The O35 isn't messing around...


Highiso you have a helluva impressive physique, I'd say your genetics are just fine,but I know how it feels to always want to have more and be better.

Hit the gym for deadlifts today and had a decent day. Pulled 370 for 5 a couple of times and that whipped my butt, but I'm enjoying the back gains.

Thanks man, very strong pulls at 370x5!

Went to lift in JTBNY's gym to train with BodyHard, (JT was resting for a comp) BH really knows his stuff when it comes to exercises to build muscle, really impressed with his knowledge. Did shoulders and arms, I was sweating like a pig, BH trains hard. Pic from after the session:

This is great!!!

I was at a wedding this weekend. Been a while since we have been to one. This one was in the mountains and I ended up being overdressed a little . Heck, half the people were in shorts. I took "casual" to mean...ok no tie or coat

Anyway....in a funny way it made me think of all those guys that are so big, they start threads how they cant find clothes to fit them. Somehow I managed Just lucky I did not have to button the neck Tough finding 18.5" neck shirts that dont look like blouses on the bottom. (that I will agree).

Pic of me and the wife. Yes....I wear something other than tank tops and ball caps! Best man gave me waaaay too many shots at the reception. Thank goodness we stayed there. Needless to say I am eating light today to make up for a massive slip in calories yesterday. I am so hungover that not eating is pretty easy today

Great pic! We were at a wedding this weekend as well. One of the few times you'll see me post a pic here wearing clothes.

WOW!!!! That is AWESOME! Dont be discouraged. If I look at my progress since returning to the gym 5 years ago, I made 95% of the total progress I made in the first year back. So the past 4 years have been 5% or aprox 1% a year. BUT....I will say this, it is the small amounts of progress that really take your physique to new levels. It is those things that show your dedication and time invested. It may be lost on the general public, but those that know can see the work put in!

FWIW man, you have the physique that 95% of men would kill for. Keep up the good work!

Thanks man, I can totally relate to what you're saying here. Small amounts of progress are showing but it's really become a slow process.

[tobymax123]

I still love reading through this thread. The progress that you see in each individual over time as the months and years pass is really amazing.

All the usual suspects who've posted recently... yak, ID, highiso... wow, you all do look better than ever.

Mark, great videos. Holy crap, 130 lb dumbbells!

Ajd, congrats on the amazing progress on that cut.

And...

Look at that pic! I love it.

[cmoore]

So much awesome going on in here. Been so busy of late I've missed most of it. Keep it up everyone. WOW!

6 days until my City Finals episode on American Ninja Warrior. This pic popped up on NBC.com last night.



meanwhile www.AmericanNinja4kids.com has raised $9,751.00 for Shriners Hospitals for Children. Sincerest Thank You's to everyone who has supported the cause.

[Vytis]

Very cool cmoore; I'll keep an eye out for the episode.

Hey ID, highiso, you guys clean up well, lol.

Still lifting and trying to keep up you all of you.

[induced_drag]

Very cool cmoore; I'll keep an eye out for the episode.

Hey ID, highiso, you guys clean up well, lol.

Still lifting and trying to keep up you all of you.

I think Highiso has me beat in the 'cleans up well' dept

Vytis. Man....I think people often forget what a big frame being 6'3+ is to fill out! It is a much tougher challenge for a guy at your height than a short dude like me . My guess is in person, you look pretty damn big! Shoulders really stand out. Not something easy to put on such a big frame. Nice work!!!

[highiso]

Very cool cmoore; I'll keep an eye out for the episode.

Hey ID, highiso, you guys clean up well, lol.

Still lifting and trying to keep up you all of you.

lol, you're one of the biggest and leanest guys in the O35, we're trying to become like you, srs!

I think Highiso has me beat in the 'cleans up well' dept

Vytis. Man....I think people often forget what a big frame being 6'3+ is to fill out! It is a much tougher challenge for a guy at your height than a short dude like me . My guess is in person, you look pretty damn big! Shoulders really stand out. Not something easy to put on such a big frame. Nice work!!!

Yep, Vytis is 6'3" 230+ lbs. I'm 6'0" and 190-195 at most while lean. I will never catch that size.

[ChazWood]

Still lifting and trying to keep up you all of you.

Vytis. Man....I think people often forget what a big frame being 6'3+ is to fill out! It is a much tougher challenge for a guy at your height than a short dude like me . My guess is in person, you look pretty damn big! Shoulders really stand out. Not something easy to put on such a big frame. Nice work!!!

lol, you're one of the biggest and leanest guys in the O35, we're trying to become like you, srs!

Seriously!

Vytis, you're a freakin' beast, man and too modest. Packing it on our size frames is no easy feat.

Maybe try ditching the glasses in photos for full "beast-mode" effect.

[DSUP]

I just got results of the lab analysis of my blood in preparation for my biennial physical. I started my "transformation" in the Spring of 2008 and my first data point for test was in 2011. Keep in mind, I don't even use a protein supplement.

[StressMonkey]

I just got results of the lab analysis of my blood in preparation for my biennial physical. I started my "transformation" in the Spring of 2008 and my first data point for test was in 2011. Keep in mind, I don't even use a protein supplement.

That's awesome Dsup. What a spike! The paranoid part of me says that you should also blur out your date of birth.