MuscleTech's $50,000 Transformation Contest

[DriverDan]

Originally Posted by noname_justgame

I managed to get some pictures up. I look forward to going on this stack by muscle tech, I havent taken any supplements for some time now, not even protein shakes. Just pure natural energy I was born with and a so so nutrition program (could be a lot better)

I?m sure once I get my supplements in the mail I will optimize my nutritional program. Lets all make legends of ourselves for ourselves and get in the best shape of our lives...: }

Flex is not a national newspaper. It doesn't even show the date. You're going to have to retake the pics.

[Fisher33]

Originally Posted by DriverDan

Flex is not a national newspaper. It doesn't even show the date. You're going to have to retake the pics.

(a) all Pictures must be taken with the same lighting and background; (b) Pictures must be taken in multiple poses, including front relaxed, back relaxed, most muscular, abs and thigh, and side chest; (c) all Pictures must be taken with you wearing the same color and style of clothing; (d) you must have substantially the same hair-style and (if applicable) makeup in each Picture; (e) one (1) of the Before Pictures and one (1) of the After Pictures must show you holding a national newspaper or magazine with the date clearly visible; and (f) only you and no one else may appear in the Picture. Additional technical requirements for the Pictures are set forth on the entry page.

Great job on loosing 20lbs Dan!

But you are wrong on this. (sorry)

[Fisher33]

Originally Posted by Ronald A. Strahan

Catch this set of amazing before & afters...?

jrclapp

http://blog.bodybuilding.com/MT50000.../after-photos/

This guy is ripped!

He did a great job, I would like to see side by side comparisons if anyone is bored and has the skills & time

[papagunz]

Originally Posted by Fisher33

(a) all Pictures must be taken with the same lighting and background; (b) Pictures must be taken in multiple poses, including front relaxed, back relaxed, most muscular, abs and thigh, and side chest; (c) all Pictures must be taken with you wearing the same color and style of clothing; (d) you must have substantially the same hair-style and (if applicable) makeup in each Picture; (e) one (1) of the Before Pictures and one (1) of the After Pictures must show you holding a national newspaper or magazine with the date clearly visible; and (f) only you and no one else may appear in the Picture. Additional technical requirements for the Pictures are set forth on the entry page.

Great job on loosing 20lbs Dan!

But you are wrong on this. (sorry)

I think they mean something like Newsweek.

[PaC-mAn8]

Just a quick question guys..I'm pretty sure I can still enter..but just for a reconfirmation...can I?

And the end date is July 16th correct? So ~2 ish months left.

...hmmm, curt is in here..so maybe I will enter just to compete with him (for fun of course)..

[curt_james]

Originally Posted by DriverDan

Flex is not a national newspaper. It doesn't even show the date. You're going to have to retake the pics.

DriverDan a.k.a. MuscleTech Rep now? I didn't get the PM, but congratulations, Danny.

[curt_james]

Originally Posted by PacMan8

Just a quick question guys..I'm pretty sure I can still enter..but just for a reconfirmation...can I?

And the end date is July 16th correct? So ~2 ish months left.

...hmmm, curt is in here..so maybe I will enter just to compete with him (for fun of course)..

Yes, you can still enter. The deadline to enter is June 16th, yes. And compete with me??? Time to get serious! (flex)

4. Entry Period:

The Entry Period begins at 12:00:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time ("EDST") on March 24, 2008 and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. EDST on June 16, 2008 (the "Entry Period"). The Contest Transformation Period ends July 14, 2008 at 11:59:59 p.m. EDST (the "Contest Transformation Period"). The Sponsor's computer is the official clock for the Contest.

- from http://www.bodybuilding.com/08muscle...00_contest.htm

If you have any questions, post 'em here or PM me.

[curt_james]

Originally Posted by papagunz

I think they mean something like Newsweek.

They mean something like (Hey, I'm guessing because I'm not the final authority, right?) USA Today!

But if FLEX MAGAZINE isn't good enough then by all that's holy... (insert anything outlandish 'here')

[curt_james]

Originally Posted by noname_justgame

I managed to get some pictures up. I look forward to going on this stack by muscle tech, I havent taken any supplements for some time now, not even protein shakes. Just pure natural energy I was born with and a so so nutrition program (could be a lot better)

I?m sure once I get my supplements in the mail I will optimize my nutritional program. Lets all make legends of ourselves for ourselves and get in the best shape of our lives...: }


'More punishment means more reward' -unk

Welcome to the contest, game!

And, DriverDan, that's the May 2008 issue of Flex which appeared on the newsstands after the entry period began.

Oh, what the heck, any MuscleTech rep want to clarify whether Flex magazine is eligible as a date verifier?

[curt_james]

Originally Posted by hollowaypi

Hope everyone is doing good. I have lacked on hittin the gym and all due to moving and having kids makes that even harder with no help. I will make up for it this coming week though. Hope you all are doing good.

What are we, chopped liver??? Get your @$$ in the gym!

Seriously, I hope the move went well and that your kids are happy and all in order. Now hit the gym! We've all got to catch up to Liquid_diet. And that Strahan Monster!

[noname_justgame]

Originally Posted by DriverDan

Flex is not a national newspaper. It doesn't even show the date. You're going to have to retake the pics.

I guess I forgot to enter the competition.lol. I just posted some before pics to help motivate myself and others as I make progress. I just bought that mag on Friday so I thought I'd show the current issue of flex now and after summer I'll show the issue for whatever month I'm taking the 'after picture' in. Im doing this challenge for myself, see if I can pass the test of time and do everything right for 3-4 months.

Consistensy is key. I keep whispering that to myself every night b4 I hit the sack. : ]

[Skifit]

How the progress going for everyone?

[Mighty_Metcalf]

Originally Posted by Fisher33

(a) all Pictures must be taken with the same lighting and background; (b) Pictures must be taken in multiple poses, including front relaxed, back relaxed, most muscular, abs and thigh, and side chest; (c) all Pictures must be taken with you wearing the same color and style of clothing; (d) you must have substantially the same hair-style and (if applicable) makeup in each Picture; (e) one (1) of the Before Pictures and one (1) of the After Pictures must show you holding a national newspaper or magazine with the date clearly visible; and (f) only you and no one else may appear in the Picture. Additional technical requirements for the Pictures are set forth on the entry page.

Great job on loosing 20lbs Dan!

But you are wrong on this. (sorry)

I dunno, seems extremely nit picky if you ask me. I know that's what they stated in their rules but I am about to move and will in no way be able to take pics in the same place with the same lighting. Does that mean I am automatically going to be disqualified?

Does anybody else share this dilema?

[curt_james]

Originally Posted by Mighty_Metcalf

I dunno, seems extremely nit picky if you ask me. I know that's what they stated in their rules but I am about to move and will in no way be able to take pics in the same place with the same lighting. Does that mean I am automatically going to be disqualified?

Does anybody else share this dilema?

Lighting and background in general will be acceptable... I'm guessing! I mean, what was your background for the before pics? If it's a light-colored wall then just find a light-colored wall at the new place. Also if it was overhead fluorescent light then match that. I don't think it has to be exactly the same location.

But, yes, you're DQ'ed. (Imma win this thing SOMEHOW!)

[Fisher33]

I don't know about anyone else, but I read the rules very carefully before entering this thing, even had some lawyers look at it.

[curt_james]

Originally Posted by Fisher33

I don't know about anyone else, but I read the rules very carefully before entering this thing, even had some lawyers look at it.

Aaaand?

...

My diabolical plot is to get EVERYONE ELSE DISQUALIFIED! The Last Man Standing method of winning.

MuscleTech: "Chr!st, he's all that's left? Yeesh. Here's the check, old man. Enjoy!"

muahahahahHAHAH!

You're planning on litigating your way to the $50,000 grand prize, Fisher?

Seriously, people do need to read the rules. It's all spelled out:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/08muscle...00_contest.htm

[Ronald A. Strahan]

Originally Posted by Mighty_Metcalf

I dunno, seems extremely nit picky if you ask me. I know that's what they stated in their rules but I am about to move and will in no way be able to take pics in the same place with the same lighting. Does that mean I am automatically going to be disqualified?

Does anybody else share this dilema?

I do. I'll mov twice before this thing is over. Mary, the Muscle Tech Rep said to me, "I'm pretty sure you can find a white wall anywhere.

I went with the black drop-cloth / clamp light background because I can set that up anywhere! Same background, same lighting, doesn't say it has to be the same location.

Get you pics up alread Mighty!

Originally Posted by Fisher33

I don't know about anyone else, but I read the rules very carefully before entering this thing, even had some lawyers look at it.

My legal team advised me not to enter more then the required five pics, MuscleTech probably won't even take them in consideration.

Also, I noticed some people didn't get all the five required ones up but and calf close-ups... interesting... just putting it out there.

[curt_james]

Originally Posted by DriverDan

Flex is not a national newspaper. It doesn't even show the date. You're going to have to retake the pics.

DD, Fisher's comment and someone else's post has me revisiting your comment.

"Pictures must show you holding a national newspaper or magazine with the date clearly visible;"

Did you ever apologize for, uh, whatever? And, hey, how'd you like his (what should have) take(n)-the-wind-out-of-your-sails response?

He's in it for the FUN of it. "Im doing this challenge for myself," specifically. Who'dathunkit? Kudos to you, game!

Or were you joking with him when you made your post. I'm thick at times. Maybe I missed the humorous tone of your post.

Like Liquid_diet said, I'm not as nice as I pretend to be.

[DriverDan]

Calm down, I was just pointing it out so he didn't get disqualified. It would suck to do the whole thing and then find out your pics were wrong. If he's doing it for fun then great, no big deal.

I assume they mean any national newspaper or mag with the FULL date. Monthly mags come out well before their issue date (a May issue is printed in April). Someone could pick up a May mag in April and claim they started in May.

[curt_james]

Originally Posted by Ronald A. Strahan

My legal team advised me not to -=snip=-

Holy moley. Legal teams? Suddenly I'm very old. Or very stupid. Or, hey, both. Years ago, on base in Indianapolis, I got hit by a car (okay, nudged actually, but I went down) and simply got up, gave the driver the finger and kept on walking. Later, a chief petty officer told me his brother had a similar event take place. He got $35,000 for doing the flop on the macadam and then complaining of a neck injury. Nice.

But somehow also sad.

Originally Posted by Ronald A. Strahan

Also, I noticed some people didn't get all the five required ones up but and calf close-ups... interesting... just putting it out there.

This is why MT should have some ironclad statement that offers, MuscleTech's decision is final wrt to the outcome of this contest and its eventual winner. Unfortunately, I imagine it turning into Lord of the Flies at the finish line. And that is not what the spirit of this competition should be.

Fisher and Strahan, what's your take on all that? I suspect you're both of the NON Lord of the Flies camp.

[curt_james]

Originally Posted by DriverDan

Calm down, I was just pointing it out so he didn't get disqualified. It would suck to do the whole thing and then find out your pics were wrong. If he's doing it for fun then great, no big deal.

I assume they mean any national newspaper or mag with the FULL date. Monthly mags come out well before their issue date (a May issue is printed in April). Someone could pick up a May mag in April and claim they started in May.

That Flex, however, does have a date on it and any newsstand can tell you when they received their shipment and when they put it out. I worked at a newsstand when I was in college and after I graduated. Curt = newspaper and magazine geek... who needs to calm down.

Thanks for that clarification. See, I'm seeing the EVILness in people rather than the KINDness. Kudos on looking out for the competition.

[Fisher33]

Originally Posted by curt_james

Aaaand?

You're planning on litigating your way to the $50,000 grand prize, Fisher?

Seriously, people do need to read the rules. It's all spelled out:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/08muscle...00_contest.htm

No, I didn't intend to come across that way.
The reasons I will keep private at this time.
(it has no bearing on anyone else in the contest, just me)

Originally Posted by Ronald A. Strahan

My legal team advised me not to enter more then the required five pics, MuscleTech probably won't even take them in consideration.

Also, I noticed some people didn't get all the five required ones up but and calf close-ups... interesting... just putting it out there.

Agreed. Not to be nit-picky, but it is $50k at stake.
Some people didn't post all 5 required pics/poses.
Some did not post pics with (at least 1 before and 1 after with the newspaper/mag in the shot)

When it comes down to it, they will be DQ'd.

No, I am not a rep, but I did read the rules.

[Fisher33]

Originally Posted by curt_james

Fisher and Strahan, what's your take on all that? I suspect you're both of the NON Lord of the Flies camp.

Definitely not in that camp. (Lord of the Flies)
Unfortunately I do expect it to get ugly later in the game.
I will try to stay out of any "ugliness".

I am here to help, be positive and supportive, not criticize and badger.

My Transformation will stand on it's own and speak loudly for it's self!

Originally Posted by DriverDan

Calm down, I was just pointing it out so he didn't get disqualified. It would suck to do the whole thing and then find out your pics were wrong. If he's doing it for fun then great, no big deal.

I assume they mean any national newspaper or mag with the FULL date. Monthly mags come out well before their issue date (a May issue is printed in April). Someone could pick up a May mag in April and claim they started in May.

From what I've seen so far, you have always been very helpful and supportive.

Please don't stop.

[curt_james]

Originally Posted by Fisher33

No, I didn't intend to come across that way.
The reasons I will keep private at this time.
(it has no bearing on anyone else in the contest, just me)

No, I agree with you, Fisher. People definitely should follow the rules. It's important to clarify those rules/expectations prior to the contest's completion date. MuscleTech reps, hopefully, will reply quickly to any and all questions... such as, yeah, Liquid_diet's tanning concerns. What seemed inconsequential to me at the time is probably a genuine concern.

If anyone has questions now is the time to get them out there.

Originally Posted by Fisher33

Not to be nit-picky, but it is $50k at stake.
Some people didn't post all 5 required pics/poses.
Some did not post pics with (at least 1 before and 1 after with the newspaper/mag in the shot)

When it comes down to it, they will be DQ'd.

No, I am not a rep, but I did read the rules.

Sounds good to me.

[Xcon444]

I am 17 and when u sign up it says under eligibility "The MuscleTech? $50,000 Transformation Contest (the "Contest") is open only to individuals who are legal residents of the 50 United States (except residents of Arizona and Vermont) and the District of Columbia and are eighteen (18) years of age or older at the time of entry."

But then later under Requirements Of Potential Winners it says "If a potential winner is a minor, his/her parent or legal guardian must sign the Affidavit/Release on the potential winner's behalf."

So my question is this, can I register in the contest and submit my pics and stuff if I am 17? I will be 18 on May 21st and I really dont feel like waiting till then to register and submit my pics.

[Need4Pain]

Originally Posted by Skifit

How the progress going for everyone?

My progress was going ok but I tweaked my back and the thing is I dont remember how I did it. Woke up Sunday (May 4th) almost not being able to get out of bed. The pain was excrutiating. I began to feel it late Saturday night but i didnt think it would be this bad.

Friday (May 2nd) I was trapped in the apartment. I live in South dakota and we had a bad blizzard so they pretty much shut the town down.

Saturday morning (May 3rd) I was still trapped in the house. There was so much snow everywhere and the plowers still havent come to get rid of the snow. My car was covered by 4-5 feet of snow! It was crazy...

This is from my journal for May 5 (Today):
Monday- May 5rd, 2008

71 days left until the deadline (July 14th).

I Woke up at 5:50 AM this morning. Didnt do any cardio...I think I tweaked
my back Sunday morning that it was to the point that I was finding it
difficult to even get on my feet. If I was laying on the couch on my stomach
and tried to get up, it was such a struggle for me to do so. So I opted not
to do cardio Sunday morning or afternoon (May 4th) and this morning

**Its not my lumbar region but the region below it where the buttucks meet
the back...Im trying to figure out what I did to injure this area

**My diet was spot on yesterday (May 4th). I made sure to get in all my 8
meals and water... Wasn't able to write a journal because daily activity was
causing me so much pain...

**I took some naproxin for my back. I think it's called napersin or
naproxin. It is supposed to be a muscle relaxer and supposed to help
alliviate the pain. I received it originally for my shin splints


I hope everyone is doing better...

[Ronald A. Strahan]

Originally Posted by curt_james

This is why MT should have some ironclad statement that offers, MuscleTech's decision is final wrt to the outcome of this contest and its eventual winner. Unfortunately, I imagine it turning into Lord of the Flies at the finish line. And that is not what the spirit of this competition should be.

Fisher and Strahan, what's your take on all that? I suspect you're both of the NON Lord of the Flies camp.

I think these contests are such a 'shot in the dark' that it's hard to tell. I mean, I don't ever remember a lot of coverage or ads featuring the winners of MT's 2000 & 2002 contests which were both through the mail, similar format but you had to submit 11 pictures... Can you imagine... 11 before and after pictures?

Ideally in a situaion like this... forums... bodyspace... you'd get a confirmation message that said you were entered or everything you posted was good to go. For all I know, those types of messages could have gone out and I'm not good to go. I imagine there's some type of official roster, which, for whatever reason isn't posted anywhere I can find. Maybe they don't have the time / inclination to say, "Thanks for buying our product, you've included everything you need to in your contest entry packet, we look forward to helping you get in the best shape of your life!" Or maybe they're working on it?

I saw the blog post in the group thread which said something about 648 active competitors, but there's only 120 blog entries under the "before" category. I didn't find anything in the rules about 'Before' photos entry being time sensitive (Like with the other contests your pics had to be post-marked within two weeks of when they were taken). I mean other than entering before June 16th I didn't see anything along those line in the 'official' rules. I took three sets of befores but I was told by a rep there was a time limit so to get them up as quick as possible.

I know, for me, most of the questions I've asked in here have been answered via Private Message from a Team MucleTech Rep. Save a few that were addressed here in the blog... like the tanning issue. A lot of people just want to know whether or not they should get a tan / fake tan / what have you. What did we get back? Something about tan not making much of a difference either way? Then it's like... hmm... surely Jay Cutler thinks it does. I'm pretty sure Mr. Olympia himself wouldn't step on stage without months of tanning prep and a few final coats of tan in a can.

Ah hell, I'm driving all over the parking lot...

I don't really see it turning ugly towards the end, contest ends mid-July and there thing will be judged mid August then there's legalities and notifications. You'd think it would be all warpped up by the Olympia. I saw you can write for a winner's list by October 14th. I guess, again, they don't have the time / inclination to post that pulicly... like in a thread dedicated to a 50,000 MuscleTech Transformation Contest... showing the five entry before and after pics of the winners. I guess we'll know who nwon this thing by reading in someone's profile under BB Accomplishments... "And I won 50K"

I would guess this thread would be locked up after the contest end date and the reps will go back to doing... whatever reps do... like I guess offering general statements about the greatness of improved health and wellness wihtout really pushing company products?

There's my 12 bits.

Originally Posted by Fisher33

Agreed. Not to be nit-picky, but it is $50k at stake.
Some people didn't post all 5 required pics/poses.
Some did not post pics with (at least 1 before and 1 after with the newspaper/mag in the shot)

When it comes down to it, they will be DQ'd.

No, I am not a rep, but I did read the rules.

I'm not so sure about the 5 required pics. I'm guessing the contest will have over 1,000 entrants before it's over... How many entrants actually make it ot the group blog is anyone's guess, let's say 500. The panel of Judges will have 500 sets of before and afters to look at, which will take time because a lot of people lack the skills to post side by side shots... which may DQ you anyway because technically you're manipulating the picture.

I think it could go either way, they'll either cross out anyone who doesn't have the five pics or just look for the hands down best transformation, and without an accountability system, like posting the winers five required 'before's and 'after's in public, it's really anybody's game.

I would also guess that the winner will be someone who hasn't / doesn't frequently post in this thread. I mean, not to write any of us out but you have to think of the numbers. I'm also sure that you could post some things on here that will get you scrubbed right off the lst. Which I'm sure I have.

Bottom line is with any comp. if you're doing it for youself, you might as well not do it. Which sounds odd coming from a guy who's about 1/2 way done with his first 500.00 dollar MuscleTech supp exclusive order and gearing up to make a second one... "Get out the credit card hunny, my muscles are start to atrophy!"

I'm not DQ'd, that I know of, you'll have to read the whole post to get it. I've recieved nothing but support and information from MT reps via PM

[Ronald A. Strahan]

Originally Posted by Skifit

How the progress going for everyone?

Well, since you asked, here's My 2008 Transformation Campaign Week 03 Wrap-up

Ronald A. Strahan's Hardcore Training Journal



~ Savage ~

[Daretosoar]

Looking good Savage. Keep it up. Trying to give me some competition? LOL

[marytran]

Originally Posted by Xcon444

I am 17 and when u sign up it says under eligibility "The MuscleTech? $50,000 Transformation Contest (the "Contest") is open only to individuals who are legal residents of the 50 United States (except residents of Arizona and Vermont) and the District of Columbia and are eighteen (18) years of age or older at the time of entry."

But then later under Requirements Of Potential Winners it says "If a potential winner is a minor, his/her parent or legal guardian must sign the Affidavit/Release on the potential winner's behalf."

So my question is this, can I register in the contest and submit my pics and stuff if I am 17? I will be 18 on May 21st and I really dont feel like waiting till then to register and submit my pics.

There seem to be a few questions regarding some of the contest rules, so I will just clarify these issues.

To enter the MuscleTech $50,000 Transformation Contest you must be eighteen years of age or older at the time of registration, which for you will be May 21st.

There are a handful of states that consider eighteen year olds minors, so if you live in one of those states and you do win one of the prizes in the Transformation Contest you must have a legal guardian sign the affidavit/release on your behalf.

I hope this clarifies those issues.