The 2nd Annual MuscleTech $50,000 Transformation Contest Presented By BodySpace.

[mrjabruce]

Yeah, I no longer have a full time job as a software developer. I graduated with my Bachelor's less than a year ago, and now I cannot find a job for the life of me. I seriously put in close to 10 apps a day or more, research for things to put on my cover letters, and the whole enchilada.

Working out is what I do now. I am hoping to win this contest like many of you are. However I am also hoping to do other things such as perhaps modeling when my physique improves. Times are so stuff, it can be hard to think outside of the box. For me, having a Bachelor's degree put me in more debt than if I had just continued working in retail.

MuscleTech's contest is giving me the drive to succeed not only in this contest, but in life by pursuing my goals on my terms

[kenwoodjens1]

I would just like to say,

we have a lot of respectful people on this board.

and I'm thank ful for each and every one of you,

You all have showed me a lot and I'm learning daily.


Again Thank you

And God Bless you all.

================================================

Ps. Just cause I said that, does not mean I'm taking a step back from the front seat LOLLLLLLL

ALSO I'M GERMAN SO DO PLEASE NOT MOCK ME ENGLISH LOL

[Alex-Kane]

Originally Posted by mrjabruce

Yeah, I no longer have a full time job as a software developer. I graduated with my Bachelor's less than a year ago, and now I cannot find a job for the life of me. I seriously put in close to 10 apps a day or more, research for things to put on my cover letters, and the whole enchilada.

Working out is what I do now. I am hoping to win this contest like many of you are. However I am also hoping to do other things such as perhaps modeling when my physique improves. Times are so stuff, it can be hard to think outside of the box. For me, having a Bachelor's degree put me in more debt than if I had just continued working in retail.

I'm aiming for the same thing in the back of my mind. I never thought in my life posing with my shirt off would be an option, but if I keep going, I would not mind it at all - better than nothing. But in the mean time, have you ever considered writing articles for BB.com - it pays with store credit, which in turn saves you money on supplement. I saw it earlier, and since I write myself, it's time to put one of my skills to work. I got a few ideas for motivational articles and once I flesh them out and do adequate research, I'll be sending them out. I hope you'll find something as well. As long as you're alive and well, you'll always have options!

Originally Posted by mrjabruce

MuscleTech's contest is giving me the drive to succeed not only in this contest, but in life by pursuing my goals on my terms

Life has so much more meaning when you fight on your on terms. Sun Tzu, writer of the "Art of War", spoke of a "death ground," a place where soldiers are pinned between a life and death struggle. It is at that time that men will fight double, if not triple, the ferocity as death is more tangible - its do or die! We can all cultivate a mental "death ground" in life by applying the same lesson. You'll find life has more meaning and substance when you're in survival mode, you begin to appreciate EVERYTHING! I like your attitude, Mrjabruce, it's the right one to have even in the face of your current situation - positive thinking, coupled with a formidable determination, will yield nothing but positive results!

[Respectmyhouse]

Originally Posted by funktronik

Hey, is anyone else out there feelin this economy like me? I work in the construction industry and my girlfriend was in escrow. Work and money.....poof! GONE!! Anyone going through that? This contest is what I'm hanging on to. It gives me hope and a tangible goal. I swear it's what gets me up in the morning and what puts me down at night. It's a survival thing now. Is anyone else out there struggling or feeling like that?

yea its just as bad in ny ...........this contest is a nice dream

[Gatorgym]

Just checkin in to see how everyone is doing.

I am curious as to what the status quo is on trimming up and drinking diet sodas is...I have heard twice over the last week from different venues that diet sodas ie coke zero/diet coke can cause excess fat storage around the stomach area...

Thanks in advance for your thoughts....

[rubenramos2]

Just completed what I believe to be a perfect day. I think I did everything right, supps, diet, and workout. So don't waiver or you will get left in the dust.

C'mon everyone let's step it up a notch and show MuscleTech what their supplements are capable of doing along with a good routine.

[BackInAction]

This is totally off subject but I wanted to see what you guys thought about this. I enjoy this website, this forum, and this contest but what I stumbled across on here today was quite troubling. My girlfriend, who is also on here, got a friend request from someone named bubblebuttguy2. I took a glance at this guys profile to see if he was serious and I am scared for life!! Do you guys think stuff like this and people like this should be allowed on here with people like us who are taking this website and this passion seriously??

Also, great job everyone!!! Its awesome to see the results you guys are putting up!!!

[mrjabruce]

Reasons I have heard for diet soda as being bad for health may be surprising. It is nice to have no sugar or calories (one would think). However, the sweetener most diet sodas use isn't natural. Because of this, our bodies react as if they are toxins and our fat cells hold on to them. It hinders weight loss because now our fat is harder to burn off.

Whether this is true or not I do not know. I have seen anecdotal evidence, haven't you? How many overweight people do we see at the gym working their heart's out, and then finish with a diet soda? Of these people, how many lose weight like they want? I could be wrong, please, let me know what you all think.

[Alex-Kane]

Originally Posted by BackInAction

This is totally off subject but I wanted to see what you guys thought about this. I enjoy this website, this forum, and this contest but what I stumbled across on here today was quite troubling. My girlfriend, who is also on here, got a friend request from someone named bubblebuttguy2. I took a glance at this guys profile to see if he was serious and I am scared for life!!

LMAO! Dude, that was the best laugh I've had all day!

Originally Posted by mrjabruce

Reasons I have heard for diet soda as being bad for health may be surprising. It is nice to have no sugar or calories (one would think). However, the sweetener most diet sodas use isn't natural. Because of this, our bodies react as if they are toxins and our fat cells hold on to them. It hinders weight loss because now our fat is harder to burn off.

I've read the same thing concerning artificial sugar. I avoid all those, and if I do have it, in flavored water, for example, its few and far between. To me at least, coke, after not drinking it for a year now, gives me a headache - and it's not the caffeine - I'm well adjusted to stimulants. I read it in one of my magazines, which I'm desperately trying to locate, since this question has been brought up before. For me, the confusion the body gets from artificial sweeteners, is enough to stay away. Besides, isn't the sweat and the exercise, worth the sacrifice?

[hot-revolvers]

Originally Posted by BackInAction

This is totally off subject but I wanted to see what you guys thought about this. I enjoy this website, this forum, and this contest but what I stumbled across on here today was quite troubling. My girlfriend, who is also on here, got a friend request from someone named bubblebuttguy2. I took a glance at this guys profile to see if he was serious and I am scared for life!! Do you guys think stuff like this and people like this should be allowed on here with people like us who are taking this website and this passion seriously??

Also, great job everyone!!! Its awesome to see the results you guys are putting up!!!

lol.. dude i wouldnt sweat it but online isnt for everyone..lol

Originally Posted by mrjabruce

Reasons I have heard for diet soda as being bad for health may be surprising. It is nice to have no sugar or calories (one would think). However, the sweetener most diet sodas use isn't natural. Because of this, our bodies react as if they are toxins and our fat cells hold on to them. It hinders weight loss because now our fat is harder to burn off.

Whether this is true or not I do not know. I have seen anecdotal evidence, haven't you? How many overweight people do we see at the gym working their heart's out, and then finish with a diet soda? Of these people, how many lose weight like they want? I could be wrong, please, let me know what you all think.

I wouldnt get mixed up on try to find "good in the bad"..lol.. post contest a soda or two wouldnt kill you but try to keep it natural as possible

[mrjabruce]

Oh yeah, soda is one of the worst things ever, in my opinion. It ranks up there with peperoni. I avoid as many processed foods as possible. I sometimes have white rice and lipton ice tea (the sugar free, unsweetened kind), and that's about as bad as I get. The few times I do cheat on sweet things I regret it because I get really sick. I quit soda cold turkey about 3 months ago and never looked back

[hot-revolvers]

Originally Posted by mrjabruce

Oh yeah, soda is one of the worst things ever, in my opinion. It ranks up there with peperoni. I avoid as many processed foods as possible. I sometimes have white rice and lipton ice tea (the sugar free, unsweetened kind), and that's about as bad as I get. The few times I do cheat on sweet things I regret it because I get really sick. I quit soda cold turkey about 3 months ago and never looked back

good move.. i have always been a juice junkie or lemonade is always a treat..only a few more weeks to go

[funktronik]

Originally Posted by Gatorgym

Just checkin in to see how everyone is doing.

I am curious as to what the status quo is on trimming up and drinking diet sodas is...I have heard twice over the last week from different venues that diet sodas ie coke zero/diet coke can cause excess fat storage around the stomach area...

Thanks in advance for your thoughts....

You should drink a gallon or more of clean water or more a day to utilize your body's potential to the fullest. It probably wont leave much room for soda really. Bottom line...moderation is the key to life. A diet soda here and there won't make a difference if you're normal diet is dialed in.

And P.S. thanks to those who responded to my earlier post about the economy. It's nice to vent to like minded people. Tell ya what... if t.s.h.t.fan I'm gonna band with you guys cause ya'll are gonna be in the best freakin shape!!!!!

[JohnSmeton]

This contest is someones lucky ticket to more money. I'm doing my best!~

[TRANSMIGRATION]

Originally Posted by Gatorgym

Just checkin in to see how everyone is doing.

I am curious as to what the status quo is on trimming up and drinking diet sodas is...I have heard twice over the last week from different venues that diet sodas ie coke zero/diet coke can cause excess fat storage around the stomach area...

Thanks in advance for your thoughts....

Originally Posted by mrjabruce

Oh yeah, soda is one of the worst things ever, in my opinion. It ranks up there with peperoni. I avoid as many processed foods as possible. I sometimes have white rice and lipton ice tea (the sugar free, unsweetened kind), and that's about as bad as I get. The few times I do cheat on sweet things I regret it because I get really sick. I quit soda cold turkey about 3 months ago and never looked back

No studies have found that diet soda is bad for you. They found that studies show people that drink diet soda/pop tend to be over weight and that it's not due to the soda but due to eating habits. Think about it. If a person is drinking diet soda it's because they are wanting to lose weight so they are large to begin with. If any of you can find an article proving different let me know. For the non-believers

Remember: Diet drinks and obesity are linked. Obesity and diabetes are linked. Diabetes and eating unhealthy are linked. Eating unhealthy and then trying to diet = diet pop/soda. It's not the diet soda, trust me.

That's my opinion until scientific proof is directly linked to diet pop/soda being unhealthy.

[willymongo]

Here is a study synopsis that indicates further review is necessary of diet soda in regard to metabolic syndrome. Nothing conclusive just merits further review.

Dietary Intake and the Development of the Metabolic Syndrome. The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Pamela L. Lutsey MPH, Lyn M. Steffen PhD, MPH, RD*, and June Stevens PhD, MS, RD

From the Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, School of Public Health, Minneapolis (P.L.L., L.M.S.), and Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (J.S.).

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: steffen@epi.umn.edu.

Background?The role of diet in the origin of metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) is not well understood; thus, we sought to evaluate the relationship between incident MetSyn and dietary intake using prospective data from 9514 participants (age, 45 to 64 years) enrolled in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.

Methods and Results?Dietary intake was assessed at baseline via a 66-item food frequency questionnaire. We used principal-components analysis to derive "Western" and "prudent" dietary patterns from 32 food groups and evaluated 10 food groups used in previous studies of the ARIC cohort. MetSyn was defined by American Heart Association guidelines. Proportional-hazards regression was used. Over 9 years of follow-up, 3782 incident cases of MetSyn were identified. After adjustment for demographic factors, smoking, physical activity, and energy intake, consumption of a Western dietary pattern (Ptrend=0.03) was adversely associated with incident MetSyn. After further adjustment for intake of meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables, refined grains, and whole grains, analysis of individual food groups revealed that meat (Ptrend<0.001), fried foods (Ptrend=0.02), and diet soda (Ptrend=< 0.001) also were adversely associated with incident MetSyn, whereas dairy consumption (Ptrend=0.006) was beneficial. No associations were observed between incident MetSyn and a prudent dietary pattern or intakes of whole grains, refined grains, fruits and vegetables, nuts, coffee, or sweetened beverages.

Conclusions?These prospective findings suggest that consumption of a Western dietary pattern, meat, and fried foods promotes the incidence of MetSyn, whereas dairy consumption provides some protection. The diet soda association was not hypothesized and deserves further study.

I agree with trans there is no study that conclusively links diet soda. But that is because no one has done one specifically for that reason. Who would fund it?

Here is the definition of Metabolic Syndrom: A group of risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. It includes abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood glucose levels, and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The metabolic syndrome is sometimes called the insulin resistance syndrome.

[Alex-Kane]

I would be more concerned about the artificial sweeteners inside the soda - even a diet one, which claims zero sugar, is still sweetened artificially. In the long run you'll confuse the body to store it, since it does not consider it "sugar" -or so I've read.

[TRANSMIGRATION]

Originally Posted by willymongo

Here is a study synopsis that indicates further review is necessary of diet soda in regard to metabolic syndrome. Nothing conclusive just merits further review.

Dietary Intake and the Development of the Metabolic Syndrome. The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Pamela L. Lutsey MPH, Lyn M. Steffen PhD, MPH, RD*, and June Stevens PhD, MS, RD

From the Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, School of Public Health, Minneapolis (P.L.L., L.M.S.), and Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (J.S.).

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: steffen@epi.umn.edu.

Background?The role of diet in the origin of metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) is not well understood; thus, we sought to evaluate the relationship between incident MetSyn and dietary intake using prospective data from 9514 participants (age, 45 to 64 years) enrolled in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.

Methods and Results?Dietary intake was assessed at baseline via a 66-item food frequency questionnaire. We used principal-components analysis to derive "Western" and "prudent" dietary patterns from 32 food groups and evaluated 10 food groups used in previous studies of the ARIC cohort. MetSyn was defined by American Heart Association guidelines. Proportional-hazards regression was used. Over 9 years of follow-up, 3782 incident cases of MetSyn were identified. After adjustment for demographic factors, smoking, physical activity, and energy intake, consumption of a Western dietary pattern (Ptrend=0.03) was adversely associated with incident MetSyn. After further adjustment for intake of meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables, refined grains, and whole grains, analysis of individual food groups revealed that meat (Ptrend<0.001), fried foods (Ptrend=0.02), and diet soda (Ptrend=< 0.001) also were adversely associated with incident MetSyn, whereas dairy consumption (Ptrend=0.006) was beneficial. No associations were observed between incident MetSyn and a prudent dietary pattern or intakes of whole grains, refined grains, fruits and vegetables, nuts, coffee, or sweetened beverages.

Conclusions?These prospective findings suggest that consumption of a Western dietary pattern, meat, and fried foods promotes the incidence of MetSyn, whereas dairy consumption provides some protection. The diet soda association was not hypothesized and deserves further study.

I agree with trans there is no study that conclusively links diet soda. But that is because no one has done one specifically for that reason. Who would fund it?

Here is the definition of Metabolic Syndrom: A group of risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. It includes abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood glucose levels, and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The metabolic syndrome is sometimes called the insulin resistance syndrome.

Did you read the interview here: Are sugar substitutes bad for you?
Busting the health myths surrounding artificial sweeteners


Quote from MSNBC:

Interviewer: "I've heard a lot of talk about how the sweeteners aspartame and sucralose are really bad for you. Is this true?
-Amber W., Cincinnati, Ohio



"No, it's not true. Some people remain suspicious of all artificial sweeteners, even though extensive research has not found any significant health concerns. "


I think you may be right about needing more proof but I read a huge federal study involving more than a half million adults 50 to 69 years old was done on this subject. I think it's more a Myth that diet pop is bad. LOL.

[TRANSMIGRATION]

Read the above about artificial sweeteners. ^^^^

Originally Posted by Alex-Kane

I would be more concerned about the artificial sweeteners inside the soda - even a diet one, which claims zero sugar, is still sweetened artificially. In the long run you'll confuse the body to store it, since it does not consider it "sugar" -or so I've read.

[Izmanv]

Originally Posted by rubenramos2

Just completed what I believe to be a perfect day. I think I did everything right, supps, diet, and workout. So don't waiver or you will get left in the dust.

C'mon everyone let's step it up a notch and show MuscleTech what their supplements are capable of doing along with a good routine.

Ruben! Transformation is lookin good, man! Great progress!

Originally Posted by BackInAction

This is totally off subject but I wanted to see what you guys thought about this. I enjoy this website, this forum, and this contest but what I stumbled across on here today was quite troubling. My girlfriend, who is also on here, got a friend request from someone named bubblebuttguy2. I took a glance at this guys profile to see if he was serious and I am scared for life!! Do you guys think stuff like this and people like this should be allowed on here with people like us who are taking this website and this passion seriously??

Also, great job everyone!!! Its awesome to see the results you guys are putting up!!!

Ummm... I will NOT be looking up that profile. kthxbye

Originally Posted by mrjabruce

Reasons I have heard for diet soda as being bad for health may be surprising. It is nice to have no sugar or calories (one would think). However, the sweetener most diet sodas use isn't natural. Because of this, our bodies react as if they are toxins and our fat cells hold on to them. It hinders weight loss because now our fat is harder to burn off.

Whether this is true or not I do not know. I have seen anecdotal evidence, haven't you? How many overweight people do we see at the gym working their heart's out, and then finish with a diet soda? Of these people, how many lose weight like they want? I could be wrong, please, let me know what you all think.

I won't drink diet soda.

Originally Posted by JohnSmeton

This contest is someones lucky ticket to more money. I'm doing my best!~

I sure hope that my WIN is more about all this hard work and dedication I'm putting into this contest than it is about luck.

Originally Posted by TRANSMIGRATION

"No, it's not true. Some people remain suspicious of all artificial sweeteners, even though extensive research has not found any significant health concerns. "

I wonder what they consider a "significant" health concern. lol

Iz

[holly583wood]

Originally Posted by rubenramos2

Just completed what I believe to be a perfect day. I think I did everything right, supps, diet, and workout. So don't waiver or you will get left in the dust.

C'mon everyone let's step it up a notch and show MuscleTech what their supplements are capable of doing along with a good routine.

Nice work man! I love it when I have days like those, where you are actually satisfied with your lift and you feel like you couldn't have done any better! I haven't had one of those in a while...I've came close a few times...maybe I'll have to increase my supplement intake!

Keep up the good work!

[rubenramos2]

Originally Posted by holly583wood

Nice work man! I love it when I have days like those, where you are actually satisfied with your lift and you feel like you couldn't have done any better! I haven't had one of those in a while...I've came close a few times...maybe I'll have to increase my supplement intake!

Keep up the good work!

Thanks, It doesn't happen very often but I am greatful when it does. I sure felt it at the end of the day though. Good luck to ya!

[rubenramos2]

By the way, I heard that buying XXL shirts are linked to obesity. I, for one, am staying away from them.

[holly583wood]

Originally Posted by rubenramos2

By the way, I heard that buying XXL shirts are linked to obesity. I, for one, am staying away from them.

I think that depends on the reason for the XXL. I wouldn't mind buying a few if it was because my arms and chest got too big for an XL. haha...maybe one day!

[willymongo]

Originally Posted by holly583wood

I think that depends on the reason for the XXL. I wouldn't mind buying a few if it was because my arms and chest got too big for an XL. haha...maybe one day!

I'll second that.

[kenwoodjens1]

Originally Posted by willymongo

I'll second that.

I already bought XXXL

[TRANSMIGRATION]

Originally Posted by rubenramos2

By the way, I heard that buying XXL shirts are linked to obesity. I, for one, am staying away from them.

You hit the nail on the head, lol. I laughed big time at this one. Good stuff.

[ironjim53113]

has anyone here used myoshock hsp or anything else with great results. i'm looking to use a pre workout supplement other than nano vapor. there is just too many carbs in nano for me right now on my diet.

[AniMaLizTik]

does anyone else have tons of energy???

[kenwoodjens1]

Originally Posted by AniMaLizTik

does anyone else have tons of energy???

I DO, working out with my GF together,
5-6 day's a week gives me Energy."
Or visa versa!
She loves lifting weights and I love lifting weights,
most women are to scared to push the weight a bit.

"And God gives me the health to do so"