8 weeks out (pics)

[Slovation]

I frequent the site regularly but dont really post. I am training for my very first show (2009 NPC AZ Open). A buddy of mine whos done a couple talked me into it. Im really excited! Im 24 years old, currently sitting at 5'9", 193lbs, and have been training serious since 2003. Since deciding on doing the show Ive gotten a lot more dedicated and have really been concentrating on every little aspect. Since its my first show I decided to get some help. Many friends/co workers suggested someone locally and hes been a great help at setting up my meal plan and workouts. I was originally planning on competing in the light-heavy class but he told me I should be shooting for the middleweights. I figured he knew what he was talking about. Getting great results. Let me know what you guys think. Open to any criticism.

[Slovation]

a few more....

[juicdta]

yyyeeeaaahhh buddie!!! great job steve you've really come a long way and are going to rock the hell out of your first show looking forward to the tray of cupcakes kelsey is making us when we are done.

[walker101]

Good job bro, keep it up

[Whomper107]

Damn man, I must say, you have a ton of quality size on your physique - but not so much that you lose the balanced look, which is fantastic. The only things I see that could use some work are your hamstrings and back thickness. It's not that they are bad by any means - simply outdone by the development in the rest of your body.

You look good and should do well once you are lean enough to step on stage. And regarding your dilemma over what weight class to choose, I was in a similar boat with my first show a few weeks back. I think the best approach is just to not worry about it, and just weigh whatever you weigh come contest time. Setting yourself up with a goal/target weight on contest prep simply doesn't work too well - people are notorious for being terrible at guessing how much they need to lose. I underestimated my loss by as much as 10-15lbs, and I was not too fat to begin with.

If you don't plan to already, I would suggest keeping a log in this section. I'd love to follow your progress, and you would likely get a lot of good advice from some of the more experienced guys around here.

[Flex500]

Originally Posted by Slovation

I frequent the site regularly but dont really post. I am training for my very first show (2009 NPC AZ Open). A buddy of mine whos done a couple talked me into it. Im really excited! Im 24 years old, currently sitting at 5'9", 193lbs, and have been training serious since 2003. Since deciding on doing the show Ive gotten a lot more dedicated and have really been concentrating on every little aspect. Since its my first show I decided to get some help. Many friends/co workers suggested someone locally and hes been a great help at setting up my meal plan and workouts. I was originally planning on competing in the light-heavy class but he told me I should be shooting for the middleweights. I figured he knew what he was talking about. Getting great results. Let me know what you guys think. Open to any criticism.

looking great man. You actually look a little ahead of schedule. your very lean. Don't let that get the best of you though keep pushing hard I can't tell you how good it feels to be pretty much ready about 10-14 days out instead of scrambling that last 14 days to drastically lose more fat.

Good luck!

[Blazed]

You can definitely grow into the show if you are assisted. Looking really solid.

[Slovation]

thanks guys. I think I will start a log shortly. Ill post a link here once I do so.

[extremenergy3]

You look legit. Keep up the good work. Update us every once in a while and pics from the show!

[stayfit2008]

You are looking solid! I dont know how shredded you can get in 8 weeks! but for your first comp! you will learn alot! Good Luck,..look forward to watching your progress.

[J_Bo]

Awesome dude! W I D E back and a tiny waist...makes for an amazing taper!

[Slovation]

heres the link to my log

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...#post336323801

[COZ999]

Originally Posted by Slovation

heres the link to my log

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...#post336323801

might need some more size to roll with the big boys in the NPC. If your not "enhanced" try looking for a natural show. I am about your build off season and I wither away to nothing contest time. 5'11 -170 gets me shredded

[Slovation]

Originally Posted by COZ999

might need some more size to roll with the big boys in the NPC. If your not "enhanced" try looking for a natural show. I am about your build off season and I wither away to nothing contest time. 5'11 -170 gets me shredded

so would me being 5'9" @ a shredded low 180 be bigger than 5'11" @ 170?
lol

[COZ999]

Originally Posted by Slovation

so would me being 5'9" @ a shredded low 180 be bigger than 5'11" @ 170?
lol

your not gonna be shredded at 180. You will see, youll get to 180 and not be where you want

[COZ999]

mind you I compete in natural organizations I dont go against guys 5'7 210 like NPC

[Slovation]

Originally Posted by COZ999

mind you I compete in natural organizations I dont go against guys 5'7 210 like NPC

you do realize that middleweight is 156-176 correct

[COZ999]

Originally Posted by Slovation

you do realize that middleweight is 156-176 correct

excuse my ignorance most of my comps have been by height. Anyway, not gonna sit here and tell you what you can and cant do. Good luck on your prep!

[rosebling]

You look great! You got a wicked upper body, just awesome!