Team Norton: from Edmonton to Atlanta

[ectoBgone]

Originally Posted by Tifflex

We'll see how much of that is actually lean mass.

Nice to see you keep going strong Tiffany! After the long period of cutting, how tough has it been for you mentally to switch gears. Do you find yourself anxious about putting on weight? Your comment above was an echo I expect to hear in my own head over and over again as I get ready to shift into making gains.

[Fiend_73]

Originally Posted by ...Kennedy

Mind-blowing transformation. Congratulations on your contest and your achievements.

Thank-you, hopefully more to come.

Originally Posted by freebirdmac

Congrats Brian!!! You look absolutely fantastic! Your competition must have been really strong. Major, major props for your hard work, determination, and inspiration!

The other 7 guys looked great, the 4 above me earned their spot.

The loose skin and not smiling during pre-judging cost me dearly.


Thank-you

Originally Posted by SHOWTIME

Great job B! Sick QUADS!

Thank-you broham.
give me a call soon
Now I can eat!

Originally Posted by NuclearArms

Good job Brian, glad to see you had this as a competition with yourself.

As you know, you cannot do this for anyone but yourself.

There is no glory in bodybuilding.

Originally Posted by Buffycat3

And this is Exaclty what you have done!!!

Congratulations! You look AWESOME!

Thanks Joan.
I appreciate the words from one who knows.

Originally Posted by gbg

Congratulations Brian!

Thanks G.

Originally Posted by BuckSpin

"You" won

/chapter

I did.

time to move on. I have a pro card to win.

Originally Posted by orca

Congrats Brian.

Thanks Kevin!

Originally Posted by jtroster

Congratulations Brian! It takes real guts to do what you have done.

You should write up your transformation and send it into bb.com.

I don't know about guts...it was the right time and the right circumstances.

I'm gonna J.

Originally Posted by erinlee01

Congrats, Brian!!!!! You look great and top 5 is incredible for first comp!!!!!! Awesome, awesome job!

Congrats and great work yourself Erin!

Originally Posted by blsmith

Congratulations Brian! You are a fawking inspiration dude! You have such determination I know your next comp you are going to blow everyone away!

I'm holding my horses on that one.

Muscle mass did me no good during this show. Its all about them abs and being shredded.

Originally Posted by HoosierHardGain

Major kudos to you, Brian! I cannot believe how far you came in these 2.5 years...it is just staggering. You put your heart and soul into it and you KICKED ASS!!!

Thanks man, did not kick a$$ though, only my own.

and yeah, I left my heart and soul on that gym floor every damn session.

Originally Posted by ntrllftr

WTG BRIAN!!!!!
I'll be in your corner Spring 2010!!

Bring your swords in case they look too good.

Originally Posted by ironwill2008

The "before" and "after" pics are incredible. I don't know what else to say, bro. I am speechless, and that doesn't happen often.

ETA: If I were to see that "after" pic out of this thread, I would not have known it was you, Brian. No joke. I'm still stunned.

Fiend_73
pretty enough to turn senior happily married straight men ghey.
jokes brudda

Thank-you for your support Will.

Originally Posted by kimsquit

a'boot damn time
LOL

Originally Posted by ectoBgone

Freaking awesome post, pics, and story! You've been a great inspiration here from the very beginning of the Tales of the Fitness Factory thread. It's been a great thing to watch.

Thank-you, that gym sowed some damn good training roots. I called upon thiose lessons many times during my prep.

Originally Posted by CapitalJay

Congrats, Big Man!!

A guys gotta do a bb'ing comp to bring some posters back from the dead. ha ha
Damn good to see you Jay!
and thank-you brother, you paved the way.

Originally Posted by Tifflex

Day 1: Upper Body

Bent Over BB Row 3x8x105
Pull Ups 4, 6, 5
HS MTS Row ea side; 2x10x50, 12x45 rest pause 6
HS Shoulder Press ea side; 10x60, 8x70, 7x80 fail
Cable Lateral 12x20, 8x25
Inc BB Bench Press 4x135, 4x145, 5x150 (spotter)
Pec Dec Fly 12x100, 12x105, 10x110
Seated Alt DB Curl 8x25, 2x5x30
Cable Curl 12x70, 8x75
EZ bar Skulls 8x50, 8x60, 6x60
Tri Pressdown 8x100, 10x100

Cardio
30 min Precor AMT
.
.
.

Incline barbell bench numbers continue to improve. I was able to get 150 with a spotter. HS shoulder press numbers improved as well.

I spotted new veins tonight:cool.

Have a great night!

Hot DAMN!

Originally Posted by 2bbig

A huge congrats on your placing my friend. I just got your pics and HOLY **** man un friken believable bud. YOU are living your dream FFL. Great work Brian keep it up.

You saw me in the flesh, I can barely believe it either bro.

Originally Posted by Flynn

Congratulations B! It has been a long journey and I'm proud that you never gave up. You have now joined the ranks of "Competitive Bodybuilders" .

and I gotz my IDFA card to prove it. Woot!
It was well worth it all Flynn. Thanks, for too much to write.

Originally Posted by gbg

Congratulations Brian!!! great job

Your turn neautiful.

Originally Posted by kimsquit

you've only got 5 monthes to tighten up that skin, so don't go fluffing it up with Christmas cookies

see you in the spring!

have you checked out the macros of cookies??
no thanks

I look forward to it my friend.

Originally Posted by Tifflex

Lower Body

Front Squats 6x165, 2x5x165
Machine Hack Squats PWO; 2x6x 2plates +25 each side
DB SLDLs 6x65, 2x4x80
Kneeling Leg Curl 2x8x40

Cardio
30 min Precor AMT
.
.
.
I trained last night after working 13 hours. I was physically and mentally exhausted, but work had to be done.

I decided to use dumbbells for SLDLs and really liked the stretch.

DB's and a tenacious attitude FTMFW.

Originally Posted by SP1966

Hadn't seen this, thanks to Carl for posting the link! Awesome, inspiring work!!!

*bows*
Thank-you.

Originally Posted by stayfit2008

^^^^ This Times 1,000,000,000!!!

B,..you inspire the Heck out of all of us! Top 5 My man!!! you know how many bodybuilders who have been hitting the stage left and right not to even make it to the top 5? I see it all the time,.Stay the course,...keep the path,.the best thing you got out of this,..besides the obvious,..is the focus,..and with that is the determination!!! I wish I was there to shake your hand!!!

e-hand shake done
Thank-you Chris, I am indeed more focussed than before.

Originally Posted by norinicole

A little late, but a HUGE congrats to you Brian. You did indeed, win.

Thank-you Nori, dreams can come true.

Originally Posted by eddied27

Little late to the "pahty" as they say up here in Mass.

Congrats Fiend on your accomplishment and your continued journey!

Thank-you, and you know I ain't done!

Originally Posted by 2nd_chance

Brian, congrats on the great accomplishment. Those comparison pics are mind blowing. Great job representing the O35 journalers. Big time baby! Next time 1st!!!

Thanks, it took a long time to photoshop 'em but I think they came out ok, LOL.
I'd settle for top 3, but 1st would be nice.

Originally Posted by Tifflex

Legs/Delts

ATG BB Squats 6x185, 3x225 (felt crappy), 4x205, 10x185, 14x135
Machine Hack Squats PWO; 12, 15, 10, x 3 plates ea side; Tifflex approved
Leg Ext ss duck walks 2x10x135, 11x120; 2x20, 34 steps
DB SLDL 2x8x80, 5x80
Seated Leg Curls 15x105, 2x10x120
LP Calf Raise PWO; 10, 9, 9, 8 x 4 plates ea side
Seated Calf Raise 15, 10, 12 x105
Seated DB Press 3x8x40
Seated DB Side Lateral 2x12x15
Face Pulls 2x12x35
EZ bar Upright Rows 10x40, 10x50
.
.
.
Holy cow, what a workout! I realized that I had not trained delts twice this week, so I threw them in at the end.

Squats started out a little slow. 225 was just too heavy and form suffered on the 3rd rep. The first two reps were solid and then my legs betrayed me. I rested a while and redeemed or punished myself with a few more sets with higher reps.

I then went on to Hack Squats and it was good, very good. I've never used 3 plates before, but went for it on my first set because I felt like it. I could barely hear the machine hit the stops because of my loud grunts.

Good job Tiff.

Enjoy the day!

Good job Tiff indeed.

Originally Posted by Tifflex

Upper Body

Skipped chest due to extreme DOMS. I worked delts yesterday.

Bent over BB Rows 8x115, 6, 8x 135
Pull ups 3x4xbw; no progress
CG Seated Rows 10, 8, 7 x120 (added reps)
Wtd Hang 25 @ 60 secs
EZ Curls 6x60, 5x60 (fail)
Straight bar cable curls 8x35, 9x35 (fail)
CGBP 5x115, 2x5x135 (increased wt)
Rope Pressdowns 8x60, 6x70

Cardio
30 min PRECOR AMT

As I finished my second set of CGBPs, a young man came up to me and said: "um, does anyone, like, ever tell you, like, you're strong"?. I smiled and said, like yes, a few times. We chatted a while and he told me that he'd been watching me train for a few weeks and that I outlift most guys, including himself. I encouraged him to stick with it, gave him a few form tips and went back to training. I relate well with younger guys (no cougar), because they remind me of my nephews. You never know who's watching.

Entire body is extremely SORE. I don't recall having quad/glute DOMS like this and I like it. I owe all of the soreness to heavy--for me--squatting. I'm scheduled to squat again tomorrow, but I may do cardio instead.

Weight is up to 158 lbs which is almost 3lbs since I started this lean mass plan. We'll see what changes Layne will make.

I received the results of my mammogram and it's normal.

I'm off to do a little yard work.

I'm pleased to read that the lifting and mammogram went well.
e-manager suggests you charge the young man for your services.

LOL at no couger.

[Fiend_73]

October 24th was game day, the 25th I travelled back to Edmonton.

I was back in the gym for some post contest gains by the 26th.


Flat Smith Bench Press, PWO
20x50, 15x100, 15x100, 8x150, 6x170, 6x190, 4x200

Incline Smith Bench Press, PWO
12x100, 4x150, 10x100

seated Smith Shoulder Press, PWO
16x50, 3x100

standing cable Flye
17x60, 8x80

side DB Raise
16x20, 8x30

ICarian Shoulder Press
10x200(narrow grip, stack), 10x200(wide grip)
8x200(narrow), 8x200(wide)

Tri cable Pressdowns
20x100, 12x100, 6x150

1 arm PD's
8x70, 6x70

[Fiend_73]

Oct 27, 2009

Deads
25x45(bar), 6x145, 6x245, 2x295, 1x345, 10x245

rev. narrow grip Pulldowns
20x120, 9x140, 8x140

1 arm HS Row lbs./side
19x45, 13x45, 13x45

Chins
6

HS Preacher (PWO)
15x45

1 arm DB Preacher
10x20, 10x20



Oct. 28 and 29th...off.

Sick.

[Fiend_73]

Oct. 30, 2009

Squats
20x45, 20x95, 10x145, 6x195, 6x245

Leg Press, PWO
20x180, 15x360, 10x540, 10x540, 10x540

leg press Calf Raise, PWO
30x270, 15x270, 16x270

standing single HS Ham Curl, PWO/side
15x50, 8x50

Extensions
15x80, 8x80, 10x80

seated Calf Raise
16x135

abs




Oct 31, 2009

flat Smith Bench Press, PWO
25x50, 15x100, 8x120, 10x120, 10x150, 4x200


incline smith Bench Press, PWO
10x100, 6x150, 6x150, 4x150

seated Smith Shoulder Press, PWO
10x50-n. grip, 10x50-wide grip, 3x100-wide, 4x100-narrow

IC vertical Chest Press
6x160, 3x200(stack)

standing cable Flye
15x70, 10x80, 6x100

side DB Raise
6x30, 4x40
rack running
8x30/8x25/8x20/8x15/8x10/10x05

1 arm PD's
20x50, 10x70, 10x70

[Fiend_73]

Nov. 1, 2009

Deads
25x45(bar), 15x95, 15x95, 15x145, 8x195, 6x245, 12x145

Chins
6, 4, 5

1 arm DB Row, from the rack
15x60, 15x65, 15x70

Good A.M's
20x45(bar), 12x95, 12x95

pre-load EZ Curl
50x30 lbs., 15x40


Nov. 2, 2009

incline DB Press/flye
25x30, 10x40

flat DB Press
10x40

flat DB Press/flye
10x40

flat DB flye/press
10x40

flat Smith Bench, PWO
15x90

seated Smith Shoulder Press, PWO
25x50, 6x100, 8x90, 10x70, 13x50

IC Shoulder Press
15x120-n, 15x120-w, 12x120-w, 10x120-n

EZ handle Tri PD's
35x80

EZ "Rolldowns"
15x80

[Fiend_73]

One would think I'd be stronger post contest, and I'm sure I am, but with all the extra carbs and fluid its easy to tear something.
In addition, I wanted to re-work my form from the ground up, concentrating on the mind/muscle connection and contracting the sh*t out of my left side(smaller than my right).

I haven't counted a single macro until today, but I did eat relatively clean. The only cardio I'm doing is walking to and from the gym.


I now haz a flu.

[Arlecchino]

Originally Posted by Fiend_73

In addition, I wanted to re-work my form from the ground up, concentrating on the mind/muscle connection and contracting the sh*t out of my left side(smaller than my right).

Well, nothing like starting from scratch.

[ironwill2008]

Originally Posted by Tifflex

Front Squats 5, 4, 5 x185

Good work. Fronts are great, aren't they?

Machine Hack Squats PWO; 2x6x3 plates ea side
SLDL 6x185, 4x205, 3x215

Lookin' good on these, too.

(sigh)......so many excellent exercises, so few training days.

[ironwill2008]

Originally Posted by Fiend_73

One would think I'd be stronger post contest, and I'm sure I am, but with all the extra carbs and fluid its easy to tear something.
In addition, I wanted to re-work my form from the ground up, concentrating on the mind/muscle connection and contracting the sh*t out of my left side(smaller than my right).

An appropriate strategy, IMO. Get past the flu, and your body should be primed to add some mass, after the long run of non-existent calories.

I haven't counted a single macro until today, but I did eat relatively clean. The only cardio I'm doing is walking to and from the gym.

There ya go.

[rpaul11]

Originally Posted by Fiend_73

I now haz a flu.

flu sucks...get better man.

[SHOWTIME]

Originally Posted by Fiend_73

One would think I'd be stronger post contest, and I'm sure I am, but with all the extra carbs and fluid its easy to tear something.
In addition, I wanted to re-work my form from the ground up, concentrating on the mind/muscle connection and contracting the sh*t out of my left side(smaller than my right).

I haven't counted a single macro until today, but I did eat relatively clean. The only cardio I'm doing is walking to and from the gym.


I now haz a flu.

I hope you do not have the flu...but wtf is up with your deadlift numbers?...

Working form or not I do NOT understand those numbers

[Tifflex]

Originally Posted by Arlecchino

Ummm . . . .


D

Originally Posted by ectoBgone

Nice to see you keep going strong Tiffany! After the long period of cutting, how tough has it been for you mentally to switch gears. Do you find yourself anxious about putting on weight? Your comment above was an echo I expect to hear in my own head over and over again as I get ready to shift into making gains.

Mentally, it has been tough to see the scale increase. I know eating more is good for my metabolism and that I need a little more LBM to be competitive.

I'll be starting contest prep soon, so I must not let the weight gain deter me.

Originally Posted by Fiend_73

One would think I'd be stronger post contest, and I'm sure I am, but with all the extra carbs and fluid its easy to tear something.
In addition, I wanted to re-work my form from the ground up, concentrating on the mind/muscle connection and contracting the sh*t out of my left side(smaller than my right).

I haven't counted a single macro until today, but I did eat relatively clean. The only cardio I'm doing is walking to and from the gym.


I now haz a flu.

Feel better B.

Originally Posted by ironwill2008

Good work. Fronts are great, aren't they?


Lookin' good on these, too.

(sigh)......so many excellent exercises, so few training days.

Thanks Bill!

[Tifflex]

Chest/Back

Inc BB Press 6x135, 3x145, 4x140, 6x135
HS Flat Press 8x60, 9x55, 7x55 fail
Cable Crossover 15x15, 15x20, 9x20 fail
Pushups to failure 16
Asst Pullups 3x8 @55,
NG Pulldowns 10x100, 11x90, 12x90
1-Arm DB Row 2x8x70, 6x70 fail
DB Pullovers 10, 8x 50
Wtd Hang 35 @ 60s

Cardio
30 min dog walk
.
.
.
Workout was okay; tomorrow is another day.

[blsmith]

Morning Tiff! Good workout! Keep up the great work gorgeous

[Fiend_73]

Originally Posted by Arlecchino

Well, nothing like starting from scratch.

LMFAO!
Good one Eric!

Originally Posted by ironwill2008

An appropriate strategy, IMO. Get past the flu, and your body should be primed to add some mass, after the long run of non-existent calories.




There ya go.

and mass I'm adding.
Its prime time fer gainz, just have to take the cals up slow or else the fat comes again.

Originally Posted by rpaul11

flu sucks...get better man.

I'm trying!

Originally Posted by SHOWTIME

I hope you do not have the flu...but wtf is up with your deadlift numbers?...

Working form or not I do NOT understand those numbers

Check my ego @ the door time.
but
Your post got me thinking...if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Today's deads you should be able to understand J.

Originally Posted by Tifflex

Mentally, it has been tough to see the scale increase. I know eating more is good for my metabolism and that I need a little more LBM to be competitive.

I'll be starting contest prep soon, so I must not let the weight gain deter me.

Feel better B.

I outweighed some of my competitiors by 50-60 lbs. didn't help me., don't let LBM hold you back, its all in the mind.
Rip it up and get it on stage sister.

I'm trying Tiff.

Originally Posted by Tifflex

Chest/Back

Inc BB Press 6x135, 3x145, 4x140, 6x135
HS Flat Press 8x60, 9x55, 7x55 fail
Cable Crossover 15x15, 15x20, 9x20 fail
Pushups to failure 16
Asst Pullups 3x8 @55,
NG Pulldowns 10x100, 11x90, 12x90
1-Arm DB Row 2x8x70, 6x70 fail
DB Pullovers 10, 8x 50
Wtd Hang 35 @ 60s

Cardio
30 min dog walk
.
.
.
Workout was okay; tomorrow is another day.

Why just ok?
What's wrong?

and yes your okay workouts trump some people's 100% effort workouts but this is out of character for you so I ask.

[HoosierHardGain]

How ya doing, Fiend?

[Fiend_73]

forum member SHOWTIME
its
show time.

The first 10 seconds should suffice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ5SVDYBNrY


Deads
25x45(bar), 12x135, 8x225, 6x315, 1x405 (ya see that son?), 10x275

Chins
8, 6, 4

kneeling narrow grip PD's
35x150(stack), 20x150

HS Row, PWO
20x90, 10x180, 10x180, 10x180

pre-load EZ Curl
20x40, 10x60, 6x110(max weight pre-loads go to)

HS Preacher, PWO
12x45




Some of you may remember I actually have an endocrine disorder I'm getting treated for.
To discover the root of the problem I have to get off of my meds completely. This process started Nov. 1 and I am pushing on.
My body is holding in there but the gawd damn depression has showed up, minor right now but I'm bracing for a real sh*tstorm.

The 1st sign that the deep dark chasm is about to swallow me whole and I'm off to my Dr.. I ain't going back to that place.

I knew the comp was going to be minor compared to this and now its time to face the piper head on.

[blsmith]

Hope they can treat you quickly so you don't have to go to that g*dawful place Brian.

Great looking workouts bro! Keep that head high my friend!

[Tifflex]

Originally Posted by Fiend_73

Why just ok?
What's wrong?

and yes your okay workouts trump some people's 100% effort workouts but this is out of character for you so I ask.

General bitchiness.

Hang in there; I'm a phone call away.

[ironwill2008]

Originally Posted by Tifflex

Workout was okay; tomorrow is another day.

They're not all going to be great. And you're right, tomorrow's another day.

[ironwill2008]

Originally Posted by Fiend_73

Deads
25x45(bar), 12x135, 8x225, 6x315, 1x405 (ya see that son?), 10x275

Now yer talkin'.

Chins
8, 6, 4

Good work. Keep hittin 'em.

Some of you may remember I actually have an endocrine disorder I'm getting treated for.
To discover the root of the problem I have to get off of my meds completely. This process started Nov. 1 and I am pushing on.

I hope the best for you, Brian.

[SHOWTIME]

Originally Posted by Fiend_73

forum member SHOWTIME
its
show time.

The first 10 seconds should suffice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ5SVDYBNrY


Deads
25x45(bar), 12x135, 8x225, 6x315, 1x405 (ya see that son?), 10x275

Not bad!












for a warm up

[Tifflex]

Originally Posted by ironwill2008

They're not all going to be great. And you're right, tomorrow's another day.

I completed the workout, but I didn't feel strong. With that being said, my lats are very sore today. Form over ego FTW!

My office has become a mini-clinic with idiots coming to work sick. I sent two people home yesterday.
.
.
Cardio
5 min warm up
15 min HIIT
15 min LISS

Happy Wednesday!

[Buffycat3]

Originally Posted by Tifflex

I completed the workout, but I didn't feel strong. With that being said, my lats are very sore today. Form over ego FTW!

Ah-Ha! FTW! This is great when this happens!

Originally Posted by Tiffany

My office has become a mini-clinic with idiots coming to work sick. I sent two people home yesterday.

I don't know about your place of work, but at mine....We don't get sick-pay.
and if someone doesn't have vacation time left...when one gets sick, and stays home, they don't get paid.
Which makes for a Lot of people coming to work sick.

.
.

Originally Posted by Tiffany

Cardio
5 min warm up
15 min HIIT
15 min LISS

Happy Wednesday!

Way to tackle the cardio!!! Today is my cardio day too
Happy Wednesday!!

[Tifflex]

Originally Posted by Buffycat3

Ah-Ha! FTW! This is great when this happens!

It's all about improvement.

Originally Posted by Joan

I don't know about your place of work, but at mine....We don't get sick-pay.
and if someone doesn't have vacation time left...when one gets sick, and stays home, they don't get paid.
Which makes for a Lot of people coming to work sick.

We have a very generous sick leave policy. The folks in question are the type who think the office would shut down without them. I didn't want to get sick, nor did I want parents getting sick and taking it home to the kiddies.

Originally Posted by Joan

.Way to tackle the cardio!!! Today is my cardio day too
Happy Wednesday!!

Cardio FTW! Have a great day Joan.

[storm1507]

Dang Brian...you look great. It pisses me off that I have been very busy and missed all this. AWESOME LEGS.

I need to stay in here to be motivated by Tiffany again. Great work.

[orca]

HIYA Tiff!

Form over ego...Hope you're lovin the DOM's.

I hear you on the sick people......lot's of sickness up here. Sooner or later there will be no way to avoid it.

[erinlee01]

Morning!

Tiff - people are the same way here. Half the building is coughing. I don't touch anything anymore.

Brian - hope you're feeling better!

[Tifflex]

Legs

BB Squats 3x6x185
Machine Hack Squats PWO; 20x3 plates ea side, 15x 3 plates +10 ea side
Leg Ext ss walking db lunges 15x135, 12x135 (fail), 10x125 (fail); 22,16, 20 steps x20lbs (ea hand)...all to failure.
DB SLDL 8x70, 10x70, 12x70
Seated Leg Curl 15x120, 7x135 (fail), 12x120 (fail)
LP Calf Raise 12, 11, 8,8 x3 plates

Cardio
30 min Precor elliptical

Happy Thursday!

I bounced back today with a better workout. Legs were not as strong as last time, so I worked to increase reps. God, I love training legs.

Have a great day!