*6 Month Transformation Group* (Jun-Dec) Continued Support For Pogressive Results!

[djz227]

Originally Posted by MancScott

hey guys, hows everyone doing?

I've not really had much time to post lately but i think i'm finally getting my diet in check, abit anyway.. eating alot less chocolates/soda!
Just weighed in this morning and i'm 90 pounds down from when i started! only 10 more to go for the big 100 and i feel better than i ever can remember.
I hope that theres no serious problem MadeUnderground and im sure you'll be back in the gym soon. Anyways i better set off for work before im late, keep up the hard work guys

sounds like all is going pretty well for you despite the chocolate and soda
keep up the good work - it looks like you're on track to reach your goals

[MadeUnderground]

Originally Posted by djz227

Sorry to hear you're not feeling well. Eat the best you can under the circumstances and don't worry about working out - you don't need any added stress right now.
Also I meant to tell you last week... don't get too down on your parents re: the ADD/medication stuff-I'm sure they're doing the best they can for you, and congrats on getting the college of your choice which one is it?

Thanks.

I think I mentioned somewhere in my post about ADD that I knew they were looking out for me, but if I didn't, then I apologize on their behalf.
I try to acknowledge the good in their decisions, although I may disagree with them.

I think I may have some kind of virus, but who knows. I was out in the cold in a t-shirt, and only got four hours of sleep to work an 8 hour shift the next day so that may have done something.

I got into Illinois State. I didn't want to go to U of I because my sister is already going there. I know it's huge and I won't see her but I just want to be in a different city... be my own man.

Thanks again, and happy Halloween guys!

If I'm feeling up to it, I'm going to be dressing up as the Kool-Aid man to a friend's halloween party. I plan on bursting in and out of rooms screaming OHHH YEAAHHH!!!

[djz227]

Originally Posted by MadeUnderground

Thanks.

I think I mentioned somewhere in my post about ADD that I knew they were looking out for me, but if I didn't, then I apologize on their behalf.
I try to acknowledge the good in their decisions, although I may disagree with them.

I think I may have some kind of virus, but who knows. I was out in the cold in a t-shirt, and only got four hours of sleep to work an 8 hour shift the next day so that may have done something.

I got into Illinois State. I didn't want to go to U of I because my sister is already going there. I know it's huge and I won't see her but I just want to be in a different city... be my own man.

Thanks again, and happy Halloween guys!

If I'm feeling up to it, I'm going to be dressing up as the Kool-Aid man to a friend's halloween party. I plan on bursting in and out of rooms screaming OHHH YEAAHHH!!!

I hope you're feeling up to the party. Sounds like lotsa fun. Make sure you post a pic of you in that costume bursting into a room!

[djz227]

Here's something I'm really excited about: Christmastime when I'll be visiting family out of town I have a session with a relative's personal trainer set up. I figure I should treat it like a consult since it won't be a regular thing, tho maybe I could see her again in Feb. I've never seen a trainer before. What should I expect? What should I ask her? I'm thinking maybe I should send her a copy of my workout log, diet and goals so we don't waste time when I'm there. Also I think she should know what kind of equipment I have or lack here at home so she can give me ideas that I can actually use. I'm looking for all of your expert advice/feedback on this.
Also, I haven't been in a "real" gym in years. My appt's at 8AM! How do women come dressed to your gyms? If I show up with no make-up, my hair in a pony, and wearing a mens Hanes white undershirt will everyone go into shock?

[djz227]

Friday 10-30-09:



LEFT: 10-18-08 RIGHT: 10-10-09 Same pose almost exactly 1 year later!



Not too shabby, huh folks?

[djz227]

10-2-09: flexed 9.5 in. relaxed 9.0 in.
10-30-09: flexed 9.75 in. relaxed 9.5 in.

not sure if I measure correctly or accurately or even the same on the 2 different days, but I'm certain there's been growth. All natural, no supps.
c'mon now, aren't you all proud of me? lol

[MancScott]

heres a couple of pics of the new improved me, with still alot of work to do but im alot happier now

photos arent the best but yeah there they are.. lol i think my chin looks bigger than it actually is in some of the pics haha

[PoundinThunder]

AWESOME JOB to both of you. that;s insane. i really must not be pushing myself hard enough. if i posted pics form a year ago, they wouldnt look that drastic. good job you two

[djz227]

Originally Posted by MancScott

heres a couple of pics of the new improved me, with still alot of work to do but im alot happier now

photos arent the best but yeah there they are.. lol i think my chin looks bigger than it actually is in some of the pics haha

You look great! Awesome transformation. Keep up the good work.

[Webber91]

Originally Posted by djz227

Here's something I'm really excited about: Christmastime when I'll be visiting family out of town I have a session with a relative's personal trainer set up. I figure I should treat it like a consult since it won't be a regular thing, tho maybe I could see her again in Feb. I've never seen a trainer before. What should I expect? What should I ask her? I'm thinking maybe I should send her a copy of my workout log, diet and goals so we don't waste time when I'm there. Also I think she should know what kind of equipment I have or lack here at home so she can give me ideas that I can actually use. I'm looking for all of your expert advice/feedback on this.
Also, I haven't been in a "real" gym in years. My appt's at 8AM! How do women come dressed to your gyms? If I show up with no make-up, my hair in a pony, and wearing a mens Hanes white undershirt will everyone go into shock?

Lets be honest, I despise most personal trainers. Half of them have no idea what they are talking about. I was at the gym for the first time in about a year yesterday since I built my own, and this PT was talking to a guy about how to do curls and how great they are. Tall and slender guy he was. I felt like going over to him and saying how my arms have grown more by doing heavy deadlifts than doing pussy little curls and trying to hit my bicep and all these supposed different angles. It just doesn't make sense to me that people can think curling 10kg for a pump is going to get huge arms but for some reason they don't think using every ounce of strength you have in your body, your WHOLE body isn't going to be of more benefit? When I started training "properly" if you will, I had pain in muscles I didn't know existed. Unless the PT you are seeing has an actual degree, I would just sit there politely nodding my head then leave with a sense of accomplishment knowing that you are far more knowledgable than they are and its not even your proffession.

/rant.

Originally Posted by djz227

10-2-09: flexed 9.5 in. relaxed 9.0 in.
10-30-09: flexed 9.75 in. relaxed 9.5 in.

not sure if I measure correctly or accurately or even the same on the 2 different days, but I'm certain there's been growth. All natural, no supps.
c'mon now, aren't you all proud of me? lol

On a completely different note....well done! Totally proud

[MadeUnderground]

GREAT job everyone! Mucho improvement!

And as for the personal trainer thing, I agree with what Weber said. Just like advice you take from bb.com, take it with a grain of salt. Do your own investigations before listening to them 100%.

I never saw a personal trainer because I thought it'd be a waste. You get a free session when you sign up with our gym and I refused to see one. I know it wouldn't have hurt but I just really didn't feel like it.
I only talk to two or three of them, and it's usually to have them watch me when I deadlift to make sure I'm not curving my back (I'm still getting used to doing correct form.)

One guy gave me half good advice. Mostly about proper form but he also told me since I was a n00b, I should be lifting in 3x10. I really don't like that, but that's just personal preference. I can lift much heavier doing 5x5, and if you rest for only 30-45 secs, I find my muscles grow faster, as well as my lifts.
________


On another note, I didn't get to be the koolaid man because on Halloween I started coming down with a fever and my mom wouldn't let me.
I ate a little candy, had lots of coffee cake and visited a cute girl at 4 AM singing "Freak Me" outside her window.
I think she was about to call the cops before she recognized me.
(For those of you that do not know that song, youtube it, it's just hilarious).


And in more good news, I am back 110% so I went to the gym and my diet is back in sync with life. Yay!

Oh and btw, Weber, I'm catching up to you. I'm going to be 18 in 5 days! Wahahaha! (We celebrated it this past weekend, because my dads birthday was last week, so we decided to celebrate them together. Hence the coffeecake).


Edit: Well, today was a great day. Did 60 minutes of cardio, walking at 3.5 on a 15% incline. The treadmill says I burned 771 calories. How do you guys factor in your activities? What do you use? I know they're not accurate so I'm not sure what to make of it really. I just usually take off 200 to be safe. So 571 it would be.
Does that sound about right?
I just don't want to eat too little again.

[PoundinThunder]

so my mom has been running for town clerk here. and i told her that if she won, i would take progress pics and post them. well she won! awesome for her but ugh, i dont want to take pics haha. they will be up tomorrow

[djz227]

Originally Posted by PoundinThunder

so my mom has been running for town clerk here. and i told her that if she won, i would take progress pics and post them. well she won! awesome for her but ugh, i dont want to take pics haha. they will be up tomorrow

Congrats to your Mom
Can't wait to see your pics!

[djz227]

Originally Posted by MadeUnderground

GREAT job everyone! Mucho improvement!

And as for the personal trainer thing, I agree with what Weber said. Just like advice you take from bb.com, take it with a grain of salt. Do your own investigations before listening to them 100%.

I never saw a personal trainer because I thought it'd be a waste. You get a free session when you sign up with our gym and I refused to see one. I know it wouldn't have hurt but I just really didn't feel like it.
I only talk to two or three of them, and it's usually to have them watch me when I deadlift to make sure I'm not curving my back (I'm still getting used to doing correct form.)

One guy gave me half good advice. Mostly about proper form but he also told me since I was a n00b, I should be lifting in 3x10. I really don't like that, but that's just personal preference. I can lift much heavier doing 5x5, and if you rest for only 30-45 secs, I find my muscles grow faster, as well as my lifts.
________


On another note, I didn't get to be the koolaid man because on Halloween I started coming down with a fever and my mom wouldn't let me.
I ate a little candy, had lots of coffee cake and visited a cute girl at 4 AM singing "Freak Me" outside her window.
I think she was about to call the cops before she recognized me.
(For those of you that do not know that song, youtube it, it's just hilarious).


And in more good news, I am back 110% so I went to the gym and my diet is back in sync with life. Yay!

Oh and btw, Weber, I'm catching up to you. I'm going to be 18 in 5 days! Wahahaha! (We celebrated it this past weekend, because my dads birthday was last week, so we decided to celebrate them together. Hence the coffeecake).


Edit: Well, today was a great day. Did 60 minutes of cardio, walking at 3.5 on a 15% incline. The treadmill says I burned 771 calories. How do you guys factor in your activities? What do you use? I know they're not accurate so I'm not sure what to make of it really. I just usually take off 200 to be safe. So 571 it would be.
Does that sound about right?
I just don't want to eat too little again.

Thanks for your thoughts on the trainer, you too Webber91.
I'm sorry you missed out on Halloween maybe next year.
So your birthday is Saturday? I'll be sure to have a cold one for you. Going out for hot wings and cold beer. Working my hardest to stick to my diet this week as I overindulged on Halloween candy. Hope to be back to preHalloween weight by Friday morning. Since I reached my goal weight and tis the eating season I'm hoping to maintain by being really careful weekdays so whatever I ingest weekends won't do any real damage. Except next Tuesday is my son's birthday and I'm trying my hand at making bananas foster. Hope I don't singe my eyebrows. LOL
My motivation?
Well naturally not wanting a reversal of all the hard work I've done and all I've achieved in the past year. But also a celebratory romantic weekend in January - don't want any extra fat going away with me!
As for the calories. Try your best, keep working hard but stop sweating the details, pardon the pun. IMO you're putting way too much time and stress into the numbers. Work hard, see improvements, you'll know you're doing it right. Don't see improvements than re-evaluate, tweak your eating and workouts a bit, and so on.

[PoundinThunder]

ugh i could have done so much better. but oh well

[djz227]

Originally Posted by PoundinThunder

ugh i could have done so much better. but oh well

Definitely improving.
Stay positive. Look at what you HAVE done, not at what might have been!
Keep up the good work.

[djz227]

... that at weigh in this morning I am back to pre Halloween weight. 112.5 lbs

[MadeUnderground]

Originally Posted by djz227

... that at weigh in this morning I am back to pre Halloween weight. 112.5 lbs

Wow, I was about to say the exact same thing. Good work Debbie Z!

But anyway the good news is... I see my abs. Yep. It's a miracle.

For the first time in 6-7 years, I see them. I plan on holding onto them for the rest of my life, even when I bulk (only doing slow bulks).

Oh and I'll be 18 in 15 minutes. Party is tomorrow. Well, a secret non-parent party. Woohoo!

This whole week has been a really good week. I stuck with my diet and workouts 100% with the exception of Thursday, but at the same time I don't feel like I messed up on Thursday.
My diet was still in check, but I was just too tired to do cardio, so I just rested.

I tried Jack3d again, and holy mother of pearl. Whoever created that stuff should be worshipped. I took 2 scoops and that did the trick. I was a beast in the gym!
Wound up being in there for 2 hours.
Squatted 275x5 then 315x1 unassisted.

Attached is a picture of my abs from tonight. Looks to be about a four pack. Hope by the end of this challenge all six will be out and ready to roll. But if not, that's fine, I'll just keep on-a truckin'.

My main goal is to hopefully be 6% by June 2010, cause that will be a year after I started this journey, and I want to jog outside shirtless for the first time in my life.

Oh and also to add to the good news, I got into my second choice school, which is harder to get in that my first choice, so that was pretty awesome. Now I actually can't decide between the two.
Public vs. Private??

Anyway have a great weekend folks!

[djz227]

Originally Posted by MadeUnderground

Wow, I was about to say the exact same thing. Good work Debbie Z!

But anyway the good news is... I see my abs. Yep. It's a miracle.

For the first time in 6-7 years, I see them. I plan on holding onto them for the rest of my life, even when I bulk (only doing slow bulks).

Oh and I'll be 18 in 15 minutes. Party is tomorrow. Well, a secret non-parent party. Woohoo!

This whole week has been a really good week. I stuck with my diet and workouts 100% with the exception of Thursday, but at the same time I don't feel like I messed up on Thursday.
My diet was still in check, but I was just too tired to do cardio, so I just rested.

I tried Jack3d again, and holy mother of pearl. Whoever created that stuff should be worshipped. I took 2 scoops and that did the trick. I was a beast in the gym!
Wound up being in there for 2 hours.
Squatted 275x5 then 315x1 unassisted.

Attached is a picture of my abs from tonight. Looks to be about a four pack. Hope by the end of this challenge all six will be out and ready to roll. But if not, that's fine, I'll just keep on-a truckin'.

My main goal is to hopefully be 6% by June 2010, cause that will be a year after I started this journey, and I want to jog outside shirtless for the first time in my life.

Oh and also to add to the good news, I got into my second choice school, which is harder to get in that my first choice, so that was pretty awesome. Now I actually can't decide between the two.
Public vs. Private??

Anyway have a great weekend folks!

Great Pic!
Keep up the good work.
Party hardy. (but stay safe, please)
Which school? Public vs. Private?? What is your decision based on? Finances, school rating, location, etc?

[car99r]

Hello all!

Sorry to have got lost for awhile.

I started working a bunch of 12 hours shifts and kind of lost focus. My diet got horrible with lots of junk food and didn't make it to the gym for 3 weeks...

Anyhow, I kind of regrouped!

I dropped the KETO and decided to give a really good go at the 40/40/20 diet.

Emptied my cabinets/fridge and went shopping.

I started the diet last Monday before work and weighed in at 256 lbs. As of last night I was at 251 lbs so not too bad for 1 week. Going to take me awhile to get the hang of the macros and what to eat but giving it everything I got.

I am back at the gym 5 days a week beginning last Monday morning. However, last minute notice forced me to work 12 hours again today. Just not enough time in the day to make it to gym when working 12's.

With that said, I got a question for anyone.

On the days I don't make it to the gym, should I still consume my 1 gram protein per lb of LBM? Seems like a lot of protein if I am not lifting. Today for example, I am at about 53% Carbs, 28% Protein and 19% Fat. I normally have my a protein shake post workout after work. Figure that in and it puts me right at about 44%/39%/17%. Not ideal but good for a start.

Thoughts?

[PoundinThunder]

i would probably try getting the protein in on non work out days. but i could be wrong haha. i figure then by the time your work out day comes, ur body doesnt need more from what it missed the day before. idk tho haha

got bored and took a pic of my forearm. i wish i had the genetics to be super vascular haha

[djz227]

Originally Posted by car99r

Hello all!

Sorry to have got lost for awhile.

I started working a bunch of 12 hours shifts and kind of lost focus. My diet got horrible with lots of junk food and didn't make it to the gym for 3 weeks...

Anyhow, I kind of regrouped!

I dropped the KETO and decided to give a really good go at the 40/40/20 diet.

Emptied my cabinets/fridge and went shopping.

I started the diet last Monday before work and weighed in at 256 lbs. As of last night I was at 251 lbs so not too bad for 1 week. Going to take me awhile to get the hang of the macros and what to eat but giving it everything I got.

I am back at the gym 5 days a week beginning last Monday morning. However, last minute notice forced me to work 12 hours again today. Just not enough time in the day to make it to gym when working 12's.

With that said, I got a question for anyone.

On the days I don't make it to the gym, should I still consume my 1 gram protein per lb of LBM? Seems like a lot of protein if I am not lifting. Today for example, I am at about 53% Carbs, 28% Protein and 19% Fat. I normally have my a protein shake post workout after work. Figure that in and it puts me right at about 44%/39%/17%. Not ideal but good for a start.

Thoughts?

Hey, missed ya. And you missed my contest . About 3 weeks ago I entered a silly radio contest to be voted the hottest Mom. I lost but it was fun. It really boiled down to which woman had the most people vote for her online. You can see the pic I submitted either here in this thread if you can find it or at my bodyspace, if you're interested.

Anyway, back to you, isn't it funny, not haha funny, how when we fall off the wagon in 1 area, the rest follows. So you couldn't work out for a while and somehow that affected your diet too? Don't feel too badly. I sooo relate to that. But now that you're back maybe changing up your diet will work well for you. So far it seems to. Personally I would opt to have more protein and less carbs if you can't lift. Don't know if there's any science to back that up, but you know I lost a lot of fat in the last year and I followed a hi protein lo carb diet from the start. So my thoughts are that if you're not lifting you may want to decrease the calories a bit anyway and I would maintain the protein and decrease the carbs. Not cut them out but stick to the lighter ones like green vegs - broccoli, lettuce, spinach, asparagus... "They" say you're supposed to eat the most carbs surrounding your lifting workouts anyway, like 1 hour before and 1 hour after. btw what carbs are you eating in general?

[MadeUnderground]

Originally Posted by PoundinThunder

i would probably try getting the protein in on non work out days. but i could be wrong haha. i figure then by the time your work out day comes, ur body doesnt need more from what it missed the day before. idk tho haha

got bored and took a pic of my forearm. i wish i had the genetics to be super vascular haha

Genetics is only part of being vascular. You'll see it a lot more once you get your body fat down.
I used to not see much veins at all anywhere, but now I have veins everywhere on my arms, and a few on my legs.

[PoundinThunder]

i see them every once and a while. never on my legs though lol

[car99r]

Originally Posted by djz227

Hey, missed ya. And you missed my contest . About 3 weeks ago I entered a silly radio contest to be voted the hottest Mom. I lost but it was fun. It really boiled down to which woman had the most people vote for her online. You can see the pic I submitted either here in this thread if you can find it or at my bodyspace, if you're interested.

Anyway, back to you, isn't it funny, not haha funny, how when we fall off the wagon in 1 area, the rest follows. So you couldn't work out for a while and somehow that affected your diet too? Don't feel too badly. I sooo relate to that. But now that you're back maybe changing up your diet will work well for you. So far it seems to. Personally I would opt to have more protein and less carbs if you can't lift. Don't know if there's any science to back that up, but you know I lost a lot of fat in the last year and I followed a hi protein lo carb diet from the start. So my thoughts are that if you're not lifting you may want to decrease the calories a bit anyway and I would maintain the protein and decrease the carbs. Not cut them out but stick to the lighter ones like green vegs - broccoli, lettuce, spinach, asparagus... "They" say you're supposed to eat the most carbs surrounding your lifting workouts anyway, like 1 hour before and 1 hour after. btw what carbs are you eating in general?

I am so sorry I missed the contest. Just went and looked at your pic and you look great! You would have had my vote had I been here.

It is funny but also sad that it happens that way. It seems like if I can't make it to the gym I just kind of feel blah and start eating anything and everything. However, doing good now for 2 weeks.

I too have lost quite a bit using the KETO with high fat, moderate protein and low carbs. So far I am liking the new diet because I get to eat some foods that I have been longing for. FRUIT!!! lol I have been trying to stay around 2,000 calories per day.

Couple of examples looking at my food log:

Day 1:
1763 Calories
55.5g Fat
235.9g Carbs
180.6g of Protein

Day 2:
1672 Calories
69.5g Fat
250.3g Carbs
211.7g Protein

Yesterday (No protein shakes)
1789 Calories
33.4g Fat
291.8g Carbs
92.7g Protein

The shakes would have put me around 2500 calories but macros would have been a lot better. My deficit calorie intake is 2500-2600 with working out 5 days a week.

[Webber91]

Originally Posted by car99r

On the days I don't make it to the gym, should I still consume my 1 gram protein per lb of LBM? Seems like a lot of protein if I am not lifting. Today for example, I am at about 53% Carbs, 28% Protein and 19% Fat. I normally have my a protein shake post workout after work. Figure that in and it puts me right at about 44%/39%/17%. Not ideal but good for a start.

Thoughts?

YES YES YES! Keep your protein up. Protein is even more essential during a weight loss phase than on a bulking phase. When I cut, I was hitting 1.5g protein per lb. I'm bulking and now dropped it down to 1g but thats my MINIMUM. Your body doesn't use it so much for growth and rebuilding, but for muscle repair and preservation. That's the whole point of cutting, shedding the fat while preserving as much muscle as possible. Don't think daily, but weekly. The whole idea of being in a deficit of 500cals a day is because 500cals x 7 (days a week) = a deficit of 3500cals a week = 1lb of fat

[car99r]

Originally Posted by Webber91

YES YES YES! Keep your protein up. Protein is even more essential during a weight loss phase than on a bulking phase. When I cut, I was hitting 1.5g protein per lb. I'm bulking and now dropped it down to 1g but thats my MINIMUM. Your body doesn't use it so much for growth and rebuilding, but for muscle repair and preservation. That's the whole point of cutting, shedding the fat while preserving as much muscle as possible. Don't think daily, but weekly. The whole idea of being in a deficit of 500cals a day is because 500cals x 7 (days a week) = a deficit of 3500cals a week = 1lb of fat

Awesome! I am fine with that just wasn't sure what to do.

*NOTE to everyone. Never buy the Body Force brand of Protein from Walmart...lol Stuff is horrible! GNC doesn't open early enough for me here so I was out and droppe dby and picked up some. It is cheap but I found out why real quick...lol

[MadeUnderground]

Originally Posted by Webber91

YES YES YES! Keep your protein up. Protein is even more essential during a weight loss phase than on a bulking phase. When I cut, I was hitting 1.5g protein per lb. I'm bulking and now dropped it down to 1g but thats my MINIMUM. Your body doesn't use it so much for growth and rebuilding, but for muscle repair and preservation. That's the whole point of cutting, shedding the fat while preserving as much muscle as possible. Don't think daily, but weekly. The whole idea of being in a deficit of 500cals a day is because 500cals x 7 (days a week) = a deficit of 3500cals a week = 1lb of fat

I've been reading around the nutrition forum that 1.5 is a little excessive, but I suppose if you really like eating all that protein.
I was reading these old threads on people arguing back and forth what was good.
I decided that I would try to eat something between .8-1 x my body weight. They said that the protein your body doesn't use is converted into carbs anyway.

Some people were saying that people got confused because people were saying to do 1.5 x your body weight in kgs, and then some how that got switched to Ibs, and then some people were saying it should be 1.5 x your lean body mass, not Ibs...

Ahhh. Do what you think is best.

Have an awesome week guys. Just starting up my first work out as an adult lol. I missed yesterday because I had an exam to study for.

[djz227]

up 1 1/2 lbs this week
this in spite of 12 HIIT intervals instead of 10.

[GBHammbone]

i havent checked in in awhile, been busy with training seminars down in milwaukee, and now ramping up for the "black friday barage" next week. im still in the 250's, hitting the gym when i can, and eating ok, except for the food court food while out of town, but starting december, its full steam ahead.