My path to the stage (guided by Layne) 10 weeks out

[str8flexed]

being ready to go 6 weeks out is the absolute BEST thing that can happen

[billfinkbiner]

Originally Posted by ben2285

Haha nonsense dude you looked good. Do you have any suggestions as how I can practice for more posing endurance? I have been looking for something I should do so I am not shaking, I'm thinking I'm going to start doing half hour sessions where I will go through all the mandatories and hold each 30 sec, then repeat. If you have suggestions let me know. Shredded, definately ...Monster I don't know about quite yet but I'm working on it . Thanks for the support Bill!

New pics look great. You're definately making great improvements. KEEP IT UP!!! Be like Ben #1 and get shredded eyeballs.

As far as posing endurance goes, I would shoot for holding the poses of 45 seconds to a minute. Also, posing between sets while training. The hardest part for me was keeping my legs tight. It takes a lot of energy to grip the floor with your feet for an extended period of time. Remember though I'm still really new to this too, so I'm sure Layne will tell you everything you need to know to be sure you can go out there and pose for an hour if needed.

The thing that helped me the most with my posing was stage presence. I had a huge smile the whole time and made sure that people were looking at me. I've acted for years, so being onstage is very comfortable for me. Walk out there like you belong there. Take the stage and make people notice. I wish I could explain this better, but it's hard to find the words. Just be confident and have FUN.

[chanman_83]

you look great bro. As layne said its best to be ready that early so you can coast into yoru show and not stress too much. Good thing is for NABBA we go by height not weight

[ben2285]

Originally Posted by lespaulsarecool

damnn dude, you nealry look ready now, like your 2-3 weeks out not 6, you gonna be shredded!

I'll be using every bit of those 6 weeks, I know I can be better and as you can see this is going to be no walk in the park for me. I am most likely going to be outsized by the majority or the competitors (chanman for instance), so I need to bring in the best possible package I can, so trust me you ain't seen nuthing yet!

Originally Posted by billfinkbiner

New pics look great. You're definately making great improvements. KEEP IT UP!!! Be like Ben #1 and get shredded eyeballs.

As far as posing endurance goes, I would shoot for holding the poses of 45 seconds to a minute. Also, posing between sets while training. The hardest part for me was keeping my legs tight. It takes a lot of energy to grip the floor with your feet for an extended period of time. Remember though I'm still really new to this too, so I'm sure Layne will tell you everything you need to know to be sure you can go out there and pose for an hour if needed.

The thing that helped me the most with my posing was stage presence. I had a huge smile the whole time and made sure that people were looking at me. I've acted for years, so being onstage is very comfortable for me. Walk out there like you belong there. Take the stage and make people notice. I wish I could explain this better, but it's hard to find the words. Just be confident and have FUN.

Thanks Bill! Haha shredded eyeballs is the goal, It will happen i'm 100% into this and prepared to do what I need to to get the job done. Thanks for the tip I will def practice longer for sure. I'm having so much fun and am so excited now I can't imagine how happy I will be out there too since it just gets more fun every week. And you'd have to be crazy not to get excited for one day thats been on your mind and your life has revolved around for over 20 weeks.

Originally Posted by chanman_83

you look great bro. As layne said its best to be ready that early so you can coast into yoru show and not stress too much. Good thing is for NABBA we go by height not weight

Thanks! Yeah well also age, I'm doin the juniors and novice. So technically we can meet in the overall

[lespaulsarecool]

Originally Posted by ben2285

I'll be using every bit of those 6 weeks, I know I can be better and as you can see this is going to be no walk in the park for me. I am most likely going to be outsized by the majority or the competitors (chanman for instance), so I need to bring in the best possible package I can, so trust me you ain't seen nuthing yet!

Thanks Bill! Haha shredded eyeballs is the goal, It will happen i'm 100% into this and prepared to do what I need to to get the job done. Thanks for the tip I will def practice longer for sure. I'm having so much fun and am so excited now I can't imagine how happy I will be out there too since it just gets more fun every week. And you'd have to be crazy not to get excited for one day thats been on your mind and your life has revolved around for over 20 weeks.



Thanks! Yeah well also age, I'm doin the juniors and novice. So technically we can meet in the overall

this is one of the issues for natural untested shows though I guess, but its not everything, you package will score!

[DIESELPOLO]

BEN, great job. ur quads are coming in good. considering ur 6 weeks out right now, ur upper body seems like it'll be right on track. when and where is the show in philly? i think i'm trying to come through.

[ben2285]

thanks guys! Diesel if you go to the nabba website (www.nabba.com) just click on the tab that says contest schedule and the august 25th show, they have a link for information form and everything.

[semper27]

Great progress Ben #2 !!! Keep the positive attitude and keep doing what you are doing. You are definately going to rock the stage bro! I'm excited to see stage pics.

[dpd555]

Originally Posted by str8flexed

being ready to go 6 weeks out is the absolute BEST thing that can happen

Agree with Layne. You are way ahead of the game. Good luck!! Will be following this journal.

[ben2285]

Originally Posted by semper27

Great progress Ben #2 !!! Keep the positive attitude and keep doing what you are doing. You are definately going to rock the stage bro! I'm excited to see stage pics.

Thanks #1! I'm soo pumped to just get up there and show what I'm gonna have too, I'm just loving this whole journey.

Originally Posted by dpd555

Agree with Layne. You are way ahead of the game. Good luck!! Will be following this journal.

Thanks man, great to hear that from a bber of your caliber too. The ride only gets more exciting from here so hang on! hah

[semper27]

It's awesome that you are ahead of the game. YOU do not want to be one of "those" guy's in the gym, bustin their hump to get rid of the last 5 lbs etc... Listen to Layne and absorb every bit of knowledge. He will open the door....you just gotta walk through it!

[ben2285]

Originally Posted by semper27

It's awesome that you are ahead of the game. YOU do not want to be one of "those" guy's in the gym, bustin their hump to get rid of the last 5 lbs etc... Listen to Layne and absorb every bit of knowledge. He will open the door....you just gotta walk through it!

It's awesome that I have such a great support crew here, thats whats awesome. You guys make me feel so much more confident to get up there and keep pushin hard. I'm bustin through the door my man!

[ben2285]

Posing trunks came in yesterday so of course I had to do some practice in them .

[will-work4ANDRO]

Originally Posted by ben2285

Posing trunks came in yesterday so of course I had to do some practice in them .

WOW, do you need help building your trophy case?

[DIESELPOLO]

Originally Posted by will-work4ANDRO

WOW, do you need help building your trophy case?

ha, seriously. i got a hammer....Ben, great job man. the new lighting in the pic and the posing trunks make ur progress that much more evident.

[ben2285]

Originally Posted by will-work4ANDRO

WOW, do you need help building your trophy case?

Haha I like that, thanks man

Originally Posted by DIESELPOLO

ha, seriously. i got a hammer....Ben, great job man. the new lighting in the pic and the posing trunks make ur progress that much more evident.

Thanks, I still feel like I look much better in person, could just be in my head hah but if it is I don't care I'm sticking with it..

[Cytrainer913]

Please pull up the sides of your trunks even though by today's kids standards it won't be cool, but you know what it makes your waste look thicker and your symmetry will look worse, which it is not pull up the sides just above your hip bone and you will be rewarded, trust me on this one!

[ben2285]

Originally Posted by Cytrainer913

Please pull up the sides of your trunks even though by today's kids standards it won't be cool, but you know what it makes your waste look thicker and your symmetry will look worse, which it is not pull up the sides just above your hip bone and you will be rewarded, trust me on this one!

Thank you, this is actually the main reason I posted this, I wanted to know how/if they are the right fit. I don't normally wear things like this so hah I had no idea. I actually bought a size larger than the chart suggested but the trunks go right back down immediately after I pull them up or hit a pose with my arms up. Hopefully I won't have to keep pulling them back up on stage.

[FATHER FLEX]

Originally Posted by Cytrainer913

Please pull up the sides of your trunks even though by today's kids standards it won't be cool, but you know what it makes your waste look thicker and your symmetry will look worse, which it is not pull up the sides just above your hip bone and you will be rewarded, trust me on this one!

What he said!

[lespaulsarecool]

Originally Posted by ben2285

Thank you, this is actually the main reason I posted this, I wanted to know how/if they are the right fit. I don't normally wear things like this so hah I had no idea. I actually bought a size larger than the chart suggested but the trunks go right back down immediately after I pull them up or hit a pose with my arms up. Hopefully I won't have to keep pulling them back up on stage.

sorry, 'I dotn normally wear things like that' that made me laugh man, I should think a trip to the supermarket would look awesome!

[Agostage]

Looking good and balanced, which is not easy for a 6'2" guy so good job. Can't wait to see the finished product.

[ben2285]

thanks Ago, I can't wait either..It's the only thing on my mind 24/7. I'm lovin this!

[ben2285]

only 5 short weeks to go, I feel I am right where I want to be at this point hah although everyone I see at the gym says "don't you think your a little early?" my reply is always just wait ...Can't wait for the weeks to come!

[ben2285]

last two:

[billfinkbiner]

They think you're early, because most people come in late. Wait until they see the improvements you're going to make. I don't think they'll say much, except wow. Stay focused, get ultra shredded.

[Blahzay128]

Definite improvement from the last set...mid-section looks tighter and vascularity is more prevalent....good job!!! keep up the good work.

[Jrich54338]

your legs are def sharper, your glutes are coming in as well. I feel your overall front double bi is your money shot. Cant wait to see you in the next few weeks, so what are we craving that night or the day after??

[ben2285]

Originally Posted by billfinkbiner

They think you're early, because most people come in late. Wait until they see the improvements you're going to make. I don't think they'll say much, except wow. Stay focused, get ultra shredded.

Exactly...

Originally Posted by Blahzay128

Definite improvement from the last set...mid-section looks tighter and vascularity is more prevalent....good job!!! keep up the good work.

Thank you, will do !!

Originally Posted by Jrich54338

your legs are def sharper, your glutes are coming in as well. I feel your overall front double bi is your money shot. Cant wait to see you in the next few weeks, so what are we craving that night or the day after??

Thanks, I can't wait either man..Haha lets not talk about that quite yet I still have a while to go

[The Brotherhood]

Looking awesome

[ben2285]

Thanks TB