Demon Embraces the Inner Monster - Path to MASSiveness in 2014

[Rypt1]

New pics are looking good, keep up the great work! Hope the chest gets to feeling better.

[demonwareltd]

New pics are looking good, keep up the great work! Hope the chest gets to feeling better.

Thanks. Not my chest that bothers me, but my left shoulder whenever pressing/benching. Feels just like a minor strain and nothing serious.

Went out for a run over lunch today and hit a new PR for a 3-mile run of 8:24/mile pace. Killed it!

http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/185416011

[demonwareltd]

Solid arm workout today.... Went a little like this:

DB Preacher Curls - 35x12x3
V-Handle Tricep Extensions - 100x10(warmup), 130x12x3
Barbell Curls - 75x12, 85x10, 95x8, 95x8, 105x6
CGBP - 165x10, 185x8, 185x7, 195x5
Seated DB Curls - 35x10x3
Dips - BWx10, BW+55x10, BW+55x8
21s - 1 set of 75 lbs (only got 19/21 reps)
Skullcrushers - 80x10, 85x10, 85x10

Waiting for my son to wake from his nap and then it's family road trip out to Men's Warehouse so I can get fitted for my tux for my BIL's wedding. Good times

[DarrenConroy]

Solid arm workout today.... Went a little like this:

DB Preacher Curls - 35x12x3
V-Handle Tricep Extensions - 100x10(warmup), 130x12x3
Barbell Curls - 75x12, 85x10, 95x8, 95x8, 105x6
CGBP - 165x10, 185x8, 185x7, 195x5
Seated DB Curls - 35x10x3
Dips - BWx10, BW+55x10, BW+55x8
21s - 1 set of 75 lbs (only got 19/21 reps)
Skullcrushers - 80x10, 85x10, 85x10

Waiting for my son to wake from his nap and then it's family road trip out to Men's Warehouse so I can get fitted for my tux for my BIL's wedding. Good times

Good work big man!!

[demonwareltd]

Good work big man!!

Thanks Darren.

Measurements at the Men's Warehouse were 42" chest and 30" waist. I'll take it!

[Stncldsnake]

Solid arm workout today.... Went a little like this:

DB Preacher Curls - 35x12x3
V-Handle Tricep Extensions - 100x10(warmup), 130x12x3
Barbell Curls - 75x12, 85x10, 95x8, 95x8, 105x6
CGBP - 165x10, 185x8, 185x7, 195x5
Seated DB Curls - 35x10x3
Dips - BWx10, BW+55x10, BW+55x8
21s - 1 set of 75 lbs (only got 19/21 reps)
Skullcrushers - 80x10, 85x10, 85x10

Waiting for my son to wake from his nap and then it's family road trip out to Men's Warehouse so I can get fitted for my tux for my BIL's wedding. Good times

Awesome session and have fun at the wedding!!

[HARRYBEAST]

In this stage of your prep I say you wear just the bow tie and vest. (no homo)

[therockap1]

Love 21's!

Keep up the great work!

[demonwareltd]

In this stage of your prep I say you wear just the bow tie and vest. (no homo)

If it was my wedding I would be all over that! Seeing how it's not though, I can't upstage the bride and groom

[demonwareltd]

Love 21's!

Keep up the great work!

Yeah, except it was 19s for me. My bicep insertion down by the elbow was so sore from whipping rubber toy balls at my friends the other night (we were entertaining my son) that stopping the bicep curl half way down was torturous.

[demonwareltd]

I am at a real crossroads here with my prep. Since I started competing in 2008, I have never felt so unmotivated and apathetic towards contest prep. I'm hating the dieting and hating the lethargy in the gym. Maybe because its the first time I tried prepping twice in less than a year. Maybe it's because I don't know anyone else who is going to show up for this competition.

Whatever it is, it's standing in the ray of me giving my whole self to the process and as a result, sabotaging my success. I have been going over and over in my mind ways I could logically just back out of the show. I also haven't mailed the entry form yet.

I'm hoping to do some real soul searching while away for 2 weeks. Try to rediscover the competitive spark that has gotten me to where I'm at today. Maybe before I get on that plane on Saturday, I need to mail in my entry fee and seal the deal.

[DarrenConroy]

I am at a real crossroads here with my prep. Since I started competing in 2008, I have never felt so unmotivated and apathetic towards contest prep. I'm hating the dieting and hating the lethargy in the gym. Maybe because its the first time I tried prepping twice in less than a year. Maybe it's because I don't know anyone else who is going to show up for this competition.

Whatever it is, it's standing in the ray of me giving my whole self to the process and as a result, sabotaging my success. I have been going over and over in my mind ways I could logically just back out of the show. I also haven't mailed the entry form yet.

I'm hoping to do some real soul searching while away for 2 weeks. Try to rediscover the competitive spark that has gotten me to where I'm at today. Maybe before I get on that plane on Saturday, I need to mail in my entry fee and seal the deal.

I've been there my friend... I always tell myself that someday I'm gonna look back on the "glory days" when I had the abilities to perform and wish I could go back and how I should have made the most of my time when it was available... That time is now! Our bodies don't stay like this forever.. You have a talent that some would love to have.. Make the most of that talent and the time that you have to display it...

[HARRYBEAST]

If it was my wedding I would be all over that! Seeing how it's not though, I can't upstage the bride and groom

I've been there my friend... I always tell myself that someday I'm gonna look back on the "glory days" when I had the abilities to perform and wish I could go back and how I should have made the most of my time when it was available... That time is now! Our bodies don't stay like this forever.. You have a talent that some would love to have.. Make the most of that talent and the time that you have to display it...

^^^^This


I also feel your pain as I cannot motivate myself to lose the weight I need to either. I think what Darren just said may have lit my spark back though. He is right. I don't have forever to compete as a PLer and should take advantage now while my body can still handle it

[demonwareltd]

I've been there my friend... I always tell myself that someday I'm gonna look back on the "glory days" when I had the abilities to perform and wish I could go back and how I should have made the most of my time when it was available... That time is now! Our bodies don't stay like this forever.. You have a talent that some would love to have.. Make the most of that talent and the time that you have to display it...

^^^^This


I also feel your pain as I cannot motivate myself to lose the weight I need to either. I think what Darren just said may have lit my spark back though. He is right. I don't have forever to compete as a PLer and should take advantage now while my body can still handle it

Yeah, I suppose you guys are right. Can't say I wasn't wishing I was getting to share an ice cream with my son at the local fair last night though We did go down the super slide on a potato sack though which was probably much more memorable than the fleeting taste of ice cream!

I'll print out the entry form today and have one more discussion with my wife about it (I consult with her on all things contest related, as without her support, there is 0 chance of success, as an unhappy wife and baby make an unsuccessful bodybuilder Will update later today if it's on it's way in along with the 70 dollar entry fee. 70!? That's right. All for a $500 first place and of course a really big SWORD!

- Stan

[demonwareltd]

On an unrelated topic and maybe something that Vanguard can relate to....the new World of Warcraft expansion Mists of Pandaria is pretty awesome so far. The new continent has provided a boat load of new and fun quests. Still haven't had time to create a Pandaren monk and try out the race/class combination though.

[Rypt1]

I've been there my friend... I always tell myself that someday I'm gonna look back on the "glory days" when I had the abilities to perform and wish I could go back and how I should have made the most of my time when it was available... That time is now! Our bodies don't stay like this forever.. You have a talent that some would love to have.. Make the most of that talent and the time that you have to display it...

Definitely like this ^

You have a very busy life it sounds like, so that can definitely make prep much more difficult with trying to juggle everything. I definitely understand the "not knowing anyone else who is going to show up for the show" thing as well. I think you'll need to take that few weeks and decide if you can put your energy into prep. If you feel you can't give your best to show your best, it probably is worth holding off a little bit until you can.

[demonwareltd]

Definitely like this ^

You have a very busy life it sounds like, so that can definitely make prep much more difficult with trying to juggle everything. I definitely understand the "not knowing anyone else who is going to show up for the show" thing as well. I think you'll need to take that few weeks and decide if you can put your energy into prep. If you feel you can't give your best to show your best, it probably is worth holding off a little bit until you can.

Yeah, life is busy, as I'm sure it is more most people these days. I'm also someone who HATES to not be busy so I seek out stuff to do instead of being content to focus on one or two things and then rest. You hit the nail on the head with the "feel you can't give your best" comment though. That's what has me down. I know I haven't put forth 100% effort, both in the gym/cardio department as well as the diet. In previous shows I had been focused like a laser for 18-20 straight weeks, yet I can't even get through 14 weeks this time around without seemingly falling apart.

Definitely going to think through it and motivate myself as best I can while away these next two weeks. I think it would do me good to get back home motivated and determined and make a pact with myself that everything else in life and going on around me needs to be put on hold for the next 6 weeks and I need to take care of 1 day at a time so I can show up on stage and look like I belong there.

[HARRYBEAST]

I say if the diet and all gets to be too much, POWERLIFTING is pretty F*cking fun!

[demonwareltd]

I say if the diet and all gets to be too much, POWERLIFTING is pretty F*cking fun!

Don't temp me Harry! I love to eat more than the fattest fat kid! Lifting is alot easier too

I am gonna stick it out though. Asked the promoter yesterday how many people were going to compete in the pro-division, seeing how this is the first year that NABBA has had one. She said she wasn't sure. I wouldn't have an issue with being the only one who shows up, taking my 500 bucks along with a nice big sword (to add to my sword collection mind you), and heading to the nearest Burger King Can buy alot of Junior Whoppers with cheese with 500 bucks!

[fltallpaul]

I am at a real crossroads here with my prep. Since I started competing in 2008, I have never felt so unmotivated and apathetic towards contest prep. I'm hating the dieting and hating the lethargy in the gym. Maybe because its the first time I tried prepping twice in less than a year. Maybe it's because I don't know anyone else who is going to show up for this competition.

Whatever it is, it's standing in the ray of me giving my whole self to the process and as a result, sabotaging my success. I have been going over and over in my mind ways I could logically just back out of the show. I also haven't mailed the entry form yet.

I'm hoping to do some real soul searching while away for 2 weeks. Try to rediscover the competitive spark that has gotten me to where I'm at today. Maybe before I get on that plane on Saturday, I need to mail in my entry fee and seal the deal.

This is completely normal for the amount of time you have been prepping. This time is what I refer to as the duldrums. Long prep dragging with the contest too far away to really seem real. If you do stick it out the time will move along. If you decide to stay with prep just manage each meal and training session one at a time. Sometimes the thought of how much is left overwhelms. I can tell you that once you get to the last few weeks and days it seems like it went to fast which you may already know. I personally think you have it in you!

I say if the diet and all gets to be too much, POWERLIFTING is pretty F*cking fun!

Power-lifting is a great way to stay motivated between contest preps while adding muscle. The diet is much more fun as well!

[demonwareltd]

This is completely normal for the amount of time you have been prepping. This time is what I refer to as the duldrums. Long prep dragging with the contest too far away to really seem real. If you do stick it out the time will move along. If you decide to stay with prep just manage each meal and training session one at a time. Sometimes the thought of how much is left overwhelms. I can tell you that once you get to the last few weeks and days it seems like it went to fast which you may already know. I personally think you have it in you!



Power-lifting is a great way to stay motivated between contest preps while adding muscle. The diet is much more fun as well!

Thanks Paul. Duldrums for sure! Much like you described in your log and you would know since you had been prepping for quite awhile to get ready for your show. Going to try to minimize distractions and really focus on one day at a time and take care of business.

Our stupid gym is closed at 3 PM today because our town has their annual parade (along with a street fair all week). I'm going to drag out some free weights from my garage into my driveway and do a super/giant set based shoulder routine. I'm also getting dragged down to said parade with my wife/son and in-laws. So much fun watching others stuff their faced with deliciousness. Oh wait, no it's not!

[therockap1]

Whatever you decide to do it will be the right thing Stan!

[HARRYBEAST]

Whatever you decide to do it will be the right thing Stan!

^^^^^THis!

[demonwareltd]

After a few rough days in a row of doubting whether I could or even wanted to go through with this upcoming show, I've made up my mind. I'm ready to get back on the horse and grind out the rest of prep like a real champion.

Yesterday I was able to get some shoulder work in outside in my driveway by dragging out some free weights and performing the following:

barbell shoulder press (3 sets)
Side DB Laterals (3 sets)
Upright rows (3 sets)
Front Plate Raise (3 sets)

It wasn't super grueling but enough to get a pump and feel like I accomplished something. Best I could do with the gym closed. Very motivated to get in and hit legs after work today. Also started packing up all I need for Romania. I leave on Saturday.

Going to try to drill some more holes into my belt (this would be my 3rd set of extra holes I've added). I surpassed the previous holes which worked for me all through my last prep so that is a good sign the waist is a little smaller this time around.

Will let you know how legs work out tonight. Let's do this!

- Stan

[Ccm644]

After a few rough days in a row of doubting whether I could or even wanted to go through with this upcoming show, I've made up my mind. I'm ready to get back on the horse and grind out the rest of prep like a real champion.

- Stan

That is good news, you have many followers/supporter that will help keep you motivated

Well done for doing a workout many would of not if their gym was shut

[DarrenConroy]

Definitely like this ^

You have a very busy life it sounds like, so that can definitely make prep much more difficult with trying to juggle everything. I definitely understand the "not knowing anyone else who is going to show up for the show" thing as well. I think you'll need to take that few weeks and decide if you can put your energy into prep. If you feel you can't give your best to show your best, it probably is worth holding off a little bit until you can.

Thanks!
Just thoughts....
I do agree with your advice on going up there when you know that you are as prepared as you can be too... Nobody wants to go up there and lose..

[demonwareltd]

Thanks Dean!

I will have details of today's leg session, but it was pretty much par for the course. Here is a quick video of my SLDLs I shot, doing 260x8.

[demonwareltd]

Thanks!
Just thoughts....
I do agree with your advice on going up there when you know that you are as prepared as you can be too... Nobody wants to go up there and lose..

For sure. I hate losing, especially after getting a taste of what it's like to win. I have improved both physique and placement in each show I've done since my first show when I placed 6th. Of course, I'm moving up from Open to Pro so the competition is much stiffer, but I still want top 5.

[Stncldsnake]

Glad to hear you are back on track, I have been having doubts about why I am even bothering working out, weighed myself and 260 came up on the scale, was hoping for at least some weight loss as I weighed in at the beginning of the month at 260, I know the number means nothing but it would have been nice to see some loss, I don't compete so I can't imagine that feeling but I think they may be close. Your a beast and I know you will do great at the show and ever since following you I have been inspired to workout harder, Keep it going bro!!

[demonwareltd]

Glad to hear you are back on track, I have been having doubts about why I am even bothering working out, weighed myself and 260 came up on the scale, was hoping for at least some weight loss as I weighed in at the beginning of the month at 260, I know the number means nothing but it would have been nice to see some loss, I don't compete so I can't imagine that feeling but I think they may be close. Your a beast and I know you will do great at the show and ever since following you I have been inspired to workout harder, Keep it going bro!!

Thanks Snake! Means alot that I'm able to inspire others through doing something I really do enjoy. Makes it worth the pain and sacrifice in more ways than you know!

Weight is really only one aspect of your fitness level so don't get too down on yourself. Have you seen strength go up at all over that same period? Have you improved cardiovascularly and are in better condition? Sometimes we move forward but at such a slow pace that it is undetectable. The first 4-6 weeks when I start dieting are the hardest because I don't see any visible changes, but I know that each journey starts with a single step (cliche I know, but true).

If you need any help putting together a plan to reach your goals, just shoot me a PM. I work with many people who aren't competitive bodybuilders who are just trying to improve themselves either physique or strength wise.

- Stan