Most Muscular's Transformation... nuff said...

Most Muscular · 09-10-2009, 02:19 PM

The day after Labor Day I started my transformation process. It has been six months since I have set foot in the gym, the longest time I have been away from any bodybuilding activity since I've started. The lapse in training was the result of a herinated disc in my C5-C6 discs in mid March while I was on vacation at Disney World. Soon after the pain started I immediately recognized the symptoms as I have been plagued by neck issues in the past. However unlike the past, I immediately went to the doctor to have an MRI done to conform my hunch, and to ultimately schedule surgery which was done on May 8th.

I suspect the injury was caused by a factor of things: Old age and having a history of degenerate bone desease is an issue along with my heavy lifting probably were contributing factors to the injury. However, I do not feel I would have made the muscle gains I have without the heavy intense workouts I put myself through in years past. No regrets.

Following my surgery in May the pain (which was constant and at times very intense) immediately subsided and I was left with a very light lifting order (5-10 lbs max) for three weeks and then 20 lbs for the rest of the summer. In late August I was given the okay to return to the gym and begin my mass recovery process.

I actually did not mind being away from the gym for the whole summer which kind of surprised me! I spent a lot more time with my family which we all appreciated a lot and I realized how much of my life was consumed by working out and the things associated with it. Taking that step back gave me a new outlook on life and I wondered if I would ever return to the gym.

However during that time away my diet also took a 180 degree turn and I found my main source of protein was from my daily consumption of ice cream! With not working out or doing any cardio and not eating correctly I found myself losing a LOT of muscle mass and gaining a LOT of bodyfat in the process.

Last summer and winter I began a process of changing my lifestyle to eat clean and lower my carb intake most of the time and actually started doing cardio on a regular basis. The result was that I transformed my physique into one which I had visible abs year around along with a decent amount of muscle mass. For the first time in my life I looked "in season" year around!!! I even did some modeling in the process and caught the eye of quite a few photographers who wanted to use my muscular physique in their photos. While only a few concepts bore fruit I did enjoy the process and it gave me incentive to stay in shape year around. The trip to Florida in March was also a powerful incentive.

After six month off of working out and doing cardio and not eating right you can well imagine what I look like now. It's not pretty. However I do know what I am capable of so I have set my transformation goal of returning to last years shape in the next six months (or less).

stayfit2008 · 09-10-2009, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Most Muscular

The day after Labor Day I started my transformation process. It has been six months since I have set foot in the gym, the longest time I have been away from any bodybuilding activity since I've started. The lapse in training was the result of a herinated disc in my C5-C6 discs in mid March while I was on vacation at Disney World. Soon after the pain started I immediately recognized the symptoms as I have been plagued by neck issues in the past. However unlike the past, I immediately went to the doctor to have an MRI done to conform my hunch, and to ultimately schedule surgery which was done on May 8th.

I suspect the injury was caused by a factor of things: Old age and having a history of degenerate bone desease is an issue along with my heavy lifting probably were contributing factors to the injury. However, I do not feel I would have made the muscle gains I have without the heavy intense workouts I put myself through in years past. No regrets.

Following my surgery in May the pain (which was constant and at times very intense) immediately subsided and I was left with a very light lifting order (5-10 lbs max) for three weeks and then 20 lbs for the rest of the summer. In late August I was given the okay to return to the gym and begin my mass recovery process.

I actually did not mind being away from the gym for the whole summer which kind of surprised me! I spent a lot more time with my family which we all appreciated a lot and I realized how much of my life was consumed by working out and the things associated with it. Taking that step back gave me a new outlook on life and I wondered if I would ever return to the gym.

However during that time away my diet also took a 180 degree turn and I found my main source of protein was from my daily consumption of ice cream! With not working out or doing any cardio and not eating correctly I found myself losing a LOT of muscle mass and gaining a LOT of bodyfat in the process.

Last summer and winter I began a process of changing my lifestyle to eat clean and lower my carb intake most of the time and actually started doing cardio on a regular basis. The result was that I transformed my physique into one which I had visible abs year around along with a decent amount of muscle mass. For the first time in my life I looked "in season" year around!!! I even did some modeling in the process and caught the eye of quite a few photographers who wanted to use my muscular physique in their photos. While only a few concepts bore fruit I did enjoy the process and it gave me incentive to stay in shape year around. The trip to Florida in March was also a powerful incentive.

After six month off of working out and doing cardio and not eating right you can well imagine what I look like now. It's not pretty. However I do know what I am capable of so I have set my transformation goal of returning to last years shape in the next six months (or less).

nuff said!

Most Muscular · 09-10-2009, 02:25 PM

Let me make one thing perfectly clear....

This is NOT, repeat NOT, a return to the competitive stage. The only competition I will endure will be with myself.

I have been thinking about this transformation process for a month or so when I really started getting disgusted with the way I had shrunk in muscle mass and gained a lot of bodyfat. For someone who had prided themselves on being in shape it was very disheartening. I felt guilty giving advice on these forums. People may have admired my physique in the past looking at my old pictures but I thought what if they seen me now and realized it was some old fat guy giving comments in the forums?

Against my better judgement I will be posting photos of my starting progress soon... whenever I can get my wife to take some of me. I feel posting photos will be a good goal for me to show progress. I want to see improvement in the process and posting photos will hopefully keep me motivated.

ntrllftr · 09-10-2009, 02:26 PM

I will be looking forward to seeing the transformation.
Now get to it!!!!

I'll be following along.

.

stayfit2008 · 09-10-2009, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ntrllftr

since you didn't post a b4 photo...

Are you going to take one today to compare and maybe post in the future?
That is something that i would really be interested in, seeing the results.

I'll be following along.

.

x2!

Most Muscular · 09-10-2009, 02:30 PM

This transformation will be complicated somewhat by some recent events in my life:

Last week I gave my two week notice to leave the engineering firm where I have been employed for the last 15 years to accept a position with a major competitor. There are actually 3 to 4 of us leaving the firm (including my boss).

After finishing up most of our tasks this week at work they showed by boss and I the door this morning. Luckily the new firm is eager to get us working and will have us on board next week. However we do not yet have any office space to work from as this is a new branch in our area they are opening.

To further complicate things I will be working out of another branch office for 2-3 weeks (or maybe longer) before our new office is built out. I also may end up working out on a construction site who knows how far away from home soon.

Things are never easy, but hard things get done too.

nuff said...

Guff · 09-10-2009, 02:35 PM

Will be following closely

Most Muscular · 09-10-2009, 02:38 PM

My base plan, which I started on Tuesday, is to do cardio this month in the morning to try and lose a lot of this excess bodyfat and then hit the gym in October. While I have never been a fan of cardio I realize it is a necessary evil.

I do 20 minutes of HIT cardio on my eliptical at home when I wake up. It is my goal to push myself each day to break the record of the previous days achievements. So far so good:

Day 1: 297 calories
Day 2: 301 calories
Day 3: 303 calories

I usually do a moderately fast rate for 45-50 seconds and then a very fast pace for 10-15 seconds. It makes the time go fast.... thankfully.

I'm both looking forward to and also dreading the thought of stepping foot in the gym again. I know I'll have lost all of my strength and feel like a mere mortal. LOL! Although we are blessed with muscle memory it still is a dicouraging thought to find your maximum lifts are what used to be your warm up sets. Been there and done that after coming back from previous injuries.

Guff · 09-10-2009, 02:47 PM

I'm curious, what do you use to judge the calories burned?

Most Muscular · 09-10-2009, 02:52 PM

Oh my gosh... I didn't realize there would be much interest in this transformation. I decided to publicly post this blog mostly to keep myself honest and committed. I found that when I did compete I'd come across guys who were secretly getting ready for a show but didn't tell anyone... many times they'd back out near the end. I always told everyone my plans because I felt they didn't let me forget the goal I had set. I look for you to remind me of the same.

This past summer I found myself so disgusted with the way I looked that I never went to the beach not once, never went swimming, never wore a tank top in public, etc. That's sick isn't it?

My wife tells me it doesn't matter to her what I look like which is good to know but I have my own inner perception of myself. Having always been the smallest kid in school I was always picked on and picked last for sports, etc. I never had any self confidence. I was shy and never asked girls out (most of them were much taller anyway). Probably 80% of the girls I dated asked me out.

Getting in shape and involved in bodybuilding gave me the ability to compete for the first time against someone whether they were my size or even bigger. I'm not a super competitive person but loved the drive of the competition and most of all the self confidence it gave me for the first time in my life. However, there is both good and bad in that fact and I have attempted to walk not higher than I can fall from.

I want to get back into the shape that makes me not so feeling "average", if anyone can understand that. To be honest, I realized I did enjoy being different. I used to get a lot of looks from people when I walked down the street in the past. A couple of weeks ago we went to the State Fair and realized I felt like I was invisible. I looked like all the rest of the short fat guys there (chugging down corn dogs, etc.).

Is it vain to want to be above average? Perhaps. I just think most people don't want to admit it. I do.

nuff said...

Most Muscular · 09-10-2009, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guff

I'm curious, what do you use to judge the calories burned?

My elipitical machine has a calories burned counter on it. You enter your weight, level of resistance, and time and it calculates the calories burned during that session. I don't care if that's what I'm really burning or not, I just use it as my guide to know how much I'm working during that session. What becomes increasingly a struggle is that as you lower your weight the effort to burn more calories becomes harder! A bigger person will burn more calories doing the same amount of work than a lighter person in theory. It takes more power (and thus more energy) to push a truck up a mountain than a small car.

2nd_chance · 09-10-2009, 02:58 PM

Randy, I can't begin to tell you how much knowledge I gain from your posts in the O35 forum. I'm subbed here and look forward to l of your entries. The journals are a great place to share knowledge ...... and it just got a whole lot better. Welcome!!

1trapman · 09-10-2009, 05:56 PM

Glad you started this. Has the triceps muscle healed and any others effected? Can't imagine you look that out of shape.

Most Muscular · 09-10-2009, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1trapman

Glad you started this. Has the triceps muscle healed and any others effected? Can't imagine you look that out of shape.

My tricep (vanished after my pinched nerve in 2001-2003) has never really come back fully. It came back somewhat in size but was still soft and a bit weaker. You'll never see me doing a side tricep shot from my bad side!

And while my wife says I look okay (what is she going to tell me? That I look like crap?) I tell her she needs new glasses. It is a personal thing.

BuckSpin · 09-10-2009, 06:14 PM

In on the 1st page & for the duration of the ride. I am VERY interested in not only your continued efforts but hopefully learning along the way!

Most Muscular · 09-10-2009, 06:35 PM

As I've said, my first step will be to get rid of some of the excess bodyfat. I realize it is very hard to gain muscle mass and lost bodyfat at the same time. I am being realistic. If you're on a calorie deficet it is hard to gain muscle mass, likewise if you're eating a lot of calories it is hard to get leaner. I may zig zag my diet around as I progress on this journey. To start with I'll clean up my diet (no more daily ice cream protein intakes), cut down on my carbs (I have found for ME that I am carb sensitive and lose bodyfat rather quickly on a lower carb diet) and start doing cardio perhaps 4 to 6 times per week.

I realize if I slim down I may really look rather small but at least when I start putting my muscle mass back on I'll be able to see it instead of being hidden deep within me. A leaner body can look more muscular then it really is.

When I begin the mass building process I'll try to closely monitor my bodyfat and try to keep that in check. This is a process of walking a fine line of building within reason. In the past I've done bulks for the sake of bulking and in the process gained weight but in the end it wasn't very much good weight. The mirror instead of the scale will be my guide. Please remind me of that at times....

A clean bulk may not produce a massive amount of muscle but I don't aspire to be huge, but rather to feel better about myself once again.

My plan (I always have a plan...) when I get back into the gym is to take at least one to two weeks in total body workouts and then progress to splitting the workouts into several bodyparts, and eventually into my previous schedule of one bodypart per day.

Although I am not an engineer (I am a designer which is close enough...) I tend to plan things out in my mind long before I do them. I think a lot. If fact many people, both at work and at the gym have commented to me, after they have gotten to know me, that when they first saw me they thought I was always angry because of the intense look upon my face. Actually I seem to be always in deep thought about something or another it seems. No wonder I am so exhausted at the end of some days!

nuff said...

stayfit2008 · 09-10-2009, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Most Muscular

nuff said...

^^^^^^ There it is!!!

Most Muscular · 09-11-2009, 09:08 AM

"In the beginning the body was without form, and void: and fat was upon the body of the man. And the spirt within the man moved upon himself. And the man said: Let there by muscle: and there was muscle. And man saw the muscle that it was good: and the man divided the fat from the muscle..."

This is my beginning from where I start this transformation. While I not proud to post these photos here I am hoping that they can remind me of what I don't want to look like in the future.

When I helped people with their diets in the past I always stressed that they document their journey. When we look at ourselves in the mirror seemingly hundreds of times per day (I think many of us are mirror whores aren't we old supperman?) we can't see the subtle improvements day to day. However over weeks and months the changes that are occuring can become increasingly noticable if we have documented our progress.

With that said, I will not share with you by beginning...

Most Muscular · 09-11-2009, 09:12 AM

photos taken on September 11, 2009

Most Muscular · 09-11-2009, 09:15 AM

more photos from 9/11... another reminder of a disaster...

stayfit2008 · 09-11-2009, 09:18 AM

Check you out doing the deflated pose deal,..Your not that bad off buddy! are you considering a transformation challenge somewhere down the line?

bodyhard · 09-11-2009, 09:18 AM

Randy, you and I don't see eye to eye but I have much respect for your accomplishments, I know you will be back in shape (and surpass most here) in a short period of time.

Good luck and big ups!!

Most Muscular · 09-11-2009, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stayfit2008

Check you out doing the deflated pose deal,..Your not that bad off buddy! are you considering a transformation challenge somewhere down the line?

LOL... yes, I could probably suck it in a bit but this is how I feel I look when I look at myself in the mirror.... and no, I am not considering a transformation challenge (unless you know of one starting VERY soon). I am doing this for myself.

nuff said...

1trapman · 09-12-2009, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Most Muscular

My tricep (vanished after my pinched nerve in 2001-2003) has never really come back fully. It came back somewhat in size but was still soft and a bit weaker. You'll never see me doing a side tricep shot from my bad side!

And while my wife says I look okay (what is she going to tell me? That I look like crap?) I tell her she needs new glasses. It is a personal thing.

I have the same issue with part of my tricep and part of my left chest. Do you just do isolation to work shoulders (work around the tricep)?

Pictures aren't nearly to level you where at, but 90% of people would still want to have your build.

Most Muscular · 09-12-2009, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1trapman

I have the same issue with part of my tricep and part of my left chest. Do you just do isolation to work shoulders (work around the tricep)?

Pictures aren't nearly to level you where at, but 90% of people would still want to have your build.

I just continued doing what I was doing and eventually most of the strength came back although I think my body just adapted to one side being weaker. It took me a few years for my chest and shoulders to even out in size. Ironically my left bicep became MUCH stronger. It seems to be taking up the slack, although I can't figure it out because one muscle is used for pulling and the other for pushing so it really shouldn't work that way!

While my wife and (former) coworkers have also told me that I'm in better shape than most people that still doesn't do much for me inside. I think most of us on this board can understand and accept that.

Most Muscular · 09-12-2009, 10:46 AM

Yesterday the Vice President of the firm I am going to work for on Monday called me and asked if I would mind spending my first few weeks on the job working out of the office. I've always been willing to do what I have to do in my job. Actually I won't be even technically working "out of the office" because the office I am scheduled to work in doesn't yet have a signed lease and won't be ready for our use for a few weeks.

The new project I will be working on is being an RPR (Resident Project Representative) on the construction of a wastewater treatment plant. It is basically watching others work and making sure they're following the drawings and specifications and to answer questions about the design. The unfortunate part of this temporary position is that it is located 1-1/2 hours west of my home which will require a LONG drive each day (and having to pass through downtown Minneapolis) or staying at a local hotel during the week. Both of these options I see may hinder my early morning cardio.

If I elect to travel from home I'll have to wake up very early to get in my cardio and still get an early start on the road. This will make for a very long day.

The town does not have very many hotels available and none of them have a fitness center. If I stay at a hotel I'll either have to try running in the morning before work (and I am NOT a running fan... I tend to get shin splints very easy) or see if I can work out a months membership at the small Snap Fitness gym in town.

Diet may also be a concern. I guess, as I do now, I'll just grill up 10 pounds of chicken breast and take it along, hoping my construction trailer has a fridge in it. Of course eating on the road is a challenge but I know with careful selection of foods it can be done. I'll try to use this as a challenge and not an excuse. Wish me luck.

nuff said...

2nd_chance · 09-12-2009, 10:51 AM

Randy, those trunks of yours are still looking good! I can't wait to see your first update pics!

BuckSpin · 09-12-2009, 10:56 AM

If I may, do you think the company or VP would be approachable as far as flipping for that membership? You strike me as a total no BS guy. Just be up front with what you are currently starting & that it would really help you better yourself, which in turn would make you that much better an employee.

Plus, with how you will be eating/prepping at home, your meal per diems would probably be miniscule! LOL

My dad always said "The easiest way to get something is to ask for it". Worst thing is they say no.

Most Muscular · 09-12-2009, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2nd_chance

Randy, those trunks of yours are still looking good! I can't wait to see your first update pics!

Yes, out of all my body parts it seems my legs have retained the most mass and defintion. At times this summer I could still see some striations on them in the right light! However, I'm scared of getting back into the gym and finding out how weak they've become. Time will tell....

Most Muscular · 09-12-2009, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuckSpin

If I may, do you think the company or VP would be approachable as far as flipping for that membership? You strike me as a total no BS guy. Just be up front with what you are currently starting & that it would really help you better yourself, which in turn would make you that much better an employee.

Plus, with how you will be eating/prepping at home, your meal per diems would probably be miniscule! LOL

My dad always said "The easiest way to get something is to ask for it". Worst thing is they say no.

They did inquire about my bodybuilding and working out in my interview with them (one of the my coworkers who was also being interviewed must have clued them in) so they are aware of my past.... perhaps I should make them aware of my future?

I'll give the gym membership some thought.