4 weeks out (pics)

[j_spurg]

Hey everyone!
As of today I have decided to compete in an NPC event on Oct.9. This is my first competition, and I wanted some opinions on how physique is looking at 4 weeks out. I would have started sooner, but I was debating whether or not to compete, I guess I was just nervous haha.

My posing sucks, especially in my lower body.

I lift 3 days a week, and am now starting to do HIIT cardio on my off days. I am following Layne Norton's contest prep article for my diet, and just about everything else.

Let me know what you think!


(sorry pics are kinda big, and my facial expressions are weird)

[Barn01]

Not to disrespect but you've got a lot of work to do in 4 weeks if you want to come in peeled!

Put the spoon down and get on it.

[BeefCake53]

get on a HARD diet. No cheating whatsoever the next 4 weeks. Lots of cardio. Learn how to pose. Get professional tanning done.

[Devils]

Honestly I cant see how you're going to come in ~6% bodyfat or keep any mass in 4 weeks. Choose a later show and give yourself more than 4 weeks, it's worth it.

[MarkVI]

Honestly I cant see how you're going to come in ~6% bodyfat or keep any mass in 4 weeks. Choose a later show and give yourself more than 4 weeks, it's worth it.

This

[UCFBuilder]

yeah man..ur gonna need more than 4 weeks...but its is your first show..so if u want to just do it for the learning experience than go for it...cause u WILL learn a TON

as for a critique...GREAT back...lat spread is real good..shoulders, traps and chest are decent...arms and legs need a lot of work...nothing u can really improve on now since ur dieting..but once u get done..hammer down on those lagging body parts...ESPECIALLY legs..and in a couple years..ull be a force to be reckoned with on the stage man

[db2012]

yeah man..ur gonna need more than 4 weeks...but its is your first show..so if u want to just do it for the learning experience than go for it...cause u WILL learn a TON

I'm with him on this ^. Only do it if you don't care about how you do and just want to gain experience. You are not in what most would consider Ideal conditioning for 4 weeks out.

[j_spurg]

yeah man..ur gonna need more than 4 weeks...but its is your first show..so if u want to just do it for the learning experience than go for it...cause u WILL learn a TON

as for a critique...GREAT back...lat spread is real good..shoulders, traps and chest are decent...arms and legs need a lot of work...nothing u can really improve on now since ur dieting..but once u get done..hammer down on those lagging body parts...ESPECIALLY legs..and in a couple years..ull be a force to be reckoned with on the stage man

Yes, the reason i'm doing this is for the experience. I want to get into competitive bodybuilding, and I need to start somewhere. I dont really care how I do, I'm just here to learn.

And I think i I might surprise you guys with the bf that I lose. I am an ecto, and prior to yesterday, I was on a bulk. Around 3200-3500 calories, no cardio at all, and I mostly would sit around my house all day. I am now going to around 2300 calories, cardio 3-4 days a week, and I naturally can lose bf easily. The due date to send in the entry form is Sept. 25, so how I am looking a few days before that date will determine if I will compete.

UCF builder, thanks for the compliments!

[furyhockey]

When did you start your diet?

[j_spurg]

When did you start your diet?

today is day 1

[Withoutreason]

I thought the NPC is full of juicers?

Good luck anyway brah, you'll learn a lot

[williammorgan]

I like to be pretty much stage-ready at 4 weeks out. Like others have said, it's worthwhile for the experience alone but your time may be put to better use by working on the foundations that you have to create a truly stage-worthy physique. It is clear that you have awesome potential!

[str8flexed]

today is day 1

you are getting good advice here. there are plenty of later shows. choose one. it is foolish to do this show

[j_spurg]

you are getting good advice here. there are plenty of later shows. choose one. it is foolish to do this show

I have been looking for shows, but I cant find any that are close to home. I want to do a show before the year is over. Maybe I'm not looking in the right places, Layne do you know of any shows that I could do? Thanks

[MAX.MAREK]

you are getting good advice here. there are plenty of later shows. choose one. it is foolish to do this show

^this

[str8flexed]

I have been looking for shows, but I cant find any that are close to home. I want to do a show before the year is over. Maybe I'm not looking in the right places, Layne do you know of any shows that I could do? Thanks

well what part of FL do you live in and how far are you willing to travel?

[j_spurg]

well what part of FL do you live in and how far are you willing to travel?

I live in the Tampa area. I would like to try and stay within a 3-4 hour driving distance. This show on the 9th of October is the last one of the year that is in the Tampa area (that I know of), thats why I really want to do it.

[str8flexed]

yea but it's simple dude. i'm being real with you here

1) you didn't start dieting early enough. even with 10 weeks you'd be pushing it
2) you have too much bodyfat to lose
3) you need to be realistic.

There is a show in Coral Springs (NGA drug free) november 13th. I would suggest that one. about 4 hours away

[bmontgomery87]

you got a lot of cutting to do

[j_spurg]

yea but it's simple dude. i'm being real with you here

1) you didn't start dieting early enough. even with 10 weeks you'd be pushing it
2) you have too much bodyfat to lose
3) you need to be realistic.

There is a show in Coral Springs (NGA drug free) november 13th. I would suggest that one. about 4 hours away

Alright, I looked into Coral Springs show. That is probably what I'm going to do. Plus it's a tested show, which is great.

Thanks Layne and everyone, I guess I was in over my head haha. Well I will start my cut now and be ready to go by the 13th!

Thanks again to the people who said I have potential, that make me very motivated.

[str8flexed]

good choice. i'll see you there as I'll be doing the pro portion of the show

[Agostage]

excellent choice - now it's time to get to work

[Rsardinia]

For future reference, you can use this site to find sites for natural bb events, you can even sort by state.

http://www.naturalbodybuildingevents.com/state.htm

[Devils]

Alright, I looked into Coral Springs show. That is probably what I'm going to do. Plus it's a tested show, which is great.

Thanks Layne and everyone, I guess I was in over my head haha. Well I will start my cut now and be ready to go by the 13th!

Thanks again to the people who said I have potential, that make me very motivated.

Great decision, so you've got about 9 weeks to prepare, which is much better. Get into the habit of recording your diet and working out the calorie levels in foods, this will be helpful in slowly reducing calories every week. Shouldn't need to drop too many calories in the first few weeks if you up your cardio.

Good luck.

[alex a]

Your first bbing show is a memorable one.. Who doesnt remember it? You want to make it a positive experience.. Have some fun and compete.. If your not really competitive, your not competing and it wont be that much fun..

This is just my advise.. If your not prepared like the rest of the competition then there is no sense in doing the show..

Im very positive about people competing but im also realistic.. I think you should stick to your basics, diet longer and harder and choose a show in the future.. Your friends and family are surely going to be there.. Make them proud!

[ErickStevens]

See you in Coral Springs!

[j_spurg]

Thanks for the replies guys, I'm really pumped for this show!

[j_spurg]

Hey, just wanted to update. I did the NGA Florida Natural Championships in Coral Springs this past weekend. It was awesome! I had such a great time. Here are some pics from the show.

[Blahzay128]

Props!!! fantastic improvements...and now you got your first contest done. Legs looked great! Whats the plans for the future?

[billabong]

Congratulations on your first show. From reading all the posts I'm glad you took the choice to wait it out and compete in this one rather than rushing. I'm sure you think it was the better decision too. Back looks great.