It's time to stand next to the big boys...My 2012 Prep Journal

[wrkoutfrq]

It really does suck some days Robbie but knowing there are not many who are willing to go through it makes it worthwhile. Keep up the great work, you shall be rewarded!

this...

are you planning on dieting the whole way through or are you gonna push it for a little bit then try and eat into the show?

edit: nevermind saw the post above

[wazzu]

Feeling like death on these low carb days, probably a great sign for conditioning but its terrible for energy to lift. I'm pushin through for now but its getting really tough. Looking forward to my high carb day tomorrow. I just keep telling myself that this is when champions continue to push and losers quit and make excuses.

it will all be worth it in few weeks time. just picture yourself winning the overall

[Rsardinia]

I have my eye on the prize but its frustrating not seeing the scale drop like I expect to on these low days. I think my body is holding on to everything it can when cals are super low, I actually drop better right now on med-high days than I do on my low low days.

[chuckles_345]

I have my eye on the prize but its frustrating not seeing the scale drop like I expect to on these low days. I think my body is holding on to everything it can when cals are super low, I actually drop better right now on med-high days than I do on my low low days.

I completely understand. For most of my prep, I after 2-3 lower days my weight wouldn't budge, but then I would have a refeed and wake up to a new prep low. It was like clockwork. Keep grinding!

[adamjohn32]

I have my eye on the prize but its frustrating not seeing the scale drop like I expect to on these low days. I think my body is holding on to everything it can when cals are super low, I actually drop better right now on med-high days than I do on my low low days.

I completely understand. For most of my prep, I after 2-3 lower days my weight wouldn't budge, but then I would have a refeed and wake up to a new prep low. It was like clockwork. Keep grinding!

I was stalled pretty big going into my first show last weekend, and I managed to control myself fairly well without having a post contest binge. All the food I had on show day followed by a couple low days and I dropped 5lbs lol by the time Tuesday rolled around. Metabolism is a funny thing sometimes.

[Mesoflex]

Feeling like death on these low carb days, probably a great sign for conditioning but its terrible for energy to lift. I'm pushin through for now but its getting really tough. Looking forward to my high carb day tomorrow. I just keep telling myself that this is when champions continue to push and losers quit and make excuses.

Did you ever in your contest preps had an uncontrolled cheat?

[Reid456]

I have my eye on the prize but its frustrating not seeing the scale drop like I expect to on these low days. I think my body is holding on to everything it can when cals are super low, I actually drop better right now on med-high days than I do on my low low days.

Sometimes the scale can be very deceiving though. Maybe you've lost some fat but stored some more glycogen than usual. With your diet of carb cycling I could see how weigh-ins could be very inconsistent. Remember the mirror is the ultimate judge of your progress. Can't wait to see how you do at the Yorton. Keep the goal, the goal.

Did you ever in your contest preps had an uncontrolled cheat?

That's called a binge and none of the coaches at 3DMJ would ever advocate doing that, I'm pretty sure. It does happen though, even to the best, just not purposefully. There would be no purpose to do something that puts another uncontrolled variable into the already complex equation. The only benefit such a thing could have is the mental freedom, yet part of the sport is being able to control your mind and do what you know needs to be done.

That being said, I'm sure there are successful people out there who do uncontrolled cheat meals/days, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are successful because of it, but rather despite it.

[Bonkies]

^^

was unaware people binged during prep?? always figured if they craved something bad enough they fitted it in, but never binged uncontrolled. interesting

[Reid456]

^^

was unaware people binged during prep?? always figured if they craved something bad enough they fitted it in, but never binged uncontrolled. interesting

Well most people don't, I guess. I'm not really sure. I definitely know of at least 2-3 off hand who I know who have. It's often called bodybuilding's "season ending injury". Some people just can't handle it. You almost can't blame them, our body is programmed to do pretty much anything to "survive and reproduce". If you don't get food, you will die and thus is a primary need of the body. We are, after all, human and not robots.

[CutItUp9759]

That's called a binge and none of the coaches at 3DMJ would ever advocate doing that, I'm pretty sure. It does happen though, even to the best, just not purposefully. There would be no purpose to do something that puts another uncontrolled variable into the already complex equation. The only benefit such a thing could have is the mental freedom, yet part of the sport is being able to control your mind and do what you know needs to be done.

That being said, I'm sure there are successful people out there who do uncontrolled cheat meals/days, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are successful because of it, but rather despite it.

Well put. Earlier in my cut, I had uncontrolled binges. If I was doing a comp I woulda been ****ed because you have a deadline.

That being said, having a coach is so good for preventing binges based on two reasons: (1) they adjust your macros for you so you just feel more sure about everything, a more objective eye (2) accountability: you feel like you don't want to let them down.

[Reid456]

Well put. Earlier in my cut, I had uncontrolled binges. If I was doing a comp I woulda been ****ed because you have a deadline.

That being said, having a coach is so good for preventing binges based on two reasons: (1) they adjust your macros for you so you just feel more sure about everything, a more objective eye (2) accountability: you feel like you don't want to let them down.

Very true statements you make there. Definitely takes some mental strain off you and leaves you with more mental energy to do what you know you need to do and not worry about deciding what you should be doing.

In response to your first statement, remember the fastest way from point A to point B is a straight line. It's always worth it to do things in the most efficient way in everything you do in life, so long as it remains practical.

[wrkoutfrq]

i think you tend to see a lot more people that have issues with bingeing in those who dont follow IIFYM. those who believe that you have to eat rice, veggies, and chicken or something like that when you diet. i leads to a lot of restriction, which causes IMO worse cravings. i used to be one of those, but i haven't had that problem since taking a more IIFYM minded approach. i happen to enjoy a lot of bro foods though, so i'm not a perfect example lol

[Reid456]

i think you tend to see a lot more people that have issues with bingeing in those who dont follow IIFYM. those who believe that you have to eat rice, veggies, and chicken or something like that when you diet. i leads to a lot of restriction, which causes IMO worse cravings. i used to be one of those, but i haven't had that problem since taking a more IIFYM minded approach. i happen to enjoy a lot of bro foods though, so i'm not a perfect example lol

Or people on the other side of the spectrum whos daily fat/carb intake is met by poptarts. All about dat balance.

[wrkoutfrq]

Or people on the other side of the spectrum whos daily fat/carb intake is met by poptarts. All about dat balance.

i completely agree. thats why i tend to follow a blend of IIFYM and the traditional "clean" eating style. micronutrients are very important, and the extremists of IIFYM miss a lot of it. and i also find it ironic that the BBers in this section are the ones a lot of the time who are targeted for their consumption of non-traditional foods like pop tarts, but in reality those kinds of foods dont really contribute a large majority to their diet. they eat "clean" a good chunk of the time, but they are able to adjust to fit things that they crave when they want

[Mesoflex]

Sometimes the scale can be very deceiving though. Maybe you've lost some fat but stored some more glycogen than usual. With your diet of carb cycling I could see how weigh-ins could be very inconsistent. Remember the mirror is the ultimate judge of your progress. Can't wait to see how you do at the Yorton. Keep the goal, the goal.


That's called a binge and none of the coaches at 3DMJ would ever advocate doing that, I'm pretty sure. It does happen though, even to the best, just not purposefully. There would be no purpose to do something that puts another uncontrolled variable into the already complex equation. The only benefit such a thing could have is the mental freedom, yet part of the sport is being able to control your mind and do what you know needs to be done.

That being said, I'm sure there are successful people out there who do uncontrolled cheat meals/days, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are successful because of it, but rather despite it.

Yeah what i meant to ask is if he ever binged during his contest prep and not on purpose ofc...

[Rsardinia]

Did you ever in your contest preps had an uncontrolled cheat?

Yeah what i meant to ask is if he ever binged during his contest prep and not on purpose ofc...

Only for a 2 day period after the Pro USA since I knew the Yorton was 12 weeks away. I didn't track food for those 2 days and ate what I wanted to relax. I put on 10lbs of water weight and was upset with myself but at the same time knew it helped keep me sane. But if you have a show coming up soon I would never advocate a binge but I can understand when people break down and cheat. Its a daily urge to binge that you have to overcome, probably the hardest part of prep because its there in your mind 24/7.

I think at this point my body has been dieting for so long its getting to the point where more food is better for me.

Last 2 weigh-ins after low days were both 184.4lbs when I weighed in at 184.0 after a med-low day of 250g. I just had a refeed/high day at 375g and weighed in today at 184.2lbs. So its like when my body is super low on cals/carbs it wants to hold on to the weight but when I give it enough it says fine lets keep burning fat.

[Reid456]

Yeah what i meant to ask is if he ever binged during his contest prep and not on purpose ofc...

Well the way you worded it: "uncontrolled cheat", made it sound like it was somehow structured into the plan. My bad if I misinterpreted you.

[wrkoutfrq]

Only for a 2 day period after the Pro USA since I knew the Yorton was 12 weeks away. I didn't track food for those 2 days and ate what I wanted to relax. I put on 10lbs of water weight and was upset with myself but at the same time knew it helped keep me sane. But if you have a show coming up soon I would never advocate a binge but I can understand when people break down and cheat. Its a daily urge to binge that you have to overcome, probably the hardest part of prep because its there in your mind 24/7.

I think at this point my body has been dieting for so long its getting to the point where more food is better for me.

Last 2 weigh-ins after low days were both 184.4lbs when I weighed in at 184.0 after a med-low day of 250g. I just had a refeed/high day at 375g and weighed in today at 184.2lbs. So its like when my body is super low on cals/carbs it wants to hold on to the weight but when I give it enough it says fine lets keep burning fat.

what are your macros at on a normal low day Robbie? if the med-low day is 250g carbs you must be under 200 on low days, which is def. drag city

[Rsardinia]

what are your macros at on a normal low day Robbie? if the med-low day is 250g carbs you must be under 200 on low days, which is def. drag city

Currently working on a 375-300-250-175-175g 5-day carb cycle. I'm dropping on the high days, not so much on the lows.

[Mesoflex]

Only for a 2 day period after the Pro USA since I knew the Yorton was 12 weeks away. I didn't track food for those 2 days and ate what I wanted to relax. I put on 10lbs of water weight and was upset with myself but at the same time knew it helped keep me sane. But if you have a show coming up soon I would never advocate a binge but I can understand when people break down and cheat. Its a daily urge to binge that you have to overcome, probably the hardest part of prep because its there in your mind 24/7.

I think at this point my body has been dieting for so long its getting to the point where more food is better for me.

Last 2 weigh-ins after low days were both 184.4lbs when I weighed in at 184.0 after a med-low day of 250g. I just had a refeed/high day at 375g and weighed in today at 184.2lbs. So its like when my body is super low on cals/carbs it wants to hold on to the weight but when I give it enough it says fine lets keep burning fat.

You are really dedicated, and well that's explains your phenomenal look

Currently working on a 375-300-250-175-175g 5-day carb cycle. I'm dropping on the high days, not so much on the lows.

Did you ever tried a different diet approach when you dieted for a show?

[Rsardinia]

You are really dedicated, and well that's explains your phenomenal look


Did you ever tried a different diet approach when you dieted for a show?

I've done all sorts of approaches that's just the one I was currently on. Right now we are super aggressive to get the scale moving I'm on 150g cho for 7 days in a row. Already dropped 1.2lbs today after the first day.

[DiamondMaker]

Robbie have you taken any measurements as of recently? I was glimpsing at your old log and noticed that your contest measurements were about 16.9 arms/24~ legs and that the biggest reported you measured during the offseason was 17.5/25.5 (and that the size jump was actually only during the very beginning of your offseason). Did you ever hit 26 on the legs?

There is no doubt that you made improvements, but I'm curious how much of a measurement difference there was especially since you came in lighter this time around.

[Rsardinia]

Robbie have you taken any measurements as of recently? I was glimpsing at your old log and noticed that your contest measurements were about 16.9 arms/24~ legs and that the biggest reported you measured during the offseason was 17.5/25.5 (and that the size jump was actually only during the very beginning of your offseason). Did you ever hit 26 on the legs?

There is no doubt that you made improvements, but I'm curious how much of a measurement difference there was especially since you came in lighter this time around.

Nah don't want to depress myself in that sense. I know that the same jeans that looked damn near like skinny jeans in offseason mode are now relaxed and kinda baggy (gf poked fun at them the other day...bertstare.jpg).

My guess is arms are still around 16.5-17" and legs are probably in that 24.5-25" range. My guess is at the height of offseason my legs were 26-26.5" but its all relative to how big I was everywhere.

I'm trying not to focus on how big things are on me because I know they aren't as big as I'd like them to be but there's nothing I can do about it at this point but bring razor sharp conditioning and then grow later this year after the Yorton.

[Rsardinia]

Here's a post I gave my 3dMJ teammates about how I'm feeling right now. Just wanted to give you a glimpse into what it's really like at this stage for a bodybuilder trying to get ultra lean.

I can't tell you guys the amount of emotional swings I'm going through right now. The bouts of anger, depression, excitement, and sadness that come into my head on a minute to minute basis. This is seriously the hardest thing I've ever done and my body is fighting me every step of the way. I can't wait for it to be over and I am digging very deep to find every ounce of strength I have to push beyond this limit and to stay on the diet. Bodybuilding is really one of the toughest sports out there and it requires a 24/7 discipline that few will ever experience.

[Crazyups]

Here's a post I gave my 3dMJ teammates about how I'm feeling right now. Just wanted to give you a glimpse into what it's really like at this stage for a bodybuilder trying to get ultra lean.

I can't tell you guys the amount of emotional swings I'm going through right now. The bouts of anger, depression, excitement, and sadness that come into my head on a minute to minute basis. This is seriously the hardest thing I've ever done and my body is fighting me every step of the way. I can't wait for it to be over and I am digging very deep to find every ounce of strength I have to push beyond this limit and to stay on the diet. Bodybuilding is really one of the toughest sports out there and it requires a 24/7 discipline that few will ever experience.

Know this Robbie: You are definitely one of my main motivators to come back even stronger and more diced in 2014 and I'm sure that half of the cats in this forum share the same sentiment. Keep grinding brah, no looking back now!! I'd love to see you represent for us tall heads, as often we are overlooked for someone who's nearly a foot shorter. You got this homie

[Rsardinia]

Know this Robbie: You are definitely one of my main motivators to come back even stronger and more diced in 2014 and I'm sure that half of the cats in this forum share the same sentiment. Keep grinding brah, no looking back now!! I'd love to see you represent for us tall heads, as often we are overlooked for someone who's nearly a foot shorter. You got this homie

I gotta represent for my 6' brethren.

It's such a hard time right now digging deep to find anything I got to keep going but I will stick it out. I won't allow myself to cheat on the diet.

As much as I may bitch about this prep and how tough it is, there is no way I'm going to quit on it. I just may be a bit more emotional while doing it

[The Solution]

Here's a post I gave my 3dMJ teammates about how I'm feeling right now. Just wanted to give you a glimpse into what it's really like at this stage for a bodybuilder trying to get ultra lean.

I can't tell you guys the amount of emotional swings I'm going through right now. The bouts of anger, depression, excitement, and sadness that come into my head on a minute to minute basis. This is seriously the hardest thing I've ever done and my body is fighting me every step of the way. I can't wait for it to be over and I am digging very deep to find every ounce of strength I have to push beyond this limit and to stay on the diet. Bodybuilding is really one of the toughest sports out there and it requires a 24/7 discipline that few will ever experience.

Can so relate, my first contest prep i had to drop too much weight and my mood and energy towards the end were virtually non-existant. I would snap in a second. I know i had the hardest time sleeping and i got really grumpy towards the end of the day because i was so damn tired, my focus was on hitting my meals and training sessions those last few weeks when you had to drip off that extra fat.

Bodybuilding is 90% Mental, its a mental battle peroid. It takes so much dedication and consistency, but most of all mental will power to push yourself to another level and defy yourself and everything around you at any given time.

Know there is light at the end of the tunnel and as layne norton says "Someone always has it worse".

Keep fighting the battle you are a solider and an inspiration.

[Rsardinia]

New pic just for fun. Slap on some wolverine claws and I'm ready for Halloween.

[Devils]

I gotta represent for my 6' brethren.

It's such a hard time right now digging deep to find anything I got to keep going but I will stick it out. I won't allow myself to cheat on the diet.

As much as I may bitch about this prep and how tough it is, there is no way I'm going to quit on it. I just may be a bit more emotional while doing it

Looking on point Robbie, I'm sure you're going to blow everyone away yet again.

How's your testosterone levels mate, did you get a blood test? It's probably the biggest struggle of prepping.

[DiamondMaker]

Nah don't want to depress myself in that sense. I know that the same jeans that looked damn near like skinny jeans in offseason mode are now relaxed and kinda baggy (gf poked fun at them the other day...bertstare.jpg).

My guess is arms are still around 16.5-17" and legs are probably in that 24.5-25" range. My guess is at the height of offseason my legs were 26-26.5" but its all relative to how big I was everywhere.

I'm trying not to focus on how big things are on me because I know they aren't as big as I'd like them to be but there's nothing I can do about it at this point but bring razor sharp conditioning and then grow later this year after the Yorton.

No need to get depressed, your legs look significantly improved since your last showing. Just curious how much of a size change you were able to actually obtain and if you thought the routine you ran would be something you'd do again.
Can't wait to see what you bring to the yorton man!