Ectomorph pics and tips from my last show!

cflivinadream · 08-15-2007, 09:46 AM

Hello All,
I've been lurking these boards now for quite some time and just thought I would share some pics from a show I had recently. I've learned tons of information from the "contest preparation" section of these boards and thought it would only be fair to share what has worked for me. I have never hired a nutritionist for contest prep and it has taken me YEARS to figure out what works for my own body. So unfortunately, I cannot offer any diet tips or suggestions. I have learned that almost everybody is different and what works for some people will most likely not work for yourself.
First off, I consider myself a 100% lifetime drug free bodybuilder. There are many "definitions" to what is natural and what I consider natural is no steroids, growth hormones, diuretics, etc. Basically, the rules that WNBF organization enforce. I do take supplements like, Creatine, BCAA's, and weightgainer/protein shakes but still consider myself natural. I don't want to turn this thread into a debate but just thought I would let you know what I personally define what a natural bodybuilder is. It has taken me years to get to where I am today and have many years to go to improve. There is no magic formula. Just proper training, diet, and TIME to achieve results naturally.

So what has worked for me? I am probably one of the freakiest ectomorphs alive today. I am 32 years old and my metabolism is still freakishly high. I've learned that my body loves carbs so when I cut carbs my fat AND muscle melt away at the same time! When I diet for a show I actually keep my calories and carb intake pretty high. This is combined with very little cardio.

I've also learned not to cut out water. I do the whole sodium load and deplete strategy but slowly taper off my water on Friday. I sip on water throughout the day. I cut off water once for a show and could not get a pump and felt very "flat" on stage.

Don't include the last week before a show as part of the fat burning process. Be ready at LEAST 1 or 2 weeks early. You want to be sharp and not risk doing anything drastic the last week to play "catch up" and ruin 12+ weeks of dieting! If it ain't broke don't fix it! :-)

Posing! I cannot stress how important practicing posing is for a show. I've seen so many competitors focus on their physique and not presentation. You must get your muscles used to flexing and holding poses for seconds at a time. If not, your muscles may end up "quivering" or shaking due to not practicing and perhaps other factors. I started competing in 2005 and still have many years to go to perfect my posing.

In Summary:

-For ecto's you may need to keep calories and carbs high. I highly recommend hiring a nutritionist to help you learn your body and come up with a dieting strategy. I didn't do this so have learned through trial and error.

-Don't restrict water. I drink 2.5-3 gallons Mon-Thur. On Friday I drink about 1.5 gallons then sip from 6:00pm on.

-Be ready for a show 1-2 weeks ahead of time!

-Presentation and posing. Practice! Practice! Practice!

I hope that some of this may help you guys out. I've found a lot of information lurking these boards over the years and still have a lot more to learn. So after 11 years of working out and 3 years of competiting I have earned a WNBF Pro Card and plan on making some noise in the Pro ranks! :-) After this season, I will need to take at least 1 or 2 years off to bulk up and work on my weak areas. Thanks for reading this and now on to the pics! Oh, in these pics I competed as a middleweight weighing about 174 the day of the show.

teezlr · 08-20-2007, 10:43 PM

Thats some freaky conditioning! I hope to get to that level one day!

TCannon · 08-20-2007, 11:44 PM

Dam! you are ripped

sugicalmike · 08-21-2007, 12:37 AM

Damn man! That's phenominal! Congrats to you and your determination!

dcerullo · 08-21-2007, 01:01 AM

Congrats you looked amazing! From one Natural to another!

aguy fish · 08-21-2007, 01:17 AM

Great conditioning! You look fantastic ! Congrats !

cmamath13 · 08-21-2007, 04:09 AM

cflivinadream,

Thank you for taking time to post some of your experiences with contest preparation. I am sure this info will help someone else that's ecto like you. It is obvious from the pictures that you know what works for your body!

I agree with your definition of natural and found it refreshing to see you view on such a post.

Menna · 08-21-2007, 07:27 AM

What do you guys think his bf % is around 3-3.5% because he looks ****in diced. I have a show on the 25th 4 days out...Wan't to try and compair bf % off of what he looks like...

Agostage · 08-21-2007, 08:02 AM

Wow, excellent conditioning, you've hit it.

wnbfprowww · 08-21-2007, 08:02 AM

you look great, keep up the good work,

cflivinadream · 08-21-2007, 08:40 AM

Thanks everyone for your positive comments!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Menna

What do you guys think his bf % is around 3-3.5% because he looks ****in diced. I have a show on the 25th 4 days out...Wan't to try and compair bf % off of what he looks like...

I'm thinking I was probably about 3.5% but that's just a "guess". We tried to measure with some skin calipers 2 days before the show and unfortunatley the reading was off the charts! :-O I usually just go by the mirror anyways for my shows.

I appreciate all the feedback and encouragement for my future shows. Now time to GROW! :-)

Thomas_Uru · 08-21-2007, 08:47 AM

Excellent info! Is very interesting.

And great phisique. Those shoulders impressed me!