New IFBB Men's Physique Pro here to help

[acandales001]

Hey fellas, just wanted to hopefully get this new forum section going with some good conversation and content. I turned Pro in just 4 months in my first year competing (4 shows), and learned a great deal about what it takes and what judges are looking for in this category. So in short, I'm here to help, so fire away! I

will also be posting some Men's Physique Tips videos through YouTube shortly covering everything from training, to diet, to posing, so follow me on the various social media links below to make sure you get notified when those are posted up as well as other info I put out through those outlets.

[eyeguy]

What did you think was hardest part. Diet? What program worked best for you. Currently doing p/p/l.

[acandales001]

What did you think was hardest part. Diet? What program worked best for you. Currently doing p/p/l.

Yea, I would say diet was the hardest part. I'm genetically gifted with a super fast metabolism, so I was use to eating whatever I wanted. I also had a hard time keeping my strength up to where I wanted it during the last few weeks of prep for each show, so that was tough as well. My coach and I implemented a fairly simple carb cycling plan to help me get down to the 4-5% bodyfat range for each show.

I actually just released my first video in a series I will be producing on YouTube that will detail all my tips/tricks for prep. I will be covering everything from training, to nutrition, to posing and presentation. Here's a link to the first episode where I give a tip in each of the 3 main areas:

[hemi_n_cali]

who is your coach?

[acandales001]

who is your coach?

Dave Melnicoff

[hemi_n_cali]

what was your stage weight for the nationals? Did you feel out sized?

[acandales001]

what was your stage weight for the nationals? Did you feel out sized?

I was right at 180 (I'm 5'11"). I think my size was right where it needed to be, after I was told several times at the local shows where I finished 2nd that I was too big. At the North Americans there were a few guys that were bigger than me, but lacked the conditioning I had, and there were some that were smaller with similar conditioning, but the majority were roughly my size. Now I plan to add another 10-15 lbs. and coming in with the same conditioning to compete at the pro level next year.