Thanks, fellas. I really appreciate the support.
looking formidable. Great transformation and you definitely stand out and look big/solid compared to the gen population.
[quote]tdrink wrote:
DouglasJ16 wrote:
Nice job, impressive transformation there.
Any plans to compete? Also, how much weight you using for some lifts? —being 6’2’’ 226 I’m curious
I don’t BB bench much any more cause 1) it was killing my left shoulder and 2) I feel it my chest more using DB’s. But I was BB Benching 315 for 5x5 at one point not too long ago and I believe I am stronger now.
Now I DB Bench 120lb DB’s for 4 sets of 6. 120’s is the highest DB’s my gym has. I decline bench 4plates a side on a ‘portable’ decline bench and smith machine set-up. My gym got rid of the BB decline bench about 8 months ago in favor of some not-so-great machines.
My squat is pretty weak. I can get 335 for 3 reps. Working on that, though I am front squatting more often in an effort to build my quads. Obviously have to use less weight in front squatting but I have a goal of get 5 reps of 315lbs.
I just deadlifted 425 for 4 reps on Sunday. Have no idea what my 1RM would be. I think I can close in on 500 by the end of next year. I have good leverages for deadlifts, not so much for squats.
My one-arm DB rows are also done with the 120’s for 3 sets of 12. Really wish my gym had DBs that went up to 150.
My last shoulder workout I DB pressed 85’s for 4 sets of 6 reps.
Not spectacular strength numbers but they are honest.
When you say ‘compete’ do you mean in a bodybuilding comp?? I think I would probably need to add another 20-25 lbs of muscle to be at a point where I was ready to lean out and get in contest shape.
If I get those 20lbs, I’ll think about it. Until then it’s not really on my mind. Natural amateurs and even master class contestants are in phenomenal shape these days and I would only get on stage if I felt I was in their class. So, the short answer is, no, it is not a short term goal.
[/quote]
Good work man. Those numbers (and your physique) show you’re put in some good honest hard work. Keep it up!
And when I said compete I mean BB or PL, really. Obviously both areas could use improvements but there’s no harm in competing even if you feel you’ve got a lot of room to improve…but I do hear ya on the ‘gain 20 lbs then lean out first’. Again, props, don’t stop.
[quote]DouglasJ16 wrote:
tdrink wrote:
DouglasJ16 wrote:
Nice job, impressive transformation there.
Any plans to compete? Also, how much weight you using for some lifts? —being 6’2’’ 226 I’m curious
I don’t BB bench much any more cause 1) it was killing my left shoulder and 2) I feel it my chest more using DB’s. But I was BB Benching 315 for 5x5 at one point not too long ago and I believe I am stronger now.
Now I DB Bench 120lb DB’s for 4 sets of 6. 120’s is the highest DB’s my gym has. I decline bench 4plates a side on a ‘portable’ decline bench and smith machine set-up. My gym got rid of the BB decline bench about 8 months ago in favor of some not-so-great machines.
My squat is pretty weak. I can get 335 for 3 reps. Working on that, though I am front squatting more often in an effort to build my quads. Obviously have to use less weight in front squatting but I have a goal of get 5 reps of 315lbs.
I just deadlifted 425 for 4 reps on Sunday. Have no idea what my 1RM would be. I think I can close in on 500 by the end of next year. I have good leverages for deadlifts, not so much for squats.
My one-arm DB rows are also done with the 120’s for 3 sets of 12. Really wish my gym had DBs that went up to 150.
My last shoulder workout I DB pressed 85’s for 4 sets of 6 reps.
Not spectacular strength numbers but they are honest.
When you say ‘compete’ do you mean in a bodybuilding comp?? I think I would probably need to add another 20-25 lbs of muscle to be at a point where I was ready to lean out and get in contest shape.
If I get those 20lbs, I’ll think about it. Until then it’s not really on my mind. Natural amateurs and even master class contestants are in phenomenal shape these days and I would only get on stage if I felt I was in their class. So, the short answer is, no, it is not a short term goal.
Good work man. Those numbers (and your physique) show you’re put in some good honest hard work. Keep it up!
And when I said compete I mean BB or PL, really. Obviously both areas could use improvements but there’s no harm in competing even if you feel you’ve got a lot of room to improve…but I do hear ya on the ‘gain 20 lbs then lean out first’. Again, props, don’t stop.
[/quote]
As far as competing goes, the thing that interests me most is Strongman. That being said I’ve been so focused on body composition that I’m not sure I’m ready to make the transition to training for power. Short term goal is to put on some more good (lean) mass. Like I mentioned initially, I think I would look better with another 15-20lbs and I’m really trying to focus on chest and quad development as I feel they are lacking. I think once I reach that goal I will reassess competing in something. It would definitely be cool to train for some sort of competition, whether it be bodybuilding, powerlifting or strongman.