[quote]naughtybox wrote:
Still want to harp on video’s of your lifts w/ proof it’s you.[/quote]
A video? That’s a great idea… I will go out and buy a digital camera and play one of those hip-hop compact-discs in the background (that kids seem to be so fond of these days) as a grind out my 10 squats/deadlifts, whatever. I hear that rap musicians such as 50 cent and Kevin Federline are where it’s at… Maybe I can have one of them to my left and one of them two my right busting out some lyrics… And I’ll have some scantily clad honeys in the background shaking their money-makers… “Blacker the Berry Sweeter the juice”, as they say, right?
Jeez, why didn’t I think of this before? It’s worth the investment in time to prove naughtybox wrong because if I get my self-esteem damaged on the message boards, then… Well I’ll just have to pack my pink little suitcase and move on to greener pastures and preach to a more gullible choir about how I can deadlift a whopping 3XX pounds.
Would also help if you read the rest of the thread, as I’ve already covered this question in a more diplomatic manner. Thx.
When you specialize one muscle group, you have to recognize other groups will only be maintained. So if you go on a forearm specialization plan, just recognize that your deadlift will “suffer” because your forearms will be fried. To mitigate this, use straps when you deadlift.
Of course, if you look at bodybuilding at a project involving YEARS (if not decades) of work, you’ll realize that what happens to your deadlift over a 4-6 week period is trivial.[/quote]
Yeah, you’re right… I’m just going to have to buck up and accept the fact that progress will be stifled on other exercises… Which is fine… Since forearms are my lagging point on a good many exercises. Lifting straps are a good idea, just one of those elusive, yet obvious things i should have thought of. Thanks for the suggestions.
[quote]bitenose wrote: Note to readers, I would be much obliged if anyone feels qualified to help me in regard to the inquiry I have posted under this day’s blog. Thanks.
I’m thinking of using these two devices during off days… Or should I do them on training days either pre/post workout?
The wrist roller works. You can make your own out of wood round stock, rope and some type of metal clasp. (you are an engineering student, right?) FYI, don’t use PVC for the handle, it gets really hot. One tip on the wrist roller. You will see it demonstrated with your arms held straight out. Instead, stand on a bench or chair to give you clearance and keep your hands close to your waist. Otherwise you just burn your shoulders out.
[quote]bitenose wrote:
naughtybox wrote:
Still want to harp on video’s of your lifts w/ proof it’s you.
A video? That’s a great idea… I will go out and buy a digital camera and play one of those hip-hop compact-discs in the background (that kids seem to be so fond of these days) as a grind out my 10 squats/deadlifts, whatever. I hear that rap musicians such as 50 cent and Kevin Federline are where it’s at… Maybe I can have one of them to my left and one of them two my right busting out some lyrics… And I’ll have some scantily clad honeys in the background shaking their money-makers… “Blacker the Berry Sweeter the juice”, as they say, right?
Jeez, why didn’t I think of this before? It’s worth the investment in time to prove naughtybox wrong because if I get my self-esteem damaged on the message boards, then… Well I’ll just have to pack my pink little suitcase and move on to greener pastures and preach to a more gullible choir about how I can deadlift a whopping 3XX pounds.
Would also help if you read the rest of the thread, as I’ve already covered this question in a more diplomatic manner. Thx.[/quote]
You have the right attitude about these comments. I don’t understand why anyone is concerned about whether or not your numbers are legit. It’s not as if your claims are outrageous. I don’t care what you can lift. We’re all here for education and sometimes motivation (I hope). Just keep it up.
Oooh, very nice, I like the Ivanko grippers very much…
As for the wrist roller, I was considering PVC wrapped in masking tape… I remember reading that wider diameter is better… Reason I’m hesitant to use wood is splintering, elastic deformation, and it’ll probably stink like S*@+ once it gets enough of my nasty sweat into the grain… I could stain/laquer/coat the wood, but then you have to worry about the surface being too slippery… In any case, I’ll figure something out
[quote]bitenose wrote:
Oooh, very nice, I like the Ivanko grippers very much…
As for the wrist roller, I was considering PVC wrapped in masking tape… I remember reading that wider diameter is better… Reason I’m hesitant to use wood is splintering, elastic deformation, and it’ll probably stink like S*@+ once it gets enough of my nasty sweat into the grain… I could stain/laquer/coat the wood, but then you have to worry about the surface being too slippery… In any case, I’ll figure something out :)[/quote]
The Ivanko’s are ridiculous. Some of theirs get so tough to close that very few men in the world can do it.
I have had a roller made out of wood, and one out of PVC. Like I said, the only problem I’ve had with the PVC is the heat created from the friction. Maybe something covering it would help. No splinters with the wood, but it is sanded nicely. Either one will work fine. Use whatever you have laying around. The one I use is 1-1/2" diameter. Someone I know just built one with a 2" diameter. Much tougher. It’s like lifting with thick handle bars.
[quote]Nothingface wrote:
bitenose wrote:
naughtybox wrote:
Still want to harp on video’s of your lifts w/ proof it’s you.
A video? That’s a great idea… I will go out and buy a digital camera and play one of those hip-hop compact-discs in the background (that kids seem to be so fond of these days) as a grind out my 10 squats/deadlifts, whatever. I hear that rap musicians such as 50 cent and Kevin Federline are where it’s at… Maybe I can have one of them to my left and one of them two my right busting out some lyrics… And I’ll have some scantily clad honeys in the background shaking their money-makers… “Blacker the Berry Sweeter the juice”, as they say, right?
Jeez, why didn’t I think of this before? It’s worth the investment in time to prove naughtybox wrong because if I get my self-esteem damaged on the message boards, then… Well I’ll just have to pack my pink little suitcase and move on to greener pastures and preach to a more gullible choir about how I can deadlift a whopping 3XX pounds.
Would also help if you read the rest of the thread, as I’ve already covered this question in a more diplomatic manner. Thx.
You have the right attitude about these comments. I don’t understand why anyone is concerned about whether or not your numbers are legit. It’s not as if your claims are outrageous. I don’t care what you can lift. We’re all here for education and sometimes motivation (I hope). Just keep it up.
[/quote]
I disagree. I think his little tirade was pissy, childish, and excessively defensive.
He’s obviously got access to a digital camera to take all his still photos - most such cameras these days can also shoot video. Even my shitty mobile does.
[quote]oldskinnyfat wrote:
Nothingface wrote:
bitenose wrote:
naughtybox wrote:
Still want to harp on video’s of your lifts w/ proof it’s you.
A video? That’s a great idea… I will go out and buy a digital camera and play one of those hip-hop compact-discs in the background (that kids seem to be so fond of these days) as a grind out my 10 squats/deadlifts, whatever. I hear that rap musicians such as 50 cent and Kevin Federline are where it’s at… Maybe I can have one of them to my left and one of them two my right busting out some lyrics… And I’ll have some scantily clad honeys in the background shaking their money-makers… “Blacker the Berry Sweeter the juice”, as they say, right?
Jeez, why didn’t I think of this before? It’s worth the investment in time to prove naughtybox wrong because if I get my self-esteem damaged on the message boards, then… Well I’ll just have to pack my pink little suitcase and move on to greener pastures and preach to a more gullible choir about how I can deadlift a whopping 3XX pounds.
Would also help if you read the rest of the thread, as I’ve already covered this question in a more diplomatic manner. Thx.
You have the right attitude about these comments. I don’t understand why anyone is concerned about whether or not your numbers are legit. It’s not as if your claims are outrageous. I don’t care what you can lift. We’re all here for education and sometimes motivation (I hope). Just keep it up.
I disagree. I think his little tirade was pissy, childish, and excessively defensive.
He’s obviously got access to a digital camera to take all his still photos - most such cameras these days can also shoot video. Even my shitty mobile does.
What would he lose by posting videos anyway?[/quote]
Fair enough. I can’t completely disagree with that. It just doesn’t change my life one way or the other, so I’ve learned to not worry about things like this. My concern isn’t his lifts for this thread, just seeing some results from the V-diet.
Nothing of any material significance to report today. I did catch a sore throat from someone else, but I feel fine, and I’m sure I won’t become ill, as I hardly ever get sick.
I also went to the gym instead of rock climbing yesterday, so today is going to be low intensity cardio. My squats didn’t go so well, weight-wise yesterday, probably because my spotter was very strict with me going parallel, holding there, and making sure I didn’t use momentum to spring myself up. That’s fine though, because I’m more interested in progress and putting in 100% than continuing to slap more weight on there and compromise form.
Weight is definitely coming down fast and I’m losing a good deal of fat around my lower back and stomach. I can tell my physique is definitely looking better. I’m going to take some weekly photos, again, either tomorrow or the day after and post them on my myspace and put them in the weekly slideshow I have set up.
Bitenose-
Good to hear you’re staying strong. I’m finishing my first week today, and while I’ve had some pretty intense cravings (mostly for steak and salty foods), things haven’t been too bad. I did have one kind of revelation regarding the diet.
At the onset, I was of the mindset that the more people I tell about the diet the better. That would equate to more people asking me about my progress and holding me accountable, right? Not so much…it turns out a great deal of the population can’t understand why I would do this. They scoff at the plan, and make snide, unintelligent remarks like “why not just liquify a cheeseburger, since it’s a liquid diet…”
While this is doing little to detract me from my goals, it’s pretty damn annoying. So my advice to others: be extremely selective in who you tell. And even some bodybuilding friends of mine don’t understand…sigh
[quote]JVmed wrote:
At the onset, I was of the mindset that the more people I tell about the diet the better. That would equate to more people asking me about my progress and holding me accountable, right? Not so much…it turns out a great deal of the population can’t understand why I would do this. They scoff at the plan, and make snide, unintelligent remarks like “why not just liquify a cheeseburger, since it’s a liquid diet…”
[/quote]
You’re absolutely right. I haven’t really mentioned that aspect, but I have definitely encountered that sort of skepticism. Some people think that I am going to hurt myself, damage my body, etc…
I think some of this is grounded in legitimate concern. But for the most part, most people use logic to justify how they feel.
I’m sure there is a great deal of anxiety, schadenfreude, and jealousy out there because people see you taking control of your life and exerting such a great degree of personal power that they don’t want to see you make progress. I’m of the mindset that you need to tell the whole world and let yourself hear all the negative and positive comments. I’m willing to take a little bit of flak, ridicule, and flaming if it helps people out, in the end.
I don’t think exercise/bodybuilding should be a selfish quest, we all (collectively) need to put positive energy out there and show the rest of the world that we don’t derive our sense of superiority based on our physical attributes, but from the psychological and mental ramifications of achieving our goals and putting ourselves in a state of self-actualization.
If you succeed in your V-diet, it becomes painfully obvious to everyone else how easy it is to make a change and what better way to shatter their falsely-constructed reality than to show how much you can improve your body in a mere 28 days. “Welcome to my reality.”
Nothing to report. Lifting weights tomorrow. Spent most of the day with Shannon. I’ll try to get my digital camera fired up and working tomorrow.
Day 16th: February 4th
Going to the gym today around 4 pm, I’ve had a 3 day rest, so I’m really looking forward to pushing myself on this workout. My sore throat progressed to some annoying congestion. Other than that, I feel great… I’ll probably be coughing up a lung or two at the gym, but that shouldn’t matter…
For those of you who are interested in seeing my progress on this diet or if you are interested in seeing a couple of homo-erotic poses, I have updated my slideshow.
That’s the direct link. So far I’d have to say I’m satisfied with my progress. The definition in my abs is improving the slowest, but I sort of expected this, as this is one of my most stubborn fat-deposit sites.
Bitenose-
Good thoughts on my last post…I was being somewhat self-minded and not considering the possible benefits to others in seeing me succeed on the diet.
I do have a question for you (and other v-dieters). I know earlier in the thread you said that your libido is not suffering at all; that in fact you’ve experienced an increase. I’m finding the exact opposite to be true. After a little research I’ve found a few sources which state that a side effect of caloric restriction is reduced sex drive. Are you taking any T-boosting supps? Perhaps it’s just variation in individual response?
Well, like many other people, I see a high degree of variance on any given day. And TBH, I think there are also lots of outside factors coming into play. Job offers, more time with girlfriend, etc…
As far as supplements, I am taking ZMA, HOT-ROX, and TRIBEX&Rez-V (1 pill/each 4 days a week)…
I will give a more accurate and concise overview on libido/energy levels when i’m done with the diet.
I didn’t snack or drink during the superbowl… I didn’t even watch it.
Today will be pretty-much uneventful. Going to spend most of today doing school-work and vocational-work, which is fine because they both involve me using creative faculties… Lifting weights tomorrow, looking forward to seeing how I perform.
Day 18: February 6th
Been really busy today, up at 6 and haven’t had a chance to settle down til now. With that being said, I’m about to hit the gym and put everything I’ve got into it.
Went up to northern Georgia today with two other guys on a consulting project. Afterwards the three of us went to zaxbys. I brought my protein shake in there and put a couple shots of tabasco in it… Wasn’t bad actually, since I’m so sick of sweet stuff.
Update: Gym workout went pretty good. 8.5/10… Instead of doing military press I did dumbell arnold press (i think it’s called that)… That felt good lifting it heavy…
Chris. I just started the V-diet this week. I have been doing the daily walks with no problem (even in the below zero weather).
My buddy asked me to play squash with him tomorrow. My question is - should I just forgo the walk and use squash as my cardio (we play for 45-60 min)? Or should i still go on my walk, play squash, and take a serving of Surge afterwards (basically treating it like a workout)? I am leaning toward the latter since squash is a lot harder than walking.
If it were only a one time thing I might not worry about it, but we play pretty regularly, so I want to make sure I am going about this in the right way in that I am following the V-diet as strictly as possible.
[quote]youngoldguy wrote:
Chris. I just started the V-diet this week. I have been doing the daily walks with no problem (even in the below zero weather).
My buddy asked me to play squash with him tomorrow. My question is - should I just forgo the walk and use squash as my cardio (we play for 45-60 min)? Or should i still go on my walk, play squash, and take a serving of Surge afterwards (basically treating it like a workout)? I am leaning toward the latter since squash is a lot harder than walking.
If it were only a one time thing I might not worry about it, but we play pretty regularly, so I want to make sure I am going about this in the right way in that I am following the V-diet as strictly as possible. [/quote]
I doubt Chris Shugart has time to read this blog, but this is what I think he’d say.
Squash is more of a mental/reaction-timing game that requires extremely brief bursts of speed. Because it is not physiologically taxing, I would just substitute it for your daily walk.
A game of squash doesnt warrant the extremely concentrated dose of carbs that Surge throws into your body
Here’s a picture from a few days ago… A little over half-way into the diet.
Day 19: February 7th
Getting really sick of protein. I’m dilluting my drinks as much as possible so that I can get em down fast. I find myself throwing a great deal of Cholula and Tabasco sauce in my protein drinks. I Just don’t give a crap about taste anymore…
I’ve been looking at this really cool website, www.nutritiondata.com . I am going to start eating a lot of raw kale greens, mustard greens, swiss chard, and sweet potatoes when I get back to solid foods. The nutrient profiles look amazing.
In fact, I have a good feeling I’m going to need a brief respite from protein powder, maybe one month. So I’ll probably be going for lean sources of protein such as london broil, eye of round, and chicken breast… But that’s 10+ days off, need to focus on the present… Only have about 50 protein shakes to go, not that i’m counting down or anything.
[quote]I doubt Chris Shugart has time to read this blog, but this is what I think he’d say.
Yeah… I realized this after I hit “submit.” I am an idiot sometimes
Squash is more of a mental/reaction-timing game that requires extremely brief bursts of speed. Because it is not physiologically taxing, I would just substitute it for your daily walk.
A game of squash doesnt warrant the extremely concentrated dose of carbs that Surge throws into your body[/quote]
Thanks for the response. That’s what I’ll do then. means I don’t have to walk in below zero weather tomorrow. Sweet.
young old guy-
I’ll second the bitenose advice. I am in a similar situation–approaching 2 weeks on the v-diet, and play indoor soccer on Sundays. The level of intensity is probably somewhat comparable w/ raquetball (quick bouts of speed) and I too was debating using Surge. I decided not to as I don’t think a brief, low energy-consuming “workout” warrants all those carbs. I was a little worried about my recovery, but am doing fine…
