[quote]AccipiterQ wrote:
could his body just not be very receptive to…nutrients…or something. I’m kind of grasping at straws here. [/quote]
No, he’s not getting anything chemical or otherwise. He’s on the V-Diet: proteins, fats, thermogenics, etc. Like we’ve concluded, if he’s not responding, he either has a medical condition or is slacking.
Wow - I feel bad for this dude. No matter what he’s doing here, he’s just getting ripped to shreds.
Hell man, you put yourself out there, but this is pure abuse - not worth it. You’d have been better off doing this on your own and paying for the supps you needed. Even if you have been less than 100 % committed to your program, I don’t see the call for dragging you thru the mud - but that’s just me.
And yes, judging by your pics your progress has been pretty minimal, particularly compared to the other PCs, but I just don’t think people should take that as free reign to abuse the shit out of you.
If you have slacked, now is the time to put boot to ass and show the haters up - even though they’re setting you up for a no-win situation here - if you start making major, visible progress on the V-Diet, that’s great - except, it seems that people will use that as “proof” that you were slacking before.
Listen, whatever - if I was you I’d ignore this thread from now on, put your head down and deal with the coaches in your PC thread and finish your program with a vengeance.
I’m not saying people don’t have the right to be critical, but this all-out bash-fest is a bit much.
Greg, good luck with the rest of your clinic.
[quote]SkyNett wrote:
even though they’re setting you up for a no-win situation here - if you start making major, visible progress on the V-Diet, that’s great - except, it seems that people will use that as “proof” that you were slacking before[/quote]
All I’ve done was logically lay out the facts and state all possible scenarios. I never once bashed him; it was always an “either, or” situation. Either he does one thing, or it’s another. Never was it, “Greg is doing this” or “Greg isn’t doing that.” And also, it is not a no-win situation. If he makes progress, then he wins.
I’ll tell you this, that if he really does make progress, I will take it as an apology of sorts, and as a realization that he made mistakes (we’re all human), and I will be the first to congratulate him for his renewed efforts and progress.
I am being critical of the situation, not of him. Like I said, I’ve never bashed him. All I’m doing is seeking the truth using logical inferences.
I’ve been following these clinics from the start and have also been down the path of the V-Diet. 24 lbs down (well it wasn’t exact because i did HIIT cardio here and there.)
By reading latest posts in Novagreg’s clinic, Coach Shugart asked about “missing the weekly HSM meal”.
I don’t know about you guys, but the HSM was the highlight of my week as far as the diet was concerned. Greg, I hope you just forgot to mention it or skip it all together. I would hate to believe that you aren’t following the diet because you clearly copy/paste what you write (evident in the way you use caps and abbreviations a bit too consistently…) from post to post.
Based on your current pics, there is a glimmer of difference in which I hope my eyes aren’t deceiving me. If in fact you’re doing the diet as stated and going through changes, I applaud your progress.
Keep it up as you know you have much to prove to T-Nation, and most importantly yourself. Don’t squander your (last) rare opportunity that you’ve received. You have the perfect Clinic colleague (GustavoPacho) that has set a clear example of what to do as a Clinic participant. It isn’t rocket science at this point. It’s up to you how you follow what’s has been laid out for you. NO MORE EXCUSES!!!
[quote]armer1er wrote:
I don’t know about you guys, but the HSM was the highlight of my week as far as the diet was concerned. Greg, I hope you just forgot to mention it or skip it all together. I would hate to believe that you aren’t following the diet because you clearly copy/paste what you write (evident in the way you use caps and abbreviations a bit too consistently…) from post to post.
[/quote]
I’ve noticed the copy and paste as well, but, it is possible in an effort to keep up with the clinic as well as family issues, he uses the copy paste to note the diet day by day, it is more/less the same after all.
[quote]armer1er wrote:
Based on your current pics, there is a glimmer of difference in which I hope my eyes aren’t deceiving me. If in fact you’re doing the diet as stated and going through changes, I applaud your progress. Keep it up as you know you have much to prove to T-Nation, and most importantly yourself. Don’t squander your (last) rare opportunity that you’ve received. You have the perfect Clinic colleague (GustavoPacho) that has set a clear example of what to do as a Clinic participant. It isn’t rocket science at this point. It’s up to you how you follow what’s has been laid out for you. NO MORE EXCUSES!!!
[/quote]
I’m not sure how much he has to prove to T-Nation as a whole, just to himself. If Nova’s wrong, I’ll live, if he’s right, I’ll live. I also see some progress in his pics, again, the switch of cameras and scales mid-clinic doesnt help that much.
The thing about it is, either way, I cant say I would do better with pressure from a discussion board, coaches, as well as family problems. I can only think that I would do better. I’ve never been in his shoes.
I agree with you Vercongetorix. I personally enjoy seeing people succeed like Gus & Bartl as it inspires me in reaching my own goals. I can relate to this clinic because I know how difficult it can be to be dedicated to achieving personal goals while other aspects of life still move forward. I do want to see Greg reach higher levels of progress and he really only has much to prove to himself. But when you signup for the PC which puts you in the crosshairs of public domain, it is very similar to the relationship of celebs and the media. You chose to put yourself out there.
I just can’t figure out why he always finds a way to slip on something for people to question as he is under the microscope. How do you post about your previous day of dieting while forgetting to mention your first week’s HSM!!! So since he started the V-Diet the previous Thursday, he went 9 DAYS without solid food then casually forgets to mention it in his post 5 hours before? Then it’s corrected AFTER Coach Shugart says something… I don’t know about other V-Dieters but that first HSM meal was like complete ecstasy in which you have to talk about. But that’s just me.
I mean, yeah habitual copy/pasting is a shortcut on a keyboard to save a few seconds. I really hope Greg isn’t cutting corners in other areas… But the pictures don’t lie and I do see possible progress. Maybe it just could be the upgrade in photo quality as of the last update or two… I hope not. Regardless, Greg keep doing what you’re doing but remember you’re under the microscope and expect to get called out for any questionable slip-ups. Which is exactly what not posting about your 1st HSM after 9 Days was.
I’m on day 22 of the V-Diet right now, I had my HSM last night, it was amazing. I know exactly how tasty the HSM is, and I personally dont think I’d miss posting that.
I’m not knocking what your saying, I’m just doing my best to explain things in general, and hopefully add a happy spin.
From novagreg’s Log:
2/23/08:
B1. Decline EZ bar triceps extension
4 x 10-12
45 seconds rest
Weight:135 for all sets
Reps: 12,10,9,8
3/15/08:
C1. Decline triceps extension
2 x 10, 2 x 8, 2 x 6
60 sec. rest
115x10, 125x8, 135x5
Anyone else see anything VERY WRONG WITH THIS? Also, look at his latest workout post. He is apparently overhead DB pressing 70’s, yet only lunging 50’s… while his overhead extension is only a 75!
I call bullshit.
“HSM”?
(Geez…I follow these things pretty closely, but missed this acronym!)
Mufasa
[quote]Mufasa wrote:
“HSM”?
(Geez…I follow these things pretty closely, but missed this acronym!)
Mufasa[/quote]
High School Musical?
or it could be Healthy Solid Meal, but the second one doesn’t make very much sense…
Also, this post is to Nova:
Despite the fact that there are very little results, (that’s a whole different issue which has already been adressed, and there’s no need for me to reiterate it.)
your thread is simply boring.
Alot of people read your clinic trying to learn from it, and frankly you provide very little for us to read and take away from. Combined with the possibility of you cheating, I think a rating of 1.5 stars is generous.
You’ve been given the opportunity of a lifetime: use it!
[quote]ksommer wrote:
From novagreg’s Log:
2/23/08:
B1. Decline EZ bar triceps extension
4 x 10-12
45 seconds rest
Weight:135 for all sets
Reps: 12,10,9,8
3/15/08:
C1. Decline triceps extension
2 x 10, 2 x 8, 2 x 6
60 sec. rest
115x10, 125x8, 135x5
Anyone else see anything VERY WRONG WITH THIS? Also, look at his latest workout post. He is apparently overhead DB pressing 70’s, yet only lunging 50’s… while his overhead extension is only a 75!
I call bullshit.
[/quote]
Legs are my weak point, I tore my PCL in my left knee a few years ago, and I’ve never done much in the way of single leg work.
Also, I was doing bodypart splits while CT was writing my training, and now I’m doing a total body routine that Waterbury has designed. Depending on where the movement is placed in the routine, coupled with the fact I don’t have a ton of energy, plays into my initial weight selection.
Would you feel better if I just said I did lunges with 100 pounds in each hand? If you’re not entertained by my training logs, go read the other PC participants. Those are my real in gym numbers.
[quote]novagreg wrote:
Legs are my weak point, I tore my PCL in my left knee a few years ago, and I’ve never done much in the way of single leg work.
Also, I was doing bodypart splits while CT was writing my training, and now I’m doing a total body routine that Waterbury has designed. Depending on where the movement is placed in the routine, coupled with the fact I don’t have a ton of energy, plays into my initial weight selection.
Would you feel better if I just said I did lunges with 100 pounds in each hand? If you’re not entertained by my training logs, go read the other PC participants. Those are my real in gym numbers.
[/quote]
Yeah, I got you on this one. It’s hard to critique someone’s numbers just by looking at them on paper. Everyone has strong and weak points, and when you factor in things like past injuries (and serious ones, like your PCL tear) or energy or whatever, some numbers might not add up. Sure, it’s easy to say that if your bench is that, then your curl should be this; however, that’s not always the way it is.
No one knows your entire routine before the PC (other than what’s listed in your “chart”). You might’ve only focused on upper body, or just lower body, or full-body routines. Who knows? There are so many factors that go into one’s ability to lift an amount of weight that it’s really hard to criticize without actually KNOWING all the peripheral factors.
[quote]novagreg wrote:
ksommer wrote:
From novagreg’s Log:
2/23/08:
B1. Decline EZ bar triceps extension
4 x 10-12
45 seconds rest
Weight:135 for all sets
Reps: 12,10,9,8
3/15/08:
C1. Decline triceps extension
2 x 10, 2 x 8, 2 x 6
60 sec. rest
115x10, 125x8, 135x5
Anyone else see anything VERY WRONG WITH THIS? Also, look at his latest workout post. He is apparently overhead DB pressing 70’s, yet only lunging 50’s… while his overhead extension is only a 75!
I call bullshit.
Legs are my weak point, I tore my PCL in my left knee a few years ago, and I’ve never done much in the way of single leg work.
Also, I was doing bodypart splits while CT was writing my training, and now I’m doing a total body routine that Waterbury has designed. Depending on where the movement is placed in the routine, coupled with the fact I don’t have a ton of energy, plays into my initial weight selection.
Would you feel better if I just said I did lunges with 100 pounds in each hand? If you’re not entertained by my training logs, go read the other PC participants. Those are my real in gym numbers.
[/quote]
You totally ignored the fact that in a month you lost about 50% of your strength on the decline triceps extension. Explain that.
[quote]ksommer wrote:
From novagreg’s Log:
2/23/08:
B1. Decline EZ bar triceps extension
4 x 10-12
45 seconds rest
Weight:135 for all sets
Reps: 12,10,9,8
3/15/08:
C1. Decline triceps extension
2 x 10, 2 x 8, 2 x 6
60 sec. rest
115x10, 125x8, 135x5
Anyone else see anything VERY WRONG WITH THIS? Also, look at his latest workout post. He is apparently overhead DB pressing 70’s, yet only lunging 50’s… while his overhead extension is only a 75!
I call bullshit.
[/quote]
I saw that too! I was wondering if anyone else would notice that. The DB Pressing 70s and OH extensions don’t match up. He’s either got a 2" range of motion on the DB presses, or it’s BS.
[quote]ksommer wrote:
You totally ignored the fact that in a month you lost about 50% of your strength on the decline triceps extension. Explain that.[/quote]
QFT. He’s doesn’t look like he’s losing weight, but he’s losing 50% of his strength from that area?
[quote]ksommer wrote:
From novagreg’s Log:
2/23/08:
B1. Decline EZ bar triceps extension
4 x 10-12
45 seconds rest
Weight:135 for all sets
Reps: 12,10,9,8
3/15/08:
C1. Decline triceps extension
2 x 10, 2 x 8, 2 x 6
60 sec. rest
115x10, 125x8, 135x5
Anyone else see anything VERY WRONG WITH THIS? Also, look at his latest workout post. He is apparently overhead DB pressing 70’s, yet only lunging 50’s… while his overhead extension is only a 75!
I call bullshit.
[/quote]
I don’t see how this is a 50% reduction in his strength. Secondly, you lose strength if you are no longer focusing on that exercise. For my lifting as an example, I have cut out squats as I am doing a push/pull meet in 2 weeks. If you asked me to do squats right now they would suck compared to 3 weeks ago when I was working to bring it up.
One final thing, I believe you mentioned you are on the V-diet correct? How were your lifts while only drinking protein shakes compared to eating whole foods? I am guessing it went down.
-Sorry to jump in your discussion section Greg, but I had to comment on this one. Even my lifts take a nose dive when I had to diet for crew.
[quote]CrewPierce wrote:
ksommer wrote:
From novagreg’s Log:
2/23/08:
B1. Decline EZ bar triceps extension
4 x 10-12
45 seconds rest
Weight:135 for all sets
Reps: 12,10,9,8
3/15/08:
C1. Decline triceps extension
2 x 10, 2 x 8, 2 x 6
60 sec. rest
115x10, 125x8, 135x5
Anyone else see anything VERY WRONG WITH THIS? Also, look at his latest workout post. He is apparently overhead DB pressing 70’s, yet only lunging 50’s… while his overhead extension is only a 75!
I call bullshit.
I don’t see how this is a 50% reduction in his strength. Secondly, you lose strength if you are no longer focusing on that exercise. For my lifting as an example, I have cut out squats as I am doing a push/pull meet in 2 weeks. If you asked me to do squats right now they would suck compared to 3 weeks ago when I was working to bring it up.
One final thing, I believe you mentioned you are on the V-diet correct? How were your lifts while only drinking protein shakes compared to eating whole foods? I am guessing it went down.
-Sorry to jump in your discussion section Greg, but I had to comment on this one. Even my lifts take a nose dive when I had to diet for crew.[/quote]
Right but the diet doesn’t appear to be working, or he’s not sticking to it. So where’s his strength going? You can lose strength in an exercise if you don’t do it for a while…but if you’re still working that part you shouldn’t lose THAT much.
I don’t do dumbell curls every week…or every month even…but if I picked up a pair tomorrow I wouldn’t suddenly drop from using 55’s or whatever, down to 25s…
He lost half his strength because he’s doing less than half of the same number of reps with the same weight. And I don’t care if it was 3 months or half a month (which it was in this case) you don’t lose that much strength overnight, especially if you’re continually working those muscles.
I am not on the V-Diet. I have never done the V-Diet, and never will, because I have the discipline to not put crap in my mouth. That being said, I have reduced calories before, and sometimes the lifts even go UP. You can see that in greg’s thread anyway (if it had any truth to it at all).
Don’t misunderstand this, Crew. I am a loyal Biotest customer and a professional in the health field. I want to see him make progress like anyone else. But it doesn’t take that smart of a person to realize there is something VERY WRONG with all of this. If you go back and look at it, you’ll see that he posted Day 6 of the V-Diet twice.
Did you not notice that a month earlier, his posts consisted of about 10-12 YouTube links? Dude, get OFF OF YOUTUBE AND GO WORK. People are trying to make excuses that he has no time to post because of family issues and following his PC, but that clearly is not the case if he has enough time to dick around watching videos on the internet. I’ve seen novagreg on the Precision Nutrition boards too… so this guy has had access to the TOP minds in the field, and he can’t make any progress (at least none that is significant). I don’t feel sorry for him, but hopefully he can prove me wrong with his undeserved V-Diet supplements.
wow, what a fat-ass.
now i can say this, as i am a fat-ass myself.
and as one fat-ass to another, you(greg) are a fat-ass.(a dollar to whoever gets that obscure reference).
not sure if it is appropriate to join in all the greg bashing, but here is my two cents:
like so many have said, something is wrong here.
like i said, i too am a fat ass, i eat like crap. but i work my ass off in the gym, doing real lifting. despite a body fat probably in the 20% range at least, i have vascular ripped forearms, vascularity in my calves, biceps, and shoulders, traps that are visible under a shirt, and separation in my thigh muscles. i also have a big gut, a spare tire, 3 chins, a pack of hot dogs on the back of my neck, and man-boobs.
why did i post all of that shit? point being, even if you are a fat ass like me, if you train hard there will be noticeable muscle, fat or not, the average person can tell, “hey that guys lifts weights” i trained with a guy at diablo barbell who was morbidly obese at over 500lbs of bodyweight, his belt was longer than i am tall, and you could still tell he had lifted, by his upper back, forearms, and calves. why? well he squated over 500lbs, pulled over 600lbs, and benched over 400lbw. fat or not that shit does not lie.
so diet issues aside, cuz i know dick about diet, i doubt you(greg) are busting it in the gym as your posts suggests.
now, call me an asshole, heck i probably will agree, but as a fellow fat guy, go make me and all these other butt heads eat our words and strip of some fat and put on some muscle and wow us with pics in a few months.
[quote]heavythrower wrote:
and as one fat-ass to another, you(greg) are a fat-ass.(a dollar to whoever gets that obscure reference).[/quote]
Family Guy.