I’ve been working out seriously for nearly 3 years. Despite a herniated disc, I’ve been able to go from 162lbs @ 18 bf, to last summer reaching 172 @ 11%. After bulking, I made it up to 189lbs @ 18%, and am now cutting to try to get to 180 @ 10% or lower. My lifts are strong, at least on bench, recently hit a max of 325 on flat bench, and 300 4x unassisted.
Despite this–I have a certain amount of dissatisfaction with where I’m at, probably unjustified. I’m working hard to get my legs up to where they should be–because of back issues have never been able to go heavy on squats and deadlifts. Also working hard to practise movements like cleans, which i’ve never done.
Advice much appreciated. I’m attaching a composite which my trainer put together, some dates and stats are off, but you get the idea; it documents from 7/05 to 12/07. Attached separately are a few more recent shots.
[quote]1morerep wrote:
where do you want to go?[/quote]
that’s a really fair question, I guess I’m trying to figure out what’s in the realm of the possible. I work out 4-5x week (1.5hrs), run 1-2 (a 2hr run on Sundays, 1 hr during the week), and take only one rest day. I eat a lot and very cleanly, right now not eating any carbs past 5 to try and cut.
I don’t expect to be standing on stage at any bodybuilding shows, but would like to max out my potential as a 43 year old guy who has a full time job and a family to take care of.
As a 43yr old with a fam and a full time job you’re doing pretty damn well. What the other poster meant is what do you want do do? “Get the most” out of your body can mean alot of things. If you’re trying to “bulk” then shed fat what you’re doing is working.
Change your current routine…add new lifts, and attack them with intensity.
From there you will new results, with your musscles reacting in different ways.
Might i suggest you browse the archives of T-Nation for articles titles “Exercises you never tried”. Pick and choose a few unique exercises, and incorporate them into your current routine.
Try to keep your bodyfat somewhat low when you’re bulking. Jumping from 11 to 18 % and then back down makes thing a lot tougher on you. Good progress though!
Your upper body looks very good.
Lower body looks too small in comparison. TRy hip-belt squats and DB lunges with straps. The hammer V-squat and hack squat machines will allow you to avoid spinal loading. The leg press is a little risky depending on the nature of your back problems if you allow your butt to scooch off the platform (if that makes sense), What does your leg routine look like? Do you sprint?
definatly have a solid build, but i always find it much better if you shaved your chest, it would more easily show the definition you have. nonetheless i think you look good, and hope to see more from you as you reach your goals
[quote]UkpairehMombooto wrote:
Your upper body looks very good.
Lower body looks too small in comparison. TRy hip-belt squats and DB lunges with straps. The hammer V-squat and hack squat machines will allow you to avoid spinal loading. The leg press is a little risky depending on the nature of your back problems if you allow your butt to scooch off the platform (if that makes sense), What does your leg routine look like? Do you sprint?[/quote]
Thanks–I’m definitely focusing on legs more, will take your suggestions on the exercises, definitely, and i have been sprinting recently.
Dont know if i can multi-quote here, but responding to some of the other comments, all of which are very kind and much appreciated:
Agree about the bodyfat, was kinda shocked at end of my bulk when i hit 18, but it’s coming off REALLY fast, and in fact I’m being as careful as i can not to lose too quickly. Also, i’m planning on trimming, but not shaving–will see what that looks like. Wont have new pix till end of cut in summer. again, thanks for comments and ratings! - mike
