Review of First 12 Weeks...

This weekend marked the end of my first "12 weeks" program. Within that short period of time I went from being an average guy who works outs and eats healthy to joining the ranks of professional bodybuilding. Two weekends ago I won the OCB Charm City Classic and last weekend I placed 2nd in my division at the OCB Yorton Cup. Getting a Pro-Card this early in ones bodybuilding career is not something that occurs very often. I am excited about the endless possibilities that are now available for me. Officially, I am in my off-season for the next 15 days. I am back to lifting heavy and still eating very clean for the most part. I do indulge in some rice cakes and peanut butter almost three times a week though.
I have also decide to continue posting on this blog...in fact it is officially the "52 weeks til" fitness blog. I am planning on competing in my first Pro Show in Nov. 2008. I would like to give a special thanks to the trainers and nutritionists at www.nsanetraining.com who developed my workouts and diet throughout this process. As you can see these people know what they are talking about!

Being the Best....Oct. 20th 2007

So this weekend, I won a few trophies so I am sharing it with you....to re-live the moment with me!

Looking forward to next weekend already, this time is for my friends and family!

Charm City Classic....Men's Overall
http://youtube.com/watch?v=tnTOfMx9Iaw

Charm City Classic...Men's Lightweight
http://youtube.com/watch?v=gdJCl1xQc40

Charm City Classic....Special Award
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vribn4JGnfk

Pratice Show.....Pro Card

So i decided to compete in the Charm City Classic this past Saturday, just as a little practice for the Yorton Cup on the 27th. I needed alittle confidence booster! I was in the Men's LightWeight Open Division...weighing in at 161 lbs. I must say I wanted to be a little heavier. I didnt expect to win anything really....but at the end of it all....I was the Overall Winner of the Entire Show. For those of you who don't keep up with bodybuilding...that means I earned my Pro Card. I am officially....the newest International Fitness and Physique Association (IFPA) Professional Bodybuilder. It is still very hard for me to believe it myself.


Check out the link......Charm City Classic 2007



Here is a picture back stage after receiving the trophy

3 weeks...

These pics were taken Tuesday Oct. 9th 2007. I weighed 166lbs...still about 3-4lbs away from where I want to be. I was on my 2nd carb-depletion day, so I felt very "flat". Comparing with the pics from 2 weeks ago...I think I looked flat also.

Back poses still looking/feeling good!

Surprised...

So today I performed free weight barbell squats for the first time in a about 6 months...I was very surprised how easy it was to get right back to the weight I used last time. I am not big on sharing "how heavy" I lifted but I easily got 365 lbs for 6 reps WITHOUT a weight belt. I actually surprised myself with that number...I thought at least my back would not be able to handle that resistance because I hadn't placed that much weight on my back in such a long time. I am now in my "carb depletion" phase, I have been going for 2 days with very little carbohydrates and on the 3rd day I have a "refeed" in which I consume about 150-200 carbs in one meal and no other nutrient(protein or fats) with it. I have been struggling at work on the 2nd day to stay energized but other than that its not too bad. The premise behind this is to use up all muscle glycogen and keep protein levels high so that the body has no choice but to use fat as the source of energy.