How do you know if you hold enough mass to compete.

[Hugheser]

I am looking to enter my first show in 2010 and have been working out for 2.5 years and about the last year seriously with the emphasis on competing. Want to jump in with both feet. I don't know if I have enough mass. I have been cutting for 2 weeks. Completely clean.

This is my bodyspace and my question is if I come in, in shape will I be competitive or just look pathetic?

http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/huebillionaire/

Thanks guys and gals.

[Talo]

I never looked at your bodyspace , but going off of the question in this header I will say that I think it's a personal choice . There is a reason they have different weight classes. I think if you think your ready just do it , but remember there is more to a show than just being big , you have to know how to show it off properly.

[natenator]

I say giver dude. Upper looks great for 2.5 years and being natty.

How are the wheels?

you'll want to be careful with dieting natty due to easy ability for muscle loss. I won't give diet advice because it's a subjective thing and you didn't ask for it but I definitely say pursue competing now if you are looking to hit a natural show. Hell, even a non-tested show you could potentially do well at if you nail conditioning and hold onto the muscle.

Are you a junior?

[pseclint]

I say giver dude. Upper looks great for 2.5 years and being natty.

How are the wheels?

you'll want to be careful with dieting natty due to easy ability for muscle loss. I won't give diet advice because it's a subjective thing and you didn't ask for it but I definitely say pursue competing now if you are looking to hit a natural show. Hell, even a non-tested show you could potentially do well at if you nail conditioning and hold onto the muscle.

Are you a junior?

I say do it man, it looks like you have a solid build...... natural competing is always tougher of course but you def look good for natural.... good luck

[Hugheser]

My wheels aren't up to par with the upper body. I have a hard time getting a feel in the quads. I mainly was a runner for the first two years, did two marathons. Put that on the back burner to more weight orientated. The legs are pretty conditioned and I don't think would take much time to come in shape. There 26.5 inchs right now but are larger now I imagine.

[natenator]

can you post pics of the wheels? 26.5 for a natty is quite good I think. I know guys who've been on the sauce for 10 years who barely break 26 LOL

Either way, like I said I think you should do it. Get your diet sorted out and really recommend you hire someone and esp. cause you are natty - you really need to do EVERYTHING perfectly do come in conditioned AND keep as much muscle as possible. Competing isn't easy but doing so naturally is especially not easy.

[Hugheser]

PS. I am 23 yrs old. Juniors I believe is 21 and under. Correct me if I am wrong.

[Hugheser]

QUADS

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/photo/showphoto.php?photo=107818783&ppuser=114987391

[natenator]

PS. I am 23 yrs old. Juniors I believe is 21 and under. Correct me if I am wrong.
not sure what it is out there but I believe it;'s standard across all provinces and 21 is the cut off for CBBF federations. Unsure what natty federations are.

[natenator]

Legs aren't bad. Not as good as your upper but you already knew that but still pretty good for a natural competitor.

You seem tall'ish?

[Hugheser]

Yes I am 6'3, just about 6'4

Was only 190lbs but that was back in basic training exactly 1 year ago actually. Quite out of proportion.

[natenator]

6'3 here. I feel your pain lol

[Thorgrim]

I have never competed and don't really have much desire to (bodybuilding anyway). If you are passionate about it I would say go for it. Even if you don't do that great you will learn lots that will help the next time around.

I think you look pretty good in the pics and you said they are older and you are a little bigger now? or is that just the wheels?

[Praetorian]

Yes I am 6'3, just about 6'4

Was only 190lbs but that was back in basic training exactly 1 year ago actually. Quite out of proportion.


Just remember...dont worry about the scale...go by the mirror. Too many guys are fixated on numbers and never come in shape because of this. It will also take a good 16 weeks to get into shape so give yourself plenty of time. Also precontest dieting isnt easy..youll be hungry, tired, feel weak, feel small...etc etc knowing this before will make it easier. You will need to be very organized, have all your meals prepared before hand, have time for cardio twice daily plus time to train...and dont forget you have work as well.
P

[Hugheser]

I have been ironing out my diet for the last 2.5 weeks. Losing 2 lbs a week and seeing more lean body mass. The contest is in 19 weeks so I am buckling down and getting all my meals in without fail and workouts as well. The only thing I haven't done is ramp up the Cardio. I basically do none right now. I run to the gym every day 1km. Except for my day off I do 30 mins of LISS cardio with Ab's.

How would you start to increase with cardio workload?

[Rhinobolt10]

Umm... I say compete. I always say compete. I feel you learn more in 1 comp than you do in 3 years of training, and afterwards you'll be able to push yourself to whole new levels.

Personally, and if it was me, I would do my very best to hold onto all the muscle I could, but I'd prefer for a first show to come in lean as opposed to worrying about muscle mass. This is just me though, and what I'd want if I competed, and I have NOT competed, so I have no idea what it would be like.

From the show I watched, the only people that looked dumb or out of place were the ones that weren't lean. And at my first show, all I'd want to is to not look stupid. Other than that, it wasn't about winning at all. Each competitor had such a satisfaction for what they'd just done, and the crowd was on everybodys side.

It was actually pretty cool and I've considered dieting down ever since, however my lifting goals are first and foremost right now.

[Rhinobolt10]

Also, find a nutrition coach... for the love of god. Somebody to help you in the last 6 weeks when I hear you just want to die.

[natenator]

Also, find a nutrition coach... for the love of god. Somebody to help you in the last 6 weeks when I hear you just want to die.
It's not just the last 6 weeks. If you screw up the first 10 then the last 6 won't really matter :)

[C-money]

It's not just the last 6 weeks. If you screw up the first 10 then the last 6 won't really matter :)
very true nate!

[Praetorian]

I have been ironing out my diet for the last 2.5 weeks. Losing 2 lbs a week and seeing more lean body mass. The contest is in 19 weeks so I am buckling down and getting all my meals in without fail and workouts as well. The only thing I haven't done is ramp up the Cardio. I basically do none right now. I run to the gym every day 1km. Except for my day off I do 30 mins of LISS cardio with Ab's.

How would you start to increase with cardio workload?

Iwould suggest starting at 40-45 min of cardio once per day...ED. Also, I would advise against running...its very easy to lose muscle doing intense cardio such as running...as well being new to dieting doesnt make it a good combo...a quick walk for the prescribed time is best.
P

[Hugheser]

Excellent! Will do. Will train for the usual 1h15mins and take my BCAA's during the 45mins cardio.

Does this look like a good plan

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/huston22.htm?

Thanks guys all the info very helpful

[Hugheser]

What about Stationary Bike? or swiming?

[hommes]

go for it.

[Rhinobolt10]

It's not just the last 6 weeks. If you screw up the first 10 then the last 6 won't really matter :)

Yeah totally agree dude.

Guess I just hear that the last little bit can really mess with your head and trying to logically plan things out would be a little tough.

All I know is that if I ever give this one a shot, I'm not doing it solo.

[dainbramaged]

Best advice I can suggest would be to check out your local show(s) website and see the competitors pics. That should give you a rough idea of the calibre of competition in your area. Then you'll have an idea of where you stand. Honestly, it's more of a personal thing anyway, just do it for you if you have the desire.

[Hugheser]

Cool, I am going to try to find someone to help but could be a tough go. No one around here with that sort of expertise. My Sargents and Master Corporals don't get why I am always to excited to go to the gym and why I am eating all the time.

Just don't want to be embarrassed. Not expecting to be the overall winner or anything my first time.

[clicker666]

I took a look at your space, and you look good! Have you just been eating a lot and doing a lot of PT and lifting? For 9 months on base that's good. Especially with the drinking that goes on lol.

[Praetorian]

Excellent! Will do. Will train for the usual 1h15mins and take my BCAA's during the 45mins cardio.

Does this look like a good plan

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/huston22.htm?

Thanks guys all the info very helpful

Its cookie cutter aand will probably not work very well for you. A diet is never static nor is cardio. I still dont understand guys eating rice cakes while dieting....why not just dump some Aunt Jamima syrup down your throat...that is rediculous.
No need for BCAA's during cardio either....
P

[Hugheser]

I have been on base for 11 weeks now, watching my diet eating every 3 hours. 7 sometimes 8 meals a day. Always casein of 1 cup of cottage cheese before bed. Light cardio 1.5km runs to warm up. 30 mins of LISS cardio on off day with abs and forearms. So really no day off haha.

A diet is never static nor is cardio? Meaning that it is constantly changing? Increasing cardio slowly and reducing carbs, and adding more whole foods or do most people count on powders for low calorie protein requirements? I bought 3 tubs of Xtend for morning cardio by recommendation by a guy I met on Bodyspace who just completed his comp and he said this was a staple when doing LISS cardio on empty stomach.

[Hugheser]

Just bumping the thread.

Anyways I have decided to compete and am 10 weeks out. If anyone here can give me an assessment. That would be great, this pic is 2 week old and am down 7 more pounds from then. Going to post new ones tomorrow. Contest is 10 weeks from today!

http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/huebillionaire/

[XCompetitor]

I would say you're right on track for 10 weeks out,maybe even a little ahead of schedule.Just stick with the low intensity cardio.

[dainbramaged]

Maybe a good idea to look into something to help clear up your back? It's quite profound.