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

[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