PAYINDUEZZZ!

I'm dedicating 2010 to lean bulking in preparation for a potential pro-qualification in 2011. I've got A LOT of work to do, though, before I even think about steppin' back on the competition stage. My goal is to COMPLETELY re-shape my physique (as much as I can, naturally, of course). A LOT of folks in the military are getting into the Crossfit phenomenon. While deployed, I had a buddy who was doing it, and he got strong as an ox!

Hey man! Regarding the workouts, this is my first week back in the gym, so I'm feelin' pretty beat up, but this next year of training is gonna be AMAZING! I'm not familiar with the diet that you mentioned, unfortunately....

Welcome to The REAL Spot, Monty! You certainly have a great base of solid mucle, congrats!
I hear ya about learning more...but no matter where we are in our personal journey, there's people a step or two behind that could use the words of wisdom from your current perspective.
With tattos like that, there has to be a story behind a few of them...I wonder what they are...
Enjoy the site!

I'm VERY impressed with SciVation; they have some REALLY quality products. As a general source for information, I tend to refer to bodybuilding.com. This site has a WEALTH of information, you just need to filter through it. Additionally, I have a background in fitness and nutrition as a result of completing the Army's Master Fitness Trainer course. Of course, I've been training off and on and experimenting with my diet now for nearly 10-yrs.

I SINCERELY appreciate the compliment! And, there's not secret. I'm hoping to win a natural, professional title, so I've got A LOT of work to do on this physique. Specifically, I need to add some more mass to my physique, and while I'm confident that my training principles are solid, I'm gonna have to experiment a bit with my diet until I find the ideal macro-nutrient mix to render a steady, anabolic state. That may sound complicated, but basically, I'm just gonna experiment with different protein, carb, and fat ratios.

HaHaHa...I would argue that I'm STILL workin' on it, man! Although I successfully competed in 2009, I still want to make changes and improve. So, I'm dedicating 2010 (the entire year) to tweaking my diet and training regimens. It's a continual process of experimentation and evaluation. The most important part is DEDICATING yourself to the journey!

I'm not familiar with that book, but the fact that you're reaching out and educating yourself suggests that you're on the right track! This whole lifestyle (bodybuilding/fitness) is a journey set on finding that which works best FOR YOU! Although it's GREAT to network with others and see what they're doin', at the end of the day, you've gotta determine what works best for YOU and YOUR goals! I'm in the Army as well, so I'm VERY familiar with what you're doin'...stay focused and determined! You'll reach your goals in due time!

You've got some great muscle development goin' on, and based upon your location, I'm gonna assume that you're in the military, so I know you've been gettin' your physical fitness in. I will offer that over time your pre-occupation with reps will become irrelevant, because with consistant training, you'll establish what I call the "mind-muscle" connection which will allow you to maximize the effectiveness (and efficiency) of your training.

I think I understand your question. For each set that I complete, I have an intended rep range that I want to hit. This rep range will dictate the amount of weight I use resulting in failure. So, if I'm intending to reach failure at 8 reps, but I end up knockin' out 20, that's OK; I simply make a mental note of this and increase the weight so as to achieve muscle failure at my planned rep range.