It's been a few weeks since my last update, but things have been rolling right along. Work is in full swing with cherry harvest and I am now less than 3 weeks out from the IFPA Pro USA. My weight is still steadily dropping and I have no doubt I will be bringing my best to date. There is still time to keep pushing it and that I will! Here are a few highlight clips from the past 2 weeks of training.
These next few weeks look like they are going to be super busy, but this actually helps keep me in a routine and the time will blow by. Before I know it Tara and I will be making the trip south to Sacramento, slapping on some Dream Tan and hanging out with a ton of great friends.
It's hard to believe that as of today I am officially 34 days out from my IFPA Pro Debut!! This prep has really been an eyeopener for me, especially when it comes to keeping an open mind. Don't be afraid to go against what others may believe is the right way, because a closed mind has limits. My philosophy is to approach the gym like a Powerlifter/Strongman and diet like a Bodybuilder and I am absolutly loving every aspect of my prep so far. Now it is time to step up the game and finish stronger than the first! Here are a few training highlights from this past week.
Powerlifter, Strongman and Bodybuilders all have many training techniques in common and they can carry over to each individual sport. I feel that I have found a balance of training in the the "grey" area, other than black or white. I have really tried adapt my training method to suit my needs and I really feel that the variations and methods I use have really helped me improve on my physique and in this sport on a yearly basis. Most importantly I love training this way and when it comes down to it....if its not fun, then why do we do it? I'm not saying that training this way is great for everyone, all I am saying is to find what works for you and you enjoy doing...then run with it!
Training has been rolling right along and I hit a low of 203.0lbs this week. Overall I am feeling great and here are a few training highlights from this past week.
One part of this sport that many overlook is how your own thinking should evolve. So many individuals have a close mind to what they think is the right way. What may work for them now, may not work down the road. The key is to keep an open mind to what others feel is the right or the wrong way. You never know what works for you until you try it for yourself. One of my friends posted a quote earlier today and it really caught my attention.
"Don't count the days, make the days count." -Natural Bodybuilder/ Powerlifter Eric Koenreich.
This really hit home for me during this prep and can cross over into every part of your life. Make sure to soak up the whole experience and continue to push yourself to improve on yesterday. So far I am passing the 15 week out mark for my first show and this prep has been a whole new learning experience for me. I really feel that things are progressing and right on track to bring an improved package to the stage.
Had a great one and here's how it went.....
*Warm-ups excluded
Front Squats- 1x12@225 / 2x6@315 / 2x8@225 (1 sec pauses at bottom)
Narrow Leg press- 4x8
Lunges- 4x10
Leg Extensions- 3x10 / 2x8
I am just rolling past the 16 week out mark for the IFPA Pro USA and currently weighing in at 216.6lbs. So far I am about 2 pounds lighter than in my 2010 prep at this point, so the key is to stay ahead of the game and really bring something different to the stage. Here are a few shots Tara took from this past weekend pre workout compared to my last prep in 2010.
2010
2012
Overall I am really happy with the progress and the intensity I am keeping in the gym. My main focus is always to keep my weights as heavy as possible throughout this entire prep and so far things are really coming together with not too much of a loss in strength. Also, here are are a few training highlights from this past week of lifting.
I am just passing the 21 week out mark and weighing 228.6. Overall everything is feeling great so far during my prep and I am really starting to pick up some steam with visual progress, which always makes you feel a little better. The biggest part is staying consistant and doing the work every single day, which makes it hard for most people because there is no instant gratification. The work I am putting in now will show in time. I also took a few progress pictures for comparison from my last prep. I am still roughly about 1/2 a pound lighter, but there is a slight difference natural lighting. Now I just have to keep pushing it all the way to the stage and bring the best total package I can.
2010
2012
I also put together a few training highlights from this past week
*Warm-ups excluded
Safety Bar Squats- 1x12@335 / 2x8@385 / 1x8@335 / 1x8@225 (1 sec Pause at bottom)
V-Squat- 4x10
Single Leg Press- 4x8
Leg Extensions- 3x10 / 2x8
