Bodybuilding Competition Weekly Update: 12 Weeks To Go
Hey San Antonio,
So today is exactly 12 weeks to my bodybuilding show on November 21 and I’m 3 weeks into preparation. Overall, I still feel really good (ok, amazing) about what I’m doing. Of course, it’s easy to get sidetracked by other events in life, but I’m putting anything that isn’t helping me and making me better out of my mind and going forth with my determination aggressively calculated (does that make sense?).
Today was leg day, and my leg days are extremely brutal. So much so that I start planning for them nutritionally and rest wise a day or so in advance, because if I don’t, I’ll feel terrible for not being able to give it my all. I’ve had a small sinus issue that has kind of slowed me a little, but I didn’t relent and I haven’t backed off my prep whatsoever.
I worked out in a new gym today (I like trying out new gyms regularly). It was the same type of gym that I did legs in last weekend with a workout partner, but since that partner isn’t able to train with me anymore, I decided to give it a go at the local version of the chain. The other one definitely suited my needs more, as this one, while very clean, quiet and easy to focus, was lacking on a lot of equipment. But I had a great workout, nonetheless.
As far as my weekly progress, it’s probably easy to just break it up in a few different categories. Remember, I am 3 weeks into my preparation.
Fat Loss
This has been amazing thus far, and I feel that I am 3-4 weeks ahead of schedule. Basically, this is where I wanted to be 8-9 weeks out, so I’m very pleased. Once again, I haven’t as much looked at a cheat food. Ok, Peyton had pizza today, but I stuck to the same ol’ same post-workout. Remember my focus is to lose ONLY 1-1.5lbs per week, and I was dead in that range. The slower I lose, the more fat and less lean body mass I will sacrifice.
Muscle Preservation
Perfect. I have been taking skinfold measurements every week, and I haven’t lost an ounce of muscle yet.
Energy Levels
My energy expenditure is high, but so are my energy levels. Lots of rest, well calculated recovery between workouts, and the right nutrients at the right time.
This week was a bit more of a test than the first two, because I allowed myself to at least see other foods, but I really didn’t want them. Every week, something is modified to make progress (or added).
Training
Brutal, but that’s how I choose to train. If I want my body to look like nobody else’s, I have to be willing to put it through things that nobody else is willing to do. I guess it builds character. ;) I know a lot of people switch from heavy training to lighter, lower intensity during contest prep, and this makes no sense whatsoever.
Nutrition
I actually moved my carb cut-off to a bit later for one more carb meal. My food sources are still limited and simple. I mentioned the supplements I’ve added this week, and they’ll keep insulin under control and eliminate the chance of gaining any body fat. For the record, during dieting, I eat 8-10 times per day… I’ve written extensively about my nutritional program, so feel free to browse back and check it out.
Other
My vascularity is as visible as it has ever been throughout my body, including the backs of my legs and in my lower abdomen. Seperation is visible all over, and my ribs, abs, and obliques are all visible even in a completely relaxed position.
I have company this weekend, and my friend Greg was shocked at the difference, as he was at my house the day my preparation started 3 weeks ago. Greg isn’t one to bite his tongue, and he’d tell me “You look terrible”. While he’s not a fitness professional, he understands physical progress and is very objective and is brutally honest.
I’m still doing cardio daily, but I have slightly reduced the volume to avoid any muscle loss. Something that is just a side effect of the fat loss training, I’m very pleased with my actual cardio conditioning, and am able to absolutely slam my cardio workouts, and keep my heart rate low.
I’m still very pleased with my strategy and the amazing results it has rendered thus far. For me, it’s the ultimate test of MY knowledge and understanding of my body, willpower, discipline and life distractions aside.
Every single day, I feel stronger, better and fulfilled. As I mentioned, I’m working on so many different things and can say that I’m proud of the progress I am not only making as a personal trainer and a bodybuilder, but also as a father, friend and a person.
My rise must continue! :)
Questions, comments, criticism ALWAYS welcomed!
Boyd Myers
Personal Trainer in San Antonio
Owner, San Antonio’s Top Personal Training Studio
16613 Huebner Rd (corner of Huebner and Bitters)
210.391.1454
