The Official Men's Challenge Thread

[bacardio]

Originally Posted by Brian A.

In regards to nutrition, I recomend cycling your macro nutrients and calories to boost fat loss. I've found that two low carb days followed by a reload day works best. On the low carb days increase the protein and keep the total cal around 2000 then on the reload day keep the first 4 meals the same as the low day and then make your last meal a large carb load meal (oatmeal, sweet potato, banana). That will create fat loss on the low carb/cal days and the reload day will replenish glycogen and keep the thyroid from adjusting down to a lower calorie burn.

Thanks Brian

[Blackjack]

Just spent a while reading through this Challenge...very impressive guys, especially the ones that are still in it. But Jugglecat...wow...I think we have someone in the definate lead here. I do have to ask though


Your left lat is much much bigger than your right. Has anyone mentioned that to you? that seems to be quite a difference. Just wondering, maybe it's the angle or something. Also, it amazing how when you get that lean you actually look much bigger, even though you're smaller.

Everyone, it's down to the last month, i think you've got some ground to make up. Now quit making excuses and work your f'in asses off!

Good luck.

[GinnyLou]

Looking good in here, guys. Lots of great changes. Way to stick with it.

[jugglecat]

Blackjack, Thanks....As far as my left being bigger, I'm not sure it's just always been like that....not really sure why...I might have been standing weird not sure....but w/all my DB lifts my right side is as strong as my left so I'm not sure if it's how I'm shaped or what but I really don't worry too much about it if I know I'm working both sides evenly....but maybe I'm wrong...again not sure...never really worked on my "shape" or anything b/f posting on here...I was just trying to lose some fat...If you have any ideas on how to fix it just let me know...I'm all ears...

[Blackjack]

It must be the picture angle, because in your avatar, it's not nearly as noticeable.

It may not be any big deal at all but I do know muscle imbalances are generally a sign of injury to come...I was just wondering. Keep up the good work!

[jugglecat]

Originally Posted by Blackjack

It must be the picture angle, because in your avatar, it's not nearly as noticeable.

It may not be any big deal at all but I do know muscle imbalances are generally a sign of injury to come...I was just wondering. Keep up the good work!

The more I looked at it and thought about it, I think it's like how I stand or something....Like I moved my shoulder a little bit or something don't know.....I will definitely keep an eye out for signs of injury though..Thanks again Blackjack!

[soonermark99]

Just got to looking through this thread. Very inspirational. Jugglecat, you're back looks outstanding. Most people grossly underestimate their BF%, but in your case, 13.3%???? Come on, you're at or under 10%.

[Brian A.]

This close to the end and no one's got anything to say in this thread??!!!! Am I the only one who is psyched to see the finish line ahead.

Well an update on my progress I'm down to 210lbs and definetly under 10% although I haven't offically measured my BF yet. The last spots to go are always the love handles and lower abs and those areas have been tightening up nicely. I'll be taking my final pics on July 4th which means that that Monday will begin my final cutting phase to get rid of water weight and tighen up my skin.

Being so close has helped to reenergize my resolve. My nutrition has gotten even cleaner and I've been doing a lot more extra cardio activities. Victory will be mine!!!!

[RedLefty]

I've spent most of the challenge time healing and rehabbing from injuries. It's okay, though, because my goal was simply to see what happens to my body when I train heavy and consistently. Now I know! These months helped me learn a lot and now I'll be heading a different direction with my training.

In other words, I'm pumped to see other people's progress, while knowing that my own progress has been more conceptual than physical. If only paradigm shifts showed up in photos.

[jugglecat]

Originally Posted by soonermark99

Just got to looking through this thread. Very inspirational. Jugglecat, you're back looks outstanding. Most people grossly underestimate their BF%, but in your case, 13.3%???? Come on, you're at or under 10%.

Mark, thanks! The only reason I put 13.3 is because when I started the challenge I was using the Tanita scale as a way of tracking progress. So I figured I would still track the numbers it gave me as a way of seeing if the scale is "wrong". So I stood on it and it gave me the 13.3 and I just put in the log. According to some measurement based methods I was about 8 or9%.

[Lost Dog]

Originally Posted by RedLefty

I've spent most of the challenge time healing and rehabbing from injuries. It's okay, though, because my goal was simply to see what happens to my body when I train heavy and consistently. Now I know! These months helped me learn a lot and now I'll be heading a different direction with my training.

In other words, I'm pumped to see other people's progress, while knowing that my own progress has been more conceptual than physical. If only paradigm shifts showed up in photos.

I'm in the same boat. I haven't gotten leaner, but my shoulder is better and my plantar fasciitis is not worse. I've gotten stronger, but you're not going to notice any changes from month to month. Tanner, perhaps.

[missjane]

The ladies are going to take a break and start up another 6-month ladies' challenge beginning on August 4. You guys in, too?

[rhauser44]

Originally Posted by missjane

The ladies are going to take a break and start up another 6-month ladies' challenge beginning on August 4. You guys in, too?

I'd be up for another challenge. A string of events have, together, caused me to screw this challenge up royal. I'm getting back into the gym this week with a new routine. My knee is still giving me occasional problems, so I'll have to make some allowances there.

[Brian A.]

I was thinking of a maintain contest to follow up this contest going from July to the first week of January. Parameters being that we see who can maintain the gains or losses that they achieved durring this contest. Initial pics would be the end pics from this contest and challenge being who can look closest those pics after the holidays. I think that staying lean through the holidays is more of a challenge than getting cut for the summer. There's much more temptation and, with heavy clothes to hide the gut, there's a lot less motivation to stay cut.

[kingkop182]

Originally Posted by rhauser44

I'd be up for another challenge. A string of events have, together, caused me to screw this challenge up royal. I'm getting back into the gym this week with a new routine.

Yeah, me too.I would be up for a 're-run' if others fancy it.

Congrats to those who have made progress both in terms of body composition and injury rehab.

[Lost Dog]

No more long term Challenges for me. My life is long term challenge enough right now.

Some of you really kicked butt in the 5 1/2 months, so far. I'll be rooting for you all on the next Challenge.

I might look at some shorter duration challenges coming up, though. We'll see.