Last Visit: Today, 6:56am Last Forum Post: Dec 17, 2007 8:10am Last Photo Upload: Feb 8, 2008 7:56pm Last Profile Update: May 24, 2008 6:59am Last Blog Post:Never
I got my first weight set at age 14 and continued lifting for 2 solid years. And yet despite not knowing much about proper training and even less about nutrition, I managed to build a decent foundation of muscle size going from 130 lbs to 160 lbs in that time although I was pretty smooth at about 16% bf. I admit I didn’t train my legs or abs with nearly as much enthusiasm as my upper body – something I regret today as I’m trying very hard to bring those weak points up to par. But I looked good in a tank top, which is all I really cared about at 16! Then I discovered partying and girls and there went my desire to train. But over the years I'd get the urge to start lifting again..usually just for summer - tank top weather. Then come fall I'd quit again. This on and off pattern has persisted for over 20 years. But then in January of 2006, I hit an all time low. I hadn't trained in several years and was the fattest I'd ever been at about 185 lbs and around 22% bf. I vowed to myself that I'd start training again..but the right way. No slacking, eating squeaky clean, etc. So at 39 after about 18 months of solid hard work, I'm in the best shape of my life and only looking to improve. No drugs..no shortcuts...just consistent hard work and unshakable discipline is all you need to get the body you want.
Why I Love It:
You just feel so much better both physically and mentally. I have more energy and the sense of accomplishment as well as a boost in self confidence is well worth the effort.
How I Stay Motivated:
Setting short term goals and doing what you have to to reach them works for me. It's so exciting and rewarding to set a goal and reach it. You just can't wait to start working towards the next one. Pretty soon you have a nice collection of them under your belt and you're getting closer to what you envision looking like - you realize this really works!
BB Accomplishments:
Nothing in terms of competition. But as for personal goal setting, I'm the leanest I've ever been at about 8.8% BF. My goal is to get to 6% and perhaps even lower. But I must remember...baby steps!
Forum Signature:
I don't care how much I can bench. All I care about is how much I LOOK like I can bench ;)
Last Updated: Mar 10, 2008 11:39am
Progress Pictures
Sep 6, 2005
Jul 14, 2007
I wish I had a shirtless before picture of me when I was in my worst shape but I can't seem to find any. I did find this shot though taken in September of 2005. You can tell by just looking at my face I was way heavier than I should be at 185 lbs. I had the beginnings of a double chin and my...
Here's a series of pics taken on my recent vacation to Florida. I have some decent thickness for 158 lbs. Many can't believe I'm that light. I can see I need better leg and ab developement. I also need to be harder looking. More defined and chisled would help greatly I think.
I'm not really looking to put on any major size. I've had a few injuries over the years which now prevent me from doing many of the size building power movements like squats, deads, cleans, etc. So my main goal now is to improve my body compostion and get my upper and lower body in proportion, particularly my calves which are pretty weak. Abs need a lot more work as well. Adding a few more pounds of lean muscle would be nice but I'd like to really lean out and just look harder. Harder meaning improved muscle density, better muscle separation, striations, sculpted!
What supplements do you take immediately after your workout? Why?
I have my Biotest Surge shake. It's the best recovery drink I know of. After a tough workout, your body is in a state of catabolism. Your cortisol levels are up and that's bad. Your glycogen levels are depleted..that's bad too. Surge is a mixture of simple carbs (d-glucose, maltodextrin), whey protein hydrolysate (a form of protein that's digested almost immediately), BCAA's and glutamine. This mixture quickly truns your body from a state of catabolism into one of anabolism and that's very good! The simple carbs cause an insulin spike which enables your body to absorb these much needed nutrients far more efficiently than without it. I have my Biotest Surge shake. It's the best recovery drink I know of. After a tough workout, your body is in a state of catabolism. Your cortisol levels are up and that's bad. Your glycogen levels ar...more
I don’t go too overboard on supplements. I try to rely on eating whole foods for the most part. Whole meaning as close to nature intended with as little processing as possible. I take a daily multi vitamin/mineral just for insurance. I also drink a lot of...
Hey J, I remember catching your photos for the first time last summer. How's the progress been since? Hope you're doing well; like many others here have said, you're a big source of inspiration. Keep it up.
Great pictures (your transformation is truly inspiring!) and an even better profile. What you wrote shows you clearly a complete man (brains and brawn). Thanks for posting!
It took me a while, but I finally put 2 & 2 together - you are not the 4th LAC member I've seen on here. Have to admit, I've admired your biceps for weeks -- really nice work man and awesome photos! Glad to have you in Louisville! -Ray
Very cool that you are just down the road, Joe. Hope they can handle your New Yawk accent there in Louisville! And based on your current pix, you will WIN Natural Masters comps! There is an OCB comp on the south side of Indy May 31st, you should come check it out. An easy drive, just 90 miles. Let me know if you want info on it. You need at least one person in your life whispering "you should compete" in your ear! LOL!
I am just about to start a cut phase. Do you have any suggestions about fat measuring calipers? I was thinking about purchasing some so I don't have to keep asking the people at the gym to measure me. Do you have your own? And if so, any recommendations? How accurate are they in your opinion?
WoW! It's hard to believe that you're only 158 lbs. You look more like you should be around 175 or more (especially at your height). Your progress pics are amazing. You're an inspiration!
Heyo Joe. Great website for your photography biz. Have you done any BB work? Were you living in New York previously? Thought I saw your profile there a while back... BTW, you should consider doing Masters comps!
Glad to see you using BodySpace. I just wanted to take a moment and let you know about our Over 40 Amateur Of The Week - http://www.bodybuilders.com/si gnam.htm - If you are interested go to the signam.htm page for details on entering. If selected you would gain worldwide exposure and win $50 worth of FREE supplements! Good Luck!
Great work in getting to terrific shape at such an, *ahem*, "advanced" age. You're proof that bodybuilding doesn't belong only to the "boys" but that men can do it, too. Keep up the great work!
Hey man - unfortunately, no. I actually have to have back surgery on 2/18. After about six weeks of recovery, I hope to be back to the gym(almost to where I started two years ago).
