Last Visit: Sep 4, 2008 6:33pm Last Forum Post: Aug 21, 2008 4:50am Last Photo Upload: Jul 7, 2008 9:41pm Last Profile Update: Aug 4, 2008 5:28am Last Blog Post: Jul 31, 2008 4:01pm
"Concentrate on adding size back to my surgically repaired upper body. My old web page holds the gory details of my shoulder injury and the good results from my '08(MuscleTech), '05(Instone), and '02(Body-for-LIFE) transformation contests."
I started when I picked up a magazine on drinkable supplements in 2002 in which I saw an advertisement for a transformation contest. I thought to myself "if these pictures are legitimate and these people could do it, why not me?" That day started my healthier lifestyle (no more pop or fries) and I've been trying to live healthier ever since. At one point in my life I was almost 270lbs. Now I maintain around 200lbs thanks to getting the fitness bug back in 2002.
Why I Love It:
I have a Jekyll and Hyde love of working out. I hate starting a workout, but love how I feel when I'm done. Typically I don't want to stop once I get near the end of a workout. This is especially true for cardio workouts.
How I Stay Motivated:
Four Ways: [1] Transformation Contests help to keep me motivated. Contests give you WRITTEN and TRACKABLE targets to shoot for and you can adjust as you see fit during the course of a contest (depending on progress -- too fast or too slow). [2] Varying the routine -- if you get bored or you are not confusing your muscles enough then your progress will most likely be slow. Switching things up can help with gains and motivation. [3] Studying the people who have physiques or body parts that you admire (I am currently reading all I can on Zane and Gironda), and finally, [4] The support of family or friends is critical to staying on track. You can do everything alone, but it's much harder. My family supports me 100% and I'm slowly gaining friends here on BodySpace for even more support.
BB Accomplishments:
Although I no longer use or recommend all of the methods I employed for my previous Transformation Contests, I am proud of each the following:
[1] Finishing a 12-week run through the MuscleTech/BodySpace $50,000 Transformation Contest in 2008. I proved my doctors wrong who said I'd never be able to lift again after my 2005 shoulder surgery. I found a way.
[2] Finishing Instone's LifeChange Challenge in 2005 with a torn AC Joint in my shoulder (that almost ended my fitness lifestyle).
[3] Finishing a run through Body-For-Life in 2002... this kick started my healthier lifestyle.
Forum Signature:
Symmetry over Size: using Rubber Bands, Isolation Exercises, and Lots of Repetitions.
Favorite Supplement: Snake Oil
Ask for it by name at finer vitamin and supplement shops.
Last Updated: Jul 31, 2008 4:47pm
Progress Pictures
Apr 12, 2008
Jul 4, 2008
Here are the 5 required poses for the MuscleTech $50,000 Transformation Challenge: Front Relaxed, Back Relaxed, Most Muscular, Abs and Thigh, and Side Chest. These were taken on Saturday, April 12 and that the May issue of MuscleMag in my hand. As you can see my gut and "man boobs" got a...
FinalContest Progress Pictures 12-Week Point (about 83 Days here). These are the 5 required poses for the MuscleTech $50,000 Transformation Challenge: Front Relaxed, Back Relaxed, Most Muscular, Abs and Thigh, and Side Chest. These were taken "Soft on a Friday", July 4, and that's the August...
Concentrate on adding size back to my surgically repaired upper body. My old web page holds the gory details of my shoulder injury and the good results from my '08(MuscleTech), '05(Instone), and '02(Body-for-LIFE) transformation contests.
Goal (Long):
I want to add size and definition back to my frame. I have a large 6'2"/6'3" frame to work with, so putting some muscle back on will be fun, challenging, and rewarding. Since I cannot do heavy weights anymore, I'll be working out primarily with rubber bands, plyometrics, and a high repetitions. You have to be creative to simulate heavy lifting when you cannot lift heavy. Got to love "career-ending" injuries (there is no such thing is my opinion)!!!
What is the most dangerous weightlifting exercise? Why?
Anything over the head, especially behind the head, put enormous strain on body (neck, shoulders, and back). I would only do these type of moves if you are in optimal shape. Deadlifts with too much please a large amount of strain on back, and if you do these too fast, with too much weight, or improper form a back or hamstring injury is quite common.Anything over the head, especially behind the head, put enormous strain on body (neck, shoulders, and back). I would only do these type of moves if you are in optimal shape. Deadlifts with too much ...more
- Updated Apr 19, 2008 7:45am
What is the most common reason that somebody gets injured while lifting?
Lifting too much, lifting with improper form, or lifting heavy without a spotter, can all lead to injury. Improper nutrition can lead to injury as well. If you muscles and bones do not have enough proper nutrients injury is much more likely.Lifting too much, lifting with improper form, or lifting heavy without a spotter, can all lead to injury. Improper nutrition can lead to injury as well. If you muscles and bones do not have enough p...more
- Updated Apr 19, 2008 7:42am
Have you ever had a lifting injury?
Yes
What type of injury was it? How long were you injured? How did you recover?
Shoulder, slight tear of the AC joint. During surgery it was found that I had Osteolysis - a form of arthritis characterized by a plaque-like or scar tissue build up around a joint and bone. Osteolysis of the Distal Clavicle was the official diagnosis. My clavicle bone was heavily frayed and to fix doctors took and small portion of the clavicle bone out. I have no more pinching in my AC joint after the surgery, but with all the extra space in there my shoulder is a little bit unstable. I did rehab with range of motion exercises and rubber bands for about a year and half before I attempted light weights again. Due the unstable nature off my shoulder, free weights are pretty much out for me from now on. Shoulder, slight tear of the AC joint. During surgery it was found that I had Osteolysis - a form of arthritis characterized by a plaque-like or scar tissue build up around a joint and bone. Osteoly...more
Sorry for the lay off from the blog since the MuscleTech contest, but I've been traveling. Technically, I'm still on vacation through next Sunday, but starting sometime next week I'll be back with some posts including topics on how to travel and train without equipment, how to travel and...
HH makes you Hungry? Wow I don't need that right now while dieting. I was going to by ALRI's Hyperdrive but since I'm in the MT contest I was going to buy the HH but I can't be taking something that's going to make me more hungry...I'll never get diced that way
Thanks for the comments, I haven't started using a fat burner yet but will be buying some HydroxyCut Hardcore this month hope that takes fat burning up a notch. How bout you?
Hey man - congrats on your transformation. Also really liked your profile page - All the best to your continued goals and keep working hard - I found it inspiration
thanks for the add man. You look great. You got alot to be proud of. Keep in touch from time to time. Will be cool watching you progress towards your goal.
I just wanted to thank you for the nice message and encouragement that you send with your friend request. I really appreciate it! I wish you all the best in reaching your goals and especially at winning that contest! Take care!
XOX,
jamie
