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[I'm an expert]

NOPE! Stay strong dood. Our time is next year =)

No man get the strength and the size then do the cutting.

The thing is I already had the size and just this 4 week bulk alone has pushed my strength beyond my usual levels. I want to see more of my physique again though.. I'm more bulk than finesse right now, kind of like Shogun, and it'd be a fun challenge to put the body in reverse. Not gonna lie though, my wife keeps telling me I'm getting too big and that I should just get back down to my leaner self so that's nagging at me. OBVIOUSLY she doesn't understand DA BULK.. but yeah.. my arms are at 16" already so I'm happy at the point I'm at now to cut back down a bit. This is the first time I've ever consciously taken pictures of my progress as well so it's fun to see that as well.

 

[FallingEdge]

So glad to be done cutting. Going from a net 1380 calories a day up to a 2700 new (for now, will adjust upward) is amazing. I feel like I can eat anything and everything I want, because thanks to my cut the things I want to eat are much cleaner anyways. This morning I had a bowl of oatmeal with a tiny bit of brown sugar, 4 strips of bacon, 3 eggs, and a cup of plain greek yogurt. On my cut that would've been like 1/2 my day of calories, now, it's barely a dent!

Screw cuts, let's get big people!

It is crazy to see how much eating more and getting proper rest can make a difference. 2 months ago, I was eating around 1500 calories and could barely get 8 reps @ 260 for squats. Yesterday I did 13 reps @ 260 then another 40 @ 160. Feels so goooood.

The thing is I already had the size and just this 4 week bulk alone has pushed my strength beyond my usual levels. I want to see more of my physique again though.. I'm more bulk than finesse right now, kind of like Shogun, and it'd be a fun challenge to put the body in reverse. Not gonna lie though, my wife keeps telling me I'm getting too big and that I should just get back down to my leaner self so that's nagging at me. OBVIOUSLY she doesn't understand DA BULK.. but yeah.. my arms are at 16" already so I'm happy at the point I'm at now to cut back down a bit. This is the first time I've ever consciously taken pictures of my progress as well so it's fun to see that as well.

My girl says the same thing. Tells me to stop trying to get bigger cause the clothes she bought me earlier this year won't fit lol. I want 17-18 inch arms and I'm just under 16 right now. Bigger chest, traps, and whatnot. yeah yeah yeah.

 

[TheCrow]

Thankfully my LG cut is nowhere near that extreme. 2100+ on workout days, and almost 1600 on non-workout days. So it shouldn't be super restrictive, just the hours that I eat, combined with the macros. Though my most important macro (to me) is protein, and obviously keeping unnecessary carbs controlled.

That's not too bad at all for a cut. When I start my LG bulk I'll be doing 2500 and 1700. I'm going to just try IIFYM and only make sure I get enough protein.

And yeah I would do a cut but 33 weeks sounds like a long time. Almost too long to be cutting.

 

[BruceLeeRoy]

The thing is I already had the size and just this 4 week bulk alone has pushed my strength beyond my usual levels. I want to see more of my physique again though.. I'm more bulk than finesse right now, kind of like Shogun, and it'd be a fun challenge to put the body in reverse. Not gonna lie though, my wife keeps telling me I'm getting too big and that I should just get back down to my leaner self so that's nagging at me. OBVIOUSLY she doesn't understand DA BULK.. but yeah.. my arms are at 16" already so I'm happy at the point I'm at now to cut back down a bit. This is the first time I've ever consciously taken pictures of my progress as well so it's fun to see that as well.

Dayum. Yeah you will look fantastic when you start shredding down.

 

[Poindexter]

Heeyyyyy... So anybody got some skin issues after taking creatine?
I developed a bunch of pimples on my forearms since taking it.

- I'm old and dont get pimples anymore
- Have not done Jiu Jitsu in a while
- No clue what else it could be, Creatine was the only "new" thing to my diet in the last 4 weeks.

The internet tells me I should drink more water but I'm already drinking 3l every day and that seems good to me.

I used to get them too and water did clear them up. I naturally have very clean skin but when I start creatine I get pimples on my face for the first week or so. Drinking more water clears mine up.

 

[TheDarkStark]

How in the world did you go from this:

To this?

The change isn't that drastic when you consider that he changed his entire lifestyle for 3 months.

I'm not trying diminish his accomplishment by any means, his results are fantastic, but I'm trying to tell you that each and every person here can see those types of results with proper dedication, and the right information.

He had a good frame to work with, he had a large chest and his BF% doesn't look that high in the before pictures.

Bottom line: You can and will see DRASTIC body composition changes if you change your lifestyle for 3 months. I can't stress "lifestyle change" enough, that's the key, change the way you eat, change the way you think, change the way you live.

Great job Leeroy!

 

[I'm an expert]

Dayum. Yeah you will look fantastic when you start shredding down.

It's weird because when you look down at your arms they look absolutely normal, but other people come up to me like..dude..the fuck is wrong with your arms..they are huge and I'm like ????. I think it's kind of like when you look in the mirror everyday you don't realize you've gained weight, your face looks the same to you but in reality it's huge and round haha.

My girl says the same thing. Tells me to stop trying to get bigger cause the clothes she bought me earlier this year won't fit lol. I want 17-18 inch arms and I'm just under 16 right now. Bigger chest, traps, and whatnot. yeah yeah yeah.

The clothes thing sucks.. I wear boxer/briefs and my legs got so big they're tight as fuck.

 

[Eidan]

When you guys measure your arms, are you measuring them flexed or relaxed?

 

[BruceLeeRoy]

The change isn't that drastic when you consider that he changed his entire lifestyle for 3 months.

I'm not trying diminish his accomplishment by any means, his results are fantastic, but I'm trying to tell you that each and every person here can see those types of results with proper dedication, and the right information.

He had a good frame to work with, he had a large chest and his BF% doesn't look that high in the before pictures.

Bottom line: You can and will see DRASTIC body composition changes if you change your lifestyle for 3 months. I can't stress "lifestyle change" enough, that's the key, change the way you eat, change the way you think, change the way you live.

Great job Leeroy!

Yeah your body can make unbelievable transformations if you commit to it being a lifestyle change instead of a diet w/o exercise or exercise w/o diet. If you overhaul everything its amazing.

 

[andycapps]

That's not too bad at all for a cut. When I start my LG bulk I'll be doing 2500 and 1700. I'm going to just try IIFYM and only make sure I get enough protein.

And yeah I would do a cut but 33 weeks sounds like a long time. Almost too long to be cutting.

My bad, I redid the calculation as 33 weeks did seem like a long time to me, so when you said that I wanted to double check. Nothing changed on my macros but something must not have calculated right on the time originally. It's 24 weeks. So 6 months from now I should be there, if not before. And really, I may have overestimated my starting weight by a couple pounds, I'd rather do that than underestimate and be discouraged.

 

[FallingEdge]

It's weird because when you look down at your arms they look absolutely normal, but other people come up to me like..dude..the fuck is wrong with your arms..they are huge and I'm like ????. I think it's kind of like when you look in the mirror everyday you don't realize you've gained weight, your face looks the same to you but in reality it's huge and round haha.




The clothes thing sucks.. I wear boxer/briefs and my legs got so big they're tight as fuck.

I've gotten the same thing too. People at work and friends are like, dood, your arms are huge. I look over and I don't see anything impressive lol. Kinda helps keep things in check. However, one thing that is different for me is that my arms while relaxed are never... cut. If that makes sense. It is just a slab haha. Even when leaning out, it is still the same. Sucks that when going back on a cut, that my arms won't be as big even though there is less fat lol.

Pants are still the worst. Waist and thighs do not match up at all.

 

[I'm an expert]

When you guys measure your arms, are you measuring them flexed or relaxed?

Flexed, but I just measured it without for ya and it was about a 2cm difference.

I've gotten the same thing too. People at work and friends are like, dood, your arms are huge. I look over and I don't see anything impressive lol. Kinda helps keep things in check. However, one thing that is different for me is that my arms while relaxed are never... cut. If that makes sense. It is just a slab haha. Even when leaning out, it is still the same. Sucks that when going back on a cut, that my arms won't be as big even though there is less fat lol.

That's what I meant too, more bulk than finesse, my arms are better than other spots but yeah I here ya on the slabs haha.

 

[Eidan]

It's weird because when you look down at your arms they look absolutely normal, but other people come up to me like..dude..the fuck is wrong with your arms..they are huge and I'm like ????. I think it's kind of like when you look in the mirror everyday you don't realize you've gained weight, your face looks the same to you but in reality it's huge and round haha.

I have the same "problem". My arms at 16.5" flexed, but I still feel like they're pathetic. Everyone keeps telling me how large I've gotten buy I don't see it.

FallingEdge posted pictures of his progress earlier, and his arms honestly looked much bigger than mine, so I was surprised when he said he measured just under 16. I think it might have something to do with the triceps. Maybe mine are lagging behind.

 

[rando14]

I have the same "problem". My arms at 16.5" flexed, but I still feel like they're pathetic. Everyone keeps telling me how large I've gotten buy I don't see it.

FallingEdge posted pictures of his progress earlier, and his arms honestly looked much bigger than mine, so I was surprised when he said he measured just under 16. I think it might have something to do with the triceps. Maybe mine are lagging behind.

Can't have big arms without big triceps.

 

[alphaNoid]

In my experience the past couple months HIIT made a huge difference on my BF levels. At the half way point of my mile is a small playground with pull up bars, rings and such.

Running full out sprint for a 1/2 mile and then doing a circuit of:
-Pullups
-Pushups
-Squat Jumps
-Lunge Jumps
-Hanging Leg Raises
-Hanging Leg Lateral Raises*

*No rest between exercises

Then immediately running back the other 1/2 mile with the end being again full sprint made the biggest impact in my BF by far.

Very similar to what I'm doing now.. and also congrats on your results. I would say that my goals are to end up very similar to how you look. My target is by next summer, but firstly and most important I'm cutting to get my BF% down.. but lifting 3x5 heavy sets to keep strengh and mass up. Tons of protein and caloric deficit to shed the weight.

I"m thinking 5 months to shred where I want, then winter clean bulk and a summer cut to HOPEFULLY have some abs. Currently 6'4 221lbs, and I think I need to get down to about 190 to start my clean bulk.

I'm open to any advice you have.

 

[TheCrow]

You guys are huge, my little arms come in at 13.5". Going to keep track of my measurements during my bulk so that'll help keep me motivated.

 

[Eidan]

Can't have big arms without big triceps.

I'm aware. I think they're making progress though. It's just slow going.

 

[Spiritreaver]

I have tiny arms, always feel that way. No matter what anyone says. I was glad I got them to 16" even after my cut, but I don't know. I'm in that same boat of looking down and not really seeing it.

It doesn't bother me too much though. What I worry more about is vascularity. Some guys are so vascular, and even when I'm super cut I barely have any arm veins showing. Now that I've started "bulking" they pretty much gone in my uppet arm.

I'm so fat.

 

[SeanR1221]

Bottom line: You can and will see DRASTIC body composition changes if you change your lifestyle for 3 months. I can't stress "lifestyle change" enough, that's the key, change the way you eat, change the way you think, change the way you live.

Well, not always. Did you see my before and after shot??

 

[rando14]

I have tiny arms, always feel that way. No matter what anyone says. I was glad I got them to 16" even after my cut, but I don't know. I'm in that same boat of looking down and not really seeing it.

It doesn't bother me too much though. What I worry more about is vascularity. Some guys are so vascular, and even when I'm super cut I barely have any arm veins showing. Now that I've started "bulking" they pretty much gone in my uppet arm.

I'm so fat.

I know that feel. I'm convinced I either store excessive fat on my biceps or my brachial artery is tiny, because no matter how cut I get I can't seem to get that huge protruding bicep artery like Arnold.

 

[ToxicAdam]

Muscle dysmorphia is a bitch. Don't fall down that well.

 

[andycapps]

I have tiny arms, always feel that way. No matter what anyone says. I was glad I got them to 16" even after my cut, but I don't know. I'm in that same boat of looking down and not really seeing it.

It doesn't bother me too much though. What I worry more about is vascularity. Some guys are so vascular, and even when I'm super cut I barely have any arm veins showing. Now that I've started "bulking" they pretty much gone in my uppet arm.

I'm so fat.

It seems like valcularity has to do with bf%. So I'm looking forward to that. Mostly just looking forward to seeing the abs that are in there. My cut isn't huge, but what I want is in my head so I just have to keep working towards it.

I guess I could post a before picture, though I think keeping that for now until I post my after picture, or at least something a few months in would be more appropriate.

 

[I'm an expert]

I have tiny arms, always feel that way. No matter what anyone says. I was glad I got them to 16" even after my cut, but I don't know. I'm in that same boat of looking down and not really seeing it.

It doesn't bother me too much though. What I worry more about is vascularity. Some guys are so vascular, and even when I'm super cut I barely have any arm veins showing. Now that I've started "bulking" they pretty much gone in my uppet arm.

I'm so fat.

My veins are always visible but I never have them throbbing out of my skin..to be fair I've never tried to be that cut.

Well, not always. Did you see my before and after shot??

With your lifting numbers it's kind of hard to believe.. your upper body is obviously your weakness. Not sure what routine you were using, but were you always going up on weights with your shoulders/chest? N/m just reread that post and clearly you were progressing but just stalled. Weird how your lower body didn't though.

 

[FallingEdge]

I have the same "problem". My arms at 16.5" flexed, but I still feel like they're pathetic. Everyone keeps telling me how large I've gotten buy I don't see it.

FallingEdge posted pictures of his progress earlier, and his arms honestly looked much bigger than mine, so I was surprised when he said he measured just under 16. I think it might have something to do with the triceps. Maybe mine are lagging behind.

I wouldn't put too much stock into them. Lighting can make a difference as is the angle. I have no reason to try to take it one way or the other but pics can fuck around. Measurements tell the truth.

Look at it this way, you thought my arms were bigger than yours. Now that you know the truth, you know how big your arms really are =)

I have tiny arms, always feel that way. No matter what anyone says. I was glad I got them to 16" even after my cut, but I don't know. I'm in that same boat of looking down and not really seeing it.

It doesn't bother me too much though. What I worry more about is vascularity. Some guys are so vascular, and even when I'm super cut I barely have any arm veins showing. Now that I've started "bulking" they pretty much gone in my uppet arm.

I'm so fat.

Hate that feeling. At the gym, feel tiny and skinny. At home alone looking in the mirror, feel fat and chunky.

Dumb.

Whatever, let's eat *hands pork buns to everyone*

 

[I'm an expert]

Hate that feeling. At the gym, feel tiny and skinny. At home alone looking in the mirror, feel fat and chunky.

I kind of have the opposite.. at the gym I feel huge because of the pump, and then at home I feel like a bitch. In the end I guess I'm just in between.

 

[Spiritreaver]

I know that feel. I'm convinced I either store excessive fat on my biceps or my brachial artery is tiny, because no matter how cut I get I can't seem to get that huge protruding bicep artery like Arnold.

I know right?

Can sort of see it in my right arm here. Even after my cut this year, it didn't look much more prominent than that, just a tiny faint line.

My legs are a whole different story though, but you guys know that, lol.

 

[SeanR1221]

My veins are always visible but I never have them throbbing out of my skin..to be fair I've never tried to be that cut.



With your lifting numbers it's kind of hard to believe.. your upper body is obviously your weakness. Not sure what routine you were using, but were you always going up on weights with your shoulders/chest?

Hard to believe I dont have better results?

I started strong lifts 5x5 in January and once May hit I decided to maintain my strength and lose some weight. Like I said I maintained all my strength and when I was doing SL everything went up 5lbs a workout. But I'd agree my upper body is definitely weaker.

I'm very tempted to get blood work done just to make sure everything is running ok. Each week I get more frustrated with myself, but we'll see what the scale says tomorrow on weigh in day.

 

[andycapps]

I know that feel. I'm convinced I either store excessive fat on my biceps or my brachial artery is tiny, because no matter how cut I get I can't seem to get that huge protruding bicep artery like Arnold.

Aren't most of his photos where that artery is popping likely taken when he was severely dehydrated for a competition?

 

[Eidan]

Muscle dysmorphia is a bitch. Don't fall down that well.

Damn, I looked it up. I have far too many of those symptoms.

 

[agrajag]

I don't even have a visible vein on the back of my forearm that 99% of guys and even some women have. :/

 

[I'm an expert]

Hard to believe I dont have better results?

I started strong lifts 5x5 in January and once May hit I decided to maintain my strength and lose some weight. Like I said I maintained all my strength and when I was doing SL everything went up 5lbs a workout. But I'd agree my upper body is definitely weaker.

I'm very tempted to get blood work done just to make sure everything is running ok. Each week I get more frustrated with myself, but we'll see what the scale says tomorrow on weigh in day.

Well the picture is only of your top front, so if your back and legs are looking great I guess that's where it evens out since you didn't stall on those groups. Still, for someone who can DL and Squat above body weight easily I'd just expect to see more than strength gains. Though Bruce is kind of in the same boat with his shoulder progress. I..I don't know.. like I said at the bottom of 2 pages ago - drastic time!

I don't even have a visible vein on the back of my forearm that 99% of guys and even some women have. :/

Haha..now THAT vein throbs for me.

 

[Poindexter]

I only see my arms as big when I see myself in the mirror doing dumbbell presses or something. My wife tells me that they're huge though and so does everyone else.

But I know I have a self image complex in general. After I lost 60 lbs I still didn't see a difference in the mirror. I looked just as big as before until my wife made me look at before and after pictures. So I always just ask my wife regarding my progress on physical appearance. She'll usually give me straight answers and not try to spare my feelings or ego.

 

[SeanR1221]

Well the picture is only of your top front, so if your back and legs are looking great I guess that's where it evens out since you didn't stall on those groups. Still, for someone who can DL and Squat above body weight easily I'd just expect to see more than strength gains.




Haha..now THAT vein throbs for me.

Is it worth getting a physical & blood work done?

TBH the only reason I don't say fuck it and just eat more and increase my strength is my wedding is in 9 months.

The more I look into lean gains the more it seems like its only for someone with a pretty low BF% already. Is this true?

 

[Poindexter]

The more I look into lean gains the more it seems like its only for someone with a pretty low BF% already. Is this true?

Hell no. Lean gains is great for higher bf% too. I made a lot of success on it.

 

[TheCrow]

The only part of my body that I have an issue with is my abs. I think I'm around 10% body fat and I should be able to see more definition. However, I like to believe that they will develop once I start squatting and doing some leg raises. My abs are still sore from Tuesday's workout.

 

[rando14]

Aren't most of his photos where that artery is popping likely taken when he was severely dehydrated for a competition?

I don't think so. Even when he's not shredded and he's wearing T-shirts, he still has it clearly visible with great volume.

Of course, I'm sure genetics plays a big part.

 

[I'm an expert]

The only thing I like about lean gains' approach is the timing of the meals. Measuring this or counting that.. meh.

 

[TheCrow]

The only thing I like about lean gains' approach is the timing of the meals. Measuring this or counting that.. meh.

Isn't LG only about the timing? You can take any diet and apply it to LG.

Edit: oh you must be talking about the different calorie intake for workout and non workout days. Forgot about that.

 

[I'm an expert]

Isn't LG only about the timing? You can take any diet and apply it to LG.

I'm no expert at all, but I thought LG also had to do with all that macro/micro measure how many grams of this or that stuff.

 

[agrajag]

I don't think so. Even when he's not shredded and he's wearing T-shirts, he still has it clearly visible with great volume.

Of course, I'm sure genetics plays a big part.

Check out some pics of MMA fighter Alistair Overeem. He has a huge bicep vein that's popping out all the time!

 

[ToxicAdam]

You mean the guy who just got busted for PED use?

Not sure that is the example I would point to.

 

[Petrie]

Well, not always. Did you see my before and after shot??

I feel like you keep focusing too much on these specific complex things though Sean, like, trying to make sure you eat such and such calories, and worrying about when you're eating them and tiny things. Missing the forest for the trees so to speak. Notice he says he didn't count calories or anything, he simply focused on eating healthy foods, exercising, and the results came. For beginners, that's all you need.

 

[TheCrow]

I'm no expert at all, but I thought LG also had to do with all that macro/micro measure how many grams of this or that stuff.

No you're right. I keep confusing intermittent fasting with lean gains. I do think that aspect does over complicates things but I'm willing to give it a shot.

 

[Corky]

You mean the guy who just got busted for PED use?
.

He finally got busted?

Good riddance... no offence to the guy but the way he went from a lean normal looking muay thai fighter to a bloody belgian blue and yet people refused to believe somekind of AAS was involved... was a bit odd.

 

[Spiritreaver]

I feel like you keep focusing too much on these specific complex things though Sean, like, trying to make sure you eat such and such calories, and worrying about when you're eating them and tiny things. Missing the forest for the trees so to speak. Notice he says he didn't count calories or anything, he simply focused on eating healthy foods, exercising, and the results came. For beginners, that's all you need.

This, this, this. Keep things simple. Not only because it eases the headache of keeping on track, but you're less likely to get bogged down in failure.

 

[Khalifa Jayy]

Heeyyyyy... So anybody got some skin issues after taking creatine?
I developed a bunch of pimples on my forearms since taking it.

- I'm old and dont get pimples anymore
- Have not done Jiu Jitsu in a while
- No clue what else it could be, Creatine was the only "new" thing to my diet in the last 4 weeks.

The internet tells me I should drink more water but I'm already drinking 3l every day and that seems good to me.

Creatine is not a prohormone, so it won't affect your acne production. Look elsewhere for the source of your problem, my guy.

 

[CrankyJay]

I feel like you keep focusing too much on these specific complex things though Sean, like, trying to make sure you eat such and such calories, and worrying about when you're eating them and tiny things. Missing the forest for the trees so to speak. Notice he says he didn't count calories or anything, he simply focused on eating healthy foods, exercising, and the results came. For beginners, that's all you need.

My only issue with that is people think things are healthy for them but then don't moderate the amounts and end up only hurting themselves.

There is a place for counting, but maybe you're right about Sean. Hell, I haven't counted in the last 2 weeks to give myself a mental break while still eating cleanly and the scale started moving down again for me.

 

[agrajag]

You mean the guy who just got busted for PED use?

Not sure that is the example I would point to.

Let me guess, you think Arnold was clean?

edit: BTW, Alistair always had huge biceps and vascularity, this is when he was fighting at 205lbs in Pride:

not to derail the thread or anything.

 

[TheDarkStark]

I feel like you keep focusing too much on these specific complex things though Sean, like, trying to make sure you eat such and such calories, and worrying about when you're eating them and tiny things. Missing the forest for the trees so to speak. Notice he says he didn't count calories or anything, he simply focused on eating healthy foods, exercising, and the results came. For beginners, that's all you need.

I agree with this counting calories is an awful idea. Unless you're doing it for documentation purposes or for incredibly specific goals (ie: pro body builder), it's a waste of time.

You will eventually get to a point where you stop, because nobody counts every calorie they've ever put into their body. And when you stop counting you're more likely to resume your "normal" poor eating habits.

Just have a rough idea of how many calories you need, and try to stick to it as best as possible, while eating as lean as possible. It will feel less like a diet, and more like a lifestyle change, which in the end is the ultimate goal.

 

[Poindexter]

Creatine is not a prohormone, so it won't affect your acne production. Look elsewhere for the source of your problem, my guy.

Creatine causes water retention for some people and water retention is a cause of acne.