7 months progress pics (6.5 weeks out from starting my next cycle)

[TheTaxMan]

Tax-

Diet looks clean (except for when you cheat lol), I would say that I agree with Krugerr on the Carb heavy piece. Now, say if you are eating enough calories to keep maintenance or even to lose, try substituting some protein in for carbs. So, if you drop 50g of carbs, replace with 50g protein to keep the same amount of calories. This will benefit you more when your "on cycle", as your body will need more protein anyways. Other than that, 10 beers, say they are full beers and not light beers, run around 150-200 calories each! That's 1,500-2,000 extra calories a day! Let that stew for a min lol.

Carb cycling is good too, there are different ways of doing it too so you can suit it to your needs. Some people go low carb low calories on off days or light days then compensate on workout or heavy days (1500 calories on light days, 3500 calories on heavy day to equal out for the week). Some also will replace the calories lost from carbs with protein and/or fats (say they drop 100g of carbs, they will add 100g of protein to their diets or even do like a mix of protein and fats to cover the 400 calories drop from carbs).

Thanks for the detailed reply and advice man

To clarify, i have 10 beers over a full weekend, not 10 beers per day

I will look to carb cycling on my off days, and maybe pulling out a few carbs here and there out of my meals.

I personaly think with some cardio, 50% less beer and cheat meals il see a big difference, im going to try this first and see what happens over 6 weeks

[TheTaxMan]

Thanks Bio - i love how you use the word "we" like we are all a team onthis forum cheers for the support

Thanks 73rr, the weekends kind of where i fvck up, my meal prep for work mon-fri and the evenings is great then it seems to go out the window at the weekend, i think on friday night i need to come home and whip up a big pan of something, put it in some tubs and in the fridge.

[Bio-Active]

Thanks Bio - i love how you use the word "we" like we are all a team onthis forum cheers for the support Thanks 73rr, the weekends kind of where i fvck up, my meal prep for work mon-fri and the evenings is great then it seems to go out the window at the weekend, i think on friday night i need to come home and whip up a big pan of something, put it in some tubs and in the fridge.

yeah that is the way I look at things. We are all here helping each other as a team

[TheTaxMan]

Yea i agree Nach, i need to prepare better on the weekends insted of just going for the easy options.

I know where im going wrong and how to fix it, just doing it has been the tricky part, but i know if i want the body im aiming for, it needs to happen!

[Back In Black]

Tax, you have some great advice here from everyone.

My tuppenies worth? You aren't 15%, sorry. Probably 20% based on those photo's.

Pick a goal and stick to it, grow or cut. Don't start doing one then think you are getting too fat/too small. See it through. For what it,s worth, I think if you drop 15lbs of fat and maybe gain a little LBM, you will look amazing for summer.

Start cardio. Life is busy I know but there's no harm in shortening your lifting and making it more intense so that you can add 20mins cardio after every lifting session, that's what I do, works great with the cals slightly under maintenance. If I can add one other cardio only session that's a nice bonus to have.

[TheTaxMan]

Tax, you have some great advice here from everyone.

My tuppenies worth? You aren't 15%, sorry. Probably 20% based on those photo's.

Pick a goal and stick to it, grow or cut. Don't start doing one then think you are getting too fat/too small. See it through. For what it,s worth, I think if you drop 15lbs of fat and maybe gain a little LBM, you will look amazing for summer.

Start cardio. Life is busy I know but there's no harm in shortening your lifting and making it more intense so that you can add 20mins cardio after every lifting session, that's what I do, works great with the cals slightly under maintenance. If I can add one other cardio only session that's a nice bonus to have.

Thanks for the reply.
So from my start and after pics ive only lost 5% bodyfat in 7 months?

Then thats incredibly poor!
and heres me thinking im doing well

Im going to increase my cardio and fiter more in the diet area.
Thanks again

[krugerr]

Thanks for the reply.
So from my start and after pics ive only lost 5% bodyfat in 7 months?

Then thats incredibly poor!
and heres me thinking im doing well

Im going to increase my cardio and fiter more in the diet area.
Thanks again

There we go mate. Sometimes a kick like that can be the motivator.
You'd have lost a lot more if you'd kerb those bloody beers and track your diet!

[Bio-Active]

Thanks for the reply. So from my start and after pics ive only lost 5% bodyfat in 7 months? Then thats incredibly poor! and heres me thinking im doing well Im going to increase my cardio and fiter more in the diet area. Thanks again

keep in mind your running a marathon not a 100 meter dash. I guy told me when I first started this lifestyle"if you achieve all your goals then what?" He was right this is a lifestyle your doing great 7 months isn't that long either. I did this for years and once I tightened my nutrition up my gains went crazy. For meal 1 cheat meal each week is a max and my cheat meals are really just eating more of what I normally do. Most my cheat food is still measured so I know exactly what I am getting. It just depends on how extreme you want to go. I been thinking about starting a thread about this lifestyle and taking it to the extreme

[73rr]

keep in mind your running a marathon not a 100 meter dash. I guy told me when I first started this lifestyle"if you achieve all your goals then what?" He was right this is a lifestyle your doing great 7 months isn't that long either. I did this for years and once I tightened my nutrition up my gains went crazy. For meal 1 cheat meal each week is a max and my cheat meals are really just eating more of what I normally do. Most my cheat food is still measured so I know exactly what I am getting. It just depends on how extreme you want to go. I been thinking about starting a thread about this lifestyle and taking it to the extreme

Plz make that thread bio! That could be a big motivation for the days I get down!


Tax I think if u cut down. U would still look pritty big with or without a shirt. Just do the cut slow so that u know when to stop cutting and maintain.

[Bio-Active]

Plz make that thread bio! That could be a big motivation for the days I get down! Tax I think if u cut down. U would still look pritty big with or without a shirt. Just do the cut slow so that u know when to stop cutting and maintain.

trust me I'm working on it

[krugerr]

Bio - I'd love to read that thread. Go go go!

Sent from my iPhone using App

[TheTaxMan]

I could quite happily cut, i can functiom well on low calories, the problem i have is i like the big look and i like to have presence about me when i walk in a room or out in public

If i was to cut and drop like 14lbs of fat id look skinny as hell? I dont want to look like an olympic swimmer, id loveto get that lean but only with big muscles.

Basicaly i want to look like an olympic swimmer but on roids.

You should start that thread bio!

[Back In Black]

I could quite happily cut, i can functiom well on low calories, the problem i have is i like the big look and i like to have presence about me when i walk in a room or out in public

If i was to cut and drop like 14lbs of fat id look skinny as hell? I dont want to look like an olympic swimmer, id loveto get that lean but only with big muscles.

Basicaly i want to look like an olympic swimmer but on roids.

You should start that thread bio!

You'd be 190lbs at about 12% at 5'8. Maybe not super impressive whilst clothed but with your top off or in a quality fitted t-shirt or wife beater.......

It would also be a great point to bulk from.

[Strongblood]

How often do you work your traps, Tax? And what exercises? Hell man, your traps have grown tremendously!

[TheTaxMan]

How often do you work your traps, Tax? And what exercises? Hell man, your traps have grown tremendously!

Thanks strongblood

Honestly mate, ive never trained my traps or my forearms in my life, they just get maintained in general workouts. I think if i pounded my traps and forearms direct they would look to big compared to other body parts, they will get trained when chest and shoulders etc buff out more

[TheTaxMan]

So guys at my current state and wanting to look good on my holiday in 5 months

Am i better off doing a complete strict cut? Or Continue bulking (getting it more clean of course and increasing cardio)?

Or decide in 6 weeks after my prime when i can see what my current state is like before the test and tren run?

I just dont want to look skinny
Id love to look nice and lean but i wouldnt trade it for mass look, my personality demands size and presence (still looking decent ofcourse)

[Bio-Active]

My opinion is always going to be to cut until your at 10% bad or less and you will look bigger the leaner you are

[TheTaxMan]

My opinion is always going to be to cut until your at 10% bad or less and you will look bigger the leaner you are

If i was in full proportion i would agree with this

But if i cut like fvck now and my chest isnt at the thickness id like it to be would i not look stupid/flat chested?

Or is it possible to cut like hell and bulk my chest and say legs at the same time with the correct training? (Say lift to failure on the bodyparts that need growth? And lift high reps on the rest?)

OR

If im cruising and blasting could i not cut over the next 6 weeks then bulk/blast? Or would i losemy muscle mass on a 150mg test e cruise dose?

I also have a question about priming, is priming for any cycle? Bulk or cut? I was under the impression priming is for bulking cycles to get high gains, but what if your cutting? Do you prime?

[Bio-Active]

If i was in full proportion i would agree with this

But if i cut like fvck now and my chest isnt at the thickness id like it to be would i not look stupid/flat chested?

Or is it possible to cut like hell and bulk my chest and say legs at the same time with the correct training? (Say lift to failure on the bodyparts that need growth? And lift high reps on the rest?)

OR

If im cruising and blasting could i not cut over the next 6 weeks then bulk/blast? Or would i losemy muscle mass on a 150mg test e cruise dose?

I also have a question about priming, is priming for any cycle? Bulk or cut? I was under the impression priming is for bulking cycles to get high gains, but what if your cutting? Do you prime?

Once you do a real cut and get that bf down to single digits i really doubt you will ever want to do an all out bulk again

[TheTaxMan]

When i pinch areas of my body

My upper body like my arms etc i can hardly pinch much fat, i seem to hold it all on the abdominal area and love handle area

If i did a proper cut, my arms and upper should still remain big if i cant pinch much there right? I know they will go smaller as there will be fat there but it shouldnt be a case of feeling like ive lost all my size?

Thats the only thing that puts me off, although il look fit and healthy and lean, i dont want to feel like im starting over again when i was 20 years old and no muscle lol

[Bio-Active]

When i pinch areas of my body

My upper body like my arms etc i can hardly pinch much fat, i seem to hold it all on the abdominal area and love handle area

If i did a proper cut, my arms and upper should still remain big if i cant pinch much there right? I know they will go smaller as there will be fat there but it shouldnt be a case of feeling like ive lost all my size?

Thats the only thing that puts me off, although il look fit and healthy and lean, i dont want to feel like im starting over again when i was 20 years old and no muscle lol

If you cut properly like I said you are going to look bigger at my leanest people would constantly tell me wow you look like you have gained 30 lbs but in reality I had cut 40lbs. If you do it right and put yourself in a 500 calorie deficit you wont loose strength either

[TheTaxMan]

Tried that myfitnesspal kruger, entered all my details hit next and it just says "there was an error, staff have been informed of this."

FFS lol

[Back In Black]

You'll never know what your muscles look like if you can't see them.

FYI this guy is 5'10, 188lbs and approx 12% here. Whilst your body shapes are probably different it's a reasonable reference point for you.

[TheTaxMan]

This is more the look im trying to achieve

http://cms.bbcomcdn.com/fun/images/2013/ss-1.jpg

So it looks like i need to put another 10lbs on before doing a drastic cut

Id honestly feel like shit looking skinny - i know the guy u posted aint skinny but you know what i mean, his pic is also a professional photo, i bet he looks even smaller without the airbrushing etc (im guessing here but theres more than likely filters applied)

[krugerr]

This is more the look im trying to achieve

http://cms.bbcomcdn.com/fun/images/2013/ss-1.jpg

So it looks like i need to put another 10lbs on before doing a drastic cut

Id honestly feel like shit looking skinny - i know the guy u posted aint skinny but you know what i mean, his pic is also a professional photo, i bet he looks even smaller without the airbrushing etc (im guessing here but theres more than likely filters applied)

I think the above comments are right here Tax. Its not the answer you want, but you'd be better off cutting the fat and then slowly growing into the shape you want. Otherwise you'll add the muscle you want, and more fat. Then have to do a harsh cut to get back to where you want, sacrificing muscle anyway.

[Strongblood]

This is more the look im trying to achieve http://cms.bbcomcdn.com/fun/images/2013/ss-1.jpg So it looks like i need to put another 10lbs on before doing a drastic cut Id honestly feel like shit looking skinny - i know the guy u posted aint skinny but you know what i mean, his pic is also a professional photo, i bet he looks even smaller without the airbrushing etc (im guessing here but theres more than likely filters applied)

Yea. That guys body is more like yours Tax. IMO all you lack is more defined abs and small reduction in BF and you will be very close to that guys physique. So, give it hell bro!

[TheTaxMan]

Thanks for that bib

His body is great in terms of lean but hes too small he just looks fit.

We are all different but personaly id rather stay how i am now than look like that.

[TheTaxMan]

I wont add more fat though if my diet is tidied up and the alcohol is out the window?
And cardio?
I should think my fat would go downsnd my lbm up
Which is happening today btw

Also marcus advised me not to drastic cut as you lose hard earned muscle as well, its best to steadily chip away at the fat over time

[krugerr]

I wont add more fat though if my diet is tidied up and the alcohol is out the window

Which is happening today btw

MyFitnessPal - Lets see it bro!

If you absolutely must avoid cutting. Sit at maintenance for a few months and see how you recomp.

[TheTaxMan]

I have like 5 months before in topless anyway lol, and as you know british summer time is a good distance away

Im going to see how i look in 6 weeks after cleaning up diet and introducing some cardio every couple of days, im just going to do some running after my workouts

im sure that will clean me up.

Will continue with cardio (if the tren lets me) through ny next cycle, im sure the tren will melt some fat too if the diet is clean.

[TheTaxMan]

I agree the cut look does make you look more muscular/bigger

I kind of just hate the guys physique in the pic BIB posted and its put me off lol

[Bio-Active]

I agree the cut look does make you look more muscular/bigger

I kind of just hate the guys physique in the pic BIB posted and its put me off lol

I guess I am confused??? What are your goals then?

[TheTaxMan]

I guess I am confused??? What are your goals then?

Im 203lbs, i want to be 214lbs-ish but lean like 12% would be a nice start, then maybe 10% once i get there but id be happy with 12%, i know this goal isnt achieveable in a few months but thats my eventual goal

Short term goal would just be 200lbs minimum and 12% bodyfat

The pic BIB posted i like his lean look like his abs etc, just his pecs and everywhere else arent big enough, maybe because he is 5ft10 i dont know, his arms just look long and wierd lol

Your avatar though you look great, very lean but you look thick and the right areas.
Just incase you thought i was saying lean people look wierd lol, i guess it could just be that guys body type i dont like

i want to look thick(stock) and lean, he looks good but kind of scrawny, and i couldnt deal with that look even if it was temporary,

[Bio-Active]

Im 203lbs, i want to be 214lbs-ish but lean like 12% would be a nice start, then maybe 10% once i get there but id be happy with 12%

The pic BIB posted i like his lean look like his abs etc, just his pecs and everywhere else arent big enough, maybe because he is 5ft10 i dont know, his arms just look long and wierd lol

i want to look thick(stock) and lean, he looks good but kind of scrawny, and i couldnt deal with that look even if it was temporary,

Well that's because that guy in the pic isn't lean enough

[krugerr]

Im 203lbs, i want to be 214lbs-ish but lean like 12% would be a nice start, then maybe 10% once i get there but id be happy with 12%

The pic BIB posted i like his lean look like his abs etc, just his pecs and everywhere else arent big enough, maybe because he is 5ft10 i dont know, his arms just look long and wierd lol

i want to look thick(stock) and lean, he looks good but kind of scrawny, and i couldnt deal with that look even if it was temporary,

Ignore BIBs picture, he was merely proving a point.

For you to best achieve what you want, you need to drop another 5% fat minimum.

CURRENT ----- 203lbs - 20% bodyfat = 162.4lbs LBM (total 40.6lbs fat)
PROPOSED ----215lbs - 15% bodyfat = 182.75lbs LBM (total 32.25lbs fat)

You need to add 20lbs of lean mass to reach your goal mate. So you really should start from the basepoint BF% you want to maintain, and work from there.

*Edit* You also need to drop a 8lbs of pure fat.

[TheTaxMan]

Ignore BIBs picture, he was merely proving a point.

For you to best achieve what you want, you need to drop another 5% fat minimum.

CURRENT ----- 203lbs - 20% bodyfat = 162.4lbs LBM (total 40.6lbs fat)
PROPOSED ----215lbs - 15% bodyfat = 182.75lbs LBM (total 32.25lbs fat)

You need to add 20lbs of lean mass to reach your goal mate. So you really should start from the basepoint BF% you want to maintain, and work from there.

*Edit* You also need to drop a 8lbs of pure fat.

Thanks for that kruger

I think im going to try to cut 8lbs of fat now on my cruise (i have just over 6 weeks) then lean bulk on the test and tren?

Sound good?
Im sure its doable, im sure they say you can lose 2lbs a week, so could even aim for 12lbs then hit the cycle and grow!

[krugerr]

I guess I am confused??? What are your goals then?

He wants to look big, but not physically be small. I guess he means in terms of weight/presence.

However - Taxman, you've got this backward. By losing the fat, you'll look much bigger and have more presence.

[TheTaxMan]

He wants to look big, but not physically be small. I guess he means in terms of weight/presence.

However - Taxman, you've got this backward. By losing the fat, you'll look much bigger and have more presence.

The pic BIB posted he doesnt look like he has any presence though (imo)

[MrFreshmaker]

In fact this is his first answer and well explained answer for me from Marcus:

If you have read my thread you will know I have strong views on diets either bulking or cutting, one of the biggest mistake guys do when cutting is doing it to quick and sacrificing hard earned muscle tissue for the sake of some bf, when in reality you can retain the muscle and still cut bf.

Let me see if I can explain it alittle better, I train extremely hard and intense and every lb of tissue is really hard for me to build and grow, it takes a lot of hard work like it does with all of us, maintaining this tissue is even hard which is another thread altogether but growing muscle tissue is hard thing to do, if it wasn't we all would be 300lbs at 6% bf. So if I go through hell building muscle tissue I WILL NOT waste muscle tissue away for the sake of losing some bf fast, no matter what I will not just let my tissue what's took me ages to build waste away and that's what most do, they go around in circles building muscle then cutting up which results in low bf and loss of muscle tissue then they start all over again building and cutting, they are in this vicious circle going round and round which results in them never really growing.

So, when cutting do it slowly. MY opinion attack your bf via added cardio first and nothing else, keep cals at maintenance, after you hit a brick wall and we all do after a few weeks then start adjusting the cals along side the cardio and you will start losing bf again. Then again you will hit a wall further down the line and then use some supps to help what ever you prefer eph, t3, clen etc. The main priority when cutting is to maintain muscle tissue this is most important imho, and the only way to do this is to do it slowly bits at a time and monitor your body and adjust things accordingly. I cant say eat this amount and do this amount of cardio because everyone is different and when I had clients it would take me ages to understand their body and how it responds but one person who knows all this is you.

To answer your question, do I think its possible in 6months and retain your muscle tissue = yes of you do it correctly and make maintaining your tissue priority and attack your bf slowly and use the tools to do this one at a time and not all at .

[TheTaxMan]

My meals are the same every day though, so theres no need to judge by eye, its pretty much already measured.

In no correct order:

-2 eggs (same)
-2 bananas (same)
-Protein shake (same)
-Tin of sardines(same)
-Homemade protein cake (sameish)
-Bowl of oats (protein scoop is used to measure so the same)
-Bowl of oats
-Skimmed milk is the same as i use 250ml per bowl of oats
-Chicken rice and broccoli (chicken may differ but the wholegrain rice is in a packet, and i use one broccoli per day)
-evening meal could vary but is pretty much the same in terms of size

As im not competing i dont think weighing the chicken out would make much difference, i buy the breasts in bulk and they are pretty much the same size