My pics after 7 year layoff

[markas214]

I started up again about 6 weeks ago. Took these today. Weight around 195 @5'-5. First is relaxed then flex although I'm so smooth it doesn't show.

[markas214]

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[OVG]

I don't see a second pic. Hit the weights hard and watch your diet and you won't know the meaning of smooth.

[markas214]

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[OVG]

Oh... there they are. sorry, must have posted before you did.

[Pete235]

Markas, you've made the first step..committing to get back into the life style. You also had the balls to post pics and I give you props for that. Just so you know, we have a good mix of intelligent youngsters here as well as seasoned vetrans. Age is not a factor on this board. You will get straight forward honest assesments without bullshit flames. You will also get great advice and suggestions or any input needed. This may sound like a canned response, but I can see that you have some shape and muscle mass...but also, obviously, a lot of excess bodyfat (which I'm sure you are more than aware of). So from here, tell us a little about what your goals are and whether or not you plan on doing things naturally or chemically assisted.

[markas214]

Having trained for 15+ years I pretty muched maxed out on my genetic potential. My goal is to get my weight down by 40 pounds to aroun 155 160. At that time I'll assess where I can make improvements. If I decide to use any chemical assistance it will probably be a pretty light cycle to get some hardness and definition. I guess I should spend some time reading the diet board posts as that is what I need to be concentrating on. I believe I maintain all my muscle mass from the time I spent in the gym. It's just burried uder a few inches of fat.

I have no doubt there are intelligent youngsters here having lurked for a few weeks. I take advice for what it's worth no matter the source. I've been around long enough to know good advice when I get it.

When I was in my 20s Muscle & Fitness was a good source of info before it became a giant Weider ad. But unless you are using AAS most of the routines in the magazines will have you over training and burn you out. I learned that the hard way being constantly overtrained really slowed my progress for a couple of years. Now I plan on working each body part once a week and getting plent of protien and rest.

I go to a Gold's Gym and I'm probably one of the oldest guys there. These young guys keep getting bigger and bigger. There is a lot of info out there for the novice and experienced lifters alike. This forum is a great resource.