The Beginning

To those that know me, this blog will not really be a surprise. I have already made a physical transformation and have pictures here. While some may think my fat loss was sufficient, I have not yet realized one of my personal goals... a rock hard six-pack.

Now, before we get all worked up about the elusive six-er, let me put forth what I know and where I am coming from. Number One, I now know that genetics play a HUGE roll in the results I can expect. Number Two, please don't tell me I need to do an infinite amount of sit-ups and crunches - I know better ;) A person's ability to showcase a rippling mid-section is all about muscle tone and body fat. I, like many men in the world, happen to store the bulk of my energy reserves on my belly. This makes diet critical in my physique goals. I know that I have the ability to get a solid frame. I wont be a Mike Mentzer or a Dorian Yates, however I do have the potential to have an eye pleasing body with a higher than average amount of muscle, much like David Landau. The keys to my goals lay in effective training and diet. Diet, diet, diet!

How will I achieve my goal? I will train hard using the principles of HIT (High Intensity Training). I will train my entire body in an excruciating but brief weight training session once a week. I will lift hard and smart. If you think that giving the maximum effort - and I mean muscle cramping, oxygen depriving, sweat beading on your forehead effort on the one and only work-set until you are crawling to the shower in exhaustion - is the hard part, you are wrong. At least that is my case. For me the hard part is knowing when enough food is in my belly. Knowing that I don't need a huge portion of food to give me energy and build muscle. 

How will I do this? What are my tools? The plan is to track my food intake using Fatsecret  in an attempt to stay around 1800 kcals and at least a gallon of water a day. The 1800 calories should provide a sufficient calorie deficit to burn fat and not lose muscle mass, and the super-hydration will help me metabolize fat and for my body to function efficiently. I will try to keep this blog updated with photos of my meals and changes in my body. I will also post my workouts, so anyone can see my improvements and deficits.

Another thing to note is that I plan on doing this transformation supplement free. No fancy protein shakes or weight loss pills. There is no magic potion that will give you the perfect body. It is simple discipline in the gym and on the plate. Also, I will add the caveat that I will not be doing any cardio - just to make things a little more interesting for the HVT (High Volume Training) and aerobic people.

Here are the stats: 33 years old, 6'1" and 240 lbs, approx 20-22% body fat. Left arm 16.5" cold, flexed. One rep max; Bench = 275 lbs, Deadlift = 400 lbs, and Squat around 300 lbs.

I encourage comments and stories of success and failure. Please feel free to offer your support and encouragement. May-hap challenge yourself to a transformation.