James' Progress Pics

[James]

So after Steve's SUPERB photos (I think we are twin brothers! Pretty much the same weight and looks about the same bodyfat!), I thought I would also start a thread here besides my training log:-



I'm going to moan and say the vascularity in my arms and shoulders wasn't there this morning when these were taken (should of taken after a gym session AFTER a re-feed, really!), but I am SUPER happy with how much fat I have lost, whilst keeping good muscle mass (and most strength). I have a LOT of shots here, this is to give me a SOLID base to work from so I can judge from every angle how lean gains progress.

On maint now for 2 weeks (first week TRUE maint -10% to account for metabolic slowdown, eating same amount regardless to if it is a gym day or not, just changing macro compositions), then will start lean bulk.

Thank you for all your support and kind words, guys!

[McPeedster]

excellent pictures James. as I have said before, you could use your six pack as a wash board and that arm pic has awesome triceps jumping out the screen. well done

[stavrog1]

Mate, my pics are NOTHING on yours! I am so jealous you wouldn't believe. I think you've timed your cut perfectly with a big frame to work on beforehand, whereas I wasn't that muscular in comparison at the start of the cut.

Some of those pictures are insane and I would send them through to Martin as moto said!

Real noticeable differences between us 2 -
- Huge triceps
- Very defined legs
- Size of your abs showing shadows (how do you get your lighting spot on? would like to know for next time )

Areas I think you could work on over your bulk -
- Trapz
- Chest + legs

These are definitely NOT criticisms of your physique now because I know you've been cutting since Feb/March? So obviously SOME (ever so small) decline will come in mass in these areas. Just giving an outsiders view on what could be improved as I think it really helps you to focus on further progress. Any suggestions for me? I'm thinking mass to legs, chest, triceps, possibly back...

[James]

Thanks man... I think you are at the same progression as me with cutting, just a little more mass needed, I am incredibly light for my size, and keep being told so... I had a bad eating disorder as a child which left me VERY skinny, hence why my joints are so tiny (I'm guessing), also I have been training for around 8 years now (no all were serious though, by a long mark!) so although I've not made much more muscle gains in recent years past my beginner stage, I believe I have re-comped my body shape somewhat.

I am going to be working on my body as a completely unit, however chest, traps and legs are areas of concern for me, however my traps have taken a back seat for the last year whilst deadlifting has been out of my routine, now it is back, hopefully they can get back on line. I'm not going to specialise specific body part training to bring up an area, just going to train solid, all-over, for now.

[stavrog1]

How tall are you out of interest?
Have you seen Martin's take on maximum muscular potential and the weight you would be at if you reached this at 5% BF?

Anyway it's - Height (cm) - 100 = BW in kg

So mine would be 80/81kg if I was at 5% BF.
Think I'm going to bulk till I hit around 82/83kg, comparing pictures fortnightly, and then go on a cutting period if necessary.

Will you be following the same training regime that you've been doing whilst cutting or are you going to mix it up?

[James]

I'm dead on 6 foot, Martins estimations are COMPLETELY depleted weight, too. So at 5% bodyfat in a fed state (which we would all normally be in) you would look at being around 82-83k at your height, I'm going to aim for around 85k as a nice round figure, obviously 5-6% bodyfat where possible.

[Tox]

cant believe you've managed to get such low BF with eating like you do...I know its strategic on your side....but its a bit complicted for me all the calculations going on etc. etc. Certainly works anyway. Nice finished job and shape!

[g00ber]

Great pics mate, so jealous of the abs. All round looking really good!

[sendos]

Has your face got really gaunt as you've got leaner? I know some people end up looking like heroin addicts when they get down to your sort of leanness. Looking pretty awesome though!

[Asauka]

James.... I hate you