Hi all, and Happy New Year. I enter the new year with welcome changes but still lots of work to do. When I was at 153 pounds 2.5 years ago, I never thought that I would be able to attain and maintain a body weight of 185# but that is where I am today. I was actually hoping to be at 200# but that didn't happen and may never but I'm still trying. But for now, keeping this amount of bulk maintained is a full time job. :nod: I've attached some new progress shots and one old one. I hardly ever photograph my legs but I put one in here. Arms have seen some nice growth in the last six months.

For the ectomorphs in the crowd, I say hang in there and focus on your diet and weights. For the over 45 crowd, I say it can be done. Don't let age deter you if you have no other medical reason to not work out. For those who say they don't have time, make time. Get up earlier or stay up a little later or do it on your lunch break (I guess you could insert any activity here but I am referring to cardio and weights :lol:). For the younger crowd, I say if an old man like me can do it, what's your excuse?

John has created and maintains a great community of like-minded people here so use this great pool of knowledge to inspire you and support you. Any of you, even if you are starting from scratch today, can be the next, great transformation by this time next year or even sooner. Get started (or keep going) and have a great '08!:tu:

awesome, awesome, awesome. :eek:

CG, you're looking great. Good luck with your continued success and you're certainly setting a fine and inspirational example for many.

That was an excellent opening post, BTW.

:eek: Your legs look like they've doubled in size since you first cut down. :bow:

awesome, awesome, awesome.

Thank, Chop. Hope you're having a nice week-end.:)

CG, you're looking great. Good luck with your continued success and you're certainly setting a fine and inspirational example for many.

That was an excellent opening post, BTW.

Seltzer, after you reach a certain level it's hard to think of where to go next. So I'm thankful to be able to maintain what I have achieved but would like to see some added size in my chest and quads and increase my strength enough to do body-weight chins.

Your legs look like they've doubled in size since you first cut down.

This shot even surprised me. I always think of my legs as sticks but it looks like they are getting a little mass to them. Hope your bulk goes well this year. Considering your field of study, you should be able to do a clean bulk and really put on some quality pounds.:eat::bb::eat:

185#, you say.

The number has a certain resonance.

Your progress has been incredible, CG! I am most impressed by the shoulders; your front delts look really, really good. :tucool:

185#, you say.

The number has a certain resonance.

Yes, yes it does. But this time it's not a momentary blip in the scale. You'll get there too, Reeze. Keep eating and doing what you're doing.

Your progress has been incredible, CG! I am most impressed by the shoulders; your front delts look really, really good. :tucool:

Thanks, Chris. That means a lot coming from you since your shoulders and delts are spectacular. People give me grief about all the pushups I do but I wonder if they have played a part in the growth of the front delts? :confused:

Thanks, Chris. That means a lot coming from you since your shoulders and delts are spectacular. People give me grief about all the pushups I do but I wonder if they have played a part in the growth of the front delts? :confused:

Keep doing what you do. It works. :tucool:

Wow! No kidding about the delts!

Great progress, you definitely prove that you're never to old to get into shape!

Inspirational as always CG. :tu:

I can just tell by the way you write sometimes that you want your training to go well beyond what can be captured in pictures or by the mirror. Channeling your success towards the success of others seems to be of great importance to you, and a fact for which I'm sure plenty of JSF members are thankful for. :bow:

Looking great CG!
Anytime I doubt myself I think "If CG can build a body like that, there is ABSOLUTELY no reason I can't".
Thanks for being an inspiration to us all!

Heres to another year of hard work, I can't wait to see what you do with another year!

Superb. All the best for '08 !!! :cool:

Congrats CG. You're the best reason I have for continuing SGX. You've really got the whole package. Big shoulders, tight abs, no waist.

Awesome work maintaining your gains! I would be willing to bet 200 is in your future judging from your commitment and success so far!

Who's that guy in the first picture? :confused: Someone give that guy a burger!

Carguy, like car models progressing through the years you seem to get better and better with every new edition. Its like you put a hemi in an econocar when you look at the 1st pic to the next.

I'm liking the 2008 version and I can't wait to see '09! Good luck and I hope you attain all your goals CG! :tu:

go carguy :flex: go carguy :bb: go carguy :eat:

rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrradical :claphigh:

one one huge inspiration for me just aswell as for many others out there and i plan on keeping to the sport
once i hit your age aswell if my body still allows me to do so which i seriously hope.

i thing you will have a long and prosper life epsecially since you care about your body so much.

u rule !

Oh WOW!

You look more and more amazing with every picture! :bow:

Carguy you are always onw to give good advice people like yourself are what makes this forum so great so happy new year to you to. I can not wait to see the progress that is made buy people for the 2008 year and I am sure we will see some amazing progress from you to not that we have not seen some from you already I hope that you are proud of what you have done.

Keep doing what you do. It works.

Thanks, NWM. Since I still consider myself a novice at this, I don't really know what is working and what isn't. But I am happy with my success for the most part.

Wow! No kidding about the delts!

Again, I don't know what I'm doing to hit the delts but I try to do good variety of lifts. Delts and traps have really grown but then I came from nothing in that department.

Great progress, you definitely prove that you're never to old to get into shape!

Age is just a number. I still think like I'm 19.:nod:

Inspirational as always CG.

I can just tell by the way you write sometimes that you want your training to go well beyond what can be captured in pictures or by the mirror. Channeling your success towards the success of others seems to be of great importance to you, and a fact for which I'm sure plenty of JSF members are thankful for.

Thanks goonie. I guess because I don't feel qualified to give lifting or diet advice, I try to at least give some encouragement to folks trying to get fit. I know how hard it is and how much of a difference it can make in a life.

Looking great CG!
Anytime I doubt myself I think "If CG can build a body like that, there is ABSOLUTELY no reason I can't".
Thanks for being an inspiration to us all!

Heres to another year of hard work, I can't wait to see what you do with another year!

Hope you have a great '08, seven. And you're right, you absolutely can and should build a great body. You owe it to yourself.

Superb. All the best for '08 !!!

Right back at ya, Reno. I don't think it's a coincidence that '08 rhymes with great. Have a great year!

Congrats CG. You're the best reason I have for continuing SGX. You've really got the whole package. Big shoulders, tight abs, no waist.

Thanks Jordan. If you want to continue the list, you could also add bird chest, big hips and puny calves. But you were nice to list the positives. :D

All the best with SGX. I hope you get as much out of it as I did. It's amazing how much I learned while on it. And it's equally amazing that I have put on 20 pounds :eek: since I ended it. But it's all good.

I would be willing to bet 200 is in your future

:eat::eat::eat::bb::bb::bb::eat::eat::eat: I hope you're right.

Who's that guy in the first picture? Someone give that guy a burger!

Or how about a whole burger chain? Can you believe I thought I looked good then. Getting thin plays tricks on your mind. The kind people here prodded and highly suggested that I should consider bulking up some. I really hesitated at first. Then, well, lets just say that 37 pounds later I didn't look anything like that first picture. Been happily cutting and bulking since.

one one huge inspiration for me

Thanks, BG84. You're an inspiration for me as well. You've totally changed your physique for the better and are miles away from the skinny guy you once were. Keep up the good work for years.

Oh WOW!

You look more and more amazing with every picture!

Thanks, GM. Always nice to hear from the ladies. Happy New Year!

Carguy you are always onw to give good advice people like yourself are what makes this forum so great so happy new year to you to. I can not wait to see the progress that is made buy people for the 2008 year and I am sure we will see some amazing progress from you to not that we have not seen some from you already I hope that you are proud of what you have done.

Thanks, leandom. I am proud of what I've done and so should you be of your success. You're doing and looking great. 2008 should be a good year for you.:tucool:

Carguy,
Great photo's. The photo in your avatar, your arms look huge. Hard work pays off.

....increase my strength enough to do body-weight chins.

You look great, CG. :tu:

I would have assumed based on the pics of your back, shoulders, etc., that you could knock out a number of unassisted chins. Do you train for them regularly? It might be a "specificity of training" issue. You look plenty strong enough for the task.

Or did you mean unassisted chins with 4-45# plates hanging from your waist? ;)

Good work tubby ;) :)

Daaaaamn! You freakin' overachiever. :lol:

Looking great Mike! Ever bigger and still ripped. :bow:

Your shoulders look like they've spread six inches in either direction since the first photo and your traps are lookin' sweet. :tucool:

Carguy,
Great photo's. The photo in your avatar, your arms look huge. Hard work pays off.

Arms are doing great, thank you. I think I've added 3/4" to my biceps in just the last 6 months.

And I don't have to tell you about hard work. You're one of the hardest working guys here.

You look great, CG.

I would have assumed based on the pics of your back, shoulders, etc., that you could knock out a number of unassisted chins. Do you train for them regularly? It might be a "specificity of training" issue. You look plenty strong enough for the task.

Or did you mean unassisted chins with 4-45# plates hanging from your waist?

Thanks, LS. I don't do chins often. I used to be that way with dips and can do them fine now. I just need to do them. And no, I can't add any additional plates.

Good work tubby

Look who's talkin'. But thanks for the compliment. And by the way, I'll take this kind of tubby over my old skeletal self any day. Bring on some more food.:eat:

Daaaaamn! You freakin' overachiever.

Looking great Mike! Ever bigger and still ripped.

Your shoulders look like they've spread six inches in either direction since the first photo and your traps are lookin' sweet.

Thanks, M@. Like I said, when you have no shoulders or traps and you start working them, they gotta grow. I have no dress shirts that fit me any more. :(:)

Holy cow, you look amazing Carguy! :bow:
Fantastic work! :tu:

Brother, you got it "goin' on" !!
Your a great inspiration.
I am 52 myself and am also presently on a bulk.
I'm gunnin' for 9 more lbs. of LBM this Year and then gonna cut to an all-time bf% low for me, probably somewhere between 7-8%.
One step at a time though.

Just wanted to tell ya, the "new improved model" is one hell of a Muscle Car ! Good Job Carguy. :tu:

DAMN ..now thats progress!! :tucool:only 2 &half years ..if i can get anywhere near that level in that time i will be a happy bunny.
A True inspiration!!

Hey Mike! Great to see you have a journal. I'm subscribed. Looking forward to it. Arms look amazing, BTW.

Looking great Mike!! Apart from the porn star style poses.. :eek:

Simply amazing - you're a credit to this website :bow:

Holy cow, you look amazing Carguy! :bow:
Fantastic work! :tu:

Thanks for gracing my journal and the kind words. Best wishes this semester.

Come on, you're not old. In fact you're still growing!!!

Congratulations. Your transformation is simply amazing and very inspiring for all of us. A good example for everyone.

Just wanted to tell ya, the "new improved model" is one hell of a Muscle Car ! Good Job Carguy. :tu:

Thanks, Hudg. I like that analogy. My first car was a '68 Charger but I was just a skinny kid then. Now I drive an Accord but I've got the muscle.:D:bb::flex:

Hey Mike, what's your current bicep measurement? Cold, flexed? Just curious.

Hey Mike, what's your current bicep measurement? Cold, flexed? Just curious.

Just shy of 15". Working hard to peg it at 15" and go up from there. I love the way it looks and feels after an arms workout (like tomorrow) when it grows to close to 16".:nod:

DAMN ..now thats progress!! only 2 &half years ..if i can get anywhere near that level in that time i will be a happy bunny.
A True inspiration!!

User, at the rate you're going, you'll be even bigger in probably less time.

Looking great Mike!! Apart from the porn star style poses..

Hey, I shaved off my porn 'stache. Give me a break. And how do you know what porn star poses look like??? :confused:

Simply amazing - you're a credit to this website

Thanks, PGT. I must admit I'm hooked on this. Kinda funny coming from a guy who never stepped foot in a gym (except as a spectator) until about three years ago.

Come on, you're not old. In fact you're still growing!!!

Congratulations. Your transformation is simply amazing and very inspiring for all of us. A good example for everyone.

Well, it's true. I don't feel old. And I do find it amazing that I'm still able to grow new muscle at my age.

You are very inspirational. I should show this thread to my dad. He's also 54 and just recently started lifting :).

Well, it's true. I don't feel old. And I do find it amazing that I'm still able to grow new muscle at my age.

not to lessen your archivements but you do have additional testosterone support if i am not mistaken ?

You are very inspirational. I should show this thread to my dad. He's also 54 and just recently started lifting :).

Thanks, J_W. You're looking great in your progress shots as well. All the best to your dad. That's cool that he's starting to lift.:bb:

not to lessen your archivements but you do have additional testosterone support if i am not mistaken ?

Yes, BUT (and it's a but almost as big as mine) I take T because I'm deficient in that category if I don't. It only brings me back up to normal. It's not like I'm taking steroids.:nope:

Yes, BUT (and it's a but almost as big as mine) I take T because I'm deficient in that category if I don't. It only brings me back up to normal. It's not like I'm taking steroids.:nope:

didnt want to sound like i accused you of anything, hope you got it right :)

if you didnt hit the iron hard, you wouldnt look like you do :D

54 is young nowadays, when, if you take care of yourself, you can live up to 100, and it will probably be more when we get there (110?)

54 is young nowadays, when, if you take care of yourself, you can live up to 100, and it will probably be more when we get there (110?)

I agree. Last year, when I was 53 I said I was middle-aged because I plan to live healthily to age 106. My dad turns 90 this year and he's in great health.:tucool:

Mike,
Since you're a push up guy, not sure if you've seen this article (http://www.menshealth.com/cda/article.do?site=MensHealth&channel=fitness&category=muscle.building&topic=total.body&conitem=0fc69cf736b40110VgnVCM10000013281eac____&page=1#) from Men's Health. Cosgrove argues that the push up is better than the bench in many ways since it works the abs, lower back, hips, glutes, etc. 6 variations of the standard push up. Some look pretty brutal.

Mike,
Since you're a push up guy, not sure if you've seen this article (http://www.menshealth.com/cda/article.do?site=MensHealth&channel=fitness&category=muscle.building&topic=total.body&conitem=0fc69cf736b40110VgnVCM10000013281eac____&page=1#) from Men's Health. Cosgrove argues that the push up is better than the bench in many ways since it works the abs, lower back, hips, glutes, etc. 6 variations of the standard push up. Some look pretty brutal.

Thanks, Croz. I read that article but like you said, I think most of them are beyond me. I enjoy doing just dumb old push-ups.

I made up these comparison shots for another website but can't figure out how to post them so I'll put them up here. This site makes it easy. Nothing you guys haven't seen before.

I made up these comparison shots for another website but can't figure out how to post them so I'll put them up here. This site makes it easy. Nothing you guys haven't seen before.
Those pictures really show your progress clearly. If I'm not mistaken, for a long time you made some progress but not such dramatic advances as you have recently. Is there anything in your recent eating or training that would explain the dramatic changes?

By the way, thanks for the birthday wishes yesterday. I decided to post my age when I first joined the forum since there is nothing I can do about it--and I think there is a lot to be said for facing the truth.

Jim

Those pictures really show your progress clearly. If I'm not mistaken, for a long time you made some progress but not such dramatic advances as you have recently. Is there anything in your recent eating or training that would explain the dramatic changes?

By the way, thanks for the birthday wishes yesterday. I decided to post my age when I first joined the forum since there is nothing I can do about it--and I think there is a lot to be said for facing the truth.

Jim

Thanks Jim. The only recent change is that I weigh more than I ever have. I'm pushing 190 which is quite a lot for a tall ecto like me. This past week-end I had to go out and buy all new dress shirts because I had outgrown all I had. Feels good for an over-50 guy like me.

It's the lack of facial hair that makes you look stronger. :D

It's the lack of facial hair that makes you look stronger. :D

Man, you've really got a thing against facial hair. Too bad, too, because I bet you could grow a great beard or goat.

Hit a couple of milestones this week. First of all, I weighed 192# on the scale at work, an all-time high. Second, after I got home from my chest workout, I noticed STRETCH MARKS !

At least I think they were stretch marks. They were a couple of red stripes starting from my armpit and heading out to my shoulder. I didn't have time to take a pic then but I just took one and circled where they were. I couldn't see them this evening so I don't know if they really were stretch marks. If they were, does anyone know why I'm getting them? And they were only on one side, the side with the properly developed pec. If not a stretch mark, it could be a scratch from the dog.

If they were, does anyone know why I'm getting them?

Because you're a beast?

I got mad stretch marks in my teens when I was fat, but they're pretty much gone now that I've dropped the weight. I'm not sure what to suggest, since you obviously don't want to drop the muscle. Maybe look into whatever creams and such pregnant women use so their stretch marks don't get worse? I'm sure the skin will adjust if given time - perhaps the solution is to try and minimalize the damage until then.

Because you're a beast?

Hardly. I was just wondering which body part exercises I was doing that were obviously working. Would stretch marks there indicate growth in the chest, shoulder, arm?

I don't really mind getting them if it means I'm working hard.

Unlikely to be stretch marks IMO. I get them often, especially when squatting i get them across my shoulders and upper back where the bar rests across. I thought thats what they were at first, but they were from the bar, either lines of blood vessels damaged from the weight resting on them, scratches from the bar (not likely) or something else. Also get them from cable cross overs, the cable runs along that part you have circled.

Stretch marks are usually from very rapid weight loss, sometimes rapid weight gain to, but not the numbers you are talking IMO.

More likely the dog. WOOF ! :)

jo mate i know the stretchmark deal, i got them on my butt and back of my legs,
most likely squatting put them there i dont like them either :nono:

but what can you do, beefin up takes its toll ;)

Are there indentations in the skin? Those are stretch marks, where the skin can't handle the growth. Probably pec/shoulder growth caused them there, I got them there first before anywhere else.

I had a goatee for about a year, but from the pictures you posted I think you look much younger and better without facial hair. :)

As for the red marks, it's obviously scratches from all those women at the Gym who can't get enough of you! ;)

...I weighed 192# on the scale at work, an all-time high.

192! How did that happen so quickly? Or is it the different scales.

192! How did that happen so quickly? Or is it the different scales.

Having clothes on makes the difference. They got mad when I walked around naked.:whistle: Makes about a 5 pound difference. But it's a nice number to see, anyway. :claphigh:

They got mad when I walked around naked.:whistle:

yealous bastards lol ;)

gotta say it again buddy, did one hell of a job there :tucool:

As for the red marks, it's obviously scratches from all those women at the Gym who can't get enough of you! ;)

The women at the gym seem to be able to contain themselves when I'm around. The only woman scratching me lately is this bitch.

gotta say it again buddy, did one hell of a job there :tucool:

Thanks, BG84. Between the two of us formerly-skinny blokes, I think it would be pretty hard to determine which one of us looks the most different from his former self. :nod:

I took my measurements today and dug out my starting measurements and was amazed how much I've grown in a few areas. Chest and shoulders are up 7" and 8" respectively. In spite of that, my arms still look to be outpacing my chest and my chest continues to be a lagging area for me. But, since I felt good about the numbers, I took some shots to document the day.

Your biceps have grown a lot since last year. :nod:

Your biceps have grown a lot since last year. :nod:

Thanks, Richard. And I think you're right. This past year has seen a bigger jump in arm size over the gradual increase I had been seeing in the prior two years. Plus, the sleeves on my shirts are getting tighter.:)

It's Feb. 29th today and that doesn't happen very often. Thought I'd post an updated pic. I've been trying to bulk over the winter and my goal was 20 pounds. I gained only 10 and after being sick last week, I'm back down to my starting weight of 178. So, I guess I'll just go right into spring and summer mode and try to lower my body fat. I already feel and look lighter (to me, at least). And my pants fit fine once again.

in my eyes you gained quite a bit all around, its weird but sometimes we ourselves are the most unable to tell if we gained or not
since its a slow continuous process while we get used to our appearance.

if your really back to the starting weight i think that you gained lean mass while at the same time
you are at a lower bf than when you started, dude, just check out your abs, im fucking envious !

good work all around ! :tucool:

in my eyes you gained quite a bit all around, its weird but sometimes we ourselves are the most unable to tell if we gained or not
since its a slow continuous process while we get used to our appearance.

if your really back to the starting weight i think that you gained lean mass while at the same time
you are at a lower bf than when you started, dude, just check out your abs, im fucking envious !

good work all around ! :tucool:

Thanks, man. I know my waist and hips are smaller and I had to buy some new, smaller jeans today. But my other measurements seem to be holding their own.

Oh, and you don't need to be too envious of my abs. I have to pose pretty hard to get them to show up like that. But I guess it means they are really there, just a little shy about showing up.:lol:

Looking good carguy!

:tucool:

Looking good carguy!

:tucool:

Thanks, docutech. You're not looking bad yourself there.

Arms day today. Always my favorite.

Carguy, your progress is awe-inspiring....keep it up! :nod:

Please do not take the following advice the wrong way...it is really a compliment....

Your physique has really developed over the months. It is to the point that you can really focus on particular muscle groups because you have developed so much muscle mass! Most of us here just "want to get bigger..." Well, I think you have graduated from that. You have been a raging success...

So, I'm going to give you some advice that I wish others would give to me more often. Some good healthy constructive criticism. I mean, we all NEED it. And I think that we are mature enough to see that constructive criticism is just that...constructive....and that it the intent. A third party's objective eye can really help! (Just ask Mastover he requests it...) I am not saying that I'm a BB coach or some authority on the subject, I'm just giving one man's opinion... /End Disclaimer

So here it goes. You got the big guns...and the traps are definitely popping! You have the deltoids of a raging bull... I wish I had them! :nod: I want to you focus some of that pressing power into your pec development. Try pounding those incline bench presses...it will bring along your upper pecs. And hit those BB flat benches with a vengance! :mad: Some pec thickness to go along with you lats will balance it out a bit and make you start looking like the hulk! :flex:

Again, I don't want everyone to think I'm being a d!ck or marginalizing your success. You have been a model of success and dedication to many here and will continue to do so... What I am saying is that you have done so unbelievably well, you can start targeting areas for further development...not many people should be doing do that! But that is just how advanced you really are!!

So again, congratulations my man! Keep it up! :tucool:

Carguy, your progress is awe-inspiring....keep it up! :nod:

Please do not take the following advice the wrong way...it is really a compliment....

So here it goes. You got the big guns...and the traps are definitely popping! You have the deltoids of a raging bull... I wish I had them! :nod: I want to you focus some of that pressing power into your pec development. Try pounding those incline bench presses...it will bring along your upper pecs. And hit those BB flat benches with a vengance! :mad: Some pec thickness to go along with you lats will balance it out a bit and make you start looking like the hulk! :flex:

Again, I don't want everyone to think I'm being a d!ck or marginalizing your success. You have been a model of success and dedication to many here and will continue to do so... What I am saying is that you have done so unbelievably well, you can start targeting areas for further development...not many people should be doing do that! But that is just how advanced you really are!!

So again, congratulations my man! Keep it up! :tucool:

I appreciate your comments and I'm not insulted. I agree with you. My pecs are a big lagging area for me. I've said before I can't seem to isolate them and work them like I can my other body parts. Plus, I think I have a little genetic thing going against me with my right pec.

I do incline DB presses, flat DB presses and decline DB presses. My bench press with a barbell has always been weak and I've stopped doing them. I do bodyweight dips and cable crossovers, too.

Any suggestions from those in the know to bring out my pecs would be appreciated. I would love to have a bigger chest. I know my arms are about as big as they need to be for my small build.

I've said before I can't seem to isolate them and work them like I can my other body parts.
Do you know why that is? Do you think you use your arms more in the movements?

Do you know why that is? Do you think you use your arms more in the movements?

Could be. I just never feel it in my chest when I'm done. No pump like when I work my arms. But improving my chest is my goal for the rest of the year.

Could be. I just never feel it in my chest when I'm done. No pump like when I work my arms. But improving my chest is my goal for the rest of the year.

i do SO know what your talking bout .. great overall job nontheless :tu:

I appreciate your comments and I'm not insulted. I agree with you. My pecs are a big lagging area for me. I've said before I can't seem to isolate them and work them like I can my other body parts. Plus, I think I have a little genetic thing going against me with my right pec.

I do incline DB presses, flat DB presses and decline DB presses. My bench press with a barbell has always been weak and I've stopped doing them. I do bodyweight dips and cable crossovers, too.

Any suggestions from those in the know to bring out my pecs would be appreciated. I would love to have a bigger chest. I know my arms are about as big as they need to be for my small build.

Carguy,

Does your gym have a setup that would allow you to do cable incline presses? A friend of mine had a hard time isolating his chest while using barbells and dumbbells, so he started using the cable setup - and he was able to get a serious pump going in his chest. I don't know if this would work for you or not, but my friend swears by it.:tucool:
BTW - your new pics are IMPRESSIVE!
Take care.

Does your gym have a setup that would allow you to do cable incline presses? A friend of mine had a hard time isolating his chest while using barbells and dumbbells, so he started using the cable setup - and he was able to get a serious pump going in his chest. I don't know if this would work for you or not, but my friend swears by it.:tucool:

Good call IROC!

The cables will allow you to play around with the width of the motion and get good chest stretch and expansion to really nail it...

Carguy, I'm glad you took my input the right way. After a while I started getting a little nervous about my post...:scared:...but it sounds like you took the way I was hoping...purely constructive and complimentary....whew!

Have a good weekend man!

Carguy,

Does your gym have a setup that would allow you to do cable incline presses? A friend of mine had a hard time isolating his chest while using barbells and dumbbells, so he started using the cable setup - and he was able to get a serious pump going in his chest. I don't know if this would work for you or not, but my friend swears by it.:tucool:
BTW - your new pics are IMPRESSIVE!
Take care.

Yes, I can set that up, especially if the gym is not too busy. I tried to do this on a regular basis a few years ago and kept running into roadblocks with the equipment I needed being used. I will try harder to get these in. I'm glad to hear this is such a good exercise to use for chest development.

Thanks for the kind words.

Carguy, I'm glad you took my input the right way. After a while I started getting a little nervous about my post...:scared:...but it sounds like you took the way I was hoping...purely constructive and complimentary....whew!

Have a good weekend man!

You don't have to worry about me getting mad. I'm pretty easy-going. I just look like I could beat the crap out of you, but I wouldn't actually do it.

I think I might have asked you this before. But how much openness do you have in your chest? When we do presses and flies the chest opens and lifts. I know from Yoga that I have a very open and flexible chest, and I think that I probably work those muscles more when my triceps struggle. Not that I have ever feel DOMS or a pump in my chest either!

It's either that or some extra fat stored on my chest. In which case you need to eat more cake.. ;)

If it is a case of flexibility then you might help your bulk by working on that?

I think I might have asked you this before. But how much openness do you have in your chest? When we do presses and flies the chest opens and lifts. I know from Yoga that I have a very open and flexible chest, and I think that I probably work those muscles more when my triceps struggle. Not that I have ever feel DOMS or a pump in my chest either!

It's either that or some extra fat stored on my chest. In which case you need to eat more cake.. ;)

If it is a case of flexibility then you might help your bulk by working on that?

Increasing my cake intake (after Lent, of course) would be the easy way out.:lol: But I'm not interested in upping the tape measure enough to take that route.

I'm not sure about the flexibility of my chest. Maybe all my chest exercises are actually helping out my triceps and arms. It's been a few years. Maybe I should pay for some more personal training with only the one goal. Thanks for worrying about me. Oh, and sorry for the new facial hair.;)

Your shoulder mobility might be a factor I suppose.

I would talk to a PT and a good Yoga teacher.. ;) :lol:

I would talk to a PT and a good Yoga teacher.. ;) :lol:

I've been thinking about taking a Yoga class. It takes place right before the Group Power class I take. I know a guy in the class and he's about 7 years older than me and he seems to enjoy it.

Sick avatar.

fucking a ! that avatar looks like a ~25 yr old football playa whos about to stomp his opponents :mad:

(and then eat them :eek: )

:wave:

Hey, I just had to pop in and tell you how wonderful your new avatar is. :dreamy: That athletic wear is a great look for you. :tucool:

Agreed! Love your avatar!

Sick avatar.

hat avatar looks like a ~25 yr old football playa whos about to stomp his opponents

(and then eat them )

Hey, I just had to pop in and tell you how wonderful your new avatar is. That athletic wear is a great look for you.


Agreed! Love your avatar!

All I can say is April Fools!

I can't believe nobody called me on this when they noticed what day this was. That's my head but definitely not my body. Thanks for thinking it could be, though. I would love to have thick forearms like this guy (or 1fast), but it's probably not going to happen any time soon.

Hope you all had a fun day. Sorry for the prank.;)

All I can say is April Fools!

I can't believe nobody called me on this when they noticed what day this was. That's my head but definitely not my body. Thanks for thinking it could be, though. I would love to have thick forearms like this guy (or 1fast), but it's probably not going to happen any time soon.

Hope you all had a fun day. Sorry for the prank.;)

Bwahahaha... Classic. I got suckered too. Well, we can at least admire your photoshop skills which aren't too shabby either.

awesome ! :lol:

I was just about to come in here and leave a comment about your new avatar. :lol: I guess I fell for your prank as well. :o

OK, we're back to the real me.:lol:

tell you what that pic doesnt suffer the least in compasion ! going strong (and real this time) :nod:

motivating stuff :flex:

tell you what that pic doesnt suffer the least in compasion ! going strong (and real this time) :nod:

motivating stuff :flex:

Thanks. I appreciate that. I think I still think of myself as small but I know I have grown a lot.

Are you sure your new avatar isn't an April Fool too? :eek:

Are you sure your new avatar isn't an April Fool too? :eek:

Thanks, man. But this is real this time.

Hey, I'm off for a week's vacation at the beach in Florida. I'll probably be driving right past a lot of you guys in Florida tomorrow. John, since you never gave me your address, I won't be able to drop off your house-warming present.

So don't worry about no posts from me. I'll be enjoying the beach in So. Florida (I hope it's sunny and warm). Ta.:jumping:

Thanks, man. But this is real this time.

Hey, I'm off for a week's vacation at the beach in Florida. I'll probably be driving right past a lot of you guys in Florida tomorrow. John, since you never gave me your address, I won't be able to drop off your house-warming present.

So don't worry about no posts from me. I'll be enjoying the beach in So. Florida (I hope it's sunny and warm). Ta.:jumping:

I'll be in Orlando next week...small world.

Hi all. I'm back from Florida and had a great week. 85 degrees and sunny every day. Weather on the drive down and back wasn't so great but I'd rather have the nice weather while there. Sunburn is peeling already so won't last long. Here are a few shots. The house we rented was AMAZING. I'll post more pics later. Glad to be back, I guess.:confused:

I see a Saturn Sky! Normal or Redline? Is it yours?

Man, I wish I'd have been a car person before I bought my car, rather than after. I'd definitely not be driving the piece of crap I've driving right now. EIGHT YEARS I've had it. It looks like it's going to be another 2 too. :cry:

It's a regular Sky, not the Redline. We own it and it's fun to cruise in, but not very fast.:tucool:

Brutha Keep up the Great work! I just wanna say (& please dont take this the wrong way) if a former skinny old guy can make gains like this, then almost any one can. You have taken 10-12 years off your looks and probably added 20 to your lifespan. Awesome job. BTW how did SUP2 work for you? I am about to start in a couple weeks, after cutting since OCT 07. I heard you eat ALOT! Crap I already feel like I eat a ton, and thats on SGX. I just hope I can get some ecent results like this dude.

Brutha Keep up the Great work! I just wanna say (& please dont take this the wrong way) if a former skinny old guy can make gains like this, then almost any one can. You have taken 10-12 years off your looks and probably added 20 to your lifespan. Awesome job. BTW how did SUP2 work for you? I am about to start in a couple weeks, after cutting since OCT 07. I heard you eat ALOT! Crap I already feel like I eat a ton, and thats on SGX. I just hope I can get some ecent results like this dude.

Thanks Erik. I never did SUP2, I bulked on my own. But I would certainly recommend it based on SGX and seeing what others have accomplished on it. Hope your bulk goes well and you add a lot of lean mass.:nod:

I hate you when you post great pictures like that. :cry:

I hate you when you post great pictures like that. :cry:

Sorry Richard. You're probably not going to like this one either, taken the same day.

killer shot carguy.

big, good guns ! respect :)

Great progress :tu:

(God does this guy ever plateau...:rolleyes:)

Great progress :tu:

(God does this guy ever plateau...:rolleyes:)

i can see him getting a lil bit bigger (esp chest and lats) and i think well see him stagnate in half a year or so,
cg's progression simply was so badass i foresee some sort of slowing down to come.

(sorry for objectivism shouldnt sound negative bro :tucool: )

Nice work as always, CG! Where did you stay in Florida? My step-father-in-law let me borrow his Honda s2000 last time I was down to visit and MAN is it fun to cruise around in a little convertible in that type of weather! I need to get me one of those...

PS. You should go back to that bad-assed arms crossed avatar you had... not that you don't look good in this one but that other one was just so damn bad ass!

VERY nice!!!! :tu:

killer shot carguy.

Thanks, jp. Now if I could only get me a pair of those 16" arms!

big, good guns ! respect

and still growing.:D

Great progress

(God does this guy ever plateau...)

Well, I stalled out on my own bulking challenge this winter. Only gained 10 pounds. Now I weigh less than when I started that challenge.

i can see him getting a lil bit bigger (esp chest and lats) and i think well see him stagnate in half a year or so,
cg's progression simply was so badass i foresee some sort of slowing down to come.

(sorry for objectivism shouldnt sound negative bro )

You're right, I can't continue to grow into a much bigger guy. I've reached a point where I'm pretty happy the way I am and enjoy maintaining. But I'll still tweak things and strive for new goals.

[VERY nice!!!! /QUOTE]

Thanks tigs. You are most kind.

[QUOTE]Nice work as always, CG! Where did you stay in Florida? My step-father-in-law let me borrow his Honda s2000 last time I was down to visit and MAN is it fun to cruise around in a little convertible in that type of weather! I need to get me one of those...

PS. You should go back to that bad-assed arms crossed avatar you had... not that you don't look good in this one but that other one was just so damn bad ass!

Marco Island. Gorgeous. An s2000 is a sweet ride. We really enjoyed tooling around in the Sky with all the beautiful weather.

Bad ass, eh? Do you mean the fake April Fool avatar or the one I posted after that?

Your abs look AMAZING!!:claplow: Nice arms as well!!!

Your abs look AMAZING!!:claplow: Nice arms as well!!!

Thanks kree-kree. I still have to tense up my abdomen to make them show up (the abs, not the arms :lol:) but I hope to not have to do that some day. Enjoy the rest of your week-end.

Damn I need to go to FL at some point :(

Damn I need to go to FL at some point :(

If you go, take 19 to avoid the construction around Macon.

Dang it! Another Avatar! Looking awesome in all of them :tucool:

CG, what sort of numbers are you lifting to look like that?

CG, what sort of numbers are you lifting to look like that?

Well, this won't impress anyone. :rolleyes: Keep in mind I weigh 180. (And I'm over 50).

Deadlift 255 conventional
305 Hammer Strength

Bench 135 if I even try (I don't very often)

Squat 185

BB Curls 70

Leg Press 400

Leg Extensions 125

BB Rows 155

Lat Pull Dn 160

Shrugs DB 80

Skull Crushers BB 60

Your pulling exercises are A LOT stronger than mine.

Not a criticism but aren't the Row and the Bench supposed to be a little closer to each other? Just an observation. Zen knows more about that stuff. If you are doing those curls and pulldowns on the SGX tempo then :bow:

Your pulling exercises are A LOT stronger than mine.

Not a criticism but aren't the Row and the Bench supposed to be a little closer to each other? Just an observation. Zen knows more about that stuff. If you are doing those curls and pulldowns on the SGX tempo then :bow:

This isn't the order I do things, just some various weights. And I never really did the SGX tempo, even when I was doing SGX.

aren't the Row and the Bench supposed to be a little closer to each other?

or did you mean they should be closer in weight? If that's the case, I just can't bench. I don't know why. I can hold my own on most other lifts.

I'm impressed with those numbers. You've got 8 years on me and I'm behind you in those numbers. Neat to know that things get better with age. :tucool:

Your new back picture is over the top.

This isn't the order I do things, just some various weights. And I never really did the SGX tempo, even when I was doing SGX.



or did you mean they should be closer in weight? If that's the case, I just can't bench. I don't know why. I can hold my own on most other lifts.

I didn't either. I would get too pumped to lift more and would forget about halfway through the set. ADD kicked in.:D

And I did mean that about the closer weight.




Your new back picture is over the top.

Those biceps and shoulders look awesome.

Well, this won't impress anyone. :rolleyes: Keep in mind I weigh 180. (And I'm over 50).

Deadlift 255 conventional
305 Hammer Strength

Bench 135 if I even try (I don't very often)

Squat 185

BB Curls 70

Leg Press 400

Leg Extensions 125

BB Rows 155

Lat Pull Dn 160

Shrugs DB 80

Skull Crushers BB 60

And what sort of set/rep scheme are you using?

And what sort of set/rep scheme are you using?

You've done SGX so you know what it is. Except now I do 6 to 10 reps for everything, including squats.

You've done SGX so you know what it is. Except now I do 6 to 10 reps for everything, including squats.

I didn't realise you were doing SGX at the moment. Whatever you are doing it's certainly working for you. Good job. :tu:

I didn't realise you were doing SGX at the moment. Whatever you are doing it's certainly working for you. Good job. :tu:

No, I'm not doing SGX right now. I just never abandoned the 4-day lifting split that SwoleCat laid out for me. I like it.:bb:

tight avatar bro, looking ripped as always :tucool:

tight avatar bro, looking ripped as always :tucool:

Thanks, Georg. I was away this week-end and didn't even notice you stopped by. Hope you've gotten back on track and are a liftin' fool like before. :lol:

slowly getting back into it, still didnt find quite my drive and the pec issue is frustrating me enormously
since its summer and no-shirt time and im the onetitter :(

No, I'm not doing SGX right now. I just never abandoned the 4-day lifting split that SwoleCat laid out for me. I like it.:bb:

I also liked the split. I'm still feel conflicted. I want to do that workout during my current cut but I do like the strength gains I've made while on WS4SB.

I'm going to check out WSFSB. I need to do something new. :bb:

Speaking of something new, wish me luck. I'm off to my first ever yoga class. It meets right before my Group Power class and I've always wondered about it. It looks so peaceful and dark and calm in there. One time I didn't realize there were people laying on the ground in there and I almost walked on one of them.:lol:

lol dont you crunch the yogis ;)

Yoga was harder than I thought. I worked up a good sweat. I'm not as flexible as I'd like to be and I can see that if I keep up with the yoga I could get better. The guy next to me had been doing it about 3 years and he says it's really helped out his back. It would also be an easy thing to do in a hotel room when traveling.

(I just looked at my post before hitting submit and thought how funny it reads if you substitute "sex" for "yoga". :lol:)

I'm going to check out WSFSB. I need to do something new. :bb:



I really like it. Lots of different exercises you can switch in and out to add variety. I've been doing it for a while and now I feel I need a change. Probably for a little bit and then I'll do it again when I try to add some LBM.

Doesn't yoga improve sex :tucool:?

Hi carguy
Long time no talk been out of action for a while with a stuffed knee but back into it now that is the important thing. Anyway you are looking good and quite obviously feeling good. I have always wondered about yoga I did not think that you would work up a sweat.

You definitely look better than most people half your age!

You definitely look better than most people half your age!

Well, thank you. No point in getting old if you don't feel like it. And what a great thing that you are already into fitness at such a young age. I wish I had started when I was your age.

Got a new camera so was trying it out with a few progress shots. Weight is down to 175# at the moment, but that changes quickly.

Leandom, if you get a chance, try yoga. it will surprise you.

Let me say again for age 54 you look smoking! Your wife is lucky to be able to touch such a muscular man!:)

I loved yoga....until I got a ton of plantars warts from the mats:mad:

Got a new camera so was trying it out with a few progress shots. Weight is down to 175# at the moment, but that changes quickly.

Leandom, if you get a chance, try yoga. it will surprise you.

Great pics looking very lean and strong. I have not tried the yoga yet but I am getting myself involved in a karate class. It is one of those things that I have been interested in since a kid. I went to my first last night and I thought I was kinda fit but for the first half hour all they concentrate on is fitness and cardio and it almost killed me.

I am getting myself involved in a karate class. It is one of those things that I have been interested in since a kid.


Thanks, leandom.

The karate sounds like fun but a great workout too. Hope it helps you reach your goals.

Thanks, leandom.

The karate sounds like fun but a great workout too. Hope it helps you reach your goals.

Yes this is what I have discovered as of late is I put in 100% more effort in if I am having fun but in saying that I would really like to improve my flexibility and get a cardio work out at the same time so do you think that I would be able to achieve this through a Yoga class.

Yes this is what I have discovered as of late is I put in 100% more effort in if I am having fun but in saying that I would really like to improve my flexibility and get a cardio work out at the same time so do you think that I would be able to achieve this through a Yoga class.

Flexibility yes, but not cardio. It doesn't get your heart rate up really high. But it definitely makes you more limber which can help you in all aspects of fitness, not to mention other areas too. ;)

Just finishing up a great week with a visit from my 15-year-old niece and her friend from Michigan. On the night that my wife had a meeting and I had to entertain them myself, I took them to the gym (their first time) and we did a group class together. They really enjoyed it and it sounded like they were going to try to keep some kind of fitness program going, which is pretty good for teenagers that young.