You know what's funny? I feel like I'm not as big as I was when I finshed bulking. Wait, of course I'm not - I'm almost 20 pounds lighter - but that's not the way I meant it. What I mean is, I don't feel like I'm all that big--period. I think my brain has adapted to my current size and when I look at myself in the mirror I think I look kinda small. I want more size. I don't have a bulky build, so I think it takes more muscle for me to start getting that "too big" look than it does for some. I guess I'm just saying that my next bulk may not be my last bulk after all.... :D

Hmmm, alarm bells are ringing when I read this... and it reminds me of myself. People around me are saying how much bigger I've gotten and all I can think is: NO! I don't have a sixpack yet! NO! My arms aren't 16 inch yet! NO! I can't bench press one and a half times my body weight yet!

Although, as yours has, my life and customs have only changed for the better, I think we (you, me, many other people on this forum) should realise how our image of what a male body should look like has been heavily distorted. We're not comparing ourselves to typical males, but to powerlifters and bodybuilders. I think that in part explains why you and, for example, Chicanerous actually believe you are small or not big enough, while in reality you both are HUGE. Again, I know you guys are treating your body like a temple, as am I, but we need to look out not to get a distorted body image. :tu:

You know what's funny? I feel like I'm not as big as I was when I finshed bulking. Wait, of course I'm not - I'm almost 20 pounds lighter - but that's not the way I meant it. What I mean is, I don't feel like I'm all that big--period. I think my brain has adapted to my current size and when I look at myself in the mirror I think I look kinda small. I want more size.

I'm sure thats what a lot of bodybuilders think to, I guess that can be why people keep on getting bigger!

Looking awesome John, well done! :D

Hmmm, alarm bells are ringing when I read this... and it reminds me of myself. People around me are saying how much bigger I've gotten and all I can think is: NO! I don't have a sixpack yet! NO! My arms aren't 16 inch yet! NO! I can't bench press one and a half times my body weight yet!

Although, as yours has, my life and customs have only changed for the better, I think we (you, me, many other people on this forum) should realise how our image of what a male body should look like has been heavily distorted. We're not comparing ourselves to typical males, but to powerlifters and bodybuilders. I think that in part explains why you and, for example, Chicanerous actually believe you are small or not big enough, while in reality you both are HUGE. Again, I know you guys are treating your body like a temple, as am I, but we need to look out not to get a distorted body image. :tu:

Interesting post. I have given consideration to these feelings as they apply to me many times (i.e., YOU think I look good, I KNOW I had too many beers and missed two workouts last week). I guess the bottom line is that most others have no idea what it takes to achieve a total body recomposition and to that end, the JSF community have goals unlike those of most.

What John (and other members at JSF) have done is created an environment where the 'bar' is set incredibly high. I, for one relish the challenge and while my results are not in the pantheon of 'John Stone-esque' I believe I can reach that bar.

John,

Very nice work and commitment you've shown. I truly admire your dedication I will again applaud and thank you for the GREAT inspiration you and "JSF" has given me over the past year.

I dont post much but visit everyday, visiting your site is like a fix for me , always positive and ALWAYS INSPIRATIONAl. It definately motivates me to succesfully complete my daily workouts for a little over a year now. I look forward to many MANY MORE visits here.

Thanks again John and the "JSF" members....

You look like a hulking mass. in a good way. People will probably think you have always been this big.I still don't think I look that big, especially with no pump and with my clothes on. :)

BTW, I was pretty big when I was born. Did you know I weighed over 13 pounds, and my mom is just 5' 3" tall? Talk about making an entrance... :D

You should carry around a picture of you, Jan 03, and Jun 03, and introduce them to people as your brothers, seriously you have to do this."Hi, I'm John Stone. Nice to meet you. Say, got a minute? Let me show you some photos of my brothers!"

"Um, OK? (this dude is out of his mind!)"

Nah.... :D :lol:


John, the new av is tight. You do look huge-few people would believe it's possible what you've done in just three years two months and a week. :tucool:Thanks Nico. Actually you're right: most people don't have any idea of what they could do if they put their mind to it. I'm constantly shocked by the extremely low level of education possessed by the average person when it comes to general fitness, muscle building and proper diet. I was just talking to Chris (1FastGTX) on the phone the other day about this. With my web referrer logs, I often can see where someone on a non-fitness message board has linked to my site. The ensuing comments some people make are jaw-dropping. These are all real comments:

"Big deal, all he did was lose some weight and put on muscle. I could do that if I worked out and stopped eating junk food."

"Yeah, he made good progress, but he even admitted that he's on the whey protein and steroids like creatine."

"Look how fat he got since November, he lost all his muscle!"

"You guys are idiots. Ever hear of PHOTOSHOP?!"

"All he did was get a tan and shave his chest."

"That's impossible. All he did was get fat on purpose and reverse the order of the photos to sell supplements. People do that all the time."

I could go on forever....


I think we (you, me, many other people on this forum) should realise how our image of what a male body should look like has been heavily distorted

We're not comparing ourselves to typical males, but to powerlifters and bodybuilders.I don't care at all how a typical male looks. To me a "typical male" body looks horrible. Most guys I know never workout, they eat like crap, they drink too much and it shows. Hey, to each their own - I'm not judging them, I'm just saying I'm done comparing myself to sedentary people. Sure, my ideal physique has changed a lot over the past three years, but I'm proud of that. The more time I put under the iron, the more I admire others who do the same. Body Building is incredibly difficult; It takes constant attention to diet, training, sleep and scheduling. Most people can't even begin to understand the level of sustained dedication that it takes to build a muscular physique. While I don't aspire to be the biggest guy around, I do enjoy building my body and will continue to do so until I'm happy with my level of muscularity. I'm far from huge and, being a natural trainee, I'll never be anywhere close to the mass monsters that are on the pro level (nor would I want to be).


Looking awesome John, well done! :DThanks! :)


Very nice work and commitment you've shown. I truly admire your dedication I will again applaud and thank you for the GREAT inspiration you and "JSF" has given me over the past year.On behalf of myself and the rest of the JSF community, you're very welcome! Thank you for saying so.

I dont post much but visit everyday, visiting your site is like a fix for me , always positive and ALWAYS INSPIRATIONAl. It definately motivates me to succesfully complete my daily workouts for a little over a year now. I look forward to many MANY MORE visits here.Thanks for being a loyal visitor to the site - I appreciate it! Even after all this time I still enjoy updating the site every day (with rare exceptions, of course!)

I'm looking forward to many more years of daily updates! :tucool:

That must have taken you ages to reply to all those comments.

You look fantastic! :tu: That is all that needs saying to be honest!

I'm looking forward to many more years of daily updates! :tucool:

Awesome. :claphigh:

I don't care at all how a typical male looks. To me a "typical male" body looks horrible. Most guys I know never workout, they eat like crap, they drink too much and it shows. Hey, to each their own - I'm not judging them, I'm just saying I'm done comparing myself to sedentary people.

Agreed, I've also come to the conclusion that the average person doesn't look like a healthy human being should look; the human body isn't made to sit at a computer all day (although some frequent posters may suggest otherwise :p) or be as sedentary as most people are. Most things people stuff in their mouth don't deserve to be called foods.

Sure, my ideal physique has changed a lot over the past three years, but I'm proud of that. The more time I put under the iron, the more I admire others who do the same. Body Building is incredibly difficult; It takes constant attention to diet, training, sleep and scheduling. Most people can't even begin to understand the level of sustained dedication that it takes to build a muscular physique. While I don't aspire to be the biggest guy around, I do enjoy building my body and will continue to do so until I'm happy with my level of muscularity. I'm far from huge and, being a natural trainee, I'll never be anywhere close to the mass monsters that are on the pro level (nor would I want to be).

I do think you are becoming very big, and I believe Lisa thinks the same thing. :nod:

You just spooked me with this sentence 'when I look at myself in the mirror I think I look kinda small'. It reminds me of anorexics, and although I know you are doing this in a very health-conscious way, I felt it was my obligation to tell you (and myself, and everyone on this board) that we have to watch out not to get a distorted image of ourselves... :tu:

I think it would be cool for you to just keep doing what your doing till you hit your genetic limits.. I dont think their are many ppl who ever get to that point without doing roids.. for you to do that naturally would be awesome..

if you ever look through your logs and find referers from www.clubvibes.com those are me posting it.. I always post your link in threads that have to do with motivation since I've basically been going to your homepage almost every day for the past 2 years. Whenever I dont feel like working out I goto your page and read what you wrote fro the day and it usually gets me to go :tu:

I do think you are becoming very big, and I believe Lisa thinks the same thing.

Well, I do think John is pretty big, he looks awesome and I wouldn't mind if he got a little bigger :) I told him not to get any bigger than The Rock, though ;)

Hi John. I don't post much but I've browsed since the beginning. These recent pictures over the past couple of months are the first time I've really thought "Wow, John looks big". Keep up the good work :)

John, what I really admire about you is your dedication. You have given me a road map to personal achievement. I'm at about the point now after 31weeks of lifting and transformation where I could easily say, "hey great, this is good enough." Luckily for me I found your site and I can clearly see that I can do alot more with myself. I can go far, far beyond where I am now and have been before. I can become exceptional. Thanks for that John.

WOW. WOW. ALL I CAN SAY IS WOW.

John, you look absolutely phenomenal. I'm flat out more impressed by that last picture than I've ever been. I'm so happy for you; things seem to be going very well!

Dare I say you are gaining muscle during this cut. You look JACKED my friend. Flat out, straight up, Animal Pak ad level, JACKED! GREAT JOB!

Lisa - I think John is already bigger than The Rock! :D

:claphigh: :claphigh: :claphigh: :claphigh: :claphigh:

Are you certain that is all natural? ;)

The pic of you from 04 looks so...anorexic (sp) compared to now. Great work thus far...I'm impressed, but not suprised because of your attitude and work ethic. :tucool:

Lookin' like a true phenom as I knew you would.

:tucool:

~SC~

Well, I do think John is pretty big, he looks awesome and I wouldn't mind if he got a little bigger :) I told him not to get any bigger than The Rock, though ;)

:o You are the most important indicator! :D I thought John mentioned somewhere that you wouldn't want him to become bigger, but now I remember that was referring to him looking like Ulysses, Jr. I hope that once he looks like that, he'll realise it and stops upping the weight. ;)

By the way, John, do you have any idea what you're going to have to do once you reach your ultimate goal? (if you ever do with your changing standards ;)) By that I mean, will you keep using the amount of weight you've used in your last training sessions, or is there another way of maintaining current musculature?

I knew that you would be scary with lats. I was hoping that when you got the Titan that you would be able to work on the weak point.....well, it used to be weak.

That must have taken you ages to reply to all those comments.If someone takes the time to post to my thread, I always try to take the time to respond. Sometimes when I'm very pressed for time I don't always do that, but I feel bad about it when that happens.

You look fantastic! :tu: That is all that needs saying to be honest!Thank you very much. I sure feel good today. :)


I felt it was my obligation to tell you (and myself, and everyone on this board) that we have to watch out not to get a distorted image of ourselves...I understand, but think my view of my body is pretty well grounded. Lisa is also never shy with her point of view, either. ;)

Over the years I've certainly adjusted my view on how I want my body to look, but I don't think there's anything wrong with that. So long as I'm happy and healthy, there's no problem. To each his or her own!


I think it would be cool for you to just keep doing what your doing till you hit your genetic limits.. I dont think their are many ppl who ever get to that point without doing roids.. for you to do that naturally would be awesome.. Chris (1FastGTX) and I were just talking about that about an hour ago. The number of guys who have hit their genetic limits without using steroids can probably be counted on one hand. This reaffirms my belief that for 99.9% of the population, steroids are not necessary--they are nothing more than a shortcut for those who don't have the patience to spend years and years building their bodies naturally.

I don't know what my genetic limits are, but I can tell you that I'm not going to continue to add mass just because I can. While I'm sure that I'll always be tweaking and working on my symmetry, at some point I'm going to look in the mirror and say, "You're big enough now!"


Well, I do think John is pretty big:o Lisa, this is a family web site. Behave yourself.

he looks awesome and I wouldn't mind if he got a little bigger :) I told him not to get any bigger than The Rock, though ;)Uh huh. :p


Hi John. I don't post much but I've browsed since the beginning. These recent pictures over the past couple of months are the first time I've really thought "Wow, John looks big". Keep up the good work I'm always happy to "meet" an old school JSF'r! Thanks for being such a loyal visitor and for the compliments! :)


John, what I really admire about you is your dedication. You have given me a road map to personal achievement. I'm at about the point now after 31weeks of lifting and transformation where I could easily say, "hey great, this is good enough." Luckily for me I found your site and I can clearly see that I can do alot more with myself. I can go far, far beyond where I am now and have been before. I can become exceptional. Thanks for that John.You have made amazing progress, Travis. While we don't agree on many things, one thing I think we both can agree on is that hard work and dedication get the job done. :tucool:

I'm flattered by your comments. Thank you.


John, you look absolutely phenomenal. I'm flat out more impressed by that last picture than I've ever been. I'm so happy for you; things seem to be going very well!Things are going great! You already know how much I respect your opinions, your work ethic and your contributions to this forum, so your comments mean a great deal to me. Thank you!


Dare I say you are gaining muscle during this cut. You look JACKED my friend. Flat out, straight up, Animal Pak ad level, JACKED! GREAT JOB!ANIMAL PAK JACKED?!?! ;)

Seriously, while I have not lost any muscle on this cut, I am not gaining any either. I really didn't expect to gain muscle, as I'm bigger than I've ever been in my life and in a caloric deficit. I think the new mass I added during my bulk is just making me look bigger and bigger as I strip away the fat. Funny how cutting down to a lower weight can actually make you look bigger and stronger!


Are you certain that is all natural?Well, I am on the dangerous supplements like the protein powder and creatine. ;)

The pic of you from 04 looks so...anorexic (sp) compared to now. Great work thus far...I'm impressed, but not surprised because of your attitude and work ethic. :tucool:Thank you very much.

Those older pictures are pretty wild! I think I was 6% or 7% body fat--not 8% as I reported--back in summer of 2003.


Lookin' like a true phenom as I knew you would.Ah... hello, coach SwoleCat! :)

First, thank you very much for the kind words. I appreciate it.

Obviously your SUP2 bulking program and SGX cutting program have done wonders for my physique. In the early days I enjoyed learning for myself about fitness and proper diet (and I still do), but it's really nice to have a program that I can follow with complete confidence and no guesswork. It's obvious to me now why even the best body builders hire coaches and dietitians. You are a credit to your peers in that industry. I'm looking forward to working with you for many years to come.


By the way, John, do you have any idea what you're going to have to do once you reach your ultimate goal? (if you ever do with your changing standards ;)) By that I mean, will you keep using the amount of weight you've used in your last training sessions, or is there another way of maintaining current musculature?You have to eat to grow, so I think dietary changes will be the key to maintaining when I no longer wish to grow. I'll never coast in the gym, it's not in my nature.


I knew that you would be scary with lats. I was hoping that when you got the Titan that you would be able to work on the weak point.....well, it used to be weak.Aw, I'm not scary (shhh... Guava might be reading this!)

I'm happy with the progress I've made with my lats, but frankly my lats, delts and traps are still weak and need much work. I agree that the Titan has opened many new doors for me.

Speaking of the Titan, the new web site, banner ads and my review should all be up within the next few weeks!! :tucool:

If someone takes the time to post to my thread, I always try to take the time to respond. Sometimes when I'm very pressed for time I don't always do that, but I feel bad about it when that happens.

Thank you very much. I sure feel good today. :)


I understand, but think my view of my body is pretty well grounded. Lisa is also never shy with her point of view, either. ;)

Over the years I've certainly adjusted my view on how I want my body to look, but I don't think there's anything wrong with that. So long as I'm happy and healthy, there's no problem. To each his or her own!


Chris (1FastGTX) and I were just talking about that about an hour ago. The number of guys who have hit their genetic limits without using steroids can probably be counted on one hand. This reaffirms my belief that for 99.9% of the population, steroids are not necessary--they are nothing more than a shortcut for those who don't have the patience to spend years and years building their bodies naturally.

I don't know what my genetic limits are, but I can tell you that I'm not going to continue to add mass just because I can. While I'm sure that I'll always be tweaking and working on my symmetry, at some point I'm going to look in the mirror and say, "You're big enough now!"


:o Lisa, this is a family web site. Behave yourself.

Uh huh. :p


I'm always happy to "meet" an old school JSF'r! Thanks for being such a loyal visitor and for the compliments! :)


You have made amazing progress, Travis. While we don't agree on many things, one thing I think we both can agree on is that hard work and dedication get the job done. :tucool:

I'm flattered by your comments. Thank you.


Things are going great! You already know how much I respect your opinions, your work ethic and your contributions to this forum, so your comments mean a great deal to me. Thank you!


ANIMAL PAK JACKED?!?! ;)

Seriously, while I have not lost any muscle on this cut, I am not gaining any either. I really didn't expect to gain muscle, as I'm bigger than I've ever been in my life and in a caloric deficit. I think the new mass I added during my bulk is just making me look bigger and bigger as I strip away the fat. Funny how cutting down to a lower weight can actually make you look bigger and stronger!


Well, I am on the dangerous supplements like the protein powder and creatine. ;)

Thank you very much.

Those older pictures are pretty wild! I think I was 6% or 7% body fat--not 8% as I reported--back in summer of 2003.


Ah... hello, coach SwoleCat! :)

First, thank you very much for the kind words. I appreciate it.

Obviously your SUP2 bulking program and SGX cutting program have done wonders for my physique. In the early days I enjoyed learning for myself about fitness and proper diet (and I still do), but it's really nice to have a program that I can follow with complete confidence and no guesswork. It's obvious to me now why even the best body builders hire coaches and dietitians. You are a credit to your peers in that industry. I'm looking forward to working with you for many years to come.


You have to eat to grow, so I think dietary changes will be the key to maintaining when I no longer wish to grow. I'll never coast in the gym, it's not in my nature.


Aw, I'm not scary (shhh... Guava might be reading this!)

I'm happy with the progress I've made with my lats, but frankly my lats, delts and traps are still weak and need much work. I agree that the Titan has opened many new doors for me.

Speaking of the Titan, the new web site, banner ads and my review should all be up within the next few weeks!! :tucool:

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of his deed could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust, sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again…because there is no effort without error and shortcomings.

It is the man who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasm; the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement…and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while doing greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."

--Theodore Roosevelt
Paris, Sorbonne, 1910

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of his deed could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust, sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again…because there is no effort without error and shortcomings.

It is the man who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasm; the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement…and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while doing greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."

--Theodore Roosevelt
Paris, Sorbonne, 1910
That's one of the best quotes I think I've ever read. I've never read about T. Roosevelt... time to click over to Amazon.

-R

I don't know what my genetic limits are, but I can tell you that I'm not going to continue to add mass just because I can. While I'm sure that I'll always be tweaking and working on my symmetry, at some point I'm going to look in the mirror and say, "You're big enough now!"
Yeah right. ;) Wait until you're done cutting and done with your next bulk. I always said "I'll be happy at 205!" 205 and shredded, I said "I'll be happy at 215!" And on and on. Now I'm thinking "I wonder what I'd look like at 250!!!!" :eek:

(I don't think 250 is possible for me, at least not 250 with under around 10%, but you never know. :p )

Things are going great! You already know how much I respect your opinions, your work ethic and your contributions to this forum, so your comments mean a great deal to me. Thank you!
And I you my friend. Thank YOU. :)

ANIMAL PAK JACKED?!?! ;)

Seriously, while I have not lost any muscle on this cut, I am not gaining any either. I really didn't expect to gain muscle, as I'm bigger than I've ever been in my life and in a caloric deficit. I think the new mass I added during my bulk is just making me look bigger and bigger as I strip away the fat. Funny how cutting down to a lower weight can actually make you look bigger and stronger!
Yeah I said it, Animal Pak Jacked baby!!! In fact I need you to get me a good deadlift or squat picture so I can Photoshop the "A" logo on top of it. :lol:

Then again the AtLarge logo would be much better. :D

You're right about cutting making you look bigger. I look at mastover, who is MUCH lighter than me, but he looks much bigger than I do because he's absolutely shredded.

Speaking of the Titan, the new web site, banner ads and my review should all be up within the next few weeks!! :tucool:
Looking forward to this! :)

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of his deed could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust, sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again…because there is no effort without error and shortcomings.

It is the man who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasm; the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement…and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while doing greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."
That is a fantastic quote.

Actually I just read the wonderful email you sent me. Thank you very much for the kind words within. You've found a community of like-minded people, many with problems and backgrounds not unlike your own. I think you'll find that this community is a place where those with a true desire and commitment to change will be inspired to get started, cheered on as they proceed along their journey and put back on their feet if they happen to stumble. Welcome, and good luck.

Yeah I said it, Animal Pak Jacked baby!!! In fact I need you to get me a good deadlift or squat picture so I can Photoshop the "A" logo on top of it. :lol: Funny story about "Animal":

Remember a few months ago we were all making fun of the Animal ad because it looked like the dude had blood on his gloves, and it looked fake? A few weeks ago I actually got an email from the photographer of the Animal ad campaign explaining what that was all about! Here's the email:

"hey john,

i happened upon your thread about the "blood" in the universal ad

i am the photographer for the animal/universal ad campaigns....

let me set the record straight

the red you see is simply the red rubber left over after cutting the
fingers off of a pair of work gloves........not "blood"

thanks
brian"

I felt like a tool after I got that email! :o

I wrote him back and told him we mess around a lot, but don't mean anything by it.

Funny story about "Animal":

Remember a few months ago we were all making fun of the Animal ad because it looked like the dude had blood on his gloves, and it looked fake? A few weeks ago I actually got an email from the photographer of the Animal ad campaign explaining what that was all about! Here's the email:

"hey john,

i happened upon your thread about the "blood" in the universal ad

i am the photographer for the animal/universal ad campaigns....

let me set the record straight

the red you see is simply the red rubber left over after cutting the
fingers off of a pair of work gloves........not "blood"

thanks
brian"

I felt like a tool after I got that email! :o

I wrote him back and told him we mess around a lot, but don't mean anything by it.
HAHAHAHAHHAHAHA!

Don't feel like a tool. We're not the only ones who thought it was blood. I know a lot of people outside of this forum who joke about "hardcore like Animal!" when they cut their shin deadlifting or whatever. I don't think that "brian" was upset about it, probably just letting you know what was up. :)

Wow. What are the chances? The actual photographer for the ads? The world gets smaller by the day. I remember the ad. I remember looking at the ad. I remember thinking it was blood, too.

-R

Hey John... I watched The Scorpion King tonight (for the first time) while doing my cardio. That guy's got nothing on you... except for maybe the swords. You might want to tie some twine around your biceps though... that's a good look. You're looking great, old man. :tucool:

That is a fantastic quote.

Actually I just read the wonderful email you sent me. Thank you very much for the kind words within. You've found a community of like-minded people, many with problems and backgrounds not unlike your own. I think you'll find that this community is a place where those with a true desire and commitment to change will be inspired to get started, cheered on as they proceed along their journey and put back on their feet if they happen to stumble. Welcome, and good luck.

Thank you for the warm welcome. I made a decision to change physically for a year now, but the actual commitment has yet to follow. :bang: I am inspired now more than ever thanks in great part to you and all those here at JSF.:bow:

Hey John... I watched The Scorpion King tonight (for the first time) while doing my cardio. That guy's got nothing on you... except for maybe the swords. You might want to tie some twine around your biceps though... that's a good look. You're looking great, old man. :tucool:Thanks, Phil. :)

I have to disagree with you and GTX about The Rock. I have The Scorpion King, and IMO I'm nowhere near The Rock's physique. He looks fantastic. Besides, as long as Lisa thinks I'm smaller than he is, I can continue to grow with no interference from her. :)

Thanks, Phil. :)

I have to disagree with you and GTX about The Rock. I have The Scorpion King, and IMO I'm nowhere near The Rock's physique. He looks fantastic. Besides, as long as Lisa thinks I'm smaller than he is, I can continue to grow with no interference from her. :)

I believe when the guy played football at Miami he was somewhere in the neighborhood of 6'5" and 265 pounds ripped. But you could be as thick as him in time since you're not as tall. His genetics have been a topic of debate in the past, and I saw his vh1 special (or whatever channel it was on) and he said quickly packed on size in high school by just walking near and around the weight room. Like many of Samoan descent, he has a sh*tload of natural strength and muscle mass and cannot produce a 'before' picture the likes of your 1/16/03 pic nor could he ever have looked like the skinny guy pics from 2004. His dad was a massive pro wrestler and so was his granddad. no I don't watch pro wrestling--I saw this on the vh1 or whatever show a few years ago.

the rock has a great physique but i would argue that your accomplishment is greater.

the rock has a great physique but i would argue that your accomplishment is greater.Damn Nico, I don't know what to say to that. Thank you. :o

I just wish I could raise my eyebrow like the rock. :tucool:

He's got tons of charisma to go with his handsome face and impressive physique. Let's not forget the bank account, either! I've always liked The Rock (although I didn't know who he was until he was an actor - I don't watch wrestling); he's got a sense of humility and self-depreciation about him that I find very refreshing.

I know he's a member of this forum and all that, but Vin Diesel, on the other hand, seems to take himself way too seriously. How can we be expected to take Vin seriously after he uttered the line, "I live my life one quarter mile at a time..."? Not possible...

He's got tons of charisma to go with his handsome face and impressive physique.


Oh shoot, I thought you were talking about me for a second.:whistle:

Oh shoot, I thought you were talking about me for a second.:whistle:Yeah, right up until you got to the part about "sense of humility and self-depreciation". :lol:

I know he's a member of this forum and all that, but Vin Diesel, on the other hand, seems to take himself way too seriously. How can we be expected to take Vin seriously after he uttered the line, "I live my life one quarter mile at a time..."? Not possible...

What makes you think that? Any interviews/outbursts in particular?

I remember seeing him on Connan O'Brien a few years back being rather self depricating and light hearted. Not full of himself on that occasion, that's for sure.

...And after all, the guy did "The Pacifier." He can't take himself too seriously.;)

How can we be expected to take Vin seriously after he uttered the line, "I live my life one quarter mile at a time..."? Not possible...

Shame his career is closing in on the 390 meter mark fast...

What makes you think that? Any interviews/outbursts in particular?

I remember seeing him on Connan O'Brien a few years back being rather self depricating and light hearted. Not full of himself on that occasion, that's for sure.

...And after all, the guy did "The Pacifier." He can't take himself too seriously.;)I read an interview that he did in which he stated that he didn't want to do action movies and such anymore, because he was a much better actor than that. I think he compared himself to some pretty awesome acting talents. This was before he did "The Pacifier", so I think his agent and/or accountant may have staged an intervention. :lol:

Actually I'm only half serious about Vin. For all I know he's a super person and very nice. I hate hearsay, so I don't really feel comfortable talking shit about someone I don't even know. I can't even site a source for that interview I remember reading a long time ago. Vin, if you are reading this - no offense, brother. Let's workout sometime. :tucool:

I can't believe The Rock has surfaced in John's journal! :lol: This guy can pop up anywhere at anytime it seems. It's uncanny really.

I don't know how to compare John's accomplishments vs. The Rock's accomplishments, but they are both nothing short of phenomenal! Once again, it all comes down to dedication. It seems to me that both guys are extremely dedicated, The Rock just got a head start. :tu:

I can't believe The Rock has surfaced in John's journal! :lol: This guy can pop up anywhere at anytime it seems.

"Did someone say my name?"

The Rock is the man! :tu: :nod:

John, nice throwback to days of old with the Vin Diesel on JSF reference...I remember that email.

Thanks, Phil. :)

I have to disagree with you and GTX about The Rock. I have The Scorpion King, and IMO I'm nowhere near The Rock's physique. He looks fantastic. Besides, as long as Lisa thinks I'm smaller than he is, I can continue to grow with no interference from her. :)
You're not as big as he was in The Scorpion King, but I think he's lost a lot of size since then. :)

John, nice throwback to days of old with the Vin Diesel on JSF reference...I remember that email.That was a classic!

For those who have no idea what we're talking about, that email (and more) are here: http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?t=11018

You're not as big as he was in The Scorpion King, but I think he's lost a lot of size since then. :)He's probably doing fasted HIIT. :D

Chris, that's the best avatar ever! :lol:

Hey John, I was looking at your TITAN thread and I saw ur first pic with the machine. You were a lot smaller then (compared to what u are now). I was wondering if you have gotten so big solely on TITAN.

Thanks,
~Kulminati

Hey John, I was looking at your TITAN thread and I saw ur first pic with the machine. You were a lot smaller then (compared to what u are now). I was wondering if you have gotten so big solely on TITAN.Yep!

Hi John, I'm another one of those frequent visitors but as of yet infrequent posters. Your daily update today impressed me yet again with the results of your hard work and the excellent program you're following. I've been slowly cutting and happy with my progress, but I have to say the speed of progress on your cut is fantastic! :tucool:

Hi John, I'm another one of those frequent visitors but as of yet infrequent posters. Your daily update today impressed me yet again with the results of your hard work and the excellent program you're following. I've been slowly cutting and happy with my progress, but I have to say the speed of progress on your cut is fantastic! :tucool:I'm putting in the "sweat equity" and staying very focused, but I have to give SwoleCat all the credit for my nutritional plan. It's his SGX program that's allowed me to cut fat as quickly as possible while maintaining my bulking gains. :tucool:

John , just to say, you are looking awsome. Your new avatar!!!!!
Wow, I would not be able to stop looking at myself...
:flex:

HIIT MAN

I was wondering if you have gotten so big solely on TITAN.
No, not solely on TITAN.

On TITIAN, on Swolecat's program, on a fantastic and consistent diet, and on a lot of sweat and hard work. :D

John , just to say, you are looking awsome. Your new avatar!!!!!
Wow, I would not be able to stop looking at myself...
:flex:Hrm, should I be scared? ;)

Thanks very much!

No, not solely on TITAN.

On TITIAN, on Swolecat's program, on a fantastic and consistent diet, and on a lot of sweat and hard work. :D:lol: From the context of his message I think he was talking specifically about my training equipment.

:lol: From the context of his message I think he was talking specifically about my training equipment.
I know, but I'm in a funny mood. :lol: Hey it IS Friday. Are you outside in the sun yet? It's nice out today. :D :cool:

Hey actually we're forgetting your Captians of Crush grip work! Have you been using those lately? I keep meaning to ask you how they're working. I may need to pick up a set of those and rotate them with my wrist roller exercise.

How's the thumb John? I hope it's better.

I know, but I'm in a funny mood. :lol: Hey it IS Friday. Are you outside in the sun yet? It's nice out today. :D :cool: I'm in a great mood today, too!

I have not been able to go outside today because I was waiting on someone that I was expecting to come over. I didn't want to miss him. He just left, so guess where I'm heading right now? :D

Hey actually we're forgetting your Captians of Crush grip work! Have you been using those lately? I keep meaning to ask you how they're working. I may need to pick up a set of those and rotate them with my wrist roller exercise.I've been training with those 2 times per week almost without fail since I got them. I can rep the #1 quite a few times now, and the trainer gripper feels easy at this point. I've been using the #1 to practice long holds and negatives after my hands are tired. I'm going to order a #2 soon.

Unfortunately I can't use them right now thanks to my thumb. :(

How's the thumb John? I hope it's better.Rapidly improving. Thankfully it's not hampered any of my training (except the grip training). I don't expect any problems with tonight's delt/arm workout. :tucool:

Tomorrow's going to be a brutal day in the yard, so I hope my thumb is up to the task.

I It's nice out today. :D :cool:



It sure is! I guess our weather is similar. :tucool:

Great workout tonight (delts & arms)!

I went up in reps on my lateral raises and standing DB shoulder presses, and next week I'll be moving up in weight. I'm actually lifting more now than I was when bulking. :lol:

I also will be moving up in weight next week on my machine preacher curls and my DB curls. I went up in reps on my tricep press downs, but on the last set I failed at 9 reps. I moved up 10 pounds this week on my standing french curls, and I did manage to hit 4 sets of 10+, but I'm afraid that the act of getting the bar over my head is hurting my shoulders. I think I'm going to try lying french press next week with a little more weight.

Last week's picture (my avatar) is pretty good, but it was bugging me because my face looks weird (weirder than normal, I mean). When I was posing my face was kind of pressed back. I need to work on that. Tonight I took a similar shot. My face looks better, but my body doesnt look quite as good. I'll keep practicing.

Personally I think that this current photo is better than the current avatar - and when I saw that I went :eek:
Casual face and that development. Very cool indeed.

Impressive results as is becoming usual John - and I think that those of us putting in KNOW how hard you are working. :tu:

Looking in fantastic shape John.

I think SC's training has taken you to another level would you agree, i mean you did fantastically on your own and achieved so much, but like you said when you got SC it's a plan to follow and makes it easier.

I think you've really gone up a few gears since being with SC.

You're looking in phenominal shape.

Personally I think that this current photo is better than the current avatar - and when I saw that I went :eek:
Casual face and that development. Very cool indeed.

Impressive results as is becoming usual John - and I think that those of us putting in KNOW how hard you are working. :tu:Thanks very much! I like that latest picture better in most respects, but my arms don't look quite as jacked as they do in the other picture. Ironically my arms are bigger in this most recent shot, having just completed my bicep/tricep workout. I think when they are that engorged with blood they lose some definition. The shot in my avatar was taken on chest day, so my arms didn't have much of a pump in that one (probably some tricep pump).

Looking in fantastic shape John.

I think SC's training has taken you to another level would you agree, i mean you did fantastically on your own and achieved so much, but like you said when you got SC it's a plan to follow and makes it easier.

I think you've really gone up a few gears since being with SC.

You're looking in phenominal shape.Thanks!

Yes, there's no question that SwoleCat's programs have had a huge impact on my physique. My only regret is that I waited so long to give them a try! The results speak for themselves.

Of course having awesome equipment like the Titan available to me has given me the tools to get the job done. I have to give tons of credit to SwoleCat and Fitcore. I know I wouldn't look the way I do today without either one of them.

Cardio will be a little unusual today:

:cry:

Cardio will be a little unusual today:

:cry:
The fact that you take pleasure out of having to do brute manual labor just to be able to get your car out of the garage is an indication that you have a 'different' mentality than most. :lol:

I recently had to create a bathroom in our new house from scratch. It's a good thing I didn't try a similar experiment. :doh:

That sure is a mess in your driveway! I went with the red lava rock, which so far seems to be very low maintenance and pretty much permanent. Good luck spreading all the mulch...looks like a workout in itself there! Be sure to post some after pics. Man, your grass already looks healthy, thick and green.

I just need to quickly hijack this thread to compliment 1FastGTX. You look incredible in your latest avatar. With that shirt and build you remind me of a caveman. You look like you could take on T-Rex! :bow:

The fact that you take pleasure out of having to do brute manual labor just to be able to get your car out of the garage is an indication that you have a 'different' mentality than most. :lol: I think they call that "lack of common sense." Nothing to brag about! :lol:

Be sure to post some after pics.Posting them now! :)

OK, today was UNREAL. What a workout. I'll save all the gory details for tomorrow morning's update.

Short version: Lisa and I worked from dawn to dusk, and I'd say we are 75% done. I think I'm going to have some extra mulch, which I will share with my neighbors. :)

The front is totally done, and I'm very happy with how it looks. I'm going to try and post some backyard photos tomorrow, and will probably make an album of them.

I'm so beat. I'm having a cheat meal tonight - I've earned it.

Here are some pictures of the finished front yard. The first picture is the mulch we had to start the day, the second one is the mulch we had left at the end of the day. We made a nice dent in the back yard, and will finish it tomorrow.

Looks NICE!!! GOOD WORK. I was shocked you had ordered so much mulch because judging by the pictures I have much more area to mulch at my crib and I only get about 16 yards... haha "only." I normally spread about 2/3 of it in a day, which it looks like you did but out of 20 yards... that is big time. My back is ruined for days after that. Your house and gardens look amazing. Just wanted to say great work.

Looks great! Wow, that's a load of mulch! Now who is the green thumb in the family...you or Lisa? Isn't it amazing how you can transform just about anything with a vision and determination....in this case a strong back too ;-)

JS, you've inspired me to get fit AND get my yard in shape. :bow:

Looks NICE!!! GOOD WORK. I was shocked you had ordered so much mulch because judging by the pictures I have much more area to mulch at my crib and I only get about 16 yards... haha "only." I normally spread about 2/3 of it in a day, which it looks like you did but out of 20 yards... that is big time. My back is ruined for days after that. Your house and gardens look amazing. Just wanted to say great work.Thanks, Brad!

Yeah, 20 yards of mulch may have been a bit too much! :o When we re-did all the landscaping last year we used a total of 10 yards, but I didn't feel that it was anywhere near thick enough. This year I wanted to go 3-4 inches deep, so I figured I'd double the amount we used last year. Many of our beds are irregularly shaped, so trying to work it out mathematically would have been very difficult (for me, at least :lol: ).

I'm a little sun-drenched this morning and a little achy, but I had an amazing, deep 8 hours of sleep and I feel pretty good this morning. I'm ready to get out there and get this project done!

Looks great! Wow, that's a load of mulch! Now who is the green thumb in the family...you or Lisa? Isn't it amazing how you can transform just about anything with a vision and determination....in this case a strong back too ;-)Thanks, Devery!

Really neither Lisa or I have a "green thumb". I have a love-hate relationship with our yard and garden: I love to keep it looking good, but I hate how difficult it is for someone like me. It's a constant struggle to know what to do and when to do it, particularly in the late summer when insects, mold & disease are huge problems here in Florida.

As for the layout and plant selection, we're useless in that department, too. Last year when Lisa and I were renovating our home (http://www.twowiresthin.com/r2005/), we paid a very well-known landscape architect to design what you see today. It was not cheap, but it was well worth it.

Well, that's enough procrastination. Time to get out there and get it done. :cry:

JS, you've inspired me to get fit AND get my yard in shape. :bow::tucool: Have fun! :)

Hey John, just curious... I saw your transformation pictures of your house/yard/lawn etc... My grass looks like yours right now -- how'd you get it to be soooo green and then later winning the Yard of the Month award? Fill me in with your secrets :drool:

I just came in for a meal break. Today is going much smoother. I've got some much better gloves that keep mulch from getting into the fingers, and better shoes. It's also a little overcast and breezy, so the sun is not so oppressive (yesterday there was not a cloud in the sky--beautiful, but very hot).

The lady across the street is older and very nice. I offered her some mulch, and she said she'd love some. She left a little while ago to run to errands. Lisa and I are going to sneak over there when we're done and mulch her front gardens for her. :)


Hey John, just curious... I saw your transformation pictures of your house/yard/lawn etc... My grass looks like yours right now -- how'd you get it to be soooo green and then later winning the Yard of the Month award? Fill me in with your secrets :drool:The lawn was completely replaced, that's how! :) I talked about it on this page: http://www.twowiresthin.com/r2005/front.html

Time to get back out there!

The lady across the street is older and very nice. I offered her some mulch, and she said she'd love some. She left a little while ago to run to errands. Lisa and I are going to sneak over there when we're done and mulch her front gardens for her. :)
Wow! Lisa and you are both just so cool! :)

Yard looks great, John. :tucool:

looks like youre gonna need a new domain: johnstonelandscaping.com

its a balmy 44 degrees here in Iowa.
my yard resembles a muddy sponge right now as its still thawing out.

I looked at the thread you linked to...looks like you could have bought another Titan with all the renovations.

Looks amazing. A friend down the street is a landscape architect, and his yard doesn't look as nice as your's.

The lawn was completely replaced, that's how! :) I talked about it on this page: http://www.twowiresthin.com/r2005/front.html

Time to get back out there!

The house looks great John! It's like one of those extreme makeovers. A question about your lawn and plants. How often do you fertilize the lawn? How much "maintenance" is required on the plants? While I love how they look, I admit I'm not a big fan of spending the day under the Florida sun. I built my house 5 years ago and sprung for the floritam and well it basically looks like shit! It's thin & has patches. I may just have to break down and replace it :-( Anyway, again it looks great!! :drool:

I love the way a little landscaping can add color and personality. I'm already looking forward to our next home. Definitely worth the effort for that curbside appeal IMO.
:tu:

Wow! Lisa and you are both just so cool! :)

Yard looks great, John. :tucool:Thanks, Chris! We're so happy to finally be done with the worst of it.

The older lady across the street is always so nice to us. We couldn't bear the thought of her having to come get all that mulch and spread it around herself. It only took us about an hour. She was so happy. It made our day. :tucool:


its a balmy 44 degrees here in Iowa.
my yard resembles a muddy sponge right now as its still thawing out.Man, I don't know how you guys up there do it. I would hate that. I've lived everywhere from Baltimore to Houston to Orlando and I'm not going ANYWHERE now. :D


I looked at the thread you linked to...looks like you could have bought another Titan with all the renovations.I wish, that was not a cheap project. I could have bought five Titans.

Looks amazing. A friend down the street is a landscape architect, and his yard doesn't look as nice as your's.I have to give all the credit for the design to our landscape architect. That guy is amazing.


The house looks great John! It's like one of those extreme makeovers. A question about your lawn and plants. How often do you fertilize the lawn?Thanks!

The lawn used to get fertilized every 3 months. I'd usually use a mixture of Milorganite, Epsom salts and Ironite. I'd also occasionally use Miracle Gro Lawn Food with my hose-end sprayer to really green it up (although the Ironite does a great job of greening).

This year I'm trying something new: I've hired Scotts Lawncare service to handle all the feeding, weeds, insect control and disease control of my plants and lawn. They come out 10 times per year to handle the lawn, and 8 times per year to take care of the plants. There are no contracts, so I'm going to see how they do. If they can effectively control the millions of insects, grubs, molds, diseases and other things that wreak havoc on Florida landscapes (especially late summer), then they have a customer for life!

How much "maintenance" is required on the plants? While I love how they look, I admit I'm not a big fan of spending the day under the Florida sun. Not a lot. Now that Scotts is handling the feedings and insect control, all I have to do is trim them and water them (I have an automatic irrigation system to handle that, too!)


I love the way a little landscaping can add color and personality. I'm already looking forward to our next home. Definitely worth the effort for that curbside appeal IMO.I totally agree. The landscaping has increased the value of our home considerably. Not only that, we enjoy it so much more now. :tucool:

WE FINSHED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Man, what a weekend this has been.

I created a photo album with all the photos (I took a few of the back yard as well). I've added descriptions for each photo with plant IDs and stuff.

Unfortunately the backyard has many plants, flowers and trees that bloom later in the season. Right now the backyard looks kind of plain. In a few months the backyard will have massive amounts of color! I'll take more pictures then.

I hope you enjoy the pictures! http://www.twowiresthin.com/g2006/

WE FINSHED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Man, what a weekend this has been.

Great job John. Funny how you don't realize how much 20 "yards" of mulch is until it is sitting in your driveway liike a dead seal!

Great job John. Funny how you don't realize how much 20 "yards" of mulch is until it is sitting in your driveway liike a dead seal!No kidding, but it's more like a dead elephant! I didn't realize what I was getting myself into when I ordered all that mulch. The guy who delivered it looked at me funny when I told him it was just me and my wife who would be moving it, and that we'd have it done before the end of the weekend. Now I know why he looked at me like I had two heads, he probably thought I was crazy.

I'm not crazy, just dumb. :D

taking a week off weights might be a good idea.. everytime I've done that I made huge gains the next couple weeks..

I'm not crazy, just dumb. :D


"When trouble arises and things look bad, there is always one individual who perceives a solution and is willing to take command. Very Often, that individual is crazy."

You actually seem to fit the crazy description, so maybe you are crazy...AND dumb? Maybe just a little dumb? But definitely sound crazy.

No kidding, but it's more like a dead elephant! I didn't realize what I was getting myself into when I ordered all that mulch. The guy who delivered it looked at me funny when I told him it was just me and my wife who would be moving it, and that we'd have it done before the end of the weekend. Now I know why he looked at me like I had two heads, he probably thought I was crazy.

I'm not crazy, just dumb. :D

You think mulch is bad? Try moving 20 yards of gravel in one day using shovels and wheelbarrows with 3 guys with your italian boss yelling at you to work faster! A day in the life of a landscaper... :) Your yard is looking good though man, who did your property?

You think mulch is bad? Try moving 20 yards of gravel in one day using shovels and wheelbarrows with 3 guys with your italian boss yelling at you to work faster! A day in the life of a landscaper... :) Your yard is looking good though man, who did your property?


I put a lot of lava rock around our house and broke two front wheel barrow axles in the process. That wasn't as bad as pulling up a 3 foot wide strip of sod all around the house prior to putting down the rocks. I don't know which I dislike more...putting sod down or picking it up. They both suck!

I put a lot of lava rock around our house and broke two front wheel barrow axles in the process. That wasn't as bad as pulling up a 3 foot wide strip of sod all around the house prior to putting down the rocks. I don't know which I dislike more...putting sod down or picking it up. They both suck!

It's hard work for sure, I do it day in day out during my summer job. My least favorite jobs to do are building fences. I don't mind building fences for 1 or 2 homes, however, as soon as neighbors see you doing it they ask you and by the time you finish, the whole damn subdivision wants you to build their fence for them. This happened to me last summer, we spent almost a month building fences and I absolutely hated it. It's so repetetive and annoying as hell! Not to mention having to haul in bundle after bundle of fence boards and 6x6 posts for 15+ houses. Oh, and hand shovelling each post hole was also a bitch since the sod was too fresh to go over with a machine. I hate clam shovels.

to be honest one day of hard work is nothing compared to the years of dedication that John has put into improving himself.. hell I start to go insane if I dont have a cheat meal more then once a week.. haha

I'm going for a month of no cheating now though. Time to step things up and push myself harder then I have been.

maybe it's time for you to step back out of your own B.S. and get some perspective.

Thanks for this today John, in all seriousness I really needed to hear that from someone today :tu:

John, that avatar sheds a whole new light on my appreciation of your accomplishments. I originally thought you and I had "similar" body types. This idea came from your before pictures, of the skinny John. I couldn't have been futher off base. YOU ARE F@CKING HUGE!!!!!!! Regardless of how I train there is NO WAY I could ever achieve that amount of muscularity. My hats off to you for a job well done.:tucool:

Damn John, I am LOOOVING today's update. Your "tough love" No-B.S. Speeches are incredibly motivational. Ever thought of a taking up a career in public/motivational speaking?

Reminds me of the Matt Foley skits on SNL.

Thanks for this today John, in all seriousness I really needed to hear that from someone today :tu:

Damn John, I am LOOOVING today's update. Your "tough love" No-B.S. Speeches are incredibly motivational. Ever thought of a taking up a career in public/motivational speaking?

Reminds me of the Matt Foley skits on SNL.

I'm glad you guys liked it!

I'm not quite as intense as Matt Foley. ;)

There's actually a discussion about today's update going on here: http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?t=26593

More than anything, I want people to succeed. Sometimes a gut check is in order.


John, that avatar sheds a whole new light on my appreciation of your accomplishments. I originally thought you and I had "similar" body types. This idea came from your before pictures, of the skinny John. I couldn't have been futher off base. YOU ARE F@CKING HUGE!!!!!!! Regardless of how I train there is NO WAY I could ever achieve that amount of muscularity. My hats off to you for a job well done.:tucool:Thanks very much, Michael! BUT it's the lighting and the pump in that picture, believe me. I'm not that big.

Also, I couldn't disagree with you more when you say that you couldn't reach that level of muscularity. I know you can, as you have unwavering discipline and dedication, and that's something that I've seen in very few people. :tucool:

Thanks very much, Michael! BUT it's the lighting and the pump in that picture, believe me. I'm not that big.

Also, I couldn't disagree with you more when you say that you couldn't reach that level of muscularity. I know you can, as you have unwavering discipline and dedication, and that's something that I've seen in very few people. :tucool:

:lol: :lol: :lol: That is NOT lighting!!!! You look tremendous. Thanx for the compliment John, it means alot.:tucool:

I disagree with you John on the lighting/pump. Sure it adds a lot but stop kidding everyone and yourself too -- you're a big guy. :)

But I agree with you about doordude - hey Michael, I would bet money that you could achieve some SERIOUS mass (and heck, you already have!). Yes, you're genetically predisposed to a more lean (but very ripped) physique, but I am quite certain you could attain something very close to the "Animal Pak Hardcorezz" look. :) You too don't give yourself enough credit. :tucool:

I disagree with you John on the lighting/pump. Sure it adds a lot but stop kidding everyone and yourself too -- you're a big guy. :)

But I agree with you about doordude - hey Michael, I would bet money that you could achieve some SERIOUS mass (and heck, you already have!). Yes, you're genetically predisposed to a more lean (but very ripped) physique, but I am quite certain you could attain something very close to the "Animal Pak Hardcorezz" look. :) You too don't give yourself enough credit. :tucool:

Thanx Chris.:tucool:

I disagree with you John on the lighting/pump. Sure it adds a lot but stop kidding everyone and yourself too -- you're a big guy. :)

But I agree with you about doordude - hey Michael, I would bet money that you could achieve some SERIOUS mass (and heck, you already have!). Yes, you're genetically predisposed to a more lean (but very ripped) physique, but I am quite certain you could attain something very close to the "Animal Pak Hardcorezz" look. :) You too don't give yourself enough credit. :tucool:

Agreed and Agreed. Man! Do we need to start a "boost your self esteem" forum now or what? JS AND DD are both too humble :rolleyes:

JS AND DD are both too humble :rolleyes:Now there's something I never thought I'd hear in a million years. :D

Dont feel bad John. Every two years my parents order same ammount as you and I have to put it out by myself during the summer within a week. The first summer we did it, he did 2 of the same thing loads in the same week for me to unload. Now every other summer I have to unload mulch and put it out.

It sucks lol

Now there's something I never thought I'd hear in a million years. :D

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: Me either.:D

Now there's something I never thought I'd hear in a million years. :D

Sorry I must have been having a delusional moment. I am usually a pretty honest guy...I dont know what happened. :rolleyes: :doh:

Wow,1fastGTX is that you in avatar?I swear it looks like lee priest.Now if you say it is lee priest than kool but if thats you then WOW!!!

Wow,1fastGTX is that you in avatar?I swear it looks like lee priest.Now if you say it is lee priest than kool but if thats you then WOW!!!

I'm pretty sure it's him. He's a big guy.

Wow,1fastGTX is that you in avatar?I swear it looks like lee priest.Now if you say it is lee priest than kool but if thats you then WOW!!!
Err, thank you very much for the compliments. I do appreciate it. But...LEE PRIEST!?!??

I'm not even half that guy's size. :D

We now return you to your regularly scheduled thread.

Wow,1fastGTX is that you in avatar?I swear it looks like lee priest.Now if you say it is lee priest than kool but if thats you then WOW!!!



are you taking roids? (jk) Looking great in the avatar!:tu:

:lol: The most modest bunch of "muscleheads" I have ever met:lol:

I got a bunch of projects done around the house today, one of which is something I've wanted to do for a long, long time: low-voltage landscape lighting! I had to install a 600 watt transformer and timer for the main gardens, and I'll use the existing low-voltage system (part of the automatic irrigation system) to do the right side of the house and the back yard.

The power is installed and so is all the wiring. Tonight we played around with placement of the spotlights. Here's what we've settled on for now. Not the best picture, but gives a general idea...

Looking like a mini-Whitehouse in that light John (in a good way of course :tu:).

Are you thinking of a career change?

Looks great! I had similar thoughts as above with the lighting + the flag.

And you and Lisa were contemplating a move why? :confused: Wouldn't you want to live in the house that you have put so much time and dedication into transforming?

Regardless, I'm very impressed. :nod:

Wow, nice. :claplow:

like the flag :tu:

Looking like a mini-Whitehouse in that light John (in a good way of course :tu:).

Looks great! I had similar thoughts as above with the lighting + the flag.
Thanks guys, we're liking it - but I sure never thought of the White House when we were doing it!


Are you thinking of a career change?To politics? :lol: Never. :nope:


And you and Lisa were contemplating a move why? :confused: Wouldn't you want to live in the house that you have put so much time and dedication into transforming?

Regardless, I'm very impressed. :nod:Thanks!

We were thinking about moving mainly because we'd like a bigger place. I sent this to a friend this morning, and this pretty much sums up why we've decided against moving right now:

We've totally decided against a new house at this point. We found one that we really like--it's got 4,000 square feet of living space, 4.5 baths, 3 car garage and on an acre of land. We could probably qualify for it, but barely. It would be a huge stretch for us financially. Right now we are trying to build our savings and are living very comfortably at the same time. If we bought this house we would no longer be able to save much money, and our budget would be tight as a drum. It's just not worth it right now. Also, as we looked at all these new homes, we started to realize how much work we've put into our current home. Even though it's smaller than what we'd like to have, we're happy here and we love our house. Maybe in another 4 or 5 years things will be different, but for now we're staying put.

So, there ya have it! Even though our house right now lacks the room I need for some projects that I want to do (a larger home gym, a dedicated home theater room with a projector, etc), we are very happy with our house right now. We've put a lot of work into it and it's home. :)


Wow, nice. :claplow:

like the flag :tu:Thanks, I like the flag, too! :tucool:



Today I installed all the conduit for the wiring that runs from the transformer on the porch to all the fixtures. It looks pretty good! I also installed a Wet Location GFI outlet, and as you can see in the below picture, I installed eight glasstop back-lights behind the Viburnums. I can't wait to see how they look tonight!

The wiring is still above the mulch until we make sure the placement is correct later tonight.

I'm also excited because I weight train in 10 minutes!

Cardio will be a little unusual today:

:cry:

Hehehe... it looks like some of those Uber Termites from Another Dimesion" laid waste to the red Lincoln Navigator in your driveway. :)

http://www.skippypodar.net/WebGallery/Miscellaneous/mulch-before2.jpg

http://www.skippypodar.net/WebGallery/Miscellaneous/mulch-after.jpg

- Skip :)

Hehehe... it looks like some of those Uber Termites from Another Dimesion" laid waste to the red Lincoln Navigator in your driveway. :)Skip, I like the way your mind works! LMAO!

Tonight was back and traps, and it was an excellent workout! I feel like I'm back in the groove 100% now. I stayed the same or went up in reps/weight on every exercise (as compared to my last back/traps workout), so that felt great after last night's somewhat sub-par performance.

There's nothing like an awesome weight training workout. I feel great!

No pictures tonight - I just didn't feel like messing with the camera after my deads/shrugs supersets. :tucool:

Hehehe... it looks like some of those Uber Termites from Another Dimesion" laid waste to the red Lincoln Navigator in your driveway. :)

- Skip :)

LOL -- That is the second post today that really cracked me up. :lol:

OK, one picture! I had to take a picture of the house with the phase II lighting complete. I like this picture because the sky was not totally dark and had turned a beautiful shade of blue...

That is a most excellent picture of your house set to a most triumphant blue sky.

Looks great! :tucool: The American flag adds a nice touch, especially lighted at night.

FYI...if an American flag is flown at night on a military installation, it is required to be illuminated.

The house is looking great John! Even though you are not moving into the "bigger and better" now you have a place and amenities that I think 95% of the U.S. population would be envious of! Not that that is the point, but still...You have a GREAT place! :tu:

Ha! The sky here in chicago is a nice shade of gray! Has been for the last few days. I know colors sometimes get distorted on cheap computer screens, but I don't think I can recall seeing a sky that deep blue before! Very relaxing.

That is a most excellent picture of your house set to a most triumphant blue sky.If "Triumphant" were a color, it would definitely be that shade of blue. :nod:

Party on, dude. :D


Looks great! :tucool: The American flag adds a nice touch, especially lighted at night.Thank you! I'm proud to fly the flag of the country which has given me the opportunity and freedom to do whatever I want with my life.

FYI...if an American flag is flown at night on a military installation, it is required to be illuminated....as it is in this family.

Lisa's parents don't have their flag lit up at night, so Lisa's mom diligently brings the flag in each and every night just before sunset. I don't think she ever forgets. I brought our flag in for a while, but decided that I'd rather let it fly 24/7 and light it at night.

I know to some people all this sounds silly, but I have a great deal of respect for my country and its flag (even if I'm not entirely happy with how things are going at present). I'll shut-up now before I violate my own rule against political discussions. :o


The house is looking great John! Even though you are not moving into the "bigger and better" now you have a place and amenities that I think 95% of the U.S. population would be envious of! Not that that is the point, but still...You have a GREAT place! :tu:I hope I didn't sound like I was complaining before about deciding against the bigger house. I LOVE my current house, and every day when I wake up I spend some time thinking about how many things I have to be thankful for. That's the truth - I really do that, and I do it every single day without fail. I don't take any of the good things in my life for granted, and I am extremely appreciative for the life I have. I've worked hard to get to this point in my life, but hard work doesn't guarantee anything because there are some things we have no control over. I do everything in my power to stack the deck in my favor, but the rest is not up to me. Sure, I have problems just like everyone else, but I don't feel that I have justification to complain.



Ha! The sky here in chicago is a nice shade of gray! Has been for the last few days. I know colors sometimes get distorted on cheap computer screens, but I don't think I can recall seeing a sky that deep blue before! Very relaxing.I feel for you about those gray skies.

I totally agree with you about that color blue: it's very relaxing to me, too. I was even thinking about painting my office that color. Actually it's kind of a "JSF" blue! :)

Hope you get back to 100% quickly John. I had a sore throat once and left it go until I ended up in the back of an ambulance and admitted to the hospital for 3 days...not fun.

Everything is cool with the throat - as it turns out it's just the incredibly high pollen count causing some irritation. It's nothing infectious or serious. So it's business as usual for me - I have an "all clear" from the doc. :)

I'm pretty beat right now and I'm about to go to bed. I'll write about it on more detail tomorrow morning when I do my update. :tucool:

That's good to hear. Hopefully the doc took a swab just to be sure. When I was in Iraq last year a Navy doc gave me some sinus meds for what he thought was a sore throat, but I felt like something wasn't right after a few days of feeling miserable, so I went back and he did a field test right there in front of me with a swab and this peice of paper that turned a certain color to indicate strep, and he said "well I'll be darn, you do have strep." He admitted it fooled him the first time around.

One benefit I like about working out and eating right is I don't get sick hardly at all, and I think fitness plays an important part in this, and of course, proper rest.

I know some of you don't read the main page, so I thought I'd put up this month's progress picture compared to my January 13, 2003 picture here. I always love comparing myself at the same weights, but looking drastically different. In fact, I actually weigh less in the fat picture!

Here I am at 206 pounds and 206.4 pounds, respectively:

http://www.johnstonefitness.com/all/front/8.jpg http://www.johnstonefitness.com/all/front/1182.jpg



Here's something I didn't put on the main page, but I'm very proud of the accomplishments I've made in this area.

My whole life I've always had a very flat butt, and hated it. It's genetics, but you know what I always say about genetics ("F*** 'em!"). I've made a lot of progress with my glutes over the past two years. I know a lot of you guys and girls would like to firm up and maybe add some size to your glutes, and I'll tell you how I did it: LUNGES, LUNGES and MORE LUNGES! Get to work! :tucool:

This is July 2004 vs. April 2006.

http://www.johnstonefitness.com/all/side/548.jpg http://www.johnstonefitness.com/all/side/1182.jpg

No idea what to say about the Day 0 - Present pictures. That's simply staggering. As for the side-shots, the size increase in your glutes is awesome...and I mean that in the most heterosexual way possible.

M@ - Who needs to do more lunges.

No idea what to say about the Day 0 - Present pictures. That's simply staggering. As for the side-shots, the size increase in your glutes is awesome...and I mean that in the most heterosexual way possible.Hey, glutes are muscles, too--there's nothing sexual about them in this context.

Thanks for the comments. :)

I thought maybe you had on a pair of those buffed underwear you can buy that add to your caboose...just kiddin. But there is definitely something going on back there!

The before and after pic is really cool to look at...what a change! You look so much healthier now, not to mention a lot of quality, hard earned muscle.:tucool:

Hey John, are you sucking in those pics? I think I read somewhere (FAQ or something) that you aren't, but just seeing my flab gut hanging out when I'm not sucking and what feels like my stomach (the actual organ) hanging out causes me to wonder...

Lookin' good. First thing I noticed, before I even read the post, was the glutes. Once I get to the appropriate stage, I'll be gunning for lunges, as a fellow flat butter.

Hey John, are you sucking in those pics? I think I read somewhere (FAQ or something) that you aren't, but just seeing my flab gut hanging out when I'm not sucking and what feels like my stomach (the actual organ) hanging out causes me to wonder...Well, let's talk about this for a second. I think there are two kinds of guts on most guys: some guys, like Brad Pitt, can relax their abs and still look pretty ripped up. Other guys (like me, for example) look like their insides are going to spill out when they totally relax their abs no matter how low their body fat percentage is. You may be that type, too.

So, in answer to your question: No, I'm not sucking in my gut at all, but I am flexing my abs and actually pushing out against the flexed abs, if that makes sense. I've actually developed the habit of keeping my abs flexed pretty much all the time. Sitting here typing this, I'm sitting up straight and flexing my abs without even thinking about it.

Awesome, thanks for the info (if you look at my journal - "Don't wanna be a fat lawyer...", you'll see that my gut is probably similar).

Interesting to know, helps me understand why my gut is always hanging out, hah. Or it might be because I'm still fat. Y'know, whatev!

I, too, always suck in. Habit to make people think I'm not as much of a lardbutt as I actually am (actually works, too, you'd be amazed!)

Well, let's talk about this for a second. I think there are two kinds of guts on most guys: some guys, like Brad Pitt, can relax their abs and still look pretty ripped up. Other guys (like me, for example) look like their insides are going to spill out when they totally relax their abs no matter how low their body fat percentage is. You may be that type, too.

So, in answer to your question: No, I'm not sucking in my gut at all, but I am flexing my abs and actually pushing out against the flexed abs, if that makes sense. I've actually developed the habit of keeping my abs flexed pretty much all the time. Sitting here typing this, I'm sitting up straight and flexing my abs without even thinking about it.

Whew! I am glad I am not the only one.

Looking good all around John, as always. Most notable and impressive to me, STILL, is your upper legs! Dude, your quads look VERY impressive; I am straight up jealous!! :claphigh:

looking great this month ! far better than the last 2 monthly pics in my eyes. shaping up very well. just keep it up. but we all know: WWJSD? nothing else than keeping it up and increasing the pace.

Very good work man, very good.

U never cease to amaze me!

~SC~

Looking tip top and amazing.. :tu: I am looking up to you as a role model where fitness is concern. I noticed that in your training log you stated that you have a shoulder injury between aug'03 to apr'04 and yet from the picture archive, your body still maintain it's muscular form despite a whole 9 mths break from upper body workout. Very impressed :bow:, how did you managed to do it? What's your secrets? :D

Well, let's talk about this for a second. I think there are two kinds of guts on most guys: some guys, like Brad Pitt, can relax their abs and still look pretty ripped up. Other guys (like me, for example) look like their insides are going to spill out when they totally relax their abs no matter how low their body fat percentage is. You may be that type, too.

So, in answer to your question: No, I'm not sucking in my gut at all, but I am flexing my abs and actually pushing out against the flexed abs, if that makes sense. I've actually developed the habit of keeping my abs flexed pretty much all the time. Sitting here typing this, I'm sitting up straight and flexing my abs without even thinking about it.

you're engaging the transverse abdominus, which is the 'power corset' that keeps your inards in. guys with big guts and swaybacks generally have lost the ability to even engage them at all.

you're engaging the transverse abdominus, which is the 'power corset' that keeps your inards in. guys with big guts and swaybacks generally have lost the ability to even engage them at all.

Yeah...what he said :eek:

The before and after pic is really cool to look at...what a change! You look so much healthier now, not to mention a lot of quality, hard earned muscle.:tucool:Somehow I missed your post when I replied before - sorry, and thanks for the comments! :)



Interesting to know, helps me understand why my gut is always hanging out, hah. Or it might be because I'm still fat. Y'know, whatev!Check this out. In the below picture, which was taken the morning of my hernia surgery (April 2004), I'm extremely lean... probably 7% or 8% body fat:

http://www.johnstonefitness.com/all/front/479.jpg

After my surgery I could not flex my abs, even slightly, and it looked like I was pregnant! It's just my body type, and NOT an indication of my body fat levels. Of course you can actually be fat and still have this body type, so don't use it as an excuse! :D



Looking good all around John, as always. Most notable and impressive to me, STILL, is your upper legs! Dude, your quads look VERY impressive; I am straight up jealous!! :claphigh:Wow, thanks Chris! I am starting to notice some separation in my quads, and it's a great feeling--especially now that my legs are in pretty good proportion to my upper body. My legs are almost solid muscle at this point and I still can't fit into "normal" jeans, which I'm now going to call "chicken leg jeans" to make me feel better. :)



looking great this month ! far better than the last 2 monthly pics in my eyes. shaping up very well. just keep it upI like bulking, but I have to admit that I feel better and more comfortable with lower body fat levels. I can't stand walking around with a puffy face and feeling bloated. Thanks for the comments!



Very good work man, very good.

U never cease to amaze me!Thanks, Chris! I'm just working hard and putting your plan into action. :tucool:



I noticed that in your training log you stated that you have a shoulder injury between aug'03 to apr'04 and yet from the picture archive, your body still maintain it's muscular form despite a whole 9 mths break from upper body workout. Very impressed :bow:, how did you managed to do it? What's your secrets? :DNo secret - I lost a lot of muscle during that time period. Not being able to do any upper body work, muscle loss was unavoidable. I just maintained very low body fat levels, so I still looked ripped. By the time I was able to lift again I was very small: for example, my arms were just 13.75".

Wow! Your quads are REALLY showing through.
Like Chris said "Very Impressive!"

Your results continue to inspire me.

-SteveO..

Wow! Your quads are REALLY showing through.
Like Chris said "Very Impressive!"

Your results continue to inspire me.Thanks a lot, Steve! :)

Excellent chest/abs workout tonight!

I took a couple of pictures: first one is a semi-relaxed B&W shot; the other one is more intense, and is meant to show my cuts and vascularity.

Wow John, those traps are really popping! Talk about jacked :tucool: Question: How do you measure your bodyfat? I've read the formula for measuring your wrist, forearm, waist, hips, ect. I have a Omron HBF-306 Body Fat Analyzer; although I'm unsure of the accuracy, it seems consistent if nothing else. I've seen the calipers and was curious how accurate these are (digital versus non-digital).

Wow John, those traps are really popping! Talk about jacked :tucool: Question: How do you measure your bodyfat? I've read the formula for measuring your wrist, forearm, waist, hips, ect. I have a Omron HBF-306 Body Fat Analyzer; although I'm unsure of the accuracy, it seems consistent if nothing else. I've seen the calipers and was curious how accurate these are (digital versus non-digital).The digital calipers seem fairly accurate once you get good with them, although for me the result is consistently a little low.

Also: http://www.johnstonefitness.com/php/faq.php#0380

Mainly I use the calipers along with my pictures to estimate my body fat percentage.

Excellent chest/abs workout tonight!

I took a couple of pictures: first one is a semi-relaxed B&W shot; the other one is more intense, and is meant to show my cuts and vascularity.

I haven't posted much yet but when i saw that B/W pic i just had to comment!
Oh, Your, God!
seriously John you could be a model! if i get half the result you get when i get old enough to start going to a gym, i will be more then happy!

So, I've been rather happy with myself this week because I've finally got my arms up to a record 13.75" :D

...and then...

By the time I was able to lift again I was very small: for example, my arms were just 13.75".

...oh :doh:

if i get half the result you get when i get old enough to start going to a gym, i will be more then happy!You're 15, why don't you think you're old enough to go to the gym now? You're at the perfect age to start packing on muscle!


So, I've been rather happy with myself this week because I've finally got my arms up to a record 13.75" :D

...and then...I should have phrased what I said a little better. What I meant was, 13.75 inches is very small for me - I lost size and strength. You have every reason to be proud of your progress! :tucool:

So, I've been rather happy with myself this week because I've finally got my arms up to a record 13.75" :D

...and then...



...oh :doh:

Well, how tall are you?

I'm 5'7" and my biceps measure at 14" flexed (cold). This appears much larger on my shorter frame as compared to 14" biceps on someone who is nearly 6' tall (i.e. John).

And that aside, everyone starts somewhere. My arms were 12" in high school. Hulk Hogan had the pythons, I had the garden snakes.

You're 15, why don't you think you're old enough to go to the gym now? You're at the perfect age to start packing on muscle!

I workout some at home but i don't think i can do as much as i could at a gym (when you lift alone you get kind of scared of what would happen if you lift more than you can handle...) and the gyms in sweden (most of them) have an age requirement of 16

Well, how tall are you?

I'm 5'7" and my biceps measure at 14" flexed (cold). This appears much larger on my shorter frame as compared to 14" biceps on someone who is nearly 6' tall (i.e. John).

And that aside, everyone starts somewhere. My arms were 12" in high school. Hulk Hogan had the pythons, I had the garden snakes.

Oh man, being short has some serious bodybuilding advantages! I know I am 5'6" and I have 16" arms flexed (cold) and yeah they look rather decent (now onto 17")

When I was in high school I was a 115 lbs twig that couldn't bench 100 lbs. time, patience, willpower, and knowledge will get you to where you want to go. . .look at John.

But getting back on track.

Oh John, you and your craziness. Most inspiring indeed. I will have to admit I am very jealous of those man boobies you are sporting there bro. Well off to the gym:bb:

later days
~Ronn

I workout some at home but i don't think i can do as much as i could at a gym (when you lift alone you get kind of scared of what would happen if you lift more than you can handle...) and the gyms in sweden (most of them) have an age requirement of 16

I don't want to derail the thread, but for a bit of an investment (maybe 100 bucks) you could get yourself a barbell and some adjustable dumbbells. That will help a TON, especially at your age if you are eating well and otherwise exercising.

John, if you dont mind me asking - what is your PWO meal look like these days while cutting? Looking for some new inspirations

John, if you dont mind me asking - what is your PWO meal look like these days while cutting? Looking for some new inspirationsI can't really talk about specifics as I'm on SGX.

I prefer to eat the same thing almost every day, and I choose to keep it rather bland; it somehow makes cutting easier, I guess because I don't have to put much thought into what I'm eating.

I can say I eat a hell of a lot of chicken, broccoli and brown rice. :)

I can say I eat a hell of a lot of chicken, broccoli and brown rice. :)



ahh such is life. Do you ever have the original recipes you had posted on the site, or do those somehow clash with SGX?

ahh such is life. Do you ever have the original recipes you had posted on the site, or do those somehow clash with SGX?Not right now, but when I'm done cutting I plan to "relax" my diet a bit over the summer.

Hey John... your April 1 pictures are making me dizzy. Is that a joke?

The blurryness is killing me.... :O~~~~~~~~~~~~

funny man eh??

Hey John... your April 1 pictures are making me dizzy. Is that a joke?If you are referring to the slight blurriness seen in the profile picture, it was unintentional. I must have had the camera focus zone slightly off-target.

If you are referring to the slight blurriness seen in the profile picture, it was unintentional. I must have had the camera focus zone slightly off-target.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

John, you've been turned into a deity here, c'mon, you don't make mistakes. You didn't have the camera out of focus, the camera was out of focus for you!

Stupid camera, you should put it in a dark closet to punish it until it can focus on you properly.

:spank: :spank: :spank:

If you are referring to the slight blurriness seen in the profile picture, it was unintentional. I must have had the camera focus zone slightly off-target.

trying to hide the belly or something? :moon:

JK JK! :whistle:

Nice job on SGX btw. I am still waiting for SC to make me look like you.

John, you've been turned into a deity here, c'mon, you don't make mistakes. You didn't have the camera out of focus, the camera was out of focus for you!:lol: Yeah, but then I made a mistake by picking a camera that can't focus correctly! Once I found myself in this unlikely paradox, I tried to calm down and simply thought to myself, "WWJSD?" I wound up stabbing myself in the eye with a rusty fork.

I never got around to posting this picture after last night's incredible back workout. I'm going to write about the workout in this morning's update (http://www.johnstonefitness.com/news/apr_2006_news_archive.php#04052006).

Back progress photo (April 4, 2006) & same pose from three years ago (April 22, 2003)

good googly moogly :eek:

good googly moogly :eek:Hey wh0, good to see you! :)

John, As much as I am impressed with you supersetting deads and shrugs I have to let you know that last night I actually supersetted squats and running marathons. By my forth marathon I said to myself, "Ok dude, you did good." But no, my drive is too strong to give in like that. I ended up getting five more reps on my last set of squats and then ran two marathons to finish it off. Just for kicks you know.

I wish I would have broke a sweat though. Perhaps next time...

Well, how tall are you?

I thought that might come up. I'm 6' 3" :lol:

I found it a funny observation really. I wasn't seriously comparing as that is pointless. Any muscle I gain has to spread over a wider area, so will always measure comparitively worse pound for pound.

That's what I keep telling myself anyway :blank:

Big papi :lol:

John, As much as I am impressed with you supersetting deads and shrugs I have to let you know that last night I actually supersetted squats and running marathons. By my forth marathon I said to myself, "Ok dude, you did good." But no, my drive is too strong to give in like that. I ended up getting five more reps on my last set of squats and then ran two marathons to finish it off. Just for kicks you know.Not a bad warm-up at all!

I thought that might come up. I'm 6' 3" :lol:

I found it a funny observation really. I wasn't seriously comparing as that is pointless. Any muscle I gain has to spread over a wider area, so will always measure comparitively worse pound for pound.

That's what I keep telling myself anyway :blank:

It's alright. The important thing is not what you measure at now. The important thing is what you measure out several weeks/months from now. :tu:

And hey, at least you can...you know, reach things. Must be nice! :p

:tucool:

And hey, at least you can...you know, reach things. Must be nice! :p

That's true I can reach things. Now if only I was strong enough to pick those things up ..:lol:

I never got around to posting this picture after last night's incredible back workout. I'm going to write about the workout in this morning's update.

Back progress photo (April 4, 2006) & same pose from three years ago (April 22, 2003)
I swear to god I saw the pic on the left and my immediate thought was "who is the skinny guy getting bagged on by being forced to have his picture lined up against the other dude's"

The hair contributed to that double take.

I swear to god I saw the pic on the left and my immediate thought was "who is the skinny guy getting bagged on by being forced to have his picture lined up against the other dude's"

The hair contributed to that double take.There are two things I will never live down (well, probably more... so AT LEAST two): My stupid bleached hair phase, and my M&M boxers (which, to this day, Lisa loves. She wishes I'd let her buy me some more boxers just like them). :lol:

I never got around to posting this picture after last night's incredible back workout. I'm going to write about the workout in

Of course, the overall difference is very impressive, but the difference in your mid-back area is unbelievable! That difference really sticks out..... :tucool:

Yeah, as has been said, you look insane. Especially when compared to just 2 years ago, it's sick. I actually used you as an example of what can be accomplished without juicing for my girlfriend the other night when were talking about how big some guys are that are assumed to be on 'roids. She was quite impressed as well.

Keep it up! :tu:

Awesome back shot! :tucool:

Of course, the overall difference is very impressive, but the difference in your mid-back area is unbelievable! That difference really sticks out..... :tucool:Thanks, Joe!

I've been working hard on my mid back: lots of deads, low cable rows, bent-over rows, T-bar rows and so on... I'm happy with how it's coming, but my back was such a lagging (and, frankly, ignored) muscle group for so long that I'm really playing catch-up right now.

Believe it or not (and just another example of what an awesome company Fitcore is), I mentioned that I'd love to see a Titan option for a T-bar row attachment. Two weeks later I get an email from Lee; he's in Poland, and has a prototype of the requested option on video. I reviewed the video (and also shared it with 1FastGTX for his input), made some suggestions and a few hours later they had a revised prototype done. After reviewing that video, a few more suggestions were made; by the end of that day a fully-functional and custom "John Stone T-Bar Row" attachment prototype was "approved" by me, and it's now in production. I can't say enough good things about Fitcore as a company. In my wildest dreams I never thought my input would have such a big influence over such an awesome piece of strength training equipment like the Titan. The T-Bar is just one of many suggestions I've made that they've implemented, so it's not like this latest improvement was done on a lark or as a one-time thing.

Sorry, I kind of went off on a tangent there. As you can see, I'm very excited about anything that can help me bring my back up even further! :tucool:



Yeah, as has been said, you look insane. Especially when compared to just 2 years ago, it's sick. I actually used you as an example of what can be accomplished without juicing for my girlfriend the other night when were talking about how big some guys are that are assumed to be on 'roids. She was quite impressed as well.

Keep it up! :tu:I always appreciate your comments, Justin -- thank you!

I got another "you are juicing, and you are a liar" email today. :lol: I wish steroid users had a Scarlett Letter on their foreheads or something so all the stupid controversy could just end.



Awesome back shot! :tucool:Likewise, Chico! :eek:

---

I got another email from someone today asking me what music I was listening too last night, and what I've been listening to in general. It's pretty much the same stuff that I've mentioned a hundred times. I love insane, aggressive music in the gym. Nothing else really does it for me.

Last night I had one of my all time favorite lifting CDs in: Dry Kill Logic's "The Darker Side of Nonsense".

I usually put it on random so that I don't hear the songs in the same sequence every time. The song "Pain", which starts "This is gonna suck!" came on just as I was starting my 2nd set of deads. :lol:

Another favorite on that CD is "Rot".

Check 'em out, and PLEASE buy the CD to support the band if you dig it (Warning - Bad language and stuff):

Dry Kill Logic - The Darker Side of Nonsense - 03 - Pain.mp3 (http://www.twowiresthin.com/mp3/Dry%20Kill%20Logic%20-%20The%20Darker%20Side%20of%20Nonsense%20-%2003%20-%20Pain.mp3)
Dry Kill Logic - The Darker Side of Nonsense - 08 - Rot.mp3 (http://www.twowiresthin.com/mp3/Dry%20Kill%20Logic%20-%20The%20Darker%20Side%20of%20Nonsense%20-%2008%20-%20Rot.mp3)

Thanks, Joe!

I've been working hard on my mid back: lots of deads, low cable rows, bent-over rows, T-bar rows and so on... I'm happy with how it's coming, but my back was such a lagging (and, frankly, ignored) muscle group for so long that I'm really playing catch-up right now.

Believe it or not (and just another example of what an awesome company Fitcore is), I mentioned that I'd love to see a Titan option for a T-bar row attachment. Two weeks later I get an email from Lee; he's in Poland, and has a prototype of the requested option on video. I reviewed the video (and also shared it with 1FastGTX for his input), made some suggestions and a few hours later they had a revised prototype done. After reviewing that video, a few more suggestions were made; by the end of that day a fully-functional and custom "John Stone T-Bar Row" attachment prototype was "approved" by me, and it's now in production. I can't say enough good things about Fitcore as a company. In my wildest dreams I never thought my input would have such a big influence over such an awesome piece of strength training equipment like the Titan. The T-Bar is just one of many suggestions I've made that they've implemented, so it's not like this latest improvement was done on a lark or as a one-time thing.

Sorry, I kind of went off on a tangent there. As you can see, I'm very excited about anything that can help me bring my back up even further! :tucool:
:lol: That's awesome! :tucool: That'll be a great addition. I just put t-bar rows into my routine for the first time and I have to say I really like them. :nod:

Pretty soon you'll be doing Titan infomercials on after hours television. ;)

There are two things I will never live down (well, probably more... so AT LEAST two):

I'm just glad there is no photographic evidence of my hair in 1990!

:lol: That's awesome! :tucool: That'll be a great addition. I just put t-bar rows into my routine for the first time and I have to say I really like them. :nod:This past bulk was the first time I've done them, too, and they have done wonders for my back, but the corners of my gym are starting to pay the price. :lol:


I'm just glad there is no photographic evidence of my hair in 1990! :doh: OK, make that AT LEAST three things I'll never, ever live down. :lol:

I think it's time to trade in the S2000.... It's a great car, but I've had it for 2 years and I guess that I bore easily when it comes to cars...

Silver or black, that's the question...

:whistle:

get the AMG
black - unless you're sick of black.

get the AMG
black - unless you're sick of black.If I were ready to spend that kind of cash I'd get a Viper or the Lexus SC.

I'm not sick of black--it's my favorite car color--but I think silver looks really sweet on this car... can't decide.

Hey John, been lingering around your forums for a while. Another big fan! Love the car choice...silver would be the way to go with that one in my opinion. Have fun with the shopping!

By the way I put your little mental trick to work today in the gym... Doing cable crunches, abs burning like hell, dizzy (carb deprived). I contemplated packing it in, but i just asked myself if could do it to save my life, without even thinking about it i got back down there and finished my final set, with some ugly reps, but I put all i had into them!

Anyways, good luck with the rest of your cut!!

Hey John! Looking great in your new progress pics! Inspiring as always!

I say Silver for sure...would you ever consider BMW? I love mine! There are a lot of nice sported out models especially in the 3-series line...not to mention the M3. As far as mercedes goes I am really digging the CLS 500, though it is a step into the luxury car arena that I am not sure I am ready to take, but I love the car it has a great classic look!

I got another "you are juicing, and you are a liar" email today. :lol: I wish steroid users had a Scarlett Letter on their foreheads or something so all the stupid controversy could just end.

Nah, you are way too mild tempered to be on 'roids.

Why can't people leave the steriod thing alone? is it jealousy? or 'roid rage on there own behalf? what? I find it frustrating some people cannot accept that you have busted your balls these past few years and this is the fruits or your labour. Stupid people frustrate me.

Have a good night all
~Ronn

Unbelievable progress.

I especially like your comment today about keeping yourself honest. Being honest about 'can't' vs. 'don't want to', 'afraid to', whatever, is one of the keys to being happy with yourself.

Speaking of happy...if you're in the market for a car, how about the bugatti veyron :)


http://www.rsportscars.com/eng/cars/bugatti_veyron.asp

You know John something that I didn't even mention while telling you about my supersetting workout :) is that your grip must be incredible to be able to superset deads and shrugs. I mean, that is really really hard! Did you ever feel your grip slipping away on those cause if not I need to start doing what you are doing to build up my grip!

And as to the car color....Mmmm...I would say black. It looked super slick, but both are pretty nice. Sure beats my Toyota Camry :guitar: :rolleyes:

Speaking of happy...if you're in the market for a car, how about the bugatti veyron :)


http://www.rsportscars.com/eng/cars/bugatti_veyron.asp


I'll take two please. Do you take a check? :lol: :lol: :lol:

Hey John? How do you respond to those that criticize and call you a liar? What type of email do you send back to them? Just curious. You should think about attaching some sort of virus or worm to it lol. Now that would be funny.

I think it's time to trade in the S2000.... It's a great car, but I've had it for 2 years and I guess that I bore easily when it comes to cars... Umm... After your last bulk, I"m not so sure you'd be able to fit comfortably in that car. You may want to start considering a truck or SUV at this point. :p

If it were me, I'd get silver because I hate seeing scratches in my car, and they seem to show up easier on black cars, don't they?

I suggested this before your bought your S2000, but I'll say it again: 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 (http://www.stangnet.com/2005-Mustang/2007-shelby-gt500-182006.html) :drool:

-Mike

Silver.

...but you can't go wrong either way.

John, ever consider a gas/electric hybrid? I just saw a show about them last night. The downside is probably the non-standard parts and getting work done on the car, but the gas mileage being double of other cars is huge. Although since you don't commute you probably don't use a lot of gas.

John, I never looked into it, but I had assumed that the Titan had a T-Bar attachment. Since you mentioned that it doesn't, I'm curious: how do you do T-Bar rows?

As far as your potential car goes, I love that coupe and I'm not a Mercedes guy. I am a black car guy, but when I got my most recent car I wound up getting it in Silver. I know you're good about keeping your car washed, but that is probably the biggest advantage of having a silver car; still looking pretty sharp even when it's overdue for a cleaning. It's also helps to obscure inperfections (dents/scratches).

RX8.
Then put a Greddy 'charger in it.

Andrew.

I suggested this before your bought your S2000, but I'll say it again: 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 (http://www.stangnet.com/2005-Mustang/2007-shelby-gt500-182006.html) :drool:

-Mike

That is a HOT-T-T-T car! :nod: :tu:

Hey John, been lingering around your forums for a while. Another big fan! Love the car choice...silver would be the way to go with that one in my opinion. Have fun with the shopping!The Internet makes shopping so much easier and fun. By the time I hit the dealer I want a test drive and I'm done!

By the way I put your little mental trick to work today in the gym... Doing cable crunches, abs burning like hell, dizzy (carb deprived). I contemplated packing it in, but i just asked myself if could do it to save my life, without even thinking about it i got back down there and finished my final set, with some ugly reps, but I put all i had into them!Hey, that's awesome! We can do so much more than our minds try to make us think we can. Keep up the hard work! :tucool:


I say Silver for sure...would you ever consider BMW?BMW makes great cars, and I would consider one if I weren't looking for a luxury roadster. Nothing in their lineup does much for me in the roadster dept.


You know John something that I didn't even mention while telling you about my supersetting workout :) is that your grip must be incredible to be able to superset deads and shrugs.Lifting straps. :D


Hey John? How do you respond to those that criticize and call you a liar? What type of email do you send back to them.I don't even have time to write back to all the people who are serious about losing weight. I don't waste my time on hateful emails. I read them; I laugh; I delete them. The really obnoxious emails occasionally get posted. :)


but I'll say it again: 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 (http://www.stangnet.com/2005-Mustang/2007-shelby-gt500-182006.html)Hot car, but not what I'm looking for. :)


John, ever consider a gas/electric hybrid?No. :)

Gas milliage is a non-issue for me since this is going to be purely a weekend pleasure car.


John, I never looked into it, but I had assumed that the Titan had a T-Bar attachment. Since you mentioned that it doesn't, I'm curious: how do you do T-Bar rows?I stack plates on the end of a barbell, then I take the other end and stick it into one of the corners of my gym.

----------

Thank you all VERY much for you input on colors! I went today and saw the SLK 350 in person (and the 1/2 million dollar McLaren:drool: ). I gave the SLK 350 a long test drive, and my wonderful sales associate was very cool. She really let me DRIVE the car. It's faster than the S2000, handles like a dream, it's quiet, it's far more luxurious, it's visually more appealing to me, it converts from a true hardtop to a convertible with the press of a button (no more ragtop) and the SILVER won hands down.

I loaded it up pretty good with options: DVD navigation system, bangin' 380 watt Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 surround stereo w/ 11 speakers, 6 disc CD, 7-speed hybrid auto/manual transmission, SIRIUS satellite radio, power seats w/ memory, 4-way adjustable power steering wheel, auto dimming mirrors, heated front seats and airscarf vented/heated headrest, built-in garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone auto digital climate control, interior ambient lighting package, IR remote roof activation, lug locks and a car cover.

I say goodbye to the S2000 around the middle of next week when the Mercedes arrives. The car will have zero miles on it: just came off the boat. It's a done deal. All my life I've wanted a Mercedes and I can't believe the day has finally come. :)

Here she is....

Let me be the first to congratulate you John!!!

What a beautiful car! I'm really happy for you, you deserve it my friend! :tucool:

I loaded it up pretty good with options: DVD navigation system, bangin' 380 watt Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 surround stereo w/ 11 speakers, 6 disc CD, 7-speed hybrid auto/manual transmission, SIRIUS satellite radio, power seats w/ memory, 4-way adjustable power steering wheel, auto dimming mirrors, heated front seats and airscarf vented/heated headrest, built-in garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone auto digital climate control, interior ambient lighting package, IR remote roof activation, lug locks and a car cover.

I say goodbye to the S2000 around the middle of next week when the Mercedes arrives. The car will have zero miles on it: just came off the boat. It's a done deal. All my life I've wanted a Mercedes and I can't believe the day has finally come. :)

Here she is....

http://smiley.onegreatguy.net/biteme.gif

ihatechew

Nice car for driving to the supermarket and back?


I'm just jealous.

:p

I say goodbye to the S2000 around the middle of next week when the Mercedes arrives. The car will have zero miles on it: just came off the boat. It's a done deal. All my life I've wanted a Mercedes and I can't believe the day has finally come. :)

Here she is....
You should have tried to get them as a sponsor. :whistle: Knock the price down a little... you know... ;)

Thanks (I think :lol:) everyone! Lisa and I are both pretty excited!

I'm having my cheat meal tonight instead of tomorrow: BBQ, and a nice bottle of red wine.

Cheers! :D

John,
In reference to your lat pulldowns...how wide of a grip do you use? I had been using a narrower grip (shoulder width only) after reading some Skip LaCour, Jeff Willet recommendations, but I seem to be overusing my biceps and have trouble hitting this area effectively. Do you vary your grip on this exercise?

John,
In reference to your lat pulldowns...how wide of a grip do you use? I had been using a narrower grip (shoulder width only) after reading some Skip LaCour, Jeff Willet recommendations, but I seem to be overusing my biceps and have trouble hitting this area effectively. Do you vary your grip on this exercise?When I do lat pulldowns I use a VERY wide grip--right to the edges. Try to hook the lat pulldown bar with your fingertips. I use lifting straps to help with this; there's no shame in that, you are trying to build your back--not work on your fingertip grip. Also, as I said in this morning's update, lighten the load and bring the bar down focusing on your back and lats only. Try to squeeze your shoulder blades together. When you have the bar down, pause and contract your lats.

Of course some bicep involvement is unavoidable, but with practice you will learn to mostly isolate the lats. I've made nice gains in that area using some of the techniques I've mentioned here and in my daily updates.

Just curious as to whether you've always took this width during pulldowns or whether its just a recent thing?. I ask because following source disagrees with the use of very very wide grips. Not sure if you've seen this link before.

From : http://www.dragondoor.com/articler/mode3/7/

"Worthless techniques 1) Wide grip pullups and 2) Pullups behind the neck. For some reason, boobybuilders think that a very wide grip makes for very wide lats! Ha! This is bogus for a few reasons, the first being the greatly reduced range of motion, the second being the greatly reduced leverage, and the third being the extreme stress on your rotator cuffs. Optimal leverage is extremely important in strength training.

Question: would you try to pull a heavy deadlift on your toes with a rounded back? I didn't think so. As for pullups behind the neck, the same reasons apply. Do yourself and your shoulders a favor--keep your grip slightly wider than shoulder width or less, and pull to your chest, not to the back of your neck. And no grip aids please! (chalk is o.k.) "

EDIT: Had to remove a your quote from my post as it lead to an invalid message.

I don't pull behind the neck--that much I agree with. :)

As for my lat development, limited range of motion and stress on the rotator cuff (to the front), I disagree: My lats have shown tremendous growth in just a few months using very wide-grip lat pulldowns (to the front) and my shoulders are doing great!



Just curious as to whether you've always took this width during pulldowns or whether its just a recent thing?. I ask because following source disagrees with the use of very very wide grips. Not sure if you've seen this link before.

From : http://www.dragondoor.com/articler/mode3/7/

"Worthless techniques 1) Wide grip pullups and 2) Pullups behind the neck. For some reason, boobybuilders think that a very wide grip makes for very wide lats! Ha! This is bogus for a few reasons, the first being the greatly reduced range of motion, the second being the greatly reduced leverage, and the third being the extreme stress on your rotator cuffs. Optimal leverage is extremely important in strength training.

Question: would you try to pull a heavy deadlift on your toes with a rounded back? I didn't think so. As for pullups behind the neck, the same reasons apply. Do yourself and your shoulders a favor--keep your grip slightly wider than shoulder width or less, and pull to your chest, not to the back of your neck. And no grip aids please! (chalk is o.k.) "

EDIT: Had to remove a your quote from my post as it lead to an invalid message.

Reiteration but sweet car. Enjoy!

Oh man John I couldn't agree more with your daily post this morning. Not that cheat meals aren't satisfying, but they can play some crazy tricks on your body. I too don't have a sweet tooth, but all those other foods you mentioned. Oh boy!:eat:

It's so funny doing fasted morning cardio the day after a cheat. You want to go 110 mph to de-cheat yourself, but you know you have to just take it easy because its fasted. :nod:

i try to cheat everyday so my body adapts to it.

Hi John,

First of all - congratulations with your fantastic progress (and your new car of course) - you are indeed an inspiration for me and has been for more than a year now - I visit your site daily for a quick JFS fix :-)

Thanks to your site I have managed to cut a lot of fat and build muscle and I have been on my fist bulk SUP2 for 8 months and started cutting on Feb 1st 2006 (SGX) and still doing it trying to see abs as everyone else.

I was wondering if you are taking CLA at the moment and if so - which brand and how much are you taking? Any other recommendations for suplements or multi-vitamins?

Cheers
Klaus

Here she is....

I honestly thought you were kidding when you talked about buying this car...

Congratulations on your Mercedes, nothing beats Deutsche Grundlichkeit. ;)

:tu:

Congrats on the new toy! Chris told me last night.

So of course I must go poke around the road tests on the Internet. All the articles are showing a high 13-second quarter mile which means a good driver on the street, not afraid to flog his car, on street tires will clock a 13.5 or so consistently. The published trap speed of 103 hints that if that six can bang out the torque, it could manage a low 13, probably a very high 12.9X with a really good driver and some stickier tires out back. Problem is the the six and all 3,200+ lbs. of that little car! Man, that little sucker weighs more than my Mustang! Of course, it has all the bells and whistles, I'm assuming? A friend of mine leases Mercedes. I love a Mercedes. I like riding around in his car and playing with all the buttons. That's the downside to American muscle. No frills. I was thinking of installing a "start" button in the Mustang (see if I can find one that says "Go Baby, Go!" on it!) just for fun and a bit more of a race car feel. :lol:

Enjoy it! It's a sweet ride and from what I read, it sounds like it performs. I won't fall asleep next to you at the stop light in this one!

-R

P.S. I'm thinking about a Paxton Novi 2000 for the Mustang. :evil:

Congrats on the car John, looks an awesome motor.

Really pleased for you mate, you're a sound and genuine guy and deserve everything from the hard work and dedication you have mate.

Really pleased mate, great stuff.

Reiteration but sweet car. Enjoy!I can't wait for it to arrive--thanks! :)


I was wondering if you are taking CLA at the moment and if so - which brand and how much are you taking? Any other recommendations for suplements or multi-vitamins?I do take CLA, and I still have a good supply left from our former sponsor Kent Nutrition. I have not yet researched where I'm going to buy it once I run out.

As for a multi, I'm currently well-stocked on Universal's Animal Pak and like them a lot. You can get Animal Paks at a great price from our sponsor Mass Nutrition. I've also been hearing good things about AtLarge's multi, so you might want to give that a try. I'll probably try it once I deplete my stock of Animal Paks.


I honestly thought you were kidding when you talked about buying this car...Once I get an idea in my head to do something, it's like an itch that has to be scratched or I'll think about nothing else. However, even Lisa (who is quite accustomed to my way of doing things), was a little shocked at the speed with which this particular deal went down.


So of course I must go poke around the road tests on the Internet. All the articles are showing a high 13-second quarter mile which means a good driver on the street, not afraid to flog his car, on street tires will clock a 13.5 or so consistently. The published trap speed of 103 hints that if that six can bang out the torque, it could manage a low 13, probably a very high 12.9X with a really good driver and some stickier tires out back.Honestly man, quarter mile performance means very little to me. I don't plan on taking it to the track, and I don't race 100+ MPH on the street. My main concern with performance is with functionality: 0-60 times, low-end power (which the S2000 lacks until VTEC kicks in) and handling. This car hits 60 from a dead stop in 5.3-5.4 seconds (a few 10ths quicker than the S2000) and handles like a dream. I really put it through its paces on the test drive and I'm not going to miss the S2000 at all.

Of course the other big selling points for me are the retractable hard top (it really is amazing how the SLK-class cars convert from a true hardtop coupe into a convertible in just 22 seconds--I won't miss the ragtop, either), the quiet, comfortable ride and the innumerable gadgets and hi-tech gizmos. The S2000 was fairly spartan in terms of creature comforts, luxury and hi-tech toys; the SLK 350 is positively teeming with all those things. :)

I may lose a quarter mile race against your T/A, but I'll look damn good in the process. :lol:

Just curious as to whether you've always took this width during pulldowns or whether its just a recent thing?. I ask because following source disagrees with the use of very very wide grips. Not sure if you've seen this link before.

From : http://www.dragondoor.com/articler/mode3/7/

"Worthless techniques 1) Wide grip pullups and 2) Pullups behind the neck. For some reason, boobybuilders think that a very wide grip makes for very wide lats! Ha! This is bogus for a few reasons, the first being the greatly reduced range of motion, the second being the greatly reduced leverage, and the third being the extreme stress on your rotator cuffs. Optimal leverage is extremely important in strength training.

Question: would you try to pull a heavy deadlift on your toes with a rounded back? I didn't think so. As for pullups behind the neck, the same reasons apply. Do yourself and your shoulders a favor--keep your grip slightly wider than shoulder width or less, and pull to your chest, not to the back of your neck. And no grip aids please! (chalk is o.k.) "

EDIT: Had to remove a your quote from my post as it lead to an invalid message.


IMO straps and grip aids are great. They help keep focus on the parts that are being worked. I use them religiously for my wide grips and my deads. I am not worried about falling (I am 5'6" so when the wide grip bars are near the ceiling I have a far way to fall!!) nor dropped 300+ lbs.

John that new car is PIMPIN'. When I first seen that car my jaw dropped. How is the gas mileage on it?(hopefully I didn't overlook that bit of info on the forum here) I'm very happy for ya. Not only a new body to sport but a new car to sport it in. Good job bro. Props

Cheers
~Ronn

John that new car is PIMPIN'. When I first seen that car my jaw dropped. How is the gas mileage on it?(hopefully I didn't overlook that bit of info on the forum here) I'm very happy for ya. Not only a new body to sport but a new car to sport it in. Good job bro. PropsHrm. Good question on the gas mileage. I never looked, as this is going to be a fairly low miles "pleasure car". I think it's something like 19 city, 24 highway. It requires premium fuel, but so did my S2000.

Next week can't come soon enough! Check out my new wallpaper (size reduced for display here):

Always a pleasure to read your daily posts and watch you grow big. :tucool: A definite inspiration to all of us here.

NICE car!

Always a pleasure to read your daily posts and watch you grow big. :tucool: A definite inspiration to all of us here.

NICE car!Thanks, and welcome to the forum! :)

I had the same problem as you yesterday. I just didnt feel like going to the gym. Then I talked to my friend who had gotten a kidney transplant the day before. She was telling me how she was basically stuck in bed and would be for the next couple of days and had only ate ice and jello for the last day. I felt like such a chump. I was physically able to get off my ass and go do my thing yet I was just being lazy. After talking to her for a bit I got ready and went to the gym and had a great workout. I felt great. I have decided that until she is able to get back to a somewhat normal life again I'm not missing a single workout (even if that means going 7 days a week) and I'm not cheating on my diet at all.
Unless something physically is stopping me from doing this I dont have ANY excuses. Its Saturday morning (yes I do have to work today) and instead of going out last night I went to bed early and got up at 6 to do my cardio.

I do take CLA, and I still have a good supply left from our former sponsor Kent Nutrition. I have not yet researched where I'm going to buy it once I run out.

As for a multi, I'm currently well-stocked on Universal's Animal Pak and like them a lot. You can get Animal Paks at a great price from our sponsor Mass Nutrition. I've also been hearing good things about AtLarge's multi, so you might want to give that a try. I'll probably try it once I deplete my stock of Animal Paks.

How much are you taking every day? (and how often - 3 times a day or?)

I have Tonalin (Source Naturals) - they recommend 3 softgels daily with meals (2.22 g CLA) - so would 3 times 3 softgels be too much? ie ~7g? or what is your experience?

Cheers
Klaus

Hey John I can't say how much I agree with your post this morning.

I always find that when I feel the least motivated to workout, those are the workouts that wind up being the best ones I've ever had. And I agree 100% on the whole training mental aspects as well as your physique. The body works as a whole, both mentally and physically. If you want a great physique, you have to have the mental strength.

:D Hrm. Good question on the gas mileage. I never looked, as this is going to be a fairly low miles "pleasure car". I think it's something like 19 city, 24 highway. It requires premium fuel, but so did my S2000.

Next week can't come soon enough! Check out my new wallpaper (size reduced for display here):

Hrm. Good question on the gas mileage. I never looked, as this is going to be a fairly low miles "pleasure car". I think it's something like 19 city, 24 highway. It requires premium fuel, but so did my S2000.

Next week can't come soon enough! Check out my new wallpaper (size reduced for display here):


:drool:

I had the same problem as you yesterday. I just didnt feel like going to the gym. Then I talked to my friend who had gotten a kidney transplant the day before. She was telling me how she was basically stuck in bed and would be for the next couple of days and had only ate ice and jello for the last day. I felt like such a chump.I hear that, man. That's similar to another little mental trick I use to put things in perspective when I don't feel like working out: I think back to when my shoulder was injured, and how I would have done anything to be able to work out.

We all experience times when we don't really feel like working out, but those of us who are serious about our training develop an arsenal of mental "tricks" to make sure that we get in the gym and do what needs to be done--no matter what.

Good for you!


How much are you taking every day? (and how often - 3 times a day or?)I take 10g per day, spread over 5 doses of 2g per dose.


I always find that when I feel the least motivated to workout, those are the workouts that wind up being the best ones I've ever had.Same here, almost without fail. I think there is something very empowering about overcoming the natural desire to take the easy way out when we are feeling less than enthused about our workout. I think that mental boost comes out in the gym. :tucool:

now i want a new car.
maybe not yet tho... i'll wait until this '01 cavalier of mine goes out of style.

I hear that, man. That's similar to another little mental trick I use to put things in perspective when I don't feel like working out: I think back to when my shoulder was injured, and how I would have done anything to be able to work out.

We all experience times when we don't really feel like working out, but those of us who are serious about our training develop an arsenal of mental "tricks" to make sure that we get in the gym and do what needs to be done--no matter what.

Good for you!



thanx dude.. once she is doing better I'm hoping I can sorta help her along with doing some training... she is by far the best looking girl I know but mainly just does cardio.. maybe with the help of a nutritionist that has dealt with her situation I can get her on a good diet and maybe get her doing some weights a couple times a week.. :drool:

Hey John... How much of an improvement have you noticed during your cardio workouts? Say at a given heartrate (145bpm, or wherever you keep it?) how much farther / faster are you going now than you were at the beginning of your bulk? a year ago? two years ago?

Just wondering how much things have improved in this department! Also, do you feel like the additional strength / muscle helps in this respect?
________
College Girls Webcam (http://www.girlcamfriend.com/webcam/college-girls/)

Hey John... How much of an improvement have you noticed during your cardio workouts? Say at a given heartrate (145bpm, or wherever you keep it?) how much farther / faster are you going now than you were at the beginning of your bulk? a year ago? two years ago?It actually changes from day. Overall I'd say I was in better cardiovascular shape a couple of years ago than I am now, because back then I was doing lots of HIIT. I'm still in very good cardio vascular shape, but now my training is focused on muscle development.

Hey John, on one of your first photos, there's a Carvin-amp on your side... Are you a regular player, or is it more from the "good old days back in college"? ;)

Oh, btw, sorry if this has been asked before, but I didn't really want to browse all 150 damn pages...

Hey John, on one of your first photos, there's a Carvin-amp on your side... Are you a regular player, or is it more from the "good old days back in college"? ;)I've been playing for around 22 years, but only the first 10 of those years were "serious".

These days I still play when the mood strikes; sometimes I go through long periods of daily playing, and other times I let several months go by in which I don't even look at my music equipment.

I've been playing for around 22 years, but only the first 10 of those years were "serious".

These days I still play when the mood strikes; sometimes I go through long periods of daily playing, and other times I let several months go by in which I don't even look at my music equipment.

I was hoping you would stop by the guitar gear thread and shed light on what gear you do have. Also what styles you have adopted over the years.

~Ronn

I was hoping you would stop by the guitar gear thread and shed light on what gear you do have. Also what styles you have adopted over the years. I've sold or had stolen just about everything I've owned over the years. What's remains is bare-bones rig, and is hardly worth mentioning: black Ibanez RG760, Carvin half stack and a Digitech GNX 1 processor.

My favorite styles include "rip off" and "sloppy". :D

I've sold or had stolen just about everything I've owned over the years. What's remains is bare-bones rig, and is hardly worth mentioning: black Ibanez RG760, Carvin half stack and a Digitech GNX 1 processor.

My favorite styles include "rip off" and "sloppy". :D

Stolen? ouch, rough bro. That isn't too bad of gear. I mean for what you do. I am sure after a bit of time playing you would be back to where you were when you were prime at playing. It seems Ibanez is the fan fav so far of all the JSFr's. But enough of the thread jacking.

Back to the regular scheduled topic.

~Ronn

My car has finally arrived! It's being prepped for pickup at 4:30! :D

I'm moving tonight's workout to tomorrow. Lisa and I are going out on the town tonight. :tucool:

My car has finally arrived! It's being prepped for pickup at 4:30! :D

I'm moving tonight's workout to tomorrow. Lisa and I are going out on the town tonight. :tucool:
Yes!!! I don't blame you, you two better go out on the town! Take the top off and enjoy that new ride!

Congratulations bud!! YOU DESERVE IT!

Pictures. :lol: Lots of 'em.

Drive it like you stole it. Enjoy!

-R

:D

http://twowiresthin.com/slk350/images/01.jpg


Many more pictures here: http://twowiresthin.com/slk350/

I spent all day today detailing the car, as the dealers always do a miserable job.

First I removed the existing dealership wax by washing the car with Dawn dishwashing liquid. Once the car was squeaky clean and free of wax, I dried it in my usual way (using an electric leafblower for a touch-less, streak-free and spot-free surface). Once the car was dry I carefully went over the entire painted surface with a claybar and a lubricant (Zaino Z-7 and water in a spray bottle).

If you are not familiar with claybars, they are used to remove embedded contamination from the paint finish that can not be removed using conventional cleaning methods. Yes, even brand new cars can benefit from claybars, as they often have small amounts of rail dust, brake dust and "industrial fallout".

After the claybar, I then I re-washed the car, but this time with Zaino Z-7 show car wash. The car was then dried again with the electric leafblower (hey, it works great--my last car was black and I became quite good at learning tricks to keep it free of swirl marks). Once the car was dry, I applied 3 coats of Zaino Z-2 Pro Show Car polish combined with ZFX Flash Cure Accelerator Additive. I put on a coat of Zaino Z-6 Ultra Clean Gloss Enhancer Spray after each coat of Z-2/ZFX polish.


Finally, I glossed the tires, cleaned the glass & mirrors, and used a nice leather protectant on the interior.

I know this sounds like a lot of work, and it is, but with Zaino you only have to go through this once every 3-6 months. Now I can just wash the car, and finish up with a quick coat of Z-6 for a liquid-like shine that looks incredible. Zaino is the best stuff I've ever used, and I wouldn't put anything else on my cars.

Oh, I love the car. It's amazing in every way. I can't stop driving it. :)

I should have known you were a Zaino guy. Me too. Another thing we have in common other than our fantastic physiques. Well, we have ONE thing in common. I like the way that you can do a full Zaino treatment in the Spring and Fall and then just pretty much wash it the rest of the year and keep the great results. Love the car John. Enjoy!:tucool:

Awesome! I like the cockpit a lot. Nice and tight.

Only criticism: I don't like the tonneau covers they use on the motors. I like to see that powerplant working!

Have you tried leaving Zaino on the car overnight? Every other weekend or so, I put a coat on the cars and leave it overnight. I have used Zaino since 1999 when I got my Trans Am, it's all I've ever used on that car and now it's all the Mustang gets. They didn't have ZFX Flash Cure additive when I started using the system, so to give it maximum curing time, I'd just leave it on the car overnight and crank the A/C down in the garage to dry the air out. Another idea that's worked well - put Z5 on the nose and forward-exposed parts of the car for road trips and just leave it on. You'll find hardly any bugs will stick and the ones that do wipe right off. It practically eliminates chips in the paint, too, which is a problem with the T/A, especially on the light buckets (which are aluminum, so they chip easily).

Excellent ride, man. I can't wait to see it in person and push all the buttons and play with all the toys inside. :D Enjoy it!

-R

Nice car John. Can you post a picture of the top being folded down? It looks very clean all stowed away.

Also, do you use any type of random-orbital buffer (like the porter-cable) to do your wax work, or is it all elbow grease?

Enjoy the new ride.:drool:

i just got my first car a couple days ago. it's a mazda 3 with "manual power" windows =P. nothing compared to that mercedes. want to trade??

Congratulations John - Car looks awesome and it suits you...

Enjoy!

Car looks absolutely beautiful!

I'm so glad you are enjoying it. Have fun! You deserve it. :)

Nice toy!

Only 2 pedals in the footwell?
Ever think about a 'proper' car?

Andrew.

Nice car John.

Although i did get sidetracked looking at the size of your arms in that 'arms folded' pic, they're huge mate.

Thanks for the congrats, everyone! We are really enjoying this car. The pictures truly don't do it justice. I'm still amazed at how it turns heads, way more than the S2000 did. The exhaust note is soooo sweet, and with the pedal to the floor it sings.

Questions answered below...

I should have known you were a Zaino guy. Me too.It's the best stuff around!

Are you still thinking about getting an S2000?


Have you tried leaving Zaino on the car overnight?I did that once with the S2000. I couldn't see a visual difference. I once asked Sal about doing that and he said with ZFX it's not going to cure "extra good" by leaving it on overnight. :)


Can you post a picture of the top being folded down? It looks very clean all stowed away.I love how it converts from a hardtop to a convertible in just 22 seconds. I'll do you one better and take a video of the top going up and down today. I'll post it here and in the SLK 350 photo album in a little while. Good idea!

Also, do you use any type of random-orbital buffer (like the porter-cable) to do your wax work, or is it all elbow grease?With Zaino it's very easy to apply and remove. You can use a buffer if you want to, but its not recommended because it just wastes the product (absorbing into the pad). A little Zaino goes a long, long way.


Only 2 pedals in the footwell?
Ever think about a 'proper' car?My S2000 was a manual, and I loved it in some situations, and hated it in others (traffic). Lisa and I "compromised" on the gearbox (she got what she wanted). :lol:

Honestly, though, the 7-speed automatic is very, very good - I'm impressed with it. Also, it does have a manual shift mode and it works wonderfully. 0-60 with the manual is 5.4, and the auto does it in 5.5 (but I'll bet you a pint that I can hit 5.4 with the auto in manual shift mode). :tucool:


Although i did get sidetracked looking at the size of your arms in that 'arms folded' pic, they're huge mate.:lol: What's funny is when I saw the picture of me crouched in front of the car, I was like "WTF - why do my arms look so small in that picture? They are bigger than that!" I grabbed my MyoTape and made sure they were still the same size. I'm pathetic. :rolleyes:

:lol: What's funny is when I saw the picture of me crouched in front of the car, I was like "WTF - why do my arms look so small in that picture? They are bigger than that!" I grabbed my MyoTape and made sure they were still the same size. I'm pathetic. :rolleyes:
:lol:

Been there!

Sweet ride John. I see from the dash pic it's equipped with Sirius and you're rockin' to HardAtak :guitar: , very nice! Oh, and you're arms are looking big and ripped! :tucool:

:lol:

Been there!Haha, I know that's true, even though you are always HUGE. :tucool:


Sweet ride John. I see from the dash pic it's equipped with Sirius and you're rockin' to HardAtak :guitar: , very nice! Oh, and you're arms are looking big and ripped! :tucool:That second picture made me feel a little better. :lol:

Thanks. :)

As promised, here's a video (http://www.twowiresthin.com/slk350/images/slk350_roof.wmv) (wmv format, 7 MB) of the roof operation.

Set to (what else), Strauss' "On The Beautiful Blue Danube". :)

NICE! So you can do that and not even be sitting in the car? The only problem my wife would have is no back seat, but just wait till I'm retired baby...I'll have me a two-seater!:tucool:

congrats, john. mercedes makes fine cars. you are a monster (physically, that is) and deserve everything you have in your life. i am genuinely happy for you...it makes me feel good when people like you get "rewarded" for all of their hard work and dedication.

oh yeah, sirius. sweet.

howard stern and bubba the love sponge....all day long