John Stone's Picture Gallery and Video Archive [Archive] - Page 5

Wolfstriked

Mon, August 22nd, 2005, 09:14 PM

I know the feeling! Before JSF I would do pretty well on eating and exercising and then when I would lack motivation I would just stop and could never get back into it. Now I have JSF bookmarked at home, on my laptop and at work. I visit everyday and no matter what I did the day before (eat way too much) I always get instant motivation from visiting the site and the forums.

Thanks John (I almost cried when I read your post. ALMOST! ;) )

I visit everyday now too :lol: My come home routine now includes reading john's daily post then scouring forum for motivation.I think its the fact that theres many here who stick with their goals and thats a major motivation....being part of a bigger something thingamajig.

I have had weight issues my whole life and my heaviest was 290 and my lightest that I got dieting down from the 290 was 165.Looked horrible :lol: I have been working out now for yrs on and off probably nearing 6 total.Yet I dont have that super ripped physique...wthe heck??Well from now on Im going for it.Been about a month for me and started at 204 and down to 195.Dam this cheat fiasco i had:(198 now but Im back on track....see ya later

1FastGTX

Mon, August 22nd, 2005, 11:59 PM

This community means so much to me. You guys are like my extended family. I know I couldn't have come this far without the help of my friends and family, and I consider many of you to be in both of those categories.

BTW, that whole crying thing? Yeah, it was more like "choked up". Briefly. Is everyone clear on that? Good.

:bb: :flex:
Maybe you can add this MSN emoticon to the list!?

J/K!!!!!

By the way, I know what you mean about considering this forum an extended family. I agree with this and feel the same way a lot of the time. And I'm just a poster here, so I can only imagine how you must feel. You'd be like the great grandfather sitting at the head of the table at the family reunion!

John Stone

Wed, August 24th, 2005, 08:04 PM

Just one picture today - I was too tired to take any after my workout! This picture was taken while I was setting up for today's back/traps workout. No pump tricep shot....

Gila Monster

Thu, August 25th, 2005, 01:08 AM

Just one picture today - I was too tired to take any after my workout! This picture was taken while I was setting up for today's back/traps workout. No pump tricep shot....

WOW John, this is a great shot! That TRIcep is bulging so hard it might burst off your skin :p
*Mental 'Alien' image*...

No really, you look terrific!

Jim G.

Thu, August 25th, 2005, 02:12 PM

The other day I showed John's website to a co-worker of mine (the 'before transformation'-'current shape' pics...) and she just yelled out: 'my god, that guy has GOT to be on steroids, look at how he's changed, you just can't do that without roids!'
So I'm like: 'no, he just eats clean and works hard, lots of dedication and stuff...'

Now John, I know you have probably had tons of emails giving you crap like I just mentioned, but in a weird way I would think that it's also a nice compliment that you've come such a long way that people just can't believe it's natural.

Just for the record, I immediately jumped to your defense, I hope I can look that good when I hit 37 (you ARE 37 right?)

Anyway, lookin great as ever! :tucool:

John Stone

Thu, August 25th, 2005, 03:17 PM

Gila Monster, Thanks very much! (btw, that's my tricep :p )

Jim G., I think the "he must be on steroids" reaction is fairly typical, especially when people who are not very familiar with what's possible when it comes to natural body transformations are presented with something they don't see everyday. No hard feelings at all! :)

BTW, I'm 36 (going on 20).

freelancer

Thu, August 25th, 2005, 03:19 PM

john your arms just look more amazing with each pic you put up.

Gila Monster

Fri, August 26th, 2005, 01:05 AM

Gila Monster, Thanks very much! (btw, that's my tricep :p )

BTW, I'm 36 (going on 20).

D'oh! http://forums.asat.co.il/images/smiles/eusa_doh.gif
I knew that! :(
Well, I guess I'm giving you all lessons in Foreign-English. :lol:

BTW, I'm really happy for you that you feel so envigorated! I know this guy, the most wonderful person I've ever met! He's 60+, I swear sometimes I feel like he's my age. He's just so youthfull. Yet wise.
Man, I can totally see you in 30 years jogging down the street showing all the life-tired youngsters how to live it up! :tucool:
That would be cool!

1FastGTX

Fri, August 26th, 2005, 01:37 AM

BTW, I too have had co-workers and "friends" say "he has to be on steroids" when I show them John's transformation pics (I was "wowing" over the daily updates years ago! :)).

I actually had a guy tell me Porter Freeman was on roids when I had his book with me one day. "You can't make that kind of change to your body, in that little time, at that age." :lol:

I guess it makes a lazy person feel better about him/herself to try and believe this, or something similar. "Oh I could do that too if I took steroids, if I had time to work out 6 hours a day, if I could afford a gym membership, if I didn't have to work a whole 6 hours a day!" YAWN.

I saw a post on another forum saying Carrot Top had to be on steroids "because you can't have veins showing unless you take steroids." :lol:

Back on topic: John, your triceps look great!! I love seeing all the pics, thanks!

Abdominator

Sat, August 27th, 2005, 05:27 PM

Gila Monster

Sun, August 28th, 2005, 11:05 AM

36! Hehehe... youngster. :D

- Skip "Now featuring 38 years of existence!" :)

You're 38??!?!?!? :d_eek:
I thought you were in your late 20's!!!

John Stone

Sun, August 28th, 2005, 07:10 PM

wh0rume

Sun, August 28th, 2005, 09:33 PM

hah... wow... that's one hell of a before shot.
impressed as always. :tucool:

MGB

Mon, August 29th, 2005, 03:14 AM

Yeah, John.
You look pitiful.
I can't believe you had the guts to post that picture.
You might want to bust out a snowmobile suit so you don't get embarassed if someone sees you shirtless.

Kidding, OF COURSE! :D
Look awesome!

I don't you know about you, but I don't enjoy working my back or shoulders, yet. Mostly its because of (1) pain in and (2) fear of seperating again my shoulders.

I hope you'll post your back workout when (not if) you get to where you want to go.

I finally took a new shot of my back. I'm not real happy with it, and it's pretty obvious why my back is going to be a MAJOR focus of my next bulk. So, I guess you can consider this my "before" picture.

:bb:

John Stone

Mon, August 29th, 2005, 07:40 AM

Thanks guys. When I said that I wasn't real happy with the picture I just meant that my back is obviously lagging quite a bit behind my arms. In particular I want to add a lot of width to my upper back and increase the spread of my lats! :cool:

Gila Monster

Mon, August 29th, 2005, 08:38 AM

Yeah, John.
You look pitiful.

That almost made me snort milk over the screen! :lol: And that would've been a shame because it isn't my computer...

Great before picture! I'm not gonna mention any muscle names this time though. :D

volleyball

Mon, August 29th, 2005, 09:11 AM

Once again, in my continuing effort to avoid posting photos of myself for public scrutiny, I bring you another in what appears to be turning into a running series.

Here is "John Stone Two-Year Progress Photo Comparisons: THE BACK."

http://www.jaypaulsimon.com/p/stone-back-comparo.jpg

One day, I hope to look like Skip, so I can photoshop images of myself with impunity.

Of course, I won't be black. Or bald. Or as ridiculously good-looking. ;)

John Stone

Mon, August 29th, 2005, 09:16 AM

Here is "John Stone Two-Year Progress Photo Comparisons: THE BACK."Man, that's just sad, and it really drives home my point: lots of work to be done!

Trex_Lean_machine

Mon, August 29th, 2005, 10:06 AM

I wonder if John waxes his forearms ??? there is less hair on the recent pic.

volleyball

Mon, August 29th, 2005, 10:22 AM

Man, that's just sad, and it really drives home my point: lots of work to be done!
Maybe, but you have to admit, the blonde highlights rocked. :tu:

yogro

Mon, August 29th, 2005, 10:54 AM

not wanting to put any pressure on you john but here is a great after shot i always admired from nate
take care and good luck!!!
http://img210.echo.cx/img210/8827/back4uj.jpg

RamRom

Mon, August 29th, 2005, 11:44 AM

not wanting to put any pressure on you john but here is a great after shot i always admired from nate
take care and good luck!!!
http://img210.echo.cx/img210/8827/back4uj.jpg

looks like he has a very bad rash on his left tri, hope he is ok :gl:

Gila Monster

Mon, August 29th, 2005, 01:43 PM

Maybe, but you have to admit, the blonde highlights rocked. :tu:

Nooooo! :d_eek:

Gila Monster

Mon, August 29th, 2005, 01:44 PM

not wanting to put any pressure on you john but here is a great after shot i always admired from nate
take care and good luck!!!
http://img210.echo.cx/img210/8827/back4uj.jpg

OMG! nate, those are HUGE shoulders!!

Jim G.

Mon, August 29th, 2005, 02:31 PM

volleyball

Mon, August 29th, 2005, 03:58 PM

I'm semi-hijacking John's thread here, but I can't help myself. Perhaps I need to start a "comparisons" thread.

I digress. For your amusement and observations, I present a comparison of rear double bicep poses from John Stone and the enviable Skippy "You Can Never Have Enough Skippy In Any Thread" Podar:

http://www.jaypaulsimon.com/p/skip-stone-back-comparo.jpg

Forgive the smaller size - the photo I sto ... er, borrowed from Skip's site was smaller than John's, but I wanted them to be the same for easier comparison.

I'll make the first observation: because of the differing lighting in the two photos, it sure appears John's got the better tan. :p

And I can't help but note the pun in my naming of that image -- "skip-stone-back-comparo.jpg." Get it? Skip? Stone? Skip a stone?

Oh, forget it. :rolleyes:

By the way - Happy Belated Birthday, Mr. Podar!

John Stone

Mon, August 29th, 2005, 04:20 PM

I digress. For your amusement and observations, I present a comparison of rear double bicep poses from John Stone and the enviable Skippy "You Can Never Have Enough Skippy In Any Thread" Podar:You absolute bastard.

;)

Skip is definitely a major inspiration for me. His body, to my eyes, is an example of a nearly perfect physique.

Chopaholic

Mon, August 29th, 2005, 04:28 PM

You absolute bastard.

;)

Skip is definitely a major inspiration for me. His body, to my eyes, is an example of a nearly perfect physique.

And his mind...

Well, that's a whole different story. :)

wh0rume

Mon, August 29th, 2005, 05:32 PM

You absolute bastard.

;)

Skip is definitely a major inspiration for me. His body, to my eyes, is an example of a nearly perfect physique.
but seriously - look how close it is?
sure, skip has a much more developed back, but man... you've come a LONNNGGGG way in the past 3 years john.

Coachese

Mon, August 29th, 2005, 05:44 PM

Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! Those bulging muscles on either side of Skip's spine look like something from the first Alien. It looks like he's smuggling meatloaf or beef wellington or something...I can't quite figure out exactly WHAT they look like.

Disturbing! :p

Coachese

Mon, August 29th, 2005, 05:45 PM

but seriously - look how close it is?
sure, skip has a much more developed back, but man... you've come a LONNNGGGG way in the past 2 years john.

Brown-noser :p :p :p

LOL...maybe if you ask him now, John can go to Homecoming with you when the new semester starts!!

I kid, I kid.

Gila Monster

Tue, August 30th, 2005, 01:45 AM

:lol:

That was a GREAT post! Exactly what I needed to start the morning!
:tu: :tu: :tu:

I'm semi-hijacking John's thread here, but I can't help myself. Perhaps I need to start a "comparisons" thread.

I digress. For your amusement and observations, I present a comparison of rear double bicep poses from John Stone and the enviable Skippy "You Can Never Have Enough Skippy In Any Thread" Podar:

http://www.jaypaulsimon.com/p/skip-stone-back-comparo.jpg

Forgive the smaller size - the photo I sto ... er, borrowed from Skip's site was smaller than John's, but I wanted them to be the same for easier comparison.

I'll make the first observation: because of the differing lighting in the two photos, it sure appears John's got the better tan. :p

And I can't help but note the pun in my naming of that image -- "skip-stone-back-comparo.jpg." Get it? Skip? Stone? Skip a stone?

Oh, forget it. :rolleyes:

By the way - Happy Belated Birthday, Mr. Podar!

escher

Tue, August 30th, 2005, 03:17 PM

John you're looking really good now! Not that you didnt before, but with the extra mass you've been packing on, its more fitting then when you were muscular but skinny. :D I agree with so many previous comments. Without you starting your little project, I doubt many of us would have been as inspired as we have been to start our own tranformations. I know myself, stumbling on your site last Jan is defintiely the only website that has changed my life to the positive. Thanks for inspiring us and continuing to do so!

Lost

Wed, August 31st, 2005, 04:06 AM

I just showed that backpicture of John to a friend of mine and she was all like:'Oh, my god, I just want to jump on him and eat him alive, yummie!' By the way, she's just turned 19. Looks like he still got it... :D
heh.. that must be awesome motivation for john.

new goal: have 19 year old girls make comments like that about my photos... :lol: :p

John Stone

Thu, September 1st, 2005, 07:12 PM

John Stone

Thu, September 1st, 2005, 07:16 PM

Here I am standing totally relaxed. This shot really shows my trouble spot well. Compare this shot with my September monthly photo (taken this morning in a fasted state) and you can see how much more prominent it is with a day of meals and water in me.

Just about everyone has something about their physique they really hate. That fat bellow my bellybutton is my most hated area.

This is what I hired SwoleCat to help me get rid of. I'm workin' on it!

John Stone

Thu, September 1st, 2005, 07:17 PM

Another relaxed shot, and one flexed.

krosspyder

Thu, September 1st, 2005, 07:42 PM

man.. you got fat there? wow... high standards! i respect your level of commitment... but honestly id be fine with just that problem.

thanks for the inspiration man.

great job on the physique.

John Stone

Thu, September 1st, 2005, 09:27 PM

man.. you got fat there? wow... high standards! i respect your level of commitment... but honestly id be fine with just that problem.

thanks for the inspiration man.

great job on the physique.Definitely some fat there! It was the least of my worries when I was fat and out of shape, but now it's pretty much the only thing that really bugs me about my physique. That's not to say I don't need work in other areas - I do - but it's by far the most annoying, lingering issue with my body.

Thanks for the kind words! :)

damn that's impressive.
yes, i see the fat. do you think that's even 1 lb worth?
you're easily 9% right now i'd say.Man, sometimes I feel like that little bit of fat, even if it is actually just one pound, might as well be 1,000 pounds. I've always had it to some degree, so it's pretty frustrating.

I'd put me around 9% as well. Except for that one spot, I'm getting pretty cut up now.

Thanks for the feedback! :)

Bluestreak

Thu, September 1st, 2005, 09:34 PM

I had to do a double-take - I thought you were growing pork-chops from the shadow in the second picture. :lol:

-R

P.S. Impressive, as always...

wh0rume

Thu, September 1st, 2005, 09:35 PM

if swolecat's program gets rid of that fat, do you see yourself trying his bulking program too?
just the idea of not putting on any fat while bulking is pretty tempting. (or maybe a good sales pitch anyway ;))

ps... is that the picture of skip on your mirror?? i see something hanging up.

LarryNC

Thu, September 1st, 2005, 11:00 PM

Hey john, I think you should be somewhat 'happy' that under your bellybutton is a problem area, you have a little extra motivation to get rid of it, you know? :)

Gila Monster

Fri, September 2nd, 2005, 12:03 AM

Great pictures!!! :tucool:

Lost

Fri, September 2nd, 2005, 01:34 AM

john, you're looking awesome. in that first shot that you say really demonstrates your trouble spot, i really like how your chest is looking, nice shape and such.

those pictures are very motivating, i hope i can get somewhere close to that in the future.

JoeSchmo

Fri, September 2nd, 2005, 02:56 AM

This is what I hired SwoleCat to help me get rid of. I'm workin' on it!

But won't it just come back the first week into your bulk? Seems like the only way to permanently get rid of it is to maintain impossibly low bf levels. Anyway...I can't even really see it, but I can understand how it bothers you ...even if it ain't really noticeable to others. Regardless, you are looking really really good, and I look forward to seeing your next bulk!

Nice going!

SwoleCat

Fri, September 2nd, 2005, 09:24 AM

Great updated pics John, u are definitely adding muscle while cutting!

U look ripped up too! :cool:

Your trouble spot looks like NO TROUBLE at all, but I know how you see it more than we do and such. It's like a zit on one's face.............one knows it's there and thinks it stands out like crazy, but others may not even notice at all.

Your trouble spot is not much of a spot at all, and most certainly does not take away from the awesome physique that you have built. I personally think from those shots that that "spot" you speak of is mostly water and not fat, and I believe if you ran my 7 day protocol you'd see it eliminated. However, for now just keep on SGX and you can do the 7 day program as time moves on. :tu:

Press on brutha!!

~SC~

Sole

Fri, September 2nd, 2005, 10:58 AM

Definitely some fat there! It was the least of my worries when I was fat and out of shape, but now it's pretty much the only thing that really bugs me about my physique. That's not to say I don't need work in other areas - I do - but it's by far the most annoying, lingering issue with my body.

John -- I know exactly how you feel ... I share the same problem spot. I've been down to ~9 percent before and still had enough fat under my belly button that I could pinch a significant amount. It's even more frustrating that I have decent vascularity in my abs...but the veins just run into that fat spot! :mad: Similar to your situation, everyone else thinks I'm crazy to worry about it....

Anyway, I'll be closely monitoring your progress in this area. I truly hope SwoleCat's program takes care of this for you as I'd gladly pay the $200 to eliminate this problem!

Also, I remember a while back you experimented with a topical fat burner (absolved, perhaps?), did you see any significant results from this product?

Coachese

Fri, September 2nd, 2005, 11:48 AM

I had to do a double-take - I thought you were growing pork-chops from the shadow in the second picture. :lol:

-R

P.S. Impressive, as always...

That may be the most bizarre, non-sequitur statement I have ever read. What does that MEAN?

:p

Smooth Criminal

Fri, September 2nd, 2005, 12:42 PM

awesome job.

Why is that fat so tough to remove though?

Nico

Fri, September 2nd, 2005, 01:02 PM

That may be the most bizarre, non-sequitur statement I have ever read. What does that MEAN?

:p
John's 5 o'clock shadow looked remarkably like a nice set of Bill Cosby-eque lamb chop sideburns.

John could probably grow them that way in about 4 days because of all the HGH and testosterone he's taking. !JOKE! !JOKE! :lol: :lol:

John Stone

Fri, September 2nd, 2005, 01:29 PM

I had to do a double-take - I thought you were growing pork-chops from the shadow in the second picture. :lol:Thank goodness it was just a funny shadow. I'm sure some people wear the porkchop look proudly, but it's just not my style. :cool:

if swolecat's program gets rid of that fat, do you see yourself trying his bulking program too?Oh, I'm definitely doing SUP2 for my next bulk!

ps... is that the picture of skip on your mirror?? i see something hanging up.Nah, Skip's picture was hanging on the other side of the room, where I do my deads. Not sure what you're seeing on the mirror. I have a SwoleCat sticker up there, but it's not visible in any of the 3 most recent shots.

Hey john, I think you should be somewhat 'happy' that under your bellybutton is a problem area, you have a little extra motivation to get rid of it, you know?You lost me bud...

Gila Monster and Lost, Thanks you both very much! :cool:

But won't it just come back the first week into your bulk? Seems like the only way to permanently get rid of it is to maintain impossibly low bf levels.That's a very good question, and something I've wondered myself. I have a few theories:

A) Maybe the fat that's there is stubborn "brown" fat. I've been carrying it around forever. Maybe my body is storing fat more "evenly" now and, if I finally get rid of the old fat, it won't be such a problem.

B) My body just puts fat there first, and as soon as I add even a small amount of fat, it will come right back.

C) Maybe, as SC says, it's just water. I honestly don't think it is - it feels like fat - but if it is water I may never get rid of it except immediately after a program like SC's "7 days to ultimate leanness".

No matter what happens, I'm hoping to solve the mystery once and for all!

Great updated pics John, u are definitely adding muscle while cutting!I have to agree, my arms are up almost a quarter of an inch since I started SGX. Like I said in today's update, I feel more like I'm on a slow bulk and not a cut! :lol:

Your trouble spot looks like NO TROUBLE at all, but I know how you see it more than we do and such. It's like a zit on one's face.............one knows it's there and thinks it stands out like crazy, but others may not even notice at all.It's definitely noticeable, even more so in real life. If we were at the beach you'd notice it for sure. I feel that it detracts from my upper body considerably. I want that area TIGHT as a DRUM!

Your trouble spot is not much of a spot at all, and most certainly does not take away from the awesome physique that you have built. I personally think from those shots that that "spot" you speak of is mostly water and not fat, and I believe if you ran my 7 day protocol you'd see it eliminated. However, for now just keep on SGX and you can do the 7 day program as time moves on. :tu:I really don't think it's water, I think it's old fat (I've had it since I was a kid). Of course I could be wrong about that, but my gut feeling (no pun intended) is that it's brown fat.

I think I will do your "7-days" at the end of my SGX cycle as the final coat of polish, as it were. :tu:

Similar to your situation, everyone else thinks I'm crazy to worry about it.... I feel your pain, man!

Also, I remember a while back you experimented with a topical fat burner (absolved, perhaps?), did you see any significant results from this product?Yes, Absolved. I did see some temporary reduction, but as soon as I stopped using the product the area returned to "normal". It seems to just reduce water if you ask me.

That may be the most bizarre, non-sequitur statement I have ever read. What does that MEAN?Heh, he's talking about the shadow on my face in the "flexed" shot. It looks like I have porkchop sideburns. :lol:

Why is that fat so tough to remove though?I think it's just old, "brown", stubborn body fat. That area probably doesn't get much bloodflow, and my genetics want to store fat in that area first. I've had it to some degree since I was a pre-teen.

Abdominator

Fri, September 2nd, 2005, 03:17 PM

As always, I appreciate all the encouraging comments and constructive criticism!

Last night was my back workout. I printed out a picture of Skip's back and put it in my gym while I worked out. That picture really motivated me to work extra hard. My back is REALLY sore tonight (in a good way).

I just finished my chest and abs workout, and it was also very good. I have some pictures which I will now post...

Man! You guys are awesome. :o

John and I are almost equal regarding musculature! That's shocking! John's upper arm is bigger when compared to mine, but our physiques are definitely becoming similar. Personally though, I think John overall is still physically bigger than I am. :)

Hey John! When I'm finished setting my home gym, is it ok if I put one your pictures up on the wall as inspiration? I feel somehow that our physiques were inspired by each other's hard work and determination. :)

http://www.skippypodar.net/WebGallery/Skip-Miscellaneous/sexy-skip3.jpg

http://www.skippypodar.net/WebGallery/Skip-Miscellaneous/sexy-skip5.jpg

Peace my friends, and be blessed!

- Skip :)

Nico

Fri, September 2nd, 2005, 03:22 PM

Man! You guys are awesome. :o

John and I are almost equal regarding musculature! That's shocking! John's upper arm is bigger when compared to mine, but our physiques are definitely becoming similar. Personally though, I think John overall is still physically bigger than I am. :)

Hey John! When I'm finished setting my home gym, is it ok if I put one your pictures up on the wall as inspiration? I feel somehow that our physiques were inspired by each other's hard work and determination. :)

http://www.skippypodar.net/WebGallery/Skip-Miscellaneous/sexy-skip3.jpg

http://www.skippypodar.net/WebGallery/Skip-Miscellaneous/sexy-skip5.jpg

Peace my friends, and be blessed!

- Skip :)

John's made tremendous progress and his arms are of similar greatness as yours, but you're still dominant in a lot of other categories which is why you can put one of those thongs on and get on stage without the embarassment that 99.8% of us would feel.

John could be there in a few more years though given his work ethic, knowledge, genetics, and determination.

Abdominator

Fri, September 2nd, 2005, 03:43 PM

I finally took a new shot of my back. I'm not real happy with it, and it's pretty obvious why my back is going to be a MAJOR focus of my next bulk. So, I guess you can consider this my "before" picture.

:bb:

We're going to have to get you a rowing attachment for your home gym:

http://www.skippypodar.net/WebGallery/Skip-Miscellaneous/skip1221-crs-250.jpg

It does wonders for the middle and lower trapezius. You can also do bentover dumbbell rows (on your bench), or of course T-Bar rows.

- Skip :)

TheRyanator

Fri, September 2nd, 2005, 05:11 PM

John's made tremendous progress and his arms are of similar greatness as yours, but you're still dominant in a lot of other categories which is why you can put one of those thongs on and get on stage without the embarassment that 99.8% of us would feel.

John could be there in a few more years though given his work ethic, knowledge, genetics, and determination.

Yes, John. When are you going to start donning the thong for your Monthly Update pics? :lol: :p :d_eek:

Abdominator

Fri, September 2nd, 2005, 05:12 PM

John's made tremendous progress and his arms are of similar greatness as yours, but you're still dominant in a lot of other categories which is why you can put one of those thongs on and get on stage without the embarassment that 99.8% of us would feel.

John could be there in a few more years though given his work ethic, knowledge, genetics, and determination.

Eh... I think John could do the posing trunk route. Yeah, it takes a bit of courage, but once everything's in place... it's not bad:

http://www.skippypodar.net/WebGallery/Skip-Miscellaneous/skip-precontest-teaser-2weeksout.jpg

http://www.skippypodar.net/WebGallery/Skip-Miscellaneous/skip-aq-teaser-NGA-2-weeks-out.jpg

Ah... there I go again. This thread isn't about me, it's about John. Sorry John for posting myself all over the place.

- Skip "Yes, I'm an attention whore." :)

ltz

Fri, September 2nd, 2005, 05:27 PM

- Skip "Yes, I'm an attention whore." :)

You got that right!

John Stone

Fri, September 2nd, 2005, 05:37 PM

John and I are almost equal regarding musculature! That's shocking! John's upper arm is bigger when compared to mine, but our physiques are definitely becoming similar. Personally though, I think John overall is still physically bigger than I am.It's a good thing you are a better body builder than you are a bluffer!

Hey John! When I'm finished setting my home gym, is it ok if I put one your pictures up on the wall as inspiration? I feel somehow that our physiques were inspired by each other's hard work and determination.Wow, I'd truly be honored.

John Stone

Fri, September 2nd, 2005, 05:44 PM

John's made tremendous progress and his arms are of similar greatness as yours, but you're still dominant in a lot of other categories which is why you can put one of those thongs on and get on stage without the embarassment that 99.8% of us would feel.Agreed. I'm not being modest in the least when I say that my development is not even in the same ballpark as Skip's. It's going to take me a few more years of hard work to even approach Skip's symmetry and muscular development.

John could be there in a few more years though given his work ethic, knowledge, genetics, and determination.I believe that with all my heart, and I plan to put lots of time under the iron to make it happen. Then I'll make my very own workout video set to Chas Jankel's "Number One" (http://www.skippypodar.net/Movies/Skip/skip-numberone.wmv)*, just like Skip. ;)

*Number one is a hard time in the making
Number two is the one place I'm not taking
Number three goes on one knee for a token
Number four is the short straw, but it's broken

I'd give my all just to be number one

Number one is a hard time in the making

Don't give (don't give) a damn (a damn)
What else (what else) I am (I am)
I am (I am) the man
In the making

Number five is a bad drive 'round the circut
Number six is a sad trick when you work it

I'd give the world I could be number one

Number one is the one way to salvation

I'll do (I'll do) my best (my best)
To beat (to beat) the rest (the rest)
And be (and be) the best
In the nation

I'll stake (I'll stake) my claim (my claim)
I'll make (I'll make) my name (my name)
My love (my love) my game
My vocation (my vocation my vocation my vocation...)

I'd give my all just to be number one
I'd give my all just to be number
I'd give my all just to be number one

Don't give (don't give) a damn (a damn)
What else (what else) I am (I am)
I am (I am) the man
In the making

I'll stake (I'll stake) my claim (my claim)
I'll make (I'll make) my name (my name)
My love (my love) my game
My vocation

John Stone

Fri, September 2nd, 2005, 05:46 PM

We're going to have to get you a rowing attachment for your home gymI finally have one now with my Titan! Lately I've been doing low cable rows every week along with deads, wide-grip pull-ups, t-bar rows and so on.

John Stone

Fri, September 2nd, 2005, 05:47 PM

Yes, John. When are you going to start donning the thong for your Monthly Update pics? :lol: :p :d_eek:I spent enough time in nuthuggers when I was a swimmer to last a lifetime. :D

John Stone

Fri, September 2nd, 2005, 05:48 PM

- Skip "Yes, I'm an attention whore." :)Couldn't resist (10 second photoshop job, but you get the idea)

Jim G.

Sat, September 3rd, 2005, 01:59 AM

Couldn't resist (10 second photoshop job, but you get the idea)

You're killin' me! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Gila Monster

Sat, September 3rd, 2005, 04:39 AM

Couldn't resist (10 second photoshop job, but you get the idea)

Wow! She's hot! :d_eek:

I've just found my goal! :cool:

eleonardo

Sat, September 3rd, 2005, 06:02 AM

Couldn't resist (10 second photoshop job, but you get the idea)

HAHAAHAHAHAH
OH MY LORD THATS FUNNY

1FastGTX

Sat, September 3rd, 2005, 06:38 PM

Couldn't resist (10 second photoshop job, but you get the idea)
I think this is the best picture of Skip I've ever seen!!!! :p

Timbermiko

Sat, September 3rd, 2005, 10:38 PM

Eh... I think John could do the posing trunk route. Yeah, it takes a bit of courage, but once everything's in place... it's not bad:

http://www.skippypodar.net/WebGallery/Skip-Miscellaneous/skip-precontest-teaser-2weeksout.jpg

http://www.skippypodar.net/WebGallery/Skip-Miscellaneous/skip-aq-teaser-NGA-2-weeks-out.jpg

Ah... there I go again. This thread isn't about me, it's about John. Sorry John for posting myself all over the place.

- Skip "Yes, I'm an attention whore." :)

Hell, If I looked as good as you Skip...I'd be all over the net!
Great sym...Alot of density... :tu:

JoeSchmo

Sat, September 3rd, 2005, 11:06 PM

I believe that with all my heart, and I plan to put lots of time under the iron to make it happen. Then I'll make my very own workout video set to Chas Jankel's "Number One" (http://www.skippypodar.net/Movies/Skip/skip-numberone.wmv)*, just like Skip. ;)

Nice video...but......one critical component is missing.....

Where are the Mickey Mouse ears? (http://www.skippypodar.net/WDW/roy-minnie-skip.jpg) :D

John Stone

Sun, September 4th, 2005, 06:54 PM

I just finished the most intense workout of my life. I am actually having trouble typing.

I decided to give supersets a try for today's arm workout. Whooooo, boy! That was my first ever superset workout and I am blown away. Talk about difficult and intense! My arms feel like they are about to explode. They're pumped to just shy of 17 inches.

No BS, I'm so tired and pumped up that I can't even take off my shirt right now.

Many of you know who Bill Grant is. Today I was checking out his arm videos on BB.com and found what he had to say intriguing. Bill is an advocate of push/pull ("antagonistic") supersets. Since today is my tricep/bicep day, it seemed like a perfect opportunity to give that technique a roll. The videos are good, check them out here if you're interested: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/gastelu15.htm

Here are some pictures of my arms after my workout. I've got a tricep shot, a bicep shot and a picture of me immediately after my last set looking very sweaty and intense. :bb:

jgmx

Mon, September 5th, 2005, 04:38 PM

you're arms are looking super good john :cool:

John Stone

Mon, September 5th, 2005, 07:17 PM

you're arms are looking super good john :cool:Thanks - likewise!

Smooth Criminal

Tue, September 6th, 2005, 03:04 AM

damn John you look like a shadow of your former self. I can't believe you went from all that flab to tons of muscle.

1FastGTX

Tue, September 6th, 2005, 02:02 PM

Hey John, just an observation and in no way to I intend this post to be negative! I was looking at your pictures and you are showing some fantastic progress! Amazing actually! Anyway, as weird as this might sound I think you'd show even better musculature if your poses were better. I know, I know, you're not trying to be on stage or anything. :) But some subtle changes in your hands/wrists would give your biceps a better "look."

For example, in that last "most muscular" shot of yours, if your hands were turned a little bit differently I think your biceps would "peak" a little bit better. And if you didn't bend down so much it might look better too (maybe).

I know this isn't really a big deal, just thought I'd share my opinion here. If you're as corny as I am you will probably spend some time looking in the mirror practicing different poses. :lol: (Especially after those supersets!!!) I am definitely no expert here, but maybe Skip and Chris/SC could give better advice(s)* here. :D

Again, not meant to be negative. Your pictures look amazing and I am pretty sure you have surpassed me by far my friend! Great job!

* Watch Pumping Iron / John's old signature to know what I mean!

John Stone

Tue, September 6th, 2005, 03:34 PM

Smooth Criminal
Thanks! I still can't believe how badly I let myself go for all those years. It feels great to be healthy again.

Chris
Yes, I know you are giving me advices, but it would be very easy for you to give me the wrong advices. Oh, I watch you, I watch you!

:lol:

Seriously, I do know my poses are terrible, and I'm guilty of never making even the slightest effort to learn any "real" poses. So I don't take your advices (heh) as negative in any way - it's the truth! I think BodyBuilding.com has some articles on posing, maybe I'll give them a look. Honestly, though, I've always put all my efforts into training and diet and not given much thought to the "polish". Perhaps it's time I do that. :o

As for surpassing you... yeah, right! :lol:

1FastGTX

Tue, September 6th, 2005, 07:14 PM

Yeah, I have never thought much about posing. I don't read articles on it or anything, though I recognize that Ed Corney was pretty good. :)

I just started earlier than you so I have more practice acting like a goof-ball in front of my mirror!

Of course it's not nearly as important for you or I since we don't plan on competing (not anytime soon anyway).

1FastGTX

Tue, September 6th, 2005, 07:15 PM

Oh, I watch you, I watch you!
I watch you too!

:lol:

Transformer2004

Sun, September 11th, 2005, 06:24 AM

"Stanley, see this? This is this. This ain't something else. This is this."

Excellent addition to your forum signature!!! Great quote from one of my all time favorite movies.

I'd give you some compliments on your physique but I think you've gotten plenty! :lol:

John Stone

Sun, September 11th, 2005, 06:39 PM

I probably shouldn't have lifted weights yesterday and today with my hernia repair acting funny, but I figured if they have to operate again anyway, WTF not. Lisa yelled at me, but I'm a stubborn sonabish.

I did supersets again today and had an INSANE pump going - my arms are over 17 inches in these pictures (first two, last one is from a year ago).

2 crazy pump pictures from today, followed by a shot of my arm exactly one year ago with a good pump (probably around 15.5 inches).

gravityhomer

Sun, September 11th, 2005, 07:25 PM

Holy crap, that arm looks like an over inflated tire. You're about to burst John. These are supposed to be compliments btw.

John Stone

Sun, September 11th, 2005, 07:41 PM

Holy crap, that arm looks like an over inflated tire. You're about to burst John. These are supposed to be compliments btw.I know, man, it's crazy! Bicep/tricep supersets engorge my arms with blood to almost ridiculous levels. Most of my definition is lost when they get like that, too. I can't even take my shirt off when my arms are that pumped up. But my goodness, I do love the feeling. " It's as satisfying to me as cu..."

Oh, never mind. :p

1FastGTX

Mon, September 12th, 2005, 02:14 AM

Your triceps look freaking phenominal in those latest pictures John. The 2nd one looks very impressive, an almost relaxed pose but the back of the arm looks really thick and massive.

I wonder when we'll see you standing on stage next to Skip doing a posedown.... :D

1FastGTX

Mon, September 12th, 2005, 02:15 AM

It's as satisfying to me as cu..."

Oh, never mind. :p
:lol:

I will never get bored with this quote!

Reno_1ted

Mon, September 12th, 2005, 06:22 AM

Hey John,

You must be using Synthol to have arms like that, no one can get arms that pumped natually... ;)

Kidding of course, SGX Program seems to suit you down to the ground. Top stuff.

SwoleCat

Mon, September 12th, 2005, 09:15 AM

Your arms are growing better than mine!!!!!!!

WTF!?!?!?!?? :d_mad:

:D

Nice work!

~SC~

Timbermiko

Mon, September 12th, 2005, 09:22 AM

Like fast said...the thickness of your arm.damn nice. :tu:

Nico

Mon, September 12th, 2005, 11:36 AM

Pic 2 is competitive level guns.

gravityhomer

Mon, September 12th, 2005, 01:10 PM

" It's as satisfying to me as cu..."

Oh, never mind. :p

Had to search (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000C3I6U/102-3288349-3729703?v=glance&vi=quotes-trivia) to find that one.

Oh arnold, the govenah.

harry.michaels

Mon, September 12th, 2005, 01:58 PM

BLIMEY, John, your arms are looking like rather large. Soon you'll be ripping t-shirts due to your bicep's nervous twitch whenever a woman falls asleep on your shoulder in the back of a car, kind of like Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1988's hit comedy "Twins". That's a good thing, by the way. If your arm is a tree trunk, mine is a mere toothpick. If you are a man, I am a mere BOY.

pmh

Mon, September 12th, 2005, 03:23 PM

Looking good John, the added size looks good on you, I rather prefered your pics from the 1/2/2005, a thicker look. It will be interesting to see you bulk, I would guess in 12 months from now, as long as you don't go cutting crazy inbetween, you will have a pumped 18 1/2" arm.

How many calories are you eating a day during this cutting phase John?

BTW, I hope the hernia problem resolves itself in a positive way, someone as dedicated as you doesn't deserve a forced break for surgery.

AileanMacRaith

Mon, September 12th, 2005, 04:06 PM

Curry is satisfying, to be fair . . .

John Stone

Mon, September 12th, 2005, 06:56 PM

1FastGTX,
I wish they looked that big all the time! In those pictures they are over 1.25 inches bigger than they are cold. My ultimate goal for my arms is to get them to around 17.5 inches cold and totally cut. So a little bigger than they are in those pictures, with a lot more definition is what I'm shooting for. Of course the rest of my body needs a lot of work - my back, lats, traps need the most work. My delts, chest and biceps also need a lot of work. My biceps are genetically "long" but I'm doing what I can to increase the peak as much as possible.

Reno_1ted,
Damn my Synthol secret is out!? :mad: Greg Valentino assured me that Synthol was the ticket. I feel so betrayed...

SwoleCat,
Har har. Of course with 20+ inch guns, I imagine putting on size IS difficult for you at this point - especially since you are cutting. My body is definitely responding to the SGX diet. Thanks for everything so far!

Timbermiko,
Thanks very much! Now if I could get them that thick cold... :D

Nico,
Your comment took me by surprise. Thank you! As a 100% natural athlete, I take a lot of pride in the mass I've gained - it's hard-earned, and I've overcome a lot to get to where I am today. I'm by no means done, but looking back at my pictures from July 2003 (and January 2003) makes me feel good about what I've accomplished so far.

gravityhomer,
What?! You had to search for that quote? Ok, everyone who's reading this thread and doesn't own "Pumping Iron" on DVD needs to put down the mouse, go to Best Buy or something and GET IT! :cool:

harry.michaels,
Yeah, speaking of DVD and Arnold, why hasn't "Twins" been released on DVD in R1 in Widescreen? I really want to buy it, but I won't until it's released in its proper aspect ratio.

Thanks for the compliment!

pmh,
Thanks. I like the extra muscle, but I don't like the extra fat I was carrying in January 2005. I felt really uncomfortable. I also don't really like that "thick" look. I much prefer to be ripped (but with more muscle, of course!) To each their own, right? :)

Right now my calorie intake on weight training days is around 2,400+/-. Cardio only days, around 2,000+/-.

John Stone

Mon, September 12th, 2005, 07:25 PM

I had to go eat as soon as I made that last post, but I wanted to post an update on the hernia "situation" tonight. I'll mention it tomorrow on the main site, but figured I'd share the good news right away.

The doctor pushed and prodded and said he felt no sign of any serious problems. He said I probably just strained the same area as the hernia repair, and he didn't see any need to take it any further. He prescribed an anti-inflammatory ("Feldene (http://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/FEL1173.HTM)", AKA piroxicam) and told me I could continue to lift weights with no interruption! The Feldene should also help with my shoulders, both of which are always hurting to some degree.

We actually discussed my shoulders quite a bit today. He said we could move forward (meaning surgery) whenever I am ready. I told him the pain is quite tolerable right now, more of an annoyance and nothing like the pain I experienced when I injured my right shoulder a couple years ago. So, as long as I can lift and the pain is tolerable, I will avoid the surgery. He was fine with that.

When my doctor first entered the examination room he mentioned my 25+ pound weight gain (I last saw him in April 2004 at about 165 pounds). I told him to put away his BMI calculator and lifted up my shirt. He laughed and didn't say another word about it. :lol:

TheRyanator

Mon, September 12th, 2005, 10:20 PM

That is great news John! I hate going to the doctor and medical problems, glad to hear that no more surgery is needed for the hernia.

That is especially hilarious that he was concerned about your weight gain, until he saw the bod...way to go! :tu:

John Stone

Tue, September 13th, 2005, 07:58 AM

Uhh... forgive me if this is a stupid post or if it really isn't that simple, but what's with all the surgeries?I've had one surgery in my whole life.

A sore shoulder sounds very simple and definitely not something you have to correct with a SURGERY. Can't you just find out WHAT is wrong with it and CORRECT it by yourself? There's gotta be some kind of muscle imbalance caused by unbalanced workouts there (for example too much internal rotation and too little external), right? There are tons of articles about healing shoulders and stuff like that.No, it's not that simple and it's not a "sore shoulder". I have chronic tendinitis with impingement syndrome in both shoulders. The problem was initially caused by many years of competitive swimming when I was younger, and it re-surfaced and became worse when I began to lift weights. I've been through the ringer: everything from sports doctors, orthopedic doctors, x-rays, MRIs, cortisone shots, anti-inflammatory drugs, ultrasound and physical therapy. This is well-documented in this thread (I even have pictures of my MRIs up), and also in my daily news updates on the main site starting late 2003. All the doctors agree that to permanently fix the problem, surgery will be required to remove the scar tissue and so forth.

Bluestreak

Tue, September 13th, 2005, 08:05 AM

We actually discussed my shoulders quite a bit today. He said we could move forward (meaning surgery) whenever I am ready. I told him the pain is quite tolerable right now, more of an annoyance and nothing like the pain I experienced when I injured my right shoulder a couple years ago. So, as long as I can lift and the pain is tolerable, I will avoid the surgery. He was fine with that.

I'm in the same boat, but man.... I've had enoug surgeries at this point to know that while it slows you down, it tends to be a 100% fix for me. I'd jump on the OR table in a heartbeat just to remove the limitation the shoulder now presents. I've got to start pursuing a second opinion. I'm tired of being limited and I figure I may as well have the shoulder fixed while I'm younger and heal faster/better. Why wait until I'm older? The pain I have is tolerable... as long as I don't make certain movements.

Surgery No. 4 for me, if I can get Jewett Ortho to go in after the problem. My surgeon/doctor operated on Grant Hill's foot/ankle ... which since Grant was sidelined for three years kinda doesn't inspire my confidence. I'd gladly forego surgery if I thought it would heal on its own... I just don't see it happening unless I were to live on prednisone for the rest of my days (it's the only anti-inflam that takes away the pain).

Glad to see the hernia repair isn't failing.

-R

Gila Monster

Tue, September 13th, 2005, 08:51 AM

Hey John, great news!!! Congrats!!! I'm always happy to hear that medical problems are solved! :claplow:

Greetings from Bulgaria, everyone!
I'm gonna go and update my picture gallery now.

(If you knew what my diet looked like you'd ban me from the forum!)

Haban

Tue, September 13th, 2005, 09:27 AM

I've had one surgery in my whole life.

No, it's not that simple and it's not a "sore shoulder". I have chronic tendinitis with impingement syndrome in both shoulders. The problem was initially caused by many years of competitive swimming when I was younger, and it re-surfaced and became worse when I began to lift weights. I've been through the ringer: everything from sports doctors, orthopedic doctors, x-rays, MRIs, cortisone shots, anti-inflammatory drugs, ultrasound and physical therapy. This is well-documented in this thread (I even have pictures of my MRIs up), and also in my daily news updates on the main site starting late 2003. All the doctors agree that to permanently fix the problem, surgery will be required to remove the scar tissue and so forth.

Ok, forget my post then. :) Good luck with the shoulder!

MGB

Wed, September 14th, 2005, 12:53 AM

John Stone

Wed, September 14th, 2005, 10:52 AM

I don't know if it was the heavy rows, or weighted dips, but it feels like I reseparated my shoulder and now I'm out of commission.Man, I'm very sorry to hear about your shoulder. I can tell you from my own personal experience that dips - particularly weighted dips - can be very hard on the shoulders. I've not had any problems with barbell or cable rows.

In any event, I'm VERY interested to what you decide about surgery.I'm going to hold off as long as I can. If I ever re-injure my shoulder(s) to the point of not being able to lift again, I'll go forward with the surgery. But as long as I can lift, I'm not going to purposely do anything that will stop me from lifting. Surgery will put me out of action for several months, and that's not something I want to deal with right now.

I wish you all the best for a speedy and safe recovery. You didn't mention if you were planning to see a doctor. I would definitely do that ASAP.

Nico

Wed, September 14th, 2005, 11:49 AM

John -- Injuries bite, don't they. I just reinjured my left shoulder on Sunday night and am disappointed.

I've been working out consistently 5 days a week, starting making good progress on my chest, and decided--based on your and Skip's discussions in this thread actually--it was time to start working my back. I don't know if it was the heavy rows, or weighted dips, but it feels like I reseparated my shoulder and now I'm out of commission.

In any event, I'm VERY interested to what you decide about surgery. I'm sure I won't go for it, for fear of making things permanently worse.
If you've not done back in the past and exclusively worked chest, my guess is the dips messed up your shoulder and I would stick with bodyweight only until you feel like you can do them pain free.

Rows should not be exercises that hurt your shoulder-the joint is under very little stress, but dips and heavy overhead presses on the other hand are killers.

I'm curious, why would you train chest and arms and abs but not back for presumably several years(judging by your photo)?

crazyguns

Wed, September 14th, 2005, 05:39 PM

Hey John. I just read your daily update and Im really fired up by todays report. It sounds like your really doing well under Swole.

I know you were debating giving up cutting a while back and starting to bulk because of your recent muscle gain but decided with Swoles advice to continue. I for one am hoping you stay true to this so I, and Im sure many more see some more progress ( ie. 6-8 weeks). I would like to see how you as a natural trainer respond so I can make a more informed decision on enlisting the help of Swole. I have followed your updates for a long time and find you to be very honest and trustworthy.

Keep up the good work!

p.s. Don't get me wrong I don't doubt Swole. Dude is a freak!

SwoleCat

Wed, September 14th, 2005, 08:13 PM

May want to read and comprehend the prior posts before blurting out something absurd/insulting as such. :rolleyes:

~SC~

Uhh... forgive me if this is a stupid post or if it really isn't that simple, but what's with all the surgeries? A sore shoulder sounds very simple and definitely not something you have to correct with a SURGERY. Can't you just find out WHAT is wrong with it and CORRECT it by yourself? There's gotta be some kind of muscle imbalance caused by unbalanced workouts there (for example too much internal rotation and too little external), right? There are tons of articles about healing shoulders and stuff like that.

John Stone

Wed, September 14th, 2005, 09:09 PM

Hey John. I just read your daily update and Im really fired up by todays report. It sounds like your really doing well under Swole.I couldn't be more pleased. I never expected to gain muscle while losing fat almost three years into my training. The SGX program, particularly the custom dietary approach, is remarkable.

I know you were debating giving up cutting a while back and starting to bulk because of your recent muscle gain but decided with Swoles advice to continue. I for one am hoping you stay true to this so I, and Im sure many more see some more progress ( ie. 6-8 weeks). I would like to see how you as a natural trainer respond so I can make a more informed decision on enlisting the help of Swole. I have followed your updates for a long time and find you to be very honest and trustworthy.Thank you, I certainly try to be.

When I saw that I was gaining mass on SGX, I became a wee bit overly-excited; The "mass bug" bit hard, and I wanted to start packing on muscle as fast as possible. So yeah, I definitely got a little ahead of myself. Chris pulled me back to Earth with some sound advice, but left the choice up to me. I'm glad I took his advice and stayed with SGX. So yeah, I'm going to complete SGX, even if that means delaying my bulk a bit longer. I'll probably be on SGX for at least another 4-6 weeks. Once I finish, I'm going to jump right into SUP2 and bulk, BULK, BULK! The delay shouldn't matter since I probably won't put on much fat on SUP2, so I shouldn't need to cut for an extended period of time. By next summer I should be totally ripped and have a much more balanced and muscular physique!

Stay tuned....

Nico

Wed, September 14th, 2005, 10:19 PM

Once I finish, I'm going to jump right into SUP2 and bulk, BULK, BULK! Stay tuned....
Nice use of dynamics in your font sizes there John. :cool:

MGB

Wed, September 14th, 2005, 11:49 PM

Surgery will put me out of action for several months, and that's not something I want to deal with right now.

You didn't mention if you were planning to see a doctor. I would definitely do that ASAP.

I saw a doc the first time and he basically said, "um..surgery or anti-inflammatories and rest". I went for the later. This time is less sever, so I'll probably do same as you...weight..errr...wait it out unless it gets substantially worse.

Also, as others have said many times, your site was one of the key ingredients in helping me stay motivated, when I (used) to need something outside myself to stay motivated. Thanks a lot for keeping it going, and clean.

I'm curious, why would you train chest and arms and abs but not back for presumably several years(judging by your photo)?

Nico: I train back of course, but I don't assault my back like I do other body parts. I was assaulting it, but I had a disc problem (from when I was doing deads w/too much weight. I was inspired to assault my back again and differently when I saw John & Skip's pic in this thread of doing, and especially Skip doing seated rows.

Nico

Thu, September 15th, 2005, 12:14 AM

I saw a doc the first time and he basically said, "um..surgery or anti-inflammatories and rest". I went for the later.

Nico: I train back of course, but I don't assault my back like I do other body parts. I was assaulting it, but I had a disc problem (from when I was doing deads w/too much weight. I was inspired to assault my back again and differently when I saw John & Skip's pic in this thread of doing, and especially Skip doing seated rows.Seeing Skip posing makes me want to assault each atrophied muscle in my pathetic (in comparison) body.

Bear in mind that there are many doctors out there but not many sports medicine experts. Even among sports-oriented doctors and orthropedic surgeons you have specialties. The only way to truly get sound advice is to speak with a doc who has expertise in the bodypart troubling you. A general practitioner will not admit this to his patients, but he cannot be an expert in everything.

Since I don't John's thread hijacked I will close this discussion by saying that shoulders are to be treated with extreme caution.

John-avoid behind the neck presses, behind the neck pulldowns, and upright rows-- I'm begging you. With your injury these are the most aggravating exercises. When pressing overhead you must purposefully retract the scapulae or the impingement can turn into some serious nerve damage. When doing laterals go light and slow. This may seem overly cautious but I've had shoulder surgery on a similar problem (caused by swimming butterfly mainly) and since then I have not been able to throw anything overhand with any power and if I try it feels like being stabbed by an ice pick. I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

The safest shoulder routine I can think of is this:

-Pre-exhaust with slow, light lateral and front raises: Sets of 20. This will hurt if done correctly with the right amount of weight. Pause at the top (parallel to the ground) for a three count-making sure your head is naturally resting on your spine and not out in front of your shoulders.
-Then do dumbell presses with moderate weight without locking out-this puts more tension on the muscle and allows more work with less weight. It's best to work with a bench that allows you to pin your shoulder blades flat against it throughout the motion. Most benches are too narrow for this.

SwoleCat

Thu, September 15th, 2005, 09:31 AM

By next summer I should be totally ripped and have a much more balanced and muscular physique!

Correction! There is no "should", you WILL......there is no doubt that the way you respond to SGX tells me you will be a natural responder to SUP2. As your friend, I'll make CERTAIN that both programs treat you very well, and that you receive the best consultation and guidance to make you look absolutely INCREDIBLE next summer.

I can guarantee that. :cool:

~SC~

John Stone

Thu, September 15th, 2005, 06:52 PM

John-avoid behind the neck presses, behind the neck pulldowns, and upright rows-- I'm begging you.Don't worry - I did behind the neck pulldowns just one time and happened to mentioned it here; I was quickly and thoroughly admonished by several members. I won't be doing those kinds of movements anymore. Thanks for the helpful info!

Correction! There is no "should", you WILL......there is no doubt that the way you respond to SGX tells me you will be a natural responder to SUP2. As your friend, I'll make CERTAIN that both programs treat you very well, and that you receive the best consultation and guidance to make you look absolutely INCREDIBLE next summer.

I can guarantee that. :cool::tu: :tu: :tu: :tu:

John Stone

Thu, September 15th, 2005, 07:04 PM

I just finished my chest/ab workout. I'm looking a little bloated tonight for some reason, but thought I'd throw a couple of pictures up anyway. Not much of a pump here, either. Mostly relaxed in these shots.

Check that loose skin around my belly button. :(

On the plus side I think I see some improvement in my lats! :tu:

Nico

Thu, September 15th, 2005, 07:15 PM

Yeah the lats really have grown-I see a big difference.

reanimated838uk

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 08:11 AM

On the plus side I think I see some improvement in my lats! :tu:

definitely. First thing i noticed was it's size increase. :tucool:

kmfisher

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 09:12 AM

On the plus side I think I see some improvement in my lats! :tu:

Your lats look a ton better, but are you pulling your shoulders forward to emphasize them or is that your natural posture? If it is, it seems that your shoulders are rounding forward some. I've never seen it in any other pictures, though. Your obliques are really popping, too.

LarryNC

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 09:13 AM

Hey john, I think your skin above your belly button looks really cool, makes you look even more shredded to me. :nod:

John Stone

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 09:52 AM

Your lats look a ton better, but are you pulling your shoulders forward to emphasize them or is that your natural posture? In the first picture my shoulders are definitely pushed forward (not purposely, I was just getting ready for the shot and wasn't prepared when the timer went off). That position does "abnormally" emphasize the lats. In the second shot, however, my posture is more erect but I can still see some improvement in my lats. Looking at my traps in the two shots is another good way to spot the difference my posture: in the first picture my traps are "strained" because my shoulders are forward, in the second shot they are relaxed.

wh0rume

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 10:14 AM

weird... the only thing i noticed was the loose skin ;)

looking great!

Gordo

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 10:56 AM

John you are obviously your worst critic ;) .....bloated?

You've stuck to your plan vey well it seems.

1FastGTX

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 12:05 PM

I do think your lats look much better in this last round of pics. Very impressive!

Coachese

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 12:06 PM

Yeah the lats really have grown-I see a big difference.

Yeah, it looks like you've got "wings" under your arms. Impressive!

makstaks

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 01:21 PM

In the first picture my shoulders are definitely pushed forward (not purposely, I was just getting ready for the shot and wasn't prepared when the timer went off). That position does "abnormally" emphasize the lats. In the second shot, however, my posture is more erect but I can still see some improvement in my lats. Looking at my traps in the two shots is another good way to spot the difference my posture: in the first picture my traps are "strained" because my shoulders are forward, in the second shot they are relaxed.

Hey john. On monday i will be 3 weeks done on SGX. But i got no lats at all. It sounds like you modified your back workout. What are the exercises you are doing that are hitting the lats?
I clearly noticed my upper chest sticking out more. I think the rep timing is really doing the trick. My arms have grown a quarter inch and they've been stuck for a year...wow. I can understand myself gaining muscle on sgx because of my high fat% but you too! Thats great.

John Stone

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 01:58 PM

Hey john. On monday i will be 3 weeks done on SGX. But i got no lats at all. It sounds like you modified your back workout. What are the exercises you are doing that are hitting the lats?
The exercises SC recommends in the SGX program information package are just suggestions (I asked him specifically about that), so I've incorporated a number of different exercises that are not specifically listed there.

Lately for my back workouts I've been doing low cable rows, wide-grip pull-ups (a staple of my back workouts - I always do those), deads (another staple of my back workout) and DB rows. I work my back on Wednesdays, and I usually mention what exercises I did in Thursday's Daily News Update, if you're interested.

Of course I'm very happy to see some mass gain right now; I'm sure it's only a glimmer of what's to come when I dedicate myself to bulking using SUP2!

Thanks for all the encouragement everyone! I know I have a lot of work ahead of me when it comes to re-shaping my back and getting a nice V-taper, so even a little progress is very inspiring.

solidjake

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 02:31 PM

1FastGTX

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 03:27 PM

Hey john. On monday i will be 3 weeks done on SGX. But i got no lats at all. It sounds like you modified your back workout. What are the exercises you are doing that are hitting the lats?
I clearly noticed my upper chest sticking out more. I think the rep timing is really doing the trick. My arms have grown a quarter inch and they've been stuck for a year...wow. I can understand myself gaining muscle on sgx because of my high fat% but you too! Thats great.
My back is one of my stronger bodyparts (width anyway). Heavy deads, heavy rows, and heavy yet pretty controlled lat pulldowns have done me really well.

However, with that said, since you are still on SGX I'd ask SwoleCat about it specifically. He will probably be the best person to go to for help as he 1)designed your program and 2)knows his stuff. :)

SwoleCat

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 03:39 PM

What's ironic is that deads/rows/pulldowns are all in the SGX back training.

:D

~SC~

TheRyanator

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 04:41 PM

My back is one of my stronger bodyparts (width anyway). Heavy deads, heavy rows, and heavy yet pretty controlled lat pulldowns have done me really well.

However, with that said, since you are still on SGX I'd ask SwoleCat about it specifically. He will probably be the best person to go to for help as he 1)designed your program and 2)knows his stuff. :)

Dang man, GTX you are looking thick in your new Avatar! When are you gonna be posting up some pics? :tucool:

Wolfstriked

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 05:02 PM

Yeah the lats really have grown-I see a big difference.

Wow,john....thats the most bodybuilderish Ive seen you look yet and your on a cut :tucool: You do look a bit like your holding water under the skin though?????

EDIT: ;) man o man have i got the exercise for you john :claphigh:

I did this exercise for a year and was told my lats were so out of proportion to the rest of my body.And it was true.Looked way funny so be warned.This exercise really hits your lats and I mean all the way down to where they tie in at your waist.

Ok heres the magic exercise.Its barbell rows..............done with a reverse grip :nod: .just to witness the intense contraction and utilization your lats will experience,do this simple test.Bend over and with an imaginary bar do a barbell row......now when your at the contracted position try to feel your lats.....now reverse your hands so they are facing palms up and youll feel your lats contract hard.This is the trick to it.When you heave the weight into your gut you then squeeze your lower lats hard and theyll grow with enthusiasm.

I used to do these with an EZ-curl bar and a more upright position.Pile the weight on and its gonna pack on muscle size quick on your lats!!!

TROY P.

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 05:04 PM

Hey John

Wow those lats have develped quiet a bit. Nice work, have you found any one particular excersise that works better then another for you when working that area ????

Thanx man..

1FastGTX

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 06:02 PM

Dang man, GTX you are looking thick in your new Avatar! When are you gonna be posting up some pics? :tucool:
Thanks! :) To be fair and honest, the vascularity-looking-forearm is mainly a result of shaving and a pot of coffee right before taking the picture. :o "Coffee-Veins!"

I'll throw up some pics sometime soon. Well, maybe after I drop some fat from my back/abs. :p If I had the "rippedness" of John, SC, or Skip I'd be throwing up pictures every day probably!

BamaDave

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 06:32 PM

Wow, your lats look like they are really spreading!

I have that same belly button "flap" with the skin on the top. Considering how stretched out my gut used to be, I'll count my blessings that the flap is pretty much all that's left. Hey, at least when you lie down it dissapears! :D

makstaks

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 06:55 PM

Ok heres the magic exercise.Its barbell rows..............done with a reverse grip :nod: .just to witness the intense contraction and utilization your lats will experience,do this simple test.Bend over and with an imaginary bar do a barbell row......now when your at the contracted position try to feel your lats.....now reverse your hands so they are facing palms up and youll feel your lats contract hard.This is the trick to it.When you heave the weight into your gut you then squeeze your lower lats hard and theyll grow with enthusiasm.

I used to do these with an EZ-curl bar and a more upright position.Pile the weight on and its gonna pack on muscle size quick on your lats!!!

Hmmm, i do feel it. Im going to do my back workout tonight. I will use this grip instead of the normal bent over rows. How far apart are your hands on this exercise. I usually keep my arms close so that my elbows touch my sides. Hey, if i grow the lats then my elbows can't touch the sides anymore!
Thanks

donj02

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 07:12 PM

I agree, the lats definitly look like they're improving. Also, I can really tell a difference in your abs. Great job!!

Wolfstriked

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 08:50 PM

Hmmm, i do feel it. Im going to do my back workout tonight. I will use this grip instead of the normal bent over rows. How far apart are your hands on this exercise. I usually keep my arms close so that my elbows touch my sides. Hey, if i grow the lats then my elbows can't touch the sides anymore!
Thanks

Do the bent rows with a waist wide grip.If you go wider you cant feel the lats as much and of course you cant go narrower:))

Its funny that i do all my back workouts now specifically where i dont feel my lats working.Meaning dead lifts,cable rows and trap work.

John Stone

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 08:57 PM

Wolfstriked,
Sounds real good - I'll give those a try next workout! :tu:

TROY P.,
I couldn't really pinpoint any single exercise. Wide-grip pull-ups/lat pull-downs, dumbbell rows and low cable rows with a wide grip are all great for working the lats.

BamaDave,
I guess. :) I wish I could be as positive about it as you - that loose skin drives me nuts.:spaz:

Thanks again everyone!

I'm finished with my pizza and now I am enjoying some wine. I have to admit I'm pretty buzzed right now, so please excuse any spelling/grammar errors!

John Stone

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 09:11 PM

wh0rume

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 09:38 PM

keep sippn' that wine, john.
how many glasses have you had now? :)

i'm scared to click that link...

John Stone

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 09:41 PM

keep sippn' that wine, john. how many glasses have you had now? :)
i'm scared to click that link...Er, just 1.5 :o

I'm a lightweight.

But that video took the buzz right out of me. In fact, I now feel like I've dropped acid, thanks to that video.

You should be afraid to watch it. Very afraid.

Tempered

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 10:11 PM

You sure you are just not upset that you never thought of dying your hair blue back in the 80s? ;)

xman

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 10:13 PM

That is absolutely terrifying.

JabbaTheGutt

Fri, September 16th, 2005, 11:10 PM

Funny... At first I thought that it was going to end up as early footage of a collaboration between Tupac (rapper guy with the lovely red shoes), Bill Paxton (violin, hair shakin' fella) and Dave Coulier (Super Bluehairman) :spaz:

Outta Sight! DynOmite ! Thanks for the ever-soooooo catchy hook & deep inspiration goes to Jimmy (Jay Jay) Walker... :D

G

1FastGTX

Sat, September 17th, 2005, 01:45 AM

OUTTA SIGHT!!!

John, you are cut off!!!!!! :lol:

Jim G.

Sat, September 17th, 2005, 06:50 AM

George

Sat, September 17th, 2005, 09:08 AM

This is not unlike watching Brazil.

JoeSchmo

Sat, September 17th, 2005, 09:51 AM

Um, the end is near. The apocalypse is upon us. I just stabbed my eyes and ears out with a pencil.

WHAT IN THE NAME OF ALL THAT'S HOLY IS THIS?!??! http://www.ebaumsworld.com/videos/outofsight.html

I'm going to kill myself now. Seriously.

OMG! Why did ebaum have to do that to us?! I too, am a child of the 80's, and I remember laughing at all of the ridiculous 60's music my mom listened to ... replete with cheesey anti-war anthems and unsubtle references to various psychedelics....not to mention the hair, the outlandish beards and other "interesting" earthy styles. At the time, I swore that in the 80's, we had finally achieved the pinnacle of rad -- The unassailable apex of style that would be immune to the cruel hand of time...so much so, that future hindsight into the 80's scene could yield nothing more than unfettered awe at our colossal coolness. Music couldn't evolve any further, and neither could style. Pink hair, knee socks, and calculator watches were here to stay baby! The kids of the year 2000 would still be laughing at the 60's and 70's (I mean, BELLbottoms! Get real!), but the '80's would be spared. Why? Because 2000 would look much like 1980 (if it ain't broke, don't fix it).

My mom laughed at my arguments, as carefully crafted as they could be for a 12-year old, and reassured me that the 80's would one day be considered retro and ridiculous as well. Boy was she right! I may have put away the knee socks, but I still have the Flock of Seagulls haircut. Ok, maybe not, but I still like the 80's...in all of its garish, gawdy, and downright gruesome excess. But I still have to put forth a token effort (at least!) to make fun of videos like that! :claphigh:

bm1te

Sat, September 17th, 2005, 10:48 AM

This is worse.

http://www.mybarbarian.com/mb-web/video/unicorns_hi.mov

This band is serious. They are having an album release party. They are going on tour.

SteveB

Sat, September 17th, 2005, 10:59 AM

Well these two video's just ruined my day, thanks you two! :d_tongue:

The Abdominal Snowman

Sat, September 17th, 2005, 12:42 PM

This is worse.

http://www.mybarbarian.com/mb-web/video/unicorns_hi.mov

This band is serious. They are having an album release party. They are going on tour.

Reminds me of some students playing LARP on the parking lot behind my house. I ran outside with my simple digital photo camera and started filming. They were very embarassed, so they didn't do much exciting stuff, but I told them I would post a movie of it that night. Here's what I came up with:

Lot of the Parking (http://www.krabbels.com/b2images/thefight.avi) :lol:

John Stone

Sat, September 17th, 2005, 07:16 PM

Well, my legs are STILL pretty sore from last Saturday's leg workout, so I couldn't work them tonight. Rather than skip tonight's weight training, I decided to work my delts and traps. That will shorten tomorrow's workout and allow me to focus on my triceps and biceps only (I'm going to absolutely fry them).

Working my delts always seems to bring out the vascularity in my arms. I don't have much of a bicep/tricep pump in these shots, but I'm pretty vascular in the first shot and my delts are fairly pumped.

Tonight I did lateral dumbbell raises, smith machine shoulder presses, front dumbbell raises, and bent over dumbbell raises. My traps have recovered from Wednesday's workout, so I went ahead and did 4 burnout sets of barbell shrugs, too.

All and all, a pretty damn good workout!!! :tu:

Here are the pictures. I think the back bicep shot shows some good improvement in my back/lats compared to the picture I took about a month ago. I should have taken a picture of my back sans-shirt. I'll take one on back day.

Turtle, who's pretty ripped herself, jumped in for a guest pose.

Specialbear

Sun, September 18th, 2005, 12:50 AM

u really got some wings, great job !!!

John Stone

Sun, September 18th, 2005, 10:07 AM

wh0rume

Sun, September 18th, 2005, 10:26 AM

u da man! :)
i take it both shots are cold/unpumped?

man... your arms are so much bigger than mine.
Hopfully i can stay on sup2 for 1.5 years and catch up with you.

John Stone

Sun, September 18th, 2005, 10:31 AM

i take it both shots are cold/unpumped?Believe it or not, only the first shot was taken while I was really pumped. I took it after my arm/delt workout. In the second shot only my delts and traps are pumped, as I only worked my delts/traps yesterday. Of course my arms are somewhat pumped in the second shot thru indirect stimulation, but nothing like they are after working them directly.

1FastGTX

Sun, September 18th, 2005, 01:48 PM

Here's the comparison I mentioned in today's update. Not bad for ~20 days work!

I feel compelled to mention that the difference in my bicep peak is largely wrist positioning (although my arm has grown over the past few weeks). Something 1FastGTX said earlier in this thread hit home; I practiced moving my wrist around and the positioning of it does make a HUGE difference in bicep peak! Thanks 1Fast!

The development in my lats is unmistakable, and I'm VERY encouraged by it. Hard work pays off when your diet is in order. Thanks SwoleCat!!! SGX rocks!
NP! :)

I'd be willing to bet your arm would look even better than that with further changes to the angle; increase it just slightly (1/2 inch maybe). (Hand farther away from your arm.)

Your arms look freaking awesome John. Regardless of posing you are showing very obvious changes in that 2nd picture. Fantastic work.

SteveB

Sun, September 18th, 2005, 01:59 PM

Those lats are poppin up, good stuff :tu:

SteveO

Sun, September 18th, 2005, 06:55 PM

Very Impressive man! I greatly admire your dedication. You are taking on an awesome physique these days. Your results are an inspiration to us all...

And yeah Turtle, she is chiseled as well!!

John Stone

Sun, September 18th, 2005, 07:19 PM

Thanks for the replies everyone!

Sometimes I question why I put so many pictures up. I hope they are not too redundant and/or boring. I do it for myself as much as anything, but I hope others find them inspiring considering how I looked less than three years ago. I find it interesting to look back at my progress annotated with my comments and those of my many respected friends and peers. I REALLY appreciate all the feedback. I find it inspiring, and I use it in the gym.

Now, about tonight's workout:

BEST WORKOUT EVER - NO QUESTION ABOUT IT!

I don't know what it was, but I tore through my sets like an animal. I added weight and reps to every single exercise. The early evening sun was streaming through the window in my gym, and I started sweating almost immediately. I was feeding off the sweat and pain of the intense supersets. It was a magical workout.

Lifting weights is probably the greatest high I've ever experienced in my life. I can't seem to get enough. I love the challenge of improving my strength and discipline, and with weights I get to do that 4 times every week. The resultant body is a nice perk, too!

I did four supersets (8 total sets per superset, 24 sets in all) of each of the following:

Smith Preacher Curls/Tricep Pushdowns
EZ Curls/Standing DB Extentions
Hammer Curls/Standing French Curls

After my workout I took a bunch of pictures. Here they are...

First of all, I stopped wearing gloves a few weeks ago. I know it sounds stupid, but I like the feel of the steel on my hands when I'm lifting. I'm earning some nice calluses...

John Stone

Sun, September 18th, 2005, 07:19 PM

1FastGTX, this one is for you. Is this better? :D

John Stone

Sun, September 18th, 2005, 07:20 PM

Fully pumped...

John Stone

Sun, September 18th, 2005, 07:20 PM

Sweating like a pig. I blew the bicep peak, but not a bad shot anyway...

John Stone

Sun, September 18th, 2005, 07:22 PM

I'm relaxing and very happy in this shot. I just completed the best workout of my life...

Moveon

Sun, September 18th, 2005, 08:33 PM

First of all, I stopped wearing gloves a few weeks ago. I know it sounds stupid, but I like the feel of the steel on my hands when I'm lifting. I'm earning some nice calluses...

Now THAT'S a real iron man. I love the feel of the steel. It really does make a difference. Those calluses are badges. They are hard earned. :tu:

1FastGTX

Sun, September 18th, 2005, 11:53 PM

1FastGTX, this one is for you. Is this better? :D
:lol:

Go about half-way in between that one and the previous one and it would probably be best. REGARDLESS YOU LOOK FREAKING AWESOME! I'm telling you there is no doubt that this program you're on right now is making the most dramatic and rapid changes I've ever seen on you. Seriously, everything looks better.

:tucool: :tucool: :tucool: :tucool: :tucool:

SteveO

Mon, September 19th, 2005, 12:52 AM

Believe it or not, only the first shot was taken while I was really pumped. I took it after my arm/delt workout. In the second shot only my delts and traps are pumped, as I only worked my delts/traps yesterday. Of course my arms are somewhat pumped in the second shot thru indirect stimulation, but nothing like they are after working them directly.

John, to celebrate your "Best Workout EVAR!!" I suggest you might put up a new background pic on the homepage. You know the one behind "Main Content"?

You have made great progress and you're now a lot more ripped than you were that picture...

SwoleCat

Mon, September 19th, 2005, 01:16 AM

I'm telling you there is no doubt that this program you're on right now is making the most dramatic and rapid changes I've ever seen on you. Seriously, everything looks better.

That is great to hear. As his trainer/nutritionist this means we're doing something right! :lol:

;)

~SC~

The Abdominal Snowman

Mon, September 19th, 2005, 06:29 AM

Sweating like a pig. I blew the bicep peak, but not a bad shot anyway...

Okay, I just had my first audible reply to ANY post on this forum... I just heard myself say WHOA out loud when I saw this picture. John, that is amazing! You're getting too muscular for what I'm shooting for, but DAMN!

:tu:

John Stone

Mon, September 19th, 2005, 07:59 AM

Moveon,
Exactly! Yeah, it seemed silly to me at first - why would I WANT calluses? But training without gloves adds an additional visceral element to my workouts that was missing before. I like it!

1FastGTX,
Thanks, Chris! I've been so inspired by the results I've seen since I've been on SGX that it's taken my workouts to a whole new level. I also have more energy now than I did before. Plus I'm working out at night, and that really seems to agree with me. SGX is the real thing - if you work hard and stick to it, IT WORKS.

P.S. I'll give that rear bicep pose another shot soon. :lol:

SteveO,
You read my mind! I may change it soon, but I might wait until I'm done with SGX and SC's "Seven Days To Ultimate Leanness". We'll see. Either way, I agree - it's high time to change that picture. Probably my avatar, too.

SwoleCat,
I think that's safe to say!!

The Abdominal Snowman,
Apparently you've not read any of the "diets" some people in the newbie forum are planning on trying. :lol: If that doesn't elicit a few audible "Whoas!", I don't know what will!

The Abdominal Snowman

Mon, September 19th, 2005, 09:37 AM

The Abdominal Snowman,
Apparently you've not read any of the "diets" some people in the newbie forum are planning on trying. :lol: If that doesn't elicit a few audible "Whoas!", I don't know what will!

:lol: They brought a smile to my face, that's what they did! Dietwise I'm hard to impress anymore, I've lived on fruit, raw vegetables and nuts for about 11 months! I got to know a lot of weird people during that time.

The freakiest one I heard of was a guy who claimed to be a breatharian, lived on sunlight or some b.s. He was hanging with a guy I knew when he started to eat a twinky. The other guy asked: hey, what are you doing, I thought you lived on sunlight?!
He replied: yeah, but I can still have a snack every now and then?! :lol:

But, to get back on topic :o at what time did you use to workout before, and what time do you do it now?

karatetricker

Mon, September 19th, 2005, 10:25 AM

You are looking massive. I can't even tell you how much different and better you look than similar body fat levels two years ago. Your arms are absolutely huge!

Oranzith

Mon, September 19th, 2005, 11:44 AM

at one arm shot, from the side, where you said it was showing the pump. OMFG TAHT IS GINORMOUS! That definitely looks like competition level guns to less knowledgeable people to me.

I gotta ask, is that pushing the arm against your body to push the muscle out, is it just that big? would it look lke that if your arm was 1 foot away from your body?

Nevertheless, you are looking, whats the word? Oh yes - SWOLE

SwoleCat

Mon, September 19th, 2005, 11:48 AM

Nevertheless, you are looking, whats the word? Oh yes - SWOLE

I must say that I love that word.

:cool:

~SC~

John Stone

Mon, September 19th, 2005, 12:04 PM

The Abdominal Snowman,
I've tried everything: weight training first thing in the morning (fasted), in the morning after a protein shake, mid-day after breakfast but before meal #2, and evenings between meals 4 & 5. No doubt about it, the evening workouts are best for me.

karatetricker,
Thanks KT! I've not heard the "you're too skinny" complaint in almost a year. :D

Oranzith,
Thank you!

No, I promise you, I'm not pushing my arm against my body at all. If you were working out with me you'd see the same thing. Lisa always does a double-take when she sees how pumped my arms get. My arms just get extra freaky looking when I superset biceps and triceps - that's over a 1.25" pump right there. They sure don't look like that all time time!

Here's another arm picture from last night, only this time I'm flexing. I didn't post it because it's not a very good picture, but I think it shows that most of my arm is behind my body. Also, my arms get so hard when they are pumped up that pressing them against my body while flexing would do nothing to the size.

Nico

Mon, September 19th, 2005, 12:28 PM

John, you're now officially huge. But without the fat you were carrying back in January of this year. Nice work-I've been working out with the supersets for a little while and I really like them too.

Nate

Mon, September 19th, 2005, 12:43 PM

Sweating like a pig. I blew the bicep peak, but not a bad shot anyway...

That's a great shot. Nice work, John.

Jim G.

Mon, September 19th, 2005, 01:47 PM

The really scary part is: after he's done cutting he's going on a bulk! Imagine that, he's just going to burst out of his skin! :lol:

Great results John! :tucool:

Gila Monster

Mon, September 19th, 2005, 02:14 PM

John, you look unbelievable!!!
Great progress! I can hardly believe you're cutting!
:bow:

1FastGTX

Mon, September 19th, 2005, 03:31 PM

WARNING TO JOHN STONE:
If they have not started already, you will soon be getting the "ewww you're getting too big" comments!! :lol: (Which I would disagree with - you look awesome!)

dano

Mon, September 19th, 2005, 03:53 PM

WARNING TO JOHN STONE:
If they have not started already, you will soon be getting the "ewww you're getting too big" comments!! :lol: (Which I would disagree with - you look awesome!)
Or the "See , I knew he was taking steroids."

Mr. Stone, you are definately large and in charge. Superb work !

John Stone

Mon, September 19th, 2005, 03:58 PM

Nico,
Supersets are awesome, aren't they? I love doing them. I can't believe I never tried them until recently. Thanks for the kind words!

Nate,
I almost didn't post it because my flexing was off and my arm was cut off. Other than those two things, I like the picture so I put it up. Thanks for the comment, glad you liked it!

Jim G.,
Thanks, Jim! I plan to put my last bulk to shame this year. I feel like I have it in me. :tu:

Gila Monster,
That makes two of us! Three cheers for SGX. :) Thanks for the kind words!

WARNING TO JOHN STONE:
If they have not started already, you will soon be getting the "ewww you're getting too big" comments!! :lol: Oh, I'm quite used to hearing that particular comment.

:D

What can I say, I'm in a weird mood...

stallion16

Mon, September 19th, 2005, 03:59 PM

Hey John, how ya doing?

Im just curious if it would be possible to get the number of calories ur eating (I know SGX is a confidential plan but since its individualized for every person, I dont see a problem with giving out this one number.) im just curious because you look like youve been bulking which is wierd because you're supposedly on a cutting regimen.

Nico

Mon, September 19th, 2005, 05:14 PM

Or the "See , I knew he was taking steroids."

Mr. Stone, you are definately large and in charge. Superb work !
What's funny is that I remember John writing about people making those comments on the one year anniversary of his transformation (I believe it was 1/6/04). That's when I started following his progress. Since then he's probably packed on an additional 30 to 40 pounds of muscle with very little fat added.

John Stone

Mon, September 19th, 2005, 05:16 PM

dano,
I've been getting the steroid accusations since the summer of 2003 (which I find especially hilarious since I looked like I just escaped from a deserted island with no food). I have a standing offer to anyone who accuses me of doing steroids: stop talking smack and put your money where your mouth is. Pay for the drug test, my transportation and my time and I'll take a drug test at a moment's notice. If I fail the drug test, I'll give the accuser double their money back AND I'll post the results here for all to see. When I pass? The accuser has to make a videotaped statement with an apology, which I will post here.

Some people love to talk big, but when it comes time to put up or shut up... they go back to eating their Doritos and shut up.

stallion16,
What's up. I'm eating +/- 2000 calories on cardio-only days, and +/- 2,400 calories on weight training days. I'm thoroughly convinced the reason I'm making gains on such low calories is because SGX is a SMART nutritional plan. It's not just the number of calories, it's when you eat them, and in what proportions. I could eat the same calories using my old diet and I wouldn't be making these gains. The SGX diet is a whole new way of eating for me, and it's working. I expect that when I bulk using SUP2 I'll be eating less calories than I did during my last bulk, but I'll bet my gains will be as good or better - and I'll bet I put on less fat!

John Stone

Mon, September 19th, 2005, 05:19 PM

What's funny is that I remember John writing about people making those comments on the one year anniversary of his transformation (I believe it was 1/6/04). Absolutely true. And to this day I still get emails and see message board posts (on other forums) that say I'm juicing. If I were juicing I'd admit it. I'm nowhere near my genetic potential, so there's simply no reason for me to do 'roids.

stallion16

Mon, September 19th, 2005, 06:02 PM

dano,
stallion16,
What's up. I'm eating +/- 2000 calories on cardio-only days, and +/- 2,400 calories on weight training days. I'm thoroughly convinced the reason I'm making gains on such low calories is because SGX is a SMART nutritional plan. It's not just the number of calories, it's when you eat them, and in what proportions. I could eat the same calories using my old diet and I wouldn't be making these gains. The SGX diet is a whole new way of eating for me, and it's working. I expect that when I bulk using SUP2 I'll be eating less calories than I did during my last bulk, but I'll bet my gains will be as good or better - and I'll bet I put on less fat!

Very nice. This SGX plan is looking really good lately. But I feel like I should try to lose bodyfat on my own for now. Ive always had a problem with food. Ide diet for a certain period of time, UP TO SIX WEEKS max of insane dieting and then Ide go nuts and binge for the following 2-3 weeks......very bad. But seeing ur progress is very inspiring. Pretty soon ur biceps are gonna be as rock hard as your discpline! Keep up the great work! and dont pay attention to the losers who claim that you took roids. Everyone who looks at you seriously and without any contempt or prejudice can easily tell that there is NOTHING "unnatural" about your transformation.....just a combination of proven nutritional guidelines and rock hard will of Steel!

1FastGTX

Mon, September 19th, 2005, 06:29 PM

dano,
I've been getting the steroid accusations since the summer of 2003 (which I find especially hilarious since I looked like I just escaped from a deserted island with no food). I have a standing offer to anyone who accuses me of doing steroids: stop talking smack and put your money where your mouth is. Pay for the drug test, my transportation and my time and I'll take a drug test at a moment's notice. If I fail the drug test, I'll give the accuser double their money back AND I'll post the results here for all to see. When I pass? The accuser has to make a videotaped statement with an apology, which I will post here.

Some people love to talk big, but when it comes time to put up or shut up... they go back to eating their Doritos and shut up.

Most people who throw that accusation out either 1) have no idea what they're talking about (it's usually not hard to tell, especially with years of pictures showing you at various stages of development) or 2) are afraid to admit that it is possible for someone to look really good ... BUT THEY ARE JUST TOO LAZY.

On another note, I showed your pics to someone once John, and he said "this guy must work out all day, every day." Yeah, because "all day every day" is the perfect protocol for weightlifting! :lol:

Nico

Mon, September 19th, 2005, 08:30 PM

On another note, I showed your pics to someone once John, and he said "this guy must work out all day, every day." Yeah, because "all day every day" is the perfect protocol for weightlifting! :lol:
I think the general public (non lifting pukes :) ) get their information about training from how actors prepare for their roles. How many times have you heard that so and so spent 8 hours a day lifting weights and jamming on the stairmaster to prepare for their role as whatever.

I do remember reading about Charlie Sheen preparing for Hot Shots with all day exercise sessions, but his physique quickly returned to its current atrophied state.

John Stone

Wed, September 21st, 2005, 07:05 PM

Great back workout tonight! I added 10 pounds to my deads, 10 pounds to my shrugs, 5 pounds to my rows and did 4x12 wide-grip pull-ups (which almost killed me).

Just one picture today, as I was totally exhausted after my workout! My arms are not pumped at all here (16 inches in this shot), but hopefully my posing is getting a little better (Chris? ;) )

karatetricker

Wed, September 21st, 2005, 07:11 PM

The most impressive back shot I've seen of you... ever.

:tu:

John Stone

Wed, September 21st, 2005, 07:49 PM

The most impressive back shot I've seen of you... ever.Thanks man, I appreciate that. It's a start. I've made some improvement this past month, but I still have a loooooong road ahead of me before I get my back to where it needs to be. That's ok - I'm enjoying the process. My upcoming bulk should make a world of difference! :tu:

xman

Wed, September 21st, 2005, 07:49 PM

Wow...you've got some awesome symmetry going there. You look like you could deadlift a truck!

John Stone

Wed, September 21st, 2005, 07:52 PM

Wow...you've got some awesome symmetry going there. You look like you could deadlift a truck!Heh, a Tonka truck maybe. ;)

Thanks, though - I'm working on it. My back is by far my least developed body part. As for symmetry, check it out: my right side is slightly smaller than my left side. Something else to work on. :)

1FastGTX

Wed, September 21st, 2005, 07:55 PM

OMG your back looks really defined. Great picture!

"Looks like a roadmap back there, with fingers all over it."

Nice posing too. :D

wh0rume

Wed, September 21st, 2005, 10:28 PM

wow! it's been 3 hrs 22 minutes and no pictures of Skip yet!!

John - your the back looks great, and extremely thweaty!!
(thweaty = "sweaty" said with a lisp)

chicanerous

Wed, September 21st, 2005, 11:01 PM

1FastGTX

Thu, September 22nd, 2005, 12:03 AM

Great definition! The BF% is definitely burning away on SGX. The traps look excellent, but damn those lats need some width to balance out your physique. Like always, you're making great progress though! :db:
I THINK the lats are pretty decent it's just the way he's got them hanging/posing right now. You can "stretch" your back out (I cannot explain by typing) so it looks wider. Also a pose like Chris Mason made a while back (in the Media Gallery section) would show off the lats really well... :D

MGB

Thu, September 22nd, 2005, 01:18 AM

Dude!
Dude!

Awesome progress. Makes me feel embarrased I'm not working out harder :)

Haban

Thu, September 22nd, 2005, 10:40 AM

JoeSchmo

Fri, September 23rd, 2005, 01:05 AM

John -- Do you think any of your recent arm growth might be due to your arm routine switch-up (in addition to SGX)? Reading about your gains, your positive experience with antagonistic supersets, and the Bill Grant article you linked, led me to skip today's normal chest/tri workout and try antagonistic bi/tri supersets. ... and wow, just unbelievable. At the end, my arms were so pumped up that I couldn't move them -- And, like you, it took me a good 5 minutes (and lots of struggling) to get my shirt off. Measured my arms afterward at over 18 inches -- That has NEVER happened. Anyway, thanks for the link -- I'll try doing bi/tri supersets for at least one more week just for fun...and who knows, I may make them a permanent part of my routine. :tucool:

John Stone

Mon, September 26th, 2005, 05:32 PM

OMG your back looks really defined. Great picture!Now I just need to work on the "really muscular" part and I'll be set. ;)

John - your the back looks great, and extremely thweaty!!Why are you lisping? Did you get beat up after work again?

The traps look excellent, but damn those lats need some width to balance out your physique.I'd say the traps are coming along, but far from excellent. :)

As for my lats, I agree with you 100%. My lats are probably my weakest body part. I'm working hard on them, but it isn't going to happen overnight. I have made some recent improvement, but I'm hoping they will explode when I bulk.

Awesome progress. Makes me feel embarrased I'm not working out harder Thanks, man! As for working harder, I think you're doing great. For an extra push, try printing out a picture of Skip's back. Worked for me. :D

Do you think any of your recent arm growth might be due to your arm routine switch-up (in addition to SGX)? Absolutely! I think everything plays a roll: diet, training program, intensity, rest, mental attitude... The supersets do seem to work very well for me (and just about everyone else who tries them, it seems!) I'm going to keep doing them when I do SUP2, as long as it's cool with SwoleCat. I know with his diet plan and my work ethic in the gym I'm going to have my best bulking cycle yet this Winter!