:db: Showdown: TheLemonSong vs. Shadow! :db:

Well in another thread TheLemonSong suggested we have a little friendly competition. We will compete by comparing photos and posting routines and diets. This contest will be carried out during the duration of 3 months. At the end of three months the board members will decide on who has the best physique, who has improved the most over the past few months, who is the most consistent and also a best bodypart will be picked out for each competitior(do you agree LemonSong). During this time we will rely on the friendly advice of the forum members to point out tips from getting better photos to what bodypart needs to improve the most.

Each competitor will post on a byweekly basis, photos, current vital stats, and current working poundages. Also a basic diet breakdown will be given but not in too much greater detail. For a more of a day to day account of what each competitor is doing please consult their journals(I will enter the links here at a later date).

(All the above is subject to confirmation from TheLemonSong).

I shall be posting my first entry later today. :db: :db:

Each competitor will post on a byweekly basis, photos, current vital stats, and current working poundages.I've seen other bulletin boards with completely different topics, but they have certain forums especially for this. This should be rather interesting.

Just a few suggestions. The photos will play a big part in determining best physique, so I would suggest that both of you agree on certain bodybuilding poses, as well as comparable distances from the camera when taking photos. I would also suggest reading Andi's tips (http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?t=2701) on taking better photos if you haven't already. A few examples for poses (http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/bbinfo.php?page=PosingandFlexing) would be: front lat spread, front double biceps, rear lat spread, rear double biceps, side chest, side triceps, abdominal & thigh, etc. Good luck!

this sounds like a really good idea to keep you motivated. bit of friendly competition..

hmmm... anyone wanna partner up with me?.. could deffinately use some motivation

LemonSong what do you have to say to that?
Which posses shall we do?
I think we should stick to three but that is your decision as well as mine. I dont mind doing more.

Please dont tell me I have to shave my legs :spaz:

This is great!!!

I'm subscribing to this thread.

Goodluck guys.

I cant wait for this one !!!

Id have to say make sure the photos are fair. If one of you has a top of the range camera and the other a webcam, that aint gonna be right.

Other then that, good luck !


LLLLEEEETTTTSSSSSSS GET READY TO RUMBLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)

I think we ought to stick to just three standard pictures.
Front view arms flexed.
Back view arms flexed.
Side view like John does (we can measure our intense gamefaces! ;))

I'll hopefully be able to post some pix later today.

Lets start w/ these three basic poses and then as the competition progresses we can add others.

:subscribes:

Ohhh Ohhhh I want in on this... lol

I'll try and get a pic up of my current physic to find a suitable competitor.... This is the greatest thing to hit this board since John Stone :D .

Would it be illeagal to place bets? :p

This could be interesting...

This is going to rock!

Would it be illeagal to place bets? :p


It'd be illegal NOT to place bets! Warm up your bookies folks, this is gonna be a good one!

It'd be illegal NOT to place bets! Warm up your bookies folks, this is gonna be a good one!
So, if I put all my money on you, can you guarantee that you'll win?

If I win the bet I'm gonna buy a dictionary! Gotta learn how to spell "illegal" sometime...

I feel like a prize fighter with all this preassure.
Going to get camera now.

I have a feeling that this idea is gonna catch on...

I have a feeling that this idea is gonna catch on...

I agree..after reading this...I challenged my friend to a similar dual. I give u guys credit to do this on a public forum. I cant seem to even work up enough courage to post pictures on here. I guess WHEN I reach my goal it will be alot easier to post before and after pics. :nod:

I agree..after reading this...I challenged my friend to a similar dual. I give u guys credit to do this on a public forum. I cant seem to even work up enough courage to post pictures on here. I guess WHEN I reach my goal it will be alot easier to post before and after pics. :nod:


Before we start putting down paychecks, I think we at least need to see some preliminary photos.

don't you think guys? They can work out all photo schematics later, but lets see those prelims.

Camera batteries are chargin' my friend...should have pix up by tonight! Then...LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!

Well here are my first pics.
Hope I live up to peoples expectations.
Sorry about the stupid faces. lol!

Well here are my first pics.
Hope I live up to peoples expectations.


I liked the lats, you have a good start on upper body. Too bad, you don't have any legs, an accident?

Work the arms, slow and hard, build the ribcage with breathing squats and one dumbell pullovers.

Well here are my first pics.
Hope I live up to peoples expectations.
Sorry about the stupid faces. lol!



As a person that has a slight case of scholiosis, I need to ask if you do.

If you do your are doing great things by keeping your back so toned.

If you do not, :smack: STAIGHTEN UP?

And about the face. you can only post what was given to you :D

thanks!
Yea thought about it before i posted. Will post better ones tomorrow. tired now need sleep its 12:30 here and need to work tomorrow.

My digital camera is broken, I'm sending it in for repairs. Hopefully I'll be able to use a friends tonight, and post some prelim. pix, if not tomorrow for certain (this is SOO frustrating!).

Ok got 'em...I had one shot w/ each picture to get it, so I didn't to take a few and chose the best...I'm pleased w/ the way the side profile came out, but he caught me mid-flex on the back, so it didn't turn out as well as I'd hoped (same with the front but not as much). I think we're pretty evenly matched, this is going to be a great battle!!

Sorry for the white space. I had to scale down the pictures and I don't have photoshop (just paintbrush, BOO!) I'll work on this for my next set of pix...June 29 Shadow!! :db:

ok ok ok, if we are going to have a pose-down, lets get the posing right! also, photos were only posted from the waist up. what about the wheels guys? are quads, hams, and calves not part of this competition?

please see http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/posing.htm and http://www.teenbodybuilding.com/duncan3.htm for proper posing technique...

everyone fight clean, and good luck!

I'm totally down for some leg shots..I have some pretty defined calves and quads, but for now I think the prelim shots will have to suffice...It'll be a while before I can acquire a permanent digital camera, so I'm having to use my buddies for now. I'll try to get some "wheels" posted in a week or so.

this is an awesome idea.... i'm subscribing. :tucool:

Are those yellow wrist bands Lance Armstrong's "Live Strong"? I work at Nike and we sell them for $1 for Lance's foundation. I am required to wear one.QUOTE=TheLemonSong]Ok got 'em...I had one shot w/ each picture to get it, so I didn't to take a few and chose the best...I'm pleased w/ the way the side profile came out, but he caught me mid-flex on the back, so it didn't turn out as well as I'd hoped (same with the front but not as much). I think we're pretty evenly matched, this is going to be a great battle!![/QUOTE]

Yup, I'm a big Lance Armstrong supporter. I read both of his books, and donated to his foundation after I finished them. They sent me 10 of those wristbands, I wear them with pride.

Who is Lance armstrong?
Also i will get some wheel shots later today.
at least we got the ball rolling.

Lance has won the Tour De Frane the last 5 years in a row, if he wins in July this year it'll be the world record for consecutive victories!! He is also a testicular cancer survivor.

Yes i know who he is.
Yes that guy is amazing.
He has more determination than most of humanity put together.
I want a yellow wrist band!

If you win our little competition, I'll send you a wristband...

Well folks, the prelim. pictures are in...what do you think? Who's got the edge, and where?

I think Shadow has a much more defined back so I'm going to get to work ASAP on that...

Cool!
People comments?
I will posting basic nutrition and excercise routines later.

Here are my vital stats from mybodycomp
Age 23
Sex M
Height
70.00 in (1.78 m)
Weight
163 lbs (74.00 kg)
Neck
14.37 in (36.50 cm)
Shoulder
46.46 in (118.00 cm)
Chest
39.37 in (100.00 cm)
Waist
30.31 in (77.00 cm)
Abdomen
33.07 in (84.00 cm)
Hips
38.98 in (99.00 cm)
Thigh
23.62 in (60.00 cm)
Knee
15.75 in (40.00 cm)
Calf
14.96 in (38.00 cm)
Ankle
9.06 in (23.00 cm)
Arm
12.20 in (31.00 cm)
Forearm
11.61 in (29.50 cm)
Wrist
6.69 in (17.00 cm)

All of the above are non flexed.

Diet is mainly 40/40/20

but usualy ends up beeing 35/45/20

I still drink quite a bit of milk in my diet.
My main sources of protein are
tuna
chicken
cottage cheese
turkey slices
prawns

Main sources of fat are
peanut butter
olive oil

Main sources of carbs are
raw vegetables
pasta
brown wholemeal bread
wraps.

I try to consume 30gr of carbs and 30-40 gr of protein before I workout.

Afterwards I have a protein shake containing milk.

I am currently limiting calories so when I bulk the intake of protein and carbs increases by about 30%.
Once I reach my goal of 10% bf i will start bulking again. I am hopping this will be done within the contest time.

Workout
My wokrout is shapped as follows

Monday Chest and Bi's
Dumbell bench press or bench press 6-8 reps
Incline Dumbell bench press 6-8 reps
Dips 8-12 reps

standing barbell curls 6-8 reps
preacher curls 6-8 reps

abs

Tueasdays back and tris
low row 6-8 reps
close grip pull down 6-8 reps
pull down or pull up 6-10 reps

close grip bench press 6-8 reps
cable tricep presses 6-10 reps

hyperextensions

Wednesday legs and shoulders

Squats 8-20
Hack squat 6-10 reps
leg curls 6-8 reps
calve machine 6-12

overhead dumbel press 6-8 reps
upright row 6-8 reps

side bends 10

Friday Chest bis and tris
Bench press
incline bench press
standing barbell curls
close grip bench press
abs

saturdays back, legs, shoulders
low row
close grip pull down
pull down or pull up
Squats
leg curls
overhead dumbel press
hyperextensions

I know the workout is pretty intense but doing well with it so far.
I think on wednesday I will add breathing pull overs to try to expand rib cage.

Finally lift weights
This are the max weights and reps I have done with those weights.
Whenever done with a barbell the wight of the bar isnt counted

Dumbell bench press 34kg for 8 reps either hand
bench press 75kg for 6 reps
Incline Dumbell bench press 31kg either hand for 8 reps
Dips 12 reps no weight

standing barbell curls 30kg 8 reps
preacher curls 25kg 8 reps

abs 30 crunch


low row 65kg 8 reps
close grip pull down 65kg 8 reps
pull down 60kg 8 reps
pull up 10 no weight

close grip bench press 40kg 10 reps
cable tricep presses 35kg 10 reps

hyperextensions 20 with 10kg weight


Squats 65kg 12 reps
Hack squat 70 10 reps
leg curls 55 6 reps
calve machine 45 10 reps

overhead dumbel press 19kg either hand 8 reps
upright row 20kg 8reps

side bends 24kg 10 reps


I think that is the rest of the information you need.

With regards to the pics as they stand - I think that how you start should be taken into consideration when judging. I think that this 3 month period should be about who has made the biggest changes, not necessarily who looks the best at the end. With this being such short term event it wouldn't be fair to judge it like a bodybuilding competition by judging the who has the best physique. Also since you are recording poundages what do you think about one rep maxes?

I forsee a new section of the forum for 1 on 1 challenges... :D

Shadow looks more defined, but, Lemonsong looks bigger. Lemon, ur back is big, just need to cut down on BF for extra definition. And both of you should hammer the chest area. But you both have a good basis. Man, this is gonna be fun.

Just to clear something up, is it just a general "Who looks the best in our opinion" or are you cutting or bulking or what ? Is it who has lowest BF after 3 months, or who has biggest muscle measurements or what ?

:db: Showdown: TheLemonSong vs. Shadow! :db:

We will compete by comparing photos and posting routines and diets. This contest will be carried out during the duration of 3 months. At the end of three months the board members will decide on who has the best physique, who has improved the most over the past few months, who is the most consistent and also a best bodypart will be picked out for each competitior(do you agree LemonSong).




As you can see you are judging physique but also you are judging improvement and other things as stated in the quote above. We could sit down and compare one rep max aswell but currently I am only posting my stats so that people have a better picture of what my status is besides some photos. This is really the first time it is being done so we shall set out to see what are the best ways to carry out such competitions. I am glad so many people are interested and I am sure lemonSong is aswell.

I think another constraint for the photos should be the dimensions of the photos. I have made mine 250 max height. Maybe we should make photos max height 400 pixels (from head to toe). Also the perspective should try to be head on. what do you guys think?

LemonSong send the pics to me and I can scale them down for you. Otherwise I can write you a quick java program that will scale down the photos to the predefined size.

awesome idea, im gonna keep an eye on this one

I agree we ought to do "Best Transformation" in 3 months. I don't like the idea of a bodybuilding type thing where we both get oiled up and get judged liked that...

What I think is really really cool about this is that from where we're both the same height, same weight, and we both have about 15% body fat.. think about it this: In 3 months we'll both nearly be done cutting. I've consistently lost 1% body fat per month for the past 5 months, and I have another fitness test on the 22nd and expect to have lost at least a few more lbs of fat. I think that both of us will push ourselves even more now, like an imaginary partner type deal, and I really look forward to this as a challenge and an ongoing opportunity to improve my health. Since the last few lbs of fat are the hardest to lose it'll be a good thing to have extra motivation!

1-on-1 Competition Forum would be crazy...we'll see how this one goes, maybe some others will develop threads too! (We're trendsetters Shadow!!) :claplow:

Maybe, in addition to 1-on-1 competitions, there could be 'Open' competitions (meaning, open to anyone, best progress wins).

I'd be interested in a little friendly competition from someone in a similar situation to my own...

Looking for someone around 10%bf, who's looking to get to 8 or 9 %

in quick order. Any takers ??

Abguy- Check out TXItalians post...ya'll are about the same and its about progress anyways.

i wouldnt mind some competition.

currently 232lbs from 305lbs , 5'8"

Perhaps we shouldn't sabotage their comp thread with offers for competitions, but instead start another thread where people can list that they want a competition and their stats? But while I have made a post I'm looking for someone with

183lbs
15%BF
5'10"

likes sports, cinema, music........hahaha :)

:o good idea

Perhaps we shouldn't sabotage their comp thread with offers for competitions, but instead start another thread where people can list that they want a competition and their stats? But while I have made a post I'm looking for someone with

183lbs
15%BF
5'10"

likes sports, cinema, music........hahaha :)

Rumble, young men, Rumble!

Good luck to both of you. This should be interesting.

KILLER workout for me today.
I haven't worked out that hard in a while...this thread really gives me some motivation!

I did biceps, triceps, chest, and abs. (I hurt my back a week or so ago, so I've held off on doing lower body for a little while and I usually do abs along with lower body, but I decided to do shoulders, quads, hams and calves tomorrow. I'm 95% today, but I should be 100% by tomorrow.) I was too worn out to do shoulders (tried and got about 4 reps in and died) so I'm thinkin' I'll either do back and shoulders tomorrow and hold off on another leg day, or I'll do my leg day and do back and shoulders in 2 days.

I also did some jump roping to get my HR up!! I want to see if I can eventually work myself up to doing 5 min. of straight jumping. I wish I had a heavy rope insead of a speedrope. I've never tried the heavy but I think it would be an AWESOME workout. Haha, float like a butterfly sting like a bee ;)

Perhaps we shouldn't sabotage their comp thread with offers for competitions, but instead start another thread where people can list that they want a competition and their stats? But while I have made a post I'm looking for someone with

183lbs
15%BF
5'10"

likes sports, cinema, music........hahaha :)


Yeah, you're right. Didn't mean to hijack the thread.

Looks like Tx has a thread opened that would be more appropriate.

Lemon / Shadow ----- Good Luck !!

Theres a request in the Technical section right now about starting a new forum for competition. If you're interested in this, i would suggest posting a quick reply over there. If there is enough support I'm sure John wouldn't mind setting up a new one...

Also, I think we need some stakes for this competition...
3 month, biweekly posts, best improvement (voted on in the end by the forum members) wins...but whats at stake here? Obviously neither of us are going to lose, we're both going to get fit...but I think we need something as a "prize" or something "on the line"

I volunteered to send Shadow a Lance Armstrong wristband or two if he wins, but what else can we do? Anyone got any ideas?? Some AllTheWhey perhaps? :confused:

I think a fabulas "Cheat Meal" Gift Certificate would be wonderful at the end of a gruling 3month tirade. :D


<Homer Simpson>mmmmm Dairy Queen......</Homer Simpson>

I could send you a gyros through the post but I dont think you will want to eat it by the time it gets there. lol! A prize at the end of it all would be just the icing on the cake. I see we have started a trend LemonSong we are pioneers, never thought I would be a pioneer on a fitness forum. lol!

I could send you a gyros through the post but I dont think you will want to eat it by the time it gets there. lol! A prize at the end of it all would be just the icing on the cake. I see we have started a trend LemonSong we are pioneers, never thought I would be a pioneer on a fitness forum. lol!

Pioneers indeed! Gyros in the mail, thats funny!
I guess we'll work it out...but do you think there ought to be something more at stake here or just the competition itself?

i have a suggestion..

I dunno of this is possible on this board, but ive seen something on other boards like this....what if you can get a little icon under your username when you win one of these competitions..like a little championship belt....kinda like karma on other boards...u guys know what I mean?

i have a suggestion..

I dunno of this is possible on this board, but ive seen something on other boards like this....what if you can get a little icon under your username when you win one of these competitions..like a little championship belt....kinda like karma on other boards...u guys know what I mean?

I'm not sure I know exactly what you mean, but I like the idea of competing for the honor of the icon! :)

I'm not sure I know exactly what you mean, but I like the idea of competing for the honor of the icon! :)

Basically...if you win, you would get a little icon that would show up under your name when u post. Although, that would mean that these comps would have to be tracked and updated....might be too much of an ordeal :p

Here are some more pics. Used autotimer and placed the camera on a box so excuse some of the photographic quality.
The first one is for people thinking I had scholiosis and the yellowness of my skin is due to the lighting.
The second is a better side view (not slouching this time)
The third is for those who wanted to see my legs.

The little special icon sounds like a cool idea but it would mean more work for John and I dont think he wants that. Well godnight to all and keep working out!

http://metaatem.net/jfs/

Check out our website!! Thanks goes out to Yon for the creation of it!

Finished up my shoulder workout today as hard as possible, then played a couple hours of soccer!! WOW! That really is one of hte best sources of cardio I can think of...I was constantly on the move for nearly 2 hours and it was so much fun. We played in the rain and mud 7on7. I even scored a goal on a ricochet off the post! Wicked good time!

However, I decided that since I finished my finals I would do a little drinking tonight so i had some Sake, Scotch, and a beer. other than that though i ate pretty good. I haven't had a cheat day in nearly 6 weeks so I'm cool with goin' out on a limb after the semester!

Thats wierd I played footy yesterday for a couple of hours. No rain though.

I liked the lats, you have a good start on upper body. Too bad, you don't have any legs, an accident?

Work the arms, slow and hard, build the ribcage with breathing squats and one dumbell pullovers.


Where are your pix lemonsong??

Here are some more pics. Used autotimer and placed the camera on a box so excuse some of the photographic quality.

I do this as well... I found it helps to place something where you will be(I use a Guitar in my case...), because my camera finds focus when the button is first pushed. I then move the item and stand where it was. I have a Canon SD100 for refernce.

Just a thought.

Cool thanks!

Where are your pix lemonsong??

My pix are on both the website http://metaatem.net/jfs/ or on page one of this thread.

I'll try to get some new ones up sometime soon of my legs and so forth...I'm relying on the digital cameras of others, and unfortunately the one I borrowed last night ran out of batteries so I'll have ot get the charger today.

I have a huge welt on my shin from bangin' w/ someone during soccer yesterday! OUCH!

Had a fitness test today!
12.9% BF!!!! Down from 15.4%!!! WOO HOO!!!

Also, I'm getting a personal trainer for the next couple weeks (present from my dad) so hopefully i'll see some BIG improvements soon.

Extra cool!

I liked the lats, you have a good start on upper body. Too bad, you don't have any legs, an accident?

Work the arms, slow and hard, build the ribcage with breathing squats and one dumbell pullovers.



Hey Lemon Song Where are your pics man????

I have a bunch of pix, but I can't get them cropped because I don't have photoshop. I have temporarily borrowed a friends camera, so I've got a few pix...I'll try again soon to post them otherwise you'll have to wait a few more days for the 2 week update.

Use http://www.irfanview.com to crop your photos. Its free and fast.

I will posting my new pics on wednesday including new updated stats.

same here :)

For those interested, check out my before and after pictures in the media gallery.

sorry guys but came back from gym only to find out my father had taken digital cam down to hotel. I will post tomorrow.

Here you go guys.
My bf% according to mybodycomp is 14%.

I think your bodyfat is well lower than 14%

Good progress. :nod:

Really lower than 14%. What BF% would you guys place me at?
Reno thanks for the encouragement.

Hard to tell BF from those poses.

Arms by the side front shot is the best IMO.

Probably about 13% id say.

Well my aim is to see my abs unflexed so i will keep cutting till i do, but it feels great to know I have reached the lower teens.

I've acquired some help with this competition...SWOLECAT!! BOO-YA!

cool!

We should be able to gamble on this !! :p My bet goes to Shadow.

Thanks for your encouragement Strapped! I will try and not let you down.

Lemonsong,

when u say you have help from swolecat, what exactely do you mean ? Are you paying for training tips etc. Is there a link to how he's helping you etc ?

LemonSong is now one of Swolecat's clients. Edge now goes to Lemonsong ;)

New pix tomorrow folks!! They can be considered my "before" pictures on the SwoleGenix program as well...I'm taking daily pictures for SGX to see my progress, but I'm only taking front pictures not profile or back (saving those for 2 week up dates on the competition).

might want to do weekly pics on SGX... your first few weeks you wont see any changes, then all of a sudden BAM the body will shift majorly. its weird how the program kicks in!

Sorry guys but my update will be a little late since my father needs the camera this weekend for an event down at the hotel and I am going to party at my friends summer house on the beach. Hopefully someone else will bring a digicam and I can get some photos to post here.

Lemonsong there is most definetaly a difference in your fist and 5th pick, keep it up you seem to be doing good.

Thanks Shadow, I look forward to seeing your updates...

OK here are my long overdue updates.
I now weigh 158 pounds and i am unsure of bodyfat %.
Here are the pics.
Oh by the way i have slight skoliosis 6 degrees at shoulders and three degrees in my pelvis due to leg length inequalities.

I'm hoping that the pix will be up on the website soon. Great work Shadow, as always!

Man i have been ill for nearly a week now and have missed 4 gym sessions. Its really frustrating because i was getting all psyched up because i think my progress is pretty good and my lifts were good, but allas my poor body cant take it! Hopefully i will be fine tomorrow so I can go to the gym.

Man i have been ill for nearly a week now and have missed 4 gym sessions. Its really frustrating because i was getting all psyched up because i think my progress is pretty good and my lifts were good, but allas my poor body cant take it! Hopefully i will be fine tomorrow so I can go to the gym.

Dont' rush things man, I've made that mistake...if you can't give 100% just rest so you can later. I worked out a few times when I was kinda sick and I just got sicker.

I hear ya buddy, but today is the day. I am fine so we shall just see how the session goes.

Who won?