David was up to nearly 250 pounds of mass but it was taking its toll on his endurance so he dieted down. See how he was able to shed excess weight and sculpt his ideal body!
 Vital Stats

Name: David Shutler
Email: dshutler55@gmail.com
Bodyspace: batlats
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Before:
Age: 25
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 245 lbs
Body Fat: 12-14%
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After:
Age: 25
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 205 lbs
Body Fat: 6%
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 Why I Got Started

I started weight lifting when I was in junior high, and eventually got really into bodybuilding and nutrition when I was in college. I always thought you had to have a big "bulking" offseason to put on muscle. Boy did I find out the hard way. I managed to get up to almost 250 pounds in March of 2008 which was my all time heaviest.
It wasn't until one day I stepped on the treadmill and was reading a magazine at the same time, when I finally had to stop the treadmill after running one mile. I was so out of breath! I decided it was time for a change. I knew I could still maintain my muscle mass if I dieted down right. And diet is what I did.
Click To Enlarge.
I Knew I Could Still Maintain My Muscle Mass If I Dieted Down Right.
 How I Did It

It definitely wasn't easy, but I challenged myself to get into the best shape of my life. I knew I had the discipline, and you have to learn to control your mind first and foremost in order to control your body. I wanted to be a fitness model. And that is where I stand today. From 245 pounds to 205 pounds at about 6-7% body fat.
I accomplished getting in my first magazine Exercise for Men Only in May of 2009 and look to do a lot more in the future, with Muscle and Fitness being one of my ultimate goals. The COVER! That is definitely high atop my list of "To do's."
Click To Enlarge.
You Have To Learn To Control Your Mind First And Foremost In Order To Control Your Body.
 Supplements

The supplements I took during my transformation are the same ones I swear by today.
Morning and Post Workout:
During Workout:
Post-workout:
Once Daily:
Before Bed:
 Diet

Because I was so heavy at 245 and eating around 4000 calories, losing the fat and weight at first wasn't tough for me. I cut back on my carbohydrate intake, kept my fat intake around the same, and kept my protein high to avoid the breakdown of muscle.
When first starting out the diet, I was eating probably close to 3500 calories, and slowly came down as my weight came down. I aimed to lose 1 or 2 pounds per week. A sample day looked like this:
Meal 1:
Meal 2:
Meal 3:
Meal 4: Pre Workout
Meal 5: Post Workout
Meal 6:
Meal 7: Before Bed
 Training

I am a big believer in a mix of power and hypertrophy style workouts ... so that is how I divided it during the week. I would have two full body days split into two(one upper and one lower) where I focused more on a powerlifting scheme with more weight and less reps.
The other three days I would train with higher volume (more reps and more sets, moderate to lighter weight to get that good pump). I think this is one of the best ways to continue to see results if your nutrition is on point. A sample week looked like this, and actually this is similar to what I follow now:
Day 1: Upper Body Power Day
Day 2: Lower Body Power Day
Day 3: Cardio
Day 4: Back/Chest Hypertrophy
More sets and reps, use similar exercises to Monday, but good to switch it up and add things. Don't be afraid to go into rep ranges of 15-20 reps. Remember, quality over quantity! Don't sacrifice form for ego!
Day 5: Lower Body Hypertrophy
Day 6: Shoulders/Arms Hypertrophy
Day 7: Rest
It is important to note that after a lot of these workouts I was doing some additional cardio-30 minutes usually slow walk on an incline or doing the Stairstepper/Elliptical. I would even sometimes go in to do just cardio on Sundays. I was extremely motivated!
 Suggestions for Others

My suggestion for others when they ask me how they achieve a great physique: Persistence, Passion and Patience. You must have discipline in order to accomplish great things. Sacrifices must be made, but that is what makes you stronger in the long run.
maletransformations@bodybuilding.com
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