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Before: 230 lbs |
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After: 180 lbs |
Vital Stats
Name: Zachary Savoie
Email: zsavoie@gmail.com
BodySpace: cyde
Before: February, 2009
Age: 25
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 230 lbs
Waist: 37.5"
After: June, 2009
Age: 25
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 180 lbs
Body Fat: 4.2%
Waist: 30"
Why I Got Started
I decided to make a huge transformation because I let myself go over the holidays. I stopped working out around Christmas and continued to eat like I was bulking. Huge mistake, and I put on much unwanted fat. My friends at the gym had been talking about entering a local bodybuilding show, so I decided to diet with them to make their contest prep more enjoyable.
After 8 short weeks of dieting, I looked like a different man. At that point a few of my friends at the gym along with Dave Goodin talked me into doing a show. I've always looked up to Dave, so I wanted to give this a serious shot to make all my friends and family proud. Most importantly I wanted to see if I had the dedication to diet and train for a competition.
Click Image To Enlarge. I Put On Much Unwanted Fat.
How I Did It
I reduced my calories, ate more wholesome foods, and more green vegetables. Once I ball-parked my macro nutrient requirements for weight loss, it was an easy game. At 3,000 calories I lost a good 1-2 pounds per week for 8 weeks.
With each plateau, I dropped calories through fat. My protein remained constant throughout the entire cut, and I kept carbohydrates moderate for my level of physical activity.
My friend and posing coach Teri Alvarado helped guide me along the way with tips regarding the final week of dieting and much needed posing critique. With her help I was able to place 2nd in my very first bodybuilding show. I couldn't have done it without her! Thanks, Teri!
Click Image To Enlarge. I Was Able To Place 2nd In My
Very First Bodybuilding Show.
Suggestions For Others
The best piece of advice I can give someone wanting to lose weight is stay consistent and don't do anything too drastic. I find it better to ease into things rather than going from one extreme to the other.
Click Image To Enlarge. Stay Consistent And Don't
Do Anything Too Drastic.
- Don't fear carbohydrates.
- Start your calories on the higher end and taper down if needed.
- Ease into cardio if you aren't accustomed to it.
- Don't overtrain and keep pushing heavy weights to maintain strength.
- Eat when you are hungry - never starve yourself.
- Break apart from the bodybuilding dogma and try to find your own methods.