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Bodybuilding deals with more than just training and eating... Alex
I will discuss training, nutrition, posing, school, work, relationships and more as I go through my contest prep for the 2008 BLNPA New England Natural. This article will deal with slight changes in diet & training as I continue my prep.
The first 4 weeks are in the books and I love the results that I have gotten. I am right on track to be huge and shredded once I step on stage in April. I am happy that I have given myself plenty of time for this contest prep so that I can break my body in slowly.
I have been doing cardio year round so the addition of a little more cardio has not been a shock to my body. Also I eat relatively clean year round so cutting back on the meal sizes has not been bad either. I am actually hungry when I sit down for a meal now.
Click To Enlarge. Alex Stewart, 16 Weeks Out.
Diet
Below is the diet that I laid out for myself in the beginning. I have stuck to the diet 100% for the first 4 weeks with some minor tweaks but absolutely no cheating. Hunger wise I am doing fine. Energy levels are great during my morning workouts but it is tough to concentrate during school later in the day.
Cheating: Should You Do It?
Regardless of what kind of cheat day you have, it is necessary. Today I am going to share with you some ways of incorporating the cheat meal.
The only difference is sometimes I replace the 2 scoops of protein powder in meal 2 on off days with 6 ounces of Chicken Breast. For Veggies I have been having 1-1 1/2 Cups of Broccoli.
Below is the first weeks workouts - I was still strong on all lift with energy level extremely high. With the increased cardio that I was doing I think it helped my cardiovascular system because I was not tired on extended sets. The only exercise that I decreased the weight on was Deadlifts. I was still using a lot of weight (405) but don't want to risk an injury.
LiftRite Video Guide: Abs & Calves Training With Toney Freeman
We had the rare oportunity to learn some quick techniques for developing rock hard abs and calves by simply performing one exercise for each muscle group. Sound too good to be true? Toney Freeman is living proof that by simply concentrating on form, rep tempo and range of motion you can target muscle groups to their fullest extent.
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Barbell Curls: 3x12 25 on each side. For the first time in a long time my left wrist was feeling better, Could have used more weight but didn't want to risk re-injure my wrist so I will slowly add weight each week
Diet wise I am feeling GREAT. My body is enjoying all the healthy food that I am giving it and at this point I am not eating at much of a deficit so I am rarely hungry.
Training wise I am also feeling GREAT. With the increased cardio my body has more endurance during workouts and I feel that overall I am getting better workouts than at the end of my bulk. I might not be as strong on all my lifts as before but I feel better overall when I am finished working out.