My Progression so far… 2 weeks into Bulk Cycle #1
I’ve been learning to deal with the setbacks that have come along my journey to 185lbs. Motivation has always been something I’ve struggled with. I’ve come to realize that the only thing holding me back is myself and over the years I’ve found more and more effective ways to attain success with all my goals.
In regards to bulking up, in the past I’d usually start strong but then fall back into old habits of under eating and missing gym sessions. I think this happened because I complicated my diet and my workout routine
This time around I’ve decided to take a step back and I’ve simplified my bodybuilding diet and my workout routine.
The Results (2 week Period)
As of today I am 166lbs which is a 4 pound increase. Overall I’d have to say that I’m pleased but I’m not going to get excited over the 4 pound increase. I’ve been at this for a while (I started when I was 145lbs) so I’ve learned to temper my emotions.
Nutrition
I’ve subscribed to a 3000 calorie per day low glycemic diet. I’ve done my best to stick to it but there were a few nights that I had to run out to McDonald’s to get some last second calories. During the second week I messed up my diet and had a few rough days where I did not eat early nearly enough. If you check my transformation page you might note that I was as high as 168lbs. The 2 pound decrease was due to my minor slip up.
I’m trying my best to maintain 3000 calories per day but at times my hectic schedules makes that quite the feat. Now that I return to school next week I’m going to have to figure out a way to keep the progression positive.
Workout
This has been the best 2 week workout period in my ENTIRE life. I have finally found the perfect hardgainer bodybuilding workout routine (I’ll be sharing it later on don’t worry).
I think one of the reasons why I’m enjoying this period is the fact that I’m not in pain.
I’ve spent the better half of the past 3 years fighting a shoulder injury and then tendonitis in my right tricep muscle. There is no longer any pain in my shoulder (although I’ve severely lost range of movement) my tendonitis has prevented me from doing certain things.
Due to my injury I am limited with what I can do with my Chest, Shoulders and Triceps muscles. I’ve been very creative with how I’ve targeted these muscle groups out. Time will tell if my creativity has paid off.
My body
My overall body composition has taken a positive change. I’ve been taking bi weekly pictures (soon to be posted) and I’ve noticed that I’m starting to regain definition in my back primarily around my spinal erectae muscles. I’m also starting to notice the separation of my quadriceps muscles. I’ve also done a pretty good job of maintaining my shoulders and chest even though I’m limited to what exercises I can do with them.
There is a little bit of a problem. I have a strained muscle on the right side of my back and I’m having a hard time determining what muscle is strained. Its been giving me some problems at home when I’m sleeping so I’m going to have it checked out. Last thing I need is another injury so hopefully this strain doesn’t last too long.
The Rest
I’ve been taking bi weekly pictures of myself and I’m probably going to make some form of video progression update with them in the near future.
I’m going to start talking about what supplements I’m using as well as a little bit more about workout routines coming up this month.
If you’d like me to talk about anything else just let me know. Additionally I’d love to hear about your progression feel free to send me an email or leave a comment below.
4 Responses to “My Progression so far… 2 weeks into Bulk Cycle #1”
Comments
Read below or add a comment...
Leave A Comment...
This is the "Feature Box" which can be controlled by going to the "Feature Options" Frugal options page and finding the section titled "Feature Box Options". NOTE: You must delete this text first, before adding content to this area.
Hardgainer Resources
Social Media
There a many ways for us to stay connected. If you use these services be sure to Add/Subscribe/Favorite me
Subscribe Here
Good luck with the bulk cycle. My brother and I are starting one as well. Right now we’re doing a break-in phase to prepare our bodies for what’s about to come.
One thing I learned is that it’s best not to push it too hard too soon. I ended up with some back issues after using Arnold’s program when I was younger. Stupid I know, but back then there wasn’t websites like yours to teach hardgainer’s the proper methods.
Anyway, I noticed you mentioned your shoulder injury and limited range of motion. My shoulder has been a recurring issue for me, I have had several minor incidents. Although I have full range of motion, I still cannot do any upper body movements without it killing me the next day. And forget lifting heavy with it.
Well this is getting long, so I’ll get to the point. Point being, I’ve been reading a lot about Active Release Technique. It sounds promising, so I found a certified technician in my area. I’ve got an appointment tomorrow so hoperfully it helps.
If it does, I’ll let you know.
Keep lifting!
I never realized how often people get hurt in the gym until I started getting hurt myself. A lot of the time bad form or ego lifting is the main culprit. Just the other day in the gym I over heard some guy talking about all his injuries. He was relatively young probably in his early 20’s and he mentioned all his back problems and such. He was basically a cripple.
I had a hard time believing someone that young could do that much damage to themselves but in his case I guess it was apparent. I don’t want to sound like I haven’t made stupid choices in the past but now that I’ve been at it for a while I’ve learned to listen to my body.
In addition to experience I have more of a fitness background (via school) so I’m starting to get a better grasp of what kinda training stimulus I need get decent results. It’s still going to take a long time but hopefully I won’t be doing anything stupid to my body.
Before you start training just ensure that your body is at it’s best and if you aren’t at your best customize your program to allow yourself to heal.
Good Luck with the appointment
ART, a medically patented technique used to treat soft tissue areas of the body, such as scar tissue, adhesions, nerve entrapments, myofasciitis, and other conditions involving the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. ART is effective for all types of injuries, ranging from chronic migraine headaches, back, neck, and shoulder pain, knee problems, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, etc… These conditions and many more can often be resolved quickly and permanently with ART.
In 2002 I discovered Active Release Techniques, ART, a medically patented technique developed by Dr. Michael Leahy. I was amazed at the ART treatment I personally received which immediately resolved my chronic shoulder, knee, and ankle problems that had responded minimally to other types of care. ART gave me my life back. I got my “game” back, I began running, cycling, swimming, etc.. I give all the credit to ART.