Getbig Bodybuilding, Figure and Fitness Forums

Getbig Bodybuilding Boards => Positive Bodybuilding Discussion & Talk => Pictures of Members & More => Topic started by: Matt C on October 03, 2006, 05:41:51 PM

Title: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on October 03, 2006, 05:41:51 PM
Here are some to start off with.  These pictures were taken without a pump.  My weight is in the 190s and I am bulking right now (or trying to) and obviously not in condition.  I would like to hit 200 as I have been there before, and that is where I plateau.

I am pleased with my physique and know I could get in good condition if I wanted to.  My only concern is my chest which looks like a sunken treasure despite a bench press one rep max of well over 300 pounds.  I will post some more pics as I progress taken from the front and with a pump.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: haider on October 03, 2006, 05:59:48 PM
Monster Lats...other than that, awesome shoulders  8)
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: alexxx on October 03, 2006, 06:03:21 PM
Your technique needs work. What type of program you following?
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: candidate2025 on October 03, 2006, 09:11:49 PM
how come you dont train any other body parts than shoulders?
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Mr. Intenseone on October 03, 2006, 10:26:15 PM
I swear dude I thought you were black!
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: AVBG on October 03, 2006, 10:28:23 PM
You look good Matt. To look better, you must follow the Alexxx principals  ;D
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on October 03, 2006, 11:28:33 PM
I swear dude I thought you were black!

Why do so many people here confuse me for Matt T?  ???

hmm, maybe it's just the name.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: sarcasm on October 04, 2006, 08:22:07 AM
big ass delts and arms and small waist, good work Matt.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Ice Princess on October 04, 2006, 08:47:29 AM
ok so your not the jacked black guy then (matt T)
your the skinny scrawny white guy posing in a glory holed steam room
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Ice Princess on October 04, 2006, 08:48:38 AM
i love this shot!
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: toodzl4u on October 04, 2006, 10:20:15 AM
Some of the opinionated spouting off in your posts I thought you would have a lot of mature muscle.......what you have is certainly a start though.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: The True Adonis on October 04, 2006, 11:07:54 AM
Here are some to start off with.  These pictures were taken without a pump.  My weight is in the 190s and I am bulking right now (or trying to) and obviously not in condition.  I would like to hit 200 as I have been there before, and that is where I plateau.

I am pleased with my physique and know I could get in good condition if I wanted to.  My only concern is my chest which looks like a sunken treasure despite a bench press one rep max of well over 300 pounds.  I will post some more pics as I progress taken from the front and with a pump.

Not bad but I wouldnt go to the 200s if I were you.

You have probably 40 lbs to lose or so from here.  Getting in the 200s will just make it worse with more to lose.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on October 04, 2006, 12:03:04 PM
Adam,

I would like to be 210 in the same condition as I am now.  At 200 I was in the same condition and I know I was fat by bodybuilding competition standards but I could still see striations in my delts.

Remember, it's not a matter of gaining 10 pounds of new mass - it's muscle memory.  That's why I know I can do it without getting fat.  Now 210 is another story.  Give me a month or so of catch up and I will back in the low 200s.

I think you also might be forgetting the difference a pump makes.  I'm going to use this post to post more pics and strength clips.  I'm not one to spout a claim and not follow through with it.  I'll see about getting a clip of me doing 300 pounds on the flat bench for 5-8 and some clips of me doing shoulder presses with the 100s+.

Now there are comments here both good and bad and I appreciate all of them but here's the thing: I never claimed genetic superiority and I never had an ego about anything.  All I said is that pro bodybuilders in general are in large part the way they are due to drugs.  I think it's safe to say I am probably holding more lean muscle than Kevin Levrone is right now even looking as I do.  Pros are people just like the rest of us and be weary of claims of them being so superior.  That's my point.

I will post a clip though and I think you will see that I'm closer to lean than I am to fat right now.  A pump makes a huge difference.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Ice Princess on October 04, 2006, 12:19:52 PM
 :o
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: The True Adonis on October 04, 2006, 12:28:24 PM
Adam,

I would like to be 210 in the same condition as I am now.  At 200 I was in the same condition and I know I was fat by bodybuilding competition standards but I could still see striations in my delts.

Remember, it's not a matter of gaining 10 pounds of new mass - it's muscle memory.  That's why I know I can do it without getting fat.  Now 210 is another story.  Give me a month or so of catch up and I will back in the low 200s.

I think you also might be forgetting the difference a pump makes.  I'm going to use this post to post more pics and strength clips.  I'm not one to spout a claim and not follow through with it.  I'll see about getting a clip of me doing 300 pounds on the flat bench for 5-8 and some clips of me doing shoulder presses with the 100s+.

Now there are comments here both good and bad and I appreciate all of them but here's the thing: I never claimed genetic superiority and I never had an ego about anything.  All I said is that pro bodybuilders in general are in large part the way they are due to drugs.  I think it's safe to say I am probably holding more lean muscle than Kevin Levrone is right now even looking as I do.  Pros are people just like the rest of us and be weary of claims of them being so superior.  That's my point.

I will post a clip though and I think you will see that I'm closer to lean than I am to fat right now.  A pump makes a huge difference.

I think you look great and are one of the top naturals on here.
But you will see when you diet all the way down that you will need to lose around 40 lbs.

No shame in admitting it.  You have great muscularity and will look pretty impressive once you diet down.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: The Master on October 04, 2006, 01:48:10 PM
i love this shot!

I see Matt C hurt your feelings at one point :-*
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: G on October 04, 2006, 01:53:08 PM
I think you look great and are one of the top naturals on here.
But you will see when you diet all the way down that you will need to lose around 40 lbs.

No shame in admitting it.  You have great muscularity and will look pretty impressive once you diet down.

4o lbs?are you out of your mind?With the right diet,trainning and supplement he can get well under 10 % bf with 20 -25 lbs to lose
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: The True Adonis on October 04, 2006, 02:23:50 PM
4o lbs?are you out of your mind?With the right diet,trainning and supplement he can get well under 10 % bf with 20 -25 lbs to lose

To be ripped,

About 40 lbs needs to come off.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: benjamin pearson on October 04, 2006, 02:54:23 PM
Looking good Matt C good delts..... bring up that back though
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: G on October 04, 2006, 02:56:13 PM
To be ripped,

About 40 lbs needs to come off.
I

what are u saying - that he's 20% bf? Disagree! If he goes by your diets - he will probably end up losing 40 lbs, half of wich probably be muscle.But if he does it the right way, 20 lbs will be enough.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: dizzleman06 on October 04, 2006, 03:06:12 PM
To be ripped,

About 40 lbs needs to come off.

there is no way he has 40lbs of fat on him...he loses that much and about a 1/3 of it is muscle...  You look good bro, don't let this a-hole tell you about how fat you are so he can feel better about himself.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: G.R.H. on October 04, 2006, 03:26:01 PM
nice job! u look pretty cut. 8)
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: The True Adonis on October 04, 2006, 04:17:14 PM
You guys have never been single digit before obviously.

When he diets down he will see that he needs to lose 40 lbs.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on October 04, 2006, 05:11:00 PM
I think you look great and are one of the top naturals on here.
But you will see when you diet all the way down that you will need to lose around 40 lbs.

No shame in admitting it.  You have great muscularity and will look pretty impressive once you diet down.

Adam,

Of course I feel that way about you also and have said it before and will say it again.  I think in general the point needs to be made that without hormones, the human body simply was not designed to carry as much muscle as we have been led to believe.

As for dieting down, I've seen guys at 230 in the same condition as me if not worse get to 190 totally shredded and maybe even too depleted.  That said, if I get back to the low 200s and cut from there, I can't see needing to lose quite 40 pounds to get in top condition.  Granted, I would have to lose a fair bit, I won't deny that, but 40 pounds seems a bit much I think.  40 pounds would definitely not be 40 pounds of fat alone.

That said, I don't plan on cutting anytime soon.  What I would love more than anything:

1. Once I get to 200-202, find some kind of diet to help me add five pounds of lean mass over the next year.

2. Get a chest.  My back is a weak point too, but nothing I don't think I can bring up or was ever worried about.  Chest on the other hand, I've tried lots of things and it stills stalls.  Worse than anything is that I could probably do a 320 bench with strict IPF form right now and I still have poor chest development.

Stavios sent me a good PM on chest training that I still need to respond too.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: haider on October 04, 2006, 06:26:24 PM
Have you tried hitting your chest more frequently? Using a variety of rep schemes, focusing primarily on the 6-9 rep range (for bb'ing purposes)? Seems like a good idea to hit the chest with some heavy weight in the 3-5 rep range on the bench press. Perhaps adding in a lighter day, focusing on the higher rep ranges (8-12) would be advisable. Also possible to periodise your workouts rotating light (60% of heavy, 8-12 reps), medium(80% of heavy- 6-8 reps), and heavy days(3-5 reps), hitting your peaks on heavy days then cycling back down and then back up again. Maybe something like Medium - Heavy - Light - Medium -Heavy- etc.
So suppose you're hitting chest twice a week: (On a split like this, I think alternating UPPER and LOWER days is optimal. The days listed are when you're hitting Upper body or your selected bodyparts)

Week 1:
Day1-medium
Day2-heavy

Week 2:
Day3-Light
Day4-Medium

Week3:
Day5-Heavy
Day6-Medium

and so on..
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: kicker on October 04, 2006, 08:00:39 PM
Good delts, Matt.  Post your shoulder workout.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Earl1972 on October 04, 2006, 08:58:52 PM
.  I think it's safe to say I am probably holding more lean muscle than Kevin Levrone is right now even looking as I do. 



uh no

you look good though

E
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: toodzl4u on October 05, 2006, 04:44:57 AM
Adam is right you would need to drop 40lbs to find ripped lean muscle.  You don't carry enough muscle on your frame to cut down any less if you want to be shredded. You are going to lose muscle especially in your first go at dropping the body fat percentage in the 6-7% range and right now you are not carrying any more than 135-140 lbs of lean muscle and that might be generous.  Just the nature of physiology.  The body will gorge some muscle the first time around.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on October 05, 2006, 11:18:46 AM
uh no

you look good though

E

Earl, I'm not saying that as praise for myself, just to show that Kevin has drastically reduced in weight.

Also, I don't buy for a second that I would be under 140 if I got shredded.  This picture is from 2004 at 180-185.  I have been as much as the low 200s in the same condition if not better.

I would be utterly shocked if I had to lose 65 pounds from there to get shredded.

Realistically I would put myself in the 160s completely ripped.  165 or higher I would say.  That is even using TA's estimate of 40 pounds lost, if I started the cutting phase at 205.

Anyway, I'll post some clips from my digital camera to start with within a week.  I don't think that at that point anyone would honestly think I would be 135 ripped.

The back picture is from August of 2005.  The second picture here is also a bit older and at a lighter body weight.  That is about as lean as I am in the 200s, where you can see the outline of my abs.  That's the only copy of that picture I have on this computer.  Either way, I'll get more stuff up later.

(http://www.bodybuildingpro.com/MLNA0044.JPG)
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: The True Adonis on October 05, 2006, 11:33:24 AM
Yeep!

Looking good.  You are right in confirming that you need to lose 40 lbs.  No big deal!


You have an interesting muscle shape,shorter than mine...I have very long muscles.

You look great Matt....Now Diet down or else it will just get harder and harder....No reason to carry that bodyfat!
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: The True Adonis on October 05, 2006, 11:34:07 AM
Let me correct that.....It won`t get harder, it will just take longer.  That is all.

Now get on it!
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on October 05, 2006, 11:46:42 AM
Not yet Adam.  I would want to see if I could get to 205 before doing that.  Now I think that is a stretch unless I plan to gain a little fat too.  I think around 202 is realistic in the same condition I'm at as long as I do it slowly over the next 1-3 months.  Muscle memory is very real.  I'll know I'm good to go by the feel and by the strength.  If I was just getting fat I would just be able to tell.  Both mentally and in the gym.

Good delts, Matt.  Post your shoulder workout.

I'll do the next best thing and post some clips.  I'll have no excuse to not have a clip up of using the 100s for dumbbell presses all the way up and down to upper arms parallel to the floor for a good set.  All my workouts consist of are the basics: heavy dumbbell and barbell movements and a few machines thrown in for good measure.

haider - thanks for the info on chest.  I'll be sure to keep that in mind.  I know I have other weak spots, but to me chest is the main thing I have in mind.  I'll post some pics from the front in this thread in the weeks to come.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Stavios on October 06, 2006, 09:53:23 PM
Adam you need to stop the bullshit with the bodyfat lol

THERE IS NO WAY IN HELL that Matt has to drop 40 pounds of fat

NO WAY IN HELL i say it again

25 pounds max
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: CQ on October 06, 2006, 09:58:18 PM
Looking good Matt.

With all due respect to others, I also would disagree with the statement you need to lose 40lbs to be ripped.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Stavios on October 06, 2006, 10:02:09 PM
Adam is right when he says that people don't realise all the fat they have on their body but it is just plain stupid to call Groink "obese" or saying Matt has 40 pounds of fat to lose
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: The True Adonis on October 07, 2006, 08:40:10 AM
Adam you need to stop the bullshit with the bodyfat lol

THERE IS NO WAY IN HELL that Matt has to drop 40 pounds of fat

NO WAY IN HELL i say it again

25 pounds max

40LBS or so.

Matt will see.   I am sure he will tell us when he diets down....IT will be about 40 lbs.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Rearden Metal on October 07, 2006, 09:15:24 AM
Adam you need to stop the bullshit with the bodyfat lol

THERE IS NO WAY IN HELL that Matt has to drop 40 pounds of fat

NO WAY IN HELL i say it again

25 pounds max



Agreed, 25-30 tops. 30 and he'd be a roadmap.

However, I think Adam overestimates because of how much muscle he lost while dieting improperly. That would explain the 10-15 lbs he's off by.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: The True Adonis on October 07, 2006, 12:29:25 PM


Agreed, 25-30 tops. 30 and he'd be a roadmap.

However, I think Adam overestimates because of how much muscle he lost while dieting improperly. That would explain the 10-15 lbs he's off by.

Nope.

Nothing to do with that. I am going by proportions and the amount of visible fat.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: figgs on October 07, 2006, 12:53:20 PM
What's all this talk of dieting off 40 pounds? You need more mass. I don't understand why you would even consider putting bulking on halt.

Great shoulders though.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: The True Adonis on October 07, 2006, 02:00:06 PM
What's all this talk of dieting off 40 pounds? You need more mass. I don't understand why you would even consider putting bulking on halt.

Great shoulders though.

No such thing as bulking.

What is the purpose of gaining fat?
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Rearden Metal on October 07, 2006, 02:46:37 PM
Nope.

Nothing to do with that. I am going by proportions and the amount of visible fat.


Tell me again how many times you've competed?

Oh yeah, I forgot...you actually have ZERO experience in the area.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: candidate2025 on October 07, 2006, 02:55:08 PM
No such thing as bulking.

What is the purpose of gaining fat?
you are mentally retarded.


hope this helps.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Stavios on October 07, 2006, 08:15:23 PM
you are mentally retarded.


hope this helps.

why ?

I agree with him on this point, gaining fat is pointless

Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Bast000 on October 07, 2006, 10:14:47 PM
Adam you need to stop the bullshit with the bodyfat lol

THERE IS NO WAY IN HELL that Matt has to drop 40 pounds of fat

NO WAY IN HELL i say it again

25 pounds max


water weight as well.  If he lost 25lbs he'd be ripped but not contest ripped.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Rearden Metal on October 08, 2006, 10:47:39 AM

water weight as well.  If he lost 25lbs he'd be ripped but not contest ripped.


If he's dieting correctly, he'll gain muscle at the midpoint. Essentially, for a few weeks he will remain the same weight but get harder and harder.

Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Bast000 on October 09, 2006, 03:06:12 PM

If he's dieting correctly, he'll gain muscle at the midpoint. Essentially, for a few weeks he will remain the same weight but get harder and harder.



sure but you're not gonna gain pounds of muscle in a few weeks.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Rearden Metal on October 09, 2006, 03:54:18 PM
sure but you're not gonna gain pounds of muscle in a few weeks.

Actually, yeah, that's exactly what you'll do. Although you stay the same relative weight, you will get harder and leaner.

This is generally followed by a burst in metabolism which requires dietary adjustment to maintain muscle.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: TheAnimal on October 10, 2006, 03:46:10 AM
why ?

I agree with him on this point, gaining fat is pointless


To lift more : )
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: gtbro1 on October 10, 2006, 04:02:38 AM
big ass delts and arms and small waist, good work Matt.

  I can't believe my eyes....this must be a joke.  ???











    p.s. Matt you look good,like others have saide nice delts.

        Maybe the delts are a big part of your benching strength,thus hindering pec developement...just a thought.

Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Stavios on October 10, 2006, 05:57:14 PM
Matt, try my bench tips !

I am 150 % sure that it will correct your chest problems
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Earl1972 on October 10, 2006, 08:17:45 PM
what are your bench tips?

E
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on October 11, 2006, 01:16:06 PM
what are your bench tips?

E

Here it is:

OK !  ;D

Mon entraineur suit beaucoup d'athlete et beaucoup ont ton probleme: Épaules beaucoup trop fortes pour le chest

Alors quand tu fais ton press, recule toujours tes épaules vers l'arrière ( tes homoplates doivent etre collées)
meme quand tu pousses, tes épaules doivent toujours rester reculer.
tu dois aussi archer ton dos

Essaie de suivre un tempo de 3-1-2 sur chaque exercise de chest

Je te conseil aussi d'arreter totalement d'entrainer tes épaules sauf pour les élévations latéral et les trucs comme ca
aucun "press" dans les entrainements d'épaules



il a commencé a m'entrainer tres récement et je vois deja des tres gros progrès sur mon "upper-chest". avant la tension etait toujours sur les épaules


Just try it, you have nothing to lose at all  ;)

Some good info here!!  Same with other info posted in this thread.  Basically Stavios is saying to keep the delts back and arch the back slightly while doing bench presses to keep the delts out of play and focus on chest.  It is true that my delts are nearly as strong as my chest on pressing movements which leads me to believe they are coming to play more than anything.  In fact, I think my delts only developed as they did because I was so gung ho about developing my chest that I did a lot of pressing movements and ended up getting more delt pressing power out of that than anything.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on October 11, 2006, 04:20:01 PM
These are new pictures of me from today.  This was after a shoulders workout, so my shoulders were pumped, but not the rest of me.  I was going to get some chest shots up of me on Monday but my training partner was in Quebec for the Iron Maiden concert.  I will have some up next Monday.  By then you will realize why I've been weary of posting chest shots.  :-\

Attached is also a picture of my training partner Peter.  I wouldn't call him natural since he did superdrol once, but he got off it pretty quickly, and that was a long time ago so he is totally clean now.  This dude is damn strong, although I beat him on pressing movements.

I'm holding 190-195 depending on the time of day and how much fluid/food is in me, etc.  The flash is on in the first picture here:
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: gtbro1 on October 12, 2006, 04:08:00 AM
you look like you got one caught in that last pic. hahaha but other than that you look good.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: sarcasm on October 12, 2006, 08:19:28 AM
some huge shoulders on Matt.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: BigWhoop on October 12, 2006, 09:15:30 AM
Matt C you should try hitting your Lats more often to balance our your back. Stricker motions and more isolation
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: 240 is Back on October 12, 2006, 01:04:00 PM
sick shoulders!
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: mesmorph78 on October 12, 2006, 01:17:11 PM
looking good matt
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on October 12, 2006, 04:41:47 PM
Here is my chest workout for today:

Flat bench

135 - 15
185 - 15
225 - 15 (to failure)
245 - 9
265 - 5

Incline dumbbell press with palms facing together

30s - 15
60s - 15
75s - 10
75s - 11

Machine flyes

105 - 15
150 - 15
180 - 10

I superset the machine flyes with some pushdowns for triceps.  After that I fooled around with some dumbbells to keep the blood flowing in the triceps and chest.  The reps above were the reps I completed on my own - full reps and tip top form.  For the flat bench I did some assisted reps too but didn't want to write the total number of reps since the numbers above reflect all the unassisted reps I did.  I tend to have problems with lactic acid when working shoulders, specifically any lateral raise movements, and also chest to a lesser degree.  It still hinders my workouts though.  Somebody said drinking baking soda will help flush the lactic acid out.  I haven't looked into it yet.  Unfortunately my training partner had to cut the workout short due to midterms or else I would have added a few more sets in.  I can do 300 for full, clean reps on a good day.  Hard to say how many - depends on the day.  This was my second chest workout this week and it was kind of on the fly so I didn't bring my camera in - I'll have some pics on Monday.  My chest looks terrible though, definitely not looking like the chest of somebody who can bench a good 325.  You guys might think my back is poor but my chest looks like a sunken treasure.  It's sad.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Earl1972 on October 12, 2006, 08:18:20 PM
post a pic of this "sunken treasure" already

E
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on October 12, 2006, 11:38:36 PM
post a pic of this "sunken treasure" already

E

Monday I will (next chest day).  I will need to post a clip up too because it doesn't look as bad when my chest is actually flexed.  Standing relaxed you wouldn't even know my chest is there.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: stefanogym on October 13, 2006, 12:17:38 AM
you need to balance your work for external rotator, compared to what you do for chest and latissimi.
take a look to your hands when you are relaxed... they are internally rotated..that means there is an unbalance...it must be corrected to add functionality and beauty to your phisique :)
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on October 13, 2006, 12:37:08 PM
stefanogym - great advice!!!

Am I bigger than Tom Prince?  ???
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Stavios on October 14, 2006, 12:34:40 PM
Here it is:

Some good info here!!  Same with other info posted in this thread.  Basically Stavios is saying to keep the delts back and arch the back slightly while doing bench presses to keep the delts out of play and focus on chest.  It is true that my delts are nearly as strong as my chest on pressing movements which leads me to believe they are coming to play more than anything.  In fact, I think my delts only developed as they did because I was so gung ho about developing my chest that I did a lot of pressing movements and ended up getting more delt pressing power out of that than anything.

Yes !!!!

you should do it while doing biceps too !

I'm telling you they would grow like weed as I am pretty sure your shoulders are doing all the work in both your chest and biceps movements
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on October 15, 2006, 12:29:51 PM
Thanks Stavios!!

Tomorrow I will post some clips on youtube of me bench pressing 225.  Hopefully I will be able to get at least 15 tomorrow since that's what I got on Thursday.  I'm going to do that set using my normal form just to get as many reps as possible.  I'll use your technique for my other sets though.

Here are a couple more pictures from yesterday (no pump).  My chest is 44" and my arms are 16" cold flexed.  I am 195ish and as you can see, the outline of my abs and serratus is in.

TA says I have 40 pounds of fat and water to lose.

Discuss.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Stavios on October 15, 2006, 12:47:15 PM
no more than 25 pounds

don't see your legs tho but I'd say you ha ve between 20 and 25 pounds of fat and water to lose

hard to say with pictures
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on October 15, 2006, 01:09:57 PM
no more than 25 pounds

don't see your legs tho but I'd say you ha ve between 20 and 25 pounds of fat and water to lose

hard to say with pictures

My legs are small and smooth.  :-X  I will take some pics in better lighting as you can see some small degree of separation in them under good lights.  They are 25".  I squat in the 300-400 range for good deep reps to parallel or below for my working sets.  I HATE to train legs.  I look forward to every other workout except for legs.

Can somebody photoshop some inner thigh development for me?  ;D

Seriously, I would like to see what my legs would look like if I had stronger inner thighs...
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: sarcasm on October 15, 2006, 01:50:40 PM
the legs are pretty good Matt, there is good teardrop development and good sweep, looking impressive all the way around good job.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Stavios on October 15, 2006, 09:06:02 PM
yeah usually people have weak sweep, not the other way around lol

My legs are a little like Mike Arvilla's, they are long so it takes time to build a good sweep
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: haider on October 15, 2006, 09:21:56 PM
Damn, I got the same problem with my legs. I do Squat pretty close stanced so that might explain it. Definitely switching over to wider stanced squats for my next routine.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Stavios on October 15, 2006, 09:33:57 PM
I like Matt's shoulders, they are awesome

Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: haider on October 15, 2006, 09:35:00 PM
homo
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Stavios on October 16, 2006, 05:04:29 PM
you seem pretty jealous of Matt's shoulder developement Haider  :)
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on October 16, 2006, 05:30:31 PM
Thanks guys for all the good words.  As for the bad words - to be honest, it really puts things into perspective for me.  You have to understand that I spend most of my time around people ages 19-24 and to them I'm a big and ripped guy.  Compared to some on here I'm nothing.  This thread really opened my eyes to my weaknesses.  It made me realize I have a lot of areas to bring up.  Although I always knew that, putting it out in the open was a different experience for me.

But bodybuilding is all about improvements right?

Here is a clip of me bench pressing 225 for 16 reps all the way to the chest.  I'll upload more clips as time goes by.  I would like to hit 225 for 20.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on October 16, 2006, 08:03:21 PM
tomr1976 - basically I've always done workouts similar to the one I posted above.  Just hard and heavy on very basic exercises.  I think I've always trained chest a little harder than anything else because I've always wanted a chest more than anything - with no luck.

I'll take your advice.  I've been taking a lot of advice in this thread.  Anything to give me an edge!!
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Earl1972 on October 16, 2006, 08:38:53 PM
are you completely fresh when you do that?

i like how you give a little smile at the end of the set :-*

E
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on October 16, 2006, 08:44:04 PM
Earl,

Not completely fresh.  I do two warmup sets before getting to 225.  I suppose since 225 doesn't feel too heavy for me I could forego the warmups.

Discuss.

PS - LOL @ the smile remark.  :D ;D
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: gtbro1 on October 17, 2006, 04:05:53 AM
   Dude you are obviously very strong on pressing movements,and with good form. You have great delts,which you already know. If you have always done that high volume workout and have not gotten the results you want...what can it hurt to go low volume as someone else suggested? Either way overall you look really good and your strength is impressive.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: sarcasm on October 17, 2006, 06:49:38 AM
Thanks guys for all the good words.  As for the bad words - to be honest, it really puts things into perspective for me.  You have to understand that I spend most of my time around people ages 19-24 and to them I'm a big and ripped guy.  Compared to some on here I'm nothing.  This thread really opened my eyes to my weaknesses.  It made me realize I have a lot of areas to bring up.  Although I always knew that, putting it out in the open was a different experience for me.

But bodybuilding is all about improvements right?

Here is a clip of me bench pressing 225 for 16 reps all the way to the chest.  I'll upload more clips as time goes by.  I would like to hit 225 for 20.


good job man.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Maxsho on October 17, 2006, 09:19:30 AM
Great job! I go to your gym and have heard that your training partner has used synthol in his calves.  Discuss.

PS,  keep eating tuna and green beans!
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: body88 on October 17, 2006, 09:23:31 PM
Matt, looking good in your shots. You seem to be in good shape while you are adding size. Good to see you do not buy into the fat bastard bulking shit. Get your ass on the bar and start doing some chins!!!! Looking good man! Those are some big ass delts!
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: The True Adonis on October 20, 2006, 01:00:16 PM
Looking good.

It is time to get rid of that 35-40 lbs of fat though.


What can I do to convince you to start?
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: alexxx on October 20, 2006, 01:35:22 PM
Looking good.

It is time to get rid of that 35-40 lbs of fat though.


What can I do to convince you to start?

Pull your pants down.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: haider on October 20, 2006, 04:55:24 PM
Looking good.

It is time to get rid of that 35-40 lbs of fat though.


What can I do to convince you to start?
WTF are u talking about? He should be at an ideal bf% with probably 15-20 more pounds to go...not contest shape but pretty damn good bf%
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Earl1972 on October 20, 2006, 06:10:11 PM
Looking good.

It is time to get rid of that 35-40 lbs of fat though.


What can I do to convince you to start?

how high do you think his bodyfat is?

E
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: The True Adonis on October 20, 2006, 07:27:43 PM
20s
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: outby43 on October 20, 2006, 08:09:00 PM
how high do you think his bodyfat is?

E

15% - 17%
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Earl1972 on October 20, 2006, 08:42:07 PM
20s

I agree with you how most people underetsimate their bodyfat but I wouldn't put matt in the 20's

I would say 15% at most

E
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: haider on October 20, 2006, 08:47:43 PM
13-15% Get real stoopid guy.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: texasRUSH on October 20, 2006, 08:56:02 PM
dude i'm impressed!! you look thick as hell! i'm envious of those shoulders too!

and not many people can hit 225 like you did that many times! you da man!
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Stavios on October 21, 2006, 05:15:23 AM
20s
::)
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: texasRUSH on October 21, 2006, 07:41:47 AM
i'd give him between 10-12%
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: The True Adonis on October 21, 2006, 10:08:30 AM
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showpost.php?p=2450726&postcount=2

Here is a good indication of bodyfat through pictures.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Stavios on October 21, 2006, 11:15:20 AM
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showpost.php?p=2450726&postcount=2

Here is a good indication of bodyfat through pictures.


just because Matt doesn't have very good abs definition, it doesn't mean he is fat

he is about 12-13 % bf

are you really comparing him with this  guy in term of bf% ?
(http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=2272262)

plus this guy isn't THAT fat, you can see that he has some monster water retention tho
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on October 23, 2006, 05:00:03 PM
I'm reading everything on here.  It's cool to see it's mostly good.  I figure as long as I'm out there trying my best and keeping a good attitude on the boards, people will respect me.  I'm all about trying to improve myself.  I'm thinking 210 at the same condition I'm currently in would be a good weight for me.  I'm not sure how realistic it is, but I would only need to put on about eight pounds from the max I've ever weighed.

I could do a good five reps unassisted on my best day plus another two or three assisted using 300 pounds.  Maybe next chest day I'll get a meal or two more in before shooting a clip and see what I can do.

Here is a pic of myself at (according to TA) 25% body fat.

Discuss.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: sarcasm on October 23, 2006, 05:03:54 PM
awesome job Matt, you're a very hard worker, that is clear from your video clips, very impressive.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Hedgehog on October 23, 2006, 06:08:31 PM
If you want to hit your chest more, how about exchanging the flat bench for a slight incline 15-25 degrees.

By the looks of it, your benchpress is mostly all shoulders and triceps. Nothing wrong with that IMO, but if you want to hit the chest, you need to find some different excersise as well.

How about alternating between slight incline and flat benchpress as your main push excersise on your chest day?

Just a suggestion.

YIP
Zack
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: candidate2025 on October 23, 2006, 07:03:29 PM
..after seeing the video...your strong...but small as hell.   eat.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Stavios on October 23, 2006, 08:48:32 PM
If you want to hit your chest more, how about exchanging the flat bench for a slight incline 15-25 degrees.

By the looks of it, your benchpress is mostly all shoulders and triceps. Nothing wrong with that IMO, but if you want to hit the chest, you need to find some different excersise as well.

How about alternating between slight incline and flat benchpress as your main push excersise on your chest day?

Just a suggestion.

YIP
Zack

Matt knows what he has to do to improve his chest  ;D
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: sarcasm on October 24, 2006, 06:18:18 AM
Matt knows what he has to do to improve his chest  ;D
no offense man but Matt looks bigger than you, why would you be giving him advice?
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: alexxx on October 24, 2006, 07:49:55 AM
no offense man but Matt looks bigger than you, why would you be giving him advice?

Well Steevios actually competed for one. Second they look about the same size to me.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: jaejonna on October 24, 2006, 08:00:29 AM
Matt is stronger than guys twice his size!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Stavios on October 24, 2006, 03:58:44 PM
no offense man but Matt looks bigger than you, why would you be giving him advice?

not really I am about Matt's size
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on October 31, 2006, 11:49:16 AM
not really I am about Matt's size

The pictures posted of you were shredded right?  Remember I am 29% body fat so will have a long way to go to get to that point.

Here a couple of more pics.  Remember what Arnold said to Franco: "If you don't have it - don't hit it.  Don't hit it."  :-\

I've given it some thought and I think a good goal would be around 200 pounds but in better condition.  It would take time, but I think it would be possible without drugs.

Here is a clip of me using 315 on the flat bench for three reps (I consider the last one to be mine because assistance was minimal).  I'm changing things up in my chest routine though since I don't have one.  Maybe in time I get get the mass in my chest I'm looking for.  No way should a person benching over 300 not have a chest.

Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: alexxx on October 31, 2006, 11:51:12 AM
Here is the monstah!
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Old_Rooster on October 31, 2006, 01:11:30 PM
Looking STACKED matt!
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Earl1972 on November 01, 2006, 10:55:56 AM
next time say something to the camera matt

E
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Stavios on November 01, 2006, 06:30:27 PM
looking great in those pics MAtt !
you beat me overall cause your muscle are way rounder than mine and you have a better structure

but hey I don't think I looked that bad in my picture since I was 17  :)

I have around 15-20 pounds more muscle now, I was about 175lbs in that picture

I'll try to post a new pics of  me soon, but I don't have a camera so I have to ask a friend of mine to take the pic so maybe this week I'll have a pic or 2 to own alexxx once again  ;D
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: alexxx on November 01, 2006, 06:32:50 PM
looking great in those pics MAtt !
you beat me overall cause your muscle are way rounder than mine and you have a better structure

but hey I don't think I looked that bad in my picture since I was 17  :)

I have around 15-20 pounds more muscle now, I was about 175lbs in that picture

I'll try to post a new pics of  me soon, but I don't have a camera so I have to ask a friend of mine to take the pic so maybe this week I'll have a pic or 2 to own alexxx once again  ;D

Come posedown against me if you dare!
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Stavios on November 01, 2006, 06:33:22 PM
I think your chest looks in proportion with everything in that side chest matt
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Lord Humungous on November 03, 2006, 05:04:09 AM
The pictures posted of you were shredded right?  Remember I am 29% body fat so will have a long way to go to get to that point.

Here a couple of more pics.  Remember what Arnold said to Franco: "If you don't have it - don't hit it.  Don't hit it."  :-\

I've given it some thought and I think a good goal would be around 200 pounds but in better condition.  It would take time, but I think it would be possible without drugs.

Here is a clip of me using 315 on the flat bench for three reps (I consider the last one to be mine because assistance was minimal).  I'm changing things up in my chest routine though since I don't have one.  Maybe in time I get get the mass in my chest I'm looking for.  No way should a person benching over 300 not have a chest.



Basically Matt if you do the opposite of everything TA tells you, you'll be fine. I would guess your BF at about 13%ish. One thing, you might want to widen your bench grip a little and start blasting your rear delts on back day. Your front delts are really starting to over power your build. Overall you look to be in great shape and good strength.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: gh15 on February 06, 2007, 10:36:19 PM
youll never get your pecs thicker this way,,
reduce weight,,you dont need to bench at your size 315lb,,225-275 will grow your chest if done right 8 reps a set,,
dont lower the bar and bounce it off chest back up,,do it smooth and almost to a touch but not quite,,
eliminate delt work outs
use the incline bench and not the flat bench for your chest,,2 plates each side will do the trick,,

your upper torso looks like it belong on 18 year old while your arms and delts look like they belong on a guy that train for quite some time,,your problem is the over powering of your delts and arms,,

your body fat is 12% and in the picture it gives the illusion of 10% due to lighting

dont let the arms do the chest work,,feel the pecs working and reduce the weight,,i bench 315-405  and im 290+,,you dont need heavy weights to grow thick pecs

good lcuk
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on February 09, 2007, 01:12:08 AM
gh15 - thanks!!

I can't say for certain you who are or if you are even a real professional bodybuilder, but I can say for certain you know your stuff when it comes to bodybuilding.  Also I don't feel the need to dumb down my language when I speak to you and I feel that I can articulate myself in the most complicated manner possible if it was needed to get my point across and that you would understand.  There are very few pros who I can relate you to in terms of intelligence other than Nasser, but I am impressed.  ;)  Hopefully you'll be at the Arnold.  :)
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: benjamin pearson on February 09, 2007, 05:54:40 AM
Matt your looking real good..... any updated pics?? hows the progress
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Debussey on February 09, 2007, 04:55:16 PM
gh15 - thanks!!

I can't say for certain you who are or if you are even a real professional bodybuilder, but I can say for certain you know your stuff when it comes to bodybuilding.  Also I don't feel the need to dumb down my language when I speak to you and I feel that I can articulate myself in the most complicated manner possible if it was needed to get my point across and that you would understand.  There are very few pros who I can relate you to in terms of intelligence other than Nasser, but I am impressed.  ;)  Hopefully you'll be at the Arnold.  :)

Adonix = correct.

You must lose 250 pounds. Then you will be ripped.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Knives on February 09, 2007, 10:18:32 PM
Matt, for someone who deadlifts 450+, where are your traps?
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: gh15 on February 10, 2007, 12:52:49 PM
gh15 - thanks!!

I can't say for certain you who are or if you are even a real professional bodybuilder, but I can say for certain you know your stuff when it comes to bodybuilding.  Also I don't feel the need to dumb down my language when I speak to you and I feel that I can articulate myself in the most complicated manner possible if it was needed to get my point across and that you would understand.  There are very few pros who I can relate you to in terms of intelligence other than Nasser, but I am impressed.  ;)  Hopefully you'll be at the Arnold.  :)

another thing,,from the pictures i see inorder to be at 6-8% bodyfat which is considered ripped you need to lose 20-30lb,,

for the natural lifter,,,and mark it in your head my friends,, every 5lb lost is ~ 1% bf deduction,,

you are at 11-12% in those pictures,,you need to lose 20lb NATURALLY to be 7-8%,,on hormones cut it in half,,

for example,,,if you needed to lose 4-6% bf,,,naturally it would cost you 20-30lb,,,while on hormones it would cost you  10-15lb,,

so,,,naturally you will be 165-170lb at 6-7%,,,while on cutting hormones you will be 180-185lb at 6-7%,,

in both cases a physiqe can look phenominal if its ripped and balanced
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: GoneAway on February 11, 2007, 01:21:42 AM
Looking good, Matt. Work on your back more.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: gtbro1 on February 11, 2007, 02:15:22 AM
  All Drugs.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on March 10, 2007, 12:01:00 PM
Matt your looking real good..... any updated pics?? hows the progress

Coming soon.  I just started getting back into it this week and things went fairly well everything considered.  I should have no problem getting my bench back up to 315 for reps and a one rep max deadlift of 450+ again.  I look forward to it!  I think that now at 25 my metabolism is starting to slow down but so far only in a good way - I'm able to preserve more muscle during breaks.  I have some goals for 2007 and I'll start posting my progress again.  I may start using Gaspari's SIZEON creatine.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: GoneAway on March 10, 2007, 07:35:15 PM
Matt, do you plan to compete someday?
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on March 11, 2007, 05:04:35 PM
Matt, do you plan to compete someday?

Probably not, just trying to be as muscular as strong as I can be...naturally for now, maybe throw in some gear later on.  :)
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: AVBG on March 11, 2007, 05:12:29 PM
Probably not, just trying to be as muscular as strong as I can be...naturally for now, maybe throw in some gear later on.  :)

Hey Matt, I met Shawn and some of the guys from GMV this weekend. They said to say hello. :)
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: benjamin pearson on March 13, 2007, 06:20:12 AM
Coming soon.  I just started getting back into it this week and things went fairly well everything considered.  I should have no problem getting my bench back up to 315 for reps and a one rep max deadlift of 450+ again.  I look forward to it!  I think that now at 25 my metabolism is starting to slow down but so far only in a good way - I'm able to preserve more muscle during breaks.  I have some goals for 2007 and I'll start posting my progress again.  I may start using Gaspari's SIZEON creatine.

cool, good luck Matt
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on June 11, 2007, 04:59:53 PM
New pictures as of today (cold).

How can I get rid of that acne on my back?  ???  I have had it since the age of 18 and starting today I'm washing my back with a loofah rather than just washing the top of my back with soap and letting it drip down as somebody recommended.  Does anyone have a more efficient solution?  I think it looks gross and I don't want any permanent skin damage due to acne.

I am 180 right now and starting Gaspari SIZEON and SuperPump250 and hoping to get back to 200 in the same condition I'm in now with that and muscle memory.  My bench today was 225 for 12 after doing 135 for 20 and 185 for 15.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: alexxx on June 11, 2007, 05:53:23 PM
New pictures as of today (cold).

How can I get rid of that acne on my back?  ???  I have had it since the age of 18 and starting today I'm washing my back with a loofah rather than just washing the top of my back with soap and letting it drip down as somebody recommended.  Does anyone have a more efficient solution?  I think it looks gross and I don't want any permanent skin damage due to acne.

I am 180 right now and starting Gaspari SIZEON and SuperPump250 and hoping to get back to 200 in the same condition I'm in now with that and muscle memory.  My bench today was 225 for 12 after doing 135 for 20 and 185 for 15.

Whatever you do for shoulders, do the exact same thing for every other bodypart, kid.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Knives on June 11, 2007, 06:00:34 PM
alexxx is right, though your arms and quads look pretty huge too

maybe you should try cutting soon, you'll look even better with a smaller waist and more defintion
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: 240 is Back on June 11, 2007, 08:33:44 PM
If you want advice... and I'm no whateva, and no expert, but... my 2 cents

train your abs more.   they're a gimme if you train them.  your lats and shoulders are great, very very great.  But calves don't match upper arms for symmetry.  Chest isn't as good as back. 

You seem like you really like the shoulder press and pulldowns.  What about the mass builders - the deadlifts, squat?  You have great bodyPARTS but lack the overall THICKness - the COMPLETEness. 

You look great tho - ten times better than the average american and better than I do.  But IMO you need to work on balance and thickness.  maybe make legs day ONE and chest day TWO in your routine.  that way, if the week falls apart, you always get those weaker areas first.  good luck bro.


Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Herc on June 11, 2007, 08:44:04 PM
I wouldnt be concerned with trying to get to any certain body wieght.  Just focus on gaining muscle and having a low body fat.  I always judge my workouts by how much im lifting and not a goal body wieght.  Right now im 160 but am lifting the same wieght as when I was 190 so I know I havnt lost muscle mass or at least ive gained it all back without getting fat again.  If you are trying to get to a muscle mass that you once had it is true that it has memory so it doesnt take much to get back.  It also doesnt take "bulking up" or some crazy high calorie diet that will make you fat.  Just eat good foods like fish, chicken, ect.. and dont eat any junk or bad sugar like coke and you should be able to put solid muscle on.  Twenty lbs of solid muscle is a huge amount if your natural.  At one point I got down to 153 and was lean and since ive brought my bench up 40lbs squats around 50lbs and the rest of my lifts a comparable amount and ive only gained 7lbs of muscle.  You would probably have to bring your bench and squats up like 100lbs to gain 20lbs of solid muscle. I actually try to stay as light as possible and keep all my strenth so I actually dont like it when I gaiin a few lbs but thats just me. 
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: amc1980 on June 12, 2007, 04:13:04 AM
Monster clogs!!!
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: davidpaul on June 12, 2007, 04:33:11 AM
looking solid, how tall are you matt?  ;D
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: BEAST 8692 on June 12, 2007, 05:42:32 AM
as pointed out numerous times, your delts are overpowering everything, even your back. not a bad muscle group to be overpowering. being the narcissistic mofo that you are  ;D i am sure you're accutely aware of the importance of wide delts in terms of appearance.

however, if you're looking to get after the pecs, you need to learn how to keep the delts from taking on the load during your chest workouts.

my advice to you is to forget about which exercise does what for your chest and concentrate on 1 exercise that allows the use of heavy weights (to you) and puts you in a position where you can comprehensively hit the pecs.

i'll use the bench press for illustration seeing as you seem to like it so much + the fact that it is a good exercise IF done correctly.

take an empty bar and put it on the supports. lie back on the bench and put your feet firmly on the ground creating a good arch (yes, stay with me) and the feet well back so you have a good foundation from the base.

now here's the part where you deactivate the delts somewhat and activate the pecs:

retract the shoulders right back and down the bench towards your feet while spreading the lats. get it, got it, good. DON'T LET THE SHOULDERS LEAVE THIS POSITION AT ALL DURING THE SET.

practise with the empty bar, slowly contracting the pecs as you lockout the bar. you should be really tight during the set and NEVER hunch the shoulders at the top, which you shouldn't IF you are keeping those shoulders retracted back into the lats for the entire movement. when you look down the bench towards your feet end (which you should be and with your chin down) your chest should be pushed right out in bold relief.

2nd most important point: forget about how much weight your lifting and stop using power to blast the weight up, it'll be making your delts an offer they can't refuse and they will gladly take over from the pecs without you even being concious of it. move the weight slowly with lighter weights so you get a feel for using the pecs to squeeze together as you lock out the rep.

3rd most important point: forget about rom. you will probably be surprised how short the movement actually is if you're doingit as stated, but that's because you won't be rotating the shoulders and surging them forward at the end of the movement.

anyway, i know i sound like a wanker giving out 'advices', but just try it one time seriously and you will understand what i'm talking about. you'll get much better stimulation in the pecs.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Hedgehog on June 12, 2007, 05:49:29 AM
Here's my take on things lately Matt:

You will never be a great bodybuilder.

But you already have a very good physique, and you can make it better.

But why not focus on making it at strong as possible?

So I say fcuk "bringing up the chest". ;D

Do heavy benchpresses like you always do, find a really good layout (I posted one on the PL board BTW 8)), and then train supplemental for the rest of the body.

And make a serious effort to get 405 lbs in the benchpress before next fall.

You got the genetics for it fo' sho'.

-Hedge
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Faust on June 12, 2007, 11:55:22 AM
Hmmm...

My advice: shave, get a haircut, a tan, and lose the slippers  ;D
(http://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=99475.0;attach=172402;image)

Seriously, if i were you i'd drop all direct shoulder work.
Also, from now on i'd concentrate maybe on doing "pumping" work with light weights for your chest. (maybe db presses and flys, cable/machine work,...)  I doubt you work your chest effectively, your shoulders probably do all the work , so try to get "in touch" with your pecs.  :)
Give special care to calves/forearms and keep working the back and legs hard.
Don't bulk too fast. No use for a natural to go up in weight quickly. It's not a sprint bro, we're in it for the long run.

I think now you have what you could call "a good base". Now if you can give a little more balance and flow to your physique it would look good (at a lower bf level).
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Knives on June 12, 2007, 03:54:10 PM
I wouldnt be concerned with trying to get to any certain body wieght.  Just focus on gaining muscle and having a low body fat.  I always judge my workouts by how much im lifting and not a goal body wieght.  Right now im 160 but am lifting the same wieght as when I was 190 so I know I havnt lost muscle mass or at least ive gained it all back without getting fat again.  If you are trying to get to a muscle mass that you once had it is true that it has memory so it doesnt take much to get back.  It also doesnt take "bulking up" or some crazy high calorie diet that will make you fat.  Just eat good foods like fish, chicken, ect.. and dont eat any junk or bad sugar like coke and you should be able to put solid muscle on.  Twenty lbs of solid muscle is a huge amount if your natural.  At one point I got down to 153 and was lean and since ive brought my bench up 40lbs squats around 50lbs and the rest of my lifts a comparable amount and ive only gained 7lbs of muscle.  You would probably have to bring your bench and squats up like 100lbs to gain 20lbs of solid muscle. I actually try to stay as light as possible and keep all my strenth so I actually dont like it when I gaiin a few lbs but thats just me. 

I agree completely.  I recently lost about 20 lbs, and I was afraid I was losing all my muscle, but it was really fat, and I had more fat than I thought.  I think when some people bulk up really high, and get to say 15% bodyfat, they get to thinking they're much bigger than they are, since they're not fat, but they weigh a lot.  As they say "use the mirror as your scale."
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Bluto on June 13, 2007, 02:42:47 PM
heres my advice

post less spam on getbig and spend more time on the training q & a board

Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: BEAST 8692 on June 14, 2007, 06:00:46 AM
looking good man. 

chest is my weak point too, my shoulders are very strong and want to take over during almost all pressing movements. 

decline dumbell presses are slightly better because you get more range of motion and you can bring the weights in like an arc motion instead of a straight line. 

good luck and keep us updated.

this was my point above.

rom is a load of shit and, if you're using heavy weights, can be downright dangerous.

think about this for a second. watch the pro bbers train bench (incl etc) on youtube. how much rom do they use. how about cutler, seen how much rom he uses? ronnie? bloody hell, branch ???

i think sometimes people miss the the most important point and that is to set up so you are focusing the tension on the target muscles.

if rom was important, yoga masters would be the strongest people on the planet and barbell exercises would be redundant. think franco columbu in pumping iron doing bench. his chest was so thick and his arms so short that the bar hit his chest in about 8 inches, yet he probably had the thickest pecs of all time. ;)
 
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: pobrecito on June 14, 2007, 09:32:39 AM
Matt, what the hell happened to you  ??? You look like you've lost 10lbs of muscle  :(
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: flexingtonsteele on June 14, 2007, 12:33:28 PM
looks like ur shoulders overpower ur chest during chest training.

I would try more higher incline bench press. Some wider grip flat bench, lowering the weight and really work on expanding the ribcage and pulling ur scaps back when u bench. That will minimize your shoulder involvement.

Also just keep on doing whatever ur doing because u look pretty good.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Bluto on June 14, 2007, 02:07:44 PM
Matt, what the hell happened to you  ??? You look like you've lost 10lbs of muscle  :(

he decided to follow the adonis principles  ::)
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: CQ on June 14, 2007, 03:14:44 PM
How can I get rid of that acne on my back?  ???  I have had it since the age of 18 and starting today I'm washing my back with a loofah rather than just washing the top of my back with soap and letting it drip down as somebody recommended.  Does anyone have a more efficient solution?  I think it looks gross and I don't want any permanent skin damage due to acne.

Acne on the back should be almost be treated like facial acne. The same way one would use specific creams/ointments etc. on the face one should on the back. Try showering immediately after workouts [not giving the sweat a chance to clog pores further], don't use "soap"..use a specific anti-acne wash on the area, then apply a treatment cream after twice a day [difficult to apply yes but thats what the gf is for]. Try a benzoyl peroxide based cream. Also I wouldn't say a loofah is best as it may further aggravate the inflammations.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: EL Mariachi on June 14, 2007, 03:24:00 PM
Acne on the back should be almost be treated like facial acne. The same way one would use specific creams/ointments etc. on the face one should on the back. Try showering immediately after workouts [not giving the sweat a chance to clog pores further], don't use "soap"..use a specific anti-acne wash on the area, then apply a treatment cream after twice a day [difficult to apply yes but thats what the gf is for]. Try a benzoyl peroxide based cream. Also I wouldn't say a loofah is best as it may further aggravate the inflammations.


you definetely know a few things about back acne. matt do you shower every day? 
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: CQ on June 14, 2007, 03:38:45 PM
you definetely know a few things about back acne.

I would hope so, I am a trained esthetician  :)
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: EL Mariachi on June 14, 2007, 03:56:54 PM
I would hope so, I am a trained esthetician  :)

i have some kind of lotion, if you put it at nights at your zit, it dries out and the next day your zit is gone. i wish i had that when i was in highskool, but the truth is the girls didnt minda few bigass zits at my face back then, they like me too much. not that im anythink special, i just keep it real.

i do have some acne on my back, its a good thing that you guys discussed this cause im gonna use the lotion for my back, you better watch your back cq.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: CQ on June 14, 2007, 04:24:20 PM
you better watch your back cq.

Why?

There is nothing wrong with my back, I was merely giving my professional opinion as Matt asked :)
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: EL Mariachi on June 14, 2007, 05:47:53 PM
Why?

There is nothing wrong with my back, I was merely giving my professional opinion as Matt asked :)

cq you better talk to that guy camel jockey, he s been asking me weird questions like''why are you bothering cq'' ::)
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Tombo on June 14, 2007, 08:15:37 PM
hit up the t-bars and barbell rows! lookin big up top and in the legs otherwise
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: BEAST 8692 on June 15, 2007, 04:55:43 AM
umm...if you think rom is not important then why don't you do all of your exercises doing only 1 inch of movement and tell us how it goes?

rom is important, the problem is that most exercises dont allow the resistance to get stronger as the muscle contracts, therefore your limiting factor is the bottom position.  a limited rom can allow you to use heavier weights and possibly get some more growth, but for the fastest results, a full rom is better, and of course varying resistance. 

yep, good point.

i've thought a lot about that and the only conclusion i can make is that with certain exercises the increased rom allows for extra muscular involvement eg. deep squats allow the glutes and hamstrings to assist more with the movement and thus create a greater muscular involvement and potential.

however, bench press (and it's derivatives) only differ in rotation of the shoulder joint with increased rom and imo there is a case of diminishing results combined with potential injury ie the shoulders/tris/pecs are not going to benefit with increased rom at the expense of progressively heavier weights and there is an greater potential potentiatal for injury which is most certainly hazardous to progressive resistance.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on September 25, 2007, 01:25:54 PM
Here is a picture.  I am probably 180 now, if that.  I want to hit 200+ again.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Ursus on September 25, 2007, 02:38:03 PM
looking great matt. never realised how well you look

been away form this section for ages and ages
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: mass 04 on September 25, 2007, 04:45:55 PM
Great Shoulders Matt
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on November 16, 2007, 09:16:08 PM
Rear lat spread.  Still in the process of getting back up to 200-205 now.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: haider on November 16, 2007, 09:34:30 PM
Here is a picture.  I am probably 180 now, if that.  I want to hit 200+ again.
you dont look as good here matt, no offense but your chest still sucks.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: the choad on November 17, 2007, 12:05:02 AM
Here is a picture.  I am probably 180 now, if that.  I want to hit 200+ again.


All Cell-tech.. ;D


Matt did something happen where you lost a ton of weight fast, I.E illness or something like that? :D
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: AVBG on November 17, 2007, 01:34:42 AM
How much are you weighing now? 190?
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: gtbro1 on November 17, 2007, 03:43:28 PM
boxers and white sox
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: GoneAway on November 18, 2007, 01:08:35 AM
matt u look the same as u did more than a year ago
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: BEAST 8692 on November 18, 2007, 02:41:57 AM
'matt, meet squat rack...'
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on November 18, 2007, 12:51:49 PM
you dont look as good here matt, no offense but your chest still sucks.

Wow, tell me about it!  All genetics...and there was a time when I was bench pressing just under 350 for a single.

Really now, is there any way to improve my chest or is it just genetics?

Right now I am still 180-190!  My legs are also actually pretty strong.  I am able to do up to 1,000+ pounds on the leg press for about 4-6 full reps.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: BEAST 8692 on November 18, 2007, 04:22:01 PM
Wow, tell me about it!  All genetics...and there was a time when I was bench pressing just under 350 for a single.

Really now, is there any way to improve my chest or is it just genetics?

Right now I am still 180-190!  My legs are also actually pretty strong.  I am able to do up to 1,000+ pounds on the leg press for about 4-6 full reps.

exactly my point.

there's some 70 year old man (with no legs) on youtube somewhere who owns you.

your legs are steaming piles of shit. no offence, just providing honest constructive feedback.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on November 18, 2007, 05:02:10 PM
exactly my point.

there's some 70 year old man (with no legs) on youtube somewhere who owns you.

your legs are steaming piles of shit. no offence, just providing honest constructive feedback.

lol, this is true.

I would like to address all my areas in need of improvement but more than anything, I really would like to get my chest up!!
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: chaos on November 18, 2007, 05:06:57 PM
Wow, tell me about it!  All genetics...and there was a time when I was bench pressing just under 350 for a single.

Really now, is there any way to improve my chest or is it just genetics?

Right now I am still 180-190!  My legs are also actually pretty strong.  I am able to do up to 1,000+ pounds on the leg press for about 4-6 full reps.
Legpress does not equal squat. I got to where I could do 10 reps at 1000lbs on the legpress but could only squat 315 once. :-\

So I quit with the legpresses and started squatting.......always.. .legpresses after if I want, but I squat as hard as I can first.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: BEAST 8692 on November 18, 2007, 05:07:43 PM
lol, this is true.

I would like to address all my areas in need of improvement but more than anything, I really would like to get my chest up!!

lol

of course you do.

you're such a guido matt. ;D
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on March 27, 2008, 09:37:27 PM
205 or bust.  ;D
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Earl1972 on March 27, 2008, 10:13:28 PM
what's your weight nowadays cowboy?

E
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: The Master on March 29, 2008, 04:08:10 PM
Serious question: Why are you so damn inconsistent in your training and dieting MattC?
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: candidizzle on April 01, 2008, 11:07:42 AM
Wow, tell me about it!  All genetics...and there was a time when I was bench pressing just under 350 for a single.

Really now, is there any way to improve my chest or is it just genetics?

Right now I am still 180-190!  My legs are also actually pretty strong.  I am able to do up to 1,000+ pounds on the leg press for about 4-6 full reps.
youve got to isolate your chest.

my chest is my worst muscle group...but that has made me learn how to train it correctluy... stop worrying about how much weight your lifting or trying to stick to the "basics" you build a muscle by stimulating it...   full stimulation is best on iso movements...   do dumbells presses, fly,s cable cross overs, and machine bench press.. really feel your pecs firing...dont worry at all about the weight
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Grape Ape on April 11, 2008, 12:17:20 PM
lol, this is true.

I would like to address all my areas in need of improvement but more than anything, I really would like to get my chest up!!

You remind me of me in that category.  At my strongest, I did a single with 325, and could do 15-18 reps with 225.  My chest still looked like crap.  It's just the shape I was born with - space in the middle, short muscle bellies, etc.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Ursus on April 11, 2008, 12:38:13 PM
matt i have the same problem with my chest. shoulders completely dominate it.

i pause every single rep i do on the bench like  aPLing bench press. maybe not quite as long. helping my chest enormous amount
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: medz zeppelin on April 25, 2008, 11:34:20 AM
youve got to isolate your chest.

my chest is my worst muscle group...but that has made me learn how to train it correctluy... stop worrying about how much weight your lifting or trying to stick to the "basics" you build a muscle by stimulating it...   full stimulation is best on iso movements...   do dumbells presses, fly,s cable cross overs, and machine bench press.. really feel your pecs firing...dont worry at all about the weight
hahaha.......this fucking kid cracks me up
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: BEAST 8692 on April 27, 2008, 09:34:28 AM
hahaha.......this fucking kid cracks me up

he's on the gear now, so it probably doesn't matter as much.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: medz zeppelin on April 28, 2008, 06:53:25 AM
he's on the gear now, so it probably doesn't matter as much.
it doesn't matter how much gear he takes.....he'll always be a pussy
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on July 07, 2008, 01:14:11 AM
How do I get bigger without gear?
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: wavelength on July 07, 2008, 02:12:33 AM
That shot looks quite impressive.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: haider on July 07, 2008, 09:36:40 AM
How do I get bigger without gear?
Usually people lift weights.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Bluto on July 07, 2008, 10:09:25 AM
usually people eat food.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on July 07, 2008, 11:29:46 AM
usually people eat food.

I'm having great difficulty with this one.  :-\
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Bluto on July 07, 2008, 01:29:10 PM
I'm having great difficulty with this one.  :-\

why you must allready be eating 90% or more daily of what you need otherwise you would lose weight. so how hard can it be to add another 10% spread out over the day ?

Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Faust on July 07, 2008, 04:33:35 PM
How do I get bigger without gear?
Photoshop
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on July 07, 2008, 06:56:08 PM
Photoshop

LOL!

Can anyone help me out with that?  :)
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Camel Jockey on July 07, 2008, 07:16:30 PM
How come you deadlift heavy but have poor back development?

Do you do bent over rows? What about t-bar rows?

Nice nice delts though.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: njflex on July 08, 2008, 08:23:38 AM
LAY  off delts a bit and row,row,row,and chinups till you drop ,need lat width and mid thickness.upper back due to developed delts is ok.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Ursus on July 08, 2008, 12:56:20 PM
I never understood people who say lay of training one part to bring the others up.

I would rather have freak parts rather than a bit smaller and balanced.

can you imagine platz stop training legs to be mor ebalanced?
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: haider on July 09, 2008, 10:45:48 AM
How come you deadlift heavy but have poor back development?

Do you do bent over rows? What about t-bar rows?

Nice nice delts though.
because deadlifting doesn't hit the lats... wouldnt matter anyway, his back genetics suck.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: BEAST 8692 on July 09, 2008, 12:33:15 PM
I never understood people who say lay of training one part to bring the others up.

I would rather have freak parts rather than a bit smaller and balanced.

can you imagine platz stop training legs to be mor ebalanced?

i think the point being made is that when matt goes to the gym next he should introduce himself to the squat rack and think bent over rows, deadlifts and pull-ups instead of quarter inch rom leg press, cable curls and strict lateral raises.

also, this has been pointed out b4 along with advice provided, he needs to learn how to stop his delts and tris doing all the work (at the expense of pecs) on benches.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: jaejonna on July 11, 2008, 06:21:44 AM
How do I get bigger without gear?
you train hard, eat accordingly and do that consistently for more than 10 years before you look like anything....
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: d0nny2600 on July 11, 2008, 06:22:42 AM
you train hard, eat accordingly and do that consistently for more than 10 years before you look like anything....
Gayer than not willing to put in the time
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: jaejonna on July 11, 2008, 06:23:50 AM
Gayer than not willing to put in the time
hahahha exactly, these tits think they can wake up at 19 and be huge and ripped without Gear .... hahahahah you gots to put time in...
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: d0nny2600 on July 11, 2008, 06:24:44 AM
hahahha exactly, these tits think they can wake up at 19 and be huge and ripped without Gear .... hahahahah you gots to put time in...
Gayer than Candidizzle found this out quickly(after 4 years of training and house of pain vests!) and jumped on the gear bandwagon
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: tbombz on January 06, 2009, 01:21:49 PM
Gayer than Candidizzle found this out quickly(after 4 years of training and house of pain vests!) and jumped on the gear bandwagon
thats because im "intelligent" !  :D
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: d0nny2600 on January 11, 2009, 06:49:47 AM
thats because im "intelligent" !  :D
Monster bump lol
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: NaturalWonder83 on January 11, 2009, 07:01:31 AM
hey matt-pix look good-u have well developed delts-hows the training going as of late bro?
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on June 05, 2009, 01:37:52 AM
hey matt-pix look good-u have well developed delts-hows the training going as of late bro?

Deadlift: 315X14.  My max ever was 17 and my goal is 20.  My bench is currently around 225X18, best ever was 21 and goal is 25.  8)
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: mass 04 on June 05, 2009, 09:12:06 AM
What is your current training split Matthew?
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt C on June 06, 2009, 09:30:20 PM
What is your current training split Matthew?

It looks roughly like one of the splits here:

http://www.bodybuildingpro.com/5dayaweek.html
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: lax on June 21, 2009, 08:59:42 AM
How do I get bigger without gear?

start hitt the chine

3 days per week
ten sets
can

as many as you can

you will get wide
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: gcb on June 22, 2009, 08:38:57 PM
How do I get bigger without gear?

You can't - there is a Jewish conspiracy to keep you small.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: mass 04 on June 23, 2009, 10:36:27 AM
It looks roughly like one of the splits here:

http://www.bodybuildingpro.com/5dayaweek.html
Hi Coach.
Title: Re: Pics of Matt C.
Post by: Matt on February 24, 2021, 09:18:31 PM
I found this thread while searching for the Ironage photos of my sisters from 2007.

I must say - I am very grateful to read such kind, constructive criticisms of my physique in this thread, in addition to so many posts providing me with explicit, intelligent advice as to how to improve.

Thank you, to everyone who were so kind as to help me here! I hope I can be of some type of assistance to you guys whenever you need it in the future.

Since gyms will be closing again, I'd like to drop to 160-lb by way of a super lean low-calorie diet + walks/cardio. If I can't train for strength, I'd like to see how lean I can get from SUPER low-calorie, low-carb, high-protein, moderate fat diet.

I have been reintroducing myself to Lyle McDonald to achieve this goal!

So if any Getbiggers could continue to be so kind and push me in the right direction for a cutting diet, I would be very grateful.

Thank you for all the kind words towards me in this thread - and thank you for the constructive critical too. It only helps me.

PS - I will try to find those Ironage photos of my sisters, LOL.