Thanks everyone for all the compliments! I was 215lbs on stage, a 20lb jump in a year lol. I ended up doing my own diet so I think that helped a ton. The show was the NPC Elite Physique in Pittsburgh. It was a smaller show, but a NQ. The kid who beat me in the LHW has placed top 5 several times at Jr. shows, so I wasn't too disappointed by it. He was maybe 5-10% sharper, which is why he beat me. My diet was nothing special, I honestly went on feel. I kept fats and protein high and with every meal and by the end was maybe having 2 carb meals of 50 grams, one which was of fruit. Other days like leg days had 1-2 more carb meals and off days had no carbs. This was my shortest diet and most amount of food ever, hence why I didn't lose oodles of muscle like every other prep. I did an hour of cardio a day for a good amount of time though, and started doing intervals the final 4 weeks before bed on my bike at home. I follow John Meadow's mountaindog training now.. I plan on hiring him once I get some extra cash, but I have seen all types of his workouts and have been following them with awesome results.
Looking really good! Shape looks real nice. As u said about spilling over, low back n legs coulda been tighter. But first in heavies! That's awesome.
U going to see the show in Carnegie this sat? I think it's a natty show so prolly not haha. I have a friend competing.
I think the Natty show is in October lol. I know I can be dryer/tighter. I definitely have tons of room for improvement everywhere. I am nowhere close where I want to be or think I can be.
I would put you at tier 5 or 6, which is damn good. Tiers 1-3 are saved for top ranked NPC and IFBB pro competitors. You're not too far off. This should be your goal--to get to tier 1.
This has been a lifelong goal of mine to be tier 1-2. Someday I pray.