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M3:D9 Questions

May 22, 2008 By Michael Mahony, ISSA CPT Leave a Comment

In my post yesterday (M38 Stabilized) I asked why nobody ever seems to respond to the Question of the Day feature on this blog.  I got numerous responses that I found interesting.  Some mentioned being in a hurry and others mentioned not knowing what to answer or being embarrassed.  I did enjoy the responses and it brought to mind the idea for this blog posting.

You see, the Question of the Day is specifically aimed at starting a dialog.  In some cases I'm thinking about something and want to get feedback which might result in a future post.  Whatever the case, I am simply trying to get you all to think.  As I get further and further into this journey I have realized so many things.  I have alot that I want to share and alot I want to “put out there” and so I ask these questions.  What I truly appreciate is the honest of those who post comments here.  I love the honesty of those in the Shreddersphere and those in the Shredder Council mission.  That's the kind of honesty I want to see in response to the Question of the Day.

I honestly do not think you should be embarrassed by anything you have to say.  I am a fairly agressive person who has gotten to where I am in life by thinking before I speak, but saying what's on my mind.  I don't believe in political correctness.  I believe in laying it out there.  At the same time, I try as best I can to avoid hurting anyone's feelings.  That's the only thing I censor myself for–someone else's feelings.

My questions arise because of things I read on the internet.  There are so many scammers in the fitness industry and it bothers me that they are able to take advantage of others.  This is why I feel like I need to continue to push forward with my plans for a fitness website and several eBooks.  The industry needs more people like Adam Waters (Adam: RTP Blog 2), Tom Venuto (Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle) and Marc David (No Bull Bodybuilding).  These are people who actually care about the people they are influencing.  They are not out simply to make a buck.

Just yesterday I got an email from Vince Del Monte (No Nonsense Muscle Building) and he expresses frustration with how some people have responded to his website:

“Something cool happened today after I sent that email last night inviting everyone to join my Vince DelMonte “fan group” on Facebook. 
 

For some reason, I had more than double the downloads of my book today and was trying to figure out why…


…as I was doing my second workout tonight it hit me.  There are still a lot of people who think my website is a scam.

 

You should see the emails I get each day from skeptics asking if I'm a real person, why my website is so long, how I sleep at night with all the “made up” testimonials and lots of other interesting comments.

 

Having a website on the Net for almost two years has taught me that it does not matter how many whales I save, how much I donate to third world countries or if I go to church six times a day, people on the net will always think “scam” when they see my “style” of website. “

You see, just the day prior to this email Vince had announced that he was going to be competing in a fitness competition just 25 days from now.  Apparently this got people's attention because, as his email states, the downloads of his book doubled after that email went out.

Vince went on to explain the reaction:

“I think this email helped me prove that my I'm not a scam nor

is my website.  A recent email I got from a fellow who's

been reading my newsletter for ONE YEAR and said confirmed

my thoughts,

 

 “Hey Vince, I went for it and bought your program… it only

took me a year of reading your amazing newsletters…lol.  I

know I could have been one year closer to my goal but, oh well,

it's time to build some muscle like you.”  “

This shows you what people think of genuine “fitness gurus” like Vince.  They see it as a scam and why not?  People need to be careful because there are alot of scammers in the fitness industry.  Certain people get a following of “worshippers” that believe everything they say without question.  This is a dangerous thing.  You need to question.  You need to do this because it makes you think.  Thinking saves you money because you begin to realize while looking at the latest fitness website that you already have a program that is exactly like the one you are about to drop $60 on.  Close that website down because you don't need what they are selling.  What you need is effort and hard work.

There is a funny story about Arnold that exemplifies why it is important to lift heavy weights relative to where you are now:

“A wannabe fan strolled up to Arnold and complained that he couldn't get his calves to grow. “I don't use heavy weights because I want to get a really high intensity burn,” said the fan.  “Listen,” Arnold replied back, straight faced, “if I got a match and lit it under your ass, you'd get a fantastic burn, but it wouldn't help your muscle size.  You have to use heavy weights!”  Not too subtle, but the point was made.“

 

The point of the Question of the Day is to get you to think and to have your thoughts make other people think.  Please, if you have the time, give a quick answer to the Question of the Day.  Don't worry about your answer.  Don't overthink it…just answer.  You will find that the more you answer the questions that are asked the more you will think about your own fitness situation.  This will lead you to a new action plan.  Take action now because each day you wait is another day you could have gotten closer to achieving your goals.

Accountability Log:

Week Begins 5/18/2008
  Sun Mon Tues Weds Thurs Fri Sat
Cycle spot HC LC LC LC HC LC LC
M1 * 5:30 a.m. 3:30 a.m. 3:30 a.m. 3:30 a.m. 3:30 a.m. 3:30 a.m. 5:30 a.m.
M2 * 8:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m.
M3 * 11:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.
M4 * 2:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m.
M5 * 5:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m.
M6 * 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Weights * N/A Lift Lift N/A Lift N/A LIFT
Cardio * AM N/A N/A AM N/A AM AM
Abs * N/A FYA FYA N/A FYA FYA N/A
Water * 264 oz 240 oz 240 oz 240 oz      
Post-workout nutrition * Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Pre-sleep nutrition * Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Vitamins/Supplements * Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Accountability * Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cals within 5% (+/-) * Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Target Cals 3400 3400 3000 2400 2700 3400 3800
Cals 3255 3319 2971 2410      
Ratios (C/P/F) 30/50/20 30/50/20 20/60/20 10/70/20      
Target Ratios (C/P/F) 30/50/20 30/50/20 20/60/20 10/70/20 20/60/20 40/40/20 40/40/20
Total Completed 15 15 15 15      
Total Possible 15 15 15 15      
Mission 2 Total Complete 15 30 45 60      
Mission 2 Total Possible 15 30 45 60      
* = Counts towards total
Success!
Failed
Not Counted!

Workout Log:

Today was a cardio only day and I didn't feel like going to the gym.  It was just too nice outside when I got up, so at 4:30 a.m. I hit the streets for a nice run.  I ran for 4 miles at a pace of a 9 minute mile.  It felt great to feel the air hitting my face as I ran through the neighborhood where I live.  Tomorrow is upper body day and I'm looking forward to it.


This is my current workout routine. For more information, click the image above.

Want to learn about the basics of bodybuilding?  Click the image below.

Thought for the Day:

Never make excuses for yourself.

Question of the Day:

How many different fitness programs have you purchased?  Comment this post to answer this question.

 
 

Mission 1, Day 9: The world changes

Until tomorrow…GET BACK TO LIFTING!

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M3:D8 Stabilized

May 21, 2008 By Michael Mahony, ISSA CPT Leave a Comment

Today I worked on my bodyweight routine and it is supposed to be helping my stabilizers.  It is a pretty tough workout even without the weights!  I did 3 circuits today which was exhausting.

I was thinking about how I've stabilized myself the past month.  My nutritional experiment taught me that I can do anything where food is concerned.  When I'm tempted I just remind myself that I can get through it because I've done it before.  That is a stabilizing force and one that will help me cruise through to Level 4 eating.  Right now I'm about Level 3.5. 

I'm getting excited that my bulk is fast approaching.  It will be great to get that going since I've never done it before.  I am still working on building up to the caloric level I'm going to need.  I am going to be eating tons of chicken and tuna!

Accountability Log:

Week Begins 5/18/2008
  Sun Mon Tues Weds Thurs Fri Sat
Cycle spot HC LC LC LC HC LC LC
M1 * 5:30 a.m. 3:30 a.m. 3:30 a.m. 3:30 a.m. 3:30 a.m. 3:30 a.m. 5:30 a.m.
M2 * 8:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m.
M3 * 11:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.
M4 * 2:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m.
M5 * 5:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m.
M6 * 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Weights * N/A Lift Lift N/A Lift N/A LIFT
Cardio * AM N/A N/A AM N/A AM AM
Abs * N/A FYA FYA N/A FYA FYA N/A
Water * 264 oz 240 oz 240 oz        
Post-workout nutrition * Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Pre-sleep nutrition * Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Vitamins/Supplements * Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Accountability * Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cals within 5% (+/-) * Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Target Cals 3400 3400 3000 2400 2700 3400 3800
Cals 3255 3319 2971        
Ratios (C/P/F) 30/50/20 30/50/20 20/60/20        
Target Ratios (C/P/F) 30/50/20 30/50/20 20/60/20 10/70/20 20/60/20 40/40/20 40/40/20
Total Completed 15 15 15        
Total Possible 15 15 15        
Mission 2 Total Complete 15 30 45        
Mission 2 Total Possible 15 30 45        
* = Counts towards total
Success!
Failed
Not Counted!

Workout Log:

Today's workout was all bodyweight.  I really enjoyed it today.  I did 3 full circuits.  The bodyweight rows are awesome and the sets of 25 pullups are incredible for the back.  I can already notice a difference in my core when I do the planks.  I am seeing good results with this program so far.  This week and next are the final stages of the UDT and then I'm on to the body building plan and bulking up!


My current workout program. Click the image for more information!

Thought for the Day:

Stick to your plan long term.  Jumping from one thing to another is not only frustrating but counterproductive.

Question of the Day:

Why don't most of you ever answer the question of the day?  Comment this post to answer the question (if you dare).

 
 

Mission 1, Day 8: Moving on (literally)…

Until tomorrow…GET BACK TO LIFTING!

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M3:D7 Working for the plan

May 20, 2008 By Michael Mahony, ISSA CPT Leave a Comment

Today was another day where I had to work towards my plan.  The number of calories I'm trying to hit is just a bit higher than I'm used to, so I can't just instinctively know what to eat.  I am having to spend some time thinking about my eating decisions even after doing some planning because I want to be sure I hit my numbers.

I had another great leg workout today.  I enjoy leg day more and more now.  The amount of hard work that has to be put in to get a really intense leg workout is awesome.  You can't cruise through leg day and expect good results.

Working hard has become something I just do these days.  I get to the gym at times and I don't feel like working hard, but then I think about the fact that I have goals, I'm in the gym ultra early, so I'd better hit it hard.  My mindset immediately changes after just one good hard working set.  I think it is only natural to want to avoid the pain that can come along with an extremely hard working set of exercises.  At the same time, remembering the results I'm shooting for is motivation and it gets me through the workout.

In the past I've had procrastination issues.  It would be easy for me to put off a workout because that's just what I did–wait until tomorrow because I don't feel like it today.  Then I got serious (around July 2007) and worked hard to be consistent with my workouts.  The consistency was extremely helpful and I began to see some tangible results.  I still fight the tendency towards procrastination, but it isn't as bad now.  I enjoy my workouts so much that it is easier to get to the gym and get them done.

Some good news!  My good friend, Mike: Aussiebodybuilder Blog, is about to hit 200 days of consecutive blogging and posting of pictures.  Please pop over to his blog and leave him some encouraging comments.

Accountability Log:

Week Begins 5/18/2008
  Sun Mon Tues Weds Thurs Fri Sat
Cycle spot HC LC LC LC HC LC LC
M1 * 5:30 a.m. 3:30 a.m. 3:30 a.m. 3:30 a.m. 3:30 a.m. 3:30 a.m. 5:30 a.m.
M2 * 8:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m.
M3 * 11:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.
M4 * 2:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m.
M5 * 5:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m.
M6 * 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Weights * N/A Lift Lift N/A Lift N/A LIFT
Cardio * AM N/A N/A AM N/A AM AM
Abs * N/A FYA FYA N/A FYA FYA N/A
Water * 264 oz 240 oz          
Post-workout nutrition * Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Pre-sleep nutrition * Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Vitamins/Supplements * Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Accountability * Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cals within 5% (+/-) * Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Target Cals 3400 3400 3000 2400 2700 3400 3800
Cals 3255 3319          
Ratios (C/P/F) 30/50/20 30/50/20          
Target Ratios (C/P/F) 30/50/20 30/50/20 20/60/20 10/70/20 20/60/20 40/40/20 40/40/20
Total Completed 15 15          
Total Possible 15 15          
Mission 2 Total Complete 1549 1564          
Mission 2 Total Possible 1575 1590          
* = Counts towards total
Success!
Failed
Not Counted!

I noticed that I forgot to reset the log for this week (since I am now in M3) so I will be resetting the log tomorrow.  So far I'm a perfect 30 out of 30!

Workout Log:

As mentioned, I had an awesome leg workout today.  The more I do these the more I enjoy them.  It is an intense workout that makes me feel like puking, but it is so much fun.  At one point today I blasted my calves so hard that I had a hard time walking to the next exercise.  My calves felt like they were about to explode.  My deadlifts were awesome.  I hit 390 for 8 reps. 


My current workout routine.  Click image for more information.

Thought for the Day:

Procrastination is a results killer, so get it under control.

Question of the Day:

What causes you to struggle the most with your transformation?  Comment this article to answer the question.

 
 

Mission 1, Day 7: My half way impressions

The time machine takes you, the reader, back in time to see where I was at 200 days ago.  This idea originated from Adam: RTP2 Blog.  It is yet another powerful accountability method because it forces me to maintain the gains I've had and not slip back to my old ways.

Until tomorrow…GET BACK TO LIFTING!

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M3:D6 Arriving at the right place

May 19, 2008 By Michael Mahony, ISSA CPT Leave a Comment

Today I got up early and hit the gym for cardio and stretching.  I did a 24 minute PACE session on the treadmill.  In addition to upping the incline, I increased the speed for my sprints to 9.0 mph.  I had the following intervals:

1 minute – Warm up

3 minutes – 9.0 mph
2 minutes – 3.0 mph

2 minutes – 9.0 mph
2 minutes – 3.0 mph

1 minute – 9.0 mph
2 minutes – 3.0 mph

1 minute – 9.0 mph
2 minutes – 3.0 mph

2 minutes – 9.0 mph
2 minutes – 3.0 mph

2 minutes – 9.0 mph
2 minutes – 3.0 mph

The final 2 sets at 2 minutes at 9.0 mph were extremely tough and I was ready to collapse.  It was a pretty amazing PACE workout.

I also did upper body stretching today.  I've recently found that stretching on a regular basis (ie. having it as part of your program) is extremely important and beneficial to your program. 

I spent the rest of the day just out having a good time.  It was an extremely enjoyable time.

Tomorrow is the third and final podcast installment of Total Immersion.  This final installment discusses nutrition and Total Immersion.

Accountability Log:

Week Begins 5/18/2008
  Sun Mon Tues Weds Thurs Fri Sat
Cycle spot HC LC LC LC HC LC LC
M1 * 5:30 a.m. 3:30 a.m. 3:30 a.m. 3:30 a.m. 3:30 a.m. 3:30 a.m. 5:30 a.m.
M2 * 8:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m.
M3 * 11:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.
M4 * 2:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m.
M5 * 5:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m.
M6 * 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Weights * N/A Lift Lift N/A Lift N/A LIFT
Cardio * AM N/A N/A AM N/A AM AM
Abs * N/A FYA FYA N/A FYA FYA N/A
Water * 264 oz            
Post-workout nutrition * Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Pre-sleep nutrition * Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Vitamins/Supplements * Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Accountability * Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cals within 5% (+/-) * Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Target Cals 3400 3400 3000 2400 2700 3400 3800
Cals 3255            
Ratios (C/P/F) 30/50/20 30/50/20 20/60/20 10/70/20 10/70/20 30/50/20 40/40/20
Target Ratios (C/P/F) 30/50/20 30/50/20 20/60/20 10/70/20 20/60/20 40/40/20 40/40/20
Total Completed 15            
Total Possible 15            
Mission 2 Total Complete 1549            
Mission 2 Total Possible 1575            
* = Counts towards total
Success!
Failed
Not Counted!

Workout Log:

PACE Cardio 24 minutes on treadmill as listed above.  I will soon have a PACE chart that I will post.

Thought for the Day:

Work hard and remember that the difference between a loser and a winner is how hard the winner works.

Question of the Day:

When was the last time you incorporated a planned cheat meal into your nutritional plan?  Comment this article to answer the question.

 
 

Mission 1, Day 6: I see it!

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M3:D6 Stats are in

May 18, 2008 By Michael Mahony, ISSA CPT Leave a Comment

It is Sunday and that means more stats for the week:

Experiment Stats
Date Weight BF% LBM Fat Lbs
20-Apr-08 213 17.60% 175.512 37.488
27-Apr-08 210 15.83% 176.757 33.243
4-May-08 207 14.63% 176.7159 30.2841
11-May-08 207 14.13% 177.7509 29.2491
18-May-08 207 13.80% 178.434 28.566
Experiment Total -6 -3.80% 2.922 -8.922

In less than a month I've dropped 6 pounds of body weight, 3.8% of body fat, 8.9 pounds of fat and I've increased 2.9 pounds of LBM.  In the past week alone I've gained 0.8 pounds of LBM.  My body obviously loves high protein and low carbs and that's why my entire plan for M3 involves this type of nutritional setup.  I believe the closest I come to higher carbs is the ratio (carbs/protein/fat) of 30/50/20 and that's only during the bulking phase.

I start my bulking phase in 2 weeks and I'm excited because all I've ever done is cut.

Until later…GET BACK TO LIFTING!

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