May 29, 2017 is the date I will compete again. I say “will” because my mind is made up that nothing is going to stop me. However, I realize I have some really lagging body parts that will need to improve in order to compete and be competitive. Today I will set out my plan for what I must fix to compete again and how I am going to accomplish that plan.
Accountability Partner
As I thought this through I realized that I need an accountability partner. I need someone who understands what I am going through. I need someone who knows me well enough to push me. I need someone who is not afraid to tell me when I am blowing it. Enter my good friend and mentor, Carlos DeJesus. He has agreed to be my accountability partner. I am responsible for sending him pictures weekly to assess my progress. This type of accountability is going to make me think multiple times before going off plan. Carlos is a world champion bodybuilder. He has invented numerous pieces of exercise equipment including the Quad Blaster. He knows exactly what I am going through and how to get to where I want to be. The perfect accountability partner!
Training Changes
My training is generally good. I need to focus on fixing the body parts (list following) that will help me show the best on stage. I have added deadlifts back to my routine as I have always seen great results when they are part of my training regimen. I also changed my split order a little. It is currently set as follows:
Back
Shoulders
Chest
Quads
Off
Arms
Hamstrings
Leaning Out
I have been focused on getting my body fat percentage to below 15% so that I can freely bulk. I was given that advice by a good friend, Marc David. Following the advice of people who have been there is something I find quite important. I am making sure I get my cardio in on a regular basis. I have inserted 10 minutes of cardio at the end of every training session and soon I will be doing a second gym session each day to get in the proper amount of cardio. My daughter is on the cross country team at school so I am running with her whenever I get the opportunity. I am eating a specific regimen that really seems to be working for me. I also set up a friendly competition with my son. He needs to gain some weight the healthy way, so we set up a 12 week competition. He has to try to gain weight while I try to lean out. If he gains more weight than I lose, he gets to pick any restaurant and I have to take him there. This is going to motivate both of us to achieve our goals.
Body Part Improvements
As I look in the mirror the only body part I really like is my legs. I know I can easily bring up my traps as they respond really well. As far as massive improvements, my chest and arms are very weak. My back and shoulders are in decent shape, with my back having a slight V shape to it already. In thinking through the next year of training I am already certain that I am gong to have some specialization training included each month. These specializations will focus on arms and chest.
Getting it Done
The plan is in place. The date is selected. The accountability is in place. Now I have to get the job done!
