Chem's Road to Classic

[newguy2]

The only things that actually helped mine:

1. Switching all upper movements to neutral grip + dumbbells (where applicable)

2. No more dips, and bench is slight incline (15-30 degree) neutral grip DB

3. Getting a Slingshot. Can't overstate how much this reduces load on my shoulder when pressing.

Buy The Sling Shot® To Increase Your Bench Press

Shop Sling Shot® powerlifting gear and bench press in the Mark Bell original shop. The Sling Shot® allows you to overload the bench press movement with extra weight, while correcting your form to increase your bench press.

markbellslingshot.com

Thanks for this I went ahead and grabbed one. Curious does it only work for flat benching? Can you use it on incline or would it be too restrictive?

 

[ChemBB]

Thanks for this I went ahead and grabbed one. Curious does it only work for flat benching? Can you use it on incline or would it be too restrictive?

I only do incline dumbbell bench

Also works for dips

 

[ChemBB]

Last physique update of the bulk, 16-week contest prep cut starts Dec. 1st, with DEXA scan on Dec 2nd to get a baseline.

10/22 = ~190lbs
11/28 = ~225lbs

Just shy of 30lbs in 5 weeks.
(Most of that is water + glycogen, having also started using 10iu insulin.)

Now I must try to get to 177 for Classic Physique.
Let's see what the DEXA says about how much fat I have on my body...

Worst case I can try to do normal Bodybuilding, but the weight cap for the next class I don't think I would be near, when getting down to show-ready BF%:

Middleweight: 154 to 176
Light-Heavyweight: 176 to 198

So basically, if I can hit ~177 I am able to (and will) compete in both Classic + Middleweight. But if I miss it even by a little, then I can't compete in Classic and I'm at the BOTTOM of the weight limit for Light-Heavy.... =(


View attachment output.mov

 

[ChemBB]

You can see that there is still a noticeable size difference in my legs due to the double knee surgery, too =(

At least it's getting better slowly

 

[MindlessWork]

You can see that there is still a noticeable size difference in my legs due to the double knee surgery, too =(

At least it's getting better slowly

Keep grinding and also follow the rehab plan if your doc recommended one. You got this one and so far you looking quite solid and the next 16 weeks will tell the story!

 

[Eddie.]

Dude you got big, that amount of weight in your frame is bonkers. Nice job!

Hitting a specific weight cap when you’re this far out is almost impossible to predict. If i was you I’d aim for a good condition but I wouldn’t squeeze the weight too low and potentially sacrifice muscle mass, because tbh if you’re an open bb with a ton of mass you could lose 5lb no biggie, but in amateur level.. me personally I wouldn’t. I’d prefer to be decent and go with the bigger ones as soon as I am pleased with my physique. Maybe I’m wrong but that’s how I see it lately.

 

[dinfaralt]

You can see that there is still a noticeable size difference in my legs due to the double knee surgery, too =(

maybe you can compete where they have shorts on?

you will be heavily judged from that imbalance enough to not let you win #1 if you deserve it.

 

[ChemBB]

Welp, classic might be out of the question...