Endy

I always get a kick out of mixing up jokes between cultures and languages. It's a challenge sometimes. One of my favorite jokes in another language I use often is about a guy who's trying to pass his boat under a bridge. The bridge won't open up, so he goes to the operator and writes, "Please but!" Makes absolutely NO sense in English whatsoever, but it's HYSTERICAL if you understand it. So I mix up jokes between cultures on purpose and get weird expressions from people for fun.

I'm with you on this one! I've been a thin vegetarian for a while and I have a friend who makes it a point often that if I want to gain weight, I "need to eat more meat." Like a broken record, I hear it again and again. Then I said to myself, "Well, gosh darn it. You know what? I'm gonna whip my muscles into shape and I'm not gonna do it vegetarian. I'm gonna do it VEGAN. Boo-yah!"

I love water! Maybe someday I'll experiment with triathlons just because I get to run and swim. Cycling is also fun. I don't know much about avocados, and honestly, I'm still very new to being vegan. There are people here who can provide a better picture. I'm thinking, though, that the fats in avocados are primarily monunsaturated. Avocados are far more fats than carbs or protein (some say figures like 31g per avocado). To the best of my knowledge, that sounds like a pretty good deal for handling your fat. In lieu of better advice from other people, I say why not give it a try?

40C? Whoa, you must be cooking over there! We hit about 40C later this July where I'm from. But I love it because it means I can grab a swimsuit, a tube, and just float down creeks for an hour. Really cools you off.

Yeah, definitely drink more. I go for three liters a day. I can't emphasize enough the importance of water in the diet of anyone, especially a bodybuilder. * Water cleanses your body of toxins and pollutants that can make you sick * Water is needed for all of the complex chemical reactions that your body performs (energy production, muscle building, fat burning all require water) * Water helps lubricate your joints for increased mobility and decreased pain Those are only a small sample of the benefits.

ChaserHUN, I'm with Lean and Green on this one. Water really does help with cravings. I've heard the liquid recommended as an effective solution for people who are fighting temptation to eat more, mostly because it means you're probably dehydrated! Have you calculated how much water your body needs daily?

Haha, love the humor, buddy. Welcome to the forum, and I'm in the same boat as you. 6'1"-6'2" and 138 when I started rather recently. I just weighed in at an average 145. You got my butt rooting for yours.

I am SO with you on this one! It always bugged me when people said, "XXX can beat you up. You should eat more meat." So I parked my butt here, dead set on doing something about it. Welcome to the forum, Jesse!

Yup, looks like it pays to read the label more carefully.

A prion is an infectious agent comprised only of proteins, unlike bacteria and viruses. Researchers think the culprit behind Mad Cow is a prion. The name comes from proteinaceous and infectious--the "on" is a play off virion. As for the product, I haven't a clue. I'm curious too! What was the product they ate? What is a prion?

Hey Robert, I have never really had the chance to meet you, offline or on, but I thoroughly see your intent and what I do know of you, I thoroughly appreciate. This is true for most of the people I've met on this forum so far as well. So here's a kudos. Not for being vegan, not for being a nice feller, not for board management nor your neighbor's flip-flops, but for being someone I feel we all can relate with, knowing you care for us as much as we do for you. Thanks for that warm message in my training blog a while back. - Endy

Funky this. So most of you charming fellows know I'm as new to the vegan world as my local senator is to humor. After reading the three nutrients that we're shy on, I checked my multivitamin supplement and noted that it provides B12 and Calcium. Then I read the label some more. What did my prying eyes find? Gelatin. Woe.

Holy smokes! That's quite the improvement . . . and inspiration! What was his online name?

The diet plan is actually the part I've been having a challenge with. I came up with a bunch of research on what I want to eat, made food tables, and so forth. The one thing, though, is I can't figure out how many calories I want to go for. I made another post here: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=13717 The details are at the link, but somewhat arbitrarily I came up with caloric cycling every two weeks between 3250 and 3750 calories. There probably is a much better way to go about doing this, except I'm not sure what that is.

You're probably right. I've heard there are many, many ways to work with pushups, as well. I'm gonna keep an eye on how the exercise is working with me and experiment with barbell presses.

In writing up my nutrition plan, I'm trying to figure out how many calories I should eat in a six-meal day. I went to an online Harris-Benedict calculator and came out with a Basal Metabolic Rate of 1707.31. Multiplied it by 1.725 since I would be active six days of seven in my workout plan. Got 2945.11 calories per day to maintain current weight. http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/harris-benedict-equation/ So now, how many calories should I gun for? I'm doing caloric cycling every two weeks, so my initial response is to randomly pick 3250 and 3750 calories per day. Is there a better way to do this?

Hi all -- after a bunch of research, I have a training plan. I'm still really new to this stuff, so any insight or comments you have, I'd LOVE to hear! The idea is this: I go through a six week cycle, split into three two-week intervals. Each interval, I make things more challenging by increasing sets, reducing rest time, and so forth. At the end of the six-week cycle, I go back to the initial interval and (hopefully) move up to heavier weights. [OBJECTIVES] ============ * Improve mind-body-emotion relationship * Increase strength * Increase muscle volume * Increase personal dietary accountability and organization/begin tracking all food intake * Make transition from vegetarianism to veganism * Improve personal confidence, command over life progress [OVERVIEW] ========== Height: 6'1" - 6'2" Weight: 142 lbs Body style: Ectomorph Cheat day: Sunday, one meal [sTRENGTH TRAINING PLAN] ===================== ***************WEEK 1, 2 of 6*************** ***MONDAY, THURSDAY*** Modified Compound Superset #1 Back - One-Arm Rows, 12-15 reps, 2 sets Rest: 90 secs Chest - Pushups, 12-15 reps, 2 sets Rest: 90 secs Modified Compound Superset #2 Back - Two-Arm Rows, 12-15 reps, 2 sets Rest: 90 Secs Chest - Dumbbell Flys, 12-15 reps, 2 sets Rest: 90 secs Modified Compound Superset #3 Biceps - Dumbbell Curls, 12-15 reps, 2 sets Rest: 90 secs Triceps - Lying Dumbbell Triceps Extensions, 12-15 reps, 2 sets Rest: 90 secs Modified Compound Superset #4 Biceps - Hammer Curls, 12-15 reps, 2 sets Rest: 90 secs Triceps - Overhead Dumbbell Triceps Extensions, 12-15 reps, 2 sets Rest: 90 seconds ***TUESDAY, FRIDAY*** Modified Compound Superset #1 Thighs - Dumbell Squats (Alt. with Ballet Squats), 12-15 reps, 2 sets Rest: 90 secs Hamstrings - Lunges, 12-15 reps, 2 sets Rest: 90 secs Modified Compound Superset #2 Thighs - Ballet Squats, 12-15 reps, 2 sets Rest: 90 secs Hamstrings - Stiff-legged Deadlifts, 12-15 reps, 2 sets Rest: 90 secs Modified Compound Superset #3 Calves - Dumbbell Calf Raises (One Leg), 12-15 reps, 2 sets Rest: 90 secs Shoulders - Dumbbell Shoulder Press, 12-15 reps, 2 sets Rest: 90 secs Modified Compound Superset #4 Calves - Dumbell Calf Fraises (Two Legs), 12-15 reps, 2 sets Rest: 90 secs Shoulders - Bent-Over Lateral Raises, 12-15 reps, 2 sets Rest: 90 secs ***WEDNESDAY, SATURDAY*** Modified Compound Superset #1 Lower Abs - Lying Leg Raises, 15-25 reps, 2 sets Rest: 90 secs Upper Abs - Crunches, 15-25 reps, 2 sets Rest: 90 secs Aerobic Activity 20 minutes of running at target heart rate (My THR? CALCULATE --> 86.5? ) ***************WEEK 3, 4 of 6*************** ***MONDAY, THURSDAY*** Superset #1 Back - One-Arm Rows, 10-12 reps, 3 sets Rest: No rest Chest - Pushups, 10-12 reps, 3 sets Rest: 60 secs Superset #2 Back - Two-Arm Rows, 10-12 reps, 3 sets Rest: No rest Chest - Dumbell Flys, 10-12 reps, 3 sets Rest: 60 secs Superset #3 Biceps - Dumbell Curls, 10-12 reps, 3 sets Rest: No rest Triceps - Lying Dumbbell Triceps Extensions, 10-12 reps, 3 sets Rest: 60 secs Superset #4 Biceps - Hammer Curls, 10-12 reps, 3 sets Rest: No rest Triceps - Overhead Dumbbell Triceps Extensions, 10-12 reps, 3 sets Rest: 60 secs ***TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY*** Superset #1 Thighs - Dumbbell Squats, 10-12 reps, 3 sets Rest: No rest Hamstrings - Lunges, 10-12 reps, 3 sets Rest: 60 secs Superset #2 Thighs - Ballet Squats, 10-12 reps, 3 sets Rest: No rest Hamstrings - Stiff-legged Deadlifts, 10-12 reps, 3 sets Rest: 60 secs Superset #3 Calves - Dumbbell Calf Raises (One Leg), 12-15 reps, 3 sets Rest: No rest Shoulders - Dumbbell Shoulder Press, 10-12 reps, 3 sets Rest: 60 secs Superset #4 Calves - Dumbbell Calf Raises (Two Legs), 12-15 reps, 3 sets Rest: No rest Shoulders - Bent-Over Lateral Raises, 10-12 reps, 3 sets Rest: 60 secs ***WEDNESDAY, SATURDAY*** Superset #1 Lower Abs - Lying Leg Raises, 15-25 reps, 3 sets Rest: No rest Upper Abs - Crunches, 15-25 reps, 3 sets Rest: 90 secs Aerobic Activity 30 mins of running at target heart rate (86.5 BPM?) ***************WEEK 5, 6 of 6*************** ***MONDAY, THURSDAY*** Giant Set #1 (Go through list one set each, repeat) Back - One-Arm Rows, 8-10 reps, 4 sets Rest: No rest Chest - Pushups, 8-10 reps, 4 sets Rest: No rest Back - Two-Arm Rows, 8-10 reps, 4 sets Rest: No rest Chest - Dumbbell Flys,, 8-10 reps, 4 sets Rest: 60 secs Giant Set #2 (Go through list one set each, repeat) Biceps - Dumbbell Curls, 8-10 reps, 4 sets Rest: No rest Triceps - Lying Dumbbell Triceps Extensions, 8-10 reps, 4 sets Rest: No rest Biceps - Hammer Curls, 8-10 reps, 4 sets Rest: No rest Triceps - Overhead Dumbbell Triceps Extensions, 8-10 reps, 4 sets Rest: 60 seconds ***TUESDAY, FRIDAY*** Giant Set #1 (Go through list one set each, repeat) Thighs - Dumbbell Squats, 8-10 reps, 4 sets Rest: No rest Hamstrings - Lunges, 8-10 reps, 4 sets Rest: No rest Thighs - Ballet Squats, 8-10 reps, 4 sets Rest: No rest Hamstrings - Stiff-legged Deadlifts, 8-10 reps, 4 sets Rest: 60 secs Giant Set #2 (Go through list one set each, repeat) Calves - Dumbbell Calf Raises (One Leg), 15-25 reps, 4 sets Rest: No rest Shoulders - Dumbbell Shoulder Press, 15-25 reps, 4 sets Rest: No rest Calves - Dumbbell Calf Raises (Two Legs), 15-25 reps, 4 sets Rest: No rest Shoulders - Bent-Over Lateral Raises, 15-25 reps, 4 sets Rest: 60 seconds ***WEDNESDAY, SATURDAY*** Giant Set #1 (Go through list one set each, repeat) Lower Abs - Lying Leg Raises, 15-25 reps, 4 sets Rest: No rest Upper Abs - Crunches, 15-25 reps, 4 sets Rest: No rest Aerobic Activity 40 minutes of running at target heart rate (86.5 BPM?)

Hey all! Robert - thanks for checking in! Turns out I was doing real well, got slammed by a bad illness, and had everything sent awry. But I think this is a great opportunity to take a serious look at what my game plan is now and to recalibrate. How you doing? Dawgbert - thanks for the smile! And you're right -- I used to work in sales, odds are, you never really know what's going on. I think I'm gonna spill out the money for free weights and work with those. Probably a better return on investment there! Funkybioped - that's a great idea! The idea of being able to change my game plan later on really boosts my confidence in moving forward. I think I'm going to focus on muscle gain now. Katabatic and Lean and Green - in retrospect, it's interesting to read your comments. I've done nutrition reading since my original post and found what you say now really puts everything together more clearly. Veganpotter - but I bet I'm a LONG way from your cycling ability! I'd love to have that kind of transportation flexibility as well -- don't shell out much at the pump?

Thanks, man. I really appreciate your insight. You're right, too. I should start thinking about putting my butt in the gym! I think I've been lucky to make progress just on pushups, but if I want to get serious, I need to pack on the weights. ATM, I don't have a gym membership. I went over to 24 Hour Fitness, but having worked in sales before, I felt like the pitch I was getting was more about my dollar than my fitness. Maybe it was just funny timing? I'll keep my eyes open and get into one soon. I think the situation with my ex wasn't that she was unsupportive. She was supportive, but maybe more accepting than supportive. I think the problem was that me being vegetarian was something that made me "different" and you could feel the presence of that. I get that feeling on different levels with different people. She's a wonderful woman and I do hope things turn out well for her! And fruits? Awesome idea. How do they help, though? This clearly shows my ignorance, but I have this mental picture of fruits not doing much in the way of muscle building?

Rock on for the podium spots! That's FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!

Wow! Sounds like you're really going at it, Tuc!

So I broke up with my GF about a month and a half ago. Beautiful scene befit of a Broadway performance, no doubt. I decided I wanted to start growing into myself some more, plus also make that jump to vegan, especially since me being a vegetarian was a "liability" of some sort: now I'm turning that negative energy projected on me into motivation for being even more considerate of the world. I really have no idea where I'm starting or what my goals are. Some stats (should I also offer international units?): 6'1"-6'2" 142 lbs (138 at start of training) 37" Chest 44" Overarm 31" Waist 36" Hips 15" Shirt size Objectives: *Improve relationship with body, emotion, mind *Bulk up significantly (An ambiguous goal, I realize . . . ) *Develop myself into deciding whether I want to go on a marathon/triathlon/bodybuilding path Current dietary regimen: Eat six meals, usually every 2-3 hours. I definitely would like to create a better, yet simple, regimen. I don't have a lot of experience controlling my diet and seek to move that way step by step. Any help you guys can offer here is REALLY appreciated!!!! Three meals comprised primarily of beans, rice, tofu mixed Three meals comprised of protein bars from the store, which I think are pretty unhealthy Current training regimen: This is what I've been doing for the last six weeks. You can see that the running is a bit strong (I started just going around the block and have moved up, just making the transition to six miles) and the weights training is a bit weak. In fact, I just added the dips this week, so I've been doing pushups only for most of the time. The emphasis on the running is because a friend and I challenged each other to a 10k at the end of this month. After that 10k, I'm not sure what I'll do yet. M: Pushups 3x12, hold 15, hold 20, hold 25 secs Chair dips 3x12, hold 15, 20, 25 secs T: Run four miles up the mountains W: Pushups 3x12, hold 15, hold 20, hold 25 secs Chair dips 3x12, hold 15, 20, 25 secs Th: Hard sprint, 1 mile F: Pushups 3x12, hold 15, hold 20, hold 25 secs Chair dips 3x12, hold 15, 20, 25 secs Sa: Run 6 miles, relatively flat terrain Su: Off Photos (pre-workout): Front: http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk191/EndyEndy/front.jpg Left Side: http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk191/EndyEndy/side.jpg Right Side: http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk191/EndyEndy/Photo22.jpg Back: http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk191/EndyEndy/gback.jpg Any comments/advice? From what I've read in this forum so far, you all are awesome people! I'm looking forward to getting to know you and the opportunity to offer what I can!

Hi guys and gals -- Thank you for the warm reception! Like a lot of you said, I can see how this forum really has some spectacular, friendly people. I am very much looking forward to getting to know you folks. As for the vegan/vegetarian issue, I presently consume soy milk and don't really go for regular milk. I'm still guilty with cheese, being horribly addicted to Feta. I totally resonate with you, Tuc, on the smell of cheese! When I became a vegetarian, I spent a month wondering what I was going to do without a lot of the food I loved. Some time later, I got convinced into trying sushi (which I LOOOOVE) with fish -- you can imagine the ed reaction I had to the flavor and smell of the fish! I hope that interacting with all of you helps me become vegan and quite fit! I hope I can offer the same to you all too.

Hi All -- So I have a horrible hair-curling, armageddon-foreshadowing confession to make. You'll hang me. You'll skin me. You'll tar and feather me! I'm not a vegan. At 26, I've been a munching vegetarian for one and a half years, and for four years some time before that. I've always wanted to make the switch from cheese to legume, but I haven't really found the support to do it yet. It's rough enough how much crap you get for not deciding to eat meat, and then realizing that most of your area barely has anything for vegetarians, much less vegans -- "Oh! Don't worry, they have a salad. It's okay." I'm hoping though, that in my endeavors to bulk up, I can gain control over my diet and my environment to the point where I can make that transition. Enter you guys and gals, my new heroes. 6'2", 142 lbs avg (started training 6 weeks ago: 138 lbs avg). Pretty good gains, considering I've been hovering around 138 for the last few years and have a really high metabolism. Anyhow, PLEASURE to meet all of you!!!! - Endy