kurtjs

Mikkei,

below is a link to some pics from the 2007 show when I was as small as I stated:

viewtopic.php?f=46&t=7994

Just remember, it's not how much you weigh . . . but how much you look like you weigh

I know I haven't been very active on this site in awhile . . . but just letting everyone who knows me be aware that I'm still kickin' it VBB style!! I hope to try and compete again later this year. We'll see what the cards have lined up for me.

I did my first show in the summer of 07 and weighed between 120-125 lbs on stage. I know . . . very small!! For this show this past weekend I weighed in at 139lbs. So I have had a productive 1.75 years off from the stage.

I hope to get some better pics than what I have right now from the show. When I get some I'll post a couple.

Keeping rocking out everyone.

Day 3 of full body workout

3 sets of 10-12 reps

Incline cable chest fly

High cable cross for rear delts

Wide grip lat pulldown

Low cable bicep curl

Smith machine reverse grip bench press

Really, Really weird leg press/hack squat machine? (it did the job)

Seated horizontal leg press calf raises

ABDuctor machine

Seated unilateral hamstring curls

This was a good workout. I went to the gym at 6:30 pm after working all day. I was on my feet a lot today so the legs felt tired. Hence, why I hit them last instead of first. The weird leg press/hack squat machine actually felt really good on my back and knees. Not pain or discomfort at all. My knees have been bothering me ever since I started using the new leg press in my gym and they got rid of the old one. The old one I believe was a cybex squat press. This was the best feeling machine ever. i loved the way this thing felt. I'm still pissed they got rid of it. Anyway, I'll keep trying this other machine. My quads felt pumped after I got off of it.

Day two of full body workouts

3 sets of 6-8 reps each

Deadlifts

Hack Squat

Decline DB press

T-bar row (with chest supported)

Dumbell side lateral raises

Hammer strength preacher curl

Cable triceps pressdown

BB shrugs

*Good workout. I have been going to the gym late (6:45 - 7:45). I'm used to going at this time in the morning, so it's a nice change.

This was very interesting. The author - Mark Tarnopolsky - is very well respected and so is his research. I have read quotes from other bodybuilders that say they do not cycle their creatine. I still do, just to extend the container a bit more.

Great Job Robbie!!!

Today was the start of my new lifting split. I'm going to try a full-body routine for the next 8 weeks. It will be a 3-day per week program. I'm hoping that lifting only three days per week will enable me to pack on some more weight. Lifting 5-6 days per week burns a lot of cals.

Today was 3 sets of 5 reps of the following exercises:

(Following along if you'd like)

Squats

Lying ham curl

Incline smith machine press

Seated wide grip cable row

Seated military barbell press

Lying triceps extension with olympic bar

Standing olympic bar curls

Roman chair leg raises (3 sets of 25 reps)

Weights were fairly low today. My plan is to start below my 5 rm and by week eight beat my previous PR for each exercise.

Weds will be the same sort of format (1 exercise per body part) but with a higher rep range (6-8 reps)

Friday will be the highest reps (10-12)

I've never done a split like this before for more than a couple of weeks. I'm interested in seeing the progress I will make.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT:

i MAY compete in another show next spring. I found out that in the NPC they have a bantamweight class, which is 143.25 lbs and under. I think I could do very well in this class. After the last show, I learned that I look small next to bigger people (big suprise). But there was nobody at that show my size. I would really like to see how I look next to people my own weight vs. my own height. The show I'm looking at is in NY during the middle of April. The final call will be based on a couple of factors.

1. What happens with my body this summer. I'm weighing in at 160 lbs right now. I'd like to get to about 170 lbs by November and then start cutting around then or December.

2. The other factor depends on how school goes. I start my master's degree in the fall and I have a lot on my plate. I will see how much time I have to devote to this. For those of you who have not dieted down before, it takes a lot of work and that is an understatement.

I'll keep everyone posted.

Maybe I should change the name of this journal?

Congrats on everything! A 30 lb gain? Amazing--can't wait to see updated photos!

By popular demand, I took some pictures yesterday. I jumped on the scale (158lbs) and then ran outside. First, here is a link to some older pictures.

viewtopic.php?t=10850

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm242/kurtjs/5-23sidetri-1.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm242/kurtjs/5-23rearrelax-1.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm242/kurtjs/5-23abs-1.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm242/kurtjs/5-23frontrelax-1.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm242/kurtjs/5-23handsMM-1-1-1.jpg

As you can see, I've gained 30 pounds. Mostly in the face!! When I look at myself, I notice the legs have gotten bigger, but so has my waist! I've been doing a lot of deads and squats. Hopefully I can maintain this size and maybe lean out a bit this summer. Stay tuned for more updates.

Thanks for the update Kurt!

Congrats on the BS! I know it's a shit ton of work!

You are getting super strong.

What's your new routine like? I'm still doing the same ole same ole, getting back into it hard now because I took a few weeks off for finals. Good luck!

Josh, there is no doubt that school isn't a lot of work. But I really enjoy it. Lots more schooling to come. But that's a whole different story

The new routine will be a full body split. I'm going to lift three days per week (Mon, Weds, Fri). Each day I will pick one exercise for a body part, and do 2-3 working sets (quads, hams, chest, back, bis, tris, shoulders, [either abs, traps or calves depending on which day of the week]). Mon rep range will be low (2-4), Weds moderate (6-, and Fri higher (10-12). I will do the same exercises every Mon. The same exercises every Weds. The same exercises every Fri. The key is to always progress. Strive to get at least more reps with the same weight or increase the weight (even if it's 2.5 lbs). Thus, I'm starting beloew my maxes and then hopefully matching them, and then blowing past them. We'll see how it goes. I'm giving myself at least 8 weeks with this split. I need to mix it up a bit. If I like how it feels and the results that I'm getting, I'll stick with it for the rest of the summer.

HEY-HO everyone. I know it has been while and too much has happened this last month to go into detail. Things are going well, here are some of the key points:

-I graduate with me BS tomm morning (May 23rd)

-I currently weigh 157 lbs in the eve and 154/5 lbs in the morn (I weighed 125 when this school year started back in Sept).

-My caloric intake is around 3600-3700 cals per day

-Lifting has been going very well. Hands down the strongest I've ever been. I hit 225 lbs on the front squat this week.

-Hopefully this summer I can keep gaining mass and strength. I would love to hit a solid 160 lbs by summer's end. It will be tough cause I eat all day and I'm going to be working a couple of different jobs this summer. Meals will be tough to squeeze in. I'll make do. I'll update lifting soon. I start my new routine June 1st. I go to a conference all next week, so that will be my recovery week.

I always see the football players at my school do hang cleans, power cleans, and hang snatches. I've never done them, but the guy I've lifting with wants to start implementing them next semester (in the fall). I'll think about it. I agree with what has been said, it's all about form, body awareness, and power! Best of luck to anyone who starts doing them.

I'm thinking about trying a full body split three days a week. Anyone have any experience with this? (btw I used the good ole search function, which sucks).

 

What are your favorite tried and true, personally tested fully body splits like???

Josh, I haven't popped on here in awhile, and this was one of the first threads that I saw. I've been thinking about trying this myself (3 x per week full body). I think Daywalker used to do this. the HST. Let me know what you find.

Things are crazy right now. I defend my undergraduate thesis this week. If anyone has done this, you know how I feel right now

On a really funny note, I had to take a study break about 10 minutes ago and so I put my name into YAHOO! just for gits and shiggles. Look what I found:

http://www.getoutdoors.com/goblog/index.php?/archives/2701-Vegan-Bodybuilding.html

I have no clue what the hell this site is about. All I know is that I think this dipsh*t is saying I'm on steriods.

Thanks, you made my weekend!

I eat oats RAW (don't tell anyone!) and my body reacts just fine. But my body is full of good ole toxins so maybe it's used to it.

The toxic avenger strikes again!!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm242/kurtjs/Toxicavengeronesheet.jpg

Someone on the board asked me about my current nutrition, since I haven't posted my meals in a while here we go

Meal 1

Gemma protein

Nutribiotic Rice Protein

Oats

Ground Flax seeds

Grapefruit

Meal 2

Gemma Protein

Rice Protein

Brown Rice

Apple

Meal 3 (30 mins before workout)

Pre-workout cocktail

Mainly waxy-maize-starch (60g)

BCAA

Meal 4 (Immed. post workout)

Same as above

Meal 5 (about 1 to 1.5 hours after post workout shake)

Soy Boy Tempeh

Potato

Green Beans

Meal 6

Same as above with less potato

Meal 7

Vega

Steamed frozen veggies

Meal 8 (right before bed)

Gemma Protein

Rice Protein

Peanut Butter

Calories = 3336

Fat = 60 g

Carbs = 447 g

Fiber = 75 g

Protein = 252 g

I went to a good conference in Boston on Friday.

http://neacsm.org/updated/spring2008/meetingsframe.htm

Some good info. For me, these meetings are more about networking and getting my face out there. It's working . . . people know me.

Lifting is going well. Just started a new split for the next 8 weeks. My last 8 weeks before spring break I really focused on the squat, deadlift, and flat bench. I hit new PRs in the dead and flat bench so I'm pumped to do it again. I'm really trying to bring up (strength wise) my bent over row, incline bench, and front squats. I'd like to break 200 lbs on the front squat and would love to hit 225 lbs. We'll see what happens.

kewl. hope he can write more articles for t-nation. i really like the concept of that site but sometimes it gets really frustrating when they bash on veganism all the time.

I hear you.

I stick to reading the training articles and don't even bother looking at the eating ones. But supplements ones i do read.

One of the authors posts on here. He is a vegan bodybuilder:

 

Ryan Andrews, former dietitian at the Johns Hopkins Weight Management Center, is trained in Exercise Physiology (BS, MA, CSCS), Nutrition (MS), and Dietetics (RD, LD). After leaving Johns Hopkins, Ryan began working with Dr. Berardi as the Director of Research for Precision Nutrition, Inc.

 

He's a nice guy. I've PMed him many times before.

 

that's really cool. what's his username?

rdandrew

One of the authors posts on here. He is a vegan bodybuilder:

Ryan Andrews, former dietitian at the Johns Hopkins Weight Management Center, is trained in Exercise Physiology (BS, MA, CSCS), Nutrition (MS), and Dietetics (RD, LD). After leaving Johns Hopkins, Ryan began working with Dr. Berardi as the Director of Research for Precision Nutrition, Inc.

He's a nice guy. I've PMed him many times before.

Dude I can't believe I haven't posted on this thread yet!

Your legs are truly awesome! Bulking while retaining that kind of definition is the hallmark of some clean bulking!

And your gettin that back supa wide baby!

Great work!

Thanks Josh. I'm just rying to keep up with your sweep and lat spread!

Great job man!

I admire your ability to gain 15 pounds of muscle so fast, without gaining fat!!!

When I gain 15 Pounds, 13 pounds are in my face

That's hilarious. If you look in the bottom pics, my face gets pretty fat as well. I once heard that was becaues of low test. but I never really looked it up. I think some people just store fat differently.

M.P.A.

Magic Players Anonymous

Back in the day . . . Red Burn Baby . . . it’s all about the ball lightning!!

I bought some Urza’s stuff and then they just put out too many new sets and I could keep up ($$$$$) with it. It was fun though. All me neighbors and brother played. Still have them all. Maybe if I sold them I could fund my grad school?

Awesome progress man!

 

I look forward to seeing you in Boston later this year. We'll both be bigger and better and it will be cool to get some photos then.

 

Great work. I like your shape.

 

All the best man....keep eating and pumping!

Thanks Rob. You will surely see me in Boston.

Hopefully we can actually hang out this time. I'll plan my time better when the fall rolls around.

Wow!!! Great job Kurt!! You have come really really far!

 

Nice! Keep up the great work

Thanks VP. Keep up the work yourself for your upcoming photo shoot. How's the buckwheat protein treating you?

Fantastic job Kurt!!! You are looking huge!! Keep up the good work!!!

Thanks Harley. Hopefully the next time you see me (or lift with me) I'll be throwing around some bigger weights than the last time. That's the goal, right?

Yo, awesome stuff dude

Thank you

Love the back! Your lats are nice V -taper shape! Abs and quads have nice fullness and definition! (Next time stand with your feet pointed straight and increase your weight on your big toe side, and then engage the leg muscles -symmetry reasons).

Would like to see the double bicep pose to judge the biceps and triceps, but they look good from what I can see in the back poses. I think you need to just work on your delts a little bit more to accentuate the back lat spread and bring your elbows a little bit forward on your front poses to make the delts pop out (just like you did for your intercostals and just a peek of serratus!).

Thanks for the comments. I know I need to work on the delts in additon to everything else. Next time I'll hit more poses and we can see where the arm development stands

Wow! You're tight!

 

I love the V-shape, your back is really well formed.

 

Also, the mass gain is really impressive. You're a real motivator. Thanks!

There are so many people on here that motivate me, I'm glad that the role can be reversed at times

Man, you are one of the cleanest bulkers i've seen. That is so great! I also love how you are naturally blessed with the 'teatdrop' quad muscles. I have those as well but most people don't. Great legs botjh size and definition and i'm envious of those lats and taper. Looking really really good man.

 

These pics are very motivating...

Clean bulking is the way to do it. The bottom line is I will compete again and that just means whatever I gain (fat) will have to come off again. Why even put it on to begin with? It also means less cardio come prep time

Very nice lats...you've got great width to build on.

Nobody ever lost a show because their lats were too big

So the "before" pics were from 12-13-07. The "after" pics were from 3-14-08. I weighed about 130lbs in the before and about 145lbs in the after. Still have a long way to go!!!!!!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm242/kurtjs/kurtinlab12-13-072-1.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm242/kurtjs/kurtinlab3-14-075.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm242/kurtjs/kurtinlab12-13-071.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm242/kurtjs/kurtinlab3-14-072.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm242/kurtjs/kurtinlab12-13-075.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm242/kurtjs/kurtinlab3-14-074.jpg