Post: #76

(05-02-2011 03:01 AM)houston Wrote:  I weighed myself today and I'm the biggest I've ever been in my life. My arms and upper chest are starting to look defined finally. Still trying to get rid of this fucking beer belly though. I can't wait to see how I look in a year.

Fat loss is signifigantly harder while lifting. If you really want to drop the gut, I'd stop everything, go to mostly cardio with light weight lifting and monitor absolutely everything you eat. I dropped 40 pounds in 3 months by doing this.

After that I hit a wall so I changed up and tried Atkins for another 2 months, dropped another 15 pounds. This is where I picked up and started going hard into lifting.

Be warned too, if you dont cut the fat first you're going to look WORSE as you add muscle. When I was in school I was lifting 4 days a week, 3 hours a day. I was built like a fucking ox, weighed more then I ever have (280) but I liked absolutely terrible because I had a heavy layer of fat that was exaggerated because of the large muscles underneath it.

The fat caused none of the cut definition to come through, but showed all of the bulk. I look at pictures of me from back then and just cringe.

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Post: #77

So I'm two weeks into Oatz and Squatz and feeling phenomenal. Now I really cant say its the SCOs or not because I have changed my workout routine, but in the past two weeks I've raised the weight on every single lift I do by AT LEAST 10% if not more.


Whats interesting is I'm noticing how exactly it is that muscles grown, and I'm noticing that they never grown "all around" it seems they grow on one of the three axises at once. Maybe I've got weird anatomy.

Chef In Jeans
A culinary website for men

Post: #78

(05-02-2011 05:23 PM)Chad Daring Wrote:  Fat loss is signifigantly harder while lifting. If you really want to drop the gut, I'd stop everything, go to mostly cardio with light weight lifting and monitor absolutely everything you eat. I dropped 40 pounds in 3 months by doing this.



Be warned too, if you dont cut the fat first you're going to look WORSE as you add muscle. When I was in school I was lifting 4 days a week, 3 hours a day. I was built like a fucking ox, weighed more then I ever have (280) but I liked absolutely terrible because I had a heavy layer of fat that was exaggerated because of the large muscles underneath it.

The fat caused none of the cut definition to come through, but showed all of the bulk. I look at pictures of me from back then and just cringe.

I disagree with the bolded statements. Muscle works and if you are able to build up muscle, you will burn more calories at rest and actually be able to lose fat even while doing nothing (presuming you eat right).

You notice that in my posts, I advocated eating properly and staying away from crap like drinking loads of milk.

You want to eat quality protein not combine fat with protein. Unless you are trying to make a certain weight category or you are trying out for sumo, just put quality weight on.

If you are a mixture of fat and muscle, it will look BETTER than ONLY FAT... GUARANTEED.

Look at Kevin James (Chuck and Larry, King of Queens). He's a combo of fat and muscle but as you notice, he's very nimble due to the fact that he has muscle working beneath that fat.


You can gain muscle and lose fat simultaneously.

Post: #79

I dont doubt that you can do both, my point is that you'll see better results if you do one then the other. I will give you that food has much more to do with fat loss then exercise though. When I lost my first 40 pounds, about half of that was while not working out at all, but eating exceptionally well.

Kevin James might be nimble, but I dont think any man would aspire to look like him

Its all a matter of your goals though

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Post: #80

I'd recommend the YouTube channel of Scooby1961. He's helped me a lot.

Post: #81

(04-26-2011 01:25 PM)Clyde Wrote:  For the last 5 weeks. I have been doing the StrongLifts 5X5 program. I do feel stronger.
http://stronglifts.com/

Workout A

Squat 5x5
Bench 5x5
Barbell Row 5x5

Workout B

Squat 5x5
Shoulder Press 5x5
Deadlift 1x5

You do the workout 3 days a week. Alternating between Workout A and Workout B. Some weeks will be A-B-A and others will be B-A-B. Each workout. Increase the weight by 5lbs.

I throw in a heavy Cardio day. Just to cut up more. I will say that I do feel stronger, and Squatting 3 days a week hasn't hurt my knees at all.

squatting 3 times a week will fuck you up in the long run. your joints aren't built for that kind of stress. watch that lower back

Post: #82

(05-03-2011 04:48 PM)CupCake Wrote:  I'd recommend the YouTube channel of Scooby1961. He's helped me a lot.

+1. Great Site.

Regarding the article 'everything you learned about fitness is a lie'...solid article and I'm starting that program. However, the author does nothing to justify the title of his piece. He disses bosu balls, trainers, mainstream gyms but did not give any scientific reasons why they don't work.

I find fitness movement similiar to religious fanatics...my way is best and all other methods have no validity.

Aside from that, I like the idea of working out smarter and will give it a try on that alone.

Post: #83

+2 for CupCake's recommendation for Scooby1961. The guy knows what he's talking about, and he's really not pushing any products/materials/courses/bullshit.

It's very straightforward stuff, just requires discipline.

BTW, ever since reading The 4-Hour Body I've really improved my overall health, but most of the credit for the book goes to making me interested, not as much for its advice.

Post: #84

(05-03-2011 04:45 PM)Chad Daring Wrote:  I dont doubt that you can do both, my point is that you'll see better results if you do one then the other. I will give you that food has much more to do with fat loss then exercise though. When I lost my first 40 pounds, about half of that was while not working out at all, but eating exceptionally well.

You're partly correct. It is better to focus on one result, weight loss or added muscle mass, that is not to say that one should exclude weight training from any weight loss program. If you run your body at a deficit which is what it requires to lose fat you will lose muscle at the same time, if you're not feeding your body enough protein and working it out its losing fat due to the deficit but losing muscle at the same time becoming a less efficient fat burning machine. You may not be adding mass per se but any muscle addition will only aid your weight loss goals. Same goes for someone trying to add mass and eating above maintenance calories, if you're not going to do some form of cardio you will put on fat to go with the muscle even if you're eating pretty clean. Cardio and weight training should be a part of every exercise plan, just tailored to the goal and as everyones already said, it all starts in the kitchen just dont think it ends there. It all works together

Post: #85

I have a bit of a dilemma as I've kept on losing weight. In the last 12 months I've dropped about 50 pounds, and thanks to willpower, determination, and definitely this thread I've added a good deal of muscle but now I'm stuck with a decent amount of extra skin around my core. I've tried googling for this and havent turned up anything good. The best answer I've gotten is to stick to healthy living and eventually it'll even out, but its been a few months and I'm not seeing any change.

Does anyone have any info on this? Has anyone gone through this and had a positive result?

The one thing I've wanted to look into was something a friend that had lip suction done said, basically during recovery they gave her a form fitting spandex piece to wear over the area to hold the skin to the musculature to help it reattach and then smooth out.

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Post: #86

(05-11-2011 07:21 PM)Chad Daring Wrote:  I have a bit of a dilemma as I've kept on losing weight. In the last 12 months I've dropped about 50 pounds, and thanks to willpower, determination, and definitely this thread I've added a good deal of muscle but now I'm stuck with a decent amount of extra skin around my core. I've tried googling for this and havent turned up anything good. The best answer I've gotten is to stick to healthy living and eventually it'll even out, but its been a few months and I'm not seeing any change.

Does anyone have any info on this? Has anyone gone through this and had a positive result?

The one thing I've wanted to look into was something a friend that had lip suction done said, basically during recovery they gave her a form fitting spandex piece to wear over the area to hold the skin to the musculature to help it reattach and then smooth out.

i had a friend who went through a similar situation and he used cocoa butter. it is supposed to help tighten the skin and reduce stretch marks. women use cocoa butter during pregnancy for stretch marks so i would definitely try that before going under the knife.

Post: #87

(05-11-2011 07:21 PM)Chad Daring Wrote:  I have a bit of a dilemma as I've kept on losing weight. In the last 12 months I've dropped about 50 pounds, and thanks to willpower, determination, and definitely this thread I've added a good deal of muscle but now I'm stuck with a decent amount of extra skin around my core. I've tried googling for this and havent turned up anything good. The best answer I've gotten is to stick to healthy living and eventually it'll even out, but its been a few months and I'm not seeing any change.

Does anyone have any info on this? Has anyone gone through this and had a positive result?

The one thing I've wanted to look into was something a friend that had lip suction done said, basically during recovery they gave her a form fitting spandex piece to wear over the area to hold the skin to the musculature to help it reattach and then smooth out.

As hoops said, try cocoa butter and also try vitamin E. Use the oil, take the supplements..you can take about 1000IU per day safely..so amp up on your vitamin E..maybe give aloe vera gel a shot (externally).

But focus on the cocoa butter and Vit E and then monitor changes.

Post: #88

if it's loose skin you're fucked. Sorry to say it but skin only bounces back so much if you've been heavy for a while and it's gotten to the point that it's hanging the only way to correct that is through a tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck if it's a minor case. The garment you're talking about is called a compression garment and that is usually worn to keep swelling from getting worse and keep fluids from collecting and getting infected, it doesn't do much for the actual tightening of the skin. Vitamin E and the other stuff will help to a degree but it depends on how much of a problem you have, when you say decent amount you make me think you can grab it with your hand and that much isn't going to bounce back. I know I see this quite often I am starting a medical tourism company with a plastic surgeon abroad and I sat in with him during some consultations so I could know what to look for and this was a common issue. When you're a bigger guy and you cut down they don't tell you that when you get down you're still gonna have some issues. I saw a couple guys who you could see their 6 pack clear as day and under it saggy pouch, doc has to cut that off, lipo or creams pills don't fix that. This is of course based on the assumption that there is a fair amount of loose skin if it's minimal different story but only you know how much you have

Post: #89

(05-13-2011 05:51 AM)johnroberson Wrote:  Strength training is a vital part of a balanced exercise method that includes aerobic activity and flexibility exercises.Strength Training is when you perform exercises with resistance to build muscle mass and strength. Strength training is not running on a treadmill, riding a stationary bicycle, or using an elliptical machine.

What do you mean by this?

Post: #90

(05-13-2011 09:44 AM)Moma Wrote:  

(05-13-2011 05:51 AM)johnroberson Wrote:  Strength training is a vital part of a balanced exercise method that includes aerobic activity and flexibility exercises.Strength Training is when you perform exercises with resistance to build muscle mass and strength. Strength training is not running on a treadmill, riding a stationary bicycle, or using an elliptical machine.

What do you mean by this?

That he is a troll and someone should report him.

Post: #91

(05-12-2011 09:00 PM)mikeymike Wrote:  if it's loose skin you're fucked. Sorry to say it but skin only bounces back so much if you've been heavy for a while and it's gotten to the point that it's hanging the only way to correct that is through a tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck if it's a minor case. The garment you're talking about is called a compression garment and that is usually worn to keep swelling from getting worse and keep fluids from collecting and getting infected, it doesn't do much for the actual tightening of the skin. Vitamin E and the other stuff will help to a degree but it depends on how much of a problem you have, when you say decent amount you make me think you can grab it with your hand and that much isn't going to bounce back. I know I see this quite often I am starting a medical tourism company with a plastic surgeon abroad and I sat in with him during some consultations so I could know what to look for and this was a common issue. When you're a bigger guy and you cut down they don't tell you that when you get down you're still gonna have some issues. I saw a couple guys who you could see their 6 pack clear as day and under it saggy pouch, doc has to cut that off, lipo or creams pills don't fix that. This is of course based on the assumption that there is a fair amount of loose skin if it's minimal different story but only you know how much you have

Its about a large handful at any given spot around my core, its not hanging off like a curtain, but its definitely obstructing what should be a much more toned looking mid section.


Thanks for the info on Vit E and cocoa butter, I dont have the cash to go under the knife, so I'm definitely willing to give this a shot, I'll hit up the drug store this weekend and give it a shot for a month and keep track of any results.

Chef In Jeans
A culinary website for men

Post: #92

(05-13-2011 03:35 PM)Chad Daring Wrote:  

(05-12-2011 09:00 PM)mikeymike Wrote:  if it's loose skin you're fucked. Sorry to say it but skin only bounces back so much if you've been heavy for a while and it's gotten to the point that it's hanging the only way to correct that is through a tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck if it's a minor case. The garment you're talking about is called a compression garment and that is usually worn to keep swelling from getting worse and keep fluids from collecting and getting infected, it doesn't do much for the actual tightening of the skin. Vitamin E and the other stuff will help to a degree but it depends on how much of a problem you have, when you say decent amount you make me think you can grab it with your hand and that much isn't going to bounce back. I know I see this quite often I am starting a medical tourism company with a plastic surgeon abroad and I sat in with him during some consultations so I could know what to look for and this was a common issue. When you're a bigger guy and you cut down they don't tell you that when you get down you're still gonna have some issues. I saw a couple guys who you could see their 6 pack clear as day and under it saggy pouch, doc has to cut that off, lipo or creams pills don't fix that. This is of course based on the assumption that there is a fair amount of loose skin if it's minimal different story but only you know how much you have

Its about a large handful at any given spot around my core, its not hanging off like a curtain, but its definitely obstructing what should be a much more toned looking mid section.


Thanks for the info on Vit E and cocoa butter, I dont have the cash to go under the knife, so I'm definitely willing to give this a shot, I'll hit up the drug store this weekend and give it a shot for a month and keep track of any results.

thats why weight loss needs to be gradual so the elasticity of the skin has a chance to rebound accordingly but when weight loss is done quickly and there isn't a lot of collagen in the skin the result will be that loose skin. If you can get a handful I'd imagine at some point you'll have to look at surgery if you want that defined 6 pack. There are collagen creams but theres no science behind them actually working so just an fyi in case you get talked into trying them, they'll just eat a hole in your wallet.

Post: #93

(05-13-2011 08:27 PM)mikeymike Wrote:  

(05-13-2011 03:35 PM)Chad Daring Wrote:  

(05-12-2011 09:00 PM)mikeymike Wrote:  if it's loose skin you're fucked. Sorry to say it but skin only bounces back so much if you've been heavy for a while and it's gotten to the point that it's hanging the only way to correct that is through a tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck if it's a minor case. The garment you're talking about is called a compression garment and that is usually worn to keep swelling from getting worse and keep fluids from collecting and getting infected, it doesn't do much for the actual tightening of the skin. Vitamin E and the other stuff will help to a degree but it depends on how much of a problem you have, when you say decent amount you make me think you can grab it with your hand and that much isn't going to bounce back. I know I see this quite often I am starting a medical tourism company with a plastic surgeon abroad and I sat in with him during some consultations so I could know what to look for and this was a common issue. When you're a bigger guy and you cut down they don't tell you that when you get down you're still gonna have some issues. I saw a couple guys who you could see their 6 pack clear as day and under it saggy pouch, doc has to cut that off, lipo or creams pills don't fix that. This is of course based on the assumption that there is a fair amount of loose skin if it's minimal different story but only you know how much you have

Its about a large handful at any given spot around my core, its not hanging off like a curtain, but its definitely obstructing what should be a much more toned looking mid section.


Thanks for the info on Vit E and cocoa butter, I dont have the cash to go under the knife, so I'm definitely willing to give this a shot, I'll hit up the drug store this weekend and give it a shot for a month and keep track of any results.

thats why weight loss needs to be gradual so the elasticity of the skin has a chance to rebound accordingly but when weight loss is done quickly and there isn't a lot of collagen in the skin the result will be that loose skin. If you can get a handful I'd imagine at some point you'll have to look at surgery if you want that defined 6 pack. There are collagen creams but theres no science behind them actually working so just an fyi in case you get talked into trying them, they'll just eat a hole in your wallet.

I'm just a little irked that I have this issue because I lost all the weight naturally. I just ate right, went to the gym, and stayed on top of it and really didnt' lose it THAT fast. 50 pounds in one year isnt that much at all.

One thing I was thinking was to try to fill in the "void" from the back with muscle. Would it be worthy my time to increase the intensity of my ab work outs to try to get this to happen?

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Post: #94

Great thread. I finally caught up on it--something I'd been meaning to do for a while.

I want throw a slightly different color on the conversation.

My goals are a different type of physique that a lot of the guys that have spoken up so far. I strive for a lean, athletic, balanced build with not a lot of bulk. I don't want to eat six chicken breasts or drink a gallon of milk every day (which, to me, is inconvenient, expensive, and probably carries some health consequences down the road). I want to be strong, have great posture, and look healthy to the bitches, while living a relatively normal life.

I accomplish this in a two-part routine:

1. Playing a Competitive Sport: I find that there's no substitute for an actual sport to achieve real, practical strength and fitness. Sports force you to use to your body and muscles for actual performance, in real-life scenarios. They also help you ID weaknesses in your physique, like a weak back or legs (common problems in amateur body builders). There's nothing like competing with other guys to get you to push harder and get in that extra 10 minutes that make all the difference. Plus, there are invisible, psychological, inner-game gains from indulging our innate competitive spirit and drive for winning.

I rotate between a few different sports I enjoy, but try to make sure that I get more than just a cardio workout from whatever I do. In other words, running alone is something I rarely do. And, since a sport alone isn't going to get you ideal results, I pair it with:

2. An Exercise Program: this is an area where I need a little variety. I've been doing the same shit (which is still very good stuff) for way too long. I used to bang a girl that was a certified personal trainer, and she taught me a lot of sound, simple exercises that work better for me than half of the programs I see out there. Having said that, I want to incorporate some newer stuff to plug in some holes and push things to the next level. I'll definitely look into some of the programs you guys have dropped in this thread. Regardless of what I do, I focus--almost to the point of obsession--on learning and practicing good form. This is one thing I learned from this personal-trainer chick and several of the semi-pro athletes I met through her. I can't over-emphasize the importance of this over the long-term and for achieving good, lasting muscle balance.

2b. Keep an Inexpensive, Simplified Home Gym with a Few Essentials: a high-quality jump rope; three pairs of free weights, in ascending weight; a mat; a medicine ball; a Swedish exercise ball (instead of a bench); and a pull-up bar. This virtually eliminates the need (and expense) for an actual gym for executing my exercise program. I know some guys hate on the ball (mostly because they don't know how to use it properly), but it's a very efficient way to compound classic free-weight exercises, force you into good form on certain lifts, make old lifts more challenging, and get in some extra core strength while doing your normal routine. Plus, I find that it's a nice prop to keep in your bachelor pad. When they see it, girls tend to migrate to it like a moth to a light bulb, at which point, "you can teach them some exercises."

I've found that this book is one of the simplest and best guides on good, effective ball workouts.

This shit alone made me into a stronger, leaner MFer, improved my posture, and eliminated my "forward head."

Post: #95

I'm thinking about working out and building strength and muscle. Unfortunately, I have a hard time finding info about these types of things. However, I also want to learn a martial art. You know, being a meathead is useless against a guy who keep his cool and knows kickassing moves. Your brain is your strongest weapon. I hear so many people who call themselves "experts" that I am researching, trying to find out what works best for me, and stick with it. I am my own man.

Anyway, let me tell you a little story about myself about why I badly want this. Back when I was a kid (around 10 y.o.) I was at a compputer in the public library with a friend. My friend took a chair from another computer cubicle and we started doing work. Some time later, a big fatass fuckass comes and says,"Did you take that seat?" in a menacing way. My friend said yeah he took it. Then the fatass loudly yelled,"What? How dare you take that seat?" My friend replies that if he walks five steps he can get another chair (there's lots of empty chairs around). The fatass angrily and loudly bellows,"Why should I take another chair when that one is mine!!" I was just a kid. I was totally freaking out that this adult was going berserk. I told my friend to just give the guy a chair. My friend gave him the chair and everything was quiet again. Thinking back now, I know I was just a little kid, but man I want to beat the shit outta that fucktard fatass guy. I'm not putting up with that disrespect from anyoneI want to get so strong that no one can mess with me. I am prepared to do anything it takes to be strong. My willpower is iron. I have no idea where that fatass went off to, but it's going to be payback 1000x for his jiggly fatass messing with me. I can kick this guy's ass now, but have no clue where the fuck he is.

My bad for the angry rant. But how many of you guys have ever had something happen like this to you? I know staying outta fights is usually the best option, but sometimes you just gotta stand your ground.

Tips and advice appreciated.

Post: #96

Im going to look into picking up either wrestling or boxing this summer/fall I've been told those two (especially wrestling) will not only get you into shape, but are by far the most useful if should ever actually have to use them in a real life situation.

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Post: #97

I thought wrestling was fake. Or is it just WWE?

Post: #98

(05-14-2011 08:46 AM)Chad Daring Wrote:  I'm just a little irked that I have this issue because I lost all the weight naturally. I just ate right, went to the gym, and stayed on top of it and really didnt' lose it THAT fast. 50 pounds in one year isnt that much at all.

One thing I was thinking was to try to fill in the "void" from the back with muscle. Would it be worthy my time to increase the intensity of my ab work outs to try to get this to happen?

50 pounds in a year is a 1 pound a week and right on par with what you should be doing so the skin if it was going to bounce back would've been doing so along the way if the loss was that gradual. I've found that when people say numbers like 50 in a year they usually had a good amount to lose and the first portion came off quick like 30-40 pounds in 3 months then they fought the rest down gradually and were losing 3-4 pounds a month so if that was the case their may still be some rebounding for your skin to do but it won't be significant rebound at this stage. I hear what you're saying it has to be frustrating.

Adding muscle is never a bad idea I don't know that it's going to make much of a dent in the loose skin as the ab muscles aren't a muscle that get overly thick you can only make them so blocky. Weighted ab work could be something to add to the ab routine if you haven't already. Loose skin in larger muscle group areas can be filled out a little better but stomach is just one of those bitch areas. Keep at it, use the vit e, cocoa butter, drink lots of water and add muscle and who knows what kind of results you could achieve you certainly won't make it worse.

Post: #99

(05-14-2011 10:16 PM)blurb Wrote:  I thought wrestling was fake. Or is it just WWE?

wrestling as a sport and discipline real, getting into a fight and locking them into a figure 4 then giving them a piledriver fake.

Post: #100

(05-14-2011 11:05 PM)mikeymike Wrote:  50 pounds in a year is a 1 pound a week and right on par with what you should be doing so the skin if it was going to bounce back would've been doing so along the way if the loss was that gradual. I've found that when people say numbers like 50 in a year they usually had a good amount to lose and the first portion came off quick like 30-40 pounds in 3 months then they fought the rest down gradually and were losing 3-4 pounds a month so if that was the case their may still be some rebounding for your skin to do but it won't be significant rebound at this stage. I hear what you're saying it has to be frustrating.

Adding muscle is never a bad idea I don't know that it's going to make much of a dent in the loose skin as the ab muscles aren't a muscle that get overly thick you can only make them so blocky. Weighted ab work could be something to add to the ab routine if you haven't already. Loose skin in larger muscle group areas can be filled out a little better but stomach is just one of those bitch areas. Keep at it, use the vit e, cocoa butter, drink lots of water and add muscle and who knows what kind of results you could achieve you certainly won't make it worse.

You hit it on the head. My weight loss schedule over 12 months was as follows.

Months 1-2 almost no loss
Months 3-6 dropped about 35 pounds
Months 7-8 dropped 5 pounds
Months 9-11 dropped another 10 pounds (via Atkins diet)
Month 12 dropped another 5

Since the end of month twelve I've actually gained about 12 pounds (over the course of three months) from hitting the gym daily and focusing heavily on strength training.

During those 3 months while my weight went up I could noticeably watch the soft areas still decrease in size as my muscles swelled.


For the cocoa butter, do you just apply it to the "area" once a day? I googled cocoa butter and extra skin reduction and didnt get a conclusive answer.

I'm thinking I'll add Vit E into my morning supplement blend and then do the cocoa butter at night before bed.

Chef In Jeans
A culinary website for men