I'm at 8 weeks out and wanted to get everyone's opinion as to whether or not I can get into 'contest shape' for my show. Here are my pics:

Pics at 8 Weeks Out

As of today, I'm 174.25 lbs (height is 5' 5") and my waist is at 31.5". The trainer who took my skinfolds was way off and my calculated BF % came back as 14.9%, which seems too high.

I've been working with Mark and have followed his gain muscle/lose fat nutritional plan 100% for the last 3 weeks. Up to this point, my cardio has been a moderately paced 20 minute session 3 times a week in the morning. I haven't done much posing yet.

Please be honst and let me know what you think. This is only my second show, so I don't know what to expect at 8 weeks out. I don't want to come in at less than 100%, and if I have to, I'll pass this show up and diet right on through until an early spring show.

Thanks!

I think that you are within reach at eight weeks out but your diet is going to have to get serious now. I would also consider switching over to HIIT cardio as it takes less time and does a better job of elevating your metabolism to burn fat without burning muscle.

If you are not taking extra BCAA's look into that. It helps you retain muscle mass while on a very restricted diet. A drink of glutamine select plus some additional BCAA bulk powder between meals does the trick nicely.

Mark will probably have you do a once a week carb up day - which is another good way to keep your metabolisim going and thus to keep your body in a state where it will continue to burn extra body fat for energy.

The goal will be to get as lean as you possibly can. I can see that you have a good base of muscle mass so don't worry about losing weight, as long as the majority of your weight loss will be body fat what you weigh on contest day is insignificant. What you look like - i.e. your level of conditioning is VERY significant.

I think that you can do it if the rest of your life will allow you to stay focused and consistent with your diet, if not then shooting for spring might not be a bad idea. If you go that route try to stay steady at your current body fat levels so that you will be starting your pre-contest diet from within striking distance of where you want to end up. Good luck with whatever you decide!

Mark gave me the 'thumbs up' so I'm planning on competing in 8 weeks. I got my updated nutritional plan and it's fully geared towards getting lean (no starchy carbs except for meal #6 on Mon/Thur). I plan on starting interval training in my cardio to help burn some extra calories.

I'm definitely heavier than I thought I'd be at this point, so I'm not concerned with weight loss (I wouldn't mind dropping right into the top of the lightweight class, if possible).

Fortunately, my situation allows me to focus on bodybuilding, so I should be able to stay consistent with my diet and training. I have been 100% focused up to this point and getting positive feedback only makes me work harder!

Thanks!

I think you should compete.

I have my second competition next Saturday. Am I going to come in as lean as I would like? No. Have I made improvements since last year - I think so, but the pictures will tell. If I were to back out just because I can't come in crisp and @ 3 or 4%, I'd never learn.

I am going through so many "down" thoughts right now about being dissapointed with myself and my conditioning ... but I also realize that it's more a competition against myself than the other guys (at least for right now).

I think it's awesome that you are going to compete! Best of luck!

-Mike