Hello,
I recently won first place in novice lightwts at the NGA show in NC on June 7. I placed 3rd in the open and it was my second show. I am still shocked I did so well.
My question is where do I go from here? 2 things - I want to win first in the open lightweight division now. Second, 7 years ago I tore my right pec competing in powerlifting. I have built it back up. But I am thinking I need to really focus on my chest if I want to step it up to the next level.
Today is the first day back in the gym after a 2 week break from the show.

First of all, congrats on your winnings and placings. Second of all, you took 2 weeks off from lifting!!?? How about diet??? The second you are "done" with your contest dieting, you are IMMEDIATELY at the advantages of anabolism! You are PRIMED to grow... I feel as though you kinda missed that really great oppertunity!

When is your next show? How long are you giving yourself to off-season prep before the next contest? There are a number of things you can do at this point, but time VS. goals is the biggest issue.

actually if he kept his eating under control, which he did since he is still 161 and competed just under 154 I think he could still grow like a weed. Everything Ive researched suggest the anabolic window post contest lasts for about 5-6 weeks. Though it doesnt really sound like he wants to leave the lightweight class so controlled eating and heavy training to mature waht he has seems like his protocol.

Unlike me, where Im now at 175 eating EVERYTHING in site right now. Gunning for 185 and never seeing bantamweight again.....everyones goals are different.

quote:

tore my right pec competing in powerlifting. I have built it back up

Did you have surgery to repair it? If so, then go for it just like if you were powerlifting...full force. If you didn't have the surgery, then take your time to work it back. The main thing, and as Jason tries to keep me motivated, come in crisp, dry and hard. I saw a heavyweight take it with no pects. NONE.

Wow, really, no pecs? Did have previosu torn pecs??
I did not have surgery, it doesn't bother me at all or interfere with functionality of the joint and muscle. I don't do flat bench or barbell because I get that unstable feeling, but I can do everything else.

Jtheo, thats good to know about the anabolicv window. The eating is starting to get out of control, though. lol
So heavy training is what leads to muscle maturity? NO cables and the like in the offseason?