High resistance body weight exercises are the best for building effective muscle; as you work from the deeper muscle up. Bulk just really skims the top layers and adds, it's not very effective muscle.

I've lost 90 lbs through a very loose diet at ~1000-1200 calories a day (i.e. I still eat chipotle, almost on the daily for my dinner at work); dropped all sugary drinks - water/tea's as in bagged (or loose leaf), not lipton bottles. Cardio, walk leaning forward (as in my body is leaning at a 20-25 degree angle, or 75-80 depending how you measure the angle); this is the proper way to strengthen your running abilities. Believe it or not, proper walking increases running ability more than running does, also 10x more gentle on the joints. 2-3 meals a day, 2 protein shakes (~60g protein total), and all natural extract supplments. The only synthesized product I use is VPX Redline Ultra hardcore pills.

Body strength has drastically increased; I went from 260lbs to 170-175lbs; and my range of motion has drastically increased. I could hardly bend over before. Now I can sit in padmasana (standard meditation pose) lean from the pelvis/bottom core and lay flat on the ground with my upper adbomen to forehead touching the ground. My body's never felt so explosive and overall healthy in my life, and I don't abuse it like these p90x/Insanity workouts. I think it's gonna be funny when 20yrs down the line these people have osteoperosis from abusing their joints. Now that summers here I'll be swimming again since that's sorta the most complete total body workout (and one of the easiest on the body). I'm probably about a month away from having a flat stomache again... it's probably been 15 years since I could claim that.

But as the mighty Tuna has said, fitness conversations usually end up like politics conversations.

Edit: If you're one of those people who insist on using weights; I highly suggest kettlebell exercises. Contrary to popular belief you don't need or even want long workout sessions. Minimum effective dose is key; right up until you feel your muscles fully activated... stop. Excess strain means more recovery time, less effective workout time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOYpU9gg1yc

 

Must be the way you wear your weight. The first time I sat in an S 5 years ago, I was 6'2" 255 and it fit me like a glove. Honestly, it fit me better than it does now... I was uber comfy but didn't have room to slide around in the turns I can't imagine how being 200lbs would hurt your back. Honestly, you might have something else going on that you might want to have a health professional check out

 

Been working out for nearly a year doing 2 a days. During my lunch break I go in and do abs, then grab a to go plate from the cafeteria. At nights I'll go in and lift for what ever muscle group I'm working on. Current supplements I am taking are syntha 6 in the a.m and before I get off work, and ON casein protein prior to my sleep. Trying out different preworkouts at the moment. I started off with N.O. explode, then it stopped working completely. After that I tried, nano vapor til I realized its no bueno for my stomach lol. Tried Jack3d and I really liked it, but then I heard everyone raving about c4. It worked great for maybe a week.. I realized I was taking 3 scoops of that and not getting any type of pump. Right now im cycling off and will be trying 1mr.

I'm 175lbs and 6'2". When I started working out I was only 150lbs. I'm actually pretty happy with my results and satisfied with my looks, just need to maintain.

 

yea. there is a big difference between "all-natural" bodybuilding contests, and the "anything goes" mr.O and Arnold classic style contests.

 

all natural contests are a matter of natty for how long and how well you can beat a test. Mr o and such are usually ''non tested" organizations. Natty bb- ing still has the issue of diuretic usage as well

 

Just under 6'1" 230 and I fit perfectly. I have a fairly wide back as well. My friends EVO I couldn't sit in for the life of me.

 

all natural contests are a matter of natty for how long and how well you can beat a test. Mr o and such are usually ''non tested" organizations. Natty bb- ing still has the issue of diuretic usage as well
[/quote]
I have friends in MI that took the natural thing quite seriously. At that level its a matter of sportsmanship and conduct that they go by. Its a natural BB'ers code of honor. You would only be cheating yourself if you place in a natural competition knowing that you weren't natural. Diuretics don't build mass....

 

all natural contests are a matter of natty for how long and how well you can beat a test. Mr o and such are usually ''non tested" organizations. Natty bb- ing still has the issue of diuretic usage as well
[/quote]
I have friends in MI that took the natural thing quite seriously. At that level its a matter of sportsmanship and conduct that they go by. Its a natural BB'ers code of honor. You would only be cheating yourself if you place in a natural competition knowing that you weren't natural. Diuretics don't build mass....
[/quote] I know that but looking 5 times more defined because of a diuretic certainly helps your points And yes it.is a code of honor but at the end of of the day someone is going to try to cheat a little.

 

I think we need a thread for weekly routines....How many days, what workouts for what body parts...I have been working out for 1 and a half and go only 3 days a week...Shit is taking forever to get big. I am going to start going 4 days a week stalrting this week. I'm taking protein before and after I work out. Any advice, pointers?

 

Lift heavy eat take a multi and good luck with your fitness goals in 2011