Hey Everyone,
I promised I would be better at keeping this blog updated so here is my commitment to that promise! Since the shows I’ve been really trying to keep it tight coming out of this contest prep and properly stimulate my metabolism. I’ve done the whole blow up and put on 15 lbs in 2 weeks and i just had no interest in that this time. I want my offseason to be productive. I would like to get back up to 230 lbs this offseason, but I want to do it slowly over time and I know post show it’s absolutely crucial to properly stimulate your metabolism so that your body can handle bulk level calories without putting on excessive fat gain. I firmly believe what you do the first few months after a long prep sets the tone for your offseason. If you eat a ton and get sloppy real quick you will be trying to play catch up the rest of the offseason for all the fat you put on. If you properly stimulate your metabolism you’ll be able to add lean mass with less fat gain. Seeing how lean Phillip Ricardo was at the Yorton (picture of myself and Phillip attached)… I know I have the size to do well, and even though I easily beat my previous conditioning, I still think I can get harder and I know it starts with staying leaner in the offseason. Also congrats to Phillipon defending his world championship
So as you know, I was down to about 100g of carbs per day before my first show and about 150g/day before my last show with fat around 40g.
I started my offseason at
250g protein
200g carbs
50g fat
on leg days I take carbs up to 400g.
3.5 weeks later I am at
250g protein
275g carbs
55g fat
still taking carbs up to 400g on leg days
I also am doing zero low intensity cardio and 2 HIIT sessions per week.
I have only added 3.5 lbs since the show, even with thanksgiving and 3 of those 3.5 lbs were added in the first day after the show. So I feel real good about where I’m at. I still have a long way to go strength wise, but my energy levels are already feeling about normal.
At this point I feel really good about where I’m at metabolism wise and after seeing the level of competition in the pros and knowing it’s only going to get tougher, I KNOW that I have to be totally disciplined in the offseason as well. Not to say I can’t enjoy dining out with my wife here and there, but I need to keep it tight and make sure I’m tracking everything closely. Lots of people can be disciplined for 12, 16, 20, 24 weeks for a contest prep, but I believe what separates champions from everyone else is staying focused even when you don’t have your next show picked out yet. Right now I’m totally focused, feeling good, and still enjoying life. A great spot to be in!
-Layne
