my growth journey (work in progress)

[The Magus]

Wow. The before and after comparison is crazy. I'm using your story as inspiration, and maybe in a few months I can post some pics on my 1-year anniversary of getting to the gym.

Thanks for sharing from a soon-to-be former fatty.

[raven79]

You look fantastic dodoria. You are just naturally big too.

[dodoria21]

thanks again for the replies and The Magus -- feels so good for you to use my story as inspiration. Hope it helps you achieve your goals as well

Still training like a machine. I finished my stack from controlled labs, so i'm off workout supplements for awhile. Down to the basics now: multivitamin, fish oil, calcium, magnesium, zinc, whey, and creatine. First time taking just creatine by itself. I mix it in with my protein shake. So far so good I'd say.

Workouts are going great. Implementing more supersets here and there. Monday gonna try more supersets on chest day. Thinking dumbbell bench supersetted with dumbbell flys should lead to a pretty good pump. I'm seeing my pecs finally take shape and I'm so eager to turn them into thick, round, meaty mounds of muscle

I'm also getting more comments from the real world on the changes. People are saying I'm starting to get "big" or "buff". Got a couple friends who have always been physically fit, and now say they think they gotta hit the gym a little harder seeing me lately. Such a boost. I really can't get enough of this. It's become a part of everything I do now. I eat, sleep, and breathe MUSCLE.

got a few pics taken over the last week.

checking out the size of the guns

http://imageshack.us/a/img32/4145/imagehqm.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img42/4951/imageivpb.jpg

couple shots after working delts and traps:

http://imageshack.us/a/img14/4807/imageazf.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img94/2526/imagealk.jpg

a few leg shots:

http://imageshack.us/a/img717/819/imageyzk.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img198/2735/imagerjwe.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img594/6681/imagevoy.jpg

and lastly, a few shots after an arm workout:

http://imageshack.us/a/img140/3825/imageriw.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img201/6099/imagercu.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img585/5963/imagepxy.jpg

enjoy, leave comments, ask questions, whatever. loving every second of this!

[raven79]

You are going to be a thick man dodoria. Those arms are looking mighty big.

[msllover]

NICE!!!!! I'd love to squeeze and feel those guns!

[dodoria21]

Originally Posted by msllover

NICE!!!!! I'd love to squeeze and feel those guns!

heheheh... those guns want to squeezed and felt

had an amazing back workout today. During it, I had realized I never tried taking a pic of a back pump, so I gave it a go today. Here they are:

http://imageshack.us/a/img713/49/imagehicl.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img689/1781/imagesay.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img23/927/imagevxe.jpg

I was feeling really thick, and loving it heheh. After the gym today, I went in my uncle's pool, and got a few comments on how muscular my back looked. I was so stoked. Almost felt ready to run back to the gym on the spot! This really keeps getting better and better

[raven79]

Mmmm dodoria, I love your back. It might be your best feature.

[dodoria21]

RAWRRRRR!!!

Just got in from the gym. Had an amazing chest workout. I'm already sore. Hurts to squeeze my pecs together. Can't even do one standard push up now. And I'm so PUMPED. It's making me rage. Can't even think straight. All I can think is more... MORE MUSCLE! MORE POWER! GRRRRRR...

for those who may be curious, here was my workout today...

http://imageshack.us/a/img26/9345/imagerxm.jpg

and here is a few shots of my pumped up chest. becoming a BEAST!

http://imageshack.us/a/img580/5525/imagefib.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img593/4741/imageeny.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img521/5331/imagefec.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img822/6863/imagezqq.jpg

now i'm off to flex and get lost in this pump, cuz it's definitely taking me over right now. RAWR! MUSCLE POWER!

[raven79]

Yeah, your chest is starting look pretty damn good dodoria.

[Mdlftr]

Originally Posted by dodoria21

RAWRRRRR!!!

Just got in from the gym. Had an amazing chest workout. I'm already sore. Hurts to squeeze my pecs together. Can't even do one standard push up now. And I'm so PUMPED. It's making me rage. Can't even think straight. All I can think is more... MORE MUSCLE! MORE POWER! GRRRRRR...

for those who may be curious, here was my workout today...

http://imageshack.us/a/img26/9345/imagerxm.jpg

and here is a few shots of my pumped up chest. becoming a BEAST!

http://imageshack.us/a/img580/5525/imagefib.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img593/4741/imageeny.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img521/5331/imagefec.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img822/6863/imagezqq.jpg

now i'm off to flex and get lost in this pump, cuz it's definitely taking me over right now. RAWR! MUSCLE POWER!

Awesome workout Dodoria! Now go feed those muscles and rest for growth!

RAWR!

[dodoria21]

I noticed that I tend to lean towards talking about upper body workouts and pumps and pics of that, so let me make this all about the legs. I know it's important not to neglect them. Had an awesome leg workout today. Was hobbling out of the gym afterward. Snapped a few pics during the workout

http://imageshack.us/a/img857/8986/imagedzt.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img600/20/imagezvl.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img534/4350/imagellps.jpg

No muscle is getting left behind. I'm gonna make them ALL grow big and STRONG!

[dodoria21]

I've gone picture crazy.

Now that I use my phone to listen to music while working out, I can't resist popping into the bathroom to take some post workout pump pics. Then I can't resist sharing them. I figure nobody here would mind that heheh

Shoulders today! RAWR!

http://imageshack.us/a/img209/3610/imagezil.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img442/1684/imageyao.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img534/7681/imageeqi.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img707/8941/imagecrd.jpg

freaking LOVE these workouts lately. Not even on workout supplements, but the pumps have been amazing and I can feel myself getting so much stronger. I think my recent hypnosis may have helped. At the end of the show, the hypnotist had us all in our trance state, and she told us to picture whatever dream or wish we wanted to achieve in life at the moment, and she spoke about filling us up with the faith and belief that we can make those dreams happen. Not surprisingly, my mind kept picturing myself as a bigger, much stronger, muscular alpha. Since then, my workouts have been even more epic, and as I said, I feel so much stronger everyday. I remember seeing threads on here about muscle hypnosis. Maybe there's something to that. Whatever it is, I'm loving the feeling it gives me. Can't wait for the next workout! Gotta GROW!

[raven79]

I do love your legs dodoria. Nice thick calves.

[worshipper]

Dodoria, love your attitude. You are one big, alpha stud. You are made for muscle shirts.

[dodoria21]

thanks guys. your comments keep fueling me to want this more and MORE!

today was arms, my favorite. was changing things up and trying out different moves just to keep the muscles guessing. My arms were so TIGHT by the end of it. Could barely flex to snap some pics, but I managed it heheheh

http://imageshack.us/a/img838/4456/imagefnht.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img844/6739/imagengy.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img692/3149/imagerkpj.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img59/8165/imagevnct.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img811/8636/imageefhz.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img696/8459/imageawo.jpg

And now a day or two off before starting all over again. I already miss the gym lol. I'm so addicted it's crazy

[raven79]

Your bis dodoria are starting to look GOOD!

[dodoria21]

Hey all. Been a couple weeks.

Things are still going great. If it's possible, I awoke last week with an even deeper, more fiery passion for all this. I'm attacking this cut with everything I have. Tracking every macro. Getting my cardio in. And still lifting like an animal!

I've started a new wake up routine. I get out of bed, and do 100 calf raises, 50 push ups, and 50 sit ups. I really want my calves to grow. Recently met my cousin's new boyfriend who runs track, and his calves are SICK! So I'm damn determined to make my BULGE.

I do my runs 3 times a week in the park. They also have this thing called the lifecourse trail. It's just under a mile long, and it has various exercise stations throughout the trail. Stuff like various stretches, push ups, sit ups, pull ups, jumping moves, balance beam, step ups, hanging moves, monkey bars, etc. It's no joke. I tried it today and I was WINDED. Gonna love adding that in to mix up the cardio work.

I also have a road bike now which I try taking out 2-3 times a week. Nothing too grueling yet, but I'd like to be able to do some long distance runs down the road.

Using Ab Ripper X from P90X 3 times a week too. It's about a 15 minute session, but it's INTENSE! I'm literally left sprawled out on the floor with my core on FIRE! I wanna see something I've never seen on myself... I wanna see abs

And of course, the GYM. Making sure I keep my strength increasing, and gain some muscle despite me cutting. And I believe it's still working! Could be a matter of me losing fat so the muscles appear bigger, which is also fine. All I know is I'm loving the changes I'm seeing in myself in the mirror. It's awesome. Gives me the best feeling ever. Even turns me on... a lot

Gonna keep up this cut til November sometime. Hopefully I'll get shredded by then, and then I'll start bulking, cuz once I'm happy enough with the fat I've lost, I want to get seriously JACKED. The need is so intense that it wakes me up early in the morning. It has me hard. Has me flexing. Willing my muscles to GROW! I can't control it anymore. I feel a real BEAST inside me and it NEEDS to come out! RAWRRR!

So enough about that heheh... here's some recent pics from the last couple weeks. some taken in the gym. some at home. all of it MUSCLE

http://imageshack.us/a/img849/7969/imageijdt.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img201/3052/imagetll.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img214/4950/imageotuj.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img32/1392/imagejfu.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img832/2469/imagezhp.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img221/6853/imagexji.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img11/5707/imagetae.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img443/9364/imagexvh.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img69/7793/imagejse.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img560/4467/imagetfd.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img835/3240/imagewle.jpg

Never gonna stop. This is my LIFE now. The guy I used to be is gone. A muscle beast has taken over bahahahaha

[jcnutt]

Great progress and truly what a great post!!!
Love to see your beast stepping up and taking charge and it shows in your progress.

Keep going D!! You motivate the rest of us!!

[raven79]

You are looking very trim Dodoria!

[Eager Muscle]

Finally - another member who actually BRINGS it like me!

[dodoria21]

Originally Posted by Eager Muscle

Finally - another member who actually BRINGS it like me!

haha that I do man. This is my whole life now, and it's all I think about. Constantly want to do better, get more ripped, and definitely get bigger and STRONGER. It's crazy how bad I want it. And seeing it slowly take shape is just the biggest high I've ever experienced.

This week is going just as good as the last. One big bonus is I won a few supplements from Nutrex, and I took advantage of a big sale they had to stock up on other products, so my winter bulk is set to happen. I made sure to tuck those supplements away in the closet so I don't have to see them and therefore not get as tempted to go ahead and go beast with them. Gotta stay true to this cut for now.

Here's a pic from my back day a couple days ago. What an insane pump I had, and I really think my back is getting more muscular. Not gonna lie, I turned myself on when I looked at these pictures

http://imageshack.us/a/img849/4928/5...1e1abd6123.jpg

a little collage of four pics thrown together.

gotta eat some chicken now to refuel. gotta keep growing!!!

[worshipper]

Any more updates. You are becoming such a beast. Love the alpha man you are

[dodoria21]

Holy crap it's been a long time!

Rest assured, I haven't stopped working out or anything. I have gotten busier at work. Accepted a promotion, and now looking at another. Sounds more fancy than it is, but in any case, it's basically made life work and gym, gym and work. I get on the forums and browse some, but just haven't had that extra oomph in me to upload some pics or update this thread.

Anyway, workouts have still been going great. I took a couple breaks since I last updated, and the biggest change is I've switched from cutting to BULKING!

Bulking is AWESOME! Started taking creatine, and trying out some workout supps here and there. Been tweaking the workout routine some here and there. Now for each week it goes as follows:

Mondays - Shoulders
Tuesdays - Arms
Wednesdays - Legs
Thursdays - Chest
Fridays - Back
Weekends - Rest

I also have two types of workouts for each bodypart. Basically, one week I do heavier lifting. The next is more high volume work. Supersets, drop sets, stuff like that. So I have a workout week A and workout week B. Since moving into that routine, I've been noticing lots of gains. Gained a bit of size in areas, and what I've really enjoyed is my strength. It has really gone through the roof. It's to the point where I feel like I'm going into a rage because the rush of energy just feels SO fucking good. I can't get enough of it, and it keeps driving my hunger for more higher and higher.

Gonna remain bulking for the winter. I wanna pack on as much muscle as possible. I had cut down to 197lbs. right now I'm sitting at 207. I want to get up to 225 by spring. Still eating mostly clean, with a cheat here and there. Hopefully I'll get one step closer to being a total beast this winter.

So here's some updated pics. All these taken within the last couple weeks.

some shoulders:

http://imageshack.us/a/img96/2019/imageoea.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img12/7928/imagekmc.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img708/9421/imagegjg.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img62/6527/imagejek.jpg

arms:

http://imageshack.us/a/img29/3766/imagetgc.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img204/5260/imageiod.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img690/6557/imageoche.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img248/7518/imagepvr.jpg

front:

http://imageshack.us/a/img515/1741/imagerelf.jpg

back:

http://imageshack.us/a/img837/816/imagezqt.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img850/6202/imageoraw.jpg

legs:

http://imageshack.us/a/img24/4234/imagebdxd.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img35/5372/imagexgz.jpg

[raven79]

You're going to be a beefy one dodoria!

[worshipper]

Awesome you are getting to be well over 200 pounds. Look @ the power u have

[dodoria21]

much appreciated guys! trust me I am freaking determined as hell to become one hell of a beast one day

[dodoria21]

Update:

Mostly just a picture update. Been going with the same routine and still seeing gains. Bench up to 245 now. Eagerly seeking 315. I cracked and measured arms cuz I do want 20" or more there one day. Broke 16". I was there before when I was fatter, but it means much more now cuz it's 16" of muscle this time.

Experimenting with more creatine intake each day. A few guys I follow on Instagram have been doing the same and they have seen crazy gains. Obviously not everyone can handle more creatine. So far I'm not having all those bloating woes I hear about. So hopefully more gains are on their way.

Ok pictures. A new leg update. Seeing more definition.

http://img809.imageshack.us/i/imagepaam.jpg/

Couple tricep shots. Feel like they're getting deeper.


http://img202.imageshack.us/i/imagerqw.jpg/

http://img585.imageshack.us/i/imageiex.jpg/

Some shoulder and traps. I'm really focused on making the traps grow during this bulk.


http://img838.imageshack.us/i/imageqys.jpg/

http://img826.imageshack.us/i/imagebvza.jpg/

And lastly some vein action cuz who doesn't love veins haha


http://img401.imageshack.us/i/imageblm.jpg/

More to come!

[worshipper]

Wow, what a big beast of a man. Congrats on all of your progress. Grow more.

[dodoria21]

Originally Posted by worshipper

Wow, what a big beast of a man. Congrats on all of your progress. Grow more.

thanks man. And don't worry, there's a whole LOT of growing I plan to do heheh

took a couple chest shots today. I haven't taken a pic of my chest in quite some time. it's my self conscious area. everyone has that one spot they just are never pleased with. Chest is mine. Plus I felt like my chest workouts haven't been as up there compared with other days. Today though I got home still feeling like it wasn't the best workout, and suddenly the pump set in and I was like "holy shit I feel fucking incredible!" so i figured what the hell. let's lose the shirt and see what these bad boys are up to haha. see what you think:

http://imageshack.us/a/img703/8830/imagelxv.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img822/4430/imagexue.jpg

next week I am gonna switch chest and back day though. So thursdays I'll do back and fridays will be chest. Reason being is I wanna separate shoulder day and chest day as much as possible (shoulders are mondays). Been noticing my left shoulder doesn't quite wanna keep up with me on chest days lately, so hoping this little change along with some good stretches will help.

here's to growing HUGE!

[dodoria21]

what can I say? I'm in an updating mood this week.

Had am amazing back workout today. Was all about volume, so pull ups pull ups pull ups.

Felt great afterwards. So pumped up and felt so thick. This morning I woke up and could feel stronger. I fucking love that feeling. It drives me wild and makes me that much hungrier for more. Bulking fucking RULES haha. Getting bigger, stronger, and hornier haha. There's just so much testosterone flowing through me these days and I can't get enough of it.

So here's a pic after my workout, and a couple action shots.

http://imageshack.us/a/img32/6661/imageyoi.jpg

Downing my protein and creatine now. Ready to grow even MORE!

[BigSteve6ft3]

Nice sweep of lats you've got there now, Dodoria.

Man, you've really come a long way. I look at the pictures at the start of this thread, and I'm amazed at how much you've improved in such a short time. It's only been a year and half. I'm really looking forward to seeing you grow over the next several months and beyond. Another year or two of this and you're truly going to be an awesome beast. You've got a great frame to build on -- lots of room to pack on more muscle. Keep doing what you're doing, and don't stop growing.

[worshipper]

Wow, every update you do is so impressive. You have bulked into a big he-man

[dodoria21]

Happy New Year!

I'm so excited for 2013. 2012 was a big year of changes for me, but it was just the warmup. Now it's time to really unleash the beast!

I have a vacation in Florida coming up the middle of next month, so the plan is to bulk until then. I may take it a little easy while I'm in Florida, but a couple old buddies are headed down with me, and they're long time gym rats. They've taken notice of my progress, so I know we're gonna wind up in the gym a couple times, which I'm excited for. Always secretly looked up to them for their constant dedication and strong physiques.

Anyway, after the vacation I'll start my cut. Looking forward to it. My goal is to see abs for the first time in my life. Gonna get super strict on the diet since that's where abs mostly come from.

So far not really sure what changes I'll do to my workout routine. I like how I go heavy one week, then do high volume work the next, so I may try to stick with that with the understanding that, being on a cut, my heavy weeks won't necessarily be as heavy as they are now. I do intend to maintain as much strength as possible on the cut. I know it can be done. May be harder, but I welcome the challenge.

That's where things stand now. Here's a few pics taken during the last week and some days. Really feeling good. I feel bigger finally, and I can see it in myself too. I'd say I'm well on my way towards my ultimate goal of being a total BEAST by age 30

http://imageshack.us/a/img203/4053/latpulldown.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img811/7774/legswl.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img338/3811/trapsfront.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img210/7395/trapsu.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img593/3573/biggeru.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img10/9246/musculary.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img534/5327/crossedarms.jpg

take care for now, and for the other lifters out there, keep going BIG!

[Nex]

This thread is truly inspiring. You look epic, bro. Keep getting bigger!

[raven79]

Dodoria your chest is looking hot! By 2014, you are going to be a beast!

[xboy]

Compliments, time to serius grow now!!!! good luck!

[dodoria21]

Hey guys. Wanted to update this post a little bit.

The last month wound up being a little rough for me. I pulled my lower back deadlifting. It was my own fault. I had done something to my back that week, and I wasn't feeling quite right, but I went to the gym anyway. So stupid, and I know better too, so makes it stupider lol. I was out of the gym for two weeks. Could've been worse. Just had to go to the chiropractor for adjustments and electro stim therapy.

Then not two days back at the gym and I came down with a mild case of the flu. Felt like absolute crap. I had a vacation in Florida last week, so leading up to that I just focused on getting over the flu, which I did just in time for the trip. Tried getting in some workouts down there, but was super busy doing touristy stuff.

So all in all, been a bit over a month since I was seriously training. Hated it. Diet kinda went to hell too. I had glimpses of the old life before working out, and that scared me a little.

This week I'm back at it though. Yesterday was chest. Today back. I'm sore as hell and loving it. Gotta get diet back on point cuz I can definitely feel the difference from not eating right in terms of energy and stamina. I've lost strength too which is depressing, but I'm using that as fuel to fire me up and get it back.

I'm starting to cut now. Figuring out my macros and will be tracking them. Gonna start running again too. I've decided I want abs. Gone back and forth on how much I really value that, cuz in the end, it's all about huge muscle for me, but I can have both. Been following a lot of guys who bodybuild or compete in physique shows, and seeing them transform themselves is just so inspiring. I don't really see myself competing, but I want to look like I could, so it's time to do work.

No pics today (sorry lol). Not feeling as comfortable with myself, but as I said before, that just makes me hungrier for progress. Still determined to make 2013 my year. This was just a small hurdle. Won't stop me from becoming a BEAST. Til next time...

[Shahrazad2]

Hey my friend, I've missed chatting with you.

Sorry to hear about your last month, though I'm glad that you're getting back to your progression to beast-hood. I've also been struggling with a bad cold, so I feel your pain about the flu.

Still, it is always awesome to see your progression, so I hope you take better care of your back.

Keep up the good work, and as for your goal of gaining abs, I'm all for it... I think that you are your own worst critic about your chest (speaking as a gay man to his straight friend, it looks great) and I think that you with abs would look even more amazing than you already do. Hope to hear more from you.

[dodoria21]

Hey all! Been awhile again:

Things have been improving. It was a struggle getting into the groove of cutting, but I am feeling more comfortable with it. Still doing gym 5 days a week on a 5 day split. Doing circuit core training 3 days a week. Running in the park 3 times a week. And tracking all I eat to a tee. Started meal prepping which makes staying consistent so much easier. Everything is becoming routine and second nature to me now, so I am feeling confident that I'll get the results I crave.

Added bonus is I've had some of the biggest pumps ever the last couple weeks. Not even taking pre workouts either. That really helps me cut without feeling puny lol.

Got some pictures this time, all from the last couple weeks. Looking forward to the cuts to make these muscles really look big.

http://imageshack.us/a/img94/2615/imageten.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img163/228/imagedewa.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img24/8051/imageywcq.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img221/4234/imageoin.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img69/7059/imagevxm.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img856/4817/imagercze.jpg

[Mdlftr]

Looking good! Love the bicep shot framed in the Car window! Major swole !