Biting the Bullet . . . My Progress so Far

[b.spencer]

Hi Guys,

Well, between snow (does a dusting constitute snow??) and flu keeping 25%+ of students out of school, I've gotten the last two days off. So, I decided it was finally time to bite the bullet and post some pics of where I've come from and hopefully where I'm going.

Gladly, most of you will never be where I've been. These pics hurt a little, but I wanted you to get an idea of where I started. I actually do not have a picture of myself at my largest (about 375 lbs @5'11" in August 2006) but you'll get the idea. I was between 330-350 in these.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...zionnp-067.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s.../GC2003-37.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...02007/2004.jpg (Sorry about lighting)


I've been dieting for 5 months and working out again for 4 months as of Monday. This is me now at 250 lbs as of this morning. I'm not nearly at the place most of you guys are and I've still got about 60 lbs to drop, but anyway.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...07/jan2007.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...Feb2007-05.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...Feb2007-01.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...Feb2007-02.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...Feb2007-03.jpg

Like I said before, seeing you guys progress is an inspiration to me. Hopefully, this can become a monthly affair for me and I can gain muscle like you all.
Cheers and Good Luck to everybody this month.

[CelticMuscle]

Here in Wales, a snowflake counts as snow! Congratulations on your progress, when are you ordering the posing suit?

[DonnieJvilleNC]

B.Spencer,

Congrats on the amazing progress! You've come a long way! You're looking really good. If you're like me, you might notice some loose skin. Don't worry too much about it...it goes away (slowly but surely).

I look forward to your next batch of progress pics. Now I'll have to work even harder...thanks.

I imagine you'll look amazing when you reach your goal!

[omelissokomos]

Originally Posted by b.spencer

Like I said before, seeing you guys progress is an inspiration to me.

Believe me, your transformation is very inspirational to others here in the forum and everyone around you I'm sure, even moreso at how quickly you've been doing it. Keep it up!

[mmfan]

Amazing! Congrats

[b.spencer]

Thanks a lot guys for the kind words. This may sound weird, but I see myself everyday, and I guess I really don't see the changes, even though it's obvious when I go back and look at pics or pull out an old pair of pants. Sometimes it just doesn't seem real.

Donnie, I'm glad the skin will pull up a little with time. It's been a real worry. My chest and arms are not terrible (at least I should be able to take some of that back up with some muscle later), but from the stomach to upper 1/3 of quads/hams. just forget about it. I mean, having lost 19 1/2 inches on my stomach, there's no way I'll ever have 6 pack abs, but I'd at least like to look good in clothes.

Cheers,
Brad

PS -- Me in a posing suit?? Maybe in a horror film or something.

[ethernet_jock]

Brad - you already look good in clothes! Fantastic dude... 125lbs you've lost? To quote a funny movie "That's a whole back-street-boy!".

Great work, and don't stop now!!

[macmanchad]

Wow...quite the inspiration as I'm restarting (yet again) working out.

Now that I work for a fitness equipment company, hopefully I'll be able to stick with it and look like you someday :-)

[b.spencer]

Hi Guys.

Since I'm stuck at home with stitches in my neck so that I can't workout for a few days (had a minor surgery), I thought I'd post an update on me for the month.

Pics are here: http://s148.photobucket.com/albums/s...encer/Mar2007/

In summary, it's been a different, but really good month for me. I've lost another 18 pounds since my last post, coming in at 232 today. I am slowing this thing down, at least over the 26 pounds I lost last month. Anyway, as you might expect with such a rapid loss, I've lost some lean mass, but not as much as you might think.

But, what you really can't see in the pics are the changes that really excite me. Despite the losses, I'm in the middle of making a huge strength gain. I've put 15 pounds on my working bicep curls and 20 pounds on my max bench in the last 3 weeks, both with better form, just as an example. I've never been a guy with any real kind of vascularity -- even during workouts as a kid -- but over the last couple of weeks -- BAM -- it seems to be coming in everywhere. Hands, forearms, calves, even the biceps veins are there during workouts. I really didn't expect that kind of thing now, especially with my still high BF %. And there is a great improvement in the shape of individual muscles. Can't see it yet, but I can feel the changes.

Don't know if this is the right place to ask this, but since I'm trying to slow my weight loss, how much should I cut my cardio vs. increasing my calorie intake at this stage? I know I've got to do both if I want to make any muscle gains later, but I still have about 30-35 pounds to lose. (I avg. about 2000 cals per day intake and 1200 cals in cardio, 6 days per week) I really am uncertain how to approach it, and how fast should cut/increase them. I'd like to burn the last 10-15 pounds losing about a pound per week or so. Something along the lines of a cutting diet.

Anyway, thanks again guys for sharing yourselves here, and all you're support.

Brad

[b.spencer]

Hi Guys,

Link to Pics: April 2007 Pics

I've also started keeping up with my measurements a bit more closely. Been focusing on legs and they are showing a bit better definition, all things considered. All are not pumped:

Ht: 5'11"
Wt. 211 lbs

Neck: 16"
Chest: 40 3/4"
Waist: 36 1/2"
Rt. - Lt. Biceps: 15 1/2" - 15 1/4"
Rt. - Lt. Quads: 23 3/4" - 23 1/2"
Calves (Both) : 16 7/8"

Brad

[DonnieJvilleNC]

Great progress, Brad! I really can see the progress in these pics. Love the leg shots...quite a bit of definition.

Keep going, man.....you can do it!

Can't wait to see your next pics and stats.

[b.spencer]

Thanks Donnie. Coming from a guy with wheels like you, that means a lot.

[b.spencer]

With the end of the school year here, life's been really hectic -- standardized testing, prom chaperoning, assemblies, graduation . . . ugh.

Think I've had a descent month except for a nerve impedance that keeps me from being able to fully use my right leg. (You can really see it on the calves pic. Can't flex it at all.) But, it is getting better. Squatting 210 for 10 reps with power from only one leg that's the weaker of the two isn't too bad, is it?? It's 100+ lbs below what I typically do for reps when I'm good though. (I know I'm not supposed to do them until I can at least get some power from my right leg, but I couldn't resist last week. )

http://s148.photobucket.com/albums/s...er/May%202007/

Brad

[DonnieJvilleNC]

Great Progress, Brad. I know how hard it is being a teacher AND trying to work out consistently. I liked the new pics. I especially liked the "biceps & shoulders" pic. You've got some good vascularity going on there.

Keep up the great job!

[b.spencer]

Hi Guys.

Haven't updated for a while; so I thought I'd show where I am.

The losing weight is finally finished. I stopped a few weeks ago at 195 lbs. For the last four weeks or so, I've stabalized my weight, then started a growth cycle. I hope to gain 15-20 lbs up to the end of the year (abt 3 lbs. per month). So far, I've generally added about 1/4" to every measurement in the last month even with the BF cutting, except my right quad and calf which are explosively larger now that I can train them hard again. (not equal to left side yet, but much improved). Gaining pec size has been hard. I've been basically stuck at the same weights for a while now, but had a great workout today, adding a 5-10 pounds to every exercise. So, I hope that (and changing up my routine next week) will break the plateau.

Here's the new pics and comparisons to the last set. (In that set, gray shirt is from May, Black shirt is current.) Since trying to gain quality weight is new to me, any criticism, advise, etc. would be well received. Thanks again to all of you (especially Donnie and Juggernaut) for inspiring me to work harder and get stronger.

http://s148.photobucket.com/albums/s...r/July%202007/

http://s148.photobucket.com/albums/s...July%20Change/

Brad

[Juggarnaut]

Brad

Buddy youhave done an amazing job - your hard effort is paying off

Keep at it and I look forward to more great shots

Jugg

Originally Posted by b.spencer

Hi Guys.

Haven't updated for a while; so I thought I'd show where I am.

The losing weight is finally finished. I stopped a few weeks ago at 195 lbs. For the last four weeks or so, I've stabalized my weight, then started a growth cycle. I hope to gain 15-20 lbs up to the end of the year (abt 3 lbs. per month). So far, I've generally added about 1/4" to every measurement in the last month even with the BF cutting, except my right quad and calf which are explosively larger now that I can train them hard again. (not equal to left side yet, but much improved). Gaining pec size has been hard. I've been basically stuck at the same weights for a while now, but had a great workout today, adding a 5-10 pounds to every exercise. So, I hope that (and changing up my routine next week) will break the plateau.

Here's the new pics and comparisons to the last set. (In that set, gray shirt is from May, Black shirt is current.) Since trying to gain quality weight is new to me, any criticism, advise, etc. would be well received. Thanks again to all of you (especially Donnie and Juggernaut) for inspiring me to work harder and get stronger.

http://s148.photobucket.com/albums/s...r/July%202007/

http://s148.photobucket.com/albums/s...July%20Change/

Brad

[DonnieJvilleNC]

Brad,

I LOVE the comparison shots! You can really see the improvements in vascularity and thickness. My favorite 2 shots are the "relaxed compare" (love the V-taper & lower bodyfat) and the "bi & shoulder compare" (excellent vascularity and improved thickness in your delts and biceps).

Continued good luck Brad...you're doing a kick-ass job!

[gb123]

Holy shit, thats some serious progress, well done mate.

[MAZIVKAROLY]

Good progress, Brad. Look forward to seeing more in the coming weeks/months. I'm still at and nearing 62 in September this year. Been pretty serious and regular in workouts since I turned 40.

[b.spencer]

Originally Posted by gb123

Holy shit, thats some serious progress, well done mate.

Originally Posted by MAZIVKAROLY

Good progress, Brad. Look forward to seeing more in the coming weeks/months. I'm still at and nearing 62 in September this year. Been pretty serious and regular in workouts since I turned 40.

Thanks guys very much. And Donnie and Jugg, you know how I feel about you.

I didn't get a chance to take pics descent progress pics this month (just have to wait until September). Everything is in boxes now, since I'll be moving to Colorado 2 weeks from now. I'm really excited about it. First thing I did after finding an apartment was speaking to a gym. There's a brand new Golds just a few miles away that looks really good.

The guys at my gym voted me Jul-Aug member of the month. To even be considered as the face of the gym by the huge guys I workout with everyday, who have been doing it for years and years, was an honor.

Anyway, I did want to post these I took before the cam went into the packing box. I've been working hard on abs for three months now. (I'm envious of Jugg and his abs among other things ). Here's where I'm at now. Considering I had no definition at all June 1st, I'm pretty happy with the progress. Still got a ways to go, but it still feels good to see them in the mirror now.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s.../Aug07ABS2.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/Aug07ABS.jpg


Talk to you next month from the front range of the Rockies!!!!

Brad

[1bigwoof]

Looking great, Brad! Congratulations on your new position and your excellent work in the gym. Here's to hoping your peaks will rival those of the Rockies! Good luck with the move. Please keep us posted on your progress.

[omelissokomos]

Congratulations Brad. You should be proud with what you've accomplished so far. I can't wait to see how good you'll look in the months to come.

[DonnieJvilleNC]

Good luck on the move, Brad.

Those two cam shots are amazing! I'm envious of your abs! Can't wait to see your September pics. You're doing an amazing job.

[b.spencer]

I'm here in the Rockies at last, so distractions are over!!!

After seeing several of you guys posting your huge gains over the summer, I feel a little bad. Had a lot of distractions, so my progress hasn't been the best over the last two months. Guess I've done a slow but OK. Waist is still dropping with my weight slowly climbing, so not all terrible.

This past week, I started a new workout Jugg sent me (Thanks again, man.) Between that ball-busting monster he was good enough to send me, and adjusting to working out at 5,000 ft+, I'm totally wiped out. I did legs today and felt like I was sucking air through a straw after 5 or 6 sets. But, I'm hoping that once I make the altitude adjustment and I bump my diet up into a real, but clean, bulk, I can get back to growing.

Anyway, here's my updated pics. (Sorry about the clarity. The lighting in my apt, is terrible):

http://s148.photobucket.com/albums/s...r/Sept%202007/

With winter coming, let's all get bigger and better.

Cheers,
Brad

[arpeejay]

I don't know whatchercomplainabout! You look great! Keep up the good work!

xoxo

Richard

[b.spencer]

Thanks Richard. I'm just never satisfied. Keeps me pushing harder, I guess.

[b.spencer]

Hi guys,

I can't believe it. This weekend marks one year since I started my weight loss and muscle growth journey. The time has gone by so fast and so slow at the same time. I would have never imagined as I sat, at this very moment last year, eating my last uber-greasy fast food burger and fries as my last binge meal, that I'd be where I am now. I'm so close to that once-fabled 16 inch unpumped bicep that I always wanted I can taste it. Too bad, when I get there, I'll want to do is make it 17.

I just wanted to publicly thank all you guys on this board. (Especially Donnie -- my very first inspiration that I could do this -- and Jugg -- you're just a growing machine. I love it. --) I've learned so much from you, been inspired myself from your experiences, and from the PMs and emails I've gotten, I've been able to inspire some of you. We are all in this journey toward the body of our dreams together. If there is anything I can do for you, just ask.

A new year, for me, is here, and my goal . . . I want that elusive 8% for next summer. The best part of this whole experience for me is that it never ends. It only gets better from here.

And as for the celebration? Last Labor Day weekend, I had greasy fast food lounging around at a fireworks display. This one -- I'm eating clean on my diet and going to the gym . I'll enjoy this one more.

[omelissokomos]

Happy anniversary Brad! You're doing an amazing job! Keep on growing.

[DonnieJvilleNC]

No Brad, thank you!

Now when I look at your pics (especially the most recent ones), I'M the one who's inspired. Now I know I need to get my ass in there and work even harder.

Keep up the excellent job, Brad. I mean it...even though I'm green with envy.

[Juggarnaut]

B
You deserve a standing ovation my friend - you have over come all that was blocking your way and now you just gonna keep getting better and better

You have inspired me more then you will ever know my friend

Heres to seeing how much better we look a year from now ... you know what my 40th b-day goal is


Huggs Buddy

Jugg




I can't believe it. This weekend marks one year since I started my weight loss and muscle growth journey. The time has gone by so fast and so slow at the same time. I would have never imagined as I sat, at this very moment last year, eating my last uber-greasy fast food burger and fries as my last binge meal, that I'd be where I am now. I'm so close to that once-fabled 16 inch unpumped bicep that I always wanted I can taste it. Too bad, when I get there, I'll want to do is make it 17.

I just wanted to publicly thank all you guys on this board. (Especially Donnie -- my very first inspiration that I could do this -- and Jugg -- you're just a growing machine. I love it. --) I've learned so much from you, been inspired myself from your experiences, and from the PMs and emails I've gotten, I've been able to inspire some of you. We are all in this journey toward the body of our dreams together. If there is anything I can do for you, just ask.

A new year, for me, is here, and my goal . . . I want that elusive 8% for next summer. The best part of this whole experience for me is that it never ends. It only gets better from here.

And as for the celebration? Last Labor Day weekend, I had greasy fast food lounging around at a fireworks display. This one -- I'm eating clean on my diet and going to the gym . I'll enjoy this one more.[/quote]

[b.spencer]

Hi guys,

I decided to wait a couple of months for my next full set of pics. But, I snapped a couple of quick bi pics the other day. Hopefully I'm making a little progress, and so are you guys.

Brad

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...087_Edit_2.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...086_Edit_2.jpg

[omelissokomos]

Originally Posted by b.spencer

Hopefully I'm making a little progress

That you are Brad, and don't let yourself think otherwise. We both know how easy it is to fall into that trap.

[alanindy]

Very nice! Keep up the good work! DEFINITELY making a lot of progress!

[Eager Muscle]

YOU, sir, are the most inspirational bodybuilder I've ever seen. And that's saying a lot!

[b.spencer]

Thought I needed to post some progress pics. Here are my bi's since last time. There's some growth over last set. I just hate the way that shirt makes me look like I have a gut, even though I don't . I can still see my abs. Just the way it fits, I guess. Anyway, I'm getting ready to start a cut for summer. I'd like to shave off about 10-12 lbs of fat and get ripped for the summer sun.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...007_edited.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...006_edited.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...009_edited.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...008_edited.jpg

[macmanchad]

Bi's? Look at those shoulders!

[omelissokomos]

Lovin' the veins on your arms. Can't wait to see how much more ripped you can get.

[DonnieJvilleNC]

I love the new progress pics. You make me SO jealous (but in a good way).

Good luck on the upcoming cut.

[b.spencer]

Hi Guys,

Figured it was past time for me to post a complete set of progress pics. I only made it as far as the lower body (Damned Camera batteries). So I'll post upper body pics tomorrow after I can get some fresh ones.

Anyway, I think I've made some OK progress over the last few months. Not like our resident muscle prodigy Croft (I envy you man ) but some small gains. My legs to show a lot more definition thanks to getting squats back into my workouts at the first of the year.

Here's the first batch. (BTW. I did them both with and without flash just because the lighting sucks in my place.) Love some feedback.

http://s148.photobucket.com/albums/s...er/Feb%202008/

[b.spencer]

I've put up the rest of the update. Sorry a couple are fuzzy, but I don't have anyone who will take pics of me.