Achilles' Pictacular Post

achilles · #1 August 18th, 2007, 10:12 PM

Hey guys,

Since I started bodybuilding last year (see my intro post over in the 'Real Life Muscle Growth Experiences' section if you haven't already), apart from documenting my progress with video, I've also been known to set up a camera and snap away. I thought I might post my latest photographs here.

The ones I'm sharing came about after a long hiatus of not using my camera, but I just happened to be going to bed and noticed my reflection in the bedroom mirror - and I had to do a double-take. I could NOT believe how huge my pecs looked! Definitely carrying more mass than I ever thought I would own last September :-) Feels good.

Now to get BIGGER!

Photos:
http://pics.livejournal.com/ccmuscle/pic/00028s6e
http://pics.livejournal.com/ccmuscle/pic/00028s6e
http://pics.livejournal.com/ccmuscle/pic/00029qp5
http://pics.livejournal.com/ccmuscle/pic/0002a1by
http://pics.livejournal.com/ccmuscle/pic/0002bgy3

Taken: 18/08/07. Weight: 220lb

1bigwoof · #2 August 19th, 2007, 12:45 AM

Nice work, my friend! Not only do you have the pumped muscles but the smug look in the first two pics is priceless! Feel free to keep your camera in good form and spoiling us with new pics, anytime.

I can't wait to see you even bigger. Thanks for sharing.

gogr2 · #3 August 19th, 2007, 02:39 AM

Damn dude, looking awesome. Keep it up!

arpeejay · #4 August 19th, 2007, 04:35 AM

The best thing about your always fabulous pix is that atop that ever hunkier, builtier, musclier body of yours is this absolutely adorable face. Keep on smilin', babe, you make the world a handsomer, happier place every time you do!

xoxo

Richard

MAZIVKAROLY · #5 August 19th, 2007, 05:30 AM

Keep those muscle fibers twitching, pulsing and growing; I've been at it for just over 40 years; now 61 and still iron pumpin'; love the rush and the looks from guys 1/2 or even 1/3 my age and the looks from the women in shape aren't exactly unflattering either. Keep goin' and growing!

Quote:

Originally Posted by achilles

Hey guys,

Since I started bodybuilding last year (see my intro post over in the 'Real Life Muscle Growth Experiences' section if you haven't already), apart from documenting my progress with video, I've also been known to set up a camera and snap away. I thought I might post my latest photographs here.

The ones I'm sharing came about after a long hiatus of not using my camera, but I just happened to be going to bed and noticed my reflection in the bedroom mirror - and I had to do a double-take. I could NOT believe how huge my pecs looked! Definitely carrying more mass than I ever thought I would own last September :-) Feels good.

Now to get BIGGER!

Photos:
http://pics.livejournal.com/ccmuscle/pic/00028s6e
http://pics.livejournal.com/ccmuscle/pic/00028s6e
http://pics.livejournal.com/ccmuscle/pic/00029qp5
http://pics.livejournal.com/ccmuscle/pic/0002a1by
http://pics.livejournal.com/ccmuscle/pic/0002bgy3

Taken: 18/08/07. Weight: 220lb

Jim USA · #6 August 19th, 2007, 07:10 AM

Whoa! Do you go out in public in that shirt? That would stop traffic.

thufirhawat · #7 August 19th, 2007, 11:57 AM

You look GREAT...! and so hot...I love these massive pecs bulging...
*moans*....

Good job, keep going!

DonnieJvilleNC · #8 August 19th, 2007, 01:51 PM

Kudos to you, man! That is a phenomenal transformation! You should really be proud of yourself. Can't wait to see the next set of transformation pics.

Oh, and thanks for stoking the fire in me. This'll make me work even harder.

viamanmax · #9 August 19th, 2007, 11:54 PM

You are doing so awsome. Keep it up and you will continue to be in my dreams.

beachmuscle · #10 August 20th, 2007, 11:23 PM

wow ,,impressive . what are you into big man ?

omelissokomos · #11 August 20th, 2007, 11:26 PM

My fave's the last one with the glasses. Clark Kent's got nuthin' on ya.

Notbigenuff · #12 August 21st, 2007, 08:08 PM

Oh my...wow...oh my - words fail me. Just keep doing whatever it is you obviously do so well

.

BBMikeNJ · #13 August 22nd, 2007, 12:18 PM

Man, you are looking huge. No wonder you were stunned when you looking in the mirror!

b.spencer · #14 August 22nd, 2007, 04:45 PM

Hey Croft.

You are amazing. I remember your first youtube vid, and thought you looked good there. Now, all I can thing of is wow.

Brad

achilles · #15 August 22nd, 2007, 06:55 PM

Thanks EVERYONE for the replies! Even I need motivation & encouragement, and I never get tired of hearing your comments :-) Its still pretty new and wild to to me to be considered big in any terms!

So here's one more photo to add to the last batch; I was talking about my leg training with a friend of mine over IM the other day - telling him about my new personal best on my squat (420lb for five reps!). And he happened to remark - quite rightly - "Hey, you never show any photos of your legs mate!"

Well, that used to be because I hated my legs, and considered them too skinny for my upper bod. But they've been progressing too, and I don't mind showing them off now. Only trouble is figuring out the best way to pose and photograph for lower body shots. I'm sure I'll crack it. Anyway, presenting a visual of my 'wheels' for the first time, specifically the quads!

http://pics.livejournal.com/ccmuscle/pic/0002ce1f

Until next time

arpeejay · #16 August 22nd, 2007, 11:50 PM

Yep, I'd say those were coming along quite nicely!

Many thanks!

xoxo

Richard

achilles · #17 September 5th, 2007, 04:40 PM

OK, so not a 'pic', but rather than create a new thread, here's my latest YouTube vid - The preview of the video I'm putting together for September!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYOIBJ0v77U

WANT 2 GET HUGE · #18 September 6th, 2007, 12:20 AM

Bro, your pics and videos are so hot. You have made real progress. Keep going! Must make you feel fantastic! Get Huge!

achilles · #19 October 15th, 2007, 01:47 AM

Alrighty, I was shooting some footage tonight for the next YouTube video (kinda depressing its taken me this long, but ho hum - should FINALLY be ready tommorrow. Fingers crossed!!!), and I took the opportunity to snap a few stills as well. Here's two images from that batch that I enjoyed :-)

http://pics.livejournal.com/ccmuscle/pic/0002d6b0
http://pics.livejournal.com/ccmuscle/pic/0002e147

1bigwoof · #20 October 15th, 2007, 06:23 AM

Achilles,

Thanks for the quick stills. You're definitely still packing it on.

It's very motivating to see your progress in spite of your hectic schedule. I've got my fingers crossed for the video.....what will you think of next? Your last two videos will be hard to top.

TheMM · #21 October 16th, 2007, 03:31 PM

I have a small tiny request. I wanna morph you. But many of your pictures are in kinda bad lighting, so maybe you could get some more lit up pictures? Now I can morph what's there, but it's a bit hard for me to do.

I wanna do it so you can be inspired (hopefully) to keep on pushing yourself to the point where my morph is a before and after. Also, I'm doin it for.....uhh..........personal reasons!..Yea...let's go with that....personal....reasons.

Strmchaserboi · #22 October 22nd, 2007, 08:02 PM

I want a copy of this morph! Awesome pics though Achilles. I just got back from the gym just now and looking at these pics is motivation to keep with it. Hope to ssee more shirt busting video's soon! Keep lifting.

achilles · #23 October 27th, 2007, 12:17 AM

Sorry about the lighting MM. I'll work on that in the future

Anyway, the reason for this photo-post is to highlight baby cows.

As a bodybuilder, I develop all aspects of my physique - yes, including legs! Its just I find them so tricky to photograph compared to the upper body. That said, I was cajoled into photographing my calf development tonight, after telling a friend how well my calf training has been going lately. I've just hit the 18" mark on my baby cows. I'm psyched, because they were 14" last year! He wanted a visual! So here it is:

http://pics.livejournal.com/ccroft/pic/000bq3t8

I've been training them about four times a week now, and I have to say, they are looking HUGE compared to what they used to look like. Maybe one day I'll get over my phobia of wearing shorts in public...

Slevin · #24 October 27th, 2007, 05:21 AM

Lookin good! The fourth picture is awesome. Remember to pay attention to the light and shading. It's good to have a "shadow" to your muscle, makes it look bigger.

achilles · #25 December 3rd, 2007, 12:57 AM

As promised in my main progress thread in the Real Life Muscle Growth section, I took some photos to celebrate reaching 18.5" arms. And here they are - albeit on a lesser-quality camera than usual. The good one was on holiday :-(

http://pics.livejournal.com/ccmuscle/pic/0002gpb4
http://pics.livejournal.com/ccmuscle/pic/0002hyez
http://pics.livejournal.com/ccmuscle/pic/0002k6yq

MuscleMage · #26 December 3rd, 2007, 12:02 PM

Beautiful forearms!

jtchef · #27 December 4th, 2007, 11:05 AM

You have made AMAZING progress, I have been watching your youtube vids and I cannot believe the progress that you have made, keep up the hard work and training and keep us posted

achilles · #28 March 20th, 2008, 11:04 PM

Hey gang,

Well, time keeps ticking on, and I took some new progress photos. Just one more month of mass-building left, until I begin cutting for my first contest. I've been hovering around 230lbs for awhile now - this might be my first real plateau - but my arms have reached 19" flexed when pumped. Take a look at the first photo below and you'll see what I mean ;-)

Biceps:
http://pics.livejournal.com/ccmuscle/pic/0002x2wz
Back:
http://pics.livejournal.com/ccmuscle/pic/0002ybdc
Torso:
http://pics.livejournal.com/ccmuscle/pic/0002zwsr
Quads (28"):
http://pics.livejournal.com/ccmuscle/pic/0002str0
Calf (I still suck at taking calf shots - working on it!):
http://pics.livejournal.com/ccmuscle/pic/0002tbk0

Still would LIKE to reach 240lb by the time April is up, but at this stage, it might not happen. Oh well. As long as I can attain my goal of 300lb by the time I'm 30 (six years away) I'll be happy

TheMM · #29 March 20th, 2008, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by achilles

Still would LIKE to reach 240lb by the time April is up, but at this stage, it might not happen. Oh well. As long as I can attain my goal of 300lb by the time I'm 30 (six years away) I'll be happy

You won't be alone in your happiness Achilles.

20 bucks says you're 300 pounds in....3 years. And if I'm right...I'll personally take you to dine...in HELL!!! *cringes*

Ohh, that was a horrible joke, I know. I had to say it though.

Corwin · #30 March 21st, 2008, 04:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by achilles

Hey gang,

Well, time keeps ticking on, and I took some new progress photos. Just one more month of mass-building left, until I begin cutting for my first contest. I've been hovering around 230lbs for awhile now - this might be my first real plateau - but my arms have reached 19" flexed when pumped. Take a look at the first photo below and you'll see what I mean ;-)

Biceps:
http://pics.livejournal.com/ccmuscle/pic/0002x2wz
Back:
http://pics.livejournal.com/ccmuscle/pic/0002ybdc
Torso:
http://pics.livejournal.com/ccmuscle/pic/0002zwsr
Quads (28"):
http://pics.livejournal.com/ccmuscle/pic/0002str0
Calf (I still suck at taking calf shots - working on it!):
http://pics.livejournal.com/ccmuscle/pic/0002tbk0

Still would LIKE to reach 240lb by the time April is up, but at this stage, it might not happen. Oh well. As long as I can attain my goal of 300lb by the time I'm 30 (six years away) I'll be happy

Looking huge... Freaky arms, especially considering how fast it took them to grow.

1bigwoof · #31 March 21st, 2008, 05:28 AM

The latest pics look great (as usual). Know what happens to plateaus? They get SMASHED!

Keep training & eating hard and you'll explode again. Thanks again for sharing your progress with us.

lewj99 · #32 March 21st, 2008, 09:52 AM

Awesome pics! It's always great to see your progress. Looking forward to the 240 pics...250...and so on!

conoemadre · #33 March 21st, 2008, 12:08 PM

Hey bro congrats, a good size you have....

BODYBUILDING RULES?

DonnieJvilleNC · #34 March 22nd, 2008, 07:32 AM

Achilles,

I'd love to have that kind of "plateau".

You've made phenomenal progress! I'm positively green with envy.

Mdlftr · #35 March 22nd, 2008, 08:19 AM

Achilles,

You are an inspiration! You are the fastest natural grower I've ever heard of! Keep on for 240! and 250 and 260 and...300!

Congrats on the amazing progress--it's well deserved after all your hard work!

Mdlftr

achilles · #36 March 24th, 2008, 02:20 PM

Thanks for everything guys :-) I can always count on you to lift my spirits :-)

Here's a bonus image: A one-year-on comparison shot, between March 2007 and March 2008:

http://pics.livejournal.com/ccmuscle/pic/00030ky9

Having now been bodybuilding for 18 months, I now have some photos from last year to make comparisons to. This double bicep shot is quite enlightening! Same shirt. Same pose.

March 07: 17" arms
March 08: 19" guns!

... of course one of the biggest differences is I learned how not to make stupid expressions on my face when flexing for the camera. Or maybe I'm not flexing as hard this year ;-)

Mdlftr · #37 March 24th, 2008, 02:47 PM

[ This double bicep shot is quite enlightening! Same shirt. Same pose.

March 07: 17" arms
March 08: 19" guns!

... of course one of the biggest differences is I learned how not to make stupid expressions on my face when flexing for the camera. Or maybe I'm not flexing as hard this year ;-)[/QUOTE]

Achilles,

Great shot! What I notice is that in the 2007 biceps shot, you are bringing your upper arm down to a 45 degree angle over your 17" bicep, to show the bulge. In the 2008 picture, your left forearm is at a 90 degree angle to your upper arm, but, even so, the bicep tricep bulge is noticably fuller, rounder and thicker!

So, it's not that you are not flexing as hard, it's that your arms are much bigger and show the size with less flexing effort on your part.

Good job! Keep up the great work! You are an inspiration to the rest of us!

Mdlftr

menergy · #38 March 26th, 2008, 08:01 AM

You have made remarkable progress. Would love to see an updated flex video man. You could be drinking the growth formula and show the told pics to new as the change. WOOF!

achilles · #39 September 21st, 2008, 01:26 AM

New photo. It's a classic pose, but I like it!

http://pics.livejournal.com/ccroft/pic/000ex48x

grubby41 · #40 September 21st, 2008, 02:41 AM

Wow...very cool. You have proven the truth of the saying, "If you can conceive it, and believe it, you can achieve it" - and so you have.

The Following User Says Thank You to achilles For This Useful Post:
bbgonnabe (February 2nd, 2013)

The Following User Says Thank You to achilles For This Useful Post:
W0lven (January 31st, 2013)