Chuck's Prep...

[ChuckaZulu]

I'm currently prepping for the Jay Cutler Classic on May 2nd and/or the Rhode Island Championships on May 15th. It all depends where my conditioning is at. I'm nursing a muscle strain in my front right delt and have been training around it.

I'm 193 Lbs in these pic's @ 5'9" and 42 y/o

[ChuckaZulu]

Rear

[dakoteyah27]

You have some pretty nice set of wheels and Awesome chest development that I wish I had. I would like to see a little more fullness in the upper pecs and lats with exagerated insertions. You have two months, that should be plenty of time. You got this bro! Keep it up! I'd love to see your progessions, keep them comin'.

[ChuckaZulu]

Thanks, will do.

[irish_2003]

you're def leaning out over the last couple of months....keep up the good work old man!!!

[ChuckaZulu]

Thanks Irish

[dakoteyah27]

I wish I had a V-tper ratio like that. Hey chuck, what is your waist size here?

[Presser]

nice pics chuck! Cant wait to see what you look like 2 months from now, or hell even 1 month, how far out from ur show are you usualy at the weight and condition you want to be? I was always ready 3 maybe 4 weeks out other then the carb and water game , just curious how far out ur about ready

[ChuckaZulu]

I wish I had a V-tper ratio like that. Hey chuck, what is your waist size here?

I'm wearing my 34" jeans now and they're loose on me. I have several different sized pants and duty uniforms for when I compete, LOL.

[ChuckaZulu]

nice pics chuck! Cant wait to see what you look like 2 months from now, or hell even 1 month, how far out from ur show are you usualy at the weight and condition you want to be? I was always ready 3 maybe 4 weeks out other then the carb and water game , just curious how far out ur about ready

I like to be ready at least 2-weeks out. I have a tendency to over diet if I go longer.

[dakoteyah27]

I'm wearing my 34" jeans now and they're loose on me. I have several different sized pants and duty uniforms for when I compete, LOL.

Not bad at all. I was cursed with wide ass hips. Better for deadlifts I guess.

[ChuckaZulu]

Not bad at all. I was cursed with wide ass hips. Better for deadlifts I guess.

I wish I could deadlift, bad back.

[dakoteyah27]

My back sucks too but my supporting back muscles take most all of my beatings from deads. What I'm really jealous about is your cephalic vein on your arms. I just don't have the genetics.

[ChuckaZulu]

I just trained shoulders for the first time since my injury without incident. I'm very happy and relieved. 6 weeks out tomorrow.

[nuknuk]

well damn I just seen this. Good luck bro!

[Presser]

I just trained shoulders for the first time since my injury without incident. I'm very happy and relieved. 6 weeks out tomorrow.

What were u able to do for shoulders? Normal stuff or did u have to stick to safe exercises?

[Chris250]

Nice pics bro...

I cant wait to see the changes that will come...You look good ... you doing your own prep. Or is someone helping you ?

[ChuckaZulu]

What were u able to do for shoulders? Normal stuff or did u have to stick to safe exercises?

I played it safe for the most part. I did dumbbell laterals starting with 10 Lb'ers working my way up to 35's in 5 Lb increments. I did machine shoulder press and not the typical smith machine ones that I do because of hand placement.

[ChuckaZulu]

Nice pics bro...

I cant wait to see the changes that will come...You look good ... you doing your own prep. Or is someone helping you ?

Thanks Bro. Yes, I'm doing my own prep.

[ChuckaZulu]

Well, it finally happened. I was in a house fire during the critical weeks of my prep and did fine. I’ve always had a fear of crashing from the low carbs. I keep these oatmeal/whey protein bars in the pockets of my turnout gear just in case. I didn’t need them, but had a couple slices of pizza back at the firehouse and my metabolism just destroyed it. I followed that up with some whey in water. I was worried we might get a similar call later in the night and wanted to have the carbs onboard for it. I’ll do extra cardio today.

[ChuckaZulu]

189 Lbs (fasting) this morning. I'm steadily losing 1-2 Lbs each week. I was thinking of switching to Keto until I read joniflex's thread with Chris250's comments. I think I'll continue to cycle my carbs each week.

Here's a link to that thread: http://board1.mantisforums.com/upload/showthread.php?t=45862

[Presser]

keto...yuck yuck yuck but effective,lol,

[ChuckaZulu]

Feeling very tired / fatigued today. I decided to hold off on Legs until tomorrow.

[Presser]

Feeling very tired / fatigued today. I decided to hold off on Legs until tomorrow.

AHHH the old "Why do today what you can put off til tomorow" routine, I have incorporated that into my show prep before as well ,lmao, who hasnt ,lol

[ChuckaZulu]

AHHH the old "Why do today what you can put off til tomorow" routine, I have incorporated that into my show prep before as well ,lmao, who hasnt ,lol

You know it, LOL.

Here are some pic's from today.

[ChuckaZulu]

Rear Poses

[ChuckaZulu]

Guy's and Gal's, I need help deciding what Side Tri pose to use. Suggestions?

[dakoteyah27]

On your left side, you have alot of definition in your tri's it looks like. Could be the lighting though. Very nice transformation. You came back meatier, especially your lats. Spectacular job!!!

[ChuckaZulu]

On your left side, you have alot of definition in your tri's it looks like. Could be the lighting though. Very nice transformation. You came back meatier, especially your lats. Spectacular job!!!

Thanks Bro. I need to lose that (back) fat on my waist and arse, but don't want to over do it. I'm steadily losing 1-2 Lbs each week and need to hold on to what little muscle I have, LOL.

[dakoteyah27]

Your abs are pretty pronounced I can't wait to see what your waist does and I might not be too concerned with you glutes they look alright, unless you got the Kai Greene striated washboard glute goin on but keep it up.

[MMX2]

Looking good on the prep!
Have you began working on your base tan?

[Presser]

left tri chuck!

[ChuckaZulu]

Looking good on the prep!
Have you began working on your base tan?

Not yet Bro, soon...

[ChuckaZulu]

left tri chuck!

Thanks, I'm worried my right delt is better though.

[ChuckaZulu]

4 - weeks out guy's.

Yesterday's workout was the first during my prep where my strength took a hit. I'm hungry, tired, and starting to get cold feet. It's been a long time since I stepped on stage. I decided to pay the money to have my tan done professionally (spray booth) at the venue. We'll see how that goes. I've stepped up the Cardio to burning 300 calories each session - ED.

[MdTNT]

Not yet Bro, soon...

LOL, i broke out the ray-bans for this thread Chuck! Lookin good lil brutha!

Md-

[ChuckaZulu]

LOL, i broke out the ray-bans for this thread Chuck! Lookin good lil brutha!

Md-

Funny, LOL.

I hit you up on aim the other day. Give me a shout.

[MMX2]

4 - weeks out guy's.

Yesterday's workout was the first during my prep where my strength took a hit. I'm hungry, tired, and starting to get cold feet. It's been a long time since I stepped on stage. I decided to pay the money to have my tan done professionally (spray booth) at the venue. We'll see how that goes. I've stepped up the Cardio to burning 300 calories each session - ED.

I have done the Jan Tana spray tan at the venue- they do a phenomenal job - it is definitely worth the money. I have seen too many competitors try to slap it on the day of- and it ends up looking like shit.. Good luck big guy...

[irish_2003]

you're coming along good bro!

[ChuckaZulu]

Thanks Guy's.

I'm tired and weak at the moment. I treated myself to a hoagie roll with my chicken yesterday and the vascularity was crazy, LOL. I'll post some updated pics in a few days.

[ChuckaZulu]

185 Lbs (fasting) this morning. I'm 21 days out. Abs, side serratus are in. I just have a little loose skin around my navel. I'll see if I can't get my wife to take some pic's tonight. I'm tired all the time and have been sleeping at least 8 hours each night. I don't take naps. My workouts are 30-40 minutes and cardio is every day now.

[dakoteyah27]

It sounds like you're cutting up nicely, can't wait to see those pics, man.

[ChuckaZulu]

OK, here I am 3 weeks out. I still have some fat to lose.

[ChuckaZulu]

Rear poses...

[ChuckaZulu]

I think a tan would help, LOL.

[dakoteyah27]

NICE BACK WORK, BRUTHA!!!!!!!!! Your vascularity for 3 weeks is friggin' AWESOME!! You are really dialing it in, man! Great separation in your delts there, you must be doing alittle extra sumthin', sumthin' for them.
Keep up the work, bro!!!

[Presser]

Hey chuck, make sure when your showing any back poses that your leg goes not just back, but also out to the side a bit bro, just a friendly critique brutha as your not showing off the (X) frame when u just put your leg back and not out to the side a good bit,

[ChuckaZulu]

Hey chuck, make sure when your showing any back poses that your leg goes not just back, but also out to the side a bit bro, just a friendly critique brutha as your not showing off the (X) frame when u just put your leg back and not out to the side a good bit,

Thanks, I appreciate the advice.

[LeatherHead]

I think a tan would help, LOL.
LOL! I was going to ask you about that. Are you just going to spray one before the show?

[ChuckaZulu]

LOL! I was going to ask you about that. Are you just going to spray one before the show?

Yes, my wife has always helped with it. I'll start a few days out.

I tried tanning once outside with my Irish skin and began peeling the day of the show. It was a nightmare.

[Presser]

Thanks, I appreciate the advice.

no problem, and not trying to sound like a no it all bro, just was an honest critique

[saudades]

Looking awesome, Chuck!

[LeatherHead]

Yes, my wife has always helped with it. I'll start a few days out.

I tried tanning once outside with my Irish skin and began peeling the day of the show. It was a nightmare.
Gotcha... yea, that would've sucked for sure. You could've just said that you're getting so huge, your skin can't stretch far enough to keep up with your muscle growth. lol

[Presser]

Yes, my wife has always helped with it. I'll start a few days out.

I tried tanning once outside with my Irish skin and began peeling the day of the show. It was a nightmare.

I guess thats not realy funny, but ya gotta laugh at it now,lol

[ChuckaZulu]

I guess thats not realy funny, but ya gotta laugh at it now,lol

I was using Dream Tan as my final coat and it was a mess with all the dead skin mixed in...Nasty.

[LeatherHead]

I was using Dream Tan as my final coat and it was a mess with all the dead skin mixed in...Nasty.
I bet you looked like the most in-shape zombie around, huh? :thumbsup:

[ChuckaZulu]

185 Lbs this morning, 2 weeks out.

No change from last week and I still have 3-4 Lbs to lose. I'm a bit dissapointed, but know I can do it. I like to be ready at this point in my prep, no excuses.

[jimijimi]

185 Lbs this morning, 2 weeks out.

No change from last week and I still have 3-4 Lbs to lose. I'm a bit dissapointed, but know I can do it. I like to be ready at this point in my prep, no excuses.

Good luck Chuck, you are definitly there and 2 or 3 lbs should not be a problem, you seem determaned to do this and not many guys your age
look anywhere close i know i'm 47 and have pics from 2 years ago here
but was not trying to compete, good luck again and keep us posted.
Thanks

[irish_2003]

185 Lbs this morning, 2 weeks out.

No change from last week and I still have 3-4 Lbs to lose. I'm a bit dissapointed, but know I can do it. I like to be ready at this point in my prep, no excuses.

i'm assuming you'll carb deplete your last week then?

[ChuckaZulu]

i'm assuming you'll carb deplete your last week then?

Yes, absolutely. I'm down 1-2 Lbs since that last post of mine.

[ChuckaZulu]

Good luck Chuck, you are definitly there and 2 or 3 lbs should not be a problem, you seem determaned to do this and not many guys your age
look anywhere close i know i'm 47 and have pics from 2 years ago here
but was not trying to compete, good luck again and keep us posted.
Thanks

Thanks Bro.

[ChuckaZulu]

183 Lbs this morning. Down 2 Lbs from last week.

I have my last Leg workout today and then I'll Carb-deplete.

[ChuckaZulu]

I strained my Back going heavy with Squats today. What was I thinking :angry:

Just a muscle strain, but uncomfortable.

[Chris250]

hey bro, your getting there..maybe a tad behind, but you could get it caught up...What are you doing for diet and cardio

[ChuckaZulu]

hey bro, your getting there..maybe a tad behind, but you could get it caught up...What are you doing for diet and cardio

I'm depleting Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri. I'm working 24 hrs at the firehouse Wed and will start the day off with oatmeal just in case there's a fire and I need energy. The show is Sunday.

I'm now doing double sessions on the treadmill. 300 cals each time at 4.0 mph.

[ChuckaZulu]

It's been a tough day. I worked my 24 at the firehouse last night and did a late call this morning. I didn't get home till about 10:00am. I'm depleting and have been miserable. I learned I shouldn't drive while depleting. MASShole drivers suck. I'm up to 3 gallons of H2O now and pissing like a pregnant lady. I have my gym bag packed and ready. I seem to be peeking at the right time, although, I feel I could be a tad leaner. Oh, I have a bruise the size of my fist on my hamstring from work, wtf. I'm just ranting now. I have a million little shaving bumps on my legs, etc. I forgot how fun the last few days are. I finally decided on my music: (five finger death punch) I've had my routine together for a while. I'll write a summary of all my supplementation, diet, training, etc. after the show.

[ChuckaZulu]

181 Lbs this morning, down 2 Lbs this week.

[ChuckaZulu]

I just stopped my water intake. The fun is about to start.

Why the phuck am I doing this, again?

[ChuckaZulu]

Here's a few pic's from earlier today. I had just stopped my water intake and this is just after drinking 1.5 Gallons. I'll be putting on more protan tonight.

[ChuckaZulu]

I'm ready to eat...

[MMX2]

How did it go big guy?

[ChuckaZulu]

How did it go big guy?

It's tomorrow. I know, Sunday is a strange day to compete.

[ChuckaZulu]

180 Lbs this morning. I hit my goal.

Leaving for Boston in an hour...

[NAIR]

What's the point of competing? Just to say that you did it? No disrespect, just wondering?

[MMX2]

What's the point of competing? Just to say that you did it? No disrespect, just wondering?


Its a goal to work towards- a challenge.
It proves one's mettle- it forces you to reach deep down inside when you are ready to give up.
I honestly think everyone should do a show once in their life for the experience.
It is truly one of the hardest things to do....

[ChuckaZulu]

Thanks everyone for your support and insight here during my prep. I weighed-in at 178 Lbs. I could have been leaner, but don't feel that it would have helped me place any higher. I came in with my best size and shape to date and I'm very pleased with that. I had a great experience and made sure to savor every moment while on that stage. The show was a lot bigger than I had expected, which made it even better. Jose Raymond and Ron Harris were both judging. Jose looks great and should do well. I've set my sights on the NPC New Englands in October and it's my goal to make the top 5 there.

[Chris250]

Congrats bro...on hitting your goal...not a bad showing at all...Keep it up, and continue to diet...you will get harder without dropping much weight now...

[ChuckaZulu]

Congrats bro...on hitting your goal...not a bad showing at all...Keep it up, and continue to diet...you will get harder without dropping much weight now...

Thanks Bro. Already planning my attack for the next one :thumbsup:

[LeatherHead]

Badass! Congrats, Chuck!

[ChuckaZulu]

Here's a few better pic's:

[Pharm_Fed]

You looked great bro, and you'll just continue to improve now. Excellent job.

[ChuckaZulu]

You looked great bro, and you'll just continue to improve now. Excellent job.

Thanks Bro :thumbsup:

[ChuckaZulu]

Here's a few of the family from the show.