Looking to get started in physique

[inkandweights]

Hey all,

I'm looking to compete in men's physique down the road. Not sure exactly when, just when I'm ready physically.147660This is a shot taken from tonight. I'm 5 foot 8, right around 180lbs, 19 years old. What's everyone think I need to work on? I think I need some more size. Be happy to hear anyones' opinions and some advice. Thanks! Apologies for the bad picture

[aduncan1]

more size, especially chest and traps. work on v-taper. hard to judge when you're not stage ready but that's my opinion.

[Waylon]

You need another solid year or two of training. Just by looking your lats they barely (if they even do) extend past your hips (both bone width and fat). You have good base shape, you just need to bring it all up in size another 10-15lb or so at the same bodyfat then diet down, but right now you need to put on size because you will only get smaller if you decide to do a successful contest diet. You have the start of abs which is good, but even the last place dude at most MPD show's has abs, you need at least some visible serratus muscle and really bring up the upper body which will vastly improve tapper.

Like I said before, you have a great base and just need time to put in the work to add the size you need.


Edit: Don't forget the hair! Hair wins MPD shows, lol

[Hoss06]

Why MP over bodybuilding? Just curious.

[inkandweights]

I uploaded maybe a better picture where I'm flexing my abs, but yeah they definitely will need more work. I really appreciate everyones' feedback. @hoss06 I think mainly because I like the physique look more than the bodybuilder look, no disrepect to any bodybuilder at all, though. Would this be the right place to ask for advice for putting on size, such as macronutrient ratios or whatever else? Thanks again everyone

[David Lees]

I uploaded maybe a better picture where I'm flexing my abs, but yeah they definitely will need more work. I really appreciate everyones' feedback. @hoss06 I think mainly because I like the physique look more than the bodybuilder look, no disrepect to any bodybuilder at all, though. Would this be the right place to ask for advice for putting on size, such as macronutrient ratios or whatever else? Thanks again everyone

inkandweights - congrats on your decision to get into physique competition! Looks like you have a solid base to start with. I offer on-line training, diet and contest prep consulting specializing in men's physique. If you are interested in possibly working with me, PM me for details.

[AndrewBuk]

I would say you can be ready in less than a year or two to step on stage for an amature event. Your comments about the Men's Physique vs Bodybuilding are truly respected. I don't think any person should judge one category as being better than the other, it really comes down to what your personal preference is for the look you prefer personally. I would say the other comments are accurate, to work on building some size while you still have some of the excess body weight. Lift heavy and focus on chest, shoulders and yes, the "V-Taper". These are all key areas that pretty much all judges will be looking for. I would begin by working in 1-2 conditioning workouts each week to start shedding body fat and then increase these type of workouts when you are getting ready to get towards prepping for a show.
One key piece of advice I would like to offer though, is whether it be online, or one-on-one coaching, I can't stress how important it is to enlist the help of an experienced coach/trainer to get you to the goals you are looking to achieve. One thing to remember though, is that just because someone has placed well, or even won a competition, does not necessarily make them an expert on prepping others for the same type of results. Do your research and don't be shy to look for current and especially past client references for the trainer before you get started on your program.
When it comes to trainers, past results predict future performance!!!

Enjoy the journey!

[inkandweights]

Thanks again guys. Any recommendations on coaches, Andrew?

[AndrewBuk]

Thanks again guys. Any recommendations on coaches, Andrew?

That all depends on where you are located. I am located in Vancouver, Canada and I would highly recommend my coach. You can check out his website at http://www.ripped365.com/ for more details.

[Xandoz]

Hit the cardio hard and keep your diet clean you will get their in no time trust me.

[ntroupe]

Chest and arms need to come up IMO.. Solid foundation but like a lot of others have mention MP division is all about the abs and V taper.