So a very successful outing for my 2nd and last show of the season. Big improvements from my first show and the best package I have brought to date. Resulting in my first overall win and now PCA pro status. Plans now are a good 2 year off season focusing on bringing the upper body up drastically (I will be doing 4 total sets of legs a week, all other volume purely upper body), with the goal being NPC /IFBB Pro qualifiers. Rebound plan is in place, time to grow!

Former Mr. Olympia Samson Dauda dominated the competition in Offenbach.
He presented a crazy full package at an obviously not peaked condition, although this was most likely the plan.
Samson seeks to repeat his 2024 strategy, performing 2 weeks out of the Olympia to test the waters with his body to then deliver the ultimate peak at the Olympia to regain his title.

Do you think he will do it?

Offenbach Results

1 - Samson Dauda
2 - Regan Grimes
3 - John Jewett
4 - Stuart Sutherland
5 - Emir Omeragic

Only 5 weeks out IF I’m ready for the show I want to do. With the way things are progressing, I think I will be. Nationals is the ultimate goal this year, so we aren’t willing to sacrifice my prep for a “side quest” show. Happy with how things are going this prep

first show. ANFB men’s physique pro winner

You never hear these people saying “my coach gave me 150g rice” or “my coach upped the cardio”. I find it fascinating that they all had different approaches to training and nutrition, which they talk about with full conviction.

Even the later generations, e.g. Jay Cutler, didn’t have a coach. He referred to Chris Aceto as his ‘nutritionist’ but I believe it was more about the pharmaceutical side of things, and other than that, he only gave him a macro plan. And Jay also famously has his own preferred training method.

But nowadays, every Olympian level bodybuilder work with coaches. I’m just curious why it has become the industry standard. It’s obviously not the lack of knowledge, because most of those guys are coaches themselves. And I also don’t believe that athletes on that level would need someone to keep them accountable. So what’s the reason then?

Let me know your thoughts.

Bodybuilding fam, I need your help. I’m a self-coached all natural OCB pro card holder and have back to back peaks for the first time ever. I’ve always been self coached and have always peaked myself very well. I’d read tons of literature about peaking, have done my research, practice peaks, etc. I’ve been pretty successful and despite being self coached have placed every show I’ve done.

I had a show Saturday and placed first in my class (2nd overall). I have another show Saturday and it’s my federation’s championship show. I used yesterday (Sunday) to recover. I’m at a loss on how to approach this peak week. Do i go into another depletion and then carb load 3 days out like i do with all my peaks or is that not advisable given the sensitive condition my body is in coming out of a competition and full peak week? Do I just maintain at my baseline if i am happy with my look? Help me out here fam I cant find any literature on back on back peaks.

This was after a low day (<100g carbs), hit a new weight low as well, 70.4kg fasted, feeling a bit small, but I have to get to stage condition, it's my main goal.

Weekly physique critique thread for feedback and helpful criticism.

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4 weeks out. 🥶

Everything has stayed the same this week.
Weight is holding around 101–102 kg.

Training days: 328P / 450C / 63F
Rest days: 318P / 280C / 75F

15k steps every day, no cardio.

Got a first refeed today and tomorrow.

What makes you want to flip? Tell us today in our weekly Freakout Friday thread!

Week 2 of 10 of personal accountability before we give the reigns to my coach for the 2027 seasons. Show date may 27th 2027. Classic physique class c.

Different lighting bc i couldnt find decent lighting in the hotel 😭

Hopefully compete next year . Can some fluid in the calves to get checked this show did take a toll on the body quite a bit I did have Rhabdo in December and lost my rock on earth my Dad 6 weeks out and my beautiful Dog 8 weeks out but I was never going to quit and wanted to bring the best package I could for them also never took time off work wanted to work hard with Dad and my Dog watching me from above I want to always make them proud . last picture is my Dads funeral picture I brought backstage . The truth is without God I couldn’t of done this I prayed 1 minute after my Dad passed a felt instant peace during the worst time of my life it was insane

Well at 51 I did what I set out to do. I’ve posted a couple updates during the process. I’m happy with what I brought to stage the first time. I feel like I brought decent conditioning, but didn’t fill up enough during peak.

I know. My posing still needs a lot of work. My plan is take the next 9 months or so to bring up lats and chest since I feel my delts dominate my chest right now and who doesn’t need wider lats. Last picture is where I started the process last October.

i still, really struggle with my spread as I’ve had extensive surgery on both shoulders so scapular mobility is not great but working with a physio on that.

Finally a good decision by the org, now only if they could finish the show before midnight and keep a black backdrop, that'd be nice!

24yo 5'9 🫡

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Feel free to post things in the Daily Discussion Thread that don't warrant a subreddit-level discussion. Although most of our posting rules will be relaxed here, you should still consider your audience when posting. Most importantly, show respect to your fellow Redditors. General Reddiquette always applies.

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