I posted 2 new pics in my gallery. I've just entered week 4 of UD2 (it's a CKD). I've dropped from 4mm bellybutton pinch down to 2mm. I'm satisfied with the results BUT I have a question.
When top level bodybuilders are on stage they look more cut than I do. So I'm wondering what is going on there? Is it as simple as them having less body fat or is it a matter of water balance at this point?? I've never played around with water for a peak but I'm wondering what the deal is once bodyfat is this low.

I'm planning to stay on UD2 for one more week (cycle). If I see improvement I'll post new pics.

First you look great, I think the difference is the sodium/water depletion phase they go through that might accoutn for the difference, also you do not have the dark tanning lotion on either, and that make a big difference as well.

I think you could easily compete in any contest you have a fantastic physique.

Thanks. That is what I'm thinking. I wonder if anyone out there has pics of a bodybuilder.... like a few days out from a show and the day of. I wonder how big of a difference water issues make. Obviously it would have to be a natural BB.... but even many 'naturals' probably use dieretics(sp?).

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Red,
Thanks!

I will see if I can find any pics...and yes the nattys do use dieretics.

I have read that many times in the mags that it is indeed dehydration that cuts them up right before a contest, thus cycling of sodium/water. I think just looking at the poses compared to the workout pics in their websites shows a big difference in definition.

Check out Clarence Bass's website. You may be able to find some photos there. He has a several page spread of precontest photos taken day by day, and gives a great description of a pre-contest cut in his "Ripped 2" book. I have his 2 DVD's, and he does a photo shoot in the second one. Lighting/shadow/tanning-color also contribute to the effect.

In any case, you look fantastic! Thanks for the inspiration!

-Mike

You look fabulous! Really to me you look better than most of the competing bodybuilders because you look healthy. Try some tanning lotion before you do the diuretics - it might be enough. The diuretics can make you pretty sick.

Jen

Great job MPS, looking good.

So how do body builders do their sodium depletion?

Thanks... I'm not planning on useing any diuretics. Maybe this week I'll fake tan and take pics. I've got some jantanna, 'tan in a bottle'.

The big differences happen from dropping water a few days before the contest, but it is also a function of exactly which foods you eat during the last month. Certain foods will make you look harder, notwithstanding BF levels. Also, posing practice during the final 8 weeks makes a huge difference in how shredded a person looks.

BTW, natural BBers only take herbal diuetics which does very little. Dropping 5 lbs of water 1 day before the show requires a lot of work when done naturally.

Steve, what kind of foods?

Eggs make you look harder and tighter, while dairy and soy seem to do the opposite.

Post the food plan man!