Quote: (08-27-2013 09:51 PM)scorpion Wrote:  

Mike, let's be honest, those are fuzzy pics with him standing a foot away from the camera. It's intentionally misleading. It's the same way chicks turn themselves from 4's into 7's online with tricky camera angles. If the lens was a few inches closer this guy would look like the Hulk.

But 165 lbs. is just not built at 6'2", period. You wouldn't even know a guy with those stats lifted if he wasn't wearing an XS T-shirt. The mass just isn't there to fill out a long frame like that.

Anyway, three posts is about enough for me to be talking about some random dude's body, so I'll let you get in the last word here if you'd like.

Scorpion, Yea, my webcam is shitty but those were taken at least 4 feet away. I am no trying to mislead anyone, I look like what I look. My weight seems to be a problem for you, don't know what I can say other than intense calisthenics is crazy upper body builder. I lifted weights regularly in college and never had the shoulder/chest development that I have now. People look at me and think I weight at least 190lbs. I wish I took a picture before I made the switch to calisthenics but the gains have been almost magical while the scale has barely moved. Defguy touched on this a bit. I do feel like I walk around with a permapump. It sounds like bro science but its been my experience.

Sometimes I read this forum and wonder if I even live on the same planet like some users here. I think you look great (homo)!
Im hearing alot of good things about CC, my bro is into that thing as well. Might give it a try some day Im still into bar bell training these days but not really happy with my progress.

RussianSoul good work.

I personally love lifting weights, but props to you for achieving that through calisthenics.

How long did it take you to become proficient at handstand pushups?

It's something I'm considering, as I think it could compliment the stuff I do in the gym.

dk902: Thanks, man. Take it slow with the hand stand pushups if you don't want mess up your neck like I did. Headstands>Handstands>Half Rep Handstand Pushups>Full Rep HSPU>HSPU to nose>HSPU with parallel bars. Depending on how much you weigh, you should be able to able to get there in under 6 months. It took me about 4 though parallel bar HSPUs are still tough for me. I can't rave about this exercise enough btw. My delts blew up when I started doing it. It blows the bench press/shoulder press out of the water when it comes to building pressing power. I lifted my 200 lb buddy overhead last week and it felt easy.

To those saying RussianSoul should use free weights, how many of you are overhead pressing your body weight?

Quote: (08-28-2013 07:41 AM)Architekt Wrote:  

To those saying RussianSoul should use free weights, how many of you are overhead pressing your body weight?

Overhead pressing BW for at least 1 full rep correctly is a strength goal every man should aim for.

For that matter how many guys using weights can do a one arm chin-up? I'm getting very close, but not quite there yet. Weighted vests and holding static have helped.

i am 6'4" and I have 200 lbs of LBM. and I dont even feel close to being jacked

I am at 17% BF and declining. We'll see when I get down to 12% if this illusion kicks in.

But there is something to be said for looking big in clothes....unless you're on the beach/pool all the time, looking big in clothes is what is going to get the clothes off the girl.

Quote: (08-28-2013 08:49 AM)Nascimento Wrote:  

Quote: (08-28-2013 07:41 AM)Architekt Wrote:  

To those saying RussianSoul should use free weights, how many of you are overhead pressing your body weight?

Overhead pressing BW for at least 1 full rep correctly is a strength goal every man should aim for.

I just OHP's 200 lbs. Thats a shit load. I have much more to go though. If you can hit your body weight, thats beastly.

The OP makes a good point about frame size-if your bones are smaller diameter you will be much lighter than you appear. I have a small frame too and I look like I weigh a more than I actually do.

Plus being somewhat ectomorphic makes it much more difficult to put on bulk-mesomorphs and endomorphs can get massive, ectomorphs really can'
t without gear.

Dude is ripped. Haters gonna hate.

Why are people hating on OP again?

Behold the 'hater hater:' writes off people who respectfully and reasonably disagree. What's next? 'No body shaming!'

His physique is impressive. Excellent definition. Despite his gracile limbs, it's well within his potential to pack on more muscle mass, if he wanted to - he's far from his genetic limits. His physique reminds me of that Hannibal dude, just slimmer. I just wonder - what about when you have clothes on? OP answered that, to an extent, but I don't see a problem with having an extra 20-40 lbs of mass at the same level of bodyfat. That said, eating a ton to sustain your weight can be expensive and annoying.

General question for the bigger guys, say 200 and over - have you ever tried sustaining your size with just bodyweight exercises, once you're already big? Is that possible?

Looking good man.

I prefer having definition over bulk. It's easier to buy tight fitting clothes that show off a muscular physique than it is to shed the excess body fat that comes with bulking.

Dude has a good look. Reminds me of my days when I ran track.

Good work man.

Your build is sick. Goal for me right there.

Cant hate on your methods when the results are like that.

I often leave some gas in the tank after workouts. Nedd to up the intensity of every session.

Can I see how you look in a t-shirt? I just want to see if the musculature is noticeable.

I want to look good in a shirt, mostly.

Quote: (08-28-2013 02:24 PM)basilransom Wrote:  

Behold the 'hater hater:' writes off people who respectfully and reasonably disagree. What's next? 'No body shaming!'

His physique is impressive. Excellent definition. Despite his gracile limbs, it's well within his potential to pack on more muscle mass, if he wanted to - he's far from his genetic limits. His physique reminds me of that Hannibal dude, just slimmer. I just wonder - what about when you have clothes on? OP answered that, to an extent, but I don't see a problem with having an extra 20-40 lbs of mass at the same level of bodyfat. That said, eating a ton to sustain your weight can be expensive and annoying.

General question for the bigger guys, say 200 and over - have you ever tried sustaining your size with just bodyweight exercises, once you're already big? Is that possible?

Honestly, I probably could pack on 20+ lbs while maintaining body fat but I can't really think of a good reason too. Most of that mass would be in the legs from heavy squatting and deadlifts. Its really hard to fit into nice trousers with bulky legs/ass and I like my GQ look. Besides, with my physique as is, I have already had several girls tell me to chill on the work outs(while dripping wet).

On a more serious note, it really does come down to your goals/priorities. The guys saying I havent reached my maximal potential are right. If I wanted to do that, I would lift heavy and count calories/macros. This quickly becomes a very time consuming process. I know many guys whose lives are only about fitness. I like the freedom of my methods. I train in my room or in the park across the street. I don't worry about what I eat, all the while maintaining a very aesthetic physique.

Roosh: Will try to get a pic up by the end of the week. Pink or neon green?

Quote: (08-28-2013 06:29 PM)RussianSoul Wrote:  

Quote: (08-28-2013 02:24 PM)basilransom Wrote:  

Behold the 'hater hater:' writes off people who respectfully and reasonably disagree. What's next? 'No body shaming!'

His physique is impressive. Excellent definition. Despite his gracile limbs, it's well within his potential to pack on more muscle mass, if he wanted to - he's far from his genetic limits. His physique reminds me of that Hannibal dude, just slimmer. I just wonder - what about when you have clothes on? OP answered that, to an extent, but I don't see a problem with having an extra 20-40 lbs of mass at the same level of bodyfat. That said, eating a ton to sustain your weight can be expensive and annoying.

General question for the bigger guys, say 200 and over - have you ever tried sustaining your size with just bodyweight exercises, once you're already big? Is that possible?

Honestly, I probably could pack on 20+ lbs while maintaining body fat but I can't really think of a good reason too. Most of that mass would be in the legs from heavy squatting and deadlifts. Its really hard to fit into nice trousers with bulky legs/ass and I like my GQ look. Besides, with my physique as is, I have already had several girls tell me to chill on the work outs(while dripping wet).

On a more serious note, it really does come down to your goals/priorities. The guys saying I havent reached my maximal potential are right. If I wanted to do that, I would lift heavy and count calories/macros. This quickly becomes a very time consuming process. I know many guys whose lives are only about fitness. I like the freedom of my methods. I train in my room or in the park across the street. I don't worry about what I eat, all the while maintaining a very aesthetic physique.

Roosh: Will try to get a pic up by the end of the week. Pink or neon green?

and that's what it boils down to, each of us have a different aesthetic preference in mind and if you have reached yours and it requires a lifestyle you're comfortable living than you're ahead of the curve. My preference is heavier on the muscle while still lean but it is the lifestyle you mentioned, it's a lot more time consuming and all consuming really so I'm jealous that you get to hit yours and still live relatively normally, while I'm packing tupperware of prepared foods around at times lol. Looking good op.

I understand what Scorpian is saying...how ever in MOST studies few women choose the bodybuilder guy. They did more often choose the cut up ectomorph and medium muscled mesomorph. Also after fight club Brad Pitt9a natural ectomorph) weighted some say at 5'11" 1/2 at 155-160 lbs. They knew he was an Ectomorpgh and would have trouble getting big so they went the cut up route. Anyway Hollywood voted him as having the best body after that movie and they still use his body(minus the head) when conducted studies. Seems the women majority of time pick that body.
but Scorpian isnt wrong either since in real life clothing will be on and he might be overlooked.
The key is clothing looks best on ectomorphs because they are made for the models who wear them. BUT you gotta make sure you get shirts tailored.
I am 40 and still cant see my 6 pack, but i got a 4 pack. I am 6 ft 175 atm slim ectomorph. A few months I was at 183. I think i might need to go down to 165 to see my abs.
Great job.

Body looks great man. The one good thing about being skinny is how quick and easy it is to see progress. Am I the only guy that could care less about a 6 pack?

Quote: (08-28-2013 10:13 AM)reaper23 Wrote:  

i am 6'4" and I have 200 lbs of LBM. and I dont even feel close to being jacked

I am at 17% BF and declining. We'll see when I get down to 12% if this illusion kicks in.

But there is something to be said for looking big in clothes....unless you're on the beach/pool all the time, looking big in clothes is what is going to get the clothes off the girl.

Big guys look fat in suits, the gorilla build is not attractive to the majority of women. It's the same thing with cutting too much, it's a turn off as well.

@Houston. I want to see them and then relax a bit. I just wanna know they exist lol.

Quote: (08-28-2013 08:49 AM)Nascimento Wrote:  

Quote: (08-28-2013 07:41 AM)Architekt Wrote:  

To those saying RussianSoul should use free weights, how many of you are overhead pressing your body weight?

Overhead pressing BW for at least 1 full rep correctly is a strength goal every man should aim for.

That's elite level strength. I can strict press 155 lbs at a body weight of 215lbs. You would be hard pressed to find someone who could strict press their body weight..

Quote: (08-28-2013 10:44 PM)cool Wrote:  

Quote: (08-28-2013 08:49 AM)Nascimento Wrote:  

Quote: (08-28-2013 07:41 AM)Architekt Wrote:  

To those saying RussianSoul should use free weights, how many of you are overhead pressing your body weight?

Overhead pressing BW for at least 1 full rep correctly is a strength goal every man should aim for.

That's elite level strength. I can strict press 155 lbs at a body weight of 215lbs. You would be hard pressed to find someone who could strict press their body weight..

Yes it is. What's wrong with aiming to maximize your potential?

Especially with the overhead press. Most people think it just works the shoulders and triceps. Besides including the upper chest, most of your upper body posterior muscles are at work to stabilize and force the superior translation of the scapula. Combine that with the effort the entire core/abdominal groups put in, and you got essentially a full body exercise.

I weigh 155, and I can overhead press 125 for 5 reps (only on the first set), so I'm going to make the assumption my 1RM is somewhere around 140-150 lbs. That's because I've been overhead pressing 2x a week for a full year consistently.

I also prioritize the OHP over flat bench presses as well.