Contest prep 2010!

[Shemz]

Great result really! No shame in being 3th there! I've probably asked this before (and i forgot), but how many more years do you plan on competing?

Another thing i was wondering about is, who is your "idol", what bodybuilder(s) of the past or this moment right now do you find inspirational? I mean, are you impressed by the physique of a Phil Heath or can someone like Serge Nubret inspire you more?

[f=ma]

great job allen. youre def right though, your class winner is immense.

[Allen Cress]

Great result really! No shame in being 3th there! I've probably asked this before (and i forgot), but how many more years do you plan on competing?

Another thing i was wondering about is, who is your "idol", what bodybuilder(s) of the past or this moment right now do you find inspirational? I mean, are you impressed by the physique of a Phil Heath or can someone like Serge Nubret inspire you more?

I plan on competing as long as I have fun doing it. Honestly my best years are still ahead of me and I look to compete into my late 50s. I love the sport and coaching my clients as well so i will always be involved regardless.

As far as physiques I like old school ones such as Frank Zane and Arnold of course and today I like Flex lewis and Phil heath. I like the more asthetic physique with small waist and not blocky look. That being said I have never met a more down to earth nice guy who represents the sport in a positive manner more than Jay Cutler.

[Time+Patience]

They said I just needed some more overall size and to tighten and work on my glute/ham area, which I aready knew was a weak point and has improved but needs more work.

Now its time to take a small break and relax then work my butt off this off season to continue to improve.

I think a lot of competitors need to work on that specific area, but you know when someone is in shape as soon as they turn to the rear and the hams and gluts are put on display.

I guess you'll literally be working your butt off huh? The jump from 179 to 190 is tremendous, another 5 pounds will have you doing even better.

By looking at pictures that you've posted a few pages prior in this thread it appears that you were more conditioned then compared to this most recent contest-- I assume the previous pictures were from the last Indiana contest? Do you believe you could have came in any tighter or was this your best?

It must have been very encouraging to get those comments from the judges!

Great job, very impressive. The Light-Heavies are usually the toughest weight class, or I believe within local contests.

[Allen Cress]

I think a lot of competitors need to work on that specific area, but you know when someone is in shape as soon as they turn to the rear and the hams and gluts are put on display.

I guess you'll literally be working your butt off huh? The jump from 179 to 190 is tremendous, another 5 pounds will have you doing even better.

By looking at pictures that you've posted a few pages prior in this thread it appears that you were more conditioned then compared to this most recent contest-- I assume the previous pictures were from the last Indiana contest? Do you believe you could have came in any tighter or was this your best?

It must have been very encouraging to get those comments from the judges!

Great job, very impressive. The Light-Heavies are usually the toughest weight class, or I believe within local contests.

The glute/ham tie in is largely dependent on genetics when it comes to having that striated look, either you have it or you don't so you unfourtunately have to work with what you have. This doesn't mean someone isn't in contest shape just because their glute/hams are not shredded. That being said I can still make improvements but this sport is a marathon and takes time and as long as I continue to improve from year to year that is my only concern as I compete against myself and not really others. Placings are just a bonus.

This was the best condition I have been in, but its hard to tell for you guys especially thru pics and with the competition tan and dependent on the quality of the camera and stage lighting, etc... Like in regular lighting without the tan you could see striations thru my delts, biceps, etc... veins running thru my abs, quads, delts and that hard dense look. I do believe I could have been a bit tighter in my low back but thats about it.

Middleweights and Light-heavyweights are usually the most competitive at regional and national contests and even some local shows.

[Coke]

Middleweights and Light-heavyweights are usually the most competitive at regional and national contests and even some local shows.

No joke, the light heavys used to be hands down the toughest but that's been changing lately.

[Time+Patience]

The glute/ham tie in is largely dependent on genetics when it comes to having that striated look, either you have it or you don't so you unfourtunately have to work with what you have. This doesn't mean someone isn't in contest shape just because their glute/hams are not shredded.

Not everyone is destined to have the striated glutes, but if you come in ripped the lines between your glutes and hamstrings should be very distinct, regardless if they are void of any striations. Those tend to be the areas that are the "last" to come in for the majority of competitors, regardless of genetics.

That being said I can still make improvements but this sport is a marathon and takes time and as long as I continue to improve from year to year that is my only concern as I compete against myself and not really others.

I think I can subscribe to this thinking right here. I would rather do better than I did the previous time in terms of physical preparation and condition. Like you said, you have about 8 pounds to gain to stay in the Light-Heavies, so put in the hard work and you, as well as us, will see another year results.

[Joe Black]

Hey Allen, how's everything going?

You ready to get your bulk on? What are your next plans?

[Allen Cress]

Hey Allen, how's everything going?

You ready to get your bulk on? What are your next plans?

I just started a new journal "Allen's off season training and nutrition", you can check it out there.

[Joe Black]

I'm there!