8 months ago
19
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Posted On: February 23rd 2026, 12:46 pm
20 weeks and ~20 lbs out from my next targeted bodybuilding show in July! 💪😤
Progress is going well though five weeks in – from 214+ to under 206 during this morning’s weigh-in. Currently about 0.5-1 week behind but starting to hit my stride!
I did a DEXA scan after about a week of cutting and slightly beat expectations with a 13.8% @211 lbs BW result! Graphing out my past scans, this puts me slightly above the trend line.
I’m following a relatively linear cut schedule (tapering from 1.5 → 1 lbs) and giving myself plenty of buffer this year – including a two-week diet break for my birthday in April! Splitting the cut in two should help reduce the monotony.
My target is ~6% body fat which I’m guessing – based on DEXAs → 63-68% weight loss efficiency – means I need to get down to 185. However, this is comparing to my 2022 season so this might be a tad aggressive!
So far, I’ve establish a consistent daily routine of a 300-cal protein shake in the morning (also pictured: powdered greens, preworkout x2, and LOTS of water), one big 1500-cal chicken and salad lunch, and a 150-300-cal snack for dinner!
I’m targeting three competitions between late June and mid-July and hoping to squeeze out two competitions in that span. LA, SD, NYC you’re on notice 😤
Compared to last time I competed (while working at Apple), my non-workout exertion and stress levels are muuuuch higher. Since all stress is a tradeoff, tbh I’m not super optimistic I’ll make it all the way down without having to cut myself off like last time.
Currently, I’m giving myself a 10-20% chance. That being said, life is only going to get more intense from here so I’m mentally preparing for this to be my last realistic chance to compete before switching to powerlifting.
That being said,
1. I have more discipline and willpower than ever before
2. I’ve learned a ton over the past 8 years / 150+ total lbs of cutting
3. This is the lowest weight I’ve been in February since 2018
4. I’m feeling great so far
…so we’ll see!
Highlight so far? In an attempt to fix my quad / hamstring muscle imbalance I’ve been getting back into deadlifts. Just hit 505+ lbs for the first time in 3+ years yesterday! 🏋️♂️
Progress is going well though five weeks in – from 214+ to under 206 during this morning’s weigh-in. Currently about 0.5-1 week behind but starting to hit my stride!
I did a DEXA scan after about a week of cutting and slightly beat expectations with a 13.8% @211 lbs BW result! Graphing out my past scans, this puts me slightly above the trend line.
I’m following a relatively linear cut schedule (tapering from 1.5 → 1 lbs) and giving myself plenty of buffer this year – including a two-week diet break for my birthday in April! Splitting the cut in two should help reduce the monotony.
My target is ~6% body fat which I’m guessing – based on DEXAs → 63-68% weight loss efficiency – means I need to get down to 185. However, this is comparing to my 2022 season so this might be a tad aggressive!
So far, I’ve establish a consistent daily routine of a 300-cal protein shake in the morning (also pictured: powdered greens, preworkout x2, and LOTS of water), one big 1500-cal chicken and salad lunch, and a 150-300-cal snack for dinner!
I’m targeting three competitions between late June and mid-July and hoping to squeeze out two competitions in that span. LA, SD, NYC you’re on notice 😤
Compared to last time I competed (while working at Apple), my non-workout exertion and stress levels are muuuuch higher. Since all stress is a tradeoff, tbh I’m not super optimistic I’ll make it all the way down without having to cut myself off like last time.
Currently, I’m giving myself a 10-20% chance. That being said, life is only going to get more intense from here so I’m mentally preparing for this to be my last realistic chance to compete before switching to powerlifting.
That being said,
1. I have more discipline and willpower than ever before
2. I’ve learned a ton over the past 8 years / 150+ total lbs of cutting
3. This is the lowest weight I’ve been in February since 2018
4. I’m feeling great so far
…so we’ll see!
Highlight so far? In an attempt to fix my quad / hamstring muscle imbalance I’ve been getting back into deadlifts. Just hit 505+ lbs for the first time in 3+ years yesterday! 🏋️♂️
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