Build, Build, Build!!

I have made it a habit to ask for feedback after each show that I compete in. Those of you who have been reading for awhile know that in the past, that feedback included the dreaded "p word" ("physique" for you new readers) and leaning out my lower half. 

While the judges at my previous shows did not mention my shoulders, a well-known coach & IFBB pro did! I was at a photo & video shoot last year with Tom and this person started chatting with Tom. My placings, feedback from the judges, and future plans were casually discussed between the two of them. This pro told Tom that there were a couple of things I should focus on to make my physique more streamlined and this included rounding out my shoulders. This is when the mission to acquire Dwight Howard shoulders was born. Training shoulders was (and still is) serious business. You guys might remember my I Wanna Be Like Dwight video post and just one of the many glimpses of my shoulder workouts in my If You Build It post. 

It is hard to see changes when you look at yourself every day in the mirror but changes did take place. Just check out the difference between the 2011 Orange County Muscle Classic (where I won my very first trophy..woo hoo!!) and the 2012 NPC Western Regional (my most recent show)!!

2011 Orange County Muscle Classic

2012 NPC Western Regional

I'm currently in my off-season and still on a mission for those beautiful, rounded shoulders like my inspiration Dwight Howard. I mean, seriously, what figure competitor doesn't want boulder shoulders?!?!

photo credit

While I am sporting some extra fluff, I have noticed that my shoulders are looking a lil bit bigger these days. Since November, I have been trying to hit shoulders twice a week if possible. The workouts have been fun, brutal, and physically demanding. But you know what, I wouldn't have it any other way!! Here's what one of my recent shoulder workouts looked like:

Front plate raises

25 x 15, 35 x 13, 45 x 11, 

drop set 45 x 8-->35 x 8-->25 x 8-->10 x 8

Lateral raises

20 x 10 (2 sets), 25 x 8 (2 sets), 30 x 6 (2 sets)

Quarter lateral raises

45 x 10 (2 sets), 50 x 8 (2 sets), 55 x 6 (2 sets)

Cable upright row

90 x 12, 100 x 12, 110 x 12

Superset:

Barbell shoulder press

45 x 8 (4 sets)

Bent-over lateral raises

25/25 x 8 (4 sets)

Lifefitness rear delt machine

55 x 20 (4 sets)

Changes are taking place...they may not be huge changes...but they're there and I can see them...especially when putting pictures side by side. When I compared the two pictures above, I squealed just a little bit and sent the comparison off to both of The Bosses. I may not be at Dwight Howard's level yet but you betta bet, I'm working hard to get there. Boulder shoulders are going to be needed for my next adventure!!

What will the adventure be?!?!