I am getting ready to begin a Body Transformation Challenge by Precision Nutrition for PN users. This challenge is beyond a 'weight loss' challenge...it is a chance to transform one's body into one's ideal. The biggest prize is free food and supplements for one year! 2nd prize is 3 mos. of prepared meals which the PN team creates and delivers. How cool is that?

My goal? I was contemplating training for a figure comp next March. This is my chance to get focused and make it happen. The challenge ends in November...yeah, a few months shy of the competition, so I guess my goal will be to have put on as much lean muscle as I can without getting fat! And maybe start to cut the fat since I will then have only 4 months to get cut.

To register for this challenge I have to submit the following stats:

Weight, basic body measurements, 7 point caliper readings, 4 pics showing all views in bikini, V02 max (in my case, how long I lasted running 7.5 mph on a treadmill at elevation 1--only 1 min. 25 secs.), 1RM for the 3 major lifts plus reps completed at 75% 1RM, and blood values for cardiovascular risk, liver function, kidney function, hormones, carb tolerance and prostate (for men, obviously). Fortunately, since we only have until July 16 to get our stats in and many of us are unable to schedule tests, complete, and obtain the results that quickly, the bood work stats were made optional. But...the winner is selected based on changes in ALL areas, the more one is able to turn in, the better chance of winning.

So, today I determined my 1RM for the bench, squat and deadlift. I was a little nervous having never attempted these before. As I got to what I thought would be my max, I called out to some random guy to spot me. I used three random guys altogether (I hope they didn't feel used). Worked out well, although when I failed at 165 lbs. on my squat it was a little shocking. After getting through 155 lbs. with effort, but not too much difficulty, I threw another 10 lbs. on the bar. I guess I should have gone for the 2-1/2 lb. plates. I called the nearest guy to spot me, explained what I was doing, yeah, I know if I fail I can just let it go and fall on the safety bars...but I was afraid I might get hurt. Anyway, he gets behind me, and I position the bar on my back, lift it off the rack no problem, check my stance and form in general. Then down I go and ... while my spotter is cheering me on ... I began my ascent which ended I guess at, oh, one inch, I folded forward and the bar dropped the full 2" to the safety bars. I had to laugh. I guess it is possible that if I had loaded 160 lbs. instead of 165 there was a possibility I would have made it but .. probably not so here are my results:

Bench press: 1RM--100 lbs.; 75%=75x13 full reps

Squat: 1RM--155 lbs.; 75%=115x15 (could have probably done one of two more but I didn't want to hurt myself)

Deadlift: 1RM 160 lbs.; 75%=120x12 (same as with the squat, close enough). For the 1RM I made 2 attempts at 165 lbs. and couldn't get the bar more than an inch off the ground. I was surprised that 5 lbs. would make the difference in my ability to complete the lift vs. getting it off the ground at all. At least I didn't need a spotter.

Anyway, it was an interesting experience, one that I will have to repeat once the challenge is over.

---

Comments