_benjammin's bulk

_benjammin

I can't find my old "12 Weeks w/ SS" thread so I started a new one to document bulking progress. I hate the new forum layout and my phone app (Samsung S4) crashes almost immediately.
I hope to get some updated pics this weekend and I'll add old ones in too.
Anyway, here's my updated graphs:
Weight vs. Calories


Rolling 7 Day Averages:

SideSteel

In.

Sarauk2sf

SideSteel wrote: »

In.

Yesplz

_benjammin

I still can't find my original thread so I'll just re-post some of the pics and info.
I started working with SS in mid-February weighing in at 161 and by his estimate, 12-14%BF

I had transitioned from SL5x5 to MADCOW but still struggled with my DL form and questioned all my other forms.
Last working sets of 5 in mid-Feb:
Squat: 185
Bench: 220
OHP: 130
Row: 155
Sumo DL:260
Yeah, benching more than I was squating. SS put me on intense *kitten* accessories.

I wanted to "get cut" for the summer and didn't care about my lift numbers.
I was in a calorie deficit for about 8 weeks and then started reversing.
10 weeks later weighing 151:


During this time my upper body lifts suffered and I have since found out I have a torn shoulder labrum (SLAP repair surgery scheduled for Dec. 2). SS helped me improve my form and my working squat weight was up to 220 and DL was about the same but much better form.

By about May 11 I was eating at approximate maintenance calories and have gradually increased calories for 5 months as illustrated in the previous graph.

Pics from early August weighing 156-157:







And today @ 162.2:










[img]I apologize for the varying pic quality. I rearranged my home gym, used a cell phone, and 2 different cameras. Lower body still getting stronger. Recent 5RMs: Squat 250, Sumo DL 300. Hoping to continue making gains 'til shoulder surgery and then...hopefully recover quickly.[/img]

_benjammin

Bulk update, end of my bulk.
I have shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum so this is the end of my bulk. I hope to maintain during rehab for the next 3 months and then possibly bulk another pound or two before cutting around April.

Graph shows daily rolling 7-day average plots. I was out of town M-F for October and most of Nov so I was not able to weigh everyday (thus the average plotted as a straight line.) The curved line was a Polynominal Trendline (Order 5) created in Excel. My bulk was somewhat stalled through Oct. and Nov. while taking it easy on my shoulder and being more active for work. I upped calories in early Nov. and recent weight gain may still be reflective of Thanksgiving indulgences and retaining water.
Regardless, gained at least 12 if not 14 pounds over the last 6.5 months (151 to 163-165). Added 40 pounds to my Squat 5RM and 60 pounds to my DL 5RM. BF % from ~10% to ~14%. I need to take recent (tape) measurements still.
Recent Pics:

_benjammin

And my hair bulk is coming along too.

BarbellApprentice

HAIR PR!!! Nice work, Ben.

runner475

What a transformation! Amazing!

Holla4mom

Wow! Freaking impressive!

_errata_

MAKING THEM GAINSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! Heck yea man. Nice job. Keep it up.

_benjammin

Thanks all. Surgery went well but the shoulder damage was worse than expected. Recovery will be twice as long as anticipated. I'll make a separate shoulder surgery and recovery thread. I won't be bulking again until the fall.