My 12 Weeks with SideSteel
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Cryptonomnomicon
Posts: 848 Member
I was regularly paying attention to the ETP page and couldn't help but notice that SideSteel had put out an invitation for a twelve week online consulting project, well I thought to myself I got to be part of this and submitted my application and wouldn't you know it I was accepted and so starts my experience working with SideSteel's online consulting project...
On my application we had already discussed my goals but we organized an initial Skype session where we further discussed my goals that would be followed by weekly Skype sessions. He wrote a lifting program specific to my needs, which was to drop my BF% than to move into a controlled bulk. He developed a sensible plan of attack by organizing my calorie allowance and macros, he monitored my lifting routine and weight loss via spreadsheets that he provided to me to see the progression of my lifts and strength, he also monitored my BF% by visual comparisons. I provided lifting videos for him to critique and to provide feedback...all this was done via Google drive and our communications were done via Skype, PM and email.
Now I thought I had developed a decent understanding of things after investigating many lifting books, links, videos tutorials etc but I was amazed by all the little techniques that SideSteel was able to provide after seeing just one lifting video I had shared, and all the bad techniques I had developed but missed until Sidesteel provided me feedback via Skype...these were not uncommon form issues, I still see them done by others every time I go to the gym! but SideSteel's continued form correction over the period of the program quickly identified issues and ensured that not only did I develop strength but saved me from potential injury and made the lifts feel natural as opposed to something akin to a prostate exam.
In a period of twelve weeks I lost 10.5 lbs considering I am small in stature this was more than reasonable and my body fat dropped from 13-14% to 10-9% my strength increased substantially even at a cut.
The intention was to drop my BF% first so I would be able to go into a more controlled bulk...SS could explain this better no doubt.
Starting to move into the realm of TL;DR So I will add some pics (you were warned)
Front before and after...
Side before and after...
This is a few photos taken reversing out of cut but BF% still dropping...these were taken for vanity's (Narcissist) sake not for comparison, so different lighting and times of day.
My bicep doing one hell of an impression of a road map whilst reversing calories back up...
An unflattering pic of me several weeks into my bulk...
I got a lot out of the program, possibly more than you could imagine and I highly recommend it to anyone as SideSteel is more than a powerhouse in the gym, but also a powerhouse of knowledge!
Lastly yes my bulk has gone well so far, a bit on the fluffy side but I got rid of those spaghetti arms in the first comparison pics...
Feel free to pm myself or SideSteel if you have any questions!
On my application we had already discussed my goals but we organized an initial Skype session where we further discussed my goals that would be followed by weekly Skype sessions. He wrote a lifting program specific to my needs, which was to drop my BF% than to move into a controlled bulk. He developed a sensible plan of attack by organizing my calorie allowance and macros, he monitored my lifting routine and weight loss via spreadsheets that he provided to me to see the progression of my lifts and strength, he also monitored my BF% by visual comparisons. I provided lifting videos for him to critique and to provide feedback...all this was done via Google drive and our communications were done via Skype, PM and email.
Now I thought I had developed a decent understanding of things after investigating many lifting books, links, videos tutorials etc but I was amazed by all the little techniques that SideSteel was able to provide after seeing just one lifting video I had shared, and all the bad techniques I had developed but missed until Sidesteel provided me feedback via Skype...these were not uncommon form issues, I still see them done by others every time I go to the gym! but SideSteel's continued form correction over the period of the program quickly identified issues and ensured that not only did I develop strength but saved me from potential injury and made the lifts feel natural as opposed to something akin to a prostate exam.
In a period of twelve weeks I lost 10.5 lbs considering I am small in stature this was more than reasonable and my body fat dropped from 13-14% to 10-9% my strength increased substantially even at a cut.
The intention was to drop my BF% first so I would be able to go into a more controlled bulk...SS could explain this better no doubt.
Starting to move into the realm of TL;DR So I will add some pics (you were warned)
Front before and after...
Side before and after...
This is a few photos taken reversing out of cut but BF% still dropping...these were taken for vanity's (Narcissist) sake not for comparison, so different lighting and times of day.
My bicep doing one hell of an impression of a road map whilst reversing calories back up...
An unflattering pic of me several weeks into my bulk...
I got a lot out of the program, possibly more than you could imagine and I highly recommend it to anyone as SideSteel is more than a powerhouse in the gym, but also a powerhouse of knowledge!
Lastly yes my bulk has gone well so far, a bit on the fluffy side but I got rid of those spaghetti arms in the first comparison pics...
Feel free to pm myself or SideSteel if you have any questions!
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Replies
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Great work you two!0
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Shredded.
It's been fun working with you and getting to know you.
I think my favorite part was the story you shared where you were going to wipe down the bench and when you sprayed it you accidentally squirted some dude right in the junk with the spray bottle while he was in mid rep.
Now I'm cracking up.0 -
ROCK ON!!!0
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Well being a squirter has it's pros and cons.Shredded.
It's been fun working with you and getting to know you.
I think my favorite part was the story you shared where you were going to wipe down the bench and when you sprayed it you accidentally squirted some dude right in the junk with the spray bottle while he was in mid rep.
Now I'm cracking up.
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WOW nice job!0
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You're incredibles
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BAM:bigsmile:0
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Excellent! :drinker:0
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Holy crap dude! Both of you are awesome!0
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You look amazing! Well done!0
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Well being a squirter has it's pros and cons.Shredded.
It's been fun working with you and getting to know you.
I think my favorite part was the story you shared where you were going to wipe down the bench and when you sprayed it you accidentally squirted some dude right in the junk with the spray bottle while he was in mid rep.
Now I'm cracking up.
:laugh: That was hilarious (and true). You look fantastic!0 -
Seriously impressive!!! great job0
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Shredded.
It's been fun working with you and getting to know you.
I think my favorite part was the story you shared where you were going to wipe down the bench and when you sprayed it you accidentally squirted some dude right in the junk with the spray bottle while he was in mid rep.
Now I'm cracking up.
I totally forgot about that story. Thanks for the reminder!!!!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:0 -
Yay for your awesomeness!!!0 -
I must say, I'm very, very proud of how strict and determined you were sticking to everything! You did an awesome job! And are still doing great to keep it going to this day.
Well done my love :drinker:
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