Slightly ahead, but not dramatically ahead. You still want to look your best on show day, so I wouldn’t try to get completely shredded a month early either. A little cushion is ideal.

I’ve been doing thoracic rotations and band shoulder work before upper-body sessions. Nothing crazy—just a few controlled sets. My overhead pressing feels smoother now, and I don’t feel as restricted through my upper back.

I’ve noticed that mobility work is way more useful when it actually connects to the movements you’re training. Instead of spending 30 minutes doing random stretches, I’d rather spend a few minutes preparing the hips, ankles, shoulders, and upper back for squats, presses, deadlifts, and other lifts. F ...

That makes sense. I'm currently focused on getting my training and nutrition consistent before choosing a specific show. I don't want to rush into a prep just because I found a competition date I like.

That's what I'm leaning toward. I'd rather start earlier and have some flexibility than realize I'm behind with six weeks left.

I'm planning for my first bodybuilding show and trying to figure out how far out I should realistically start prep. I've heard everything from 8 weeks to 6 months, but I'm realizing it probably depends a lot on how much body fat you have to lose, how much muscle you're carrying, and how aggressive ...

Deadlifts will always be my number one. There's something about pulling a heavy bar off the floor that no machine can replace. They challenge my grip, core, back, and legs all at once, and I always feel like I've earned my workout after a heavy deadlift session. Recovery takes longer, but for me it ...

Yeah I’ve been going heavy on skull crushers lately. Might swap them out and see if that calms things down.

My triceps feel fine but my elbows feel like 90-year-old joints. Is this a form issue or is this just “gym tax”?

Used to do 2-hour workouts when I was younger. Progress actually got better once I trimmed the junk volume.