Prep Files #12: 7 Weeks Out - Birthday Week
Birthday week made staying on plan a little harder, and with conditioning still slightly behind, it's finally time for the first real calorie cut.
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Prep Files
Follow the full contest-prep timeline through weekly data, progress photos, StageLab recommendations, plan adjustments, and honest reflections from each phase.
Prep Files #11: 8 Weeks Out - More Activity, Same Calories
The scale moved a little and my waist came down, but conditioning still needs to catch up. For now, that means more activity instead of less food.
Prep Files #10: 9 Weeks Out - Progress Doesn't Always Show on the Scale
Moving apartments made prep a little more challenging this week, but the check-in photos told a different story than the scale.
Prep Files #09: 10 Weeks Out - Feeling Good, But Not There Yet
Energy is high, weight is dropping, but my check-in photos are saying I still have some work to do.
Prep Files #08: 11 Weeks Out - Trusting the Process
A little more cardio got the scale moving again, but a couple meals out reminded me I still need to be better prepared.
Prep Files #07: 12 Weeks Out - The First Adjustment
The first adjustment of prep is here. Weight has started to slow, cardio is increasing, and it's time to start tightening things up.
Prep Files #06: 13 Weeks Out - The Scale Didn't Move
The scale stayed exactly the same, but this week felt much better. Training and cardio were back on track, I felt tighter, and the check-in photos finally showed some improvement.
Prep Files #05: 14 Weeks Out - A Needed Reality Check
Not every week goes according to plan. This week was a reminder that consistency matters more than intentions.
Prep Files #04: 15 Weeks Out - Starting to Feel Like Prep
The scale keeps moving, cardio is becoming routine again, and for the first time this prep feels like it's actually underway.
Prep Files #03: 16 Weeks Out — Progress Without Perfection
Weight is trending down, energy is high, and progress is happening despite imperfect adherence. The challenge now is turning momentum into consistency.
Prep Files #02: 17 Weeks Out — First Signs of Progress
One week into prep. Weight is moving in the right direction, consistency is improving, and the focus remains on building momentum.
Prep Files #01: 18 Weeks Out — Starting My Men's Physique & Classic Physique Prep
Starting at 216.4 lbs, I'm documenting my entire contest prep, including check-ins, adjustments, progress, and the tools I'm using along the way.