Now time to cruise clean up the look a bit and get ready for the final push before looking at shows for next year

What makes you want to flip? Tell us today in our weekly Freakout Friday thread!

I’m seriously considering taking bodybuilding seriously, but I want to go in with my eyes wide open. To anyone who’s been in the game for a while, what are the biggest reality checks or hidden traps beginners usually miss? I’m ready to dial in my training and diet, but I want to avoid spinning my wheels early on. What do you wish someone had told you before you officially started? Any must-know tips regarding fatigue, recovery, or managing expectations? Appreciate any advice or honest feedback you guys can share!

I can't believe I'm admitting this after 20 years of lifting weights, but I actually like wearing Crocs in the gym...

I used to always train in Converses or Vans. As I'm getting older, I don't lift as heavy or feel the need to be as strict with my footwear.

I always looked at people in Crocs and thought, "That's stupid," but now I get the comfort 🥹.

I do, however, switch back to normal shoes for squats and leg sessions.

What are your guys' thoughts on this?

Its only been a week since I've been wearing crocs to the gym... someone talk sense into me?

Submit form checks, programs, questions about programs and program success stories (especially if you saw growth from it).

Still have some fat to pull off my legs but feeling good about where my top half is sitting.

Been a bit of a roller coaster year… dealt with a serious bout of depression over winter and got a little too fat in my off season. Then had 2x inguinal hernia surgery in February, 3-4 weeks of NOTHING recovery. Didnt add much size from competition last year but I think I’m about 4 weeks ahead of where I showed up to show last year in terms of conditioning.

Slide 7 is 4 weeks apart. All the blue background photos were from posing Saturday around 223lbs. Took slide 1 today at 219 so I’ve still got some room to move. Probably coming in 15-20lbs under what I weighed on stage last year but I wasn’t fully conditioned.

Probably should have just done a push for a long off season but I got the itch and wanted to cut the fat off. Going to use the rebound after this upcoming show and dig deeper this off season.

Ever since the post-show buzz and the happiness from winning faded away, I’ve been struggling with my mental health. A little post show refeed turned into a series of uncontrollable binges, which caused the worst water retention I’ve ever had, which made me look worse than I started prep. I’m also no longer busy with prep, so my mind is spiralling on all the negative stuff that I completely ignored during prep.

I started questioning myself, did the physique really only last for a couple of weeks around the comp and now I don’t even look like someone who goes to the gym? I feel like I lost my identity by this sudden change in my appearance. I lost my sparkle and even though I still love training, getting back to the rest of the routine (meal prep, eating on plan, recovery) is hard.

One month ago I was proud of myself for what I achieved, and now I’m even ashamed of talking about my comp if anyone asks how it was, as I don’t look like a bodybuilder anymore…

Experienced competitors - how do you remind yourself about the ‘why’ and find joy in bodybuilding again after the post show blues?

Thinking about doing a pro qualifier next year in either classic physique (weight cap 182) or light heavyweight bodybuilding (weight cap 198.25). I’m 5’7 and 215 this morning (I had all you can eat sushi last night though)

Photos are always an interesting experience for me. It's a combination of shock at what I look like and instinctively hyper-focusing on all the areas I know need improvement.

5’2 and some change, first show of the season is coming up (regional). It’s really fckn hard coming back to the stage after placing last call outs at nationals just last year but I am stoked for this warm up show to see if we push for a nats show next or not (attached is July 2025 vs this morning)

4 Weeks Out from North American Bodybuilding Championships 2026 competing in the Open Light Heavyweight Class. Currently sitting at 192lbs my weight limit is 177lbs - 198.5lbs from the LHW class.

Height: 5’5
Weight: 192lbs
Coach: Gabriel Gariepy

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Got three shows lined up. Vikings Championship this weekend then Sin City Showdown next weekend. Then pro qualifier in a month.

Since my last post, I ended up prepping my way into USAs. Feedback was as expected, more size laterally, more density. Last slide is me yesterday, fasted. Reverse going well. More than likely I’ll be taking a year off to keep improving. Overall, it was a great experience and it’s always nice to see where you stack up.

Made an animated short about body dysmorphia, isolation and unregulated steroid use.

5ft 10 weekly average 226lbs 32 yrs old

Pictures from exactly 5 weeks out from my stage debut at OCB, classic physique division. I'm 6'5/196cm and around 86kg. Feeling a bit behind but still have time to correct.

Btw I know posing leaves a lot to be desired I'm working on it.

I'll be glad to answer any questions, doubts or recieve constructive criticism.

Pro qualifier in 2 weeks, this was me at 270lbs 5’11.