Comments on: Pictures From My First Successful Cutting Cycle http://www.musclehack.com/pictures-from-my-first-successful-cutting-cycle/ Muscle Growth / Hypertrophy, Free Muscle Building Workouts Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:48:26 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Cade http://www.musclehack.com/pictures-from-my-first-successful-cutting-cycle/#comment-52038 Cade Thu, 22 Oct 2009 03:23:45 +0000 http://www.musclehack.com/?p=1427#comment-52038 What about people that love carbs? I have to have carbs or I feel like I am missing something. What about people that love carbs? I have to have carbs or I feel like I am missing something.

]]> By: dave http://www.musclehack.com/pictures-from-my-first-successful-cutting-cycle/#comment-49005 dave Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:49:10 +0000 http://www.musclehack.com/?p=1427#comment-49005 hi mark,first let me say i love your website.its the most informative site i've seen by far.i've been working out for about four months now,and i just cant seem to gain much mass.i use creatine(superpump 250),which really seems to help with reps,sets and energy.but,i just cant seem to get on a good diet.i've read i should be eating around six meals a day.but,with work and even when i'm not working it just seems really difficult getting in six meals,i usually only get about three a day,actually.it's just a little discouraging.i've seen improvements in my body.but,when i started i was 168lbs.now im down to around 159lbs.i'm 31 years old,am i too old to see improvements as quick as a younger person?i was just wandering if you had any advice you could give me on dieting?any advice you could give me would be greatly valued and appreciated.thanks,dave. hi mark,first let me say i love your website.its the most informative site i’ve seen by far.i’ve been working out for about four months now,and i just cant seem to gain much mass.i use creatine(superpump 250),which really seems to help with reps,sets and energy.but,i just cant seem to get on a good diet.i’ve read i should be eating around six meals a day.but,with work and even when i’m not working it just seems really difficult getting in six meals,i usually only get about three a day,actually.it’s just a little discouraging.i’ve seen improvements in my body.but,when i started i was 168lbs.now im down to around 159lbs.i’m 31 years old,am i too old to see improvements as quick as a younger person?i was just wandering if you had any advice you could give me on dieting?any advice you could give me would be greatly valued and appreciated.thanks,dave.

]]> By: Nemesiz http://www.musclehack.com/pictures-from-my-first-successful-cutting-cycle/#comment-35445 Nemesiz Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:51:20 +0000 http://www.musclehack.com/?p=1427#comment-35445 HI Mark i was wondering if you could give me some advice on gaining more muscle and still staying ripped... My status is.. I am only 17 and not fully develpoed growing yet and im not a big fella.. I currently train in the gym three times a week twice upper body and once lower body and the other two days a week i have football training so that is usually sufficiant for my legs I think... I am currently got my abs out and have got good all round shape like you have on your pics in 06.. Now i want to gain sum size and muscle.. (I eat regulary and healthey) How can I achieve this ??? HI Mark i was wondering if you could give me some advice on gaining more muscle and still staying ripped… My status is.. I am only 17 and not fully develpoed growing yet and im not a big fella.. I currently train in the gym three times a week twice upper body and once lower body and the other two days a week i have football training so that is usually sufficiant for my legs I think… I am currently got my abs out and have got good all round shape like you have on your pics in 06.. Now i want to gain sum size and muscle.. (I eat regulary and healthey)
How can I achieve this ???

]]> By: WHO AM I http://www.musclehack.com/pictures-from-my-first-successful-cutting-cycle/#comment-35335 WHO AM I Tue, 09 Jun 2009 19:26:45 +0000 http://www.musclehack.com/?p=1427#comment-35335 Do you know what your weight was at around that time and how about currently? Cheers Do you know what your weight was at around that time and how about currently?

Cheers

]]> By: What's The Difference Between MANS and Total Six Pack Abs? | MuscleHack http://www.musclehack.com/pictures-from-my-first-successful-cutting-cycle/#comment-35025 What's The Difference Between MANS and Total Six Pack Abs? | MuscleHack Tue, 02 Jun 2009 22:22:49 +0000 http://www.musclehack.com/?p=1427#comment-35025 [...] Pictures From My First Successful Cutting Cycle [...] [...] Pictures From My First Successful Cutting Cycle [...]

]]> By: Mark McManus http://www.musclehack.com/pictures-from-my-first-successful-cutting-cycle/#comment-34931 Mark McManus Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:44:07 +0000 http://www.musclehack.com/?p=1427#comment-34931 @Razor. That's not going to happen unfortunately. You can't get ripped without controlling your intake. TSPA makes that as easy as possible but you do need to eat less, especially towards the end of the cycle. TSPA encourages the body to KEEP giving up its fat stores. @Pine. Straight unto MANS. Been on that pretty much ever since with a few GLAD periods. @Biggunks. Well it was ok with my top off, but with it on I felt like a worm :( . @Razor. That’s not going to happen unfortunately. You can’t get ripped without controlling your intake. TSPA makes that as easy as possible but you do need to eat less, especially towards the end of the cycle. TSPA encourages the body to KEEP giving up its fat stores.
@Pine. Straight unto MANS. Been on that pretty much ever since with a few GLAD periods.
@Biggunks. Well it was ok with my top off, but with it on I felt like a worm :( .

]]> By: biggunks http://www.musclehack.com/pictures-from-my-first-successful-cutting-cycle/#comment-34871 biggunks Mon, 01 Jun 2009 05:37:47 +0000 http://www.musclehack.com/?p=1427#comment-34871 Mark, To skinny... maybe for you, but most of us would kill to look like that at the beach. Mark,
To skinny… maybe for you, but most of us would kill to look like that at the beach.

]]> By: Pine http://www.musclehack.com/pictures-from-my-first-successful-cutting-cycle/#comment-34601 Pine Fri, 29 May 2009 16:35:43 +0000 http://www.musclehack.com/?p=1427#comment-34601 Hi Mark, Awesome!! I have a question though. Once you have successfully cut ( like in the pics you posted), did you go back to M.A.N.S diet or you just stay in Cut cycle? What was your rate of adding muscle after the six-packs and the cut? ( 1lb or 2lb per month or like 10lb or more ) Thanks in advance!! Hi Mark,

Awesome!! I have a question though. Once you have successfully cut ( like in the pics you posted), did you go back to M.A.N.S diet or you just stay in Cut cycle?

What was your rate of adding muscle after the six-packs and the cut? ( 1lb or 2lb per month or like 10lb or more )

Thanks in advance!!

]]> By: razor pevinski http://www.musclehack.com/pictures-from-my-first-successful-cutting-cycle/#comment-34546 razor pevinski Fri, 29 May 2009 04:54:48 +0000 http://www.musclehack.com/?p=1427#comment-34546 hi mark,i m very much impressed by your abs, i have a lot of fat on my belly and i wish to reduce it to have the same abs as you have in your pics. i go to the gym regularly and have a considerable amount of muscle power, the fact is that i do not possess much of the cutting on my body,the size of the muscle is fine but the is no cutting. Also i cant resist food. Please suggest some measures to reduce my waist size and develop cutting on my body without reducing my intake. hi mark,i m very much impressed by your abs, i have a lot of fat on my belly and i wish to reduce it to have the same abs as you have in your pics. i go to the gym regularly and have a considerable amount of muscle power, the fact is that i do not possess much of the cutting on my body,the size of the muscle is fine but the is no cutting. Also i cant resist food. Please suggest some measures to reduce my waist size and develop cutting on my body without reducing my intake.

]]> By: Mark McManus http://www.musclehack.com/pictures-from-my-first-successful-cutting-cycle/#comment-34378 Mark McManus Wed, 27 May 2009 22:06:38 +0000 http://www.musclehack.com/?p=1427#comment-34378 @Vladimir. Liver is ok. I think chicken is a better choice as beef liver has some carbs in there. @good man. Sure, you'll still progress. Alcohol does slow fat-burning though, so you obviously can't expect to get shredded while drinking a few nights a week. Take Care, Mark. @Vladimir. Liver is ok. I think chicken is a better choice as beef liver has some carbs in there.
@good man. Sure, you’ll still progress. Alcohol does slow fat-burning though, so you obviously can’t expect to get shredded while drinking a few nights a week.
Take Care,
Mark.

]]> By: good man http://www.musclehack.com/pictures-from-my-first-successful-cutting-cycle/#comment-34375 good man Wed, 27 May 2009 21:43:48 +0000 http://www.musclehack.com/?p=1427#comment-34375 hi mark, this is a v. reassuring article. but i was wondering... i'm a student, and i like to party a lot - its easy to keep fat & protein intake high but difficult to avoid the alcohol & junk food that inevitably comes with being a student. would i still see gains if i try my hardest to implement MANS and work out w/ THT but let myself slack in other respects evry other day? all the best man :) hi mark,
this is a v. reassuring article.
but i was wondering…
i’m a student, and i like to party a lot – its easy to keep fat & protein intake high but difficult to avoid the alcohol & junk food that inevitably comes with being a student.
would i still see gains if i try my hardest to implement MANS and work out w/ THT but let myself slack in other respects evry other day?

all the best man :)

]]> By: Vladimir http://www.musclehack.com/pictures-from-my-first-successful-cutting-cycle/#comment-34369 Vladimir Wed, 27 May 2009 20:37:39 +0000 http://www.musclehack.com/?p=1427#comment-34369 Hi Mark, What do you think about a use of a liver(chicken or beef) in low carb diet? Thanks for your great site. Hi Mark,

What do you think about a use of a liver(chicken or beef) in low carb diet?

Thanks for your great site.

]]> By: Mark McManus http://www.musclehack.com/pictures-from-my-first-successful-cutting-cycle/#comment-34355 Mark McManus Wed, 27 May 2009 18:44:16 +0000 http://www.musclehack.com/?p=1427#comment-34355 @guy delregno. Hi, thanks for the comments. What you need to take into account is the approx 4 years of training prior to these pics. Yes, I lost the majority of what I had gained with a stupid diet and excessive cardio, BUT I did keep some, which is why you see a small but solid base e.g. the pecs. I was always one of the skinniest kids in school which is what prompted me to work out in the first place. Also, in the 2.5 years since I've been 100% dedicated, no skipped workouts, excellent nutrition. I also didn't lose any muscle when cutting since this time which helps too. Anyway, All the best. Mark @guy delregno. Hi, thanks for the comments. What you need to take into account is the approx 4 years of training prior to these pics.
Yes, I lost the majority of what I had gained with a stupid diet and excessive cardio, BUT I did keep some, which is why you see a small but solid base e.g. the pecs.
I was always one of the skinniest kids in school which is what prompted me to work out in the first place.
Also, in the 2.5 years since I’ve been 100% dedicated, no skipped workouts, excellent nutrition.
I also didn’t lose any muscle when cutting since this time which helps too.
Anyway, All the best.
Mark

]]> By: Mark McManus http://www.musclehack.com/pictures-from-my-first-successful-cutting-cycle/#comment-34353 Mark McManus Wed, 27 May 2009 18:38:24 +0000 http://www.musclehack.com/?p=1427#comment-34353 @Scott. You need to pick a goal now and prioritize that goal. Do you want to build more muscle or lose that layer of fat more? That's what you need to ask yourself. You know what to do if it's build more muscle. If it's lose fat, the TSPA system has been designed to limit catabolic hormone release - you will never train for more than 1 hour in a day and there are NO marathon cardio sessions. Also, you need a non-impact type of cardio if you're worried about your joints. A recumbent bike would probably work well for you. @Scott. You need to pick a goal now and prioritize that goal. Do you want to build more muscle or lose that layer of fat more? That’s what you need to ask yourself.
You know what to do if it’s build more muscle.
If it’s lose fat, the TSPA system has been designed to limit catabolic hormone release – you will never train for more than 1 hour in a day and there are NO marathon cardio sessions. Also, you need a non-impact type of cardio if you’re worried about your joints. A recumbent bike would probably work well for you.

]]> By: Mark McManus http://www.musclehack.com/pictures-from-my-first-successful-cutting-cycle/#comment-34352 Mark McManus Wed, 27 May 2009 18:33:17 +0000 http://www.musclehack.com/?p=1427#comment-34352 @Sean. Thanks bro. @Rich. Approach 4 years but I lost a lot muscle muscle prior to the successful cut you see above. That's why I say I was starting from scratch again afterwards. @Christian. Just to clarify, Total Six Pack Abs IS the cutting cycle itself. @Sean. Thanks bro.
@Rich. Approach 4 years but I lost a lot muscle muscle prior to the successful cut you see above. That’s why I say I was starting from scratch again afterwards.
@Christian. Just to clarify, Total Six Pack Abs IS the cutting cycle itself.

]]> By: Mark McManus http://www.musclehack.com/pictures-from-my-first-successful-cutting-cycle/#comment-34351 Mark McManus Wed, 27 May 2009 18:29:07 +0000 http://www.musclehack.com/?p=1427#comment-34351 @Who Am I and Grant. There's no doubt ectomorphs can handle more carbs without these ending up as stored fat. As far as Jeff's program, I respected the amount of research the guy put in and found his conclusions interesting. I say go for it, do the program as described. I agree with you Grant that carbohydrates are central to a lot of our modern-day health problems. However, what I'm currently working on and researching is a more in depth GLAD diet. It'll allow more carbs but each meal will have a GL rating to ensure that blood sugar/insulin changes are smooth and gradual. This will allow you to perform your extra sports no problem. I'm very excited about getting it out to you guys. You will, of course, factor these extra activities into your daily calorie requirement. Hope that helps guys. @Who Am I and Grant. There’s no doubt ectomorphs can handle more carbs without these ending up as stored fat.
As far as Jeff’s program, I respected the amount of research the guy put in and found his conclusions interesting. I say go for it, do the program as described.
I agree with you Grant that carbohydrates are central to a lot of our modern-day health problems. However, what I’m currently working on and researching is a more in depth GLAD diet. It’ll allow more carbs but each meal will have a GL rating to ensure that blood sugar/insulin changes are smooth and gradual. This will allow you to perform your extra sports no problem. I’m very excited about getting it out to you guys. You will, of course, factor these extra activities into your daily calorie requirement.
Hope that helps guys.

]]> By: Grant http://www.musclehack.com/pictures-from-my-first-successful-cutting-cycle/#comment-34341 Grant Wed, 27 May 2009 16:51:02 +0000 http://www.musclehack.com/?p=1427#comment-34341 Who am I, that is true. My problem with High carbs is I just dont believe in it. I have been trying different diets and researching optimal health for 15 years and all signs lead to high carbs for the cause of a lot of our disease and lacj of energy. What I am thinking is keep going with the low carb apporach but use 3 times of day to do a little spike, like in the morning, and before and after my workout, I am hoping this is whT Mark will also recommend but we will see. Who am I, that is true. My problem with High carbs is I just dont believe in it. I have been trying different diets and researching optimal health for 15 years and all signs lead to high carbs for the cause of a lot of our disease and lacj of energy. What I am thinking is keep going with the low carb apporach but use 3 times of day to do a little spike, like in the morning, and before and after my workout, I am hoping this is whT Mark will also recommend but we will see.

]]> By: WHO AM I http://www.musclehack.com/pictures-from-my-first-successful-cutting-cycle/#comment-34334 WHO AM I Wed, 27 May 2009 15:26:00 +0000 http://www.musclehack.com/?p=1427#comment-34334 I've re-read the hardgainer project x book and from what jeff anderson says about hardgainers and there response to insulin, it sounds like carbs are one of the more important foods to have in the the diet. I've given low carb a good go so it might be a good idea to give the higher carb approach a go. Will be interesting to see how it works for me. If it helps me add more muscle I can come back and use TSPA to cut any unwanted body fat. will be sad leaving low carb:( I’ve re-read the hardgainer project x book and from what jeff anderson says about hardgainers and there response to insulin, it sounds like carbs are one of the more important foods to have in the the diet. I’ve given low carb a good go so it might be a good idea to give the higher carb approach a go. Will be interesting to see how it works for me. If it helps me add more muscle I can come back and use TSPA to cut any unwanted body fat. will be sad leaving low carb:(

]]> By: Grant http://www.musclehack.com/pictures-from-my-first-successful-cutting-cycle/#comment-34330 Grant Wed, 27 May 2009 14:59:53 +0000 http://www.musclehack.com/?p=1427#comment-34330 Hey Mark, I too am interested in your response about Hardgainer X and if the low carb approach is good for an ectomorph. Also, I play a lot of hockey and soccer, 3 - 4 days per week. I want to make sure I have lots of energy as you are aware both of these sports use a lot of sprinting and jumping etc. What kind of adjustments would I have to make to perform my best but still following a low-med carb type diet plan. Thanks alot Mark, and by the way, the mashed cauliflower with cheese is the best, my friends love it. Hey Mark, I too am interested in your response about Hardgainer X and if the low carb approach is good for an ectomorph.

Also, I play a lot of hockey and soccer, 3 – 4 days per week. I want to make sure I have lots of energy as you are aware both of these sports use a lot of sprinting and jumping etc. What kind of adjustments would I have to make to perform my best but still following a low-med carb type diet plan.

Thanks alot Mark, and by the way, the mashed cauliflower with cheese is the best, my friends love it.

]]> By: guy delregno http://www.musclehack.com/pictures-from-my-first-successful-cutting-cycle/#comment-34325 guy delregno Wed, 27 May 2009 13:46:36 +0000 http://www.musclehack.com/?p=1427#comment-34325 Mark, Just an observation. I was very impressed with your pictures. But, to me it also showed that you were not a serious hardgainer and genetically you were above average than many other people. In looking at your physique today and then from 2006 you have made great strides that only very few can do in a 3 year period. I have fought for over 10 years to try and build more muscle, e.g. bigger arms, and have yet to accomplish this feat. I have made minimal gains but have hit many road blocks along the way. In all the programs and adsvisors I have spoken to, they tell me "Sorry, you are limited to your genetic potential and will not achieve your goal." I'm over 50 and my muscle growth potential is way below what most of your younger clientele is and therefore their muscle building potential is far, far greater. But, again you seem honest and very sncere in your approach to making people gain muscle and get abs. Wish you all the best! Take care & grow, gui Mark,

Just an observation. I was very impressed with your pictures. But, to me it also showed that you were not a serious hardgainer and genetically you were above average than many other people. In looking at your physique today and then from 2006 you have made great strides that only very few can do in a 3 year period. I have fought for over 10 years to try and build more muscle, e.g. bigger arms, and have yet to accomplish this feat. I have made minimal gains but have hit many road blocks along the way. In all the programs and adsvisors I have spoken to, they tell me “Sorry, you are limited to your genetic potential and will not achieve your goal.” I’m over 50 and my muscle growth potential is way below what most of your younger clientele is and therefore their muscle building potential is far, far greater. But, again you seem honest and very sncere in your approach to making people gain muscle and get abs. Wish you all the best!

Take care & grow, gui

]]> By: Scott C http://www.musclehack.com/pictures-from-my-first-successful-cutting-cycle/#comment-34303 Scott C Wed, 27 May 2009 09:59:27 +0000 http://www.musclehack.com/?p=1427#comment-34303 Ive seen these impressive pics on the back of your article about hardgainers. Well, what about the other spectrum if you have bulk. Perhaps luckily I can pack on muscle fairly easily and have followed your tips on lifting weights. Thanks. But I have a layer of fat I want to shed, but I'm confused. Do I continue lifting weights thinking it will eventually lead to fat burning or do I up my cardio to burn fat?? But the I fear cardio will hurt my joint, as I'm heavy, and lead to muscle shrinkage due to the release of stress hormone cortisol? What do I do??? Please advise Thanks, Scott Ive seen these impressive pics on the back of your article about hardgainers. Well, what about the other spectrum if you have bulk. Perhaps luckily I can pack on muscle fairly easily and have followed your tips on lifting weights. Thanks. But I have a layer of fat I want to shed, but I’m confused. Do I continue lifting weights thinking it will eventually lead to fat burning or do I up my cardio to burn fat?? But the I fear cardio will hurt my joint, as I’m heavy, and lead to muscle shrinkage due to the release of stress hormone cortisol? What do I do??? Please advise
Thanks,
Scott

]]> By: Christian http://www.musclehack.com/pictures-from-my-first-successful-cutting-cycle/#comment-34250 Christian Wed, 27 May 2009 00:54:28 +0000 http://www.musclehack.com/?p=1427#comment-34250 Hi Mark, I bought your e-book total six pack abs. And for me it is by far the best and more concise book of all the books I've bought. And I have like 20! Good Job! But I didn't find anything about a cutting cycle. Just once you said: "‘Cutting’ is a different matter entirely. When your goal is to aggressively cut fat , the carb-up is implemented differently." How I can get totaly ripped? Or I just need to do what you say in the book to get it? Thank You My best Regardas! Hope My English Was Good! Im from Mexico! Hi Mark,

I bought your e-book total six pack abs. And for me it is by far the best and more concise book of all the books I’ve bought. And I have like 20! Good Job!

But I didn’t find anything about a cutting cycle. Just once you said:

“‘Cutting’ is
a different matter entirely. When your goal is to aggressively cut fat , the
carb-up is implemented differently.”

How I can get totaly ripped? Or I just need to do what you say in the book to get it?

Thank You

My best Regardas!

Hope My English Was Good! Im from Mexico!

]]> By: Rich http://www.musclehack.com/pictures-from-my-first-successful-cutting-cycle/#comment-34243 Rich Tue, 26 May 2009 23:43:16 +0000 http://www.musclehack.com/?p=1427#comment-34243 Very impressive and great motivation! Just out of interest Mark, for how long had you been training prior to taking these pics? Cheers Very impressive and great motivation! Just out of interest Mark, for how long had you been training prior to taking these pics?

Cheers

]]> By: Sean http://www.musclehack.com/pictures-from-my-first-successful-cutting-cycle/#comment-34242 Sean Tue, 26 May 2009 23:38:34 +0000 http://www.musclehack.com/?p=1427#comment-34242 Incredible improvement! You mentioned that you were a skinny guy before the MuscleHacker emerged, but seeing this gave me a lot of inspiration to keep on trying what you suggest. Incredible improvement! You mentioned that you were a skinny guy before the MuscleHacker emerged, but seeing this gave me a lot of inspiration to keep on trying what you suggest.

]]> By: WHO AM I http://www.musclehack.com/pictures-from-my-first-successful-cutting-cycle/#comment-34239 WHO AM I Tue, 26 May 2009 23:20:44 +0000 http://www.musclehack.com/?p=1427#comment-34239 HI Mark, I need some advice if you will. I'm much skinnier than you in the pics above and have very little muscle mass, I have purchased Jeff Andersons Hardgainer project x, so thanks for the email about that. I'm going to be giving his program a go, I'm also going to follow his higher carb approach for the hardgainer, as I'm skinny fat/ecto would you recommend this program more for adding muscle over low carb. I've been on low carb since december and it hasn't really helped me in gaining muscle, even though my calories have been very high. I really like the low carb approach and I have no real probs sticking to it so I'm a little reluctant to go to more carbs but if it means more muscle than thats great. What do you think? Thanks, you look very good btw HI Mark, I need some advice if you will. I’m much skinnier than you in the pics above and have very little muscle mass, I have purchased Jeff Andersons Hardgainer project x, so thanks for the email about that. I’m going to be giving his program a go, I’m also going to follow his higher carb approach for the hardgainer, as I’m skinny fat/ecto would you recommend this program more for adding muscle over low carb. I’ve been on low carb since december and it hasn’t really helped me in gaining muscle, even though my calories have been very high. I really like the low carb approach and I have no real probs sticking to it so I’m a little reluctant to go to more carbs but if it means more muscle than thats great. What do you think? Thanks, you look very good btw

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