How long does it take an overweight powerlifter to turn into a chiseled X-men Wolverine? According to Jason Adams, 16 weeks.
It’s amazing how goals can change from one year to the next. Jason originally got into lifting in high school to become a bodybuilder, but decided he wanted to ‘lift heavy shit’ instead. Now, reaching Elite Status in two weight classes and about two decades later, he finally fulfilled his original goal.
“Injuries were more of a worry than getting a PR,” Jason said. “I always wanted to see if I could do bodybuilding.”
Competition
Adams walked onstage doused in Dream Tan and wearing (what he considered embarrassing) skimpy posers for his first competition last May.
The 16 weeks he put into diet and training paid off when he placed first in Novice at the Mike Francois Classic in Columbus, Ohio. Jason competed again in October and placed third in Open. He called this his ‘trial run’ for his most recent competition last week, in which he placed third in Novice and fifth in Welterweight at the Kentucky Muscle in Louisville, Ky.
Bodybuilding vs. Powerlifting
“If I could only do one, it would be bodybuilding,” Jason said. “For me, it was more gratifying, a lot harder, and I had a greater sense of accomplishment. Powerlifting is more just against yourself in the gym.”
Crossing over from powerlifting to bodybuilding was no easy feat for Jason. There were no more box squats with briefs, bench shirts, or talking a training partner’s ear off in between a couple of heavy sets. It was a whirl of more frequent workouts in the eight to ten rep-range, hours sweating on a treadmill, food cooking, weighing and prepping.
“The workouts are more taxing and you have to eat right,” Adams said. “Bodybuilding is a 24-hour job.”
Jason said those who claim they don’t have time, are just lazy. Even with a full-time job, wife, kid and everything else happening in Jason’s life, he still found a way. He fixed his food in advance and scheduled training around his child’s schedule. In April, Jason plans on competing again, even if it means more workouts and a bland life of chicken, tuna and whey protein.
“The diet was the most difficult part,” Jason stressed. “Training is no problem because it’s the fun part. I had to get in the right mind and forget I was eating dry flavorless meat, raw vegetables and low carbs.”
What He Learned
Jason placed far better at the competition then what he expected. Like anything, the more he competes, the more he learns. He learned that even with cutting, he can be strong and lift weights.
“Powerlifting is still fun and I will do another meet this spring,” Jason said. “Just something different and not as extreme.”
Instead of using double ply equipment he will drop down to single ply and a lighter weight class.
“I would have done different powerlifting training if I knew I was going to finally get involved in bodybuilding,” Jason said. “Powerlifting helped build my back, but not my chest.”
“It takes a lot more discipline, but anyone that can stick to a diet can do it,” Jason said. “The changes you see in the mirror are worth it.”
elitefts.com strives to be a recognized leader in the strength training industry by providing the highest quality strength training products and services while providing the highest level of customer service in the industry. For the best training equipment, information, and accessories, visit us at www.elitefts.com.