Ok, what red-blooded male who went to see "300" would not LOVE to look like that? I have the lifting/bodybuilding background, but I am a fatty at the moment. I am at 25-30% (depends on how/who measures it) body fat, and I look terrible. I could really use about a 30 lb fat loss to get down to that look, I think.

I have given myself until Halloween of '07 to do it in. So its April 12 right now, should give me plenty of time, right? Piece of cake, right? Well not for me. Hard for me to lose weight, and as I age (44) it ain't gettin any easier. Plus, its even harder to diet AND maintain muscle mass, so I want to go slow.

Here's the plan, I'm going to try carb cycling, cutting back on the carbs on my off days, and eating carbs for a 12 hour window, starting 1 hour before my workouts. I have to control my calorie intake, and maintain a hypocaloric state. Mild cardio on the off days. Do this for 3.5 months, then go on a clean bulking cycle for 2 months, then cut down again in the final month.

If I am successful, I'll be in the best shape of my life, and I'll be off to purchase (or make) a crimson tunic.

Roadblocks, other than my voracious evening appetite, would be a nagging shoulder injury that I must train around. I believe I have figured out movements that not only avoid aggravating it, but hopefully will help rehab it.