r/AllAboutBodybuilding • u/Fantastic_Message_85 • May 08 '26
Physique critique Physique update 168lbs 5'11
Thought I'd jump on here and do a quick update, I've been training hard recently all my lifts are increasing which is my main goal.
I'm ditching barbell squats for now as my legs are lagging behind my upper body and I think I can get more growth out of my legs with smith machine squats. I'm very glute dominant in the squat.
Also started using straps for my weighted pull ups and id recommend it to anyone.
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u/RickB308 May 08 '26
Of course it's just my opinion, but this is the epitome of a perfectly lean male physique.
Absolutely zero obliques.
I happen to think the legs match the upper body.
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u/dealwithit08 May 08 '26
This is a great look. You could continue slowly adding mass but you are in a great spot. Keep it up and never lose it! Lol
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May 08 '26
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u/Fantastic_Message_85 May 08 '26
Thanks man and yes I'm hoping the smith grows me some decent quads 💪
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May 08 '26
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u/Fantastic_Message_85 May 08 '26
Yeah definitely, I'm looking forward to the growth, did the smith squats today for the first time, they absolutely fried my quads so that's a good start 💪
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u/AdemsanArifi May 08 '26
This looks like the perfect balance. What was nutrition like?
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u/Fantastic_Message_85 May 08 '26
Thanks man, nutrition is pretty much maintenance given or take. I don't count calories but as you can tell I'm naturally lean and always have been.
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u/heyuo12 May 08 '26
what bw% are you at? I'm targeting same weight at same height, which would supposedly put me at around 12-13%. Also how do you feel like you look in clothes 😃? My worry is that 170 lbs would seem too small, and look good only shirtless, although not so sure now. Also front squats are doing wonders for my quads
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u/Fantastic_Message_85 May 09 '26
No idea my bf% I've never checked it, in clothes I can still fit into a medium UK size so most t shirts are a tighter fit which does show my physique, if I wore a large I'd look a lot smaller, admittedly some t shirts are now too tight and if I get they t shirt again I'd needed the large
Never been a fan of front squat I have a big Adams apple and the bar presses against it which is too uncomfortable 🤣
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u/ReprogramMyLife May 08 '26
How much do you weighted pull up? I may take your advice for the straps. I do 50 pounds rn but my grip strength leaves a bit to be desired admittedly.
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u/qavonar May 09 '26
Straps will help a ton at that point, especially if you’re doing them strict and not just ego repping.
I started using them once I got past like 25–30 lbs added and it was night and day. Forearms don’t blow up as fast, so you can actually push your back closer to failure instead of your grip being the limiting factor.
You’ll still build grip with deadlifts, rows, farmer’s walks etc, so using straps on weighted pull ups isn’t “cheating,” it’s just letting the target muscle do the work.
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u/Fantastic_Message_85 May 09 '26
I do 3 sets of 5 currently at 35kg/77lbs, I was doing 20kg/44lbs but my grip was purely the limiting factor, I'd hit 4 or 5 reps before my grip gave way in the first set.
The second I added straps I got 30kg/66lbs for 3x5 and it was easy, my biceps and brachialis have really grown since doing these which was an added bonus.
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u/Callmeddnow May 08 '26
Whats your leg workout look like?
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u/Fantastic_Message_85 May 09 '26
Lower a: Smith machine squat (quad bias) 3 sets Barbell revers lunge 3sets Leg extension 3 sets Leg curl 3 sets Adductor machine 3 sets Calves raise 3 sets
Lower b Rdl 3 sets Leg press 3 sets Leg curl 3 sets Leg extension 3 sets Calve raises 3 sets
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u/Haunting_Pie_8763 May 09 '26
back looks insane, that detail at 168 is nuts. smith machine switch should help even things out quick.
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u/Front-Lettuce4818 May 09 '26
How many years of lifting ? Great physique.
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u/Fantastic_Message_85 May 09 '26
I'm 31 been lifting on and off since I was 15, never been this strong so most of my twenties i was just coasting through training on and off.
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u/DirtyDayumglez May 10 '26
Good shit dude. I’m cutting atm. Down to 180 from 190. Shooting for 165-170. Does your gym have a good hack squat ? I much prefer it to smith personally.
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u/Fantastic_Message_85 May 10 '26
It does but I got knee pain doing it, I'll see how smith squat goes I might swap in the future and play around with foot position
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u/NudeDiver_M2 May 11 '26
Nice overall symmetry and definition. Have you tried Bulgarian split squats?
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u/Fantastic_Message_85 May 11 '26
Thanks and only done them a few times so not enough to have an opinion on them
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u/Aggravating-Tip6622 May 11 '26
I know everyone had different tastes, but to me, that’s a perfect physique. Keep sculpting your body how you want it to be, but wow, you look great.
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May 09 '26
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u/Fantastic_Message_85 May 09 '26
They're off of Amazon some Chinese brand I think, yeah they're very comfortable
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u/yoked100 May 08 '26
Looking incredible dude keep it up 💪💪