This episode of Evolutionary.org features a deep dive with “MarshMonsta,” an EVO Aussie VIP, who shares his journey from a lean 165 lbs to a ripped 230+ lbs. We explore his dedication to self-education in fitness, his impressive physique, and even a unique story about his dog’s recovery.
Key Takeaways
- Consistency is King: MarshMonsta emphasizes that daily discipline in diet and training is the real secret to success, not complicated tricks.
- Education Fuels Progress: Learning what works through self-study and community advice was key to his gains.
- The Power of Community: The EVO forum provided support, motivation, and accountability, transforming his approach.
- Embrace Your Genetics: Coming from a naturally thin frame (ectomorph) isn’t a disadvantage; it’s a canvas for building lean mass.
- Mindset Matters: A strong work ethic and focused attitude in the gym are non-negotiable for progress.
From Basketball Courts to the Gym Floor
MarshMonsta’s athletic journey started young, not in the weight room, but on the basketball court. Growing up, he was always tall and thin, excelling in sports like basketball, where he played center and was known for his blocking and rebounding. He even represented Queensland in his teenage years. Despite his height, he was a “lean gainer,” weighing under 70 kilos for a long time. Basketball injuries, like ligament damage in his ankle, were part of his early athletic experience.
His transition to weight training didn’t happen until his late twenties, around age 27. A colleague introduced him to the gym, and after four solid years of training together, he saw significant progress and became hooked. This early mentorship provided a strong foundation, teaching him the importance of consistent training and discipline, which has stayed with him for over a decade.
The Serious Shift: Finding the Forum and PEDs
While MarshMonsta started training at 28, he considers himself to have gotten truly serious about bodybuilding only about two years ago when he started logging his progress on the Evolutionary.org forum. He discovered the forum through gym conversations and was quickly noticed by a lab, which boosted his engagement and learning.
His first foray into performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) was around age 27-28, guided by the same friend who introduced him to the gym. However, he admits he lacked the knowledge back then, cycling on and off without a proper understanding of PCT or other crucial aspects. After an eight-year break, he returned to PEDs a couple of years ago, coinciding with his active participation on the forum. He credits the forum and the guidance he received for a “massive difference” in his progress, taking him to a “different level” physically.
His initial cycle involved a modest dose of Sustanon 250, and surprisingly, he still gained about 6-7 kilos (around 13 lbs) despite his inexperience. This highlights the potential for growth even with basic knowledge, especially for someone coming from a lean, ectomorphic background. Today, at 41, he weighs in at 106 kilograms (about 233 lbs), a significant increase from his starting weight of around 75 kilos (165 lbs).
Training and Diet: The Pillars of His Physique
MarshMonsta’s approach to training is straightforward: consistency and intensity. He emphasizes the importance of showing up every day, even on days when motivation is low. His training philosophy aligns with brief, compound-focused workouts, especially for ectomorphs. He highlights the effectiveness of exercises like squats and dips, noting that incorporating dips significantly improved his physique. His log shows impressive progress, including increases in his Smith machine press and front squats, demonstrating his dedication to strength building.
Diet is equally critical. He follows a clean eating plan, posting pictures of his meals on the forum, which serves as a form of accountability. His diet consists of lean proteins like pork and beef, vegetables, and rice – the usual staples for bodybuilding. He learned to cook from his chef father, which helps him prepare tasty, calorie-dense meals without relying on junk food. For those struggling to gain weight, he suggests adding raw eggs to protein shakes and ensuring adequate protein intake throughout the day, especially when working hard or in hot weather.
Navigating PEDs: Experience and Evolution
MarshMonsta has experimented with various compounds, including Testosterone Propionate, NPP, Equipoise (EQ), Deca, Tren Ace, Anadrol, and Human Growth Hormone (HGH). He notes that his approach has evolved, moving away from compounds that caused side effects, like Tren Ace, which led to digestive issues and heartburn for him, especially during summer cycles in Australia’s hot climate. He found that managing inflammation and identifying food intolerances were key to mitigating some of these issues.
He prefers compounds that minimize the need for ancillary drugs like AI’s and SERMs, reducing potential side effects. While he’s open to exploring different compounds, his focus is on what works best for his body. He’s considering a cutting phase in the future, potentially using Equipoise, Primobolan, or Anavar, but emphasizes that his current strategy is yielding great results with minimal side effects.
A Unique Story: Healing His Dog with Peptides
An interesting aspect of MarshMonsta’s journey is his use of peptides to help his dog, Zeus, recover from an injury. Having seen success with peptides himself, he decided to try BPC-157 and TB-500 on his injured dog. After consulting with a vet, he administered the peptides twice daily, noting significant improvement. Although Zeus reinjured himself due to his active nature, the peptides provided substantial healing, allowing him to regain mobility and function. This experience highlights the versatility of peptides and MarshMonsta’s commitment to his pet’s well-being.
Looking Ahead: Competition and Community
MarshMonsta’s future goals include stepping onto the competitive bodybuilding stage. He is actively seeking coaches to help him prepare for an open league competition. He acknowledges the strong community within the Australian EVO scene, drawing inspiration from other competitors and logging members. He believes that age is just a number and encourages others, especially those who started lean like him, to pursue their physique goals with consistency and discipline. His journey is a testament to what can be achieved with dedication, self-education, and the support of a like-minded community.