new kid (literally)

Hi everybody. I've done my best to give a good amount of information from the get-go, seeing as how I want to be on my way towards improvement as soon as possible.

I'm John, 17, CA. I've come here because I've been working out and improving my fitness for about a year now, and it's heightened since my enlistment in the USMC this past July. What I'm doing right now is trying to get in the best shape I can, performance-wise, while I finish my Senior year of high school.

The thing is, I'm almost at a first class PFT (the military Physical Fitness Test, which is a very broad measurement of your physical ability), and my body is also shaping up fairly well.. but some things are not growing how I want them to. Performance-wise I'm achieving what I want at a steady rate, but I'd also like to even out my body shape.

I eat about 30-40% of my protein DV a day, and drink 1.5 servings of Nitro Tech just about every day, so my protein intake is decent.

My main complaints with my shape are:

1) my left pectoral is about 15-25% or so larger than my right (most likely the distribution of exertion when I do pushups).
2) my stomach: my upper abdominals have some strong definition, but it gets soft around my bellybutton and below.
3) my calves blend with my lower legs: most of the noticeable mass is on the inner-rear of the calf, and on the outside there isn't much to show.

So, can anyone please give me a few suggestions on how to adjust my workouts towards the shape improvement I've described?

Oh, by the way... I have very little access to equipment other than a pullup bar.

If pictures would help, I can take some fairly quickly, I'm just not sure who wants or needs to look at me, haha :)

Thanks very much,
John

PS: I've also heard some very weird things about NitroTech (things other than positive). Can anyone tell me whether I should keep using it? I'm hardly knowledgeable at all when it comes to supplements, the only reason I'm using it is because a good friend of mine uses it and has gotten REALLY big (and really strong) over the past 2 years, using it, AND he works at GNC. Discount, baby! (Just so you know, I'm not trying to get huge, this is just for strength).

Hey man, welcome to the boards. It would help if you could give everyone some more info on what equipment you are using or do have access to. Free weights, standard machines or just strength traning using your own weight? Once this info is available then maybe you could get a few pointers on your routines.

the only stuff I have access to on a daily basis is my own weight and a pullup bar, and maybe a few inclines around the house.

If I have extra funds after the holidays, I might go for a few weights.

Even out your pecs by doing one handed pushups. If you can't do them then do one legged pushups. By forcing one leg in the air you'll be putting a lot more stress on the opposite arm and side chest it also makes other stabilizing muscles shake throughout your body. I'd crank out 2 extra sets on the uneven side. Another excersize you can do that is similar is stacking about 5 or 6 thick textbooks or encyclopedias and putting one hand on the books and one hand on the ground when you do your pushups. It's the same idea as the one legged pushups but you won't fatigue yourself so fast. The only way you're going to tone up those calves is to do a lot of running and calve raises. Do your best to find a spot to do your calve raises where you'll be able to bring your heels lower than your toes and have more full ranged motion.

As far as your belly goes (might not want to take my advice on this one as I've never seen my abs before) it sounds like you may need to do a lot of leg raises and its variations. Hope I helped. My mind is a guide to bodyweight excersises so if you have any other questions I'd love to help. I don't frequent the Beginners threads too often so feel free to PM or post in the other forums.

No, I'm not on steroids but thank you for asking.

Thanks a lot, BigJon. I'll try this stuff immediately... except, which leg do I want to raise for one legged pushups, and which arm do I want to elevate for pushups as well?

Thanks again!

If it's your right side that's underdeveloped raise your left leg. And for the other alternative if its your right side that's underdeveloped put the books under your left hand.

No, I'm not on steroids but thank you for asking.