"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." - Psalm 139:14
Contest Preparation
Many are called, but few are chosen. This is true when it comes to competitive bodybuilding. Changing your physique to make it better is one matter, but preparing to place yourself at the scrutiny of others (in a public setting) is another. Not only do you have to be physically ready, but you have to be mentally ready as well.
This article gives you all the ins-and-outs of contest preparation.
Carbohydrate Cycling
Carbohydrate cycling is a 6 day program that will allow your body to burn bodyfat while still retaining muscle mass. It's a technique that is described in detail in the book SLICED by Bill Reynolds and Negrita Jayde, however I will summarize it here.
Over the last 10 years I've competed, I've used this technique each time and without fail I've been able to achieve exceptional definition while retaining the muscle mass that I gained during my bulking phase.
Gaining Muscle Mass
Due to the complexity of muscle tissue, it often takes years to develop quality muscle mass. The key is to be consistent and be aware that bodybuilding & body shaping are built on three factors: Nutrition, Consistent/Intense Exercise and Rest.
This article goes into the details of each factor.
Transformation of the Month - Jason Holt
Jason began training after high school because he got sick of being the skinny kid. He was always very athletic but, his size held him back in some endeavors. Read his inspiring testimonial about how he transformed.
Check it out in our Articles - Transformation section!
Featured Member Articles - June 2008
New member Joey Quinones has written his first article for our site entitled "Your Body; Your Temple"!
Check it out in our Articles - Weight Management section!
Featured Bodybuilder of the Month
On Saturday, November 18th, 2006, Max Citrin won the overall title in the 2006 Gainesville Bodybuilding Competition (a title I held back in 2003).
Max did a great job. By the time I started working with Max (back in October 2006), 90% of his contest preparation was done. His nutrition is exemplary and he has amazing focus and drive during his workouts. So I considered it an honor to help him with his posing routine.
Max's posing was already very classical, reminiscent of Frank Zane and Bob Paris. All we needed to do was fine tune Max's transitions from one pose to another, and it made his winning all that more possible. In a close competition, your presentation may be what makes the difference. So it pays to do your homework.
So again, congratulations Max on your win! May you continue to have success in all your future endeavours!