I saw 'Generation Iron' opening day (September 20th) and I must say that director Vlad Yudin struck gold with this docudrama. It was crafted very well from beginning to end (even though the ending more or less just "fell off"). However, as beautiful as this film was it is my opinion that only true fans of competitive bodybuilding will be able to emotionally connect to it! Bodybuilding is incredibly fascinating with an unspoken camaraderie among those who eat, live and breathe the sport and it can be appreciated for its roots of hard work, determination, and creativity.
Just like any other weight-training athlete, from time to time I deal with nagging joint pains-I realize it's just part of the game. In my case, my left elbow has been giving me problems of late. The same issue with the same elbow just like a couple of years ago. The majority of the pain is felt during direct triceps work using free-weights, that's when it shows its a**!
Decades ago there was no clear terminology for supplements that were taken before, during, and after one's workout. Nowadays, those crucial periods of time to take in vital muscle-building nutrients are clearly defined pre-workout, intra-workout, and post-workout. Check out my supplement protocol below!
Over the years and especially over the past few years, I've learned that in order to truly become good at bodybuilding, you have to be a student of it. It is nearly impossible to experience success on any marginal level in bodybuilding without being its student. That means that one has to be willing to learn new things not only through standard research but by virtue of experimentation and experience. It all comes together to make the student a teacher. My life as a bodybuilder has afforded me to opportunity to share my experience with others who are either segueing into bodybuilding or just looking to become more efficient at what they do in the gym but I am only able to do this by remaining a student of bodybuilding.
When I competed last Saturday (June 22, 2013) at the NPC Maryland State/East Coast Classic Championships, I couldn't have left the venue with a greater sense of accomplishment! Being away from competitive bodybuilding for nine years only to return and place in the top-five at one of the most successful regional shows in the Mid-Atlantic is just a profound monument for me. I've competed in other large NPC shows but this was the first time that I have ever secured a top-five placing, convincingly earning my proud moment!
We are just about seven weeks out from the NPC Maryland East Coast Classic Championships. Over the past couple of weeks I have purposely been depleting my body a bit as a means to tighten up a bit and for the most part my plan worked well. Now that I feel that I am holding on to my conditioning, it's time to actually kick my prep up a notch so that I can fill out my muscles more.
