Bodybuilding as Art?

 

You may think I'm crazy, if you have become a regular follower of my blog, my ideas are a little bit out there sometimes, but on this post, I believe I will make my strongest point yet. This point being, that bodybuilding is an art. And like all good art, it is misunderstood quite often. Salvador Dali was definitely not relatable to most people, and many thought his artwork was absurd and sometimes even ugly. The same is true for bodybuilding. I hear all the time, "Wow he is TOO BIG, it is just gross!" and many other things of that nature. In my eyes, bodybuilding is beautiful, because like any other art form, you dedicate yourself wholly to the art and see results take shape before your eyes. The only difference between bodybuilding and conventional art is the choice of canvas.

 



Does it fit your macros?

 

If it fits your macros is nothing short of a miracle diet. You mean to tell, uncertified crazy blogger guy, that I can eat poptarts and lose weight? Yes, I am your hero, thank me later. All IIFYM (for short) means is that you can eat whatever you want, so long as it fits into your macro nutrient calculations, which can be found, along with more information regarding IIFYM, at IIFYM.com.

 

My favorite diet food, yummy.

 

 





The Return of the Vacuum?

 

In recent years, due to human growth hormone usage, paired with insulin and force feeding, the rise of the "GH gut" has been seen, and I find it sad to see. No longer visible is the beautiful vacuum pose that Arnold mastered during his Olympia years. However, I've recently discovered a beautiful sight, one Jason Huh is sporting massive size, along with a lack of gut, and ability to hit the vacuum pose! As a fan of the sport, and not a fan of the gut, I couldn't be more excited!

 

 

Pictured below are, in order from top to bottom: Roelly Winklaar's disgusting gut, Arnold hitting his signature vacuum pose, and Jason Huh doing the same

 

 

 

 

 

Feeder Workouts

 

 

In  the world of bodybuilding, just saying the name Rich Piana brings up a thousand different images. The guy is massive, and regardless of what you think about the admitted steroid and synthol usage, the man's physique is impressive. I recently watched a video of Rich, in which he talked about feeder workouts. Basically, every night before bed you do a high volume workout in order to force nutrient rich blood to a lagging muscle group. For instance, his video talks about doing three sets of 100 skull crushers and 60 hammer curls for lagging arms. I have recently implemented this exact workout into my routine and have noticed how much more full and tight my arms have become. As far as growth is concerned, I am hoping for the very best. For your viewing pleasure, I embedded the video from Rich below.

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZy_FOJZSP8

 



That Taboo Thing: Steroids

 

Perhaps little known to the general public, steroids are as large a part of professional bodybuilding as legal supplementation, diet, and even lifting weights. All four aspects must be perfectly balanced in order for a bodybuilder to look their absolute best on stage. This is not a sport for making money, unless you consistently win 2-3 pro shows a year and have killer endorsement deals, or your own supplement line, think Phil Heath, Jay Cutler, and Ronnie Coleman. Although in terms of bodybuilding, I am as much of an amateur as one can be, and although I have not partaken in the use of steroids, I know several people who have. This is a topic that is ignored entirely too often and T-Nation produced a great article, from an anonymous source, on the subject. Since my knowledge is decent, but no where near as good as the article, here is the link to that story: https://www.t-nation.com/steroids/steroids-what-pro-bodybuilders-are-really-using. On a side note, I am in no way advocating the use of steroids, I am just presenting information as factually as I possibly can, and choosing not to ignore the subject that is so usually ignored in this great sport.



The Unstoppable Blade

 

Please accept my sincerest apologies for my late blog post, it has been a hell of a week in my personal life. On the bright side, The Arnold Classic Australia was on to distract me from my woes. I'm sure by now you've heard that Dexter "The Blade" Jackson is on a rampage, winning his second Arnold Classic in two weeks. Dexter now has a two win lead in the record for Arnold Classic wins. With two wins in a row does he become a threat to take the Olympia crown, later this year? Let me know what you think in the comments section!

 

Pictured below are Dexter Jackson (top) and Phil Heath, current Mr. Olympia (bottom):

 

 

 

 

 

And the Winner is...

 

 

As a bodybuilding enthusiast, I am sure by now you have heard the news. . . however on the off change you have not, the Arnold Classic Champion has been crowned! Dexter "The Blade" Jackson seized his (record setting) fifth Arnold Classic win! At 46 years old, there is no telling how long he could keep winning shows! Jackson narrowly edged out Branch Warren who received second place. For a full recap of winners from every division, visit: http://arnoldsportsfestival.com/.

Pictured below (top to bottom, are Dexter Jackson and Branch Warren).

 

 

 



The Greatest of All Time

When the term "greatest of all time" is thrown out, in the world of bodybuilding, most immediately jump to Arnold, but he did not even win the most Mr. Olympia titles. How then, is one supposed to judge the best of all time? Is it simply by number of titles? If so, then Ronnie Coleman would be the greatest of all time. Is it by sheer amount of exposure and fame? If so, then Arnold would be the greatest of all time. In my humble opinion, looking merely at the physiques of all the athletes to ever win Mr. Olympia, the greatest of all time has to be Dorian Yates. His sheer size and wonderful shape, made him the most successful bodybuilder of his era. Who is the greatest bodybuilder, ever, in your opinion?

 

 

Pictured below (top to bottom) are Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ronnie Coleman, and Dorian Yates.

 

 

 

 



2015 Arnold Classic Preview



The 2015 Arnold Classic is right around the corner, March 5th-March 8th. This year the field is comprised of an interesting mix of old and new faces, not to mention some very interesting storylines. One of these stories being that Dexter "The Blade" Jackson will try to record his record-breaking 5th Arnold Classic win. Among the up-and-comers of the crowd are Evan Centopani and Cedric McMillan, while the old faces will be represented by Dexter Jackson and Branch Warren. For more preview of the Arnold Classic visit the official Arnold Expo website at http://arnoldsportsfestival.com/. 

 

Pictured below, in order of top to bottom are: Evan Centopani, Cedric McMillan, and Dexter Jackson.

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



The Six Rules of Success

In the world of bodybuilding, the generally assumed "King"is Arnold Schwarzenegger. Winner of 7 Mr. Olympia titles, a world renowned actor, and at one time the governor of California, you could say he knows something about success. If you've ever struggled with getting out of bed in the morning, finding your motivation, or just in trying to find the habits of successful people, then look no further, Arnold has six rules (just for you). Luckily for you these rules are embedded below, so watch and learn, learn the rules of the most successful bodybuilder ever. What is your favorite rule, or the one you feel you could benefit most from implementing in your life?