Strength Addicts

Daily Blogging Returns!!

2017-01-04T11:09:00.000-08:00

I'm very happy to announce that daily blogging will return from StrengthAddicts.com I will be sharing news, articles, & all videos here. Many readers miss the blogging component to the page and it's definitely something that I miss doing. Also, be on the lookout for new interviews!!

StrengthAddicts Hits 3,000 Subscribers!

2013-07-12T08:41:00.002-07:00

Christian Duque's StrengthAddicts.com has had a wildly successful Youtube channel, showcasing over a thousand videos in English & Spanish. Sometime today, the channel will break the 3,000 Subscribers mark. Currently, the channel has in excess 1.4 Million Views, with thousands of comments.

Recently, StrengthAddicts joined two more social media sites: Instagram & Reddit. Make sure to join us at those pages, as well as on Twitter, Myspace, and Xanga!!

Rich Piana Loves His Fans!!

2013-03-05T07:48:00.000-08:00

The world of competitive bodybuilding is always in need of role models, guys that live the life and give back to the fans. There's so much arrogance in a sport that so desperately wants to be accepted by the mainstream. Even at the Arnold Classic Expo, I said "good job" to some of the amateur bodybuilders walking through the forum post-show; some had done very well, but none said thank you, none smiled, few even acknowledged us. You can't walk around with a shit-face and think you're God - the fans won't respond to that. Fans are loyal, but only to a point.

One guy that knows how to treat the fans right, is NPC Mr. California RICH PIANA. The Mutant Booth was jam packed full of people. What it lacked in size, it made up for with fan interest. It's the same with their products - they don't need exotically designed tins or outlandish claims - they make a solid product and have a solid roster of champion athletes.

I know of Rich through his work with Ric Drasin, host of Ric's Corner on youtube. The two have collaborated on several episodes, leaving the fans hungry for more.

Rich is also an accomplished actor, fighter, and bodybuilder (now retired). He also launched his own clothing line "1 Day U May."

Legendary Bodybuilder RON LOVE Interview

2013-02-09T10:37:00.001-08:00

Legendary Bodybuilding Champion, Michigan native RON LOVE has agreed to do an interview with Christian Duque of StrengthAddicts.com. Love, who is a 1987 IFBB Mr. World, has competed in almost seventy pro shows, winning a series of titles and becoming an international celebrity. According to many fans, he was also incredibly impressive at the 1987 IFBB Mr. Olympia where he cracked the Top 10 - and where many believed he should have cracked the Top 5.

Together with his close friend John Simmons and fellow Pro's Jeff Willet and Joe Romine, these four men represent the Very Best Michigan has to offer. Stay tuned for the Ron Love Interview at StrengthAddicts.com!

Natural Legend, IFBB Pro JEFF WILLET

2013-01-31T18:26:00.002-08:00

Don't miss out on this great interview with Natural Legend JEFF WILLET!!

Mr. Michigan Sounds Off

2012-08-08T07:17:00.001-07:00

Hodge Twins Attack Jeff Willett

2012-04-14T14:54:00.003-07:00

The HodgeTwins, an outspoken vlogging duo, whose youtube channel has grown to a network of 120,000 subscribers and over 30 million combined views, took aim at IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Jeff Willett. Willett, who won the Overall title at the 2003 Team Universe, has been a positive force in the world of Natural Bodybuilding for several decades. His website, JeffWillett.com, offers visitors a plethora of resources and products. He is also the proud owner of Jeff Willett's Powerhouse Gym in Adrian, MI.

But over the years, Jeff, like other top level natural champions (e.g., Skip LaCour) have seen themselves forced to defend their good name against largely anonymous attacks on the [message] boards, on their youtube vidoes, and even in their own private [email] inboxes. It's become such an issue, in such a viral world, where if the celebrity (or his/her camp) doesn't reply fast enough - the silence could easily become perceived as admission-by-omission by the public at large. And what's equally troubling, is that Jeff Willett and/or Skip LaCour are not just peoples' names, they have become brands - for t-shirts, videos, personal training, supplement lines, books, etc. When these names are attacked, there can be very real ramafications. There can be traceable losses, tangible ones, and what's even worse, is this.

What if the attacks are baseless? What if the series of baseless implications and innuendos taint hundreds, if not thousands of young, impressionable minds? When did you first get into bodybuilding? What if you're one of the 120,000 that religiously watch the HodgeTwins? Have they given Jeff an opportunity to defend himself? Will they? Or is just "free speech" in their eyes?

There comes a point in time when it's no longer just an opinion.The website, the gym, the name - these are all property interests of Jeff Willett, of Skip LaCour, of whoever is next in the line of fire. If they lose money because of this; if the value in their reputation takes a hit - shouldn't they act? Wouldn't you?

It's an absolute TRAVESTY that the video attacking Jeff Willett has been out since December. These assholes made this video days before Christmas - talk about holiday cheer and a warm disposition come the holidays. This shameless video is nothing more than an attempt at jacking up more views, at the expense of a man that DID NOTHING TO THEM.

Shame on these losers. A lot of people may be scared to stand up to them (this isn't melodramatic crap folks) - a lot of people and companies are terrified of these two (and their fanbase of bozos) - but I'm not. Shame on these haters! It'll be a cold day in hell before I silence myself ON MY OWN PAGES!

This is NOT just entertainment, and this is NOT just an opinon by guys on a youtube channel.

Mark of a Champion

2012-04-08T13:15:00.002-07:00

Shiloe Steinmetz has earned a place in bodybuilding history that's noteworthy for a variety of points. For starters, he competed drug-free in the toughest "amateur" bodybuilding federation in the world. It's interesting because the NPC (as an amateur organization) is far more competitive, popular, and respected than many "professional" organizations throughout the world - then, now, and dare I say - in the foreseeable future. Shiloe has competed in over 60 shows, with over 25 titles! He's won some, he's lost some, but there's one place he hangs his hat; it's his homeland of sorts, his castle.

OHIO! Shiloe Steinmetz IS Mr. Ohio! It's nice to be Mr. Universe (where's that at? Do they have good pizza there?). I would imagine it's nice to be Mr. Olympia (sounds like a title given in Pan Hellenic Greece), but Shiloe is the "Mr." for the state he lives in - and everyone knows it. That's pretty darn cool, if you ask me. And what's really the mark of a champion, is that while I've never formally met Shiloe, he's always helped out my site, always been a friend to me, and always helped those I've tried to help - whether in hindsight - they deserved it or not.

But let's not just talk about natural bodybuilding or natural competition at a local level; Shiloe has competed in Team Universe and won his class before! The same Superbowl of Natural Bodybuilding that made guys like Skip LaCour, Jeff Willett, and Kai Greene so popular. He was there - and he did battle! But he was also at national level (UNTESTED) Pro Qualifiers - and guess what? He did battle there too.

Everyone deserves props for what they do, but you take guys like Shiloe, Skip, or Jeff - who competed drug free in events where juiced guys still were able to get on stage (and easily at that), and they were winning - you HAVE to recognize that COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE and that IRON WILL TO SUCCEED. It's more than nutrition, weights, and posing oil, folks. These champions had to develop a mindset, nurture it, fortify it, so that when they were in the pump up room they were unaffected by anything or anyone, it was time to battle and nothing short thereof.

You have to admire that, heck, you almost have to wish you could have that DRIVE for yourself.
It's a great pleasure to hopefully generate some much deserved publicity for a such a great role model to us all!

Physique Champion Mark Olson Speaks!

2012-03-27T13:00:00.001-07:00

Mark with his Overall Medal.

Christian Duque: Mark, tell us about yourself. Full name, age, ht, wt. and contest wt. And also, where's your hometown.

Mark Olson: My name is Mark Olson I am 24 years old. My height is 6'1. My contest weight is about 195 and my off season weight is around 220. I currently live in Wichita Kansas, but call St. Louis my true home.

Christian Duque: Please share with us when and why you first started training - and what inspires you today.

Mark Olson: I started training after a college football injury cut my career short, I needed something to fill the void that I could challenge myself with on a daily basis. Alot of my inspiration actually comes from my clients. Witnessing all that many of them have overcome and their passion to progress, as well as their support, keeps me going.

Mark flanked by family.

Christian Duque: Speaking directly to the Midwest Open, what were your impressions with the depth of the lineup and how did you find the show to be run? Good attendance? Organized production? Good advertising?

Mark Olson: I loved competing at the Midwest open. Being from St. Louis I had attended the show as a spectator before- and I always wanted to return as a competitor. Jack and Ann Titone did a great job. As far as the lineup goes, I competed in the Tall class, and not to take anything away from any of the competitors but I was extremely impressed by the short class. Just sharing the same stage as guys like Kyle Krshka and Sean Harley, and posing down in the finals with Peter Ray, was all an overwhelming honor.

Christian Duque: Talk to us about your contest prep. Did anyone help you with your diet, training, posing? Please give kudos to all those that deserve them.

Mark Olson: So many people have helped me along the way I doubt I can give credit to all of them with out leaving some out. First and foremost though I have to thank MY trainer Alex Azarian. A true professional that I am looking forward to working with more and more. I also have a great crew that supports me on the home front as well, my girlfriend Lacey Kerbs, David Hogan from Stackerbottle.com, and the guys that keep my head on straight everyday- Scott Hogan, Barry Johnson, Seville Ko, and Jeremiah Rogers. And I can't thank my own clients and family enough either for all their continued support! While it's a competiton for individuals, this is very much a team sport. My success is credited to everyone listed above, and probably a few more.

Christian Duque: Where do you train at, and how supportive is the gym staff and fellow members when it comes to your competitive goals? Will you showing your trophy at their front counter?

Mark Olson: I train (as well as make a living) at Genesis Health Clubs in Wichita Kansas. The atmosphere in my club is phenomenol! The gym floor is shared by lots of competitors, and even ex-competitors. Theres a great enviroment for motivation an progress here.

Christian Duque: What do you hope to accomplish through Physique competition and what are some of your goals for the future?

Mark Olson: I started competing so that I could be an example of what can be accomplished. I hope to inspire my clients and anyone else that watches me train and witnesses my lifestyle that theres alot of living that can be had even when your making sacrafices. I promote health and longevity on a daily basis so its only right that I practice what I preach!

Christian Duque: Where can folks go to keep in touch with you? Thanks for taking the time to speak to us.

Mark Olson: Thanks for having me! While theres a website in the works for now anyone can feel free to contact me on facebook, or email me at molson@genesishealthclubs.com

Silver for the Winner!

2012-03-03T20:22:00.016-08:00

Wolf's Curse

I like the fact that the judges have a sense of humor, but how is it that they can rob Dennis Wolf two years in a row. Branch Warren is a freak - there's no question - but where's the symmetry? He's not as bad as Mr. Refridgerator (Jay Cutler), but there's not much proportion to Warren. He's basically one giant block of muscle resting upon two great wheels. Dennis Wolf on the other hand, seems to be cursed by the judges. He's got their respect - and he's definitely got their attention - but there's just something about his look that's just not what they're looking for.

Keeping Up Appearances

Historically, the Olympia has been the place where the mass monsters rule supreme - and it was was always the Arnold, that gave the best looking (symmetrical and aesthetically-pleasing) bodybuilders the chance to get some much needed recognition. This theory resonated every time Branch would get the Most Muscular Award but lose the title to Dexter Jackson, Victor Martinez and most recently Kai Greene. But when you take runner-up at the Olympia (like Branch did in 2009 [a placing that was really Dexter Jackson's]), you can no longer go back to Columbus and get dogged. If Warren would have taken 2nd at the O, only to get robbed for 1st at the ASC in 2010 - that would only have reinforced his fluke runner-up placing at the 2009 Olympia. And it was a fluke - the guy was wedged between the defending Mr. O and the fmr. Mr. O - it was 1980 all over again.

Jay's Future

This win in Columbus will also force the political card for the Olympia. Jay was toppled in 2011 - earning (or perhaps being given) 2nd place to Phil Heath. Ronnie should have known going into 2006 he couldn't win with his injuries (but my guess is, he was banking on pulling a Dorian Yates 1997 Miracle sandow). Ronnie was given 2nd place to Cutler in 2006 - though arguably could have been placed lower. Ronnie didn't read between the lines (like a Lee Haney would have) and tried to come back in 2007 - taking 4th before retiring. Jay may also have difficulty taking notice -- room at the Top Inn may not have vacancy for him in Vegas. Jay cannot defeat Heath - it's not a question of conditioning - it's a question of genetics. Cutler & Warren are in the same boat, with their mass monster freak look - but Warren will be arriving in Vegas as the reigning (and 2x) Arnold champion. If the ASC really is 2nd only to the O and its champion plays second fiddle to the Olympia runner-up, that might lower the prestige and the weight of winning in Columbus. The ASC runner-up (Dennis Wolf) and 3rd Place phenom (Evan Centopani) will also be battling for the Top 5 at the O. Also, don't forget last years Olympia 3rd place winner Victor Martinez (who in all honesty defeated Cutler for the 2007 Olympia, and who is also genetically-superior to Cutler). I think this will be Jay's last Olympia. The Top Inn may not honor Cutler reservations anymore.

Recap

Wolf won this show, but politically speaking, Warren poses no threat to Heath - and he's a popular champion that will ensure ticket sales. The fans would love a Heath/Warren battle w/ a Cutler wildcard, but the only guy to win between those three - the Gift! Heath could hold Warren down for years to come, while Centopani & Wolf, Greene and Martinez, could battle for places 3rd and down in the Top 6. Warren's victory in Columbus let's him be wedged between Heath & Cutler in Vegas - like he was used to wedge between Cutler & Jackson - only this time, Warren will claim his legitimate place between two Mr. Olympias - as the ASC Champion - the 2x ASC Champion. Can you anyone say, legitimacy? Warren's 2nd in 2009 was a joke, but today, it's only logical.

Wolf could beat Cutler, he could definitely beat Warren (in his sleep), and he could potentially beat Heath. But a German champion may not be what the powers that be want. They didn't want Wolf, they didn't want Gunter. The only German-speaking Mr. O was Arnold - damn skippy! LoL.

Talk about Wolf's hamstrings, Heath's narrow clavicles, Dexter's calves, rationalize it however you want using whatever canned argument you can piece together. Wolf won - and that's based on photos and some video I've seen. I'm sure in person, it was all the more blatant. Key thing is... the only guy more popular in bodybuilding than Branch Warren, is Jesus Christ. The guy is a fan favorite, a people's champion. He's the perfect fix to an IFBB without Ronnie or Jay. Congrats nonetheless, he's the champ!

Post Workout Meal (P.M.)

2012-02-25T17:20:00.000-08:00

This article is intended for the recreational weightlifter looking to lose weight, get stronger, and taking supplements, that include protein, prohormones, and natural fat burners. This article is also intended for lifters that train at night - and who keep somewhat nocturnal working hours. Traditionally, carbs and fats should be taken in at reduced levels night falls; however, if you're done training and won't go off to bed for at least 4-6hrs, it seems somewhat ridiculous to me, that you'd deprive the body of two out of the three main macronutrients.

You need carbs & fats to recover.
- Christian Duque

E-Control by IronMagLabs

2012-01-30T18:13:00.000-08:00

Does anyone know why ErgoPharm's 6-OXO and/or Gaspari's Novedex XT suddenly were pulled of the market? Was there an effective ban, or were the supplement companies merely looking play it safe. Have you noticed that all those products, even some still in existence (e.g. Inhibit E) are no longer avaialble at mainstram cites like Bodybuilding.com? Why is that? Why has the industry that fuels competitive physique sports and makes its money off of the blood, sweat, and tears of local gym rats decided to play by such wimpy standards? Why not take a stand and make great products that actually work. Just now I saw an add on facebook from this company: http://www.houseofmuscle.com/dheacomingsoon.html, selling DHEA at 300mg for $25 a bottle. Are you serious right now?

Here in Lansing, MI, we have over 50 "Medical" Marijuana Stores, which cater to countless "sick" folks -- MY ASS! Why can the potheads toke till to their heart's content, but those of us that want to get stronger (and yes, cut) - can't? You can probably wait three lifetimes, because the government quite frankly doesn't care. They don't care that their withchhunt is without merit, they don't care that there decision-making isn't backed by the majority of voters -- they just need a scapegoat.

But there is some light at the end of the tunnel - some reward at the end of the rainbow, and this happy ending comes by way of prohormones, estrogen inhibitors, and natural compounds created to benefit your organs. I just recently began a trial of E-Control after about five weeks on a ph called Super DMZ Rx. I didn't lose weight - in fact - I gained because I ate lot more food, but my lifts went up considerably. I have a great deal of faith in this company (http://IronMagLabs.com) and I invite you to check them out.

If you'd like to see my video reviews, log onto our channel: http://youtube.com/StrengthAddicts

THANKS!

Super DMZ Rx

2012-01-14T16:22:00.000-08:00

Who here has ever gotten excited to read misleading ads that promise to boost testosterone, decrease fat, and increase lean body mass? How many "natural" bodybuilders are natural because the government has made the choice for them? How many guys are keen to the fact that legal drugs like alcohol and nicotine can leave you in a body-bag with a complimentary toe-tag, but anabolic steroids, which at most, might result in baldness, acne, and slighly higher cholesterol are illegal and socially taboo? How many of you that go to the gym, secretly envy the gearheads you openly look down at?

Relax. I'm not judging you. I'm just saying, I'm onto you, and there is a middle ground, there is an alternative to taking illicit drugs and/or taking hyped up sugar pills. The answer comes in the form of ProHormones.

Once upon a time, these substances were readily available on the open market and.. they worked!

If You Don't Train Legs - Go Home!

2011-09-20T12:16:00.000-07:00

Legs are the larest, most powerful muscle group in the body. As with any other training methodology, you want to work on getting your heaviest lifts out of the way first. So it should be a no-brainer, that because legs are your biggest muscles, they should be employed for your body's hardest training. I believe legs (not chest & bi's) should be everyone's first muscle group, first work out day of the week. Who cares how hard your pecs are - or - how rounded out your delts are -- if you have chicken legs - you're a lawndart. And unless you plan to be the next great star of the NPC/IFBB Men's Physique, you're going to want to train wheels.

But do you need to do squats? In terms of hardcore'ness, the short answer would be 'yes.' But there's so much more you can do to make up for not doing them.

India is a Bodybuilding Country!

2011-09-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

India is the second most populated country in the world, with a population just over 1 Billion, and a common language with the United States, English. Indian bodybuilding enthusiasts flock to gym, eating high-protein diets that are conducive for increasing lean muscle mass, strength gains, and competitive sports - like bodybuilding, powerlifting, and strongman Shavy Raiput was kind enough to send us this video for the StrengthAddicts channel. You can do the same, by sending your video to Christian@StrengthAddicts.com. We're always looking for new talent!

StrengthAddicts.com and its various networks, including facebook, youtube, and myspace, offer you free promotion on a network that reaches nearly 8,000 people throughout the world.

If you're from India, or any other country, we want to know what supplements you take, what you think of these supplements, and what your fitness goals are. Get in contact with us, today!

A Tribute to John Romano

2011-08-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

John Romano, one of the most articulate and recognizable writers in the bodybuilding world, continues to develop innovative marketing tools with which to promote the sport of bodybuilding. For over seventeen years, John worked with Muscular Development Magazine, reaching the position of Senior Editor. His column the Romano Factor, quickly became one of the most popular features of the [bodybuilding] print media. Towards the end of his career, Romano, along with new MD Online Editor Dave Palumbo and writer Gregg Valentino, would start the first incarnation of No Bull Radio, a media format that directly rivaled Pro Body Weekly with Dan Solomon and Bob Cicherillo.

As No Bull Radio (hereinafter "NBR") became more popular, Valentino abrubtly left the original lineup, but the duo between Romano & Palumbo (later with the addition of Jeff the Producer) took on a whole new, even more popular personification. Soon, the diehard gymrats were straying from the safe-Weider'esque PBW for the more cutting edge NBR.

With the introduction of Speices Nutrition and what were seemingly free plugs of the product by Palumbo, interest from MD's owner increased in. When Palumbo politely declined his boss's investment proposal, it seemed that Palumbo's place with the publication was coming to a close. John Romano, who could have easily replaced Palumbo and continued being the face of MD, chose principle over pay.

The two left and Romano would help found the new RxMuscle.com, under the title of "Boss 2," an ironic title since Romano was the heavy hitter that had lost nearly two decades at the helm of a major publication. Nonetheless, Romano stayed true to his convictions and fought tooth and nail for the new site's success. He would again take to the airwaves alongside Dave Palumbo, on a new called Heavy Muscle Radio.

Romano and Palumbo would eventually part ways - professionally speaking. John was quickly hired by Jack Owoc at VPX, where he serves as Marketing Director, and co-hosts the wildly popular new radio show Shotgun Big Show, also co-hosted by IFBB/PDI Champion Lee Priest. So far, the show has had guests including IFBB Champion bodybuilder Cathy LeFrancois (Priest's ex-wife), WBFF founder Paul Dillett, IFBB great Nasser el Sonbaty, and SNAP's Victor Conte. The program airs every Monday night and has been able to all but continue from where John & Dave left off with NBR.

John Romano remains a hero to countless bodybuilders and bodybuilding fans. He is one of the best radio broadcasters the sport has ever heard, and his love for his friends and fans is without question. I am a John Romano fan, ARE YOU?

*Photo used with permission of John Romano. *Thread made with permission of John Romano. (Facebook Fansite)

2011 NPC Teen Nationals

2011-07-23T19:59:00.001-07:00

NPC Superstar, Larry Neri, Speaks!

2011-07-21T01:12:00.000-07:00

Hello my name is Larry Neri. I am originally from Lacey WA, but live in Federal Way. The way i got into bodybuilding is kind of a funny story which hopefully i get the chance to share with you guys soon. I have been competing for about 3yrs. Earlier this year i placed 3rd in the Emerald Cup as a lightheavy, and just recently placed 1st in The Oregon States July9th as a lightheavy while narrowly losing the overall to the superheavy by ONE point.. Recently there was a discussion held on rxmuscle.com forum where people got to vote on whom they thought should've won the overall, me or the super. Apparantly my back, hams/glutes were a hit.;-) I've been asked to list excerises that i use, etc.

First let's talk back... For me its DEADS DEADS DEADS! I usually do full deadlifts from the floor but will do rack pulls on occasion as well. I also have my steady diet of rows as well. I usually opt for the barbell row or dumbell rows. I also do a variety of pulldowns and pulldowns behind the neck which lot's of trainers have tossed out of their programs because they feel its hard on the shoulders.. it feels fine on mine so i do them regularly.. I also believe in using more freeweights for the back as well..

Next my glutes/hams... for my hams I usually will do lying leg curls or a single leg curl. also I find that putting your feet together and higher on the leg press hits the hams and the tie-in as well.. I also do straight leg deadlifts, usually with a barbell as the dumbell version seems to do a number on my low back for some reason.. I think for me a lot of my devlepment is also a result of doing my hams on a separate day from quads.. I found that after all the squats, presses, xtensions, hacks, etc. you do for quads I was toast and never gave them enough intensity. once i did them on there own day i was able to really get after it and I made some great gains...luckily, due to my conditioning drying out my glute/hams before a show hasn't been a problem.
I hope that helps everyone that needs help in those areas.. well before i go i just wanted to let you guys know what's up next for me.. this Saturday i will be competing in the WA State Championships. I also plan on getting on the national stage soon so keep an eye out for me.. Lastly, I just wanted to thank Christian Duque for giving me this opportunity to blog on his site.. Also big thanks to rxmuscle and rxmuscle.com forums and everyone that commented on the the thread and voted for me...

What About Forearms?

2011-07-05T23:52:00.000-07:00

Whether you train biceps with your chest or shoulders, and whether you train your triceps with your back or you stack 'em with biceps on a day all their own -- few people train their lower arms! Have you ever seen those idiots with synthol biceps and the laggin tri's - or even the guys with the 22" guns and the weak grips? You know the ones.. the guys that look like they can rip phonebooks in half, but need straps just shrug 225 or worse yet - row 135!

You ever shake hands with your wife's father, an employer, or just greet a new friend? You know what's right up there with having sweaty palms? It's having no grip to speak of! Biceps and triceps may look great, but if you're juiced to the gills and have the handshake of a fourteen year old girl, then you've got work to do buddy!

It seems everyone got the memo "triceps are 2/3 of your arm," only problem is, they're 2/3 of your UPPER arm. Your LOWER arm consists of your forearms.so unless you're a genetic freak like Lee Priest, you had better incorporate some exercises for these truly essential muscles. For instance, strong forearms coupled with an iron grip, can make your lifting straps essentially obsolete. Imagine being able to do deadlifts without straps - or even chalk. Imagine doing real shrugs, where you don't look like a schmuck having to do alternate grips just to lift 225 (alternate grip is for deadlifts! lol).

Beginner's Forearms Assault
3 Exercises, 3 Sets of 8 Repetitions Each.

15lbs. - Hammer Curls
20lbs.; 25lbs

20lbs. Reverse Curls - using the EZ Curl Bar
20lbs., 30lbs

15lbs. Pinwheels
20lbs., 25lbs

Thesse are light exercises for starters. If you can lift way more than this, then lift them increasingly strict form, pausing at the top of the movement to achieve ultimate contraction and control the weight completely during the negative. You will see veins begin to POP throughout your forearm. Put the weights down and flex; in between other sets, put the weights down and massage your forearms in between sets. You should take thrity seconds in between each set.

Do this routine for 3 months. Then up every set by 5lbs, but keep the the first set at the same level. I am a big proponent of warming up.

The Role of Supplements

2011-06-23T10:07:00.001-07:00

There is a key factor in building quality muscle that many people tend to forget. Everyone's body is different, some people respond better to low carbohydrate diets, other people prefer low fat diets? Which diet works better from you? Leave a comment here or on facebook.

But aside from the matter of diets, training, and even sleep, how many people here take supplements? Vitamins are very important for health, as well as minerals, herbs, and tonics. For example, did you know that just 25mg of DHEA in men over thiry years of age could improve virility? Did you know that certain herbs can fight depression?

Bodybuilding is a sport that teaches us to become more aware of what our body needs to function and grow.

Emotional Bullies

2011-06-21T18:07:00.000-07:00

They're everywhere dear friends, people with big mouths that like to press others' buttons. Their goal isn't to physically fight nor is it to make amends in the future, rather, the goal is one of ongoing torment. Perhaphs some are unhappy with their own accomplishments, inadequacies they have trouble correcting. But the writing is on the wall -- the gym is a place where some build their physique and it's place where others congregate to collectively tears others down (either hovered like bitches in the peanut gallery or brazenly talkin shit to your face).

Imagine working sixteen weeks in your contest prep. You're tired and carb-depleted but you go on because you know you're close. Then some jerk comes by and knocks your physique, your color (tan), and/or takes a cheap shot at the amount of weight you're lifting. What would you do? Surely, you'd dream about decking the f*cker and knocking his sorry punk ass to the ground! Sadly, however, we live in a society kept in check by laws - ethics, if you will. You can't just walk up and junk-punch someone -- oh but how sweet it would be if they struck first, lol.

So what to do with emotional bullies? Is there a way to curb their fascination with this twisted pleasure? Are they closet homosexuals -- setting their sights on those they have feelings for? Homosexuality runs rampant in the gym -- I didn't create the news, I'm just reporting it. Why would one man be so fascinated by another to invent new ways to interact with that guy, with the only goal being to annoy that person?

Are all male-on-male bullies nothing more than frustrated polesmokers? Maybe, maybe not. The reality is that everyone has their price -- and everyone has their boiling point.

I reach my boiling point often. It's something I have to work on, but a big FUCK YOU to all you jerks out there that get you rocks off by doing you damnest to annoy other guys in the gym. Chance are ... you're just a little lipstick shy of being a princess.

6 Drinks a Day for a Ripped Physique

2011-06-18T11:33:00.001-07:00

AM & Lunch Shake 16oz - 20oz
8-10oz Silk Soy Milk
1 Large Banana
Handful of Blackberries, rasperries, & strawberries
2 Scoops Dymatize Whey & Casein Protein
1 Serving Peanut Butter, & ICe

On working out this evening...

2011-06-15T19:11:00.000-07:00

I was swamped with research at the library today so working out in the morning (my usual) was just not possible. Lately, I've been training six days a week on, with one day off (same with my daily walking). Today was my off day from the long, and I was determined to get into the gym by 4pm. My plans was train hard and be out in an hour -- but who can train in an hour?

Epic Fail.

I got in around 4:20 (no pun intended), and shortly thereafter, entered several members of Lansing's elite physique world. And sure enough.. people wanted to know how they were feeling, what they were eating, it was as if I had gone from being in a gymrat-friendly establishment -- to church -- it was was really disturbing. It was like

Fan: How ya doin.
Celebrity: Good.
Fan: How ya been, how so and so [insert another star]. What's he eating? Is he resting? Did he take a dump today?

Ok... so I made that last part up, but really? People can be so lame sometimes.

Que Pasa, Jeff?

2011-06-14T11:50:00.000-07:00

It has come to my attention from athletes and fans that the Michigan NPC News received a number of excellent shots at this past NPC Detroit Grand Prix, and as usual, their site did a fantastic job of showcasing the talent on stage. Sadly, however, there was only one photographer that submitted photos to the site -- and he failed to submit any shots from several competitor from the state captiol -- the home of StregnthAddicts.com.

'Lansing had 4 division 1sts, and one 4th, but none of the published photos featured these atheletes."
- A Disappointed Fan

After contacting the NPC Michigan News, it was brought to my attention that Jeff Sygo was the only photographer to submit media for the event. For those of you out there -- wondering if there is an anti-Lansing bias -- there is not. I'm sure there's perfectly good explanation why our city's athletes weren't included. I mean just because someone wins four trophies -- that doesn't warrant a picture to be taken -- does it?

The Jealous Bar

2011-06-08T18:24:00.000-07:00

"The first lift [135] I take in pleasurably; the second lift [225] grabs my attention; the third lift [315], I'm hoping my chalky-grip won't give in; but for my fourth lift [405] and my fifth lift [465] it's on like donkey kong! My hands are chalked, my belt is on snug, and I'm enduring each and every rep."

Deadlifting is no joke - especially when you're over 5'10. Being tall is great for basketball, but it's a major obstacle if you're in the gym trying to build dense, lean muscle mass. You try and fill out such a torso - NATURALLY!