While working with the trainers at Gold’s Venice, I have generally been in the position to choose which body part the trainer helps me with. The trainers have also been taking the role of an instructor, showing and telling me what to do. Training arms with pro trainer Eric Di Lauro and IFBB pro Hidetada Yamagishi was a whole different ball game.
This time I still had some instruction from Eric but I was training with them rather than being trained by them. It was me who had to keep up with these legendary guys. Fortunately we were training our arms which is one of my strongest body parts.
Become a fan of our facebook page Men's Physique and get to posting and get recognized!
On the 26th of March we witnessed the first Men’s Physique division to be held in Culver City, California. I competed in the show and was surprised to see so many men keen to compete in this all-new division of the NPC. Going in to the show one of the things that seemed to be on everyone’s mind was that since Men’s Physique is so new and the criteria were so vague, we really didn’t know what to expect. I think even the judges were the same, admitting that they hadn’t quite figured out yet what they were looking for. This would be the first chance for Californians to set the standard for what would evolve into Men’s Physique in the future. Since I was up close and in the mix I will give you my perspective of how things went down on the day.
On the 26th of March we witnessed the first Men’s Physique division to be held in Culver City, California. I competed in the show and was surprised to see so many men keen to compete in this all-new division of the NPC. Going in to the show one of the things that seemed to be on everyone’s mind was that since Men’s Physique is so new and the criteria were so vague, we really didn’t know what to expect. I think even the judges were the same, admitting that they hadn’t quite figured out yet what they were looking for. This would be the first chance for Californians to set the standard for what would evolve into Men’s Physique in the future. Since I was up close and in the mix I will give you my perspective of how things went down on the day.
Once again it was time for leg training this morning. Last night I received an email from Bill our photographer, informing me we were training at 10 am. I assumed I was training with Ofer Samra again. Turns out he deliberately wasn’t specific about the trainer in the email because he wanted to scare me (as our previous leg training session was brutal). So when Bill told me it was Jerome Ferguson I was somewhat relieved. Not that Jerome went easy on me.
Jerome came in with a suggestion for our leg training. He thought that since this was all about Men’s Physique we should do a “fitness” style workout for legs. This was going to entail a regular leg training session with moderate weights, body weight and cardio style exercises and little to no rest periods.
Once again it was time for leg training this morning. Last night I received an email from Bill our photographer, informing me we were training at 10 am. I assumed I was training with Ofer Samra again. Turns out he deliberately wasn’t specific about the trainer in the email because he wanted to scare me (as our previous leg training session was brutal). So when Bill told me it was Jerome Ferguson I was somewhat relieved. Not that Jerome went easy on me.
Jerome came in with a suggestion for our leg training. He thought that since this was all about Men’s Physique we should do a “fitness” style workout for legs. This was going to entail a regular leg training session with moderate weights, body weight and cardio style exercises and little to no rest periods.
Ian Lauer: Hello and thanks for joining us Sandy. How are you today?
Sandy Williamson: Great, taking care of business. So you have some questions for me?
IL: You know it! First off, how long have you been judging IFBB and NPC shows?
SW: Let’s see…26 years and have seen quite a few competitors over the years.
Name: Melih F. Cologlu
What are your thoughts on the Men's Physique Division?
I think this division is going to become very popular very fast. I think the sport of Physique is going to attract many different athletes from different athletic backgrounds.
There were tons of great physiques on stage in Culver City. There were roughly 50 competitors in the whole division. There was a masters class (35 years and up), Short A (up to 5' 8") Medium B (5' 8" to 5' 10") and Tall C (Over 5' 10").
Overall there were basically twice as many Men's Physique Competitors as there were Male Body Builders. This just goes to show that this new division is going to explode! To catch everyone up on the overall winner...it was Alex Carneiro. He made the trip to CA from Denver and boy was he happy he did. An impressive display and a great attitude earned Alex the win.
www.AlexCarneiro.com
Stay tuned as a video interview after pre-judging with Alex will be up soon!
Now it is offical, Men's Physique has hit CA!
I am at the Men's Physique show in Culver city today. www.musclecontest.com The turnout for the event is great. There must be 50+ guys here to compete in the Men's Physique division of the show. A new door has been opened. As head judge Lee Thompson and promotor Jon Lindsay say, "Now there is no excuse for anyone in the audience not to do the show." Obviously a certain amount of conditioning and preparation is necessary; but, this opens the door for so many men that love to train but don't want to put on the sheer mass necessary to be a body builder, or the tiny little underwear.
Check in at 8AM went smoothly...now its a little downtime waiting until prejudging at 11AM.
Name: David Truax
What are your thoughts on the Men's Physique Division? To the general public, modern top bodybuilders are a curiosity, not an ideal. Few people want to look like that, themselves. I respect people going after what makes them look and feel the way they want. Hopefully this new class will get some legs under it and make a class for those of us that care less about size and more about aesthetics and athleticism.
Name: Louie Giacomin
What are your thoughts on the Men's Physique Division? I think that the Men's Physique Division is going to bring a lot more attention to Body Building overall and attract a new audience of competitors and fans.
Louie currently is studying for Business Management at Orange Coast College. Studying can be a challenge when on the beautiful coast with lots of distractions, but Louie gets both his studying in as well as his time in the gym. After a short chat we move into the chest blast.
An interview to get to the heart of what package to bring to the stage with Isaac Hinds photographer: liftstudios.com
Ian Lauer of Men’s Physique: Thanks so much for your time…I know you’re a busy man so I’ll get right to the questions everyone wants to know. What are you initial thoughts on the new Men’s Physique Division?
Isaac Hinds: I think this new division is great…so long as judges reward physiques that are different from the bodybuilding look. I would like to see more of the fitness model look. Each show will be different especially early on and it’s important to note that who shows up is also going to be important.
Lauer: So do you feel there is a “distinct look” that the judges are seeking out?
Here is a man that is passionate about fitness and people. Derek M. Trombetta has been helping people for years as a trainer and firefighter. He knows what it takes to sculpt a physique. After reading up on this guy, you'll find yourself rooting for him in his upcoming competitions. He has what it takes to personally be a success in this division and to help make the division itself a success. Welcome to the revolution Derek!
Derek M. Trombetta
What are your thoughts on the Men's Physique Division?
I am VERY excited to be a part of the new Men’s Physique Division! It gives so many that are caught in between Divisions/Classes and outlet and opportunity to pursue their Dreams and Passions for Fitness!
Many are still curious as to what kind of physique is currenlty winning so here is a pic of Adam at his 1st Place Finish in the most recent Men's Physique competition.
To read Adam's Interview and see more pics click the "Read More" button.
You've heard of drop sets and super sets, now get ready for Greg's extreme super drop set chest workout that is unlike anything you have ever tried before, Pecs Perfection. This one is not for the weak or inexperienced, this workout you have to earn! Greg takes you into battle in this 40 minute instructional workout video that will blow your chest up!
For the last two weeks we’ve had great weather in California. This morning was the first day it was raining since I arrived. Since my mode of transport is a bicycle and the ride to the gym is about ten minutes, needless to say I was soaked by the time I got to the gym.
In terms of the workout today, for my quads I kept it really simple – eight sets of leg press. This is something I like to rotate into my legs routine and it’s a great mass builder for the quads and glutes.
For the last two weeks we’ve had great weather in California. This morning was the first day it was raining since I arrived. Since my mode of transport is a bicycle and the ride to the gym is about ten minutes, needless to say I was soaked by the time I got to the gym.
In terms of the workout today, for my quads I kept it really simple – eight sets of leg press. This is something I like to rotate into my legs routine and it’s a great mass builder for the quads and glutes.
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