Men's Physique IFBB PRO CARD WINNERS at Team U

Another major NPC show is in the record books.  A solid lineup of well over 100 Men's Physique competitors took the stage in hopes of earning their IFBB Pro card.  There were 6 height classes for the open class, two height classes for Masters 35+ and a single height class for the Masters 40+ group.  Julian Jean took the Open Overall Title while the Master's Overall went to Shawn Labega.  When it was all said and done, the top two placers per open class earned their cards. In addition, the Master's 35+ overall winner and 40+ Masters champ earned pro status as well.  In a hard fought battle, the following men earned their IFBB Pro Cards:

Class A
1. Artem Dolgin  

2. Evan Gryka  

Class B
1. Huan Nguyen  

2. Michael Feeks  

Class C
1. German Pacheco  

2. Thomas Canepa  

Class D
1. Ani Saliasi  

2. Marcus Brito  

Class E
1. Rodney Razor  

2. Chad Demchik    

Class F

1. Julian Jean

2. Sharif Reid

Masters Overall 35+

    Shawn Labega  

Masters 40+
1. Anthony Brigman  

To all of the competitors that put in the blood and sweat to get on the stage in NJ no matter what placing you walked away with, Congratulations!  

For complete contest results visit: http://gallery.rxmuscle.com/index.php?contest=68

Addicted to Food?

The United States of America has an obesity problem. Shocker, right? Clearly you weren’t surprised by this fact, but you might find it interesting to know that obese people may be addicted to food. That’s right, addicted to food.

Now that I have your attention, let’s discuss.

Read more...

Calving Out The Difference

One of the major differences between a physique athlete and a recreational gym user is the attention to detail.  One metaphor I often hear is that we are like sculptors working on a piece of art.  Like any masterpiece it is important to pay attention to the details.  No painting or sculpture of any note would be held in high esteem without remarkable attention applied to the finest brush stokes or the use of tools as thin as a needle to carve out the final details with immense precision.  

Completing 3 sets of seated or standing calf raises at the end of a brutal leg or back session may suffice for most, but to really stand out on stage, the physique athlete needs a little more.  Great calves will show clear separation between the medial and lateral heads of the gastrocnemius and a clear V-shaped soleus but what’s more, you will also see details and cuts on the calves even when viewed from the front!

Read more...

HMB: Yes or No?

Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate, or HMB as it is better known, is a naturally occurring metabolite of the essential amino acid leucine which has become a very popular supplement within the bodybuilding world.  HMB is known mainly for its ability to reduce the protein breakdown which occurs during intense and heavy weight lifting, but it also contributes to increased lean muscle mass, greater strength, greater endurance and more rapid muscle recovery.  Additionally, HMB has been proven to decrease body fat as well as reduce LDL blood cholesterol levels...  

Read more...

ABS BABY!

Due to the recent interest in the Ab Article by Todd Abrams and all of the questions I get on the subject, I have decided to bring you some more info on the subject of ABS.  Whether you are a competitor, just the average fitness junky or beach goer looking to stay in shape, everyone wants a killer mid section.  It is said “Abs are made in the kitchen and sculpted in the gym” which is very true.

Over the next few paragraphs I will break down the different parts that make up your abdominal area and leave you with a sample workout that targets each group. The truth is that everyone has abs.  The difference is that many times they’re hidden under a layer of fat just waiting to be exposed.  Once dieted down to under 10% for men and 13% for women, abs will appear. 

Read more...