The Role of Supplements

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

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

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...

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?

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

"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!

Why Take Amino Acids?

"Why take amino acids if they're all in protein and complete fcods anyways?"

This was always my dilemma. Why spend more money on nutrients that are already included in even the most rudimentary of protein shakes and/or basic whole foods? Well, one good reason is calories. Most protein shakes, from the lean proteins to the mass gainers, have a minimum of 100-120 calories per serving. Instead of taking a 120 calorie shake, you could take an amino acid powder that gives you a sweet taste, packed with all the nutrients you need (actually 2x or 3x what a single serving of whey protein powder would have) for 1/4 of the calories and without any fat or carbs!

Currently I'm taking a great VPX Amino powder. Video Review coming soon!

A Day for Abs?

It seeems that gymrats struggle with the issue of abdominals (or more commonly referred to as abs). These muscles, which in popular parlance also include obliques, are either overworked (by pathetic novices that believe in such a thing as "spot-fat-reduction" and/or completely neglected -- by equally misinformed lifters that believe that cardio alone with reduce the fat and build the region. Does cardio alone build your pecs? NO! So where on Earth did you get that cardio would build your abs and obliques?

The reality is that abs & obliques are our CORE MUSCLES, but that actually means something folks. It means that these key muscles keep everything together, they are employed when you stretch (to warm-up), they are employed when you bench press, and they are employed when you're running, swimming, and more than likely when you're having sex (though from the looks of you some of you, prolly not -- KIDDING!)

The key to developing a strong, defined core --- like anything else, is finding that reasonable middle-ground. Train these muscles at least one day per week - shying away from heavy weights, which will only make your appear denser and more bulky! Focus your efforts on range of motion and strict form -- if ever there was a need for finess -- it would be here.

Good Luck!

Leg Day Should Be No Joke!

"So you like to train chest, eh? Got your cute little chains tied to the bar? Like flexin your pecs in the mirror -- bounce 'em up and down. Oh what's that? You like training arms too?? ...and what???... biceps only?? Not so much triceps, huh goofball? Well take step into my world, poser, and let's see you give it your all for the body's biggest, baddest, most dependable, tried and true muscle groups ::: LEGS & BACK!"

And if you're one of these CELEBRITY BODYBUILDERS that goes around the radio shows and/or puts out dvds asserting that you only need 45 minutes to train... go roll up that logic and smoke it at a Planet Fitness near you. (lol)

When we train legs -- we do:

Squats
Leg Presses
Front Squats
Hack Squats
Lunges
Leg Extensions
Inner Thigh work

& we also like to hit calves
(we hit 'em w/ Quads and again w/Hams)

If you want to do all that work at 5 sets (8 reps each) in FORTY-FIVE minutes --- then it's your heart attack -- you can choose how & when you die. Spare me all that nonsense about Max-Ot and HIT and blah, blah, blah. What the hell else is goin outside the gym that you have to be in such an all fire hurry about?!

Take your friggin time, hydrate yourself, get full range of motion on each rep, and walk out of the gym calmly, satisfied!

Big Legs Baby! TREE TRUNK QUADS!

Amanda McDonald - Ready for Battle

Most people that are days away from a show, can be seen dragging their feet around, sporting the long, sucked-in faces, and whining to any and all that will listen. But not Amanda McDonald, a natural bodybuilder from Lansing, MI, that trains at Gym Bumz Fitness.

Just today, less than a week to contest-time, Amanda was leading an exercise class -- in the A.M. no less! This is a person that's so driven, she'll come to the gym at 5am to do her cardio; a person that routinly trains twice a day, keeping a strict diet, and helping others whenever she can.

To be a part of StrengthAddicts and/or to appear on our pages, you not only have to have the look, but you have to be accessible to the general public; you have to be willing to offer others a hand and/or acknowledge folks that take the time to say hello and/or give you a compliment.

Amanda is far more than just an accomplished bodybuilder. She's a mom, a firefighter, a friend to a great many people, a workout buddy, and much more. You can find her at Gym Bumz most regularly training with her workout partner John Nolan and/or with her lovely daughter and fellow workout girls. :)

We're all rooting for her, as well as for Jim, John, Liz C., and everyone else competing in the next couple of weeks in Detroit, Redford, and Boston.