Work with what you have



2 Weeks out from the 2010 NANBF Muscle Mayhem


Bodybuilding  is probably one of the most subjective sports and it usually comes down to what is favored at that time or day.  One of the things I have heard time and time again is that I may not carry a very aesthetic physique because of how I am built, shorter and blocker.  This creates an illusion of a thicker waist that is often not favored for symmetry.  One of the things I have been doing over the years is working with the genetics I have been delt and constantly striving to bring a improved overall package each year.  Doing this means placing more of an emphasis on some weaker areas in an all out effort to bring them up.  When it all comes down to it everyone is born with certain genetics, what you do with them is entirely up to you.

Had a great one and here's how it went...

*Warm-ups excluded

Hammerstrength Lat pulldown- 4x8
Ehlis row- 1x12@295 / 1x10@315 / 1x8@315 / 1x8@295*1x10@205
RG NG Pulldown- 4x8
Seated WG cable row- 3x10
Hammerstrength Pullovers- 4x10

-Luke

Time to step it up!

Tanning touch ups before the 2010 NANBF Muscle Mayhem

It has almost been 1 year since I started my 2010 contest season and I have to say that my motivation is at an all time high to improve.  Seeing everyone prepping this year and bringing their best really sets the standards high and I know I have a long ways to go to hang with some of the best on the stage.  In just 9 days the 2011 NANBF Muscle Mayhem and IFPA Pro USA is taking place, which puts me at exactly 1 year out.  Lately my training has been going great and I have been shifting some of my focus over to Squats and Straight Leg Deadlifts, which are some of my favorite lifts.  When it all comes down to it, if your not putting 100% toward improvement, your just spinning your wheels.  My goal is to do some damage!

Had a great one and here's how it went down......

*Warm-ups excluded

SLDL- 1x12@405 / 1x8@495 / 1x5@495
Seated Leg curls- 4x10
Glute Kickcback- 4x10
Abductor- 3x15
Aductor- 3x15

Standing Calf press- 4x8
Seated Calf press- 4x8

-Luke

Versa Gripps PRO

I recently invested a new set of grips from Versa Gripps,  the PRO series.  Today was the first day I had the chance to actually use them and I gotta say I'm more than impressed!  They are very high quality, can be used as a replacement to straps and also can be used for pressing movements.  The grips are very easy to use and unlike straps can be left on and not get in the way, even when they are not needed.  This makes it easy to move from exercise with ease and not have to worry about taking them off between sets.  I purchased them directly from the Versa Gripps website and they arrived to my house in just 4 days.  They are at the higher end for price, about $55.00 to the door, but I really feel that after using them today they are going to be worth every penny.  Overall, if you don't mind the price I highly recommend them and I look forward to using them a little more during some of my workouts.

Yesterday I was able to meet up with Gary for a great Chest and ab workout.  I was actually able to hit another PR in Incline DB Press, so I can't complain with that!!  Here's how it went down.....

*Warm-ups excluded

DB Inlcine Press- 1x12@120's / 1x8@140's / 1x7+1@140's
Hammer Strength Flat press- 4x10
Machine Flyes- 4x10

Hanging leg raise- 4x12
Cable Crunch- 4x10

-Luke

"The show doesn't start until the competition turns around."

6 weeks out from the 2010 NANBF California Natural Muscle Mayhem

"The show doesn't start until the competition turns around."  Its a great saying and it's also one area that is often over looked in the gym.  The Back actually plays a critical role in your health and development, as well as in injury prevention.  Over 8% of all adults will develop some sort of back injury during their lifetime.  The key in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying active and be sure to practice proper injury prevention by stretching, foam rolling and keeping proper form during lifting.

I was able to meet up with my good friend Ty for a great back workout.  Here's how it went.....

*Warm-ups excluded

Pullups- 1x10(BW Slow) / 1x8(+45) / 1x6(+45) / 2x8(BW Slow)
Hammerstrength Seated Row- 2x10 / 1x8 (All sets with 6x45's per side)
Seated WG Cable Row- 3x8
Stiffarm Pulldowns- 3x10

-Luke