HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYBODY!

Post from: Bodybuilding And More

Well, another NPC Nationals has come and gone.

So I figured I’d give my opinions about the contest.

First you have to hand it to Seth Feroce.

This guy came from nowhere and he is now the light-heavyweight 2009 Nationals Champ.

And since, if I understand things correctly, all the class winner at the Nationals get a pro card.

He is now an IFBB pro.

Congrats Seth!

However, this should be a lesson to all of us, it does not matter where you came from, how much publicity you get, (or don’t), if you believe in yourself you can win.

Up next, I must say I feel sorry for Branden Ray, this guy he been close and everyone thinks that his pro card is right around the corner.

This is what I meant before when I talked about Trey Brewer, the guy was so hyped up that anything less than first, was considered a flop.

In all fairness though, Branden Ray was not hyped that much, and since he did lose his job at CNN, that had to play a role here.

So lets hope that Mr. Ray will be back and get that pro card.

A COMMENT

I know a lot of people tell the new pro’s to wait until they have more mass to compete, but I have to tell you, I would compete in the first show I could, especially if I had been an amateur for years.

I’d want to get my feet wet.

CONCLUSION

I’d like to wish all of the competitor’s congratulations, because even if you didn’t get your pro card, just being up on the stage is a victory.

UNTIL NEXT TIME

ROCK ON!

Post from: Bodybuilding And More

With Friday comes Random Thoughts Of The Week, and this week I want to focus on one thing in particular and that is the Sacramento Pro 2009.

I would like to preface this by saying that these are my opinions and they are made from looking at photos online and not from being at the show.

With that said, let’s go.

First up is the winner Toney Freeman.

I’ve said it before about Toney, but this is the guy I would put front and center if I wanted to push bodybuilding into the big time.

The guy has it all, in my opinion, he is tall; he has a small waist, and wide shoulders.

What more could you possibly want?

Yea, some people would say, well he has his flaws, yes, but show me a pro that does not have a flaw.

Anyway, this would be the guy that I would make my showman.

Up next,

It was nice to see Pavol Jablonicky back on stage.

Yes, Mr. Jablonicky did not make the top ten, but that does not matter, because he has been around for a long time, and it was nice to see him back.

Also, I have to echo what I read on a popular forum, what happened to Darrem Charles?

The guy really has not come in great shape in a bit.

Good for Craig Richardson, he has been doing it for a while and to grab second, that is good.

Lastly, about the Sacramento Pro, I like Mark Dugdale and even though he didn’t make the top ten, he like Toney, if I was in charge, would be pushed more.

The guy has a physique that is not overpowering, one which can be seen by the general public as something to shoot for.

O.K

I am off my soap box

And that is all for this week.

UNTIL NEXT WEEK

KEEP WORKING

Post from: Bodybuilding And More

Right off the bat I must admit that I was wrong about Jay Cutler, the guy did what no other bodybuilder in history has or could ever do—he came back and won the Mr. Olympia after losing as the defending champion.

The guys back was up against the wall—and you know what—he nailed it.

You have to hand it to him.

O.K.

But what about the rest of the field.

Well the biggest shock to me was Dennis Wolf, the guy finished in sixteenth place!

Which I believe from looking at the score card is just another way of saying that he was tied for last place.

What a disaster for Dennis, I mean the guy came out like a house-of-fire and took the bodybuilding world by storm and now this.

Second biggest shock to me was Branch Warren.

To finish in second—in a lineup as loaded as this—that speaks volumes about the Mr. Warren’s work ethic and dedication.

I really like Ronny Rockel and I am glad he managed seventh—he should be very happy with that.

And it shows that the judges don’t automatically ignore smaller guys—or guys that don’t get massive exposure either on line or in the magazines.

Also, Melvin Anthony he slipped out of the top ten, but I still like that guy’s physique.

I was disappointed to see that Troy Alves finished tied for last place (at least I am assuming that what sixteenth place is) because Troy has a nice physique and nice lines, but maybe he will get them next year.

CONCLUSION

The Mr. Olympia is the biggest bodybuilding contest in the world and once again you have to give it to Jay Cutler.

The guys back was to-the-wall and he did what he needed to do.

And won the whole show.

Congrats.

Jay.

Until Next Time

KEEP WORKING

Post from: Bodybuilding And More

With the Mr. Olympia contest less than a week a way I wanted to express all of the respect I have for each and every contestant—from the guy who will win—to the guy who will finish last—they are all winners in my book.

I mean I love to train, I love bodybuilding, but, I could NEVER imagine standing up on stage—basically naked—I mean I KNOW they have posing trunks on—but come on!

That would basically freak me out completely.

Of course, I realize that most of the people competing in this years contest have been competing for a number of years—especially guys like Dexter Jackson and Jay Cutler—but still I would be too freaked out to even try it.

While I feel that the Mr. Olympia is fantastic, I feel sorry for the guys that no one talks about—I mean they bust their buts just as much as the top guys—and deserve some time in the spotlight for all of their work and effort.

That leads me to my next point—people can say what they want about bodybuilding—but you don’t stand up on THAT stage unless you have put in some serious time in the gym and have worked your but off—for a long time.

And here is the thing, you’ve got one shot—if you blow it, all the work you put in for months and months could be wasted.

That’s why you have to feel for Dennis Wolf—he lost a lot of muscle shortly before last years contest—I cannot imagine standing up there—knowing in my heart that I looked so much better a few weeks out—that had to be seriously tough..

Also, looked what happened to Jay Cutler last year—yes he dropped a ton of weight in between the two days of the contest—but even for him it was not enough—he ended up taking second which is great for most people, but when you are the defending champion—you might as well have taken last—because anything less than a win just won’t cut it.

Finally, I will say this, it is going to be interesting to see if we stay on this new path—with guys like Dexter (who have better shape and conditioning) winning continually or are we going to see a return of the mass monsters—guys like Dorian (whom I must admit is my favorite Mr. O of all time) and Ronnie.

We will see.

CONCLUSION

The Mr. Olympia Contest is the biggest and best bodybuilding contest in the whole world and really when you consider all of the greats who have competed in the contest over the years—it really has to be an honor just to be up there competing in the contest.

And for me personally, anyone who competes in the show is a winner—as I cannot imagine having to diet for months and do everything else that needs to be done to compete.

To me you guys are all winners.

Try and relax and enjoy your time on stage.

You’ve Earned It

Until Next Time

KEEP DREAMING

Post from: Bodybuilding And More

I know I just recently posted my top ten for the upcoming 2009 Mr. Olympia, however, I wanted to add some additional thoughts about the up coming contest.

First, I must admit that I am curious—can last years surprise winner (at least to me) repeat and become a two time champ.

Or.

Are we going to see a return to the days of yore when the giants ruled the stage—meaning former and two time champ Jay Cutler and eight-time champ Ronnie Coleman.

That brings up another point—when Ronnie was winning it year after year he was dominating the sport, so it will be interesting to see if he can recaptured that same form and grab number nine.

Same goes for Jay, can he also reclaim his past form and become a three time champ.

On an aside—I think Evan Centopani is making the right choice in opting out of this years Mr. O.

The young man has massive shoulders and arms—however he needs to bring up certain areas like his pecs and back—and after reading an interview he did in the recent issue of Muscular Development he seems like he has his head on straight and is determined to make his mark in this sport.

Looking forward to seeing what he brings the next time he competes.

CONCLUSION

Those were some of my thoughts regarding the upcoming 2009 Mr. Olympia.

I will end by saying this.

With two former champs competing—I read the Ronnie is competing—along with Jay, it is going to be one heck of a contest.

I CAN’T WAIT.

Your opinions are very welcome.

Until Next Time

KEEP-AT-IT

Post from: Bodybuilding And More