Trey Brewer... why??

Pictures have emerged in the last few days of a guest posing Trey recently did at what appears to be a natural Bodybuilding event. To say he looks out of condition is an understatement.

He's not the first pro (or soon-to-be-pro) to appear on stage in less than stellar condition but he's abusing, in my opinion, the privilege. In his case, after a quick search via Google, it appears it's not the first time. I've seen links to comments from 2007!!

Now, as has been inferred, being a little heavy and carrying SOME fat and or water off-season is to be expected. It's normal. The mags may well give the impression that Mr Joe is always in shape etc etc but this just isn't true. If you happen to catch a pro around the Olympia... well then you'll see someone at close to their best condition. By the same token appearing to be 9 months gone, saggy and worse... and get paid? C'mon!! Hell the little expo work I do from time to time I still need to be able to demonstrate some level of strength even if it's not my very best level.

Link to photos here

I'd be interested in your thoughts.

Caffeine everywhere!!

One of the lads I coach came in for a session today with his bag of Bodypower Expo samples. My god... nigh one every product had a form of caffeine in them. Pre-workout... check, stimulant... check, fat burner.... what else! Even a few of the protein samples I've previously seen can also contain a small amount.

The issue, as I explained it to him, was that in a few cases the amount per anything (gram, serving etc) was NOT LISTED. The (US based usually) proprietary blend excuse means that while they will admit to it being in there they aren't telling you how much. Now most research indicates that above a certain point you'll either start getting nothing back - meaning the body becomes so immune to its effects you may as well not have bothered or, if susceptible, may even get the shakes or, worse still, heart murmurs and other nasty symptoms.

Some companies, when pushed, will tell you the amount. So ask!!

MyProtein sold!

As I have commented elsewhere it is no great surprise to hear announced that Oliver Cookson's 'MyProtein' brand has been sold. With the company positioning itself for such an event for the last 12-18 months it must still been seen as a great success. Reports indicate a £60m value. These suggest a Maximuscle / Reflex value and also indicate that outside investors looking for both market share and companies worthy of buy outs are still looking at the sports supplement market during the recession.

Bodypower done... Vahalla Festival next

Bodypower was an even greater success than before. While we still await official figures I am certain that the larger space and greater numbers (as witnessed by myself over the two days) will be better than in previous years. That they have now announced an additional day for next year (Friday will be a half day - possibly trade only) seems also to indicate the success.

For my part I worked with www.ultimategrip.co.uk on stand C60. Bringing down my usual array of grip tools the rough welded penny pinch is still the winner in getting people to come and look at the wares. I also helped Denny Felix by running both the pro and am Ironmind Rolling Thunder challenges over on the strength arena. Taking part in the pro portion I managed to keep my name by placing a tied (with 200kg, 6'8 Brian Shaw) 2nd while current record holder Mark Felix pulled ahead into first. The 19 or so amateurs were witnessed by BP representatives (I refereed) and there's already interest in holding another event next year.

Up next is the Valhalla Festival in Essex in July, co-promoted by Scott Horton et al. With a Viking theme it's gonna be a long one - noon through to 11pm with Fireworks, strongman, sword fighting.... you name it. Expected numbers are 10,000 over the two days. You coming?