I'm liking this article in an upcoming Flex:
Thursday, 28 July 2011
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
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!!
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!!
Thursday, 2 June 2011
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.
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
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?
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?
Sunday, 13 February 2011
Monday, 24 January 2011
Jack LaLanne dead; 96
News is reaching the physical culture world of the passing of the first fitness guru Jack LaLanne. More info to follow
Thursday, 20 January 2011
Ronnie is, it seems, still da man
Much like Arnie, even though he's effectively retired Ronnie still sells covers...
Monday, 17 January 2011
Bodypower 2011
Not only will I be working on the strongman stage running and competing in the Rolling Thunder event but, having just had a chat with Andy Bolton, I'll be assisting him with a special exhibition lift / personal challenge of his. Info, for now, is restricted but you WILL like it.
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
Thursday, 30 December 2010
Monday, 20 December 2010
New British and European record 2 hand pinches
Both Laurence Shahlaei and I pulled 117.5-kilos. I get the record as I pulled first.
Monday, 13 December 2010
Thursday, 9 December 2010
Monday, 29 November 2010
Dextralose - What is it and why the issue?
What is it and why the issue?
Facts. The trade mark owners are Vydex Corporation.
The owner has stated clearly (inc a reproduced copy of his letter on this site) that it does not contain aspartame.
Issues: several companies use it either as an ingredient which they then blend themselves or get others to do for them or it has been included as the same in products made under contract by Vydex.
Contract manufacturing, as is, is very common in the UK. Well known high street supermarkets do not, for example, own sausage making plants but instead get companies which already make the same products to make some for them under their own label. Hell, I used to work for a company which made sausages for Tescos and Sainsbury's many years back (Hygrade Foods, now defunct).
One issue as is is that some resellers and or contract holders seem to be making either impossible claims for their product (that it contains ingredients which are more expensive than the selling price - so impossible) - see Sci-Mentor Excel product or stuff as daft as selling what is reported as an 80% protein product for around the production costs or less. In other words one asks how is this possible? In all cases where attention has been drawn the sweetener is.... you guessed it.
Facts. The trade mark owners are Vydex Corporation.
The owner has stated clearly (inc a reproduced copy of his letter on this site) that it does not contain aspartame.
Issues: several companies use it either as an ingredient which they then blend themselves or get others to do for them or it has been included as the same in products made under contract by Vydex.
Contract manufacturing, as is, is very common in the UK. Well known high street supermarkets do not, for example, own sausage making plants but instead get companies which already make the same products to make some for them under their own label. Hell, I used to work for a company which made sausages for Tescos and Sainsbury's many years back (Hygrade Foods, now defunct).
One issue as is is that some resellers and or contract holders seem to be making either impossible claims for their product (that it contains ingredients which are more expensive than the selling price - so impossible) - see Sci-Mentor Excel product or stuff as daft as selling what is reported as an 80% protein product for around the production costs or less. In other words one asks how is this possible? In all cases where attention has been drawn the sweetener is.... you guessed it.
Wednesday, 24 November 2010
It seems that an earlier post of mine about Ronnie being back on stage is another step closer. Aaron at RX has chatted with the promoter and Dorian has agreed to guest pose, Ronnie and others to compete: HERE
With $240,000 in the pot I'm not too surprised.
With $240,000 in the pot I'm not too surprised.
Sunday, 21 November 2010
Rolling Thunder at Bodypower
I'm in discussion with Denny Felix (wife of WSM competitor Mark) about arranging a Rolling Thunder competition at Bodypower (at the NEC). There's a few ideas on the table. More when we have it sorted.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
