The Natural Bodybuilding & Fitness Blog

The Difference!

Kerry Dulin — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:18:37 GMT

Lift for Life.com is about natural health and fitness without compromise. We promote natural athletes who are not just "Models", but Role Models as well. We also feature articles by writers who cater to the natural athlete, organizations who sponsor drug free competitions and tie it all together in our ambition to promote "Drug Free Physical Excellence". But have you noticed what we don't feature? One thing that you don't see at Lift for Life are fake articles, newsletters or veiled promotions to sell you a gimmicky ebook or "Secret" program to make you "GROW LIKE CRAZY". I will not compromise my integrity for the sake of a buck. I just turned down another advertiser this week stating that if their product is not consistent with a natural fitness site, and if I cannot personally endorse the product, I will not place the ad on Lift for Life. They didn't write back. Anyway, if you haven't checked out the latest featured athletes, then you are missing out on some real inspiration. Our male bodybuilder has an amazing physique and is a Vegan! Talk about dedication. Our featured figure competitor not only has an award winning physique but also finds enough energy left to help others. What else would you expect for Lift for Life!

Joe DeMarco	Lorelei Sowa

Lift for Life Athlete of the Year

Kerry Dulin — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 22:14:59 GMT

An Incredible story of strength and determination as a young man struggles to overcome life threatening injuries and pursue a dream. This is the true life story of Brian Boyle, the first Lift for Life Athlete of the Year.

Far Beyond Driven, The Brian Boyle Story

Win Free Supplements in December

Kerry Dulin — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 21:47:40 GMT

Win $100 worth of Free Supplements - You pick em, We'll pay for them. It's that simple!

Here's how!

Lift for Life Forums wants to add quality members to it's growing community of bodybuilding and fitness minded individuals. Simply put, who ever refers (invites) the most new members in the month of December will pick out their own supplements from Bodybuilding.com and Lift for Life will pay for them. Heck, we'll even pay the cost of shipping within the continental US. You must be a member of the Board to participate. Click Here to see the rules.

Be a Featured Athlete at Lift for Life

Kerry Dulin — Thu, 17 May 2007 18:55:00 GMT

You can be featured at Lift for Life

Lift for Life.com is serious about promoting the Natural side of Bodybuilding & Fitness. If you are a competitive natural bodybuilder, fitness, figure or otherwise exceptional athlete, then we want to feature you.
It's easy! Just send a few quality pictures and a bit of information, and you can be a featured athlete at Lift for Life.

Click here for more details. Sorry but not all athletes can be featured.

The "Ab" Article

Kerry Dulin — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 09:01:57 GMT

It’s almost Spring,

Do you know where your Abs are?

The truth however is that there is no easy way, you are going to have to work for your results. If this were not true than everyone would have a six pack. All of the advertisements and infomercials make it look fun and easy. Beautiful models in tight clothes and make up are sprayed with fake sweat and smile demurely while going through the motions. The truth is that none of them achieved their results by using the machine that they are advertising. I am known for having good abs and actually receive fan mail because of them. What I want you to know is that I did not have to buy the latest machine or supplement to achieve the results that I have had. My wife once told me that I’m lucky to have such nice abs. I responded that luck had nothing to do with it, I had to work for them. And that is what I’m going to ask you to do. The good news is that if done properly, you will save months of wasted effort and achieve results much more quickly.

So what are you waiting for, lets get started.

Before we discuss diet and training, I want to tell you about what I call the miracle supplement. What if there were a supplement that you could take that actually helped to flush excess fat from your body and reduce your appetite? A supplement that not only had no adverse side effects, but was actually good for you. A supplement this good would probably have to be very expensive. Well, the fact is that this supplement actually exist and has been used effectively by bodybuilders while preparing for competitions. Don’t stop reading at the next line or you will miss out on a fundamental truth that competitive athletes have known for years. The miracle supplement is water. I’m not joking. You have probably been told that you should drink 8 glasses of water a day. That’s fine if you want to be like everyone else. While dieting for a competition, many bodybuilders will drink from 1 to 3 gallons of water each and every day. Why? Several reasons.

Every cellular transaction in your body occurs in the presence of water. Water is essential for maintaining good health. It flushes both waste and toxins from your body. While on a cutting diet, extra water serves the dual purpose of maintaining a sense of satiety (fullness) while also flushing fat from your system before it can be stored. Every now and then, if I eat something that I’m feeling a little guilty for, I will guzzle a quart of water immediately afterward. Water dilutes the digestive fluids and accelerates the passage of junk food from your body. Nearly all competitive physique athletes apply this principal during the early phase of contest preparation. You should use it as well while preparing for your own physique goal. How much? Start with what you are comfortable with and work your way up to about a gallon and a half a day. Sure, you’re going to piss a lot. Big deal. You will be keeping your body and kidneys well flushed while taking a major step in reducing excess fat.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the only supplement that I’m going to suggest at the present time. Sure, there are other supplements that are of value in a specific workout plan and we will discuss them on another occasion.

Now, let’s look at your diet. Most people already know what they should not be eating. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that a double cheeseburger with large fries is not going to help you to reach your goal. Many people will blame their genetics for the extra fat that they are carrying when the truth is that it is not their genes, but their lack of willpower. There is no genetic deficiency that is causing you to eat junk food and wash it down with a chocolate shake. Accept responsibility for your diet, both good and bad. If you really want abs that show then the junk food is going to have to go. Don’t cut it out all at once or you will experience cravings that will keep your stomach churning well into the wee hours of the morning. Cut back gradually at first. The sooner that you do this the faster you will see results but it is important that you do this at a rate that you can tolerate. Abrupt changes in lifestyle are not easily tolerated and often result in failure. Don’t let this happen to you! Do this at your own pace, BUT DO IT!

Obviously you are going to have to replace the junk food with something. Let me suggest a good meal replacement. Meal replacements are just that, the equivalent to a complete meal in both nutrition and calories all packaged in a convenient bottle or envelope that you simply mix with water or the beverage of your choice. They may seem a little expensive up front but when you consider that they replace a complete meal, they are very cost effective. When looking for a meal replacement, pay attention to the contents. A good meal replacement will have a moderate amount of carbohydrates and contain from 35 to 45 grams of protein. One to three meal replacements a day will go a long way in replacing the fattening foods that you may already be consuming while contributing to the additional protein requirements of a physique athlete.

Next, it is important to consider how often you eat. Most people find themselves eating a couple of large meals a day while snacking considerably in between. The problem is that any additional calories that are not necessary for current maintenance are stored as fat. The traditional family dinner contributes far more than maintenance calories. Therefore it is important to reduce your portion size. This is difficult at first but you will find yourself getting used to it quickly. The size of your stomach will actually shrink over time and you will find that you will become satisfied while eating less. So try to avoid that second serving because you really don’t need it. Remember, you’re an athlete training for definition and the rewards are worth the sacrifice. On the bright side, while you have to reduce your portion size, you get to eat more often. Reduced calorie dieting can result in you metabolism going into starvation mode. Your body is genetically programmed to store extra calories if it believes that a famine is occurring. This is a good thing that will increase your odds of survival if there truly were a famine, but not in this case. To avoid the famine response, you need to eat more often. Aim for 5 to 6 small meals a day. Your first 3 to 4 meals should be moderate in carbs, low in refined sugars and high in protein. A meal replacement as discussed above can be used in place of a small meal. It is important to space these meals out evenly throughout the day. Notice that I’m not suggesting that you go on a no-carb diet. Its not that this type of diet does not work, it’s just that it is extremely difficult to maintain. Fitness is a life long pursuit, not a short term goal. Its ok to treat yourself occasionally to something that you truly enjoy as long as it is just that, a treat. Look at a treat as you would a paycheck, something that you get once a week. More often than that and you’re just kidding yourself.

Now, I want to be honest with you. What I am about to suggest is not easy. On the other hand, it is extremely important if your goal is to reduce body fat in the shortest amount of time. Plan your last meal at least two hours before bedtime. This is critical. If you take extra calories to bed with you, you will end up sleeping with them for many nights to come. Your last meal of the day should be very low in carbohydrates and very high in protein. To avoid a catabolic state while sleeping (a condition where muscle tissue is broken down to contribute to the body’s protein requirements), a slow digesting meat source is preferred for this meal.

Many people ask me to design a diet for them stating that they will eat what ever I tell them to. The fact is however that I don’t know that you like or don’t like to eat. Many people like broccoli for instance while others might vomit at the sight of it. Do some homework here. All food products carry labels that describe their content. Learn to read them. Make a habit of it. Take responsibility for this and before long you will know as much as many so called experts.

Now that you know about the miracle supplement and how to diet, you need to know how to train your abs. As mentioned above, I receive regular fan mail for my abs so it may surprise you to learn that my preferred abdominal exercise is the traditional crunch. Infomercials describe crunches as archaic and outdated. They show people grimacing in back pain as they try to complete just a few simple reps. Well, unless you have a medical condition that would prohibit you from doing crunches, do them! Variations of crunches, from flat to incline will not only add variety to your routine but also help to ensure that you target the variety of muscles in the abdominal panel. It is important to flex (crunch) the abdominal muscles while in the upper (positive) portion of the movement. Most people fail to do this and simply rely on momentum and speed to get them through the set. If you want results,

DON’T DO THIS!

Deliberately crunch down on the ab muscles for about a second with each rep. You will not be able to perform as many repetitions but the ones that you do will be much more effective. If you have access to elbow slings and an overhead bar, hanging knee raises are another great way to work the abs. The number of repetitions that you do is not as important as the quality of repetitions. Each set of exercises should bring you to an honest burn. It is important that you use some judgment here. You should be able to distinguish between a muscular burn and back pain or pain from any other source. As long as you know the difference, don’t cheat yourself, go for a least a mild burn before stopping. Wait for a minuet or so and complete a second set, followed by rest and then a third set. Unlike larger muscle groups, the abs recover well and can be trained every other day. If you have access to an ab machine then by all means include it in your workout. It is important that you vary your routine to avoid acclimatization to any one particular program. One of my favorite ab workouts is two sets of hanging knee raises followed with one set of incline crunches.

I want you to know that the plan above works and that if done properly, you will see results. It is important to consider however that abs are only one part of the equation that is your entire physique. In coming articles we will address other parts of the body. For now however, you have enough information to give you abs that you can be proud of. What are you waiting for?

Kerry Dulin

February at Lift for Life

Kerry Dulin — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 16:22:00 GMT

With over 200 Natural Bodybuilding & Fitness events already listed on the Competition Calendar, we felt that it was time to look into Drug Free Powerlifting.
So, without further adieu, check out the Drug Free Powerlifting Calendar.

In case you haven't already noticed, Figure Competitor Nicole Weeks and Bodybuilder Lamar Johnson top the list as the Lift for Life.com Models of the Month. This is a Must See lineup packed with quality physique pictures and loaded with inspiration.

If you think that you have what it takes to be a Lift for Life Model of the Month, send a few pics and a brief bio to kerry@liftforlife.com with Model of the Month in the subject line. Remember - we are looking for Role Models and not models only.

Articles: Want to have your work featured on Lift for Life? We are always looking for quality Training, Diet, Competition Preparation, Fitness and general health articles that are geared toward the natural trainer. We will credit you as the source and return appropriate links if your article is used.

Brrrr, its cold outside, be sure to get in a little extra cardio to keep those winter lbs off.

2007, Let's get the Show Started!

Kerry Dulin — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 22:00:31 GMT

The 2007 Competition Season is rapidly approaching and it’s definitely not to early to begin planning your next bodybuilding or fitness competition. Though we are continuing to add dates as event promoters contact us, we already have over 170 Natural Bodybuilding and Fitness events on the schedule for you to choose from. If you can't find a competition near your location, drop me a line and I'll see what we can come up with.

The new Figure Model of the Month is Elise Firestone who brings a very inspirational story along with some great pics. Check out Elise's page and see why we are serious about "role models" and not just models only.

Adding to the collection, we have a great interview with WNBF World Bodybuilding Champion Jon Harris, curtisy of Natural Bodybuilding News in the UK.

While your checking out all of the latest updates at Lift for Life, be sure to stop in the the Message Board, we can't be a community without You!

It just keeps getting Better!

Kerry Dulin — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 23:42:27 GMT

The Message Board is continuing to grow at Lift for Life Forums. New members are coming on board regularly and we are approaching our 1,000th post.

Our new Female Bodybuilding Model of the Month is Linda Billings, a nationally ranked natural competitor with a hard enough physique to cut glass. Linda is 48 years of age and getting better. You have to see her to understand.

We have posted 2 new articles in the Strength & Growth series by James Cipriani. If your serious about putting on quality muscle, check out Jims articles at Lift for Life.com.

The Competition Calendar for 2007 already has 150 natural events listed and counting. 2007 is shaping up to be the best year yet - Natually!

Updates at Lift for Life

Kerry Dulin — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 17:26:34 GMT

If you haven’t checked out the Lift for Life site lately, you are in for a surprise.

We are adding new Athlete Profiles regularly and the Message Board is growing quickly. The Bodybuilding Model for the month of December is going to be WNBF Professional Bodybuilder Rodney Helaire. December is shaping up to be a great month at Lift for Life as we look forward to the Holidays.

If you would like to be featured in the Athlete Profile section of the site, send a few quality pics along with a brief bio or competition history to kerry@liftforlife.com

I apologize in advance that not all athletes can be featured.

Also, be sure to send news of your bodybuilding, fitness or health event. There is no charge for this service. Lift for Life, it’s a great place to be.
Be sure to check out the latest topics at Lift for Life Forums!

Super Human Radio / Bigorexia Interview Update

Kerry Dulin — Sat, 14 Oct 2006 21:10:40 GMT

Super Human Radio / Bigorexia Interview
Click here to listen to the interview

Wow, was I nervous! The host of the show, Carl Lanore, called back to say that he felt that the show went very well and that many people would be inspired by it. Though I appreciate his kind remarks, I feel that I was far too nervous going into the first two segments of the interview and that there were many things that I would like to have said.
Even so, I was glad for the opportunity and hope that Carl is correct. I sacrificed far too much in the pursuit of an unobtainable goal, and if sharing my experience can help another person to come out of the black hole of Bigorexia, then all of my nervousness will have been worth it.
Kerry

Super Human Radio / Bigorexia Interview

Kerry Dulin — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 19:25:00 GMT

On Saturday, Oct-14, I will be interviewed by Carl Lanore of Super Human Radio, a radio program that is dedicated to human performance.
The topic is Bigorexia, a psychological condition in which a person feels small or inadequate regardless of their true physical size. Many bodybuilders suffer from this condition.
The link below leads to an article that I wrote on this topic.

Bigorexia, the Psychology of Bodybuilding

Lift

New Bodybuilding Forum

Kerry Dulin — Sun, 08 Oct 2006 20:46:09 GMT

Below is the first message to be posted on the Lift for Life Forums, a new online community in the interest of natural bodybuilding and fitness.
It has to start somewhere!

"I have created this forum because I strongly feel that the contest promoters and sanctioning organizations do a very poor job of promoting natural bodybuilding and fitness. I authored an 80 page research paper which concluded that the enhanced bodybuilding community eclipses the natural bodybuilding community to the point of non-relevance. We are not what the public perceives when it thinks of bodybuilders and bodybuilding. Bodybuilding has become synonymous with steroids and grotesquely distorted physiques. The natural bodybuilding and fitness community is fractured into several small, regional organizations, which independently offer little impact and are absolutely no threat to the Weider empire.

We can maintain the status quo while our children grow up to admire steroid laden behemoths, or we can take a stand to promote the “natural alternative”.

I am interested in promoting true health, and not just the appearance of it. I am interested in promoting natural bodybuilding and fitness as a lifestyle, and not simply some bodybuilding organization. I am interested in promoting values and principals, and not simply the self aggrandizement of a few distorted egos.

If you are of like mind, then the Lift for Life Forums needs you.

It has to start somewhere!

Lift"

You can access the new forum at the link below.
http://www.liftforlife.com/forums/index.php

What is "Natural Bodybuilding"

Kerry Dulin — Wed, 20 Sep 2006 19:57:00 GMT

The term "natural" has undergone multiple revisions in the last few years. New and high tech supplements have blurred the distinction between legal supplementation and steroids. The addition of various pro-hormonal stacks and related supplements to the bodybuilder's arsenal has caused many to conclude that natural bodybuilding no longer exists. One could ask also,

Is it natural to consume 5 grams of Creatine-Monohydrate or 10 grams of L-Glutamine in a single serving?

Is it natural to use Taraxatone to increase muscular definition and then apply 5 coats of Pro-Tan prior to competition?

Does pre-digested ion exchange whey protein exist naturally?

The obvious answer to these questions is NO!

On the other hand, while it is possible to achieve an impressive and healthy physique without supplementation you need to be aware that the proper use and combination of legal supplements will increase the speed of your physical transformation and that your competitor (should you decide to compete) is likely using them to his or her advantage.

So how do we resolve this conflict.

Does Natural Bodybuilding truly exist?

For the competitive bodybuilder the answer lies within the rules of the sanctioning organization that he or she competes in. ALWAYS CHECK THE BANNED SUBSTANCES LIST FOR THE COMPETITION AND OR SANCTIONING BODY THAT YOU ARE COMPETING IN! If you meet the requirements of the sanctioning body (recognized group or authority that sanctions and validates competitions) then you can consider yourself to be "natural". On the other hand, many events are not drug tested at all. If you know in advance that you are competing in a non-tested event and then loose to someone that you believe to be an enhanced athlete, you have no right to complain. You chose to compete under those conditions.

A natural bodybuilder must understand and respect their own genetic limitations. It is important that our physique goals be reasonable and obtainable. If your goal is to eventually look like an Olympia contender, than you need to find a black market pharmacist and start looking over your shoulder. I have spoken with many nationally ranked competitors who were sadly asking the question, "How many more drugs do I have to take". Some were frightened, they see a very dim light at the end of the tunnel and they know where it is leading them. Therefore, as a natural trainer, you must respect your genetics, you must respect your limitations and you must respect your long term health. Your training, nutrition, supplementation and recovery program must reflect your goals. If you're going to call yourself a bodybuilder, then train like one and educate yourself. Anything less and your just a person who works out.

You should be aware however that valid and accurate drug screening is expensive and that cheaters occasionally go undetected. This is a sad fact about our sport because natural athletes need and deserve a level playing field. Once caught however, a failed drug test is usually sufficient to ban the competitor for life. For the purpose of attempting to define the term however, suffice to say that the term "natural" implies that the athlete has not engaged in the use of performance enhancing drugs or substances banned by the sanctioning organization of a competitive event.

While this topic is controversial in some circles, it is important that natural athletes not try to assume a moral superiority over our enhanced brothers. Our sport has yet to receive full recognition by the public and quarreling amongst ourselves will not help our cause. The important thing is that you remain true to yourselves as athletes, and promote our sport, not only in word, but in deed.

(Kerry Dulin)

Athletes Against Steroids

Kerry Dulin — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 11:56:00 GMT

Organization Launched

To Fight Against Steroids

"Our plan is to fight the problem through education, monthly newsletter, scientific research, nutritional alternatives, drug free athlete role models, addiction assistance, speaker's bureau."

Let’s start by telling it like it is. The world has a HUGE steroid problem on its hands - and not just in bodybuilding. Young athletes everywhere are turning to performance enhancement drugs – playing steroid roulette with their lives in hopes of making it into the “big leagues.” They’re falling for the big lie that these drugs are safe and okay to use. And why shouldn’t they? After all, aren’t many of their favorite sports heroes juicing and getting paid millions of dollars a year for doing so?

Visit Athletes Against Steroids.com

Fat People, Self made Victims!

Kerry Dulin — Sat, 19 Aug 2006 21:21:45 GMT

Fat People

Modern Medicine loves a Victim!

Uncomfortable in my own skin.

Most people suffer from some type of body image insecurity. We may feel that our nose is too big, ears too long, hips too wide, hair to thin, body to fat or thin, and the list goes on. It is surprising to know however, that even bodybuilders and fitness athletes, people whose sculpted physiques appear to be the pinnacle of chiseled perfection, also suffer with body image insecurities. In fact, many in the bodybuilding community suffer from body image disorders at a much higher rate than the general population. The unaware spectator, looking on with envy and admiration, may find it difficult to believe that the tanned and muscular athlete posing in front of a thousand people, feels small, feels inadequate, and feels as if he or she isn’t quite good enough. The fact is however that many bodybuilders are struggling to mask the symptoms of their perceived inadequacies. I wrote about this in an article called “Bigorexia, the Road Less Traveled”.

But let’s look at the opposite end of this spectrum. There are perhaps tens of thousands of bodybuilders and fitness competitors who spend countless hours at the gym, diet religiously, and live austere lives in the pursuit of a physical ideal, and yet there are millions of fat, sedentary people who don’t do a damn thing about it. To the contrary, the extent of their commitment to improving their overall health and physique is in the pursuit of a pill, patch or even surgery in order to loose weight. They act as if weight loss is a mystery, some sort of supreme achievement that they are not capable of without assistance.

Bullshit!

There is nothing magic, mysterious, or even difficult about weight loss. Bodybuilders have been doing it with calendar regularity for years and natural bodybuilders have perfected it as an art. Still, “modern medicine” and good old fashion capitalism have catered to the obese majority offering everything from worthless and dangerous drugs to surgeries which I have compared to having your guts ripped out with a treble hook, and the slugs of modern society lap it up like dogs.

I am sick and tired of people not taking responsibility for their lives, their appearance, and their health. In another article that I wrote called “The Best Supplement”, I end with the line, “The truth is that the best supplement for achieving your physique goal will not be found in a pill, but on a plate.” This is true for both bodybuilders and fat people alike. Any worthy goal requires discipline. Bodybuilders who practice discipline are labeled extremist, but fat people who lack discipline altogether are told that they have a genetic disorder and given pills. “you poor thing, your thyroid isn’t working right, your metabolism is slow, here, take this pill and never mind those silly little heart palpitations”.

Bullshit! (oops, there I go again). It isn’t your genetics, it isn’t your thyroid, it’s your lack of discipline. Stop playing the powerless victim and take responsibility for who you are. Modern medicine plays on and encourages victims. Pharmaceutical companies couldn’t survive without them. They profit upon your weaknesses, and the sicker you are, the stronger they become. Stop waiting for a magic pill because it does not, and will never exist. The pharmaceutical industry has no intention of curing you; it only wants to treat you. Repeat customers are big business. Feel like your being used? You are!

If you’re serious about loosing weight and would like to tone up, go to my site called “Ripped Abs”. This page includes a simple and easy to understand diet plan that has work for thousands, and it’s FREE.

There are few things that I like less than a self made victim. You know who you are, now make yourself into who you want to be.

Kerry Dulin

Expect Pain, the Classic Motivational Bodybuilding Article

Kerry Dulin — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 22:15:52 GMT

Expect Pain, the classic motivational article that asks the question, “Do you really want to be a Bodybuilder?”

I wrote this article about 3 years ago for a hardcore bodybuilding magazine and posted it on the Lift for Life site also. Since then, it has been copied to numerous other sites and forums as a Must Read for anyone who is serious about the sport of Bodybuilding. And now I’m posting it on the Natural Bodybuilding Blog so that you can ask the question of yourself. Do you really want to be a Bodybuilder? Expect Pain!

Another One Bites the Dust / Translated - Expect Pain!
Its Saturday morning and there’s a new face at the gym. He’s been weight training for about a week and he knows exactly what he wants. He’s had it with being weak. He’s had it with feeling small. He’s got something to prove and he’s training like it. The regular crowd is doing their thing. The posers are glued in front of the mirrors, eyes fixed as if in a trance. The talkers are standing around chatting about their lives and current events. The old timers are dutifully performing their task just as they have year after year. The new kid is different. He’s insane. He’s on a mission. He’s going to train as long and as hard as it takes to reach his goals. He won’t slow down, he won’t quit, he won’t,,,,,,,

He won’t be back next week!

Gawd I wish that I had a dollar for every time that I’ve seen this. Some newby comes into the gym with a vengeance, sparks flying from his hands as he grabs the iron with all of the spit and venom that his weak little limbs will muster. So eager to change his life, so anxious to gain respect, but like a virgin on prom night it’s almost over before it began.

What happened?

Our little friend has made an important discovery that his parents, teachers and guidance counselors who all took turns wiping his chin neglected to share with him. Life is hard and worthy goals are not achieved without effort. Bodybuilding is hard work folks. If it weren’t then everybody would be doing it.

Raised in a generation in which self esteem is more important than effort, we see that our newby lacks the capacity for either. If your new to this sport than read the next line as many times as it takes to sink in.

Expect Pain!

Ever notice the grimacing face of an experienced lifter as he completes the last few reps of a difficult set. That’s because it hurts, he isn’t faking it.

Do you want 20 inch biceps? Expect pain

Do you want quads that draw your pants tight with every step? Expect to be sore.

Do you want abs with ripples so deep that they could make a sailors daughter sea sick? Expect to be hungry.

Until you can come to grips with the sacred truth that all successful bodybuilders, enhanced or not, embrace pain like a lover, than you will wash out like so much sand on an empty beach. In a week, no one will even remember that you were coming to the gym.

I’m telling you this because I want you to succeed. I don’t want you to be just another flash in the pan who drifted through the gym with little or no impact. I want this enough for you that I feel compelled to share one of bodybuilding’s nastiest secrets with you. That secret is that no matter how good your genetics are or how stocked your medicine cabinet is, you still have to lift your ass off. There is no easy way and if you aren’t mentally prepared for this truth then you might as well hang up your lifting straps and take up golf because you will never be a bodybuilder.

A guy from my gym is a classic biker from the tattoos to the attitude. While out on a ride on one of his two Harley’s he was pulled over by a State Trooper for not wearing a helmet. The officer was sympathetic to my friends frustration as he said “I understand how you feel, I’m a biker myself.”. My friend answered back, “Dude, you ain’t a biker, your just a guy who rides a motorcycle”.

And now my friend, you have a decision to make. Your reading this magazine because you want something. You have a drive as primitive as life itself to be physically dominant but until you can master your senses and rise above the burn you will never be a bodybuilder, you will just be a guy who lifts weights.

Its up to you. Each new wave on the beach brings new sand forward and washes the old sand back out to sea. Where do you fit into this scenario? I like success stories and have little tolerance for excuses or failure. Will you be at the gym next week? Do you really have what it takes? Its in your head and in your hands to achieve your goals but you must understand the sacrifices that lay before you. Bodybuilders live in pain and thrive on self denial. Are we crazy? No, we’re proud. We have something that everyone else wants but few have the unbending will to achieve. Are you truly up for the challenge? This is the hardcore truth laid out before you in all of its uncensored glory. Do you want to be a bodybuilder?

Expect pain!

Kerry Dulin

http://www.liftforlife.com

The Transformation of Stephanie Althea

Kerry Dulin — Wed, 12 Jul 2006 21:06:16 GMT

The Transformation of Stephanie Althea
By: Stephanie Althea

Before:
215 lbs

After:
135 lbs

Vital Stats
Name: Stephanie Althea
Location: Ontario, Canada
Email: stephanie_althea@hotmail.com
Height: 5'7"
Weight Before: 215 lbs
Dress Size Before: 18-20
Weight After: 135 lbs
Dress Size After: 4

Why I Got Started
I was extremely obese as a teenager. At 15 years old, I weighed 215lbs. I was teased a lot at school, and ended up dropping out, spending my days watching TV, shoving food in my mouth the entire time. I would literally sit on the couch for 9 hours at a time, eating entire packages of cookies and 10-packs of pudding cups.

I would watch old "from geek to chic" episodes of Jenny Jones and Ricky Lake, and I would cry, wishing desperately that I could grow up to be one of those beautiful girls. I wanted men to pay attention to me, I wanted to wear pretty clothes, and I wanted to be happy and popular.

I Wanted To Be Happy & Popular.

I come from a family of obese women; most of the ladies in my family are over 300-400lbs, so my mother would try to console me, saying I was going to grow up to be beautiful, but that our family's genetics would never allow me to be skinny, and I'd have to accept that. I sunk lower into depression, fueling that all-too-common binge cycle.

I Sunk Lower Into Depression.

Eventually I realized that I could not possibly live the rest of my life like this. My stomach hurt from the volume of food I was consuming, I couldn't climb a flight of stairs without getting dizzy, and at 15 years old, I was having heart palpitations! The idea of living this life for 80 more years was unacceptable, and I had to do something about it. This was my life, and I was going to live it on my terms!

I Couldn't Live My Life Like This.

How I Did It
I didn't know what to do, so I did what felt natural: I cut out junk food (I was eating Wendy's twice a day at that point), dropping 20lbs almost immediately. I added just 10 minutes of walking a day, and another 20lbs melted off! I increased the duration and speed of my walks, and walking turned into speed walking, which turned into jogging, and within two years, running.

The proudest day of my life was when a boy from high school, who once told me I had "more rolls than a bakery" not knowing who I was, asked me for my phone number!

A Proud Day.

I lost the rest of the weight through long-distance running. I couldn't describe the euphoria of being physically able to run- I felt so free and light. I ran my whole first half-marathon with a grin on my face. My body looked great, and I was skinny, but I was still jiggly. One afternoon, I was watching TV, and saw a documentary on teenage bodybuilders, and I was entranced.

What an interesting culture this was! I liked the discipline of it all. I hopped online to learn more, and stumbled across Bodybuilding.com.

Talk about a life changing moment! Over the next few months, I immersed myself in every article I could find. I started to build my own home-gym, slowly adding equipment such as a treadmill, free weights, and a stationary bike.

I also copied the exercises on bb.com, marveling at the muscles just popping out on me all of a sudden! My energy increased, and I found renewed passion for fitness and life - next thing I know, I'm on stage in a bikini contest, in front of hundreds of strangers!! (I definitely never saw that one coming!)

What Supplements I Took

Whey protein after workouts, and in my coffee, and a multivitamin every day, with extra doses of Vitamin C.

Sample Week Of My Diet

Weight loss in the first few years was slow, because I had no idea about the impact of food! I started out just cutting out junk food, and within the first two years, slowly evolved into eating clean foods - lots of fresh fruits and vegetables!

I didn't learn about the benefits of protein until I discovered Bodybuilding.com; the nutrition section was the best thing to ever happen to me. Turns out it's not genetics that makes my family obese, it's simply lack of education - I honestly didn't know what a carbohydrate was; I knew "protein" referred to meat.

Education Is The Key

By implementing the information I gained on bb.com, I really saw results FAST - I leaned out, and the jigglies went away! I wasn't a saggy bag of cardio bones anymore!! I really urge you all to read as much as you can!

I Wasn't A Saggy Bag Of Cardio Bones Anymore!

I'm a creature of habit, so my diet is fairly similar, day-to-day. Sunday's are my "rest day", and I like to indulge in either bigger helpings of my favorite foods, or a little treat (usually chocolate!)

Monday-Friday: (off-season)

6:00am (pre-workout)

A cup of coffee with a scoop of Optimum 100% Whey

8:00am (post-workout)

1 scoop of Optimum 100% Whey
1 Royal Gala apple (my favorite food in the world!)
1/3 cup oats OR 2 slices of whole wheat toast with low-fat natural peanut butter.

10:00am

10 baby carrots, or a cup of grapes

12:30pm

Veggies
A protein source (tofu, soy, whey, occasionally chicken, though I'm mostly vegan)

4:00pm

A protein bar, or whey shake
A Royal Gala apple

6:00pm

Medium salad
1/2 brick of firm tofu

8:00pm

2 tablespoons of 100% pure soy protein, mixed with water, and a tablespoon of honey for flavor!

Sample Week Of Training
I weight train 30-45 minutes, 5 days a week. Cardio is 6 days a week, and varies between 35-60 minutes. I like to train my abs while I'm weight training, in between sets, as it keeps my heart rate up, and cuts time!

I Train Abs Between Sets.

Monday: Biceps/Shoulders, Cardio
Tuesday: Triceps/Chest/Back, Cardio
Wednesday: Cardio only
Thursday: Biceps/Shoulders, Cardio
Friday: Triceps/Chest/Back, Cardio
Saturday: Cardio, Legs
Sunday: REST DAY

Stephanie Althea.

Suggestions For Others
If you only take two things away from my story, let them be this:

Research until your eyes glaze over!! Knowledge is your most powerful tool; you do not need to buy into the hype diet-of-the-day, and as-seen-on-tv products if you know how your body works and why your body works the way it does!! Plus, you can gross people out with all the wonderful poop facts you'll find.

Knowledge Is Your Most Powerful Tool.

Eat 5-6 small meals per day. In fact, forget the word "meal", just graze on (healthy!) foods all day long. I know a lot of you will swear that eating less food will make you skinny, but if you take into account my number one piece of advice (research!) you'll find out that your body is like a wood stove; you have to keep a log on the fire all day long to keep it alive.

Keep A Log On The Fire All Day.

It's okay to be a little wary; I was too! But then, I tried it, and the weight came off so quickly, I was an instant believer!

Passing of a Legend

Kerry Dulin — Sat, 01 Jul 2006 19:16:10 GMT

Natural Bodybuilding Legend and European Champion Mike Williams passed away on June 27 of 2006. Mike Williams was a true pioneer within the Natural Bodybuilding community, having set a standard of definition, symmetry and presentation that will continue to inspire thousands of other competitive athletes. His multiple titles are evidence of a man not only dedicated to the sport of bodybuilding, but dedicated to life as well. Mike added a sense of passion to all that he touched, and his loss will be felt deeply within the natural bodybuilding community and beyond.

"Mike never used to shake my hand either, he always said to me from an early age that you shake the hand of someone you don’t really know, Mike always hugged me!" Tony Montalbano

"I can truly say he was one of the nicest blokes I've ever met" Ian Stocks

"His enthusiasm and exuberant approach to all things Bodybuilding and life in general was amazing. He remains a genuine inspiration to us all." Mark Oakes

"he touched everyone in the same positive , friendly way, bodybuilding wont be the same without him." Brandon Marjoram

"I always looked upon Mike as my toughest challenge, he truly was a fantastic natural bodybuilder, arguably the best that this Country has ever produced." Rob Feesey

Mike Williams wining his 5th European Title!

The text below is offered by Justin Johnson, Mike's training partner, and friend.

MIKE WILLIAMS

1956 – 2006

As I write this it is a day since my very good friend Mike Williams passed away.
His wife Janet called me yesterday afternoon to give me this devastating news.
I feel numb as I type this, and will miss Mike so much. He was such a helpful, respectful, modest, and humble Champion and person who would go out of his way to help anybody. He was so friendly and approachable, always smiling as he greeted you with the famous Mike Williams hug - there will never be anybody like Mike Williams.

When the NPA was formed I remember calling Mike and I could feel the enthusiasm in his voice as we spoke over the phone. As we put the Committee together I was delighted that someone of Mike’s standing was willing to support us, and his first trip abroad under the NPA banner was the UIBBN Europeans. He comfortably took the European title and later in the year won the Pro-Am and World title too. As he got older he got better! In Italy for the Worlds 2004 I saw first hand how respected Mike was. People would come over to shake his hand, they were in awe of him, and I was flattered just to be in his company. Mike was a legendary figure in Natural Bodybuilding, he had more titles behind his name than anybody else. He had competed with NABBA, EFBB, and the ANB over the years, and was now playing a major role in the development of the NPA. As pleased as I was to have Mike and Janet involved with the NPA, I was more honored to have them become close friends of myself and my wife Diane. The last couple of years Mike and Janet came up to Holmfirth to stay for a couple of days for the NPA Yorkshire Championships, and they were more than welcome guests at our house the day before the contest, as we and some close mutual friends happily socialized into the night. Happy and precious days indeed.

Only 2 weeks ago I roomed with Mike for the UIBBN Europeans in Barcelona, and we had such a good time, surrounded by close and genuine friends. As I close my eyes I can see him there. On the Saturday evening after the contest we went out for a meal, and had a great evening. As we walked around close to the hotel there were people from other teams’ countries acknowledging him as we walked past them, that’s how it was when you were in Mike’s company. I find it very hard to believe he has gone, and I am sure that I speak for many when I say that Mike will be sorely missed by everybody who knew him. As a bodybuilder and as a person, Mike is irreplaceable. On behalf of everybody connected to the NPA my thoughts and deepest condolences go to Janet, their children, and family.

Michael Phillips
28th June 2006

The AAU, IFBB, NPC and the Drug Problem

Kerry Dulin — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 21:28:45 GMT

The information below is excerpted from a research paper that I authored in which the history of bodybuilding the current drug problem that exists within our community were reviewed. This topic will be continued in another post.

The AAU, IFBB and NPC

In 1939, the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) introduced the United States to competitive bodybuilding with an event titled “America’s Best Built Man”. The following year, the event name was changed to the “Mr. America” competition, which remains the top level of bodybuilding recognition in the AAU.

In 1946, Canadian brothers Ben and Joe Weider launched the International Federation of Body Builders (IFB out of concern that the AAU was switching its emphasis to Olympic type sports. The Weider’s felt that an organization which focused specifically on physique athletes was needed to both protect and promote the integrity of the sport. Ben Weider was already a promoter and Joe Weider had a magazine publishing business. The Weider’s used their magazine empire to promote “The Weider Philosophy” of training and fitness. In 1949, the IFBB held its own Mr. America contest which caused a protest on the part of it’s now rival organization the AAU. As a result, the AAU banned anyone from competing in their sanctioned events if they had previously competed for the IFBB. These two sanctioning bodies of competitive physique events remained in contention until 1965 when the IFBB launched the “Mr. Olympia” competition. The Olympia quickly became the dominant professional bodybuilding event as it drew top level athletes away from other organizations, including the Mr. America competition of the AAU.

Riding on the momentum of the Mr. Olympia competition, the IFBB quickly grew to become the seventh largest amateur sports federation, and the largest professional bodybuilding federation in the world. Athletes who rose through the ranks of the IFBB to become contenders for the Mr. Olympia title became the featured celebrities in Weider’s magazine “Muscle & Fitness”. While the monetary rewards of winning a professional bodybuilding title would be considered meager by most standards, endorsements can become very lucrative.

As if to back a winning horse, a third association known as the National Physique Committee (NPC), severed all ties with the AAU to become an affiliate of the IFBB. As such, the only route to an IFBB pro card is through the NPC. “The IFBB recognizes only one amateur physique federation per country, and in the United States, the NPC is the amateur arm of the IFBB. All bodybuilders - must win a qualifying NPC show before they can become IFBB professionals" (www.npcnewsonline.com).

The NPC is unquestionably the largest amateur physique organization in the world. The NPC website brags of more than 20,000 members and between 800 to 1000 NPC sanctioned events held annually. The NPC also claims to be serious about the use of performance enhancing drugs and boast of drug testing competitions. Regarding the drug issue, current NPC President Jim Manion states on the NPC website, “We all want drugs to be eliminated from sports, and that means all sports," (www.npcnewsonline.com). Adding further to the NPC stance on the drug issue, Manion further boast "In the past three years, the NPC has produced steroid tested shows, and this year, we'll promote nearly 150 of them”.

The above information was taken from the same page of the NPC website and has not been misrepresented in any form. The NPC claims to be serious regarding the use of anabolic steroids in the sport of bodybuilding stating that they want drugs to be eliminated from all sports. The site further states that the NPC sanctions between 800 to 1,000 competitive events annually. Finally however, we see that of the nearly 1,000 competitions, less than 150 of them will be drug tested events. This roughly equates to 15%. A rational person would immediately question the integrity of a sanctioning organization which claims to take a serious stance on the drug issue and yet offers drug test at only 15% of its events.

The lack of drug testing at the amateur level of bodybuilding in the NPC is further compounded as one approaches the professional ranks. As stated further on the NPC website, “For amateur bodybuilding in the USA, the NPC is the big kahuna. If you want to make it as a pro and take advantage of all the publicity and money making opportunities, you must come up through the NPC”. Attempting to mask the severity of the drug problem and simultaneously gain legitimacy for the sport of bodybuilding, the IFBB has instituted International Olympic Committee (IOC) drug testing standards which are publicized on its official web site, (www.ifbb.com). This has gained the IFBB recognition by over 90 National Olympic Committees which is in keeping with an IFBB goal of achieving the recognition of bodybuilding as an Olympic event. While this is a laudable step in the right direction, a deeper look into the IFBB web site reveals that these drug testing standards are only applicable to amateur level events. This is referenced in a page titled “More about the IFBB” and is thus stated, “Today, all IFBB international amateur events, at the Area, Continental, and World levels, in both bodybuilding and fitness, are drug tested”. No where in the document can references to the Olympia, or other professional events be found.

TO BE CONTINUED