by Christian Duque

As I’m sure the entire world knows by now, I’m a huge fan of physique-based sports, and there’s no where better to compete than the NPC and the IFBB Pro League. Fitness has a great deal of relevance in today’s world, from sports, to health, to improving emotional well-being. Even the mainstream media has largely changed its tune, giving the gym, healthy eating, and even sports-based, natural supplements a whole new look. For many, taking charge of their lives is key, but others seeing the body transformations in the mirror isn’t enough. There comes a point in time when they want to get a suit on, stand among the very best in their city, state, and sometimes even their country, and be assessed by a panel of judges who can pick the best.
Read More »The 5 Women’s Divisions

by Christian Duque

If you’re a bodybuilding fan, chances are you’ve heard about Kai Greene and the many great victories he enjoyed. Fans from all over the world have his posters and reminisce about the glory days, when The Predator dominated the sport. Whatever contest he entered, the NYC-based giant would dominate. On his many world tours, he commanded large crowds. In India, throngs of fans took to the streets. In China, word of his arrival spread faster than wildfire, as if each fan played the role of a modern day Paul Revere, making sure everyone knew that Kai had arrived. Many fans cried tears, others yelled, others were simply grateful, grateful that they could see such a man in their lifetimes.
Read More »Kai Greene – The Comeback That Shouldn’t Happen

by Matt Weik

For many people, this article will be a “duh” feature. However, I think we all fall into a routine at the gym and some people forget about different workout techniques to help stimulate the muscle and promote new muscle growth. Many people get stuck doing three sets of 10 reps and then after they reach 10, they put the weight down (even if they haven’t fully exhausted the muscle being worked).
Read More »Change Up Your Boring Workout to Promote New Muscle Growth

by Matt Weik

It’s common for people to “bulk” in an effort to add some quality lean muscle mass to their frame. What generally tends to happen due to a surplus in calories to allow for muscle growth, a little body fat tends to be added as well. When it’s time to start your cut, many fail to see the results they desire. In an effort to keep you from getting frustrated, I’ve compiled 10 reasons why your cut is failing. Make these changes and you’ll see the results you desire.
Read More »10 Non-Exercise Related Reasons Why Your Cut is Failing

by Christian Duque

There are two worlds – the world we want to live in and the world we do live in. Bodybuilders often times like to portray themselves as leading strict lifestyles, with disciplined meals, training, and rest. If we were to believe everything we were allowed to see and everything we were given to read, we’d surmise that most bodybuilders live like monks, but that’s simply not in line with reality. Bodybuilders love to party, some more than others. In the 90’s in particular, we all heard the stories, but that’s not a forgone era. Bodybuilders still go out clubbing, still like to drink, and many like to get trashed. I’m not going to say this is an every night type of thing or that it happens rarely, because each person is different, but most people opt for the effects of alcohol with the least hindrance to their physiques. Some drink for good times, others drink for a release, others drink because they have no choice in the matter.
Read More »Booze, Partying, & Fitness

by Christian Duque

I think where I stand politically, is pretty much well known throughout the fitness industry. I don’t like boxes – so I’m not a “Democrat” or a “Republican.” I don’t like Big Government, but I do believe in social welfare. I believe in the 2nd Amendment but I’m also hawkishly on guard with anything that deals with the 4th, 5th, & 6th Amendments. I believe in personal freedoms, but I also believe government’s duties aren’t limited simply to national security and maintaining a solid currency. I also do believe that the well being of the people is important, provided there’s strict oversight. I don’t like when government is dictates morality.
Read More »Should Trans Fats Be Illegal?

by Matt Weik

When you think back, Lou Ferrigno and Arnold Schwarzenegger were doing battle for as far back as we can remember. It started on a bodybuilding stage and then moved onto the acting stage. Yet, it seems as if their legacies are moving in different directions, and I’m not sure that’s a good thing for one of the two.
Read More »Lou vs Arnold: The Battle of Legacies

by Christian Duque

The single biggest thing that I believe has held bodybuilding back from becoming a mainstream sport, is that most people in the mainstream don’t want to look like that. I love bodybuilding; you love bodybuilding; but we’re a small community – very small! If the sport had continued on, without changing, arguably since even before the introduction of fitness and/or figure, it’s highly unlikely we’d be where we are today. For all the complaining from critics who say shows take too long and there are too many classes, it’s that which they protest, that’s created more opportunities for all parties involved.
Read More »Is Men’s Physique the Future?

by Matt Weik

If you follow my work, you know I’ve been critical of fitness and bodybuilding expos for quite some time. I hated them when I worked for a supplement company and to this day I still hate them. However, this article is a little different from my previous and it seems like my point of view is now aligned with many brands’ positioning as well. As a result, could it mean that the era of the expo is dead?
Read More »The Era of the Expo is Dead

by Matt Weik

I was outside getting some work done a little bit ago and I saw a FedEx truck making a delivery to my neighbor’s house. I wondered what all they got so I went and opened the boxes. Just kidding. But, seeing the FedEx truck made me think about brand loyalty. Personally, for me, I’m a UPS guy. Not that I have some great relationship with people there or anything – it comes down to its who I’ve always used, they made deliveries on time, and when I needed to contact their customer service I always got good service.
Read More »Is Brand Loyalty More Powerful Than Price?