Use This HIGH-POTENCY STACK to Produce Unprecedented Gains in Muscle Size

Help is here

Maybe you just started working out and want to hit the ground running. Or, perhaps you’ve been training for years and are struggling to break out of a “plateau”. In either case, help is here.

We guarantee that your muscles will increase in size, strength, and overall performance, faster, when you stack the combination of supplements revealed below. As usual, you’ll encounter no marketing non-sense, only high-potency products proven over years of real-world use.

The Beverly Muscle Size Stack for Men

We all know that lifting weights can increase muscle size. Each exercise you perform in the gym stresses your muscles from a different “angle”. This is why the best results come from a routine consisting of several exercises for each muscle group.

Supplements work in a similar fashion. The best results come from a regimen consisting of several supplements, each one care-fully selected to stimulate your muscles from a different “angle”, or through what scientists would describe as different “mechanisms of action”. Case in point: The Beverly Muscle Size Stack for Men. Below, we talk about each supplement in this stack.
 

1: Ultimate Muscle Protein (UMP)

  • To increase the size of your muscles, you’ve got to work them hard in the gym and then feed them high-quality protein throughout the rest of the day. That’s why protein supplements like UMP, Muscle Provider, and Provosysn (the latter two are discussed below) are a “must have” in the Muscle Size Stack for Men.
  • Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and protein is a key building block of muscle tissue. Drinking a shake made with UMP is a simple, delicious way to supply your body with ample doses of all of the amino acids that it requires to build muscle as quickly as possible.
  • UMP contains more in the way of “slow-release” proteins than other protein supplements. This makes it especially useful as a meal alternative in the morning, afternoon, or before bed. UMP’s proteins will supply your muscles with amino acids for several hours so that they can continue building without interruption until the next meal arrives. The fewer interruptions, the faster your muscles will increase in size.
  • Drinking a UMP protein shake is like having dessert. (You’ll find an entire menu of “Cool, Creamy Shake Recipes” at www.BeverlyInternational.com).

 

2: Ultra 40

  • Ultra 40 is a highly concentrated beef liver tablet. It is naturally rich in nutrients and growth factors that support healthy iron levels, red blood cells, muscle building, energy, and stamina.
  • Bodybuilding “gurus” of the 1950s and 1960s such as Vince Gironda and Rheo Blair compared the profound physique and performance enhancing effects of liver tablets to steroids -minus the side effects, of course. They recommended that their clients consume up to 100 or more tablets daily. (Keep in mind that these liver formulations were less concentrated than Ultra 40; 25 Ultra 40 tabs are equivalent to 100 of the old school tabs.)
  • Ultra 40 uses the highest grade of liver obtained from grass-fed, pesticide- and hormone-free cattle raised in Argentina. The facilities in which the cattle are raised are inspected by SENASA, the Argentinean equivalent of the FDA.
  • Ultra 40 is popular with elite bodybuilders, some of whom have been using it for decades to maximize muscle size and performance.
  • For more information about Ultra 40, refer to e-newsletter issue #42. (Go to www.BeverlyInternational.com, scroll to e-Newsletter archive under Extra Info.)

 

3: Mass Amino Acids

  • Mass Amino Acids is an amino acid nitrogen technology with an ingredient profile unlike anything else on the market. It is principally used to increase muscle size and speed up recovery from workouts.
  • The most distinguishing ingredient in the Mass Amino Acids formula is a partial hydrolysate of casein. This ingredient, which can cost twice as much as a whey protein hydrolysate, packs up to 500% more amino acid nitrogen than other products.
  • The partial hydrolysate of casein in Mass Amino Acids is rich in peptide-bonded amino acids (PBAAs). Studies suggest that PBAAs are absorbed rapidly and possess up to double the anabolic potency of regular food This may explain why some users of Mass Amino Acids report that they are able to gain muscle mass while cutting (losing body fat).
  • Users who combine Mass Amino Acids and Ultra 40 commonly gain several pounds of lean muscle mass in 6-8 weeks.

 

4: Quadracarn (Essential for men 35 years of age and older)

  • Quadracarn is an ideal carnitine formula for men 35 years of age and older in search of all-around health and performance enhancement.
  • Distinguished by its four types of carnitine, Quadracarn is most frequently used to help:
    • boost muscle energy & stamina
    • boost testosterone & muscle anabolism
    • quicken recovery from workouts
    • enhance muscle tone, definition and fullness
    • support healthy blood sugar control
    • support healthy circulation
    • enhance sexual potency

 

Provosyn Optional, but recommended.

  • Provosyn is Beverly’s newest high-quality protein formula. It may be used as an alternative to, or in addition to, UMP and/or Muscle Provider.
  • If you think you may be a “hard gainer”, then give Provosyn a try. Its formula is based on a secret protein-combining strategy used by bodybuilding nutrition gurus of the 1950s and 1960s, such as Rheo Blair. Provosyn contains a precise ratio of protein from 100% whole egg, Grade A milk protein isolate, and 100% natural beef.
  • Provosyn users quickly fall in love with the rich, satisfying taste and texture, not to mention the benefits. They report that it helps them build muscle, feel pumped, and even get cut.

Muscle Provider Optional, but recommended.

  • Like UMP, Muscle Provider is a high-quality protein supplement. It may be used as an alternative to, or in addition to, UMP.
  • Muscle Provider contains more in the way of “fast-release” proteins than other protein supplements. This makes it great for use right after lifting weights, when your muscle cells are revved up and ready to build muscle protein.
  • Many men use MP as their post-workout protein and reserve UMP for use as a meal alternative in the morning, after-noon and/or evening.
  • If, for budgetary reasons, you decide to go with only one protein, don’t sweat it. You can’t go wrong choosing UMP or MP. Either one can be used post-work-out and as a meal alternative.
  • When considering your budget, keep in mind that by using UMP and MP at the same time, each for a particular occasion (e.g. MP post-workout vs. UMP in the afternoon or evening), they will last longer.

Want to Get Started (or Restarted) with Your Fitness Lifestyle? Here’s How

How many times have you “been on a diet”? Everywhere we turn these days – TV, online, in magazines – we see a “secret tip” that will make the fat melt away. Promises of the body of your dreams in just 5 easy steps! Six pack abs in just minutes a day! With such an overload of over marketed information it is nearly impossible to make sense of it all or to figure out what is best for you and your body. 

“On a diet” is a ludicrous phrase that refers to a finite amount of time. Something that will end and you will get to go back to your old habits that put you where you are in the first place. While “on your diet”, you make yourself miserable in order to lose weight at all costs - too little calories, too little real food and too much cardio. Those things may initially get you a few sizes smaller, they may even get you into the bikini of your dreams, but if you have not incorporated principles into your life that can take you through every day clean eating and healthy living, then you are bound to gain back everything you have lost and then some. Sound familiar? Unfortunately it happens all too often.

In this article I’m going to provide you with a starter kit to your new “fit body”. It’s more than just a new diet or workout plan. There are 5 pillars to my fitness lifestyle plan that encompass all parts of
your physical wellbeing. Leave any one of these elements out and you will be off balance and your results will suffer. It is going to take persistence. You are going to have to change those habits that have
been holding you back from being your best YOU.

1st Pillar: Exercise

We’ll be using a combination of body weight conditioning, weight training and cardiovascular endurance exercise to strengthen your body, increase your metabolism, and help you build lean, tight muscle.

Cardio

Let’s start with cardio. Before exploring formal cardio activities, make a commitment to MOVE MORE! Consciously do things like parking a little farther away from the store so that you have to walk a little more during your daily activities. Start your formal cardio program slowly. Find an activity you enjoy. Don’t try to find the hardest one, choose an activity that you will be able to stick with. Walking is a good place to start for anyone. Depending on your experience and access to equipment and facilities you might enjoy running, biking, a specific cardio machine or a fitness class. Start with fifteen minutes, 2 or 3 days a week. Consistency is key. Add a little each week with the goal of reaching 30 minutes, three days a week by the end of the first month. Thirty minutes of cardio, 3 times a week is perfect for the fitness lifestyle.
 

Muscle Conditioning

Next, you’ll perform the following muscle conditioning workout three times per week for the next six weeks. Start with midsection exercises as a warm-up. You’ll do 1-2 sets of crunches and leg raises for 10-20 repetitions each.

The remaining exercises are presented in pairs (supersets) or in the case of legs, 3 exercises that are done together.

  • Do one set of each exercise in the superset, stretch for 10-30 seconds, and then perform another set of each.
  • Weeks 1 and 2 perform 2 sets of each exercise for 12 reps per set (hold each stretch for 10 seconds).
  • For weeks 3 and 4 perform 3 sets of 10 reps per set (hold stretches for 15 seconds).
  • During weeks 5 and 6 perform 4 sets of each exer-cise for 12, 10, 10, and 8 reps (hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds).
  • Perform your reps in a controlled manner concen-trating on achieving perfect form. Add weight on any exercise where you could easily do 2 extra reps on your last set.
  • Stretch your muscles only to the point where you feel minor discomfort, then hold for the prescribed time. Don’t overdo it.

 

Warm-up/midsection

Crunches
Leg raise (or knee pull-in)

Superset #1

Bench press
Straight-arm dumbbell pullover
Chest stretch

Superset #2

Seated shoulder press
Dumbbell row
Delt/lat stretch

Superset #3

Curl
Bench dips or dumbbell extension
Triceps stretch

Superset #4

Light bar or dumbbell squats
Straight-leg deadlift
1-legged calf raise
Butterfly stretch

2nd Pillar: Nutrition and Supplementation

A well-rounded nutrition plan that includes tons of high nutrient foods is absolutely key. You should not feel like you are on a diet, but rather that you are working with your body and supplying it essential fuel for your active life. FOOD IS GOOD. When you are eating high quality food, you get to eat a lot of it! You want to stick with wholesome foods that replenish and strengthen you.

Small changes can make a big difference! Here are some tips to get you moving in the right direction…

  1. If you are only eating 2-3 times per day, the most important thing you can do is add at least one additional meal or snack each day. Your goal is to nourish your body 4-5 times each day by the end of one month.
  2. Cut down on and eventually cut out junk foods.
  3. Try to include a protein source from the list below in each of your meals.
  4. Combine your protein with one from the complex carbohydrate list in 1 or 2 of your meals.
  5. Combine your protein with one of the healthy fats (but no complex carbohydrates in another 1 or 2 meals. A protein shake and handful of nuts makes an excellent snack.
  6. Love your veggies! Vegetables that are steamed, grilled or raw will be completely unlimited; you should eat them as often as possible (with any or all of your meals). You may also include fruit 1-2 times per day as well!

Here’s a good list of food to choose from:

  • Lean Proteins (with every meal or snack): whole eggs, egg whites, chicken breast, turkey breast, seafood, cottage cheese, plain Greek yogurt, lean beef, Ultimate Muscle Protein, Muscle Provider, etc.
  • Complex Carbohydrates (1 or 2 meals per day): oatmeal, quinoa, sweet po-tatoes, brown rice, beans, edamame, high fiber wraps, English muffins, etc.
  • Healthy Fats: avocado, almonds, cashews, natural nut butters, olive oil, coco-nut oil, flaxseed oil

Supplements

I believe including the right supplements to support your body and your active lifestyle is vital to your success. Start with these 3 supplement basics.

  • A high quality multi-vitamin is a must. I prefer FitTabs. Take 1 or 2 tablets with your first meal in the morning and again with your evening meal.
  • Lean Out helps your body transport stored fat to be used for energy. It is also great for appetite control. I recommend 2 capsules, twice a day.
  • Use Ultimate Muscle Protein as a meal replacement or healthy between meal snack. It's delicious, easy to prepare, and sure to become a cornerstone of your fitness lifestyle program.
  • In a hurry or on the road? Have a quick meal ready at all times by tossing 2 scoops of Ultimate Muscle Protein in a Ziploc bag, bringing a shaker bottle and a bottle of water with you.
  • Looking for a healthy, high protein cure for your sweet tooth? Try my UMP Cookie recipe! (see High Protein Sweet Tooth Cure below)

Just to reinforce how important the right supplements are to your success, check out the supplements I personally use everyday to support my FITBODY lifestyle at the end of this article.

3rd Pillar: Stretching and/or Yoga

Flexibility is an important component of overall fitness. It de-creases muscle soreness, increases range of motion, and helps relieve post-workout aches and pains while preparing your body for the stress of exercise. The stretches that we are doing between supersets of our conditioning workouts are a great start. Even better... include 1-2 yoga classes of your choice per week. I love the deep stretching and mind-body connection you get from yoga. Here are a few things to know before beginning a yoga class:

  • Take it at your own pace. Starting out, yoga poses can be very challenging, especially if your flexibility is limited. Know that it is fine to modify or take the poses slowly in the beginning. Many yoga instructors will provide modifications to poses to match the ability level of their class. It’s a good idea to show up a few minutes early and let the instructor know you are new.
  • Be prepared to slow down. One of the biggest benefits of yoga can also be one of the most difficult parts for Type A personalities. Yoga forces you to breathe evenly, go slowly through movements and occasionally do nothing but lay completely still. This pace allows you to develop a deeper mind/body connection and forces you to really focus on what you are feeling in each pose.
  • Use the tools. As you begin, a yoga block and strap can be your best friends. These tools will allow you to safely attempt poses that you may not yet be flexible enough to do without them. Those extra few inches a block or strap provides can make a big difference!

4th Pillar: Hydration

Of all the beverage choices you have each day, what is calorie-free, virtually cost free and essential to keeping you alive? Plain old water! Water drives basic body performance and is essential for all the systems of your body to properly function. Start by adding at least 2 – 16oz bottles of water per day to the amount of liquid you are already drinking. With time, you’ll want to work up to drinking at least ½ gallon of water per day. I personally drink a gallon or more each day. A great way to sneak in extra water is to have a large glass of water along with every meal you eat.

5th Pillar: Rest

Your body needs sleep. It craves it. You function best when you get enough rest. Active people need at least 7 hours of solid sleep each night. 8 hours are even better. Do not skimp on your sleep! Here are a few tips to help you get better sleep:

  • Stick to a schedule. Going to bed at about the same time each night and getting up at the same time each morning creates a consistent pattern that reinforces your body’s sleep-wake cycle.
  • Avoid stimulants and caffeine after lunch.
  • If you have trouble falling asleep, avoid electronic devices and TV time in the hour or so before bed as the particular type of light emanating from them stimulates the brain and makes it difficult to relax. Try reading or taking a hot bath instead.

 

A word of warning. No one said this will take no effort on your part or that you'll get results overnight. You are going to have to work to change those habits that have been holding you back from being the best YOU that you and I both know you can be. Will it be worth it? Absolutely. You won't just be training your body; you'll be training to be good at life. Looking good on the outside and feeling great on the inside. Your self-confidence will soar. Your metabolism will be boosted. Your body will get tighter and more de-fined week after week. You will enjoy life and the new body you have created through your hard work and dedication.

Ready to go further on the fitness lifestyle highway? Julie Lohre offers an 8 week step by step guide designed to take you through exactly what you need to do both in the gym and in the kitchen. Designed specifically for a woman's body, Julie's FITBODY Lifestyle plan is available online at FITBODY.com.

High Protein Sweet Tooth Cure

Sometimes, you just want a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie. The addition of almond meal in this recipe gives these cookies a brown sugary kind of goodness that most other protein cookie recipes lack. I dare you not to fall in love with these!!!

1/3 cup Bob’s Red Mill Whole Grain Oat Flour (Gluten Free)
1/8 cup Almond Meal Flour (finely ground)
1 Scoop Vanilla Ultimate Muscle Protein
10g Chocolate Chips (I prefer Ghiradelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chips)
3 tbsp. liquid egg whites
A bit of water

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Spray a baking dish with Pam Baking Spray. Mix dry ingredients together first, blend thoroughly and then add egg whites and water. Mix until a thick batter.

Spoon cookies onto baking sheet and bake for about 7-10 mins. DO NOT OVERCOOK! I actually like mine to be a little gooey in the middle so I go with 7 mins. The last 2 mins are critical with these and they go from being not done to fluffing up and being just right within 1-2 mins.
 

The FITBODY Lifestyle Supplement Plan

Protein powder that tastes great and supplements that really work...Seriously??? Once your training and nutrition are in a great place, quality supplements can make a real difference. I only recommend Beverly International Supplements. With the best tasting protein powder available and time-tested supplements that really work - Beverly has made a huge difference for my clients and for me!
 

 
“Julie’s Personal Plan”

FitTabs: 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening

Lean Out: 1 capsule with food 5 times a day – or for optimal fat loss, 2 capsules with 5 meals per day

Glutamine Select: Add 1-2 scoops into a shaker cup with water and sip throughout your work-out

GH Factor: 4-6 capsules in the morning and 4-6 capsules before bed on an empty stomach *especially good for times when fat loss is desired.

Quadracarn: 3 tablets, 3 times per day

Ultimate Muscle Protein: Perfect as a meal re-placement when you are on the go or as a sweet treat anytime!

Master Food List

MASTER FOOD LIST

This list should be used to make the best choices from each food category.  You may substitute freely within each category any time you need a change of pace.  For instance, if your diet calls for a 6 oz sweet potato and you just can’t eat one more sweet potato, you may substitute a cup of black beans.  If you’re tired of having an apple with meal #2, eat 4 or 5 strawberries. This is your personal food guide.

 

PROTEIN

Chicken Breast: Fresh or frozen bagged, boneless, skinless chicken breast, bagged chicken breast tenderloins or ground white chicken breast are great lean meat choices. Rotisseried or baked whole chickens (breast meat only, skin removed) can also be found pre-cooked in most grocery stores for under $5 per chicken. This is a convenient and easy way to get in your protein without having to cook it yourself.

Fish:  Canned or packets of tuna or salmon make eating protein a snap.  Fresh or frozen tuna, salmon, cod, tilapia or snapper are great fish choices too.

Turkey:  Ground turkey breast (90% lean or leaner) tastes terrific and is a nice change of pace from your everyday chicken or beef.

Beef: Ground beef (90% or leaner), filet, sirloin steak, round and flank are the leanest cuts of beef.

Protein Powder: UMP or Muscle Provider

 

NON-STARCHY VEGETABLES

Asparagus, green beans, lettuce (all varieties), spinach, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, onions, peppers (all varieties), squash (summer varieties only) and tomatoes

 

FRUITS

Apples, strawberries, cantaloupe, grapefruit, oranges, fresh peaches, raspberries, blueberries, pears, pineapple and bananas (limited)

 

STARCHY CARBOHYDRATES

Brown rice, sweet potatoes or yams, red potatoes, white potatoes, oatmeal cream of rice, beans (black, lima and kidney).

 

FATS

Cashew butter, almond butter, peanut butter, heavy whipping cream, flaxseed oil, olive oil, safflower oil, Paul Newman’s oil & vinegar dressing, EFA Gold, almonds and walnuts

 

FREE FOODS

Vinegar, lemon juice, lime juice, mustard, garlic, mushrooms, onions, scallions, lettuce, cucumber, citrus peels, chili peppers, dry seasonings, salt, pepper, sugar-free gum and sugar-free Jell-O

 

FREE BEVERAGES

Diet sodas, coffee, water, sparkling water, and tea

All In The Family

My name is Joey Martinolich and I am going to tell you a story that involves hard work, perseverance, good coaching, great supplements, the unconditional support of my family and chance (or divine intervention). I hope you can relate to and are encouraged by my story.

I was 46 years old and had spent more than half of my life in the gym. My wife and I had been going to the same gym for over 10 years. Three of our six children were active participants in various fitness regimens and one of my daughters had 3 competitions under her belt. Like many of you, I had trained hard, built a good amount of muscle and followed what I thought was a good diet. I lived in a smaller community, was one of the bigger guys around, and looked good in the gym. However, when no one was around; when it was just me, my wife and my fam-ily, I shared my dreams of becom-ing a competitive bodybuilder.

Tell me if you ever heard this one? I thought that if I could just put on another 20-30 lbs. then maybe I could compete sometime. The more I thought about the task at hand of building all that muscle and looking like the guys in the magazines, the further and further my dream drifted away out of my reach.

Then one day as I was going through my normal routine, chance happened (di-vine intervention). The general manager of my gym, Jeremiah Forster, a former Beverly employee and cover man for No-Nonsense, and I were discussing my wife and a few struggles she was facing with her personal training. By the end of the conversation the focus drifted to me. The question was asked, “So, are you ever going to compete?” I had thought about it, but I simply replied that I needed to pack on some mass before even thinking about looking at a show. Jeremiah suggested that we have a formal consultation the next day.

The following day Jeremiah tested my body composition. I weighed 215lbs with 8.9% body fat and slightly less than 20lbs of fat on my body. I was leaner than I thought! Jeremiah told me I could go on dreaming forever or start getting ready to compete NOW. He said I definitely had enough muscle to hold my own against bodybuilders half my age and was lean enough to do a show in 4 months. By the end of the consultation, I had my diet, a new workout and a specialized supplement regimen that were targeted to my specific needs. (See Nutrition, Training, and Supplement sections for the specifics.)

Jeremiah said we could negotiate on diet and training, but there would be zero negotiating on supplements. He went on to explain his history with Beverly Interna-tional, the integrity of the company and the supreme trust he had in the products. It would be Beverly and Beverly ONLY!

I had about 16 weeks to drop 10lbs of fat and build a little muscle in the process. Since I’d already been eating a clean bodybuilding diet for many years, Jeremiah and I decided that I would need a strict and precise plan – zero deviation, zero temptation, and no guess work.

Jeremiah formulated my plan on an Excel spreadsheet. Each of my meals was calculated down to the ounce. I had to stick to the exact foods, the exact amounts. There was no gray area. Hey, if I just wanted gym muscles I could eat like everyone else. But if I wanted to look great on stage, I had to eat with precision in a way that not too many people are willing to do.

Each week we would test my body fat, discuss my overall feedback, and adjust the nutrition and supplements based on my results. I was eating more food (from more nutrient dense sources) than previously, taking fewer supplements (but better quality and in a targeted plan), and after 1 month my results were:
 

4 lbs. of fat lost and 4 lbs. of muscle gained. My weight stayed the same, but I was getting bigger and leaner at the same time. In just a month I went from a “wanna be” bodybuilder to someone who not only could see the road ahead, but already was visualizing how I was going to look on stage. The results from my Beverly Supplement regimen were al-most immediately noticeable. I’d never put on muscle so quickly, never recovered so quickly, or even felt this good. I had taken some Beverly in the past but never exclusively or in a precision plan. My physique looked completely different in a month. Soon my daughter and I weren’t the only Beverly users in the family. My wife used at least 5 of the products, and the rest of my family and many of my friends started using Beverly. If you visited our house, you’d literally see that half of our pantry is Beverly.

Fast forward to 1 month out. I was under 200 lbs. and looking ripped, but Jeremiah cautioned me. He said I still had a couple of pounds to lose and those 2-3 pounds would make a huge difference on how I looked on stage. He told me many guys look phenomenal in the gym a month out, but are unwilling to go through the very difficult final 4 weeks that takes you from looking great in the gym to great on stage.

Let me tell you, that last month was tough! I can see why many bodybuilders either give up entirely or start alienating everyone around them with their selfish attitude. But my entire family was there for me. They were my rock, my support, my encouragement and my light when I needed them most. I don’t think they fully understood how much their participation helped. They went to the gym with me (getting into the best shape of their lives as well). They held me accountable to my diet; they videotaped my posing sessions, offered their critiques, and continually gave me feedback.

My nutrition the final 4 weeks was quite challenging. My diet became more re-strictive while my cardio increased. I felt depleted, I was tired and my brain was telling me to quit. I’d find myself drooling when the Food Network was on TV. My only refuge was my wife, my fam-ily, and the confidence that the plan was working.

At the beginning of my diet the low-calorie day was only about 500 calories less than the high-calorie base diet. But, as the show got closer, the fat got harder to lose. Jeremiah started making the low-calorie day more restrictive (progressively fewer carbs and calories) while keeping my base diet the same. With 2 weeks to go Jeremiah made a final adjustment that would strip the remaining extra one pound of fat off me. Now, I’d follow one day on the base diet with 2 low-calorie days. This simple change made all of the difference in the world. I went from ripped to shredded.

I met with Jeremiah one final time eager to see what my final week would look like. I had buddies who told me about all this crazy stuff they did during their final week. But to my surprise, Jeremiah’s changes were minimal. He told me that if I was in great shape a week out that I was going to look great the day of the show. He re-introduced carbs on Wednesday, starting off very high and then tapering them down each day into the show. My water intake followed the same protocol – higher intake on Wednesday and a little less each subsequent day. My sodium intake decreased some but was never eliminated. I took in enough carbs to refuel my depleted glycogen stores and I was very careful of my water, sodium and potassium balance. My carbs consisted of mainly white potatoes (due to being simple and loaded with potassium) as well as sweet potatoes and rice cakes.

By the day of the show I was full, hard, dry and shredded. Every-thing came together just as Jeremiah promised. I looked even better than I had dreamed. Some people don’t like getting on stage, but not Joey Martinolich. I hammed it up, nailed my posing routine and looked like a polished pro on stage. My goal from the beginning was to get to the show and look like I had been therefore. I walked away with two 1st place trophies, but the best part was sharing those moments with my wife, family and friends. I can honestly say that all the work and suffering was worth it and I had the time of my life.

Since that show I have competed again and was even better at my second show. Now I am happy to take all the love, support and knowledge that I experienced get-ting ready for my first show and help others who share my dream with support and advice.

I think bodybuilding is more than dudes grunting, pushing weight and looking at ourselves in the mirror. It is more than getting in a speedo, throwing some oil on and flexing in front of a lot of people. Bodybuilding to me is the battle we all face between what we have the capacity to achieve and what we settle for. Don’t give up on your dreams!

Now let me show you what I did to make this transformation.

Nutrition

High calorie (base) day

Meal 1: Protein pancakes - 2 servings egg beaters, 2 whole eggs, 1 scoop UMP, 1 cup oatmeal (mix together with Splenda in a batter and cook like pancakes)

Meal 2: Protein shake or bake - 1 scoop UMP, 2 scoops Provosyn, 2 tbsp heavy cream, 1 cup oatmeal (mix together into a shake or combine all ingredients and cook in micro-wave)

Meal 3: 8 to 10oz very lean meat; 12oz potatoes

Meal 4: Same as meal 2

Meal 5: 8 to 10oz very lean meat; 1.5 cup cooked rice

Meal 6: repeat any of the meals above (non-workout days only)

On workout days, I have the following pre-workout and post-workout meals instead of meal 6.

Pre-workout shake: 1 scoop Muscle Provider, 2 scoops Mass Maker Ultra

Post-workout meal: 6oz lean steak; 18oz potatoes

Low calorie day

  • High and low calorie days were alternated; at a few weeks out we went to one high calorie day followed by two low calorie days.
  • On low calorie days I eliminated egg yolks, heavy cream, oatmeal and Mass Maker Ultra.
  • As show got closer, the high calorie day remained the same, but the low calorie day became even more restricted. At 2 weeks out I eliminated all carbs on low calorie days.

Supplements

Let me take a moment to tell you about my supplement strategy. Jeremiah started me off with the basics – the Super Pak to supply essential micronutrients, Ultra 40 and Mass Amino Acids to give me the optimum amino profile in every meal, and EFA Gold for my essential fatty acids. Ultimate Muscle Protein, Provosyn, Muscle Provider, and Mass Maker Ultra (on high calorie days) were considered part of my daily food intake. I continue to take these year round, not just during pre-contest dieting.

Jeremiah’s rule was simple; always take the basics and add supplements to make up for any deficit in essential nutrients as the diet becomes more restricted. If you don’t, there’s a good chance you’ll start losing muscle instead of fat. I started adding Density (essential amino acids) to my meals at 8 weeks out and during training. I also started taking Lean Out and 7-Keto MuscLean to keep my metabolism stimulated and to make certain that I was burning stored bodyfat for fuel rather than muscle tissue. I read where Quadracarn could help with muscle gain and fat loss, especially for those over 40, and that was added as well.

I mixed several scoops of Glutamine Select plus BCAAs in a shaker bottle and sipped it throughout the day to increase my immune system and level of recovery.

The final supplement in my arsenal was GH Factor. Fat burning toward the end of contest prep (especially in stubborn areas) can be very difficult due to a decrease in hormonal production. The two amino acids in GH Factor when taken on an empty stomach allowed my body to naturally produce more growth hormone and allow for a bit of extra fat loss in some of my trouble areas.

During workouts I took an old school page out of my coach’s book and took at least 20, and more often 30-40 Mass Aminos during training to take advantage of that precious anabolic window. As the show approached I changed from Mass to Density and took 20 to 30 throughout each workout.

Daily Supplements

Super Pak with meal 1

Meals 1-6: 4 Ultra 40, 4 Mass Amino Acids, I add 3 Density (low calorie days)

Quadracarn: 12 tablets spread throughout the day

Lean Out: 12 capsules spread throughout the day (low calorie days)

7-Keto MuscLean: 3 capsules twice a day on an empty stomach (low calorie days)

GH Factor: 6 capsules upon waking / 6 before bed (on an empty stomach - final 4 weeks)

Workout Supplements

Mass Amino Acids: 20 to 30 during training (until 8 weeks out)

Density: 20 to 30 during training (at 8 weeks out to show time)

Glutamine Select: 3 scoops during training

Training

If I may steal a line from the legendary Lee Haney, my training philosophy was, “Stimulate, don’t Annihilate”.

My training (as listed below) was based on a workout plan from a past issue of No Nonsense. (All No Nonsense back issues can be found at BeverlyInter-national.com, click on the articles tab at the top.) Being almost 50, I have more aches and pains than this article has room for. So, I did have to tweak the training program from day to day to work around various injuries that cropped up from 35 years of pounding in the gym.

Cardio: Due to the intensity of weight training and sore joints only light intensity cardio was done. In the beginning no cardio, at 12 weeks out I did 30 minutes post training; at 8 weeks out I added 30 minutes in the AM + 30 minutes post training; at 4 weeks out it progressed to 60 minutes in the AM + 30 minutes post training.
 

Day #1: Calves, Legs (heavy), Back (light), Biceps (light)

Standing Calf Raises 5x8-12

Squats 6x12-10-8-6-4-15

Leg Extensions 5x15-12-10-8-20

Leg Curls 5x15-12-10-8-20

Pulldowns (varied grips) 3x12-15

Seated Cable Rows 3x12-15

Preacher Curls 3x12-15

Concentration Curls 3x12-15

Abdominal Crunches 3x25-50

Day #2: Calves, Chest (heavy), Shoulders (light), Triceps (heavy)

Seated Calf Raises 5x20-30

Incline Barbell Press 4x10-8-6-15

Bench Press 5x12-10-8-6-15

Upright Rows 5x10-12

Rear Lateral Raise 5x10-12

Close Grip Bench Press 4x12-10-8-20

Dips (Weighted) 4x15-12-10-then as many reps as possible with no weight

Leg Raises 3x20-30
 

Day #3: Calves, Legs (light), Back (Heavy), Biceps (heavy)

Standing Calf Raises 5x6-10

Deadlifts 5x10-8-6-4-15

Bent Over Rows 5x10-8-6-4-15

Weighted Chins 4x12-10-8-then as many reps as possible with no weight

Barbell Curls 4x12-10-8-15

Reverse Curls 3x10-8-12

Leg Press 4x15-18

Stiff Leg Deadlifts 3x12-15

Abdominal Crunches 3x30-50

Day #4: Calves, Chest (light), Shoulders (heavy), Triceps (light)

Seated Calf Raises 5x20-30

Standing Front Press 5x10-8-6-4-15

Dumbell Arnold Presses 4x10-8-6-15

Dumbell Incline 4x10-12

Flat Dumbell Flyes 4x10-12

Tricep Pushdowns 3x12-15

Lying Tricep Extension 3x12-15

Lying Leg Raises 3x20-30

In closing, I am so thankful for the FITBODY Contest Prep Figure & Bikini Team! With my teammates and Julie’s help, I am not alone in competition prep. This journey (though I feel it is still just the beginning) has already given me so much… a better under-standing of my nutrition, knowledge of the competition scene, a supportive team of women that are now also my friends, and a bangin’ body to boot!

Advice  from Joey's trainer Jeremiah Forster

I have more than 20 years’ experience as a per-sonal trainer. I started as a “contest prep coach” in 2000 when I was taught how to do so by Roger and Sandy at Beverly International. I have helped several clients accomplish what they thought impossible. These range from dreams of representing themselves on stage with pride in their first contest to numerous 1st places. I am happily married with 4 beautiful children. My online training business has now turned into a fitness ministry. www.jeremiahforster.com
 

Training

Over the years I have prepared hundreds of training programs. These workouts range from basic bodybuilding training to very complex optimum performance training, kettlebells, etc. As Roger once told me, “All training works until it stops working.” No matter what your goal is, PROGRESSION is a universal truth that never lies. Progression is a deliberate increase in your repetitions, weight, decreased time between sets or the amount of time under tension. Every workout plan should have a component of planned progression. Once progression cannot be made in any of the above scenarios, then and only then should your workout be changed. There is no magic length of time to a workout, there is only progress. If you are still progress-ing, you are doing the right workout; if you are not, then you should change your workout. That brings up a good point, how do you know you are making progress if you are not tracking your progress? How many notebooks or notes on phones or tablets have you seen in the gym? I suggest you start recording your workout today.

DIET

As with training there is no one diet that is the end all and be all. However, certain body types react differently to different foods and macronutrient ratios. PRECISION IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN YOUR NUTRITION. If you are precise in following your base diet, you or your trainer will be able to adjust it easily to attain a specific goal – whether it be fat loss, muscle gain, or contest prep. Your results become a mathematic equation not a hope and a prayer.

SUPPLEMENTS

I do not believe you need 20 different supplements to be successful. Start with a basic supplement plan of the essentials that you take year round. Then add a couple more that will help you achieve your specific goal. I’d rather you concentrate on really getting the maximum benefit from 2 or 3 targeted supplements, than see you trying everything under the Sun. Which do you think is more effective? One pill of 20 different supplements or 2-3 scoops each of Muscle Synergy, Creatine Select, and Glutamine Select per day? Once you choose the correct supplements be sure to take the recommended amounts or even a little more, to see the most benefits.

CONTEST GUIDANCE

Before your contest prep begins, search your soul, look in the mirror, and have a long, hard talk with yourself. Are you willing to make the sacrifices that contest prep requires? If the time isn’t right yet, it’s okay to put it off. Starting something and then quitting can be damaging to your spirit, finishing something is empowering. Don’t just go through the motions of your contest prep, do it with excellence. Give your best effort day in and day out to your diet, training, cardio, and posing. Why? Because little is more satisfying than knowing you gave your heart and soul to achieving something. In my experience, pure and full dedication always produces life's sweetest rewards.

Full-Time Cop, Mom and Fitness America Class Winner

At a Glance: Dana Taggart

Age: 28

Occupation: Police Officer

Family: Fiance-Matt, Son-Gage (7), and Daughter-Teagan (5)

Current Residence: Trenton, Ohio

Years Training: 5

Height/Weight: 5'6"/ 135-138

Favorite Fitness Meal: 2 Lundberg’s Organic Honey Nut Brown Rice Cakes, topped with UMP pudding (1 scoop Rocky Road UMP mixed with water and 1 tsp local organic honey) and sliced organic strawberries

Favorite Supplements: Hands down, UMP is my #1. I love how versatile it is. Not only is it delicious as a shake, but I can make pudding with it, or French toast, or No-Bake cookies... the list goes on. My 2nd favorite is Glutamine Select to help diminish any post workout muscle soreness.

Music: I love using Spotify on my iPhone. I enjoy many genres of music and it depends on my mood or what kind of workout I'm doing, though I would say that it is most often some-thing upbeat, Hip Hop or Rap.

Most Inspiring Book: My most recent favorite, in my new found obsession for audiobooks is Born to Win by Zig Ziglar. His concept of planning to win, preparing to win, and expecting to win can be applied to your next competition prep... or just life in general.

Favorite Words of Wisdom: “If you do not go after what you want, you’ll never have it.” “Be strong. You never know who you are inspiring.” “Stop wearing your wishbone where your backbone ought to be.”

I am trying to recall a time when my life was not so hectic, but as far back as I can remember my family was always involved in many activities. I can fondly remember sitting on the sidelines of my parents’ indoor soccer games, my Dad’s open gyms for basketball, watching my Mom doing her exercise videos in the living room, and all of this amidst my younger brother and my sport schedules… many of which involved travel. We had something going on just about every night of the week.

I started playing sports at age 5 and continued throughout my school years. During high school, I ran track, played soccer, and cheered. I played fast pitch softball and volleyball in college
between classes and working a few part time jobs. Even though I had a strong athletic background, I never really had a structured training program or nutrition regimen. I ate pretty much whatever I wanted and whenever I wanted. I was constantly on the go and luckily, my mediocre diet didn’t have much of an opportunity to catch up to me. Once I was out of college, I still played a little indoor soccer, but the opportunity for organized team sports certainly diminishes once you are out of school.

Life seemed to slow down for a quick minute when I started working my first full time job as an Emergency Dispatcher. It was a sedentary desk job on 2nd / 3rd shift. I still ate what I wanted but I started to notice that my energy was lacking. I stayed thin, but lost a lot of strength and stamina. I was tired.

Fast forward a couple years and I found myself a single mother of 2 at age 23. I no longer had time to be tired, but I was…very. After the birth of my daughter in 2008, I joined the local YMCA and began my first attempt at an exercise regimen. It’s interesting how far down on the list of priorities you will allow ‘taking care of yourself’ to fall once your world revolves around your children. Having the Childwatch program at the YMCA allowed me to take some time for myself without feeling guilty because my kids enjoyed their time there as well. Happy Healthy Mom = Happier Healthier Family.

Within a couple years I had put on some muscle and started wondering how much further I could push myself. While continuing to work full-time, I attended the Police Academy and began working toward getting on the other side of the radio. While in the police academy I began to focus more on building my strength as it was now more important than ever. It was during this time that I discovered Beverly Inter-national and their amazing line of supplements when I was given a copy of their No Nonsense magazine by a friend.

I became a full time Police Officer in June of 2012. I am recently engaged to my fiancé, Matt, whom I met in the academy and is also a full-time Police Officer. My children are now 5 and 7 and are active in their own sports. We are just as busy as I re-call my childhood being and though it can be stressful at times, I love it. Training has become my outlet. I mention all of this because it is my hope that the other seemingly over-whelmed mothers that work full time and have busy families know that it is possible to still take time for their self and go after their own goals. In fact, it is important that you do! After all, we are now set-ting the example for our children.

I discovered Julie Lohre’s nutrition and training programs through the No Nonsense magazine. I had been contemplating competing and knew that I had taken my physique as far as I could on my own. I needed professional guidance. I contacted Julie in August of last year and she got me started right away. She’s helped me to work my meals around my crazy schedule and plan ahead for when I would be stuck at a ballgame, or in my cruiser on a call. In just a few months’ time, I’ve gained strength and confidence. I have now competed in 2 figure competitions. I took 1st place in my class at the Fitness America Ohio Valley in October 2013. I went on to compete in the Kentucky Muscle in November, but I didn’t do nearly as well there. In fact, I was on the other end of the placements. However, I am hooked and enjoying the experience along the way… and now training for my next stage appearance as I write this.

Here is my current program designed to lose fat while building a little more lean muscle.

Daily Meal Plan

Planning and preparation was the hardest part when I first started but it does get easier with experience. I love to cook, but am obviously short on time, most of the time. For me, I’ve found that it helps to prep a few meals at a time, a few times a week. I really en-joy cooking a meal for us all to sit down and enjoy together. I’ll usually cook more than I need to feed my family for dinner and then use leftovers to prep a few extra meals for myself. While this may not be as efficient as a massive prep day where I make several meals solely for myself, our meals together at the table is something I value.

Meal 1 1 whole egg, 3 egg whites, ½ cup veggies (to make an omelet), 1 slice
turkey bacon; ½ cup oatmeal

Meal 2 1 scoop UMP protein shake; ½ grapefruit

Meal 3 4oz chicken breast; ½ cup avocado; large salad with mixed veggies; 1
tbsp olive oil & vinegar dressing

Meal 4 2 scoops UMP shake or pudding; 1 tbsp almond butter

Meal 5 6oz white fish; 1 cup mixed veggies

Meal 6 4 egg whites; ½ cup veggies

That was just a sample day. I substitute quite often as I get bored easily when eating the same foods. I usually try to incorporate whatever my family is eating and then make adjustments so that it fits my plan. We also use Green Bean Delivery so that we have fresh organic produce on hand at all times. I love this service for its delivery convenience, but also because it has broadened my family’s fruit and veggie selection from the everyday apples and cucumbers.

Daily Supplement Plan

Fit Tabs: 2 in the AM, 2 in the PM

Density: 3 tablets, 3x’s a day

Lean Out: 2 before my first 5 meals each day

7 Keto MuscLean: 3 in the AM, 3 with lunch Glutamine Select: 1 scoop before training

UMP: 3 scoops per day

This seemed like a lot of pills when I first started. However, I drink a gallon of water a day, and taking the supplements throughout the day also helps me get in all my water at the same time.

Training Schedule

I currently lift 5 days a week along with 4 cardio sessions a week, 30 minutes each (most commonly HIIT). Notice I work Back, Glutes, and Delts twice a week since they are the “show” muscle groups for figure competition.
 

Monday: Back / Hamstrings / Glutes

Lat Pull Down 4x10-12 reps

Bent Over Barbell Row 3x10-12 reps + drop set

Straight Arm Pulldowns 3x10-12 reps + drop set

Squats with Wide Feet 3x10-12 reps + drop set

Dumbbell Deadlift 3x10-12 reps + drop set

Low Cable Kickbacks 3x10-12 reps

Hamstring Ball Curl Ins 4x15-18 reps

Friday: Quads / Glutes / Calves

Leg Press 4x10-12 reps

Walking Lunges w/ weight 2x10-12 reps + 2 drop sets

Leg Extension with 1 second pause at top 2x10-12 reps + 2 drop sets

Standing Calf Raise 2x10-12 reps + 2 drop sets

Supersets:

Pushups 4x15 / Switch Lunges 4x15

Crunches 4x25 / Squat Jumps with Medicine Ball 4x15

Lying Leg Raises 4x15 / Bench Rebounds 4x15
 
 

Tuesday: Chest / Biceps / Abs

Flat Bench Press 4x6-8 reps

Dumbbell Flye 2x6-8 reps + 2 drop sets

Pushups with Feet Elevated 4x6-8 reps

Standing Barbell Curl 4x6-8 reps

Hammer Curl 2x6-8 reps + 2 drop sets

Weighted Ball Crunch 4x15 reps

Hanging Leg Raises 4x10 reps

Oblique Raises 4x10 reps each side
 
 

Saturday: Delts / Back

Seated Overhead Press 3x10-12 reps + drop set

Front Raises 3x10-12 reps + drop set

Inverted Pushups 4x10-12 reps

Plank Position DB Rows 3x10-12 reps + drop set

Assisted Pullups 3x10-12 reps + drop set

Thursday: Delts / Triceps / Abs

DB Lateral Raises 4x15-18 reps

Bent Over DB Raises 3x15-18 reps + drop set

Sumo Dead Lift High Pull 3x15-18 reps + drop set

Press downs 4x15-18 reps

Bench Dips 3x15-18 reps

Reverse Decline Crunch 4x15-18 reps

Weighted Floor Crunch 3x15-18 reps + drop set
 

In closing, I am so thankful for the FITBODY Contest Prep Figure & Bikini Team! With my teammates and Julie’s help, I am not alone in competition prep. This journey (though I feel it is still just the beginning) has already given me so much… a better under-standing of my nutrition, knowledge of the competition scene, a supportive team of women that are now also my friends, and a bangin’ body to boot!

The Dynamic Drug-Free Duo

At a Glance: Ryan Propst & Beth Muntean

Age: Ryan 39, Beth 31

Occupation: Ryan is a University of Akron graduate of the Radiology Technician program and currently a student at The Ohio State University working for his Masters in Exercise Physiology.

Beth recently graduated from the University of Akron with her Masters in Nursing with a specialty in Nurse Anesthesia and is employed with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center as a Nurse Anes-thetist.

Family: Engaged, no children

Current Residence: Columbus, Ohio

Years Training (total): Ryan 25 years, Beth 14 years

Height/Weight: Ryan 5’9”, 190 off-season/160 con-test; Beth 5’10”, 150 off-season/135 contest

Favorite Bodybuilding Meal: protein pancake with UMP, liquid egg whites, and oatmeal.

Favorite Supplements: UMP chocolate and Lean Out.

Music: Pandora radio during training sessions with sta-tions ranging from Marilyn Manson to Little Wayne.

Most Inspiring Book: Ryan: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Beth: As A Man Thinketh by James Allen

Hobbies: Snowboarding, mountain bike rid-ing, free running, hiking, volleyball, boxing, watching movies, and spending time with our new puppy.

Words to live by:“You must be shapeless, formless, like water. When you pour water in a cup, it becomes the cup. When you pour water in a bottle, it becomes the bottle. When you pour water in a teapot, it be-comes the teapot. Water can drip and it can crash. Become like water my friend” ~ Bruce Lee

We take this quote by Bruce Lee to mean whatever your passion in life is, engulf yourself in it. Surround yourself with it, become it fully. Be at peace and rest-ful when you can, but also commit fully and forcefully when necessary. Goals are only reached through dedication, discipline, sacrifice and HARD WORK.

What comes to mind when you think of a dynamic superhero team? Batman and Robin, Superman and Wonder Woman, the Wonder Twins? We may not have super powers or be famous, but at Buckeye Gym in Tallmadge, Ohio we are known as Team B&R.

I have been blessed to have the love of my life as my training partner for the last eight years. Sharing our passion in life has been incredible for us. So how did this all begin? My first experience with weight training came in the form of a Christmas present when I was 10. My parents gave me a plastic water weight set, two dumbbells, a barbell and a few plates. Yes, they were hollow and designed to be filled with water to add resistance; however, whenever I was thirsty I would just open up a dumbbell and take a drink. It was like a thirst quenching drop set.

I started weight training in earnest during my fresh-man year of high school hoping to put some weight and muscle on my skinny 5’9”, 135 pound frame. I wanted to participate in football and track. I also desired to stop getting picked on by upper classmen. I didn’t know a lot at the time about bodybuilding, but I admired the one and only Arnold Schwarzenegger and would read anything about him I could get my hands on. By the be-ginning of my sophomore year I had gained ten pounds, and had begun to transform my physique. So began my love of bodybuilding.

As a high school athlete, Beth stood out in basketball and volleyball, but had no prior experience with body-building before meeting me. When we started dating she became interested in working out and started going to the gym with me. It took a few months and countless requests for spots, before she started hinting around that maybe we could become training partners. At first I was skeptical. I had never had a female training partner and never known anyone who had successfully trained with their significant other. I was quite wrong to be worried!

We clicked as training partners from the first moment, feeding off each other’s energy and instinctively knowing how and when to push one another. We started training together in 2006 and by 2007 we were getting ready for our first show.

We have competed in ten shows together. We’ve both earned our NGA and WNBF drug-free pro cards, Beth in figure and me in bodybuilding. She is coming off a great 2013 season with an overall win at the INBF Cardinal Classic and a class win at the NPC Natural Northern. I have won my weight class in all but one tested show. That loss was to the eventual over-all winner and it fueled me to train even harder. More importantly, it compelled me to maintain consistency with my supplementation and nutrition regimen. Since then I have been undefeated in tested shows. I have four overall wins: NPC Monster Mash, NGA Fall Classic, INBF Cardinal Classic and NPC Natural Northern. My most memorable achievements are the two competitions where Beth and I took the overalls together. The feeling of us as a team on stage together at the end of the night is something I will cherish for a life time.

In the remainder of this article I will share our nutrition, supplement, and training programs. We encourage you to study them, adapt them to your own programs, or follow them exactly and see if you can get the same results that we achieved.

 
Diet

During our contest prep, Beth and I eat the same foods except for the portion sizes. This makes it much easier for us to shop and prepare our meals together. We’ve noticed that we lose fat and our strength in the gym actually increases when we start on the diet and supplement plan listed below.

Meal 1 Pancake made with UMP, egg whites, 1 whole egg, uncooked plain oatmeal, blueberries and/or blackberries. 1-2 cups coffee or green tea, roughly 1 liter of water.

Meal 2 Chicken breast or ground turkey breast, brown or white rice, green beans or broccoli.

Meal 3 Tilapia, sweet potato or brown or white rice, green beans or broccoli or asparagus.

Pre-workout meal 1 scoop Muscle Provider or UMP and 1/2 cup un-cooked oatmeal. I either blend this in a shake or cook it as oatmeal. Either way it’s delicious and digests very quickly. We put 2 scoops of Beverly’s Glutamine Select plus BCAAs in our water bottles for the gym.

Post workout meal Blend together unsweetened almond milk, water, spinach, 6oz pasteurized egg whites, 1 scoop Muscle Provider and 1/2 cup uncooked oatmeal. I also take my Beverly Creatine Select at this time.

Meal 4 Any combination of the above, one food from each category, protein, carbohydrate and vegetable.

Meal 5 Chicken breast and a large mixing bowl size salad, consist-ing of red and green leaf lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms, red and green peppers. Dressing consists of 3 tablespoons Bragg’s unpasteur-ized apple cider vinegar mixed with a little mustard and a packet of Sweat Leaf natural stevia. It tastes like honey mustard and is healthy. (No complex carbs at dinner.)

Condiments Mustard, hot sauce and anything we can find that is sugar free.

Water We drink when we are thirsty, at least 4-6 liters a day. Usually a little more if the temperature is high. However, I don’t believe in drinking gallons and gallons of water a day. This just flushes out your sodium, electrolytes and may tax your kidneys.

Supplements

Meal 1: Multivitamin, 3 Quadracarn, 4 Ultra 40 liver, 4 Mass Amino Acids, 2 Lean Out

Meal 2-3: 4 Ultra 40, 4 Mass Amino Acids, 2 Lean Out

Meal 4: 3 Quadracarn, 4 Ultra 40, 4 Mass Amino Acids, 2 Lean Out

Meal 5: 3 Beverly ZMA 2000

Training

Our training remains relatively constant whether we are in the off-season or preparing for a contest. As men-tioned above, we actually get stronger at the beginning of our contest prep phase even though we are losing weight. I believe this is due to the strict, clean eating and regi-mented supplement program. It is not until the last few weeks that we start to see a decrease.

Beth and I perform the same exercises, repetitions and sets. Although she is aware that women’s figure demands a certain look that may require over-developing certain muscle groups, her goal, like mine is to develop a well-rounded, proportionate physique.

Here are some key points regarding our training:

  • You have to check your ego at the door and focus on the form you are using over the weight people see you moving.
  • Practice the mind-muscle connection. Squeeze the working mus-cle on each rep.
  • You are only as strong as your weakest muscle.
  • We add an intensity element after completing the last set on many exercises. It may be any one of the following:
    1. 2 assisted forced reps after completing our scheduled 8 reps
    2. A drop set to failure (starting with the same poundage as our 1st set)
    3. A set of negatives to failure - we are strong advocates of us-ing negative reps in our training. It is a great way to tear down muscle tissue without beating up one’s joints.

Note: If we are too exhausted to maintain good form on any of the exercises listed below, we reduce the weight and do 3 sets of 10 reps instead of the listed schedule. An asterisk (*) on the final set of an exercise means that we usually incorporate one of the above intensity techniques.
 

Monday – Back/Traps:
Wide-grip Pull-ups 3x12-10-8 (*) increase weight using dip belt
V-Bar Close-grip Pulldowns 3x12-10-8
Behind the head Wide-grip Pulldowns 3x12-10-8 (*) Wide-grip pulldowns 3x8 with a 5 second negative to failure
DB Shrugs 3-4x10-15

Thursday - Bicep/Triceps:
Bicep Standing French Bar Curls 3x12-10-8 (*)
Triceps Rope Pressdowns 3x12-10-8 (*)
Bicep Seated Incline Bench DB curls 3x12-10-8 (*)
Triceps Behind the head DB Extensions 3x12-10-8 (*)
Bicep Standing DB Hammer Curls 3x12-10-8 (*)
Triceps Seated Dips 3x all to failure

Friday - Off
 

Tuesday – Chest/Calves/Abs:
Flat Bench Press 3x12-10-8 (*)
Incline DB Press 3x12-10-8
Incline Flyes 3x12-10-8 (*) or 3x10-10-10 depending on energy that day
Pec-Deck 3x12-10-8
Cable Crossovers 3x12-10-8 (*) or 3x10-10-10
Calves Pick your favorite 2 exercises and do 4 timed sets, 30 seconds for as many as you can do.
 

Saturday – Shoulders/Traps/Calves:
Seated DB Presses 3x12-10-8 (*)
Front DB Raises 3x12-10-8 (*)
Side Lateral Raises 3x12-10-8 (*)
Pec-Deck Rear-Delt Laterals 3x12-10-8 or 3x10
Barbell Shrugs 3-4x12-10-8
Standing Machine Calf Raises 3-4x12-10-8 2*
Seated Calf Raises 3-4x12-10-8

Wednesday – 1st Leg Day:
Squats 7x12-10-8-6-4-2-2
Leg Extensions 3x12-10-8 (*)
Leg Curls 3x12-10-8 (*)
Leg Press 3x12-10-8
Walking Lunges 3x15-20
 

Sunday – 2nd Leg Day:
Leg Extensions 3x10-10-10
Squats 5x10-10-10-10-10
Leg Press 3x15-12-10
Leg Curls 3x15-12-10
(*) On final set incorporate one of the 3 intensity techniques listed on pg 7.

Cardio

Beth does three days of HIIT training and two, 30-45 minute low intensity sessions. I do not do cardio during contest prep. I feel it drains me and I look stringy. I rely on the foods I eat and not getting too far out from my contest weight in the off-season.

Summary

Be consistent! There are endless approaches to eating plans, contest preparation, training strategies and supplementation. The key is to find what works for you. Once you develop a working strategy, stay with it and give it time to work.
 

Where Did Your Physique Go?

Where did your physique go? If you’re 40 years of age or older, you probably feel as if your body doesn’t look or perform the way it used to. There’s a good chance this has something to do with “The Big Three” age-related condi-tions. These are:

  1. Sarcopenia
  2. Andropause
  3. Age-associated fat gain.

Read on to learn about a proven stack that 40+ men are us-ing to conquer “The Big Three” and get their physique back!

 
Facts about Sarcopenia

  • Sarcopenia is also known as age-associated muscle loss.
  • Observational studies reveal that a man’s muscle mass and strength peak between his teens and 30s. Following this, both undergo a steady decline.
  • The average man can lose up to 8% of his muscle mass per decade after age 40. Strength may drop even faster.
  • By 2015, it has been estimated that over 100 million men will suffer from sarcopenia.
  • Contributing factors: Anabolic resistance, low testosterone (andropause).

Facts about Andropause

  • The chief androgen in men is testosterone.
  • Andropause is also known as age-associated testoster-one decline or deficiency.
  • Between 35 and 40 years of age, men begin to experi-ence a drop in circulating testosterone concentrations of approximately 0.8% per year. Free testosterone lev-els fall more rapidly, by 2-3% per year.
  • Free testosterone is the fraction of circulating testoster-one that is not bound to blood proteins. It is therefore available, or “free”, to produce physiological effects in the body. This is why free testosterone is considered to be so important.
  • Symptoms of andropause can include deteriorations in ener-gy, mood, libido, erectile performance, stamina, muscle mass and strength.
  • Contributing factors: Recent research suggests that andro-pause is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Contributing factors include excess body fat, stress, diabetes, and lack of exercise.

Facts about Age-Associated Fat Gain

  • Starting as early as 30 years of age, an increase in fat mass (body fat) occurs in conjunction with muscle loss (sarcope-nia).
  • Contributing factors: Decreased levels of key fat-burning enzymes, impaired thermogenesis, and decreased metabolic (calorie-burning) rate.

The MATURE MUSCLE STACK:

Tackle "The Big Three" and get your physique back.

 
Stack Component #1:

MUSCLE PROVIDER,
UMP, or PROVOSYN

We all know that the combination of resistance exercise and protein is your most pow-erful weapon against sarcopenia. It triggers an anabolic response in your muscles that (when repeated) causes them to become bigger and stronger.

Anabolic Resistance

Research indicates that as you get older, your muscles’ ability to mount an anabolic response to resistance exercise and dietary protein be-comes blunted. Scientists refer to this as “ana-bolic resistance”.

Anabolic resistance can be at least partly over-come by regular consumption of high-quality protein that is rich in the amino acid leucine. MUSCLE PROVIDER, ULTIMATE MUSCLE PROTEIN (UMP), and PROVOSYN are high-quality protein supplements containing several grams of leucine per serving, plus every other amino acid required to build and repair muscle tissue. This makes them especially well-suited for men 40 years of age or older.

Usage tip: Enjoy a delicious shake made with 1 serving of your choice of Beverly proteins immediately after resistance exercise. Have a second serving 4-5 hours later to boost muscle anabolism again.

Stack Component #2:

MUSCLE SYNERGY

MUSCLE SYNERGY (powder or tablets) contains multiple ingredients that act synergistically to help combat age-asso-ciated muscle and strength loss. One of these ingredients is HMB, a naturally occurring, clinically studied compound that has been shown to enhance the benefits of resistance exercise. HMB is believed to work by rebuilding muscle and alleviating or preventing muscle damage associated with ex-ercise, thereby shortening recovery time.

Usage tip: For maximum results, it is important that you take the full dosage recommended on the product label. Be sure to take at least one of your daily servings of MUSCLE SYNERGY before your workout.

Stack Component #3:

QUADRACARN

Testosterone exerts its physiological effects in the body by binding to androgen receptors. Androgen receptors are found in cells throughout the body, including skeletal muscle tissue.

QUADRACARN contains four types of carnitine. One of these has been found to increase androgen receptor levels in muscle tissue. With more androgen receptors present, your testosterone signaling strength is improved. This is expected to enhance the effects of resistance exercise and shorten recovery times.

QUADRACARN also supports fat-burning metabolism, circulation, and sexual performance, among other benefits.

Usage tip: Carnitine takes some time to accumulate in your body. Therefore it is important to take QUADRACARN every day, according to label directions. Don’t miss a dose.

Stack Component #4:

7-KETO MUSCLEAN

7-KETO MUSCLEAN helps the 40+ man conquer age-associated fat gain. The driving force of this formula is 7-Keto®. 7-Keto® is a clinically studied form of 7-keto-dehydroepiandrosterone, a natu-rally occurring substance that is usually abbreviated as “7-keto”.

By the time you reach 40, your production of 7-keto may have dropped by 40% and continues falling for the rest of your life. 7-Keto® helps restore youthful levels of 7-keto and is clinically proven to produce three times more weight loss than diet and exercise alone.

7-Keto® is thought to work by restoring levels of fat-burning enzymes, as well as thermogenesis and metabolic rate. It is supported by three clinical trials, all double-blind and placebo-controlled in design.
Usage tip: The clinical dose of 7-Keto® is achieved by taking two servings of 7-KETO MUSCLEAN daily. Follow label directions.

Stack Component #5:

JOINT CARE

When we think of muscle, we often forget that a good portion of muscle consists of connective tissue. In fact, every time you lift a load, your connective tissue bears the bulk of it. It’s no surprise that it undergoes serious wear and tear, particularly at age 40 and beyond.

JOINT CARE is a perfect addition to your Beverly MATURE MUSCLE STACK. It contains ingredients like boron, hyaluronic acid, MSM and glucosamine that work synergistically to support a healthy inflammatory response and provide relief from joint discomfort and stiffness.

Usage tip: For faster relief and results follow the “loading phase” as explained below.

HERE’S HOW TO GET THE MOST BENEFIT FROM THE MATURE MUSCLE STACK

 

  • Combat AGE RELATED MUSCLE LOSS with protein and Muscle Synergy. Ideal times are:
    * Breakfast or mid-morning UMP and/or Provosyn with one serving of Muscle Synergy.
    * Immediately before training: 1 serving Muscle Synergy
    * Immediately after training: 1 serving Muscle Provider (or UMP)
    * 4-5 Hours after training: UMP and/or Provosyn
  • Combat ANDROPAUSE with 2-3 servings of Quadracarn per day. Take 3 tablets twice daily on non-workout days, and 3 tablets three times daily on workout days. (One serving just prior to workout.)
  • Combat AGE-ASSOCIATED FAT GAIN with 7-Keto MuscLean. Take one serving (3 capsules) in the morning and another pre-workout or in the afternoon.
  • Combat Joint and Connective Tissue wear and tear with Joint Care. Start with a “loading phase” by taking 3 capsules, 4 times daily for 1 week; 3 capsules 3 times daily during week 2; and then 3 capsules twice daily with meals from week 3 on.

Full Body Routine for Older Newcomers

Here is a 2 or 3 day per week, whole body workout that provides a well-balanced pro-gram for 40 and older “newcomers” to start training and combat the “Big Three”! It is also great for anyone who is “getting back” into training after a prolonged lay-off.

Press (barbell or dumbells) 2 sets of 8-10 reps

Curls (barbell or dumbells) 2 sets of 8-10 reps

Bentover Row (barbell or dumbells) 2 sets of 8-10 reps

Squats (bodyweight if necessary to get the correct form), then add just the bar and slowly add weight each workout) 2x15

Bench Press 3x6-8

Sit ups (or Crunches) 1 set as many as you can do in good form

Leg Raise (or Knee Ups while hanging from chinning bar) 1 set as many as possible

If you don’t do Knee Ups, it is still beneficial to just hang from the bar to decompress your spine (and improve your grip) 1 set as long as you can hold on

Split Routine for Intermediates

At age 50 and up, we can all benefit from an “Intermediate” workout program

DAY 1

Squat 5x5 (2 warm-up sets, then 3 sets with working weight), in-crease weight by 5 lbs when you get 5 reps on all 3 “work sets”

Bench Press 5x5 (same as squat)

Bentover Rows (or better alter-natives are High Pulls or Power Cleans if you have the technique down) 5x5 (same progression as squat)

Curls 3x5-8

Calves and Abs 3x15 each

DAY 2

Press 5x5 (same as Squat)

Deadlift 5x5 (4 progressive warm-up sets starting with 60% of your work set poundage, and then add 10% each set; example for a 300x5 work set:: 180x5, 210x5, 240x5, 270x5, 300x5 (add 5 lbs whenever you get all 5 reps in good form)

Alternate the next 2 exercises:

Reverse Grip Pulldowns 5x8 (2 warm-up sets, then 3x8), (chins are better if you can get at least 8 reps on your 1st set)

DB Bench Press (same as pulldown)

DAY 3

Optional, this means that you can skip it without compromising results from this workout routine

Leg Press (or Front Squat) 2x12-15 after warm-ups

Alternate next 2 exercises:

Incline Press (BB or DB) 2x10-12

1-Arm DB Row 2x10-12

Alternate next 3 exercises:

DB Press 2x10-12

DB Curl 2x10-12

Close Grip Bench Press (or Dips) 2x10-12
Calves and Abs 2x20 each

Two Overall Bikini Titles – Here’s How I Did It

At a Glance: Molli Smith

Age: 25

Occupation: Personal trainer at No Non-sense Personal Training/Licensed Cosmetologist

Years Training (total): 2

Height: 5'5.5"

Weight: 125

Favorite Bodybuilding Meal: Pre-contest I follow a low carb diet plan with a “Carb Meal” on Mondays and Thursdays. This is my favorite meal. I eat 1 cup oats, an 8oz sweet potato, 1 cup broccoli, and 1 banana for my last meal on those days.

Favorite Supplements: UMP- It is so versatile, great tasting, and very convenient with my busy sched-ule. It’s perfect for someone who can’t get in 5-6 meals a day. I have also found it to be very handy in baking (which I love to do!) Muscle Mass Branched chain amino acids during training; Muscularity with my meals to help maintain lean body mass on a low calorie diet. Lean Out- It is perfect for someone who isn’t that strict to help regulate insulin levels.

Music: Rock, Heavy Metal, & Hip Hop on my iPod

Most Inspiring Book: The Success Principles by Jack Canfield

Hobbies: Cooking, Baking, Reading, Hiking, Canoe-ing, Jet Skiing, Mountain Biking, Softball, Basketball, Sand Volleyball, Camping, Skiing, Snow Tubing. I could go on and on! I love to stay active and help people achieve their goals.

Words to live by: “It’s not the will to win that mat-ters—everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.” “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.”

I grew up happy with a very active lifestyle. I was very involved in sports ever since I was little. I started playing t-ball at 5, then progressed to slow-pitch softball which turned into fast-pitch softball. I played 3 years in high school and also on a select team as a catcher, shortstop, and center fielder. Our select team actually was invited to play in a tournament in Maui! My whole team bagged groceries on weekends for months to earn the money to cover our plane tickets—it was worth it! 

I played basketball (my fav!) ever since I was 7. I was a guard on my school teams up until my senior year. I also was a setter on my schools’ volleyball teams from middle school through my junior year in high school.

All of that activity kept me in pretty good shape, but I was very skinny. I had some tone, but little-to-no muscle. I don’t know how I stayed so thin because I paid no attention to my diet whatsoever! I ate out- ALL THE TIME! Whatever and whenever I wanted to eat, I ate. Never ate breakfast unless it was a banana or a Pop Tart. I’d skip lunch half the time and just eat a huge meal before bed. Even when I thought I was eating something that might be good for me like fish, as often as not it would be deep fried. I made those kinds of mistakes all the time.

I wasn’t just clueless about nutrition, but even with my sports background, I had zero knowledge about working out. I became interested in really improving my body but I didn’t know where to turn. Then I met my fiancé, Mark Ritter, a successful bodybuilder and very knowledgeable about training and nutrition.

Within 1 year he had me ready for my first competition, the 2012 Northern Kentucky. I placed 7th in a pretty big class of girls. I loved it! I was psyched and wanted another go at it. Next time I wanted to be in the center of the top 5 line up. In the Nutrition and Supplement section I’ll give you the details of how I ramped up both for my next competition in Indianapolis, just 3 months after the Northern. One week before the show, I got a HUGE surprise… I got engaged to Mark!

I went on to place 5th at the Indy out of 17 girls! I was ecstatic. Not only did I get engaged to the love of my life (my swole-mate) just a week prior, I also had earned my first trophy. I was hungry for success and I knew I could do better if I kept pushing my-self, so that’s exactly what I did. Finally I achieved my goal of not only a class win, but an overall title at the 2013 Kentucky State. I followed that with another class and overall win at the 2013 Kentucky Muscle. Now, let’s get into how I did it.

Nutrition & Supplements

 

Mark put me on my first supplement regimen shortly after I started training with him. Mark’s been using Beverly supplements since 1999 and knows the product line inside and out. He explained I needed to start building some muscle if I wanted to compete. The best supplements he’s seen for this are the combo of UMP, Mass Aminos, Ultra 40, and Fit Tabs. It was a lot of pills at first, but I went from a skinny girl to a toned and shapely bikini competitor in less than a year.

I was hooked on the supplements from then on. For my second contest we stayed with the “musclebuilding supplement combo” I used for the Northern, but Mark added a trick he’d learned long ago when he worked at Beverly of taking Muscle Mass BCAA tablets throughout the workout. I also added Muscularity (more BCAAs) with my meals and Lean Out to help me, well, lean out.

My Daily Supplement Plan

 

UMP: 2 scoops twice daily

Mass Aminos: 2 or 3 with each meal

Ultra 40: Same as Mass Aminos

Muscle Mass: I weigh 125, so 12-15 during my workout is ideal Muscularity: 2 capsules with each meal

Lean Out: 1 or 2 capsules with each meal

My Daily Meal Plan:

One thing I can tell you that has definitely changed for me is my nutrition. It went from Pop Tarts and fast food to chicken, eggs/egg whites, lean beef, turkey, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, and veggies! I now eat 6 meals throughout the day, spread 2-3 hours apart. This way I’m never hungry or too full. I also drink at least 1 gallon of water per day. If I’m trying to lean out for a contest, I’ll substitute ½ of a grapefruit for my oatmeal in Meal 1 and about 8-10 stalks of asparagus for my sweet potato in Meals 3 & 5. During contest prep, I have carb up meals on Mondays and Thursdays at Meal 6. That consists of 1 cup oats, 8oz sweet potato, 1 cup broccoli, and 1 banana.

Meal 1 8:00am: 3 egg whites 1 whole egg, 3-4oz lean beef; ½ cup oats

Meal 2 11:00am: Chocolate UMP shake 2 scoops mixed with cold water

Meal 3 2:00pm: 6oz chicken breast; 6oz sweet potato

Meal 4 5:00pm: Same as meal 2

Meal 5 8:00pm: 6oz chicken breast; 6oz sweet potato

Meal 6 11:00pm: Chocolate UMP 2 scoops mixed with water to pudding consistency PB2 sprinkled on top

I always buy in bulk and prep our meals for up to 2 or 3 days prior, except for breakfast. I always cook our breakfast fresh every morning which is an egg/beef omelet! For me, having our meals prepped in advance creates less stress throughout the day. We can just grab our container, throw it in the microwave and eat! If you are someone who is gone most of the day, I would suggest having some type of cooler to keep your meals in. Along with having all of your meals in one place, it keeps them cool and you have them right there with you so you’re not tempted to swing through a drive thru. A food scale really helps with weighing out your portions, especially if you’re cooking for more than one! If you would like more information please visit our website at www.nnpt.net.

My Workouts

Monday- Chest

Incline Barbell Presses 4 sets of 12-15 reps
Incline Dumbbell Presses 4x6-8
Flat Dumbbell Flyes 4x5-max reps (Mark creates resistance on the way up and down by having me push against his forearms for 5. Then I rep out as many as I can)
Flat Barbell Bench Presses 2x10
Cable Crossovers 3x12-15

Wednesday- Arms

Barbell Curls 4x8-12
Incline Curls 3x6-8
One Arm Preacher Curls 3x8-10
Hammer Curls 3x6-8
Rope Pushdowns 3x10-15
Close Grip Bench Press 3x6-10
Pushdowns 3x10-12
Dips 3 sets of as many as I can
Triceps Kickbacks 7x12-15 (only 30 second rest in between)

Friday- Shoulders

Side Laterals 4x20 (first 5 super slow then 15 regular) Dumbbell Press 4x20 (first 5 super slow then 15 regular)
One-Arm Cable Laterals 3x8-10
Front Dumbbell Raise 3x12 (performed on incline bench)
Reverse Pec Dec 3x10-12
Rear Dumbbell Raise 3x8-12 (lying face down on incline bench)

**I will usually hit additional glutes on Monday or Saturday**

Tuesday- Back

Wide Grip Pull Ups 4 sets of as many as I can Barbell Row 4x8-10
Rack Pulls 3x6-8
Seated Cable Row 4x8-10
Hammer Strength ISO Lateral Pull Down (reverse grip) 4x8-10 together then 2-3 assisted single arms

Thursday- Legs

Giant Set - Lying Leg Curls/ Stiff Leg Deadlifts/Standing Leg Curls 4x20
Leg Extension 2x20 (super slow on 1st 5 reps, then rep out fast on the final 15)
Leg Extension 2 drop sets (max reps starting with super slow reps for the first 5)
Leg Press 4x20 (first 5 reps performed extremely slow then rep out 15)
Hack Squats 3x8-10
Walking Lunges 2 sets
 

Presentation

Sandy asked me to include some tips on presentation. Even though this is only going to be my 3rd year in competition, I think I can give you some good pointers. The first is walk, walk, walk! I cannot stress enough how important your stage presence is. It’s very important that you look and feel confident on stage. I am constantly practicing my walk no matter if I’m 10 weeks out from a show or 2 days out. You cannot practice enough! On the day of the show you may be tired, hungry, thirsty, fatigued, nervous or scared. Trust me, I’ve been all of those! You’ll want to be able to power through those emotions, dig deep, and own that stage. Always keep a smile on your face. Think about all the hard work you put in to that very moment and how beautiful you look. Practice alone, in front of a mirror-not too much though! You don’t want to get in the habit of always seeing yourself when you practice, so make sure to practice without the mirror too! Practice in front of people and have someone video tape you while you walk so you can see what others see, and possibly some things you want to change or work on. I promise you- once you get it down you’ll be able to do it no problem. If you’ve never posed before it can be a little overwhelming. I tell my clients this all the time. First, find which poses are the most comfortable for you. Then work on putting them together in your walk. You’ll want the whole presentation to flow. It takes time, but you’ll be glad you practiced when the show comes and your confidence will shine. Good luck!

In closing, I would like to thank my fiancé, Mark for all of his wonderful help with my training and nutrition along with the best support I could ever ask for. It is such an honor to be learning from such an amazing, smart, and talented person. Also, to Roger and Sandy for having an extraordinary product line. I will never use or recommend any-thing else!

2016-2015 Collection

NoNonsense 2016-2015 Collection

Click the Magazine cover to flip through an issue or click on a thumbnail below to view an article.

Flip through our magazine:

My No Nonsense Approach to Bodybuilding Success

At a Glance: Joe Munich

Age: 52

Occupation: General Manager of High Speed CNC (Ultra Precision Machining)

Family: 1 son and daughter, 1 step son and step daughter, 5 grand kids

Current Residence: Los Galtos, CA

Years Training (total): 33

Height: 5'9"

Weight: Off Season: 200, Contest: 196

Favorite Supplements: Glutamine Select & Mass Aminos taken before & after workouts to prevent muscle catabolism & stave off hunger

Favorite Bodybuilding Meal: 4 egg whites, 2 whole eggs, avocado, steel cut oats, coconut oil

What would you recommend to someone who has never used Beverly supplements before? Use Creatine Select and Gluta-mine select at a minimum and do not be afraid to try out their other supplements. Beverly’s “Supplement Recommenda-tion Chart” is very helpful in choosing the perfect supplements to achieve your goal (available at BeverlyInternational.com)

Hobby or interests outside bodybuilding: hiking, dining out, dogs

Words to live by: “Fake it ‘til you make it!” (After a while you will realize that you are the real deal.)

It all started when I was a kid. I was in awe of the physiques and muscularity of the DC Com-ics superheroes - Captain America, Thor, Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and the Avengers. I used to sketch out these characters. Little did I know the impact it would have on the rest of my life.

Growing up, I was always conscious of my physical appearance. My cousins tell me now how I was quite the athlete then. Hockey, baseball, basketball, pick up tackle football games with the neighborhood boys, street hockey, ice hockey on the frozen pond down the street, bowling, golf, I played them all. To be honest, I had a lot of determination, but was always small for my age. I graduated high school at 130 pounds and 5”7’’. I started lifting weights then and my weight shot up to 160 and I grew 2 inches. I was pretty lean and fairly muscular.

About 1982, I started getting more serious about body building. I was impressed with the bodybuilders in Muscle & Fitness at that time. Their physiques were perfectly proportioned, muscular, had decent size, definition and small waistlines. Very aesthetic. I learned all I could but there was quite a bit of misinformation out there. In 1988, I entered my first contest, the San Jose BB Championships, and placed 2nd in the light heavy novice at 188 pounds.

From 1988 to 2006, I stayed in shape by lifting weights and doing cardio regularly. My weight was in the 185-190 range. However, my main focus was on the business I had started, High Speed CNC, a precision machine shop.

From 2006 to present, I have competed nine times and have improved every year. Although I’m 52, I think I can still get better. I have been training with weights and doing some form of cardio for more than 33 years now. In that time, I have never taken more than a week off from training. People wonder how I do it. Well I am going to share my secrets with you.

Here's how I do it:

  1. Consistency (choose a path and stick with it).
  2. Do sports/exercises/activities you like, otherwise you will not be able to sustain them.
  3. Learn all you can about your sport (try things and de-termine if they work for you).
  4. Learn how to eat properly and how to prepare your meals.
  5. Do not be impatient (tortoise & the hare). Move for-ward continuously, rather than being a flash in the pan. Small gains/improvements each year, in your eating habits and training equal success.
  6. Get in tune with your body, it is an amazing feat of en-gineering that never lies. Lift heavy when you can, rest when you are tired, learn to train around injuries. Eat according to your specific goals at the time.
  7. Do some form of activity each day.
  8. Stay positive. Learn to enjoy the natural high of a good pump, or the feeling of accomplishment when you give your very best to a workout. When you feel like quit-ting, remember how good you felt in the past when you took it to the limit. Think of it this way, “I want this feeling, and I’ll push myself to get there.” Push a little longer, the pain/burn will pass. Don’t cut yourself short and quit before the set or sprint is really complete. I’m constantly motivated by the natural high and the re-sults I get. In fact, I believe that over the years, I’ve de-veloped my subconscious to where it will never let me stray off course. Again, it all boils down to consistency.
  9. There are very few things in life that you have control over. For me, my diet and training are in my control. I can stay on track with them, no matter what life throws at me, good or bad.

Diet and training are really very simple. People overcomplicate them. It’s almost like they want to confuse you. Well, I am going to simplify things right now. Your body is incredibly adaptive, so NOTHING needs to be precise, like macro ratios, counting calories, when to eat and when not to eat, how much to train, how many sets, how many reps etc., etc., etc. (I hope you get my point.) I start to get dizzy reading some articles; it makes me feel like I know nothing at times. Well, the truth is that I have realized over the years, I do know a lot. So here’s what I have learned about diet, supplements, cardio, and training.

Diet

  1. Eat whole foods. The less processed, the better.
  2. Try to eat equal amounts of protein, carbs, and fats at each meal. Don’t be a fanatic, +/-15 percent on the ratios is fine.
  3. The best protein sources to eat are lean grass fed beef, chicken, fish, turkey, pork, and whole eggs.
  4. Athletes need some starchy carbs. I recommend oats, rice, yams, potatoes, quinoa, and lentils.
  5. Don’t forget to eat plenty of dark green veggies. You should also include fruits and berries of all sorts. Tip: Get yourself a blender and make smoothies using the veggies that you would not normally eat (see my “Super Foods Smoothie” meal be-low).
  6. Fats should come from the naturally occurring fats in your meats, olive oil, flax meal, chia seeds, nuts of all kinds, avoca-dos, coconut oil, and nut butters.
  7. Eat at least 4 meals each day, if you can, eat 6 small meals.
  8. Get a minimum of 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight and drink at least ½ ounce of water per pound of body weight.(My trick with water is to drink 12 to 16 ounces, 15 to 30 minutes prior to each meal.)

A typical day’s food intake for me:

  1. Two of my meals are my “Super Foods Smoothie”. I make with 4 scoops of Ultimate Muscle Protein (UMP), 2 cups of water, and add kale, spinach, watercress, peeled lemon, cucumber, green apple, 2 tbsp flax meal, 1 tbsp chia seeds, and one cinnamon stick. I have one in the morning and another later in the afternoon. (What a powerhouse of super foods!)
  2. Wild salmon over veggies.
  3. Grass fed, 90% lean beef hamburger, 6oz steel cut oats, berries.
  4. 4 egg whites, 2 whole eggs, 1 small avocado, 1 small yam or oats, with cinnamon and coconut oil.
  5. Low fat Fage (Greek Yogurt) and berries.
  6. 4 tbsp almond butter on Trader Joe’s fiber muffins.

I typically eat ~3500 calories per day.

Supplements

 

As a 50+ bodybuilder who is continually pushing my body to a greater degree of development, I require supplementation beyond what my daily food can provide. Below are the supplements that I currently take.

  1. Omega 3 fish oil (4 grams /day)
  2. Milk thistle & saw palmetto w/ pygeum
  3. Vitamin D
  4. Creatine Select (before workout)
  5. Glutamine Select (before & after workouts)
  6. Mass Aminos (to supplement and improve the amino acid profile of the food protein in my meals)
  7. UMP protein powder (4 scoops in my “Super Foods Smoothie”)

Cardio

 

My cardio is designed to improve my overall cardiovascular health during the off season. I normally do 3 to 4 sessions per week. Two are 30-40 minute interval sessions on a spin bike or Stairmaster, or hill repeats on my mountain bike. The other session(s) are easier like 45-60 minutes at an easy pace on the Stair-master, or walking on hiking trails for as long as I feel.

I pretty much eliminate cardio as a contest draws near. Instead, I pose 3 times a week for 30 to 60 minutes. You only have so much energy. So, if you do cardio every day, work a full day, train with weights, while on calorie deficit pre competition diet, there can be only one outcome. You’ll end up with a burned out body that is feeding upon itself, eating up your hard earned muscle to satisfy its energy needs. Not to mention - the excessive cardio also makes you hungrier.

Training

 

  • Train heavy for a while when you can. Use low reps and heavy compound movements.
  • Train lighter using higher reps, 12 to 50 reps for a while.
  • Mix up your exercises and increase your volume (lots of sets and reps for a while).
  • Train each body part 1x per week for a while (5-6 day split), 2 x a week for a while (4 day split), and sometimes 3 x a week for a while (entire body 3 times a week).
  • Don’t get hung up on how much weight you are using. Perfect form and time under tension are as important.
  • Use full range of motion on all your exercises.
  • If it hurts in a bad way, you are probably going to get injured, so change to another movement to work around the pain.

Legs are my favorite workout (nothing gets you more in the natural high zone). Here’s a leg workout for the advanced athlete who wants to take it to the limit.

  • 4-5 sets step ups using the cable machine, go up in weight each set until you can only do 10 reps per leg. 1st 2 or 3 sets are 20 reps each.
  • 4-5 sets of full squats (break parallel) slow on the way down, pause, then drive up. I like to do reps of 10 to 20. When I am feeling especially good, I do 10 sets of 10 reps.
  • 4-5 sets of heel press on the leg press machine. I try to keep the reps at 20-30.
  • 5-7 sets of lying leg curls, 15 to 20 reps.

Here are some things I have learned, especially as I’ve grown older, especially regarding leg training.

  • I pre exhaust the legs with step ups or another movement that does not stress the knees, that way I do not have to go so heavy on squats and leg presses.
  • Doing higher reps helps me stay injury free, while really stimulating the muscles.
  • Slow controlled movements are safer and will alert you to any potential injuries before it’s too late.
  • Time under tension, feel the movement and forget about the weight.
  • DO SOMETHING EVERYDAY (MOVE YOUR BODY)