Ultra 4 search

Workout

Monday: Legs and Glutes
Barbell Deadlift 4x12-15
Cable Kickback 4x12-15
Smith Wide Squat 4x12
Leg Extension/Leg Curl Superset 4x12
Walking Lunge/Glute Bridge Superset 4x20

Tuesday: Back and Triceps
Wide-grip Pulldown/Pressdown Superset 4x12
Cable Row/DB Kickback Superset 4x12
Rope High Row/Overhead Cable Ext Superset 4x12

Wednesday: Shoulders and Biceps
Seated DB Press/Seated DB Curl Superset 4x12
DB Laterals/DB Hammer Curl Superset 4x12
Cable Front Raise/Cable Curl Superset 4x12
Rear Delts 4x12
Upright Row 4x12

Thursday: Glutes and Abs
Dumbbell Sumo Squat 4x8-10
Smith Wide Squat 4x8-10
Cable Kickback 4x15-20
Resist Ball Glute Extensions 4x15-20
Outer Thigh Machine 4x10-12
Walking Lunge w/ Leg Kick 4x15

Friday: Chest and Shoulders
Incline Press/Seated DB Lateral Superset 4x10-12
Machine Fly/BB Upright Row Superset 4x12-15
Bosu Ball Pushups/DB Rotator Cuff Superset 4x15- 20
Rear Delt Fly 5x10-15

Saturday: Cardio HIIT Training
Also, work on areas that need improvement and posing practice.

Sunday: REST!

Consistency is key! It’s important to warm up properly. Training is essential, but we cannot forget about rest days for recovery and to be sure to get enough sleep.

Cardio Schedule

Off-season, 20-30 minutes of cardio a few times a week. I like to mix it up. I love to run! On Saturday mornings at sunrise, I head down to the beach for a nice easy run. Leading up to contest day, I increase my cardio. Another favorite is walking on the treadmill at a 15% elevation and a moderate speed of 3.0 mph.

Presentation Tips

No matter what division you compete in, once you step out on that stage, you must
be prepared to present all that hard work with grace and confidence—practice posing at all times. Record yourself over and over again to get the best perspective of what your presentation looks like. I highly recommend working with a posing coach, especially if this is your first competition. Have fun and take lots of pictures because the experience goes by quickly. Make sure to get feedback from the judges, which will provide valuable information so you may improve for the next show. Remember, you are already a winner for making it through your prep and gracing that stage!

In Closing

I am first and foremost grateful to God for his inspiration and guidance. My life has been so blessed for the past 25+ years as a member of this fitness industry. I have made so many lifetime friendships on this journey. I have learned that everyone has a different WHY, and that is so very important to know your WHY because everyone has their own fitness journey. One must learn, understand, believe, and trust the process, no matter their fitness journey. I am in this for my lifetime, period. This is a lifestyle for me, not a quick fix. One must possess the right smart training plan with no-nonsense supplements and a Beverly International nutrition plan (BeverlyInternational.com/nutrition-solutions). There is always room to learn and grow. Let’s keep going and strive for that NEXT LEVEL!

Footnote

The DHEA metabolite, 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone, also known as 7-keto DHEA, is a safe, natural, neuroprotective compound which appears to have benefits as a natural antiglucocorticoid and to improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, and improve memory and cognitive functioning. There are no reported adverse effects or interactions with any other drug. Besides the psychiatric effects described herein, 7-keto DHEA has other reported effects that include enhanced weight loss, enhanced immune functioning, and thermogenesis. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto DHEA has no androgenic activity, as it is not converted to androgen, and because substitution at the 7 position prevents aromatization, it also cannot be converted to estrogen. - https://patents.justia.com/patent/8124598

I met my wife Julie in 2008 when she was an Indiana University strength and conditioning coach. At the time, I was still soaking up everything I could about strength training and dividing my spare time between MMA and lifting. Julie launched Xcel Performance Fitness in 2009, and a couple of years later, I opened Wolverine Fight System martial arts training.

After competing in 85 BJJ and grappling matches, I decided to get back into serious strength training. In December of 2021, I began training with Drew and Stacey Heckman. Drew has totaled 2000 pounds, raw, in the 275-lb class. I was embarrassed my first few sessions lifting at “Sweet Owen Barbell” (that’s what we call the garage gym). Over the winter, everyone started talking about competing. By now, I also had the lifting bug and said I was in. My first two competitions were in the raw division of the American Powerlifting Federation (APF). I set state records for my age group and the open. I also set APF national age group records in the squat and deadlift in the 148-lb class.

My next challenge was to go up to the 165-lb class and compete in the division, which allowed powerlifting gear (squat suit, knee wraps, bench shirt, and deadlift suit). It took me weeks to get used to the equipment and use it to its full advantage. I remember the first time I got into a squat suit with straps down. I was amazed at how the weight moved. I couldn’t get the suit fully on (straps up) until my 3rd session with it. But when I did, I was able to squat 5 lbs over my raw 1RM easily for 3 solid reps. Drew, Stacy, and I used a “linear progression” powerlifting to prepare for our next meet.

The meet was on November 13, 2022, in Dubuque, Iowa, during the United Power Lifting Power Weekend. I competed in the drug-tested division for my age group (33-39). Stacey competed in the raw division and Doug who was coming off an injury in the deadlift only. We all placed first in our divisions. Stacey set new PRs; Dave hit a new PR with a 529-pound deadlift.
I set PRs with a 385-lb squat and 440-lb deadlift, and a 1080-lb total.

Here are a few tips for beginning powerlifting.

1. Get the form right before going heavy - have “pretty lifts.”
2. Bulletproof your body before going heavy. If not, you will find weak links and possibly injure yourself.
3. Recovery is key. Use gel iced knee and elbow sleeves post-workout, and work on tight spots when resting or watching TV via foam roller or massager. Hot tub or Epsom salt baths, ice baths, sleep 7-9 hrs a night and take a 20–30-minute nap if possible. Beverly Supplements help me recover and give me the energy to get through the day.
4. Gym lifts do matter but are different from competition numbers. You can’t control the variables in a meet like you can in the gym.
5. Don’t wait until you’re breaking records to compete. That’s the reason I waited so long. I received terrible advice years ago and was told I needed to lift “x” pounds to compete, which is untrue. If your technique is solid, get in there, get the experience, and have fun.

Sample linear progression powerlifting schedule

Weeks 1-4

Monday – Squat

Squat 2x4 (after warm-ups)
Leg Press 3x5-7
Leg Curl 3x8-10

Friday – Deadlift

Deadlift 2x4
Bent-over Row 3x5-7
Barbell Curl 3x8-10

During weeks 1-4 you’ll do 2 sets of 4 reps on each of the main lifts (Squat, Bench, and Deadlift). Start week 1 with 67.5% of your current max. Add 2.5% each week for week 2 & 3, then deload on week 4 to 55%. If your starting max is 200-lbs, your workout weights would be 135 for week 1, 140 for week 2, and 145 for week 3. Week 4 deload to 110. Jeremy’s competition dead lift was 420, so on his next linear progression cycle he would start with 285.

The second and third exercises listed for each day are “assistance lifts.” For the exercises listed 2nd (leg press, shoulder press, and bent-over row) do 2 sets for 5 reps, then on the 3rd set go for 7 reps in perfect form. If you make it, add 10lbs the following week on the leg press and 5lbs on the shoulder press and bent-over row. Use the same progression scheme for the leg curl, skull crushers and barbell curl –
2 sets of 8, then go for 10 on the 3rd set.

Weeks 5-8

Reduce the reps on the main lifts to 2x3 for weeks 5-8. Start at 75% of your max on week 5 and advance 2.5% each week for weeks 6 & 7, then deload again to 57.5% on week 8. Use the same progression as before on the assistance lifts.

Weeks 9-12

Main lifts are 2x2 starting at 82.5%, progressing 2.5% per week up to 87.5% on week 11. Deload week 12 to 60%. Continue to add weight to the assistance lifts whenever you are able to get 7 (or 10) reps on the 3rd set in perfect form.

Weeks 13-16

The main lifts for week 13 will be 2x1 at 90%. Week 14, 2x1 at 92.5%, and week 15, 2x1 at 95%. During this phase do not try to add weight to the assistance exercises, but do 3x5 or 3x8 in perfect form with the same weight throughout. You will work up to a new max on each of the main lifts during week 16.

Sample Nutrition Plan for Building Muscle and Recovery

Weekdays most meals are prepared in advance and stored in a cooler

Pre-Workout (5:30 am) peanut butter and honey sandwich on whole grain toast, 1 cup strawberries, 4oz lean ham or turkey

Post-Workout (7:30 am) 4 eggs, 1 cup quick oats with 1 scoop PBP (Beverly’s Plant-Based Protein) and oat milk, ½ peach or orange

Snack (10 am) granola bar, ¼ cup mixed nuts

Lunch (noon) avocado and turkey sandwich on whole grain bread, bell pepper; on weekends, it’s usually fish or deer steak tacos with greens and avocado

Snack (2 pm) 2 scoops PBP in oat milk, fruit cup

Snack (4 pm) Woodsman Coffee, peanut butter and strawberry jam on wheat bread

Dinner (7 pm) baked cod or salmon fillet, 1 cup stir fry veggies and an orange; on the weekends, I have steak, baked potato, green beans and salad

Supplements

Super Pak with post-workout meal for energy, recovery, and muscle function

Ultra 40 with meals for strength and energy

Muscle Synergy and Up-Lift, pre-workout for focus, intensity, and strength and size gains

Creatine Select, Muscle Mass & Glutamine Select post-workout for recovery, immune support, and muscle building

PBP as a morning and/or evening snack to supply extra protein for recovery

It was 1951 when Dr. B.H. Ershoff took three groups of lab rats and fed them controlled diets for a twelve-week period. Group one ate a basic diet fortified with vitamins and minerals. Group two ate as much as they wanted of the same diet plus B vitamins and brewer's yeast. Group three ate the basic diet but had 10% desiccated liver added to their rations. Then the doctor placed the rats one by one into a drum of water, out of which they could not climb. Therefore, it was either swim or drown. The rats in Group One swam an average of 13.2 minutes, Group Two, an average of 13.4 minutes. When the experiment finally was concluded…Group Three rates were still swimming! Group Three swam almost 10 times as long. No other supplement we know has even come close to liver for improving endurance. Since then the reports of people whose strength, muscle mass and endurance have skyrocketed (since using desiccated liver) have been as countless as the stars in the sky.

Ultra 40 – Beverly’s Form of this Most Potent Natural Bodybuilding Aid

Not all desiccated liver is what it says it is. When Beverly set out to formulate our liver supplement, Ultra 40, we had to improve upon an already proven winner. We started with the “best of the best” - the highest grade AAA purified Argentinean liver concentrate. Why? The Argentine government will not allow their beef herds to be contaminated with DES steroids, growth hormone or pesticides. Back before steroids, bodybuilders were taking 7.5 or 10-grain tablets and swallowing 1000 tablets a week was very common, (that’s 100 plus a day!). So our next move was to use technology to increase the potency packed into every tablet, because no-one wants to swallow 100 pills a day! Then we worked until we had a formula that contains only trace amounts of fat and cholesterol. What we created had FORTY-FIVE TIMES THE NUTRITIONAL VALUE of whole beef liver AND all the nutrients and enzymes of raw liver, PLUS - all the essential amino acids to pack on muscle - but none of the toxins or fats found in whole beef.

A plethora of nutritional factors occur naturally in liver:

• High quality protein and amino acids
• Blood building heme iron (the form absorbed best by the body without toxic buildup)
• Energy modulating B-vitamins including B-12 and Folic Acid
• Nucleic acids (RNA/DNA) for proper amino acid utilization and cell growth
• Fat metabolizing lipotropics (choline and inositol)
• Antioxidants Co Q10 and selenium
• Minerals such as phosphorous, copper, zinc, and GTF chromium (insulin regulator)
• Anti-fatigue and growth factors such as cytochrome p-450.

How Ultra 40 Will Work For You...
Beverly’s Success Formula

A secret at Beverly International that produces more champions than anything we’ve seen is definitely the combination of taking Ultra 40 Tablets and Mass (our amino acid tablets) at each meal. The addition of only four Ultra 40 tablets and four Mass tablets per meal for five meals per day can make a tremendous difference in your physique.

This simple-but-effective supplement program will add up to sixty-five grams of the highest quality protein to your daily intake. The addition of this protein at each meal can have a very positive effect on your hormonal response to eating (more muscle building and fat burning hormones; and less fat storing hormones are produced). Over three months time you will have ingested almost 6000 grams of additional protein, and 24,000 calories of the highest quality nutrients available.

Since it takes approximately 3500 additional calories to gain one pound of bodyweight, dividing 24,000 by 3500 results in a net gain of approximately seven pounds more than if you hadn't taken the Ultra 40 and Mass. It’s no wonder Beverly clients who compete naturally are coming into their contests leaner, yet 5 - 10 pounds heavier than before taking Mass and Ultra 40!

If You Can Only Take One Supplement It Should Be Ultra 40

You know to build muscle it’s imperative that you intensify your rep and set efforts in the gym. But it’s truly the other 23 hours of nutrient loading outside the gym that determines whether or not you’ll make the gains you’re after. If you’re seriously interested in getting the most out of your training stick with the basics of good bodybuilding nutrition and that means Ultra 40.

Ultra 40 is the staple of any good nutrition program and with 500 per jar; you just can’t find a better value…ALL WITH GUARANTEED RESULTS! For added recovery, increased strength, and increases in lean muscle mass, call today and try Ultra 40 for yourself at 800-781-3475.

Desiccated liver contains nucleic acids for proper amino-acid utilization, a growth factor and an anti-estrogen factor, that keeps testosterone levels high, and is also a great anti-toxin. - Vince Gironda, the "Iron Guru"

After a successful journey in kickboxing, I continued weight training in the gym. As time passed, my friends in the gym encouraged me to enter a Physique Competition. At first, I had no interest but eventually gave in and pursued my first show in 2015. In 2016, I began my natural bodybuilding career in the OCB. Since then, I’ve become a top-ranked pro in Men’s Physique, placing 2nd Overall on two occasions at the OCB Yorton Cup.

My success opened many doors in the fitness industry, including becoming a physique posing coach and fitness model. I’ve been able to help hundreds of online men’s physique posing clients worldwide.

Now, I’d like to share my Men’s Physique Success nutrition, supplement, training, and cardio plans.

Nutrition

Diet (approximately 16 Weeks Out)

Contest Prep Diet
6 meals per day

Meal One
1 whole egg, 8 egg whites, 3/4 cup oatmeal

Meal Two
6oz ground turkey or chicken breast, 1 cup green beans or broccoli

Meal Three
6oz ground turkey or chicken breast, 1 cup white jasmine rice, 1 cup green vegetables

Meal Four
6oz sirloin or filet, 1 cup (green vegetables), 5oz russet potatoes

Meal Five (Post-Workout)
2 scoops UMP Vanilla mixed with Creatine Select. (Combining the UMP Vanilla and orange-flavored Creatine Select makes it taste like a Creamsicle!)

Meal Six
5oz chicken breast, 1 cup any green vegetables, 5oz sweet potato

Supplements

When preparing for a bodybuilding competition, supplementation is a necessity, and it is a top priority for me to have supplements that are safe from banned substances. That’s why I use Beverly International. No matter how many accomplishments you have in life, you don’t have anything without your health; it’s very important to be conscious of what you are putting in your body.

Super Pak with meal #2

Take 2 scoops of UMP mixed with 1 scoop of Creatine Select – Orange flavor for post-workout shake no later than 30 minutes (post-workout) for recovery and growth.

Ultra 40 4 tablets with meals #3 and #6

Mass Aminos 4 tablets with meal #5

Training Schedule

I’ve always trained a minimum of 5-6 days a week, and I like to hit my weaker muscle groups twice a week if possible. My coach recently set a goal for me to put on as much lean muscle mass as possible, especially in my chest and back. The following is an example of my current training routine.

Workout 1: Chest/ Triceps/ Abs

DB Bench Press 5x10-12
Incline DB Press 5x10
Cable Chest Flye 4x15
Triceps Pushdowns 5x10
Skull Crushers (using EZ curl bar) 4x10
Cable Triceps Extensions 4x12-15
Lying Leg Raises 3x15
High Cable Crunches 3x15

Workout 2: Back/ Biceps

Pulldowns (Wide Grip) 5x12, 1x to failure
DB Rows (single arm) 3x10
Cable Rows (wide grip) 5x12
Cable Curls (straight bar) 3x12, 1x to failure
Hammer Curls 4x12
Incline DB curls 3x15

Workout 3: Legs

Squat Simulator Machine 5x10-12
Hack Squat Machine 5x10-12
Calf Raises 4x20
Hamstring Curls 4x15
Walking Lunges 3x20 steps
Leg Extensions 3x12, 1x failure

Workout 4: Shoulders/ Abs

Seated DB Shoulder Press 5x10
Seated Lateral Raises 5x10
Standing DB Rear Delt Flyes 3x15
Hanging Leg Raises 3x10
Hanging Knee Raises 3x10

Workout 5: Chest/ Biceps
Pec Deck Machine 4x12
Incline DB Press 6x10-15
Incline DB Flyes 4x10-15
Pushups 4x20
EZ Curl 4x10-12
DB Hammer Curls 5x12
Incline DB Curls 3x15

Workout 6: Back

Lat Machine Pulldown (Wide Grip) 5x10-12
Hammer Strength Row Machine 4x8-12
Shrugs 3x15, 1x failure
Barbell Rows (Overhand Grip) 4x8-12

Cardio

I like to keep my cardio training between 20-30 minutes 5-6 days a week. I usually like to do cardio after my lifting workouts. I feel that it is much more effective that way. I primarily use the treadmill or Stair Master and incorporate the interval training style method. If I want to speed up my fat-burning results, I will start doing early morning fasted cardio and lift later that day.
 

Dr. Matt Lytle was blunt; I was done running for a long time. This wasn't just a bad hammy strain or plantar fasciitis- both of which his care had healed. I'd joke that he had "kept the wheels on a vintage vehicle" through my decades of running. This time, though, I'd run myself right off the road.

Typical of many high-mileage runners who started running in the 90s- cross-training, proper recovery, and (though hard to imagine now) adequate nutrition were often afterthoughts. Want to run faster? Run more! That was the prevailing wisdom. I trained with a goal but didn't have a plan. The result: I failed to qualify for Boston in my first four attempts.

I needed a plan. (I needed to get faster- -faster than I got older.) By the time I made it to my first Boston Marathon in 2011, I had soaked up any nutritional, rehabilitation, and training guidance I could find. I started sipping BCCA's during runs, began taking Quadracarn (my first Beverly supplement), and routinely pounded Beverly UMP shakes at our post-run coffee gatherings (even bringing powder-filled baggies for the baristas to mix into banana smoothies).

Though I was knocking down lifetime running PRs, I was also running myself into trouble by increasing the demands on my aging body. I was ignoring signals. I was worn down and structurally out of balance, mashing on the gas pedal with a dashboard full of warning lights and bald tires.

That brought me to April 2016. Rather than prescribing only traditional, clinical PT, Dr. Lytle approved of working with trainers he knew had a complete understanding of disc injuries and could trust to structure a rehabilitative strengthening program given my current limits. When a chiropractor is in synch with trainers, you can be damn sure you've been hooked up with the best.

I needed a new plan. That's when I met Jared Fryman, a soft-spoken shaved-headed Marine who fills a doorway with his frame and always lights up the gym with a smile. Jared fully understood where my head was: I missed my running group, my intense cardio, and the structure and discipline of my marathon training. I'd fallen into the habit of cheering myself up with sugary treats and carbs. But without the miles to burn them up, I was closing in on 20% BF and doing nothing to preserve --much less add to-- the muscle mass I'd burned in some 24,000 miles of running.

Jared said, "Rob, I think you could change your body composition if we switch up the cardio mix and clean up your diet." He detailed a nutrition plan that started with a painful three-week "sugar detox," which quickly transitioned to a familiar muscle-building, six meals per day nutritional program. Jared recommended additional Beverly supplements and structured a lifting and cardio plan. (detailed nearby)

Without mentioning the words "bodybuilding" or "competition," Jared set me on a course for success. Always a good Marine, he knew where this mission was headed way before I did.

The upper body changes came pretty fast. Legs? Well…not so much. I would joke that my leg and glute muscles were "road kill that I'd left on the marathon course between Hopkinton and Boston." My initial squat program began with an empty bar and a bottom range limited to an 18-inch red stool, topped by a blue pad and a thick 45lb plate. To that point, I had never done a single loaded back squat in my life!

I was gradually able to jettison the blue pad, then the plate, and add load. The key was a balanced progression, alternating weeks of either increasing range or poundage.

By May of 2017, I started looking for my first physique event. Putting up the entry fee and having a target date gave me that same long-range mental focus as completing the dozens of race entries as a runner. We settled on a natural NPC Midwest event in a small venue. Jared knew it would be comfortable and a confidence builder.

While on stage, I recall Jared screaming, "squeeeeze!" I took first place in Masters divisions and novice while experiencing my first pose down. Up until this point, bodybuilding was just another challenge, something to do until I could run again.

But not now. With mixed emotions, I said goodbye to the runner who wanted to shave minutes off his PRs. Now I wanted to keep my new gains ….and add more.

I added Ultra 40 and Density and noticed I looked much fuller during subsequent contest preps. Muscle Synergy became a pre-workout favorite along with the daily Quadracarn, Lean Out, and 7-Keto MuscLean combo.

I'd noticed Jared's sword trophies from Kentucky Muscle and, typical of runners who suffered for the glory of a competitor T-shirt or race medal "bling," I knew I wanted one of those swords.

Gains were painstakingly slow for the next four years as I entered various contests. But by the time I walked on stage for my first Kentucky Muscle in 2021, I'd gained 8 lbs. of muscle.

That year, Master's Classic Physique was only one class, 35+. Right then, I knew my chances at placing would be a long shot, but that just fired me up even more. No surprise I finished near the bottom in Classic. Happily, I crossed over to Physique and brought home my first swords for 60+ and novice.

I wanted to give Classic Physique another go. We worked hard for another year and also focused on posing. I returned to Kentucky Muscle in 2022. This time, the master's group had 60+ and 50+ divisions where I earned 1st and 4th place swords.

Mary Ann, my wife of 38 years, thought my running group and I were crazy with our 5 am, rain or shine training. Now she knows bodybuilding is a different kind of crazy commitment.

Nutrition

Diet (approximately 16 Weeks Out)

Saturday / Sunday / Monday
Meal 1: 2 whole eggs, 1c egg whites, 3oz avocado, 1 c spinach, ¹⁄₂c berries, ¹⁄₂c oatmeal
Meal 2: 7oz chicken, 1c quinoa, 1c zucchini
Meal 3: Protein shake with banana
Meal 4: 7oz chicken, ¹⁄₂c jasmine rice, 1c green beans, ¹⁄₄c almonds
Meal 5: 7oz chicken, ¹⁄₂c quinoa, 1c carrots, 10 pecan halves
Meal 6: 7oz chicken, 2c mixed salad, 1 tbsp olive oil, ¹⁄₂ red pepper

Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday / Friday
Meal 1: 6oz steak, ¹⁄₂c spinach, ¹⁄₂c mushrooms, ¹⁄₂c berries, ¹⁄₂c oatmeal
Meal 2: 7oz chicken, 1c quinoa, 1c zucchini
Meal 3: Protein shake with banana
Meal 4: 7oz chicken, 1c jasmine rice, 1 red pepper
Meal 5: 7oz chicken, ³⁄₄c quinoa, 1c carrots
Meal 6: 7oz turkey or chicken, 7oz sweet potato, 1c green beans

Supplements:

3 Quadracarn and 3 Density: Meals 1, 3, and 6. These are my Beverly "go-to's."

Lean Out: 1-2 capsules with every meal.

7-Keto MuscLean: 3 capsules with Meals 1 and 3, this combo of Lean Out & 7-Keto MuscLean significantly helps with cravings as calories decrease.

Ultra 40: Give yourself time to work up to dose as directed for your weight 1 tablet per 10 pounds of body weight), split over 4 to 5 meals. I always felt I looked fuller even on low-carb cycles.

Muscle Synergy: Sip during workouts - a great pump.

ZMA 2000: 3 capsules before bedtime.

Pre-Contest Diet (8 Weeks Out)

Sunday / Monday
Meal 1: 2oz chicken, 2 whole eggs, 4oz avocado, 1c spinach, 1 grapefruit
Meal 2: 7oz chicken, 7oz sweet potato, 1c green beans
Meal 3: Protein shake with 1 c berries, almond milk, plus ¹⁄₄c almonds
Meal 4: 7oz turkey breast, 1c jasmine rice, ³⁄₄c carrots Meal 5: 7oz cod, 7oz red potato, ¹⁄₂ red pepper
Meal 6: 7oz chicken, 2c mixed salad, 1 tbsp olive oil, ¹⁄₂c jasmine rice

Tuesday / Wednesday
Meal 1: 2oz chicken, 2 whole eggs, 1c spinach, ¹⁄₄c oats, ¹⁄₂c blueberries
Meal 2: 7oz chicken, 5oz sweet potato, 1c green beans
Meal 3: Protein shake with 1c berries, almond milk, plus ¹⁄₄c almonds
Meal 4: 7oz turkey breast, ¹⁄₂c jasmine rice, ¹⁄₂c carrots, 4oz avocado
Meal 5: 7oz cod, 7oz red potato, ¹⁄₂ red pepper
Meal 6: 7oz chicken, 2 c mixed salad, 1 tbsp olive oil, ¹⁄₂ c jasmine rice

Thursday / Friday / Saturday
Meal 1: 3oz steak, 2 whole eggs, 1c spinach, ¹⁄₄c oats, ¹⁄₂c blueberries
Meal 2: 7oz chicken, 3oz sweet potato, 1c green beans, ¹⁄₄c almonds
Meal 3: Protein shake with 1c berries, almond milk, plus ¹⁄₄c almonds
Meal 4: 6oz lean steak, 1c carrots, 4oz avocado
Meal 5: 7oz cod, 1c cucumber, ¹⁄₂ red pepper
Meal 6: 7oz chicken, 2c mixed salad, 1 tbsp olive oil, ¹⁄₂c jasmine rice

Periodized Workout Program

Here is an example of the periodization lifting plan that my trainer, Jared Fryman, outlined:

Monday: Chest, Mid-back, Rotator cuff
Tuesday: Quads, Adductors, Calves
Wednesday: Functional cardio (Offseason), HIIT (In season)
Thursday: Shoulders, Lats, Rotator cuff
Friday: Hamstrings, Abductors
Saturday: Arms, Abs
Sunday: Rest (Posing in season)

My workout is divided into 3-week phases. I go through each phase 1 to 2 times before going on to the next phase.

Phase 1

Week 1
Primary lifts 3x15x12x10
Secondary lifts 3x15x12x10
Emphasis, Stability (Earthquake bar is great to use, band work)

Week 2
Primary lifts 4x12
Secondary lifts 15x12x10
Emphasis Negatives 3x8

Week 3
Primary lifts 12x12x10x8
Secondary lifts 3x15
Emphasis Drop sets 3 sets, start at 90-95% of lift, drop 20% each set

Here is an example of a chest and mid-back routine for Phase 1, week 3:

• Warm-up Rower for 5 minutes, band work for shoulders, then warm-up sets @ 50, 60, 70% working weight for primary lifts
• Dumbbell Rows 12x12x10x8
• Machine Chest Press 12x12x10x8
• Machine Row Drop Sets, 3 drops each set for 3 sets. Fifteen seconds of rest between drops. Ninety seconds rest between sets.
• Chest Press Drop Sets 3 drops each set for 3 sets. Fifteen seconds of rest between drops. Ninety seconds rest between sets.
• Dumbbell Reverse Flye 3x15
• One-Arm Cable Decline Press 3x15
• Banded Face Pulls 3x15

Phase 2

Week 1
Primary lifts 5x10
Secondary lifts 3x12
Emphasis Speed/ Power work, 10 seconds, 3 sets

Week 2
Primary lifts 10x10x8x6
Secondary lifts 12x10x8
Emphasis Negatives 3x5

Week 3
Primary lifts 4x8
Secondary lifts 3x15x12x10
Emphasis Rack/ Box lifts 3x5

 
Here is an example of a Quad workout from Phase 2, week 2. Due to previous injuries, I can't go as heavy on my lower body, so I do supersets to get extra volume work in.

• Warm-up Bike 5 minutes, dynamic leg swings, hip band warm-ups, warm-up on squats @ 50, 60, 70% of working weight.
• Squats 3x10x10x8x6
• Calf Raises 3x15 (usually keep reps higher on calf work)
• Box Squats 3 sets of negatives. 5 count down to box.
• Split Squat 12x10x8
• Leg Press 3x15 (Superset with lunges for extra volume)
• Leg Extension 3x5 single-leg negatives, and double leg extension for 15 reps with 2 count contractions at the top.
• Copenhagen Side Planks hold 30 seconds. Or use the bottom leg to touch and help as much as needed to maintain form.
• Single-Leg Bridge 3x15. (Keeping the posterior chain strengthened is a must, so I add an extra movement for the back side of the body each week during my Quad workout)

Cardio

Off-season (up to 12 weeks before a show)
Monday HIIT 30/30 splits
Tuesday Steady state 30 minutes
Wednesday Functional cardio
Thursday Steady state 30 minutes
Friday Steady state 30 minutes
Saturday Bootcamp class or HIIT 120/60 splits Sunday Off or steady state for 45 minutes

Pre-Contest:
Monday HIIT 30/30 splits
Tuesday Steady state 45 minutes
Wednesday HIIT 60/30 splits
Thursday Steady state 45 minutes
Friday Steady state 45 minutes
Saturday HIIT 120/60 splits
Sunday Steady state 45 minutes

Presentation Tips

Start posing practice early. Pose without a mirror so you can "feel" the pose without having to see yourself. Don't worry about anybody else on stage. Focus on yourself and the judges. If you are competing in Mens Physique, and you are under 6ft tall, make sure your boardshorts are not too long and baggy.

In Closing

Bodybuilding and contest prep, like life, is a journey. The results and progress you achieve are the results of consistent effort and diligence applied over time. Some days you feel like you're 26; other days, you feel like you're 62. Every day in the gym will not be your 100% best, so If you cannot bring everything you have, bring all that you've got. You will always feel better than totally skipping a day.

You may have an IFBB pro you admire, but that person is thousands of hours ahead of you. Look at your peer group for a reality check. Make a detailed checklist well in advance of your competition. It will ease your mind for the last 48hrs and let you focus.

Remember, you are attempting something that very few ever will try. You are a winner when you walk on that stage because you made the most of what your creator gave you. So be humble to your God, and then... when you walk out on stage, smile and OWN IT!.

Push/Pull Series #1
Bench Press / Bent Row or Seated Cable Row. You will do one set of bench presses, rest 60-90 seconds and then do your set of rows. Follow that for all five sets. For example:

Set #1 Bench Press warm-up – 135 x 10 reps
Set #1 Seated Rows warm-up-7-9 reps

Set #2 Bench Press warm-up – 185 x 3 reps
Set #2 Seated Rows warm-up, 7-9 reps

Set #3 Bench Press 185 x 10–12 reps. Do max reps. If you get 12 reps, then increase by 5% (10 lbs.) the next workout
Set #3 Seated Rows 7-9 reps to failure

Sets #4 & 5 Bench Press 5–7 reps to failure – 215-lbs. on both sets. When you get 7 reps on both sets, add 10 lbs
Sets #4 & 5 Seated Rows 7-9 reps to failure

Day 2 Light Legs

Compound Sets – (2 sets within same muscle group).
We find very few trainees spend enough time on their legs. The addition of this short workout can make a large difference in your development.

Series One: 6 sets 12 reps each
Front Squat or Smith Machine Squat compounded with Hack Squats. Keep constant tension on the quads by descending below parallel and coming up just 3/4 of the way (non-lockout.)
Try for 12 reps per set. When you can complete 12 reps on all 6 sets, add 10% to the weight. Rest just 60 seconds after completing each superset – take no more than 18 minutes to complete all 6 supersets.

Series Two
Leg curls compounded with Straight Leg Deadlifts.
3 sets 10 reps each – constant weight. (You may add a couple of straight sets for your calves at the end.)

Day 3 Shoulders, Biceps, and Triceps

Push/Pull Series #1
Shoulder Press (seated or standing).
Warm-up set, then 3 sets 5–7 reps
Heavy Barbell Curls warm-up set, then 3 sets 5–7 reps
Triceps Pushdown 3 sets 6–10 reps to failure

On the above push-pull series, you alternate exercises: 1st set of Shoulder Presses, with 60–90 second rest. Then 1st set Barbell Curls. Rest. Then 1st set of Triceps Pushdowns. Rest 60 – 90 and repeat the series.

Push/Pull Series #2
3-Way Dumbbell Raises, 3 sets. Do Bent Over Laterals, 1x 5 reps, Front Raises, 5 reps, and finally Lateral Raises, for your last 5 reps. Repeat until 3 sets of each have been completed.

3-Way Dumbbell Curls, 3 sets. Do 5 reps top half, 5 reps bottom half, and the final 5 reps are full reps!

3-Way Triceps Presses, 3 sets. Do 5 reps Skull Crushers to forehead, next 5 reps bring bar behind the head, and final 5 reps is a full Pullover and Press.

Day 4 Rest

Day 5 Heavy Legs

(You use planned progression, and your weights are based on 225 x 10 reps normal workout poundage.)

Squat straight sets (lots of rest)
1st set warm-up 10 easy reps - 135
2nd set warm-up 5 Reps - 185
3rd set warm-up 3 Reps - 205

Work Set #1: Use your normal 12–15 rep weight (in this case 205lbs) and do 15–25 reps. Rest 5 minutes
Work Set #2: Add 20-lbs. (225) and try to get 10–20 reps. Rest 5 minutes

Work Set #3: Use the same weight as work set one (205) and go for max reps.

Note: Add weight when you make 25 reps on your first work set or 20 reps on the 2nd work set, but the 3rd work set is always the same weight as the 1st work set.

Try to add at least 1 rep to each work set above each workout

Push/Pull Series to finish
Leg presses 3 x 8–12 reps
Leg curls 3 x 8-12 reps

Day 6 and 7 Rest

In conjunction with a much more realistic approach to training, understand that even genetic wonders do not get maximum results without optimum nutrient-dense 24-hour nutritional support.

Aim for at least 1.5 times your body weight in grams of protein every day. To start, you’ll need at least three regular meals based around whole food protein sources such as steak, eggs, lean ground beef, turkey, chicken, cottage cheese, and fish.

Most people just cannot eat 5-7 whole food meals every day. Instead of trying to choke down one can of tuna after the other all day long, protein drinks make getting your protein quota easier.

You need an intelligent blend of high-octane proteins for growth and support. We do strongly believe that Beverly UMP is the best in quality, convenience, taste, and thus results. UMP is best as a rich and creamy drink. Add heavy cream or half and half to your shake for more nutrient density. You can also make UMP pudding, UMP crepes, and more.

No matter how you use UMP, it provides extra nutritional support and superior source of high nitrogen to grow muscle.

Another very important support tool in your program is Ultra 40 – almost a perfect bodybuilding food. This will not only supply a surplus of amino acids and a premium grade beef protein, but Ultra 40 is laced with micronutrients that provide the groundwork within your metabolism for big growth. This will give you the constant influx of nutrients you need to recover and facilitate growth, 24-7!

For advanced trainees, we’ve all heard the phrase “you don’t grow in the gym.” “Forget what the experts say”… you can grow while you train. There are both truths and fallacies to this statement.

Your efforts in the gym stimulate the growth and recovery that takes place outside of the gym, but there certainly is nothing wrong with getting a jump-start on the process. Density, Muscle Mass and Glutamine Select provide top-grade fuel sources of amino acids for your muscles to feed on while you are training. In addition to fueling growth, an adequate supply of BCAAs in the bloodstream stimulates the utilization of fat stores and increases levels of growth-producing hormones such as testosterone, insulin, and growth hormone. During training, take one or more of these high potency amino acid supplements to increase all three anabolic hormonal environments far past what training alone can provide.

Finally, we also feel that Creatine Select and Mass Maker Ultra will help most people gain mass, especially naturals.

How long? 42 Days

Now, if after 42 days, you are still able to meet your planned progression goals, go another two weeks. Be sure you pay close attention to your nutrition. Take your supplements regularly. Plan each training session in advance. We guarantee you’ll build more muscle in the next 6 weeks than you have in the past 6 months!

Natural Muscle Size Nutrition Program

Adding muscle size and strength requires more than just training. Another key component of your Natural Muscle Size program is a balanced nutrition program with the emphasis on protein. A proper nutritional regimen aimed at increasing muscle size should consist of the three major macronutrients that the human body needs in order to function properly in the following proportions: 35%-50% protein, 20%-40% carbohydrate, 20%-35% fat; the lower your carbohydrate intake, the higher your fat intake should be.

How to Utilize the Natural Muscle Size Nutrition Programs

We’ve listed two nutrition plans to go with your Natural Muscle Size Supplement program. Depending on your goal, choose either of the diets listed, or you could alternate them in 4 to 6 week intervals. Here are 4 options

1. Follow the Maximum Size and Strength plan for the entire 12-16 week period.
2. Follow the Gain Muscle Lose Fat plan for the entire 12-16 week period.
3. Follow the Maximum Size and Strength plan for 6-8 weeks, then harden up by following the Gain Muscle Lose Fat plan for the remaining 6-8 weeks.
4. Follow the Gain Muscle Lose Fat plan for the first 4-6 weeks, then the Maximum Size and Strength Plan for 4 weeks, and then finish out the program with the Gain Muscle Lose Fat plan for the final 4-6 weeks.

As you work into either of the two nutrition plans listed below, it’s okay to adjust portions or add or decrease a meal as needed to maintain progress. Do not worry about the particular order of your meals, if you want to eat Meal #1 as your last meal of the day, go ahead, it’s OK. The most important thing for you to do is make sure you have a minimum of 3 of the food meals listed below in addition to at least 2 UMP shakes (or puddings) each day. In a couple of cases we’ve indicated a particular flavor of UMP, these are just suggestions, go with the flavor you enjoy most.

Maximum Size and Strength Nutrition

Meal 1:
Option A: 3 whole eggs, 5oz lean beef or 1 cup cottage cheese, ¹⁄₂ cup oatmeal (before cooking)

Option B: 3 egg omelet, 2oz cheese, 2 slices whole-grain toast with peanut butter or almond butter, 1 apple

Meal 2:
Protein Shake Option: 2 scoops Ultimate Muscle Protein, 2 tablespoons healthy fat source (olive oil, flax oil, almond butter) or heavy cream. Add strawberries, blueberries, or a banana if desired.

Whole Food Option: 6oz beef patty, 1 cup cottage cheese and ¹⁄₂ cup pineapple

Meal 3:
Option A: 8oz roast beef or turkey breast (or other protein source), ¹⁄₂ cup cooked brown rice (or other complex carbohydrate source), Optional: 1 or 2 servings of low carb fruit or vegetables

Option B: 5oz roast beef, 2oz swiss cheese, 2 slices rye bread, 1 apple, 1-2 cups salad

Meal 4 (post workout):
Protein Shake Option: 2 scoops Ultimate Muscle Protein, 1 tablespoon healthy fat source (olive oil, flax oil, almond butter) or heavy cream, 1 banana

Mass Maker Ultra Option: If you are a hard gainer, you can replace your post-workout UMP shake with Mass Maker Ultra - 2 scoops Mass Maker Ultra, 12oz vitamin D milk or water, 1 banana.

Whole Food Option (optional on non-workout days): 6-8oz ground beef, ¹⁄₂ cup cottage cheese, ¹⁄₂ cup pineapple or ½ cantaloupe

Meal 5:
8oz serving of protein (steak, pork, chicken, turkey or fish), 8-10oz baked potato or sweet potato, 1-2 cups low carb vegetables or salad

Meal 6 (before bed):
UMP Shake (same as meal #4) or protein pudding – mix two scoops Ultimate Muscle Protein in a bowl with just enough water to make a pudding texture. Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter or heavy cream.

Gain Muscle Size While Losing Fat Nutrition Plan

Meal 1:
2 whole eggs plus 4 egg whites, 5oz lean meat, ¹⁄₂ cup oatmeal (measured before cooking)

Meal 2:
Protein Shake Option: 2 scoops Ultimate Muscle Protein (chocolate flavor), 1 tbsp almond butter, 1 tbsp heavy whipping cream, 12-14oz water

Whole Food Option: 8oz sliced roast beef or other protein source, 1 apple or other fruit

Meal 3:
6-8oz lean meat, 6oz sweet potato or ²⁄₃ cup cooked brown rice, 2 cups vegetables (broccoli, etc.) and/or salad with 2 tablespoons dressing

Meal 4 (post workout):
Protein Shake Option: 2 scoops Ultimate Muscle Protein (vanilla flavor), 1 tablespoon healthy fat source (olive oil, flax oil, almond butter) or heavy cream. Add banana or berries if desired.

Whole Food Option (optional on non-workout days): 6oz turkey breast, ¹⁄₂ cup cottage cheese, ¹⁄₂ cup pineapple (unsweetened) or ¹⁄₂ cantaloupe

Meal 5:
8-10oz lean meat, 2 cups vegetables, salad with 2 tablespoons dressing

Meal 6 (before bed):
Protein Shake Option: Shake (same as meal #2) or protein pudding – mix two scoops Ultimate Muscle Protein (cookies & crème) in a bowl with just enough water to make a pudding texture. Add 1 tablespoon of almond butter, walnuts, or heavy cream if desired.

Whole Food Option: 4oz chicken or turkey breast, 6 egg whites, 1 cup omelet vegetables

Beverages: Make sure that you drink at least six to eight 8oz glasses of water each day (that’s four 16oz bottles). Watch out for sugars in the liquids you drink, juices and regular soft drinks will sabotage your progress. Limit your beverages to water, coffee, tea, diet sodas, and Crystal Light.

Free Foods: You can eat any of the following at any time, without jeopardizing your results: Sugar free gum, sugar-free Jell-O, Splenda, Equal, seasonings, mustard, vinegar, hot sauce, salt and pepper.

Natural Bodyz was the perfect gym for me. I started cautiously, learning what I could and couldn't do. As I grew stronger, I began feeling better about myself. But, summer was coming, and I wanted to have my bikini body back sooner than later. I hired a trainer, Terrence Bond, and began my four-month summer body program. As my training became serious, I met some members preparing to compete in a bodybuilding show. My goal was only to get in shape for summer, but I was intrigued by their lifestyle.

I signed up for a new three-month program that would help me prepare for my first bodybuilding competition. I wasn't sure how well I would do; I mean, I was 40 years old and would be competing against 20-year-olds. But I said, "Why not!". At least I'll have an amazing body for a 40-year-old, right?

My first show would be the OCB Battle for Tidewater. I was excited and so nervous during my prep, knowing that I would step on stage in a little bikini and sparkly heels at 40 years old alongside all these young girls. But I did. And I won every category I entered that day, including my Bikini open pro card and Masters Pro card. What made it even more rewarding was that all my friends, family, and coworkers were there to celebrate with me since it was local.

It was so exciting, and I just loved it from the moment I stepped on stage. I've been competing in bodybuilding competitions ever since. Even today, I get nervous and excited, but I'm so happy to be up there on that stage. I'm proud to represent the 40+ ladies on that stage, even when there are girls as young as my daughter standing next to me. I have competed in nine OCB shows and have won multiple 1st places not only in Masters Bikini Pro but also in Open Bikini Pro. I also have won 2nd overall in the last 2 years at the prestigious Yorton Cup. I'll be there again this year, gunning for that 1st place trophy. I'm now 47 years old and believe I still have a few more years of competing before I retire.

Diet

I eat six times a day, whether in a bulking or cutting phase. My first meal is at 7 am, and my last meal is around 8-9 pm. Meals vary but here is an average day for me. I drink at least 150 ounces of water a day to keep hydrated. I usually put lemon or lime in my water 2-3x a day.

Meal 1: ¹⁄₂c oats (with cinnamon, salt, and a tbsp of canned pumpkin), 5 egg whites and 2 whole eggs, 1c almond milk, 1 tbsp roasted pumpkin seeds

Meal 2: 4oz grilled or air fried chicken or ground turkey, ¹⁄₂c rice (white or brown), ¹⁄₂ avacodo

Meal 3: 4.5oz ground chicken or turkey, 2 low carb tortilla wraps, ¹⁄₄c rice or ¹⁄₂c black beans, add tomatoes and green chili sauce for tacos, and 2 tbsp vegan Greek yogurt with ranch powder seasoning

Meal 4: 4.5oz fish sautéed using gluten-free breadcrumbs, 5oz veggies sautéed in coconut oil with peppers

Meal 5: Same as meal four

Meal 6: 4oz salmon, 3oz avocado, side of diced cucumber and tomatoes

Supplements

I feel using supplements is very important. I like the Ultra 40 / Mass Aminos stack to maintain muscle mass. Another favorite to retain my lean muscle while dieting is Muscle Synergy before my workouts. It makes my body look more defined and not bulky.

Here's how I incorporate Beverly supplements into my daily schedule:

7-Keto MuscLean 2 capsules upon arising & again with meal 2

Lean Out 1 capsule with meals 1, 2, and 3

Ultra 40 Liver Extract and Mass Aminos 3 or 4 tablets each with meals 1, 2, 3, & 4

Muscle Synergy powder 2 scoops pre-workout

Energy Reserve 1 tablet with meals 1, 2, & 3

I also take a probiotic in the morning and at night

Training

During my building phase, I usually train four times a week, in-corporating two leg days and two upper-body days. I follow each program for about four to eight weeks. Then I will switch it up by using different exercises or rep ranges. Below is an example of a typical building phase using supersets. Do 3-5 sets of 8-10 reps for each exercise.

Day 1 Glutes & Legs
Glute Bridges (legs pointed out) / Hack Squat
Glute Bridges (legs pointed forward) Straight Leg Deadlift
Smith Machine Sumo Squats / Bulgarian Split Squats
Barbell Squats / Box Step-ups (slow going down)

Day 2 Back & Chest
Wide-grip Pullups / Bench Press
Seated Rows (w/rope) / Incline DB Press
1-Arm Lat Pulldowns / Cable Flyes
DB Rows / Chest Press Machine

Day 3 Rest

Day 4 Shoulders & Biceps
Arnold Press / Hammer Curls
Alternate DB Press / Rope Curls
Lateral Raises / Incline Curls
Military Press / EZ Bar Curls

Day 5 Legs
Squats / Sumo Squat
Leg Press / Sumo Leg Press
Leg Extension / Seated Leg Curl
Deadlift / Hack Squat

 

Days 6 & 7 Rest

I don't perform any direct ab exercises throughout most of the year but keep a tight core while I train. During the last eight weeks before a contest, I will incorporate some light core move-ments and perform stomach vacuums.

I spend 10-15 minutes warming up before each workout and like to do foam rolling or active stretching after workouts. I usually have a vegan protein drink after training. Beverly has a great vegan option called PBP.

Cardio

My favorite cardio is inclined walking. I feel like I get a good burn, but the intensity is low enough that I can maintain it for 30-35 minutes 4 to 6 times a week. I usually set the treadmill at a maximum incline, but my speed level is just 3-3.2 mph.

I also have a love-hate relationship with Tabata sprints on the treadmill. I only do those when I want to cut a little more or get a better sweat session. The intervals for Tabata sprints are 20-second sprints with 10 seconds of rest for eight minutes total.

Some Other Things You Might Not Know About Me

I married my husband, Marcus, in 2020. He also competes and recently won his Masters pro card. Our goal is to compete in the Yorton Cup together. I also got my daughter into competing when she graduated college. I helped her prep, made her meals, kept her accountable, and was also her posing coach. She made me so proud in her 1st show, the 3rd anniversary of my first show; she won her Bikini pro card.

Since I take posing so seriously, I would like to give you some posing tips if you decide to compete on stage. Don't wait to learn how to pose. Once you know you're going to compete, watch videos on YouTube to learn your organization's posing guidelines. If you can, hire a coach to give you feedback. It will help if you video yourself to see any flaws in your posing. Your "Stage Presence" sets the tone for the judges. As soon as you walk out there, you need to convey confidence from head to toe. Make sure you are poised, elegant, and look like you're having fun up there. Finally, you need to pose for 10-15 minutes every day while prepping, even if you have been on stage before. It just has to become part of your daily routine. I hope these tips help and happy posing.

In Closing

Always make time for what you really want in life. No matter how busy your life becomes, you have to accept those challenges and make priorities. I am a mom of two with a disabled daughter. I have traveled back and forth five hours each way nearly every weekend to my daughter's college soccer games for four years. Yet I still was able to compete because it was something I loved and wanted to do.

Competing may have started just for fun, but now it's more than a hobby and has become part of my daily life. I would have never thought six years ago that my life would be structured this way. I enjoy working as a physical therapist assistant; that is my day job, but I enjoy competing and helping others become better on stage. It may eventually become my actual "day job" because I can't see myself not having some part of this life in my daily routine.

I continued lifting through high school, and at age 16, I captured my first national gold medal in the US Junior Olympics at a body weight of 148. My main diet during this time was chicken and more chicken for protein with fresh vegetables from the garden and some light supplements. (Ok, I did have a couple of cheat days a week, but I was a teenager, and it didn't have any effect on my weight classes) We trained 5 days per week with sessions focusing on speed, technique, and strength. Olympic lifting mainly utilizes fast twitch muscle fibers, so training was intense and focused.

Throughout my high school years, my dad and I continued to train together and competed in many of the same meets. By the time I was 20, I had captured state, regional and national titles. At 23, I competed in the Junior and Open Olympic Nationals. I placed 3rd overall in the 181-lb weight class. I had dedicated most of my life to Olympic lifting, but now I needed to give my body a break. It was tough, but I decided to hang up my Olympic lifting gear.

In 1995, I joined our local Powerhouse Gym and met my wife, Kelly. We trained together, and I began to focus on competing in bench press competitions in the National Athletic Strength Association (NASA), and local gym meets. The lifters at Powerhouse Gym introduced me to Beverly International supplements. Muscle Provider, Mass Aminos, and Ultra 40 were my mainstays.

Fast forward to October 2019, we decided to complete our home gym and start setting some new goals for competing in powerlifting bench competitions once again. We updated our home gym(most of our basement) with Rogue equipment alongside all my old school York weights from my Olympic lifting years. Now it was time to sit down and start planning training, nutrition/supplements, and which meets I wanted to target.

Nutrition and Supplement Plan to Gain Strength and Drop Bodyfat

I turned 55 this year, placing me in the 55-59 Masters class and at the front end of the age group. I wanted to add strength while bringing my weight down from 198 to 181 lbs. I've choked down many different protein powders throughout my years of lifting. When I discovered Beverly's UMP, the taste made me feel like every day was a "cheat day." Not only that, but I created a lot of space in our pantry by throwing out all the half-full protein products I had accumulated but couldn't finish.

My wife and I eat a relatively clean diet, allowing one day a week to indulge. As an aging lifter, I knew I couldn't train myself out of a bad diet and that I needed to rely more on my supplements and meal planning to achieve the results I was after. Since I'd had solid results with Beverly products in the past, I referenced their Nutrition and Supplement solutions at BeverlyInternational.com for some guidelines. It was easy to develop the best supplement strategy for me that was aligned with my goals and budget.

My nutrition and supplement plans were designed to gain strength while dropping extra body fat. I went from a body weight of 198 to 181 in 4 months, getting me close to a double bodyweight bench press.

Meal 1 – 6:30 am
(30 minutes pre-workout)

2 scoops of UMP with cold water, 1 scoop of Power Greens powdered (generic), 2 hard boiled eggs

Supplements
1 scoop Creatine Select, 1 scoop Glutamine Select, and 2 scoops Up-Lift with cold water, 2 FitTabs, 6 Mass Aminos, 6 Ultra 40, 3 Quadracarn, 1 Lean Out, 6 GH Factor

Snack (midmorning/post workout)
1 scoop Glutamine Select w/water, 12 almonds, 1 tbsp natural peanut butter, 1 rice cake

Meal 2 – Lunch (11:30 am)
6oz grilled chicken, 2 cups broccoli, 1 half sweet potato, 2 sugar-free Jello cups

Supplements
6 Mass Aminos, 6 Ultra 40, 3 Quadracarn, 1 Lean Out

Snack (Mid-Afternoon 2:30 pm)
My favorite snack late afternoon is two scoops of chocolate UMP, blended with ice and water. This quenches my sweet tooth with what is like a soft serve chocolate ice cream (highly recommended)!

Meal 3 – Dinner (6:00 pm)
6oz grilled chicken , 8 cups of salad greens, 1 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt w/1 Truvia sweetener. (For dinner, my wife and I have a variety of meals that consist of lean meat proteins, various salads, and, or a vegetable.)

Supplements
1 scoop Creatine Select, 1 scoop Glutamine Select, 2 scoops Up-Lift with cold water, 2 FitTabs, 6 Mass Aminos, 6 Ultra 40, 3 Quadracarn, 1 Lean Out, 6 GH Factor

You'll notice that I'm taking quite a few tablets with my meals:

6 Mass Aminos
6 Ultra 40
3 Quadracarn
1 Lean Out

... the results make it worth it

In Closing

At the time of writing this article, I've hit my weight goal of 181lbs and am three weeks out from my national qualifier meet. I'm on target for setting the state record and am feeling confident. My lifting journey has introduced me to my wife, countless new friends, and opportunities to train alongside the best.

A special thanks to my dad and coach for setting me on this journey so many years ago. The confidence and discipline he taught me have opened many doors personally and professionally. He still offers support, solid training tips, and guidance. Like many of us pushing to find our limits, my biggest competitor is myself. Staying focused through the peaks and plateaus for success.

Stay focused and listen to your body – we'll see you around the gym.

Postscript: "Hi Sandy - Had a good weekend. For the two meets, I walked away with 3 gold and 1 bronze and set 4 State Records (on my first attempts, both days, I set the record and then broke my own record on my second attempts).

I changed into my Beverly shirt on day two for the medal presentation. I was asked a few times if I was a rep for the company!!!"

I have worked with Women’s Fitness Specialist, Julie Lohre, for all of my competition prep. Living in Europe, I was not able to work with her face-to-face, but Julie set up all my training programs in an easy to follow format. I can see a tremendous transformation when comparing pictures from 3 years ago, and I owe it all to Julie for her fitness and diet guidance, as well as her overall support and encouragement. Also, Julie is the one who introduced me to the Beverly International products, so thank you, Julie!

DIET

MEAL 1:
4 egg whites scrambled with 2 oz ground chicken breast, ½ cup oatmeal

MEAL 2:
2 scoops UMP mixed with water

MEAL 3:
5 oz lean protein (usually chicken breast or fish) topped on a large salad always including tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, red onion, drizzled with red wine vinegar; plus a 4-5 oz sweet potato, lightly salted, and with red wine vinegar to moisten it

MEAL 4:
2-3 oz of tuna (in water) mixed with one chopped dill pickle and 1 tbsp light mayo, 1 medium tomato in 4 slices. I top each tomato slice with the tuna mix and avocado slices. Close to competition I omit the mayo and avocado.

MEAL 5:
6 oz lean protein, 2 cups of steamed vegetables, usually broccoli florets and/or cauliflower.

MEAL 6:
On occasion, if I feel extra hungry before bed, I have 1 scoop of BI UMP pudding made with water

The best way to implement a plan such as this is to make your meals ahead of time. It is easier to stay on track when the right foods are available. Even more importantly, I do my best to cook clean for my family as well. At first, I would make “their dinner” then “my dinner.” Until one night I looked at the 2 different meals and saw a big problem. My family was eating processed while I was eating a healthy clean meal. Why was that food okay for them but not for me? Why was I taking in all the wonderful nutrition while they weren’t? So, I began incorporating clean diets for my family. Now when we sit down at the dinner table we all enjoy a healthy meal together.

PREPARATION TIPS

I cooked 1 lb of ground chicken to last the whole week for my breakfast. I also cooked egg whites up to 3 days in advance and keep them in separated containers in the fridge. I add 2 oz chicken to each egg white container so I can easily grab it and take to work. At work I store a container of quick oats oatmeal, a ½ cup measuring cup, a bowl and make my oatmeal in the break room at work.

Every Sunday, I buy, wash, cut, and store all my fruits and vegetables. I build one very large salad with all my desired veggies and store it in the fridge. This stops me from having to build a new salad every day, I just serve a couple handfuls and I am good to go! I bring my salad to work in a freezer bowl to keep it cold.

I keep several must-have items at work so I don’t have to carry them back and forth from home: oatmeal, Uncle Ben’s individual microwavable brown rice servings, utensils, red wine vinegar, Splenda, salt and pepper.

TRAINING

Split Routine over 6 days. Each session targets 2 muscles groups with under-trained areas addressed twice a week. The exercises remain the same for 4 weeks with each week changing variables such as rep, sets, intensity, and/or rest periods. No matter how the program is designed, there are always plyometrics involved at least 1 day. Sample:

Monday – Glutes and abs

Tuesday – Back and chest

Wednesday – Delts and abs

Thursday – Glutes and hamstrings

Friday – Biceps, triceps, and abs

Saturday – Legs

Sunday – Rest

TIME MANAGEMENT

Everyone’s experience is so unique and everyone encounters different challenges. For me, my hardest obstacle to overcome during contest prep is time management. Managing all of life’s day-to-day aspects gets harder when you add consistent training, prepping meals, posing practice, so on and so on. So I would like to share this with No Nonsense readers who are wondering how they can do it. This is a small segment I wrote to share with my FB page followers that reveals my dearest secret to accomplishment:

Mental compartmentalization: This is truly my “secret” weapon to living a military life, raising children, maintaining my health, the health and happiness of my family, and finding time for self-improvement. I mentally compartmentalize my entire life by breaking it down into the main areas:

Family/Home Life/Religion
Fitness (Gym/Exercise Time)
School/Education
Social Relationships
Work

Each of these areas is important to me so I groom them separately. Of course they overlap each other at times, but helping them flourish takes extra effort and we have to give each the individual mental attention they need to do so. For example, when I first decided to compete, I was working full time, in school full time, my husband was deployed, I was raising 2 very young toddlers in Europe with no family near, and I was going to train for a competition. I had to tackle each area separately. Here’s how. When I stepped into work I did my best to block out the other areas. I didn’t worry about what assignment had to be accomplished for school or what workout I was going to do later. I focused on work and work alone. When I left work, I left thoughts of work there as I stepped out of the office and into the gym. In the gym all I focused on was conditioning for the competition. Yes, many times I heard people saying I was stuck up in the gym, but socializing was not on the top of my list at the moment. When I left the gym and picked up my kids, my focus for the evening was all on my 2 year and 3 ½ year old daughters (favorite part of my day). As soon as they were in bed, I opened up my laptop and school books and thought about nothing but how I was going to rock out this A-paper. When I could not concentrate another second, into the kitchen I went to prepare all my food for the next day, got all our bags lined up by the door, caught my 7 hours of sleep and by 6:15 am, the girls and I were out the door for another day just like the previous. Two of the best feelings of my life were walking across the stage graduating from college with honors, and then 2 weeks later walking across the stage accepting 1st place in my first competition! Although my husband was not there to witness either, he was so proud!

My point is that we all have “stuff.” List your “stuff,” weed out what is not important or makes you unhappy and put the rest into categories. Then find a way to arrange your categories into manageable areas of life. At times in our lives this will be easier or more difficult. But it can be done. Prioritize. If it is truly important to you, it can be done and it should be an area of your life.

You notice I did not list “health” as an area of my life. That’s because it over shadows all areas of my life. Health is not an area of my life; it is the result of my life.

NUTRITION

OK, Great! I've decided to compete, now what? As a lifetime bodybuilding fan, I knew that a rock solid diet plan was essential, and I needed to come up with one in a hurry. It was late November, and at 218 lbs. with a stage goal of roughly 190 lbs., I needed to diet for 15 weeks to be ready for the show. After analyzing my past attempts to “lean out” I decided that to successfully compete, my best bet would be to consult with a coach. Enter David Johnston. David was an amazing prep coach and immediately set me on a dietary path that yielded the results I desired.

If you've ever read the NNN, you'll find his first suggestion was obvious – I would rigorously weigh all food, log all macronutrients, and would not skip any meals! Although I thought I knew a thing or two about nutrition, I learned from David that part of the key to dieting is (1) conditioning the body to a known nutrient profile, (2) patiently tracking the changes, and (3) then introducing small reductions as needed to continue the gradual weight loss.

The hardest part for me as a first-timer was establishing a good baseline diet. It took about 4 weeks to get the food intake precisely "locked in" for optimal fat loss, so if you too are a first timer, whatever you plan for your prep timeframe, give yourself a few extra weeks of buffer time to account for errors like this! David recommended a carb-cycle diet. The carb days were strategically bracketed around my weight training routine (see the Training section) to give me enough energy to make it through the heavy power days and the high volume hypertrophy days. Another important note about my diet was that I customized it to my 8:30-6:00 work schedule. I consumed meals 2-4 at work. Meals 2 and 4 worked well as quick pre or post-lunch snacks, and meal 3 fit in nicely with lunch so that I could still eat with my friends like a normal person.

Here is a sample of my contest prep diet at roughly 6 weeks out. At this point, my body was responding really well and dropping 1-2 lbs./week, so I stayed very close to this plan all the way up until contest day.

Note: I began each day with fasted cardio and then started with meal 1. I trained with weights between meals 4 and 5. I was at home for meals 1, 5, and 6, and at work for meals 2-4. For fluids, I consumed 1.5-2 gallons of water over the course of every day.

HIGH CARB DAY: MON/WED/FRI

MEAL 1:
3/4c oats, 4 oz chicken, 1c egg whites

MEAL 2:
2 scoops of Muscle Provider (A quick and easy snack type meal at work.)

MEAL 3:
8 oz of chicken or tilapia, 1/2c oats

MEAL 4:
2 scoops of Muscle Provider, 1/2c oats (Easy to prepare at work like meal 2.)

MEAL 5:
8 oz of chicken or tilapia, 6 oz sweet potato

MEAL 6:
2c egg whites (at home)

LOW CARB DAY: SAT/SUN/TUES/THURS

MEAL 1:
2 whole eggs, 1c egg whites

MEAL 2:
2 scoops of Muscle Provider, 1 tbsp natural peanut butter (mixed with barely enough water in a bowl to create the tastiest pud-ing in the world)

MEAL 3:
8 oz chicken or tilapia, 2/3 oz raw almonds

MEAL 4:
Same as Meal 2

MEAL 5:
Same as Meal 3

MEAL 6:
8 oz eye of round steak

 

One final note about my diet is worth mentioning. I did not cheat. Think about it: There are plenty of times in your life to give in and eat things that are a bit unhealthy, but a bodybuilding contest is not one of those times. Rather, this is the one time in your life that you are going to put yourself in the best condition of your life - why not bite the bullet, stick to the plan and do it right? It may be hard, but in terms of nutrition, at the end of the day you'll have the clear conscience of saying you gave it every-thing you had when standing on stage.

SUPPLEMENTS

Having taken Beverly International's products since 2007 with great results, I knew I wanted to take my pre-contest supplementation seriously. I went to their website and found their supplement recommendation chart. Included, among other programs, was a full listing of supplements for the male pre-contest bodybuilder. The only other question was supplement timing. For this, I took advantage of the useful information from successful Beverly bodybuilders of the past who had posted their winning formulas in previous No Nonsense Newsletters. From there, I devised the following routine:

Super Pak: One every morning upon completion of fasted AM cardio.

Density: Three with each meal.

Ultra 40: Four with each meal.

Lean Out: Two with each meal.

7 Keto Musclean: Three upon waking before cardio. Sometimes I would take three before weight training if I felt like I needed the energy boost, but not always.

Quadracarn: Three with meals 1, 3, and 5.

Glutamine Select + BCAA's: 2 scoops following fasted AM cardio and 2 scoops following any weight workout.

Muscularity: Began taking at the 4 week out mark. Four caps following each meal.

Bev ZMA: Three at night before bed.

TRAINING

As a lifetime natural bodybuilder that had tried many different weight training programs, I took some time to reflect on what I felt had worked for me in the past. While everyone may be different, I came to the conclusion that for me, heavy compound powerlifting type exercises were my bread-and-butter movements for obtaining mass, while mid/high repetition hypertrophy exercises worked well to supplement the power movements. Interestingly enough, I found that IFPA professional bodybuilder Dr. Layne Norton had implemented both of these features into his training regimen known as Power Hypertrophy Adaptive Training (PHAT). PHAT involves two days of essentially powerlifting of the entire upper and lower body, followed by three days of higher-repetition hypertrophy training of the entire body. Essentially you train your entire body twice per week, incorporating BOTH the "power-building" style and traditional bodybuilding. I believe that the low-rep, heavy compound weight that I moved during the Sunday and Monday power days helped me maximize my muscle preservation over the 14 week haul. In fact, I was even setting a few personal records until about week 10, where my strength actually held even for the most part. My weight training schedule was as follows:

Sunday: Lower Body Power

Monday: Upper Body Power

Tuesday: Off

Wednesday: Chest and Arms Hypertrophy

Thursday: Lower Body Hypertrophy

Friday: Back and Shoulders Hypertrophy

Saturday: Off

 

Sticking to a grueling weight training schedule while working 9-10 hours a day at a brain-exhausting job was mentally and physically draining. Sometimes I felt like my body was running on fumes, but I thankfully had a lot of support from my friends, family, and my girlfriend Sandy when things were tough.

PRESENTATION AND DAY OF THE SHOW

At the start of my prep, I participated in hour long weekly posing sessions with my coach, David. At the 10 week out mark, I was also posing on my own 3-4 days a week for about 20 minutes after work and documenting with pictures. Do not under-estimate the importance of this practice! Trust me, you will look at your pictures from week-to-week and be amazed at the presentation improvements that you'll continue to make. As the days drew closer and closer to the show, I felt that the most important strategy was to keep everything simple and stick to the plan. I didn't panic or make any drastic last minute changes, but I kept the training intense until the last week before the show. During this final "peak week", however, I did throttle back the training and circuit trained for 40-60 minutes on Monday-Wednesday, stopping each set 3-4 reps short of failure. Cardio was also cut to 20 minute sessions. On Thursday and Friday I stopped training altogether, aside from posing practice and visualization.

The day of the contest was like a celebration of all of my hard work rather than a stressful event. The hardest days were behind me. I was well prepared and competing "for the love of the game" rather than to beat other competitors. In the end, I was fortunate to walk away with four total trophies at the OCB Eastern Regional in Baltimore, MD, taking first place in Debut Heavyweight class, first place in Novice Heavyweight class, first place in the Novice Overall, and third place in the Open Middleweight class. Sandy also had a great first time showing and finished fifth place in the Open Bikini division. The highlights of the day were definitely sharing the experience with Sandy, the posedown that I had to do for the Novice Overall, and getting shouts of "Crab Most Muscular" from my friends in the audience! Standing there on the stage at your physical peak, surrounded by many of the people you care about in life, you realize that every minute of the preparation is truly worth it.

&hbsp;

CONCLUSION

Today, I remain an interesting anomaly in my every day work place. My day job involves planning and designing robotic spacecraft missions to asteroids and planets like Mercury and Pluto. That said, it probably comes as no surprise when I tell you that most people in my field do not spend their time moving 500 pounds on deadlifts, or dieting on grilled chicken, oatmeal, and protein shakes for weeks on end. Nowadays, my novice overall trophy (a smily golden muscle-man flexing his biceps) that sits on my desk is an eyebrow raising, conversation piece when a co-worker walks into my office and asks me a question about orbital mechanics. Sandy remains committed to improving her physique to compete in figure competitions, and I hope to beef up my legs and compete for some open overall titles in the future. I hope you find some small pieces of useful information in my story that you may take with you in your own fitness journey someday because I'm sure I will continue to be inspired, amazed, and educated by the stories of others in the NNN in the future.

So, fast forward to January 23, 2003, the day my daughter was born. After a pregnancy of continuous exercise, weight training and healthier eating, I delivered Kaylee at about 180 pounds. It was unbelievable to me that I had still gained over 55 pounds with her. Four months later, my daughter was diagnosed with Bacterial Meningitis and we almost lost her. She was near death when they took her off in the ambulance to UK Pediatric ICU. Those were the scariest two weeks of my life. She did recover, and is now 9 years old and perfect in every way.

Now, I was overweight again, but consumed with “mommy guilt” about hitting the gym. My only exercise was when I taught my group exercise classes. Years passed, with me once again feeling down on the inside about my appearance. I gradually started to add weight training back in to my routine, but not with the same passion that I had in the beginning.

It was a planned Florida vacation in 2009 that finally sparked my passion again. My goal was to be as lean as the women featured on the cover of Oxygen. I “secretly” went on a competition diet that I found online and by the time we left for our trip, I had managed to reach 126 pounds. While on vacation, I exercised every morning at sunrise. I ran the stairs of our condo, 25 floors, multiple times. Then at 7am, the gym opened and I circuit trained for another hour. I actually came home from our trip weighing 3 pounds less than when we arrived.

I finally decided to enter a Figure Competition. I picked a show, discussed the details with my husband and set my plan into action. I had 12 weeks to get ready. I continued to follow my now, “not so secret” diet plan and made tremendous progress. I stepped on stage at 112 pounds and took two overall titles (Masters and Open) at the East TN Expo in Knoxville, TN. My next show was seven days later where I placed 5th at the Tricky Jackson Classic, an NPC National Qualifier in Lexington, KY. I was hooked! I’ve continued to compete ever since and just got home from the Arnold Classic Amateur where I placed 4th! Pretty much a dream come true. As you can probably tell by now, I am in love with the sport, and the stage and I plan to compete for many years to come.

Now, I’d like to share some insight into my nutrition, cardio, and training with you. I hope it will help you to start or advance your own journey into fitness.

Nutrition

My meal plan was developed by “Fit To Be In Your Kitchen” and Ruben Sandoval. I eat 7 small meals every day. I implement a carb-cycling plan where I do two low-carb days, then a medium carb day, followed by three low-carb days, followed by a high carb day. My calories during my Arnold Classic show prep ranged from 1650-2050 throughout the week.

My low carb day looked like this:

3:45am: Wake up, three Fit Tabs (previously called Ultra 4), one scoop Glutamine Select, two Lean Out and three 7-Keto

4:30am: Workout and posing practice

8:00am: UMP chocolate with ½ cup of strawberries and another scoop of Glutamine Select

10:30am: 4 egg whites and ¼ cup of oats plus 1 tbsp natural peanut butter and two Lean Out

1:30pm: 3 egg whites and one granny smith apple

4:00pm: 4oz chicken, ¼ cup brown rice, ½ avocado and lots of veggies plus 2 Lean Out

6:00pm: Quest bar, 2 Lean Out and three 7-Keto

7:30pm: 4oz Tilapia (pan fried in 1 tsp of olive oil), 7 asparagus spears, a bit of cauliflower and a tbsp of salsa, 1 tbsp of Chia Seeds sprinkled over Tilapia, lemon juice squirted over everything and 1 tsp of Parmesan cheese sprinkled over everything

9:30pm: ¾ scoop of Chocolate UMP and 1.5 tbsp of natural peanut butter, two Lean Out and three Fit Tabs

On my medium and high carb days, I have a variety of recipes including egg pancakes, slow-cooker chicken tacos, egg muffins, and a quinoa, chicken and spinach meal that is really tasty. I also get to use some mayonnaise!

I prep my foods in advance. I boil a big pan of chicken, after it’s finished, I place individual servings into sandwich bags and add seasoning. I make a whole box of brown rice at once as well as many servings of Tilapia. I keep two days’ worth in my fridge and place the rest in the freezer. As I need more, I remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw inside the fridge. The key is to be prepared! I know what I am going to eat every day, and plan accordingly. I pack all my foods in a cooler if I am working or at ballgames with my children. I even pack my digital scale everywhere I go just in case I need to measure anything. I am very diligent about my food measures, it’s the only way to know exactly how many calories you are consuming. I drink at least one gallon of water each day. It’s healthy and a good way to help control hunger pains. I use sea salt enriched with iodine on most of my foods as well as Mrs. Dash seasonings.

Supplements

Chocolate UMP is the bomb! I will NEVER use any other protein powder. It’s my chocolate fix every day. Glutamine Select is what I call my “magic potion”. I train very hard, and without it, I am dragging. It helps me recover faster so that I can push just as hard with every single workout. I love Fit Tabs, it’s the new name for Beverly’s original Ultra 4 multi-vitamin, it doesn’t make me sick like most vitamins. When I don’t use Fit Tabs, I get cramps in my legs. I use Lean Out and 7-Keto to keep my metabolism up and to mobilize stored fat for energy.

Cardio

I am a Group Exercise Instructor. I teach 4 days of classes per week including Indoor Cycling, Step and Bodypump. I’m lucky to be able to use these classes as my cardio. My only other cardio is one extra day of treadmill hill climbs or outdoor stair running. The Group Exercise classes are a great way to burn a lot of calories and have a ton of fun. The atmosphere is motivating and the participants are encouraging to one another and to me.

Presentation

I practice my posing at least 4 days a week, starting at 6 weeks out from the show. I visualize myself on stage. I hold each of my poses at least 30 seconds and repeat multiple times. I practice my walk, my smile, my model pose and even my curtsy. I also video myself once per week and use it to see where I need to improve or make any corrections. When on stage, my goal is to appear super-confident and relaxed. I think it really makes a difference if you take your posing practice seriously.

In closing, I would like to say to everyone that the journey to being healthy and fit is not easy, but it’s so worth it. The feeling of meeting your daily goals, each and every day, is very powerful. I strive to lay down every night, proud of what I have accomplished that day. I sleep sound and wake up excited to do it all over again the next day! Maybe you too have a secret competition dream. Set small goals, take it one day at a time and be an example to those around you. Competitions may not be for everyone, but feeling good in your own skin is, and that’s a trophy in itself.

Training

I usually start show prep with a split routine where I weight train 5 days a week, working one muscle group each day. I train each muscle with 5 exercises doing 4 sets of 8-12 reps for each exercise. I hit abs at least three days a week. Hanging knee raises is one of my favorites. As my show gets closer, I train 6 days a week. I do full body, circuit style weight training on four of the days. On these days I utilize supersets, tri-sets and quad-sets. I like to train at a fast pace, keeping my heart rate high, and breaking a good sweat during these sessions. On the other 2 days, I focus on legs one day and shoulders the other. These are two of the most important

Again, I maintained through my 30’s and competed again at age 40. I took second place at the “Show Me Naturals”. It was such a blast; I competed the following year in the same show and won the middle weight open class. I competed several more times over the next 3 years with decent placings.

Last year, at age 49, I competed again. This time in a larger show, the “NPC Continental USA” and won the overall Masters. This was the first show where I used Beverly products seriously and boy what a difference it made in my overall physique. After competing this summer at the “Missouri State Show”, I would ultimately love to compete in the “NPC Masters Nationals”. But for me, the real accomplishment is just standing on stage in the best shape of my life. I heard a quote once that sums it up for me, “Your body and your spirit are gifts from above and what you do with them while on this earth is your gift back to God.”

Now that you know a little about me, let’s get into some things that I’ve learned along the way that might help you. We’ll start with a problem that I finally solved which may be relevant to many of you. I couldn’t hold muscle in the later stages of my contest diet. I solved it by keeping my body fat lower off-sea-son, increasing my pre contest food intake a little, and adding two specific Beverly products that helped me maintain muscle tissue, Mass Amino Acids and Ultra 40. Now, let’s go deeper into my diet.

Diet & Supplement Schedule

6:30 am:
2 caps of 7-Keto MuscLean

7 am:
5 egg whites, 2 whole eggs and ½ cup of steel cut Irish oats
1 Super Pak, 3 Mass Aminos, 3 Ultra 40 and Lean Out

10 am:
2 scoops of UMP and 1 piece of fruit

12:30 pm:
10 oz white fish, large veggie salad with homemade dressing consisting of seasonings, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and 1 ½ cups of brown rice
3 Mass Aminos, 3 Ultra 40 and Lean Out

1:30-2:00 pm:
1 scoop of Up-Lift 30 minutes before work out; 1 scoop of Creatine Select: drink while walking into gym, and 1 scoop of Glutamine Select in a water bottle to drink throughout training

2 pm:
Immediately following training, while walking out of gym: 2 scoops of Muscle Provider (Chocolate) with 1 piece of fruit

6 pm:
2 caps of 7-Keto MuscLean, 30 minutes prior to meal
10 oz of chicken breast, white potato, and large veggie salad with homemade dressing
3 Mass Aminos, 3 Ultra 40 and Lean Out

9 pm:
3 hardboiled eggs and 1 scoop of UMP
3 Mass Aminos, 3 Ultra 40 and Lean Out

I pretty much follow this diet year round, but it becomes more strict 12 weeks prior to competition, especially in terms of timing the meals, which is so important. 8 weeks prior to competition with the help of my trainer, Travis Wallis, we adjust the macro nutrients as needed.

Training

I alternate heavy and lighter weeks as illustrated below.

Week 1: As heavy as possible, but never sacrifice form

Day 1: Arms
BB Curl 4 sets of 8-10
DB Curl (seated) 4 sets of 8-10
Concentration Curl 4 sets of 10-12
Skull Crushers 4 sets of 8-10
DB Kickbacks (palm facing floor-not thumb) 4 sets of 8-10
Rope Pressdowns (with elbows wide) 4 sets of 8-10

Day 2: Quads/Calves
Hack Squat 5 sets of 8-10 reps
Inverted Leg Press 4 sets of 8-10
BB Squat 4 sets (deep) of 12 reps
Leg Extension 4 sets of 25 reps - you won’t be able to use much weight at all, but go slow and feel the squeeze at top
Standing Calf Raise 6 sets of 20
Donkey Calf Raise 6 sets of 20

Day 3: Rest

Day 4: Chest
BB Bench Press 5 sets of 8-10 reps
DB Decline Flye (this kills) feel squeeze at top of movement 4 sets of 10-12
Cable Flye 4 sets of 10-12

Day 5: Back
Chins 5 sets to failure
Deadlift (in rack with stops 8 inches from floor to limit range at bottom of movement) 4 sets of 8
DB Row (with hand on bench and both feet on floor) 4 sets of 8.

Day 6: Shoulders and Hams
Lateral Raise 4 sets of 8-10 reps
Front Raise with Barbell 4 sets of 8-10
Rear Delt Flye (bent over) 4 sets of 8-10
Hammer Shoulder Press 4 sets of 8
Seated Leg Curl 5 sets of 8
Stiff Legged Deadlift 5 sets of 8
Lying Leg Curl 4 sets of 8

Day 7: Rest

Week 2: Only 1 minute rest between sets, keep the intensity up and use supersets. Do ab work every other day.

Day 1: Arms
Hammer Strength Preacher Curl 5 sets of 15
Concentration Curl 4 sets of 15
DB Hammer Curl (standing) 4 sets of 15
Hammer Strength Triceps Extension 5 sets of 15
Hammer Strength (plate loaded)
Dip Machine 4 sets of 15
Overhead Rope Extensions 4 sets of 15

Day 2: Quads and Calves
Leg Press 5 sets of 15
Hack Squats 5 sets of 15 - narrow stance and keep constant tension on quads - don’t lock out and go deep, all the way down
Walking Lunges to failure - or you throw up
Seated Calf Raise 6 sets of 20
Standing Calf Raise 5 sets of 20

Day 3: Chest
Hammer Strength (plate loaded)
Decline Press 5 sets of 15
Smith Incline (only slight incline) 4 sets of 15 - keep bar moving, don’t lock out
Hammer Strength (plate loaded) ISO Wide Chest 4 sets of 15

Day 4: Back
Seated Cable Row with wide bar 5 sets of 15 - do movement slow and really squeeze as you bring weight back
Cable Pulldowns (with feet behind you, not in front) 5 sets of 15
T-bar Row 5 sets of 15

Day 5: Shoulders/Hams
Lying Leg Curl 4 sets of 15
Standing Leg Curl 4 sets of 15
Stiff Legged Deadlifts 4 sets of 15 - 1 leg at a time and keep opposite toe pointed toward floor at all times
DB Press 4 sets of 15
Seated Shrugs 5 sets of 12
Lateral Raise 4 sets of 15

Day 6 and 7: Rest
Repeat week 1

Tips on Turning 50

Before I close, I’m going to list some tips and observations I’ve made about my training since turning 50.

1. Spend adequate time warming up. If I’d paid more attention to proper warm-up earlier in my life, I might not have as many aches and pains as I do today. Now, I spend about 20 minutes warming up my joints before I train. I do this every time I go to the gym.
2. I have “bodywork” done weekly at Fitzmaurice Performance in St Louis, and more often if needed. There are various names for it, massage, myofacial release, etc… but I just call it “bodywork”. This has made a huge difference for me.
3. REST - when I was in my 20s it wasn’t a big deal if I didn’t get enough sleep. At age 50 and beyond, it is ESSENTIAL.
4. Get your micronutrients every day. I start every day with a Super Pak whether I am competing or in the off season. That way I know I am giving my body the essentials.
5. Have Fun! Even though we may not look like top pros, we are still trying to constantly improve. Think positive and carry this momentum with you as you age.
6. As I get older, I found that I must be much stricter in my pre contest diet. The days of putting on 10 pounds in the off season are over. I must now maintain my condition all year round. I allow myself planned cheat meals in the off season, but if my body fat increases too much, it’s not worth the extra time and lost muscle it takes to get it off.
7. Supplements are now more essential to my nutrition plan. Ultra 40 and Mass Aminos with every meal really help.
8. I have to time my meals and eat every 2 ½ or 3 hours. At 40 it didn’t seem to make that much of a difference if I went 4 hours without a meal. Now it’s hard to keep my lean mass unless I am eating on schedule.
9. I try to lift heavy to keep my muscle bellies full and dense. But it just kills my joints if I lift heavy all the time. When I follow the training schedule above it allows me to lift heavy week 1, and up the intensity and reps on week 2 for hypertrophy, but with less stress on my joints.

I have really dedicated my life to my family, my faith and my fitness. I really enjoy helping others. At this stage, I am just trying to maintain the amount of muscle I have and refine it to achieve a higher level of conditioning and separation. Wherever you are today in terms of fitness, be kind to yourself. We all want to be better and that’s a good thing. I believe the way to achieve your fitness goals is to have a plan and don’t be lazy. Seek the advice of a professional trainer if you need help and follow his or her advice. It’s not too late, I am competing at 50 years old and hope to still be walking out on the stage in an over 60 class someday….God willing.

How did you get started lifting?
I’ve been active all my life but the military amplified that. My first supervisor in 1989 introduced me to bodybuilding while stationed in Korea. That’s where I did my first bodybuilding competition and I loved it.

Did you have any problems starting out that other readers might relate too?
My biggest challenge was adjusting to the strict nutrition plan required for bodybuilding success. I can work out for hours but sticking to my nutrition plan has always tested my discipline.

Did you try anything that didn’t work?
I had too many conflicting goals. My training and nutrition were not in sync. I’d try to circumvent lapses in my nutrition plan by adding more training.

What did you do to solve the problem?
Follow the plan. Prioritize my goals and stick to one at a time. What you do or don’t do with nutrition shows on your physique. Proper nutrition is critical.

What were the results of prioritizing your goal & sticking to the plan?
My preps were less stressful when I trusted the process. I have a tendency to second guess things as it relates to my body and what I see. Don’t be afraid to ask your coach about their methods and the why, when, how, or what of the process. They are often learning your body just like you are. Contest prep has now become second nature to me. This means I don’t overstress or over think them. I listen to my coach and we have become a team that works together to have a healthy prep while bringing my best package to the stage. The results? Higher placings, and 2 OCB Pro Cards. Under my current coach I have only placed outside of Top 5 once. All other placings have been 1st or 2nd place. This year’s goal was to obtain my Open Figure Pro card in the OCB. I had already obtained my Masters Figure Pro Card. I told my coach what I wanted and he developed a plan which I followed. The result was earning that Open Pro Card in June 2021.

Supplements

Glutamine Select I add to my water and drink throughout the day Lean Out and 3 7-Keto MuscLean (with meals 1 and 3)

Density Two tablets with each meal

UMP Post-workout

Muscle Synergy Pre-workout

Quadracarn 3 tablets pre-workout, 3 tablets with meals 2 and 4 (9 tablets total per day)

Mass Aminos and Ultra 40 I follow the directions on the bottles and take one tablet of each for every ten pounds of my bodyweight. This comes out to 13-15 each of Mass and Ultra 40 per day. If you follow the directions these two supplements will give you great results.

FitTabs Two tablets with meals 1 and 3 (4 tablets daily)

Training

I am currently training each body part once every eight days. However, when in contest prep mode I change to six days per week and hit each muscle group twice. I perform 3-4 sets per exercise. Rep ranges are 8-10 on heavy days and 12-15 on volume days. I focus on progressive overload and time under tension training.

Day 1 (Quad Focus)
Leg Extension
Leg Press
Smith Machine Squat Hack Squat
Seated Calf Raise

Day 2 (Chest)
Dumbbell Incline Press
Smith Machine Incline Press
Flat Bench Barbell Press
Incline Cable Flye

Day 3 (Back)
Pull-ups (assisted or unassisted)
T-Bar or Barbell Rows
Cable Row
Dumbbell Row
Dumbbell Pullover

Day 4 (Rest)

Day 5 (Hamstrings)
Walking Lunges
Deadlifts (Sumo and Stiff-leg) I change the type weekly
Lying Hamstring Curl
Single-leg Hamstring Curl
Standing Calf Raise

Day 6 (Arms)
Skull Crushers
Triceps Pressdown
Cable Kickback
Alternate Dumbbell Curl
Hammer Curl
One-arm Preacher Curl

Day 7 (Shoulders)
Smith Machine Shoulder Press
Cable Side Lateral Raise
Machine Reverse Flye
Shoulder Shrug
Dumbbell Front Raise

Day 8 (Rest)

Start over at Day 1

Closing Thoughts

The sport of bodybuilding is not easy. I’ve done many competitive events and bodybuilding is by far the hardest I’ve ever trained for. It requires discipline, consistency and true GRIT. Although I am a personal trainer and coach, hiring a contest prep coach and posing coach is the best thing I could have done. It took a lot of the guess work out of things for me. Get the mental part on board and the rest will follow. Be committed to the process. There is no circumventing what works in the process. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. Regardless of the outcome on the stage there is always something to be learned about yourself and others in the process. The result is always a win.

This year I competed in 4 competitions in a month and a half, and it was by far the hardest yet best prep season I’ve had. It was grueling but I am extremely happy with the outcome and look forward to the next competition season.

2021 Competition Season Results:

• OCB Atlantic Super Show 1st Place Class C
• OCB Catonsville Conqueror 2nd Place Class B
• OCB Jersey Natural 2nd Place Class B
• OCB Colonial Open, Figure Open Pro

I am extremely thankful for my support system in my husband, children, family and friends, my Coach Donovan Strong and Team Strong Physiques, Posing Coach Tina Johnson, my clients of Velvet & Steel Fitness and the OCB Organization.

I was pumped! Julie was energetic and positive on the phone and we discussed my workout history, diet struggles, and goals. We decided I would begin training for a show in March. When I received my workout and nutrition program I could not believe how much information I had at my fingertips. The workouts were challenging and left my body sore, but it was incredible to see how my body changed shape along the way. The nutrition plan was also a pleasant surprise.

Nutrition

My nutrition and supplement plan continually evolved throughout my training, based upon how my body was responding. The majority of my pre-contest preparation included gaining lean muscle mass. Preparation is key. Meals were measured and I packed meals in my cooler every time I left the house. My daily supplements include Beverly International Ultra 40, Density, Lean Out, Glutamine, and UMP, along with fish oil and the multi vitamin. Here is a look at a sample day.

Breakfast: The Katie Protein Oatmeal Loaf (mix together 5 egg whites, 1 scoop of Beverly UMP vanilla protein, and 1/2 cup of oats, then bake for 20 minutes in a small cake pan at 350°), top with 1 cup of strawberries.

Snack: 1 scoop of UMP, 1 cup of mixed berries, 1 pack of almonds

Lunch: The Katie Protein Oatmeal Loaf and a large mixed salad with Mrs. Dash

Snack: 2 low carb yogurts, 1 cup of strawberries, 1 pack of almonds

Dinner: Grilled chicken salad, asparagus, and 2 slices of Ezekiel bread

Snack: 2 low carb yogurts, 1 cup of strawberries

While temptations are everywhere, and trust me, I love ice cream and pizza as much as anyone, the nutritional component of contest preparation wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be. One reason I have been successful on my nu-trition plan is because there are so many choices. This really helped me not get in a rut with food choices, allowed my body to constantly adapt to new, healthy clean foods, and let me eat what I liked, when I wanted. eliminating processed “junk” from my diet has not only changed how I look but also drastically improved how I feel, giving me more energy and keeping me full all day long.

My plan also included one “cheat” meal a week. I was able to enjoy holiday celebrations and special occasions. The strange part was, after making a commitment to myself and to Julie to train for a show, I really didn’t want to cheat. Sure I had cravings and foods looked good, but “cheating” on a meal hardly seemed worth it.

An unexpected delight throughout my journey has been watching everyone around me react to my food choices. Friends, family, and co-workers are often asking what I am eating and why. I always stress to them how genuinely healthy I am feeling and how I attribute this feeling largely to how I fuel my body. I have seen them make big and small changes in their diets and it warms my heart. Seeing people around me choose strawberries in place of chips or pack carrots instead of running to McDonald’s for fries is a winning moment for me. Being able to positively influence someone else based on my actions, what could be better than that?

Training

Here is what a typical week looked like during a muscle gaining/lose fat phase. Cardio – 2 sessions per week for 15 minutes (I like the Stairmill or Treadmill)

Day 1: Legs and Biceps
Squats, 4x6-8
Plie Squats, 4x6-8
Walking Lunges, 4x6-8
Hammer Curls, 4x6-8
Leg extension, 4x6-8
Cable Curls, 4x6-8
15 minutes of the Stairmill at a high resistance at end of workout

Day 2: Back and Chest
Pull-ups, 4x6-8
Lat Pulldowns, 4x6-8
Reverse Decline Crunches, 4x10
High Cable rows, 3x6-8
Incline Bench Flyes, 3x6-8
Lying Leg raise, 4x10
Bent Over Barbell rows, 3x6-8

Day 3: Yoga

Day 4: Delts and Hamstrings/Glutes
Lateral raises, 4x15
Seated Overhead Press, 4x15
Leaning Single Arm Lateral raises, 4x15
Barbell Deadlift, 4x15
Plié Squats, 4x15
Glute Kickbacks, 4x15
Switch Lunge Jumps, 4x15

Day 5: triceps and Calves
Cable Pressdowns, 4x6-8
Close Hand Pushups, 4x6-8
Alternating Arm rear Delt raises, 4x6-8
Standing Calf raises, 3x15-20
Leg Press Machine Calf raises, 3x15-20
15 minutes of high intensity Treadmill at end of workout

Day 6: rest

Day 7: Sprinting and Plyometrics
Jog, 3 minutes
Sprint and recover, 3 minutes
Push-ups, 3 minutes (30 seconds push-ups, 15 seconds rest)
Long Jumps, 2 minutes Crunches, 2 minutes
rest, 1 minute
repeat 2 more times
Bent Over Barbell rows, 3x6-8

Team Fitbody

Part of training with Julie can involve participating in her Team FitBody program. Team FitBody is a group of women who train with Julie and meet several times during the show season to go over contest preparation and presentation. I met the team for the first time in January. Let's just say it was a great day! It was amazing to meet a group of women who are so motivated and inspiring. Some are very experienced and others have never touched a stage - they are all committed to a healthy lifestyle and I loved it. I couldn’t wait to get to know everyone and I was confident I had just made lifelong friends. I also learned about posing - which WOW! - did I need work on, suit selection, and I also had my body composition done. The moment I got home after the meeting I was so ready to go, I went online and looked at suits. Be prepared – they are not cheap. I ordered a red suit, had it altered and it turned out perfect! Definitely start looking for a suit as soon as you decide you are going to compete. Some custom suits can take several months to receive. I also ordered my 4.5-inch heels and booked my tanning, make-up, and hair appointments for show day! Planning is essential during your journey.

I’m not sure where time went between my Team FitBody meeting and stepping on stage March 24, 2012. Time absolutely flew by. I made it through the challenges of travel-ing (just check a suitcase – TSA with pills, powders, and Tupper Ware containers is a huge hassle), suffered through the stomach flu, busy times at work, and the usual craziness that life brings. And then before I knew it, I was on my way to Kentucky.

My first show, the NPC Northern Kentucky arrived! Was I ready? Could I do this? It was everything I had dreamed about and more. No I didn’t win, I didn’t even place, but I felt by stepping on stage I had won. I had my spray tan on (my skin was darker than I thought possible), my makeup all glammed up, and my hair done! The day of the contest began with a competitors meeting at 9am. Following the meeting, the pre-judging began. The show was huge with almost 400 competitors! Talk about overwhelming. My moment came at about 1pm when I finally got to take the stage after anxiously awaiting my moment. I was shaking. I messed up my posing. But it felt glorious! I had made my dream come true. All of the hard work was laid out on stage and it felt great. The rest of the day was filled with meeting competitors from all over and spending time with my family. Finals took place at 6pm that night and I got to step foot on stage one more time. This time, I corrected my posing and wasn’t quite as nervous. It was surreal to see such a large crowd. One of the best parts of the evening was watching several of the Team FitBody women win. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing about that day. It will be a fond memory in my heart forever. I cannot wait for the shows to come!

Advice for a First-Timer

My advice for first time competitors would be to take this journey for your self. realize that the reason you began your journey to stage may change along the way. embrace this change. Accept you may not win your first show, or even your second. Step out of your comfort zone. It will positively change you in ways you couldn’t even imagine. Take pride in your accomplishments, big or small. Shake off your failures and turn them into successes. Take time to reflect on how amazing you are. Share your experience with someone who has never set foot in the gym and the woman who has won numerous shows. embrace the changes your body makes along the way, and never take for granted what your body can do. Don’t forget to thank everyone who helps you along the way, or to apologize for sometimes having a bad day. remember most people will think you are crazy for carrying chicken breast in you purse and waking up at 4:07am for your first cardio session of the day. realize everyone may not understand your journey, but it is yours to share with the world, and one that is certain to forever change your life and those around you in the most positive way.

Hire an experienced trainer. Find your “Julie.”

1. Become a planner. Plan your meals. Plan your workouts. Plan for show day!
2. Be ready to laugh one minute and cry the next. This is just as much and even more of an emotional journey than it is a physical.
3. Learn to pose. You will work too hard to get to the stage to not know what you are doing. Buy a DVD or attend posing classes.
4. Have a support team. You cannot go through this journey alone. Family, friends, co-workers and your trainer will serve as your biggest advocates if you let them.
5. Have fun! You are blessed to be able to take this journey. enjoy it.

I started to go to the gym to try to put on some muscle, but with not eating right I gained nothing! I was very unhappy with my body and wanted to look healthy! after having
my second child, I remembered the name of a trainer that someone had told me about, Julie Lohre. so I looked her up and exchanged emails with her. shortly after, I joined her Team FitBody. When she saw my photos, she said that if I was really motivated I could be ready to do a show as soon as 8 weeks. I thought, “This woman is crazy!” But, I did what she told me to do in the gym and ate what she told me to eat (my meal plan being based around my dietary restrictions). as the weeks went by I started to gain weight and muscle. When the 8th week came, I was exactly where she said I would be, ready and on stage. I had dropped to 10% body fat, and gained almost 10lbs of muscle. it was truly amazing! I actually loved my body! and the best part, I was healthier than I had ever been!
it is amazing that I went from sick and skinny to healthy and fit! since beginning my training I have eaten clean, by eliminating a lot of processed foods, sugar and 80% of the carbs from my diet. now, the base for all my meals is protein. and another thing that is truly amazing, I have had almost no attacks of IBS!

My Bikini Diet

I am very lucky as far as diet is concerned! My contest diet contains two cheat meals each week up until the last 4 weeks out from a show. I take them out at that point. This is what my typical meal plan is like on a daily basis:

Meal 1
2 eggs/ 5 egg whites
1 cup oatmeal (1/2 scoop UMP Vanilla) with ½ cup of blueberries

Meal 2
2 scoops of UMP chocolate for shake
1 medium banana

Meal 3
5 oz. of chicken, 2 pieces of Ezekiel bread
¼ avocado
1 cup veggies (usually broccoli)

Meal 4
Large salad with 7 oz of chicken, salsa and 2 tbsp of low fat dressing

Meal 5
6 oz. of chicken
1 cup brown rice
1 cup veggies (usually red peppers)

Meal 6
1 scoop of UMP chocolate made into pudding with 1 tsp natural peanut butter

My diet pretty much stays the same whether prepping for a show or not. I eliminate my two cheat meals the final four weeks and replace the eggs and egg whites (due to extra sodium) with fish. I also eliminate any condiments the last two days.

When I first started Julie’s program, I found meal preparation a challenge. I was just trying to make each meal as it was time to eat. I finally smartened up and started setting aside Sundays to prepare all my food and supplements for the week. now, I cook all my food at one time and store it in the fridge. That way it’s ready to eat and I can just grab it when I need it! I also do this for my supplements. I take smaller storage containers and fill each with a day’s worth of supplements. They are small and I can throw them in my cooler or purse when I head out the door.

My Bikini Body Supplement Program

UMP (chocolate & vanilla): I use this for my shakes as a fabulous snack, in my oatmeal to add some flavor and to make pudding!

Density: I take 3 right before I work out, 3 right after my work out and 3 with my lunch for losing fat and increasing muscle mass.

Glutamine Select plus BCAAs I add 2 scoops to my water and sip on it as I work out to aid recovery after a hard workout.

Muscle Synergy: I take 5 of these with my density right before I workout and 5 with my first meal for energy and to help build lean muscle and to help with post workout soreness. I also take it shortly before going on stage to give me a good pump and energy!

Ultra 40: I take 3 of these with 4 of my meals, for preservation of lean muscle mass. Ultra 40 has everything in it, protein, iron, and B 12.

Cardio

I incorporate 2-3 days of 20-minute HIIT cardio each week. Cardio can get boring if you let it. You really have to think of creative ways to switch it up! Like trying a dance class or getting out of the gym and riding a bike doing hill intervals. My favorite cardio equipment is the stair master! I also take a dance class for one of my days. I love dancing and get a great workout in as well.

Bikini Training

I work full time and have two young children, so I have to get up pretty early to get my training in. On a typical day of training I usually arise at 4am, get to the gym by 5am, and workout until 7am. at the end of my training I practice posing for about 15 minutes each day. even though I am definitely not a morning person, I honestly look forward to getting up and going to the gym.

Right now I am doing higher weight, lower reps to gain muscle in my legs. My upper body develops pretty quickly, so my trainer said unless I wanted to transition over to figure I need to stick with lighter weights on my upper body for now.

I will usually add a little ab work after my cardio, since this is an area where I have a hard time gaining muscle.

Presentation for Bikini Competition

I believe that presentation is of prime importance when you are competing! For my first show I had no idea about all that goes into preparing for getting up on stage. I thought I could do my own tan, hair and make-up. Thankfully, I was advised to let someone do all that for me! When you work soo hard and spend soo much time perfecting your body for that day on stage you want everything to be perfect! now, I book my spray tan, as well as hair and make-up appointments, as soon as I register for the show. allowing someone else to do those things takes a lot of worry and stress off your plate at a time when there is al-ready a lot on it. if I order a new suit for the show, I make sure I have it in plenty of time. I start looking for the jewelry I will wear with the suit about a month in advance! I am definitely a planner!

And most important is posing! You have to really dedicate time to practice your posing! as I was preparing for my first show, Julie included times to practice our posing right along with our meal and workout plans. When I first saw this, I thought, “Why would anyone have to practice that much?” now, I know, it is something that if you don’t practice you will never be good at. even the pros incorporate posing into their daily workouts.

My first show was the NPC Kentucky Derby in Louisville. it was a great show for a first timer. as I arrived at the venue I was really nervous and did not know what to expect. Thankfully, a lot of the girls that I trained with were competing as well, so there were some familiar faces. as I sat there and watched all the girls come in I totally started to psyche myself out. You look at all these tan, beautiful, fit girls and think “Oh my gosh! What am I doing?” it is very easy to let yourself be intimidated, but that is when you have to say, “I trained as hard as these girls and I deserve to be here”.

As the time approached Julie was the back stage expediter, ushering the different classes of girls for bikini to get ready to go on. And then it was my turn! I went out there and did what I had practiced over and over again. I loved it! I was immediately hooked! When it was all said and done I ended up taking 1st place in the Masters Bikini! after I came off stage with my award I was greeted by Julie, I don’t know who was more excited, me or her!

I left that competition with many new friends that I still keep in contact with. and more of a feeling that I can accomplish anything if I work hard enough!

My path has not been easy, but it has definitely been most rewarding! I would not be able to do this without my wonderful husband and the support he has given me. My trainer, Julie Lohre, is always looking out for me and my best interests. But there is one person that I could never have done any of this without, and that is God! he provided me with the strength I needed to accomplish what I have. I can do anything as long as I put my faith and trust in him.

What’s the secret?

The secret to designing the “ultimate” pre-workout stack is that you must consider the following three factors:

#1: CNS

• Your central nervous system (CNS) functions like “command central”. During your work-outs, for instance, the CNS sends signals to your muscles telling them when to “jump” (i.e. contract) and how “high” (i.e. how much force to generate). If your CNS is fatigued or has difficulty focusing (think of early morning workouts), you will be, too.
• Nutraceuticals like caffeine (Fast-Up, 7-Keto Musclean) and n-acetyl-carnitine (Quadracarn) can stimulate your CNS. This makes you feel more energetic, alert, focused and even powerful. In turn, you will be more motivated to go to the gym and have a great workout.
• CNS-stimulating nutraceuticals can even reduce your perception of effort. This means that working out at a higher intensity level feels easier.

#2 Muscle:

• Particularly when you’re performing resistance exercise (i.e. lifting weights), you want to use nutraceuticals that:
  • enhance your ability to achieve a muscle pump
  • promote muscle strength, power, stamina or endurance
  • protect your muscles from catabolism (protein breakdown).
• The pump occurs when working muscle tissue becomes filled, or “pumped” with blood. The pump is considered the hallmark of an effective muscle-building workout.
• Nutraceuticals like propionyl-l-carnitine (Quadracarn), arginine and citruline (Up-Lift, Muscle Synergy) promote pumps by supporting vasodilation (relaxation of blood vessels). This means that blood can flow into your muscles more easily.
• Beta-alanine (Creatine Select, Up-Lift), creatine (Creatine Select, Muscle Synergy) and betaine (Up-Lift) help your muscles delay fatigue while performing high-intensity contractions. This means you can perform more reps with a given weight, or take shorter rest periods between sets.
• Carnitine (Energy Reserve, Quadracarn) can also help delay fatigue, especially during intense or long cardio workouts requiring stamina or endurance.
• Glutamine and BCAAs (Glutamine Select) support muscle protein synthesis (anabolism) and help combat excess muscle protein breakdown (catabolism).

#3 Fat Burning:

• We all know that to lose fat (and weight), your metabolism must burn fat faster than it stores it on your body.
• We usually think of cardio workouts as the best place to burn off fat. Cardio is certainly a great way to stimulate your metabolism to burn fat faster. This is partly because it typically involves using large muscle groups (especially the legs) for a sustained period of time.
• Nutraceuticals like 7-Keto (7-Keto Musclean) and caffeine (found in 7-Keto Musclean, Fast-Up), both of which stimulate thermogenesis, can help you take fat-burning to the next level during (and after) your cardio workouts. By increasing thermogenesis, more calories are burned off in the form of heat, instead of being stored as fat.
• Carnitine (Energy Reserve, Quadracarn) also supports fat-burning. It is required to carry fat inside the mitochondria of muscle cells and other types of cells where it is burned to provide energy.

MUSCLE PRE-WORKOUT:

Goals & Benefits: Lean muscle mass and tone, muscle pumps, strength and power.

Applications: Typical resistance exercise workouts used for bodybuilding, figure or fitness.

Products (combine or “stack” together):

1. Fast-Up:

• Suggested Use: Take 1-3 capsules 15-30 minutes pre-workout.

2. Up-Lift:

• Suggested Use: Take 2 full scoops 30 minutes pre-workout. Refer to mixing instructions on product label.

3. Creatine Select:

• Suggested Use: Take 1-1.5 full scoops 30 minutes pre-workout. Refer to mixing instructions on product label.

CARDIO PRE-WORKOUT:

Goals & Benefits:: Fat burning, weight management, energy, focus, overall performance

Applications: Typical cardio workouts used for fat burning and weight management.

Products (combine or “stack” together):

1. Fast-Up or 7-Keto Musclean:

• For energy, focus and overall performance, take Fast-Up. Suggested Use: Take 1-3 capsules 15-30 minutes pre-workout.
• For energy, fat-burning and weight management, take 7-Keto Musclean. Suggested Use: Take 3 cap-sules 30 minutes pre-workout. Refer to product label for complete instructions.

2. Up-Lift:

• Suggested Use: Take 2 full scoops 30 minutes pre-workout. Refer to mixing instructions on product label.

 AGE 40+ MUSCLE PRE-WORKOUT:

Goals & Benefits: Lean muscle mass and tone, muscle pumps, strength and power.

Applications: For men and women 40 years of age and older.

Products (combine or “stack” together):

1. Fast-Up:

• Suggested Use: Take 1-3 capsules 15-30 minutes pre-workout.

2. Muscle Synergy powder or tablets:

• • Suggested Use (powder): Take 1-2 full scoops 30 minutes pre-workout. Refer to mixing instructions on product label.
• Suggested Use (tablets): Take 8 or more tablets 30 minutes pre-workout. Refer to product label for complete instructions.

3. Quadracarn:

• Suggested Use: Take 3 tablets 30-60 minutes pre-workout.

STAMINA PRE-WORKOUT:

Goals & Benefits: Stamina (i.e. the ability to sustain a high work rate)

Applications: High-intensity interval training (HIIT), CrossFit-, P90X-, Boot Camp, Tabata-, and Insanity-type workouts.

Products (combine or “stack” together):

1. Fast-Up:

• Suggested Use: Take 1-3 capsules 15-30 minutes pre-workout.

2. Creatine Select:

• Suggested Use: Take 1-1.5 full scoops 30 minutes pre-workout. Refer to mixing instructions on product label.

Caffeine-Free Option: Replace Fast-Up with:

1. Up-Lift:

• Take 2 scoops 15 minutes prior to workout

1. Quadracarn:

• Suggested Use: Take 3 tablets 30-60 minutes pre-workout.

"Before every workout I take 3 Fast Up for instant energy that lasts through my workout, without the crash. That is very important to me, considering I workout in the middle of the my workday, and have to see clients for 4 more hours following my workout.

In addition to Fast Up, I take Glutamine Select and Muscle Synergy. I am back to working out hard 5 days a week. It’s imperative that my body can handle this type of regimen. I’m not getting any younger as I get closer to the big “40”!

Glutamine Select pre and post workout is essen-tial for recovery. An added benefit is that the branch chain aminos that are so abundant in Glutamine Select, allow my body to use the BCAAs instead of my muscle tissue while I am cutting fat (spare muscle tissue!).

While I’m cutting fat right now, my carbohydrates have been slightly reduced. Muscle Synergy helps me keep the fullness that can sometimes go away while shedding body fat. I realize many people take Muscle Synergy for the “Pump” and the vanity reasons that come with it. What they might not understand is that this “Pump” allows for greater protein synthesis (muscle growth!)."

Sincerely,
Brian Wiefering, www.wiefit.com

Products (combine or “stack” together):

1. Fast-Up:

• Suggested Use: Take 1-3 capsules 15-30 minutes pre-workout.

2. Glutamine Select:

• • Suggested Use (powder): Mix 2 full scoops with 12-16 oz of water in a shaker bottle. Drink half of the contents of the bottle immediately pre-workout. Drink the remaining half 60 minutes into your workout or sip throughout if possible.

3. Energy Reserve:

• Suggested Use: Take 2 tablets 30-60 minutes pre-work-out (ideally with your carbohydrate-containing meal).

Pre Workout I take 1 serving each of 7 Keto, Lean Out, Ultra 40, Energy Reserve and Up-Lift. I do 30 minutes of cardio right after lifting. I consume a mixture of
2 scoops Glutamine Select mixed with 2 scoops Muscle Provider vanilla while doing cardio. - Steve Mousharbash

15 minutes before working out I mix 1/3 cup oat bran, ½ scoop vanilla UMP, 1 scoop Creatine Select, and 1 scoop Muscle Synergy powder in 6 oz. water and drink it. I sip Glutamine Select throughout my training session. – Jennie Gray

When I first was looking for a coach, I wanted it to feel as though there was a person invested in helping me and not a robot behind the screen. I also wanted someone that was going to hold me accountable and push me to meet my goals. I found Julie Lohre after failed attempts at finding a reliable trainer locally. I had identified Julie earlier in the process as someone I was interested in learning more about and decided to work with her after our initial phone call.

Working with Julie took my level of understanding of my own body to a much deeper level. I learned how my body responds to certain macronutrients and which types of protein worked best for building lean muscle mass-specific to my metabolism. She varied my training programs as needed to maximize lean muscle and overall leanness while avoiding overtraining. You’ll find the diet and training programs that Julie formulated for my competition journey a little later in this article.

The Hardest Part of My Competition Journey

I went through a very tough breakup about two months before my competition. I felt like my world had been flipped upside down. I moved to a new city and was living alone. The little things that gave me comfort and stability were gone, and I had to establish a new normal. All of this and being in the middle of a pandemic with limited time to spend with friends and family made everything seem a lot harder, including training. I felt physically and emotionally drained, and the thought of competing felt so far out of reach. I could not eat or sleep, and I was struggling to complete my workouts each day. As time passed, I slowly found a new daily routine, and my drive to compete intensified, and I was able to regain focus. It did not happen overnight, and I had my share of bad days, but I took it day by day and knew if I completed my workout(s), it would numb the pain for a while. The week before the contest was one of my worst. I was full of emotion and felt angry and sad about everything that had happened. But all of the emotional pain I was dealing with was a blessing in disguise as what happened at the competition changed me for the better.

I placed first in both the Open Bikini and Debut Bikini classes of the 2020 OCB Sugar Maple Classic (Green Bay, Wisconsin). I was overcome with a rush of emotions! I feel like I accomplished something I never thought was possible and did it at a point in my life where things seemed to be at their worst. The best feeling of all was realizing I did this on my own (with the support of my amazing friends, family, and Julie Lohre). That day was one of the best days of my life.

Training

Below is my workout plan at the eight weeks out from my last show:

Day 1 Lower Body & Abs

Squats 4x10-12
Glute Kickbacks (w/band) 4x10-12
Hand to Elbow Planks 4x10-12
DB Push Press 4x10-12
Hamstring Ball Curl-in 4x10-12
Hanging Knee Raises 4x10-12
Plie Squat 4x10-12
Medicine Ball Oblique Twists 4x10-12

Day 2 Upper Body

Bench Triceps Dips 4x10-12
Incline DB Flyes 4x10-12
Triceps Pressdown 4x10-12
Bent over BB Row 4x10-12
Lateral Raise 4x10-12
Barbell Curl 4x10-12
DB Shoulder Press 4x10-12

Day 3 Rest

Day 4 Lower Body & Abs

DB Deadlift 4x10-12
Walking Lunges 4x10-12
Floor Glute Pulses (w/weight) 4x10-12
Upward Hip Thrusts 4x10-12
Bench Step-ups 4x10-12
Squat w/ Side Leg Lift 4x10-12
Ball Crunches 4x10-12

Day 5 Cardio/Endurance Circuit Workout

Complete the following circuit as many times as possible in 30 minutes.
10 Burpees
15 Butterfly Sit-ups
20 Air Squats
15 Push-ups
50 Jump Rope Single-Unders
10 Inch Worms
Rest 2 minutes

Day 6 Full Body

DB Snatch (alternating arms) 4x10-12
Pull-ups 4x10-12
Man-Makers 4x10-12
Barbell Thrusters 4x10-12
Seated Cable Row 4x10-12
Incline Bench Press 4x10-12

Day 7 Rest

Cardio

I perform 2-3 HIIT training sessions per week. I find that 20 minutes of HIIT training with an additional 5-10 minutes for a warm-up and cool-down are ideal for me.

For example:

• Warm-up (5 min) Speed
• 3- 3.5mph and gradually increase to 4.0
• Varied incline throughout to help take your mind off the pain.
• Jog 1 min
• Walk 30 sec
• Sprint 30 sec (Max intensity, you should not be able to have a conversation)
• Walk 30 sec
• Repeat Sprint/Walk for 20 minutes
• Cool-down 5 min

This workout can be tailored to the advanced trainee by increasing the incline during the sprint. This type of workout can also be done on a bike, elliptical, stair-stepper, rower, etc.

For someone not as advanced in cardio or just getting started, trade the “sprint” for a “jog” and work your way to the sprint.

On the other days of the week, I usually throw in a longer cardio session if I am training for a race. I will do a low-intensity run for 45-60 min. I do this on a day that I don’t lift, and it usually helps as an active recovery session.

Posing Tips

Posing is not something to take lightly. Hire a posing coach and start practicing at least two months before the competition. You need to practice posing daily, just like a workout, especially in the final months of contest prep. You can bring your best physique, but all those long hours in the gym will be wasted without the proper posing.

Diet

Nutrition is, of course, super important, and getting into the best shape of my life has taken a lot of consistency with diet. Here are some tips that have helped me and I’m sure they will help you too.

Set up a weekly meal plan. Remember that there is no quick fix. Diet is all about being consistent over an extended period of time. Don’t let one bad meal or lousy day derail your overall goal. If you cheat, get back on track with your next meal. The sooner you get back on track, the sooner you will be back on the pathway to achieving your goals.

There is no benefit to starving yourself to lose fat, especially if you are trying to build lean muscle mass.

Eat clean, unprocessed foods every two-four hours and drink 1-gallon of water per day. Veggies are unlimited, so keeping them in your refrigerator, prepped, and ready to enjoy is vital.

Determine your macro targets and make that your focus. If you are just getting started, your first step is to add a protein supplement such as UMP. FitTabs and Glutamine Select would also play a beneficial role as you start increasing your workouts to get in shape.

During my contest prep, Julie modified my nutrition plan every two weeks to take into account how my body was reacting to the current calories and macro range and to keep it fresh for me. The following is my nutrition plan at eight weeks out from my show:

Meal One
Breakfast Bowl – ¹⁄₂ cup oatmeal, 1 tbsp flax seeds, ¹⁄₄ cup almonds, 1 cup strawberries, and 1 whole egg

Meal Two
Protein Shake - 2 scoops UMP, ¹⁄₂ cup fruit

Meal Three
4oz lean turkey breast, 2 slices Ezekiel bread, lettuce, onions, tomato, 2 tbsp hummus, 3oz carrots, apple

Meal Four
3oz lean steak, ¹⁄₂ cup brown rice, 2 cups mixed veggies

Supplements

Stack 1 - Pre-contest Rapid Fat Loss

Lean Out - 2 with three meals
FitTabs - 2 per day (AM)
7-Keto Musclean - 2 with two meals (AM and Lunch) UMP - 1-2 scoops per day
Glutamine Select - 1 scoop before training

Stack 2 - Post-Contest Lean Muscle Building

Density - 2 with three meals
Ultra 40 - 2 with three meals
Fit Tabs - 2 per day (AM)
Muscle Synergy - 1 scoop before training UMP - 2 or more scoops per day

The supplements that gave me the most noticeable impact were Muscle Synergy and Glutamine Select. The daily UMP was also essential in meeting my protein goals. It also ended up being the one thing I looked forward to during contest prep. I would mix UMP (vanilla) with cinnamon, water, and ice together in a blender. It tasted a lot like ice cream.

In Closing

I feel amazing, even after my show. I have a strong desire to continue to compete and see how far I can go in this sport, as I know I have more room to improve. I crave the discipline this sport requires as it creates stability in my life. I have continued eating the way I did when I first started training. I’m now lifting heavier weights than I ever have and cannot believe how much stronger I am. I’m honestly in the best shape of my life!

Julie also introduced me to Beverly International supplements. I had pre-ordered my “bikini package” of supplements and happily went home with a box of UMP Chocolate, 7-Keto, Lean Out and Fit Tabs. I had tasted many other protein powders, but clearly UMP was like no other. The quality of every item was far superior to anything I had ever taken.

The contest came and I placed lower middle of the pack. I decided to make another go at it, but would switch from Bikini to the Figure division instead.

Now, I had to learn a whole new division and its requirements. Luckily, I knew exactly where to get help. I contacted Julie once again and signed up to be a client. The first thing I learned was that to compete in figure, I definitely had to put on some muscle size.

Training without proper nutrition and supplements would not put on size - it just kept me in shape. I couldn’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results. Julie’s first suggestion was a comprehensive supplement program to build muscle. Within weeks of starting my new supplement program, I started to notice a difference. My body fat began to drop and in my weekly photos I began to see more and more muscle definition and size.

Nothing motivates me more than a plan that works. I started lifting heavier and was continually setting new PR’s. I recovered quickly from these heavy workouts and was even seeing better hair and nail growth (thank you EFA Gold)!!!

In my first figure show, just 2 months later, I placed 2nd in Masters and 2nd in Open Tall at the Mike Francois Classic! Wow! Did that really just happen???? I signed up for the NPC Ohio last summer and placed 5th in Open Tall and 6th in Masters.

But, by far my biggest hope, dream and goal came true at the 2013 Arnold Amateur Master’s Figure Competition this year. I won my height division and 3rd over all Masters Amateur Figure. I know without a doubt this never would have been a reality without my family, my trainer, my amazing workout support group, Julie Lohre and the entire Beverly International family and community.

Diet Meal Plan

I’m not a fan of the word “diet”. To me it has a connotation of depravity, that was far from what I experienced. I prefer “meal plan”. Julie mapped out my “meal plan” strategy for the “Arnold” and it looked like this:

MEAL #1 (7:30):
1 egg + ½ cup egg whites; 1 cup mixed veggies

MEAL #2 (8:00):
2 scoops UMP (Pre Workout).

10 MIN PRIOR TO TRAINING:
2 scoops Muscle Synergy

TRAINING SESSION:
2 scoops Glutamine Select + 2 scoops Creatine Select

MEAL #3
(w/in 45 min of finishing training): 6 oz. potato, 1 tbsp. honey

MEAL #4 (1:00):
4 oz. lean protein; large salad w/mixed veggies and 1 tbsp. olive oil & vinegar dressing

MEAL #5 (4:00):
4 oz. lean protein; 1 cup rice

MEAL #6 (7:00):
4 oz. protein (I like fish for this meal); 1 small potato; 2 cups mixed veggies; ¼ cup almonds

MEAL #7 (9:00):
1 scoop UMP (mixed w/water); 1 cup berries

Julie Lohre gave me an immense food substitution list to help keep meals diverse with a variety of nutrients from different, healthy sources.

My two protein shakes, Meal #2 and Meal #7, were by far my favorite. Meal #2 is my pre-workout meal and it made me feel amazing!! I felt it gave me great strength and endurance for my training sessions. Even in off-season I still choose UMP pudding as my desert. To me, it is more satisfying than ice cream!

Contest Prep Supplement Schedule

GOALS: GAIN MUSCLE WHILE LOSING FAT TAKING IN CONSIDERATION MY AGE - 46

ULTRA 40: 3 w/5 meals

MASS AMINOS: 3 w/5 meals

7 KETO: 3 in am / 3 in pm

LEAN OUT: 2 w/5 meals

MUSCULARITY: 2 – 3 X a day

CREATINE SELECT: 2 scoops during training

FIT TABS: 2 – 2 X a day

JOINT CARE: 2 – 2 X a day

EFA GOLD: 2 – 2 X a day

QUADRACARN: 2 – 2 X a day

MUSCLE SYNERGY: 2 scoops pre workout

GLUTAMINE SELECT W/ BCAAs: 2 scoops during workout

UMP: Chocolate, Vanilla, and Cookies & Crème

What I have discovered about the Beverly family is that their Customer Service can’t be beat. I have called so many times with questions and each and every time hung up knowing I was given the best game plan possible. Each representative really cared and would go at great lengths to make sure each supplement and usage was explained. One of the first things they’d say to me was, “Do you have a pencil and paper ready?” That let me know they were serious and had my best interest at heart.

Cardio

I picked what I enjoyed most for cardio. My preference was interval running and the stair mill. I needed to concentrate on on my glute/ham tie-in and both of these exercises target this area. I did cardio 3 times a week for about 20-minutes per session.

Training

I have been with my trainer Brian Taylor for 7 years, ever since moving from San Diego to Columbus. It’s hard to put into words what he has done for my health and how this has shaped my life. I work in a group and this motivates me like nothing else. These amazing women help push me far beyond what I could do on my own. We see each other almost everyday, share our daily exercise and eating struggles, and push each other to be better than we were the day before. Brian has us doing HIIT sessions and always incorporates stretching throughout. The stretching and my Beverly Glutamine Select w/BCAA’s are absolutely paramount for recovery. I train hard 5 days in a row, take a day off, and go right back to another 5 days feeling 100% ready to go.

Presentation

So many months of prep and now comes the day to show off all of your hard work and dedication. It’s a showcase like nothing else. For me everything becomes a checklist: spray tan (check), competition suit (check), heels (check), jewelry (check), and the list goes on. It is beyond motivating and inspiring once you are backstage with your fellow competitors. You would think that it would be a fierce, non-friendly atmosphere, but it’s just the opposite. Competitors helping competitors - fix suits, pining numbers on, and calming each other’s nerves. EVERYONE has trained hard – we have all relatively done the same sort of prep to get to this spot on this day. Competition day is when reality hits – your time to shine and give it all you got. You walk out on stage, hold your head up high; show off all of your hard work, sweat and tears. I think it would be incredible to hand every participant an award, because every person there is a winner. They did it! They put in the time, the hard work, the strain on families, on themselves and they stuck it out until the end. They completed the journey, and for that there is no trophy that can replace their sense of accomplishment.

Conclusion

Once I began to see what my body would do and how I felt, I realized that this was becoming more of a lifestyle for me. I love how I feel when I eat clean, exercise regularly and get a good night sleep. It has definitely crossed over into my family life as my amazingly supportive husband, in solidarity, began to join me in my meal plan and supplement taking. He currently takes the Super Pak daily along with UMP and Glutamine Select. He, as well, has increased muscle mass, strength and overall health. In addition, it is really important to me to set an example for our two kids to incorporate clean eating and exercise for overall good health.

Every time I prep for a competition it becomes a new journey. I continue to learn more and more about how my body responds to the three key factors: train-ing, nutrition and supplements. Along with this, it is instrumental to “maintain balance”. I enjoy the discipline of eating healthy, training effectively, and staying grounded. I know that I cannot and shouldn’t maintain my competition body stats year-round. It’s just not realistic. I’m fine with that. When it is time to dial it all in, I have the game plan and am ready to get down to business.

I have to thank the entire Beverly International family for being a part of and helping me reach and go beyond all of my fitness and physique goals. At 46 years, old I feel better and I think look better than I ever have. I finally have the body I’ve always aspired to have. I think I’m developing the right mental outlook and I am gaining the knowledge to do it the right way. For me, this is priceless!

I dieted for 12 weeks starting at 220lbs. Contest day I was very nervous, but leaner than I had ever been in my life. I won the 198lb class and also took the overall title. After that win I was hooked, I did the 2000 Southwest Natural and took the heavyweight class. I also did the Texas State and took 5th. I was just not as seasoned as the guys competing at the state show. In 2001, I took second at the Heart of Texas competition, and third at the Texas State. I was moving forward, but I still had a lot to learn and improvements to make. More and more I saw that it is as much about symmetry and the “X-Factor” than just size and definition. I needed to bring my legs up to match my upper body.

I took 4 years off from competition to build more size in my legs and improve my proportions. I used two main strength movements for legs. Every leg day, I’d start with heavy squats and then follow them with heavy dead lifts. I know it’s not com-mon to do squats and deads in the same workout, but it worked for me and my legs grew.

I finally decided to get back on stage in 2006 and pursue my pro card with the NGA. This competition prep was the toughest yet because my sons’ mom was overseas. I was trying to run a business, train and diet for the show, and play both parents at the same time. I was in and out of fast food restaurants while trying to stay on a diet plan of some sort. At the John Colby Classic (2006) I weighed 205 and got a close second. My Beverly supplement plan was on track, but not my diet. I just wasn’t eating right. The following year my sons’ mom was home and I was able to go for my pro card again. I did the John Colby Classic again and this time won first place and took the Overall at 212lbs. I won my NGA pro card that night. At this point my friend wanted to shoot a documentary about my prep and we put a few videos online. (Google: “Mike Sheppard the Natural on you tube” to view them).

hen headed to the big NPC shows in 2011. My official comeback was at the 2011 Adela Garcia Classic where I took the overall. I felt like I kept getting better and better so I went to the Branch Warren and took a close second, then headed to the Europa and took second again. While traveling to the show I got lost the night before weigh-ins. I didn’t get checked in until 3am. Thank goodness I had my Beverly International shakes in the car. My contest weight was now up to 219.

I did the 2012 Branch Warren in Houston as a prep show for the USA’s. I did not put full attention to my prep due to work, meetings, and travel. But, I ended up taking second place to Steven Frasier. I was looking forward to a rematch with Steven at the USA’s in July.

I arrived in Vegas on Sunday night. For the week leading up to the show I ate 5 solid food meals each day and added 4 Ultra 40’s with every meal. I got tighter and tighter as I followed my supplement program which I’ve notated below. The USA was the biggest show I had ever been to in my life. 500 competitors and 40 of them were in my weight class. I was very nervous, but knew I was at my best for this show.

I was second to last to go out on stage and I had nothing to warm up with. So I looked up and saw a beam going across the ceiling. (Anyone who knows me knows that I love doing pull-ups.) I jumped straight up and started doing pull-ups. My fellow competitors were shaking their heads as they watched me doing one pull-up after an-other. You can tell by my smile on stage that I was happy to be there and for the experience. Now I know what’s next and what they are looking for. And as a footnote, Steven Frasier, remember him, the guy who beat me at the Branch Warren, he won the overall and got his IFBB pro card.

I had a few adjustments to make for the 2012 season. My supplement plan was rock solid, but I needed stricter off-season nutrition. I also needed to continue to build up my legs while backing off a little on upper body. I trained legs heavy twice a week. Although I like to stay strong, I know there is no award for strongest legs so I had to work on shape as well. I had to figure out how to balance the two. (See more about this in my training schedule.)

New challenges are ahead for me. I am in the Super Heavyweight category now and am up against a lot of people that natural bodybuilders typically just don’t go after. But I have goals. I want to win the Branch Warren. Taking second there twice is not good enough for me. I would love to qualify and compete at the Master’s Olympia. I know that I have not yet reached my best possible condition. This year I will work harder, I will perfect and tweak what needs to be done. I won’t stop. I’m hooked on Beverly International, on training and on bodybuilding competition. I’ve been a lifetime competitor, and that will never end.

Contest Diet

First and foremost let me say that nutrition is the hardest part of all of this for me. I look at dieting kind of like Lent. For about 40 days I must take things out of my diet that are impure and will harm me in the long run.

MEAL #1
1 cup oatmeal, 1 scoop vanilla UMP with 1 tbsp flax oil, Splenda brown sugar, and dried cranberries. (Occasionally I use one of the recipes from BI’s website for Protein Pancakes/ Shakes).

MEAL #2
2 scoops UMP (Pre Workout).

MEAL #3
2 scoops Muscle Provider (Post Workout).

MEAL #4
10oz chicken or shrimp; 4 cups vegetables; 1 cup rice.

MEAL #5
1 scoop UMP protein somewhere in the afternoon normally gets added in because I am so hungry.

MEAL #6
8oz lean meat; 2 cups vegetables; 1 cup rice.

MEAL #7
10oz lean meat; 2 cups vegetables; 1 cup rice.

MEAL 7 ON MONDAY AND THURSDAY HIGH CARB DAYS: 1½ cups cooked rice, 10oz sweet potato, medium banana, 1 cup vegetables, 1 tbsp. butter at the end of the day.

Competition Supplement Program

UMP, Muscle Provider, Ultra 40, Lean Out, GH Factor, 7 Keto, EFA Gold, Density, Muscularity, and ZMA. I use this entire combination because of the muscle building and fat burning properties.

MEAL #1
4 Ultra 40’s, 4 Lean Out, 2 GH Factor, 3 7-Keto, 3 EFA’s, 2 Density, 3 Muscularity

MEAL #2
UMP (2 Scoops) Pre workout for a sustained release protein source, 2 Lean Out

MEAL #3
Muscle Provider (2 Scoops) Post workout for a fast absorbing protein

MEAL #4
4 Ultra 40’s, 4 Lean Out, 2 GH Factor, 3 7-Keto, 2 Density, 2 Muscularity

MEAL #5
1 scoop UMP protein (to stave off hunger) and 2 Lean out

MEAL #6
4 Lean Out, 2 GH Factor, 2 Density, 2 Muscularity

BEFORE BED
3 ZMA 2000

Training Schedule

Monday/Thursday: Back and Chest

Tuesday/Friday: Shoulders, Bi’s and Tri’s

Wednesday/Sunday: Legs

Saturday: Off (typically)

Major body parts are trained in the morning; every evening I head back into the gym and do a small muscle group workout (20-30 minutes of Dips, Pull-ups, Abs, and Calves), practice my posing, and then do 45-60 minutes of cardio.

Presentation Tips

A basketball player practices year round, on or off-season. He never stops practicing. So, like a basketball player, I never stop. I train year round, and at 12 weeks out I kick my posing practice into high gear, holding each pose harder and holding it for progressively longer periods of time. I spend 15-20 minutes each evening working on my mandatory poses. Monitoring your posing year round really helps me identify areas where I need improvement. As the event grows closer, posing becomes more exciting than working out. That’s when I can really see how I’ve progressed from competition to competition.

Cardio

Two weeks out from every competition I love to put myself through “Hell Week” as I call it. It’s an 8-day week program. I use the stepper and add 5 minutes every day. The first day, I begin at 65 minutes and I end at 99 minutes (since my steppers don’t go to 100). The last day makes everything else seem so easy. Good luck and Godspeed. (Tip: Have really good music with you.)

I wanted to learn more about how Brian did it, so my next move was to get my hands on more of the BI No Nonsense mags and newsletters. I read them cover to cover and started applying what I learned. I experi-mented with the various nutrition and train-ing plans, searching for the best plan to put me on the fast track to success.

And it worked!

My photos first appeared in Exercise for Men. More modeling jobs followed includ-ing Men’s Fitness, Muscle and Fitness, Nike and Under Armour, and the most recent, the front cover of Physique Magazine.
Now, I’ve turned my focus and discipline to a new challenge - competition. Preparing for physique competitions will push me out of my comfort zone and be a new challenge for me to pursue. If you’d like to follow along with me, here is my preparation outline.

Meal Plan / Supplement Schedule Regimen: A Winning Strategy

As an all-natural competitor, supplementation is crucial. Having a quality brand like Beverly International in my corner gives me a winning strategy. My basic approach for competing is the same as prepping for a photo shoot. My arsenal of BI products provided me continuous winning results year after year. Here is the regimen I follow for the weeks leading up to a photo shoot or competition. I believe that this is a great plan for anyone who wants to lean out and build muscle at the same time. Why don’t you give it a try?

(7:30AM) PRE-WORKOUT SUPPLEMENT STACK

2 scoops Glutamine Select, 1 scoop Muscle Synergy powder, 5 tablets Density, 2 scoops Up-Lift

(I take my Pre-Workout stack first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and then head directly to the gym. Muscle Synergy helps give me explosive power and awesome pumps. In addition, the therapeutic dose of HMB in Muscle Synergy helps protect my muscles while training on an empty stomach. I take Up-Lift for energy throughout my workout. I sip an additional scoop of Glutamine Select during my workout to prevent catabolism and help spark the recovery process.)

(8:00am) WORKOUT

(9:30AM) POST-WORKOUT SHAKE AND SUPPLEMENTS

2 scoops Muscle Provider, 1 banana, 5 tablets Density, 1 Ultra C

(Post workout I use 2 scoops Muscle Provider for a fast digesting protein source, 1 Super Pak, 5 Density, and 1 more scoop of Muscle Synergy (for further recovery). Throughout the day I sip on Glutamine Select (2 scoops in my gallon water jug).

MEAL #1 (11:30AM)

12 egg whites, ½ cup oatmeal, 2 tbsp almond butter, 5 tips asparagus

(I take three Mass Aminos and three Ultra 40's with Meals #1-6. This helps ensure I meet my daily protein requirements and stay anabolic throughout the day.)