Archive for the ‘Positive Thinking’ Category

Hey there!  In this instalment of JP’s Bodybuilding Corner, John and I are going to review and congratulate the competitors from Newfoundland and Labrador that have competed at the national level and have won their weight/height class. We’ll start off with the first competitor to win a weight class and then go in chronological order. If any past winners are left off this list, a sincere apology, we’re going by memory so we aren’t claiming this is an official list and we would love to know the details of other winners. Congrats to all!

 

Kristian Alexander, 2001 Canadian Bodybuilding Championships, 1^st place Heavyweight Class

John (“JP”): Kristian had competed multiple times prior to winning this competition. Kristian was a pretty huge guy with good condition and symmetry overall. He had a very impressive, powerful looking physique in 2001. He currently preps other competitors for competition.

Andy: I’ve known Kristian since we were both in high school.  He has a huge amount of knowledge and passion for this sport. Congrats to him for being the first Newfoundlander to win a National title. Kristian knocked on the door to a pro card that day! IMO a strong case could be made that on that day in 2001, next to Pro Frank McGrath, Kristian had the best men’s physique thatNewfoundlandever brought to a Bodybuilding stage to date. Check out his conditioning; he wasn’t just lean, he had a hardness to his physique that is impressive and extremely rare. A serious knee/leg injury prevented him from taking it to the next level in the years to follow. Nevertheless, he earned the title, Canadian National Champ, something that only 6 people have accomplished to date.

           

Frank McGrath, 2003 Canadian Bodybuilding Championships, 1^st place Super Heavyweight Class and Overall winner

 

Frank’s Competition History:

• 2000 NLABBA Provincials 1^st place Heavyweight Class and Overall winner

• 2001 CBBF Nationals Super Heavyweight Class, 6^th place

• 2003 CBBF Nationals 1^st place Super Heavyweight Class and Overall winner (Awarded IFBB Pro Card)

• 2004 Toronto Pro Invitational, 12^th place

• 2009 IFBB Tampa Bay Pro, 9^th place

• 2011 Toronto Pro Invitational, 4^th place

• 2011 IFBB Tampa Bay Pro, 3^rd place (Qualified for Mr. Olympia)

• 2011 Mr.Olympia

JP: Since the minute Frank first stepped on stage it was easy to see he was destined for greatness.  Frank isNewfoundland’s only IFBB Pro bodybuilder and he has suffered much adversity since becoming a pro. A few years ago Frank suffered a serious triceps tear, from which he recovered and went on to compete in 2009. Then, some time after that first injury he was in a very serious car accident which could have ended his career as a bodybuilder; however he has since recovered and competed three more times, most recently in the 2011 Mr.Olympia.

Andy: I was there to see Frank compete in 2000 when he won the Provincial Overall title in his early 20’s. (21, I believe, probably a record for NL) I had the privilege to design his posing routine for his first Pro show and was there to see him compete in the 2004 Toronto Pro Show. Frank dominated the 2003 Canadian Nationals to capture his Pro Card; the first and only Newfoundlander to do so.  It’s awesome to see Frank overcome the obstacles that he has seen in recent years and come back and kick ass! Like JP said, Frank’s car accident was very serious, but he proved the doctors wrong by returning stronger then ever! There is a great article on him in the most recent issue of Flex magazine. Frank is just now coming into his prime as a bodybuilder and competitor. He is a great spokesperson for the sport, and I know that the sky is the limit for what he can accomplish. 

 

Scott Gillam, 2003 Canadian Bodybuilding Championships, 1^st Bantamweight Class

 

JP: Scott won a provincial show here in 1999. Scott fills out his frame very well, and that coupled with spot-on conditioning made him unbeatable in his weight class at the Nationals in 2003.

Andy: I saw Scott compete a number of times including his Provincial win. I agree with JP, Scott is a very complete bodybuilder with no weak points. Excellent structure and balance on his frame.

 

Zaid Adamo, 2010 CBBF Nationals, 1^st place Men’s Lightweight Class and 1^st place Classic Short

 

JP: I distinctly remember watching the 2009 NLABBA provincials Overall pose-down and seeing Zaid hit a back double bicep pose. Zaid’s back was popping like crazy with deep grooves separating each muscle and veins and graininess all over the place. He has a good amount of well-developed muscle. Zaid is originally from Iraqwhere he competed two times before coming to Newfoundlandand winning the NLABBA provincials in 2009. He has thick mature muscle, good shape and brings shredded conditioning. It’s no surprise he placed 1^st in his class at Nationals.

Andy: I agree with JP, it was no surprise at all that Zaid became a National Champ. He is a serious competitor that brings his “A” game to the stage. He has head-to-toe, ultra-striated conditioning with deep separation in the muscles. Zaid is the definition of the bodybuilding term “peeled”

 

Angela Dove, 2011 Canadian Natural Physique Championships, 1^st place Bikini Medium

 

JP: Since Angela began competing in 2009 she has competed four times (twice provincially and twice nationally). Provincially, she has won the Overall title every time she has competed. Nationally, she won her Class in 2011 at her first National show. That means she has won her Class 3 out of the 4 time she has competed. This is an outstanding track record for such a short period of time.

Andy: That is very impressive JP, wow. Angela is a very driven person, not only an outstanding competitor but also a mom and business owner. She has a very balanced physique and was the first female from our Province to capture a National title!

 

Shawn Gambin, 2011 Canadian Bodybuilding Championships, 1^st Place Bantamweight Class

 

JP: I had the opportunity to witness firsthand Shawn’s progress week after week as he prepared with Andy for his last two competitions. Shawn’s physique changed steadily, week after week, every week. He just kept getting leaner and leaner. I would see him one week and think well he probably can’t get any leaner than this, this isn’t even human and the next week he would show up at the studio with tendons popping out between his abs and serratus. Out of all the competitors I have seen in real life, before the 2011 Nationals Shawn had the most shredded upper body. Not to say his legs weren’t in shape, but his upper body didn’t even make sense. Shawn has a tiny waist, big arms, round shoulders, a detailed, shredded back and just an awesome genetic shape. He mopped the floor in his Class at Nationals, 2^nd place wasn’t even close. Not to mention Shawn is one of the most humble, mild-mannered people I know. Good luck with round two at Nationals Shawn, I pity the guys who have to stand next to you!

Andy: Working with Shawn is awesome, he just puts his nose to the grindstone and gets it done!  Shawn’s crazy conditioning combined with his tiny waist and muscle fullness make him a Freak! When using the term “Freak” to describe a competitor it means they have that shock value. There are lots great physiques that can carry plenty of size, and also be in wicked shape, but they still might lack that wow factor. When Shawn walks out on stage he has that wow factor. This isn’t just my opinion, the straight first place votes he received in his Class at Nationals from the judges is proof that they agree.

 

Shawn’s also a very intelligent and hard-working competitor. He has a plan mapped out, knowing what he wants to bring to the stage the next time.  When he hits the stage in 2013, it’s going to be Freak show x 10!

 

I’m tagging the Champs here in this post. Congrats. Also, I’d like to mention the great work being done by NLABBA, let’s see some more people from our Province join this exclusive club and become National Champs in 2012! 

Ladies you don’t want to miss this exciting program at the Personal Best Studio…

 

Ladies “PHOTO FINISH” Transformation Bootcamp Program!

The next Photo Finish Program is going to be offered soon (starting Monday March 5th) at the Personal Best Studio and space is limited to just 12 people.

You get the expertise of both myself and Norma Jean Hall as your trainers and we are very excited to be teaming up and offering you this Program!

What is the “Photo Finish” Program all about?

Get ready for an intense, 8-week, fitness training program! You will get everything you need to transform and sculpt your body and achieve the fastest results possible! The Program is designed to prepare you for a professional Photo Shoot! The 8 weeks will wrap up with a studio photo shoot that is included as part of this exciting “Photo Finish” Program!

Here is what you will get…

• You will receive the specially designed “Photo Finish” Meal Plan.  Nutrition is crucial but it doesn’t have to be bland and boring! We break the meal plans down into phases to eliminate the guess work for you. Tasty meals with Results!

 

• You will train in a small, group setting with Norma Jean twice per week – that’s 16 semi-private, personal training sessions, which are included in the Program. Plus, you will get the “Photo Finish” Training program that maps out exactly what you should be doing every day of the week to get maximum results.

 

• The Program wraps up at the end of the 8 weeks with a professional photo shoot, hair and makeup is included!

IMPORTANT FACTS!

There are a lot of great training programs and different workouts out there that you could follow, and there are tons of different diets, fads, etc. that “can” work…but what really makes the difference in seeing amazing results?

In my 15+ years in the fitness industry having helped HUNDREDS of bootcampers transform their bodies and dozens of males and females compete in Bodybuilding, Figure, and Bikini Model competitions (but this is not about me, it’s about how I want to help you) I have learned  the important “extra factors” to results.

I have learned, what you need and what will guarantee your results with the “Photo Finish” Program is…

1. A Clear Goal: A clear goal is necessary. It’s proven that setting goals will help you achieve better results. If someone just says “I want to be in better shape” that isn’t enough. The more specific you can be with your goal, the better. That is why my competitors see such amazing results; their goal is to be in the best possible shape on stage. With the “Photo Finish” Program the goal is crystal clear…to be in your best shape possible and photo shoot ready, so that we capture pictures that you can be proud of!

2.  Accountability: Without accountability it is too easy to fall off track. When you start this Program…it’s on! There will be no more procrastinating and starting next Monday. We will help you stay on track with weekly check-ins. Measurements, weigh-ins and progress pictures will be taken. We do this because it works! 

3.  Motivation: NJ and I want you to achieve the best possible results with this Program; it is important to us, so we will be there to encourage you and motivate you along the way. There will be mini-challenges set up throughout the Program to keep you excited and seeing results!

4. Set date/deadline: Maybe you have heard the quote…

“Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.”

Well this is also true for fitness and health as well. Having a set date or deadline forces you to take action and achieve your goal! With the “Photo Finish” Program the date is set for exactly 8 weeks! 

As you can see, all of these factors are connected and that is why this Program works so effectively!

Not only are you going to enjoy having a new, fit, sexy body! You will also get to take part in a fun and exciting Photo Shoot! 

Maybe you have seen a friend or someone you know on Facebook who has had a physique or fitness photo shoot? Well if this is something you have considered but were not quite ready or sure, now is your chance, not only to get in the best shape of your life, but to wrap it all up with some amazing photos that you can be proud of too!

Here are some of the results of past Photo Finish…

 

 

 

You can check out more amazing Photo Finish pictures here on the Personal Best Facebook Fan Page…

==> http://www.facebook.com/PersonalBestFitnessStudio

 

 

Included in the Photo Shoot you will receive…

• One-on-One Profesional Photo Shoot (approx 45 minutes of any type photos that you want!) Norma Jean and I will also help you with suggestions for the shoot to capture some amazing pics!

• Hair and Makeup will be done by a professional right before your shoot!

• A  disc of 15 edited Photos! Plus, the option to have more or get some printed will also be available. 

Right now for an investment of $499 you will receive everything: the Meal Plan, the Workouts, the Training Program, the Motivation and the Photo Shoot!

We are only taking small groups of 6 Ladies and this Program will be limited to two groups only. 

Call or email NOW to secure your spot in this exciting Photo Finish Program!

753-0303

or

info@personalbeststudio.ca

Committed to your Success,

Andy Pratt and Norma Jean Hall

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

Q: Is the Photo Finish Program right for me? 

A: The Photo Finish Program is for all experience levels. We will motivate you and push you to get great results, but the workouts will be go at your own pace…don’t worry we know when you are able to do a little more!

Whether you just want to lose the last 5-10lbs or if you are just starting out and have 20, 30, or 50+lb’s that you might want to take off, the Photo Finish Program is all about a supportive atmosphere, getting the best possible results in 8 weeks, looking and feeling great and being proud of your results!

Q: Do I need to wear a bikini in the photo shoot? 

A: No, not at all, you are certainly welcome to get some great “after” pictures in swimwear; however, this Program is designed to help everyone achieve their own best body and we will work with you and make suggestions for fitness or casual attire to capture some great photos!

Check out what some of Andy’s past clients have had to say about how he transformed their bodies…

 

 

 

I saw this video a while back and thought it was awesome…I ran across it again the other day and wanted to share with you.

If you haven’t seen this before then you have to check it out…

 

In Jason’s own words, when he was asked what that night showed people…”The sky is the limit…give it all the effort that you can to catch a dream, and to never give up.” 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Latest News!

I would also like to announce the launch of www.BodyRockBootCamp.ca

Check the site out to see a cool video of a BodyRock class in action!

If you’re in the St. John’s area, sign up to the newsletter to receive a free workout!

All the best!

Andy

Hey!

Today I want to pass along some goodies…

In regards to health and fitness, there are a lot of great websites with fantastic content, and also some pretty neat sites with F-R-E-E tools that you can use to help you with your fitness goals.

Here’s a list of my favourite websites that I personally use. Let’s call it my Top 10! I’m sure you’ll find some of these helpful, so please enjoy.

In no particular order:

1. http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/

This is a direct link to the search tool for the U.S Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Database. It’s an awesome free resource tool! Just type in blueberries, for example, and it lets you choose the type and serving size, then gives you the full breakdown of macro and micro nutrients included. Ever wonder about the calories, protein, or carbs within a particular type of food? This is the place to find out!

 
2. http://www.fitday.com/

Lets you set up a free account to track your food logging and will calculate a lot for you. It even lets you customize your favourite meals, which makes it very user friendly.

 
3. http://www.johnberardi.com/

Dr. John Berardi is the best in the biz at what he does. He is a personal mentor of mine and his site is loaded with killer information. Enjoy!

 
4. http://www.leehayward.com/

Lee is a good friend of mine with an awesome site. He has been online since 1997 and has his site packed with great info. You can also check out his live weekly talk show, online every Thursday night.

 
5. http://www.tmuscle.com/

T-mag is a long time favourite site of mine with excellent training and nutrition information. Check through the archived articles for a ton of goodness. I’ve personally used some training programs from this site over the years and can vouch for their effectiveness.

 
6. http://www.christianthibaudeau.com

Definitely one of the best trainers out there!

 
7. http://www.rosstraining.com/

This guy motivates me to train! Ross Enamait is an animal! Really cool videos too.

 
8. http://www.robkingfitness.com

This is my best buddy’s site. Rob is one of the most knowledgeable guys I know in the fitness industry. He only started this blog recently but it is already a huge source for info.  Keep checking this one out, as he posts regularly.

 
9. http://www.calendarsthatwork.com/

Click on the free samples! I print off the monthly landscape and use it for tracking client sessions, workouts, meetings, etc. This site isn’t directly fitness related, but we all know how important planning is to our success!

 
10. http://sethgodin.typepad.com/

Okay, this one isn’t fitness related at all but I figured I would toss one non-workout oriented recommendation into the mix.  I just enjoy reading Seth’s business and marketing insights, and so do thousands of other people, making this one of the most popular blogs in the world!
There you have it…ten of the sites I use and enjoy the most. I hope you find them helpful!

Take care,
Andy

P.S.:  If you’d like to share any of your favourite sites, please post them in the comments section below!

The Warrior Built DVD Set and Complete Body Transformation System is now live!

After nearly 2 years in the making I’m very excited to announce the launch of the web site….

http://www.WarriorBuilt.com

In addition to the two disk DVD set, included with the complete transformation program you also get…

1. The Warrior Built Nutrition Guide.
2. The Warrior Built Meal Plan and Recipes.
3. The Warrior Built Spirit Video and mp3 Audio download.
4. Plus three other bonuses!

Right now I’m giving away 5 valuable fitness coaching lessons for free, just for signing up for the Warrior Built newsletter….

To sign up you can go to… http://www.WarriorBuilt.com

There’s no obligation, and you can opt off the list any time you like. In each of these lessons I will share with you the top five mistakes that maybe sabotaging your own fitness efforts, and provide you with the winning solutions to avoid them.

The first lesson is on the Power of Goal Setting.

You’ll also receive other helpful tools that you can start using right away to build the body you want!

After signing up for the Lessons, you’ll then be able to check out the web page for the Warrior Built Body Transformation Program.

Also…

I was a recent guest on Lee Hayward’s Live Total Fitness Bodybuilding Video Talk Show. We chatted about the DVD and answered some viewers fitness related questions.

You can watch the replay here…

Let me know if you have any questions at all regarding your own health and fitness goals!

Take care,

Andy Pratt