John Perry here with the latest guest post in this weeks installment of “Bodybuilding Corner”. Maybe you’ll agree with some of my opinions to follow, maybe not….Use the facebook comments feature to discuss!

In this post I am going to list who, in my opinion, are the top five bodybuilding physiques in the pre-modern era (before Dorian Yates) and the top five bodybuilding physiques post- modern era. Each physique I mention refers to a specific version of that particular bodybuilder. That is, their certain physique in a certain year. Also, each person can only be used once.

There are many people who think that the physiques of the seventies and eighties were the best of all time and that the look of pro bodybuilders today is “too much”. Meaning the modern era guys are too big, therefore, making their physiques not desirable to most. I, personally, disagree; in a bodybuilding competition there are certain criteria that the athletes are judged on. The judging criterion has not changed. There are seven compulsory poses and four quarter-turns. I don’t know if they did the quarter-turns in the sixties or seventies, but it makes no difference because it still comes down to size, proportion, symmetry and condition. If you took the top guys from 1975 and put them on stage against the top guys of today they would not be able to compete with the bigger guys just because of the size difference. Evolution occurs in all sports. As time goes by new information and technology comes about and the athletes in the top level of any sport get better and better. Most people would say they would rather look like Arnold than Ronnie Coleman. That may be true, but I am just saying Arnold wouldn’t beat Ronnie Coleman on stage.

I came up with the following list after many hours of research checking out all of upper level pros from 1965 to now. This is just my opinion and all opinions on a subject such as this are subjective by nature.

Top 5 Bodybuilding Physiques – Pre-Modern Era:

5. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mr. Olympia 1974

Arnold is the cliché of a lot people’s favourite bodybuilder. If bodybuilding was judged on upper body and personality then, yes, I would agree. But truthfully, Arnold always had weak legs. They weren’t terrible, but far from where they needed to be to match his upper body. Legs are half of your body. To say that a bodybuilder with half of their body somewhat underdeveloped is the greatest of all time is ridiculous. The thing is, however, most of the top guys back then had weak legs. Legs were not as prioritized by bodybuilders during that time as they should have been. So Arnold was able to get in really good condition with a great upper body and look better than everyone else. I am a fan of Arnold; bodybuilding would be even less known about by the general public without him, but to say that he is the greatest of all time is not right in my opinion. Arnold, 1974 version, did look rather foolish though, but with who he stood next to I do agree with him winning his 6 Olympia titles, for sure. The comeback win in 1980 is a debatable one.

4. Mike Mentzer, Mr. Olympia 1980

 Mike Mentzer is known by many bodybuilding enthusiasts these days for creating his Heavy Duty, or   High Intensity training system. He created this system of training with the goal of training a drug-     free athlete to reach their maximum muscular-growth potential in the shortest amount of time. Mike was as much of a bodybuilding philosopher as he was anything else. His training system entails very low volume, training infrequently but each workout is completed with the goal of creating a new personal best, thereby placing a greater stress on the muscle than before and stimulating growth. He insisted that most bodybuilders are grossly overtraining and are not progressing optimally because of this. Mike also insisted that the typical high protein bodybuilder diet was not the best diet for building muscle. He suggested following a more balanced diet regime with somewhat convincing reasoning to back up his claims. If you read my first couple of posts you know that I believe that for a drug-free person a lot of volume will lead to overtraining and intensity is the key ingredient for long-term growth. However, I do not think as low of volume as he suggests is optimal. You would basically be doing about 3, twenty-minute workouts per week. But a lot of his philosophy does make logical sense in my opinion. In the 1980 Olympia Mike tied for fourth. Mike claimed to the day he died that the Olympia that year was rigged. He did never say that he should have won but always said that Arnold should not have won. He looked great in 1980 and I pick him as number four because he was almost perfectly symmetrical from top to bottom. Something that few bodybuilders have been able to produce is a 100% complete physique from top to bottom.

3. Frank Zane, 1979 Mr. Olympia

Frank Zane had one of the most aesthetically pleasing physiques all time no doubt. The three years that he won the Olympia he showed up with a level of conditioning greater than all of the other competitors. His proportion and symmetry were very good. He wasn’t the biggest guy, but bodybuilding is not just about being the biggest. Of course size matters, but so does symmetry, balance and conditioning. His conditioning was crazy for the era.

2. Lee Haney, 1987 Mr. Olympia

Lee Haney retired at the age of 32 after winning the Olympia eight times. His first win was at age 24. He is the second youngest person to the win the Olympia – the youngest was Arnold at age 23. No one of that era came close to his back lat spread and back double bicep until Dorian Yates came along in 1991, Haney’s final year.

1. Sergio Oliva, 1969 Mr. Olympia

If I could have the genetics of any of the bodybuilders from back in the day, I would pick Sergio. He was the only bodybuilder to have a smaller waist than Frank Zane and he coupled that with ballooned, blown-out-looking everything else, even huge legs…which no one had back then! They called him “The Myth” for a reason. Crazy!

Top 5 Bodybuilding Physiques – Post-Modern Era:

5. Nasser el Sonbaty, 1999 Arnold Classic

The year Nasser won the Arnold Classic he claimed to be around 290lbs. Bodybuilding is the only sport in which competitors over-exaggerate their weight and under-exaggerate their height to make it seem as though they have more mass for their height. I suspect 290lbs was a bit of an exaggeration but who knows? Anyway, Nasser was huge and shredded in 1999 year, blowing the competition out of the water.

4. Phil Heath, 2011 Mr. Olympia

Phil has been criticized in the past for having narrow clavicles, making him less than super-wide. I don’t think this is the case, it is more a matter of Jay Cutler, who Heath has been standing next to the past few years, having genetically super-wide shoulders. Cutler is the widest bodybuilder I have seen in real life, which is partly the reason he was able to win the Olympia four times. Jay Cutler and Kai Greene are the only two top level pros who have that crazy wide structure these days. Anyway back to Phil…he is called “The Gift” for a reason. The guy has the roundest muscle bellies since Flex Wheeler. When he is just standing there it looks like there is just muscle hanging off of him. Probably the most cartoonish-looking guy out there today.

3. Kevin Levrone, 1999 British Grand Prix

Look up his posing routine via YouTube and you will see why I picked this guy for as #3. Kevin’s legs were never were never quite as good after he turned pro. Maybe he had an injury and had to train around it. But for the 1999 British Grand Prix he certainly brought them back up. He was full, hard and dry. He also had an awesome posing routine.

2. Flex Wheeler, 1999 Mr. Olympia

Probably the most aesthetically-pleasing physique of the nineties. Tiny waist; tiny joints; round, full, muscle bellies and nailed conditioning. You can watch his posing routine on YouTube for this one too.

1. Ronnie Coleman, 2003 Mr. Olympia

“The Big Nasty”. This guy, at this competition, was the biggest, freakiest thing to walk on a bodybuilding stage to date. He had the biggest legs of all time, and biggest back of all time too, at this showing. This was 12 years ago and no one has come close to looking like this since. I doubt that anyone will for a while.

There you go that’s my top five from each era. Do you agree or disagree with me? What are your picks?

Ladies, here it is…my BIGGEST event and Program EVER!

The holiday season is fast approaching and I don’t want you to stress about it. No need to worry about looking good at all those family get togethers, and other seasonal socials.

Instead I want to help you get fit, healthy and sexier! I want you to look forward to the holidays knowing that you look stunning in your New Years dress!

I have designed and run many 4, 6 and 8 week+ transformation programs and have helped 100′s of people achieve some outstanding results, and I’m proud of each and every one of them.

I am very excited about the “Sexy for Santa“ Program because I’m going to give you all of the best training advice, knowledge and motivation that is proven to work and deliver head-turning results! You will get the guidance and expertise of both myself and Norma Jean Hall. Plus, we’re going to blow it up with some really cool prizes!

Prizes are not the important reason for signing up, it’s about getting fit and healthy, and looking and feeling great! But there is nothing wrong with having prizes as a bit of extra external motivation. Also, because it’s the “giving season” I want this to be HUGE! The prizes are going to be off the charts

“Sexy for Santa” is a 6-week Transformation Program. We will begin Monday, November 7th and will wrap up Saturday, December 17th. Perfect timing, most people are very busy the last week before Christmas anyway!

If you want your butt kicked into shape and a fantastic 6 weeks of results, then here it is…

You’re going to get…

• Initial Private One-on-One Consultation. You and I will discuss your goals and map out a plan to get your there! We will determine what Nutrition Plan and, in addition to the group workouts, what Training Program is best suited for you;

• The “Sexy for Santa” Training program.  This is your customized weekly plan designed to fit into your schedule which will be coupled with the group workouts;

• The “Sexy for Santa” Meal Plan;

• 3 Workouts – with us, per week!  Two semi-private group workouts, and one Saturday bootcamp;

• Training Kit.  This includes a tracking Journal and my at-home training DVD.

• The Holiday Damage Control program.  This contains recipes and my best secret tips. Find out how to escape the holidays without putting on the dreaded 5-10lbs of unwanted extra weight!

• Also, Brand New!… The “Merry Fitness and Happy New Rear” program. Having worked in the fitness industry for over 10 years, I know that a lot of ladies want to build a better butt. Fact. So we’re going to include a 6-week “Build a Better Butt” program within the Program. (You will get this program to follow at home or in the gym for 10 minutes, twice a week in addition to your other workouts);

 Now is the the time to take action because…

• I want you to look and feel amazing for your Christmas Parties. Nothing wrong with looking hot when you bump into old or new friends at the social get-togethers!

• I want you to enjoy more energy and confidence from being healthy and fit! This will help you enjoy the holidays even more

• It’s not too late to finish the year strong, and make good on your promise to get fit in 2011. Why wait until New Year’s to make that resolution, when the gyms are full!  Why not get a head start on getting fit, healthy and sexy now!

  
  Instead of having to fuss to find the right outfit, we want you to be able to slip into the dress of your dreams flawlessly. New Years Party? Look amazing. Enough said!

Now…what about that extra motivation I mentioned earlier?!?!

The prizes for this Program are INCREDIBLE and will definitely ensure that the winners feel “Sexy for Santa“!!!

We will be awarding 3 Prizes at the end of the Program:

Best Transformation;

Best Transformation (Runner-up); and….

A Lottery prize which all members of the “Sexy for Santa” Program will be eligible!!!!!

In addition to all of these prizes, EVERYONE in the Program will receive a $100 gift card for new membership at Personal Best Studio. Put it under the tree for a loved one and share the gift of health, fitness and happiness! But thats not all…

The “Best Transformation” and “Best Transformation (Runner-Up)” Awards will be judged and awarded by myself and Norma Jean. But let me be clear, these Awards will not be based solely on weight-loss.  We want to see you TRANSFORM yourself with this Program!! Winners will be chosen based on a number of factors including:

• body composition (weight, measurments, photos etc.);

• visual appearance;

• personal transformation/improvement (lifestyle, attitude, goals, etc.); and

• fitness transformation/improvement.

The Awards will include:

“Best Transformation” Winner!!!

“The Ultimate Night Out”

-Gift Certificate for 1 Night Accommodations at Leaside Manor;

-$200 Gift Certificate for the winner’s choice of one of the following restaurants: Raymonds, Biancas, Blue on Water or Gypsy Tea Room;

-$150 Gift Certificate for the Avalon Mall to make sure the winner looks stunning on their special night out; and

-$350 Gift Certificate for Personal Best Studio (private or semi-private training)

TOTAL PRIZE VALUE: $900

“Best Transformation” Runner-Up Winner!!!

“Shop Til You Drop”

-$200 Gift Certificate for the Avalon Mall to make sure the winner gets all the sleek, sexy clothes they need to show off their new body over the holidays; and

-$200 Gift Certificate for Personal Best Studio (private or semi-private training)

TOTAL PRIZE VALUE: $400

Lottery Prize!!!

The Winner of this Prize gets to choose 1 of the following prizes:

-$250 gift certificate for Raymond’s Restaurant;

-$250 gift certificate for the Avalon Mall;

-$250 gift certificate for Spa at the Monastery; or

-$250 gift certificate for Le Boudoir

There are only 20 spots available, and the cost is just $299+tax. Msg me right away if you want to take part and set up your consultation.

Thanks!

Andy

Personalbest@gmail.com

Merry Fitness from Personal Best Studio!

Back in the spring, 4 guys were put through a brand new, 8 week “Max Muscle Build” Program. Their results were phenomenal, each guy put on serious muscle size along with adding 40-50+ lbs on their bench press…each.

Joe Weider’s 47^th Mr. Olympia is coming up this weekend so I found it fitting to make this week’s blog post a preview of bodybuilding’s biggest competition. I am one of the few people who actually follows professional bodybuilding somewhat closely, so I am aware of who the top ten or fifteen bodybuilders in the world are and how they usually stack up against each other.

First off I want to say a big Congratulation to Newfoundland’s only pro bodybuilder, Frank Mcgrath, who will be competing in this years Olympia. Frank qualified for the Olympia by placing 3^rd at the Tampa Bay Pro on June 25^th of this year.

Frank McGrath

All athletes have had to overcome adversity along their journey and Frank is no exception. Frank suffered a severe right triceps tear in 2008 which left his right triceps visibly different from his left. He came back from this injury and competed in the 2009 Tampa Bay Pro bringing his most shredded condition up to that point and placing 9^th. If this were not enough to have to overcome, in early 2010 Frank was badly injured in a car accident. Frank was driving in his car and got T-boned. His arm went through the windshield leaving a large gash on his arm. His spleen had also been ruptured and it had to be removed. The accident left Frank in the ICU for a period of time.

Frank McGrath's back

The 2011 Mr. Olympia has 30 competitors qualified. This means that Frank is among the top 30 bodybuilders on the planet. To recover from such an accident and make it to the Olympia stage the very next year is an incredible feat and shows Frank’s strong character. Congrats to Frank, I cannot wait for him to represent Newfoundland on the big stage!

I was able to attend last years Olympia and I have to say it was quite the humbling experience. Not so much seeing the competitors; yes they are all freaks, but to see some of the fans walking around 300(+)lbs, under 6’ tall, in decent offseason shape. It makes you really begin to realize that there are some freaking huge guys out there. After an experience such as that you really change your perception of what “big” (as in muscular) really is. The people you considered big before, really aren’t that big after seeing such huge humans out there.

So here is my Top 5 prediction for this year’s Olympia:

#5 : Dexter Jackson

Dexter Jackson started competing  in the NPC as a shredded  lightweight. The lightweight  division in NPC competitions is  from 143.25-154.25 lbs. He now  competes at a shredded 230 lbs. He  is a seasoned competitor. He has  won multiple shows, even beating  Jay Cutler in 2008 for the title of  Mr. Olympia. In 2008, Jay Cutler’s  condition was off and Dexter was on  point and shredded as always. The reason I have placed Dexter  5^th and not higher is because in  this past year he hasn’t shown his  trademark conditioning. He is not  the biggest bodybuilder out there,  but when some of the bigger guys  come in a bit softer he beats them  on conditioning and symmetry.

Dennis Wolf

# 4: Dennis Wolf

In real life Dennis Wolf is a freaking huge guy. He has a big wide frame and is always criticized for not filling out his frame enough. He placed 5^th in 2007 and 2010 and 4^th in 2008 at the Olympia. I have him placing 4^th this year and not 5^th because Branch Warren, who I would have predicted to take 4^th place, is out with an injury and will not be competing this year. So as a result I have moved everyone up a placing.

#3: Kai Greene

Kai Greene

Kai Greene is one of the only people on the planet who carries enough width and thickness to give Jay Cutler a run for his money if he shows up in shape. His back is the best of the top pros. It is super wide with lats that insert at the glute. His legs pretty much match Branch Warrens who is known for having the best wheels in the sport when they stand side-by-side. Kai’s placing at the last two Mr. Olympia’s has been disappointing as he has shown up far from his best. I think he will fix whatever mistakes he has been making in the past and show up on point this year.

Phil Heath at the 2010 Olympia

#2: Phil Heath

One of the craziest things I have ever experienced is when Phil Heath walked out on stage at the 2010 Mr. Olympia night show. The thousands of people in attendance exploded in applause when this unhuman-looking beast walked out from behind the Olympia sign. Phil looked like a man with football equipment on, except it was muscle. Phil placed a very close 2^nd behind Jay Cutler in 2010. Many people thought that he should have placed ahead of Jay Cutler and won the show. In my opinion I agree with last year’s results. When Phil was on stage by himself he looks like Mr. Olympia, and he probably did have the best “physique” on stage that day. But when you see Phil and Jay side-by-side you can see that Jay has a bigger, wider frame, especially across the shoulders and this is what, I believe, gives Jay the advantage against all the other competitors. Jay is just too damn wide.

#1: Jay Cutler

Mr. Olympia 2010 Jay Cutler

If Jay Cutler comes in at his best I think he is too big and wide for any of the other competitors to beat him. He may not have the prettiest physique, but his overall size and thickness gives him the edge on everyone. If he is slightly off and either Phil or Kai are on fire he can definitely be beaten. But these predictions are only based on what I think may happen if everyone comes in on point, which rarely ever happens. Jay placed last at his first Olympiaand worked his way up through the ranks relentlessly placing 2^nd behind Ronnie Coleman for years before finally beating Ronnie for the title in 2006. If he wins again this year it will be his 5^th Mr. Olympia title.

For more info and to keep up-to-date with the 2011 Olympia check out http://www.mrolympia.com/2011/index.html

JP

I’m just putting the finishing touches on the brand new…

Ladies “PHOTO FINISH” Transformation Bootcamp Program!

This Program is going to be offered soon (starting September 12) at the Personal Best Studio and space is limited.

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.

• A professional studio photo shoot with Charro Benteau from Atlantic Horizon Imaging at the end of the 8 weeks. 

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!

That is where Charro Benteau comes in! We will be teaming up with Charro Benteau who owns Atlantic Horizon Imaging. I did a photo shoot with Charro a couple years ago, and she is fantastic! Here are a couple pics that I had done with Charro. 

A photo from my photo shoot with Charro

Included in the Photo Shoot you will receive:

• One-on-One camera time with Charro Benteau (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. 

The Photo Finish Program is regularly going to cost $599. However because I want to kick this Program off with a bang I am offering $100 off as an introductory special only.  So…

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 4-5 ladies and this Program will be limited to a few groups only. 

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

753-0303

or 

PersonalBest@gmail.com

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