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Trying to dial it in for the 2009 All Forces Classic!

I’m inside of 8 weeks for the All Forces Classic in Tampa, FL. Training and diet is beginning to intensify. For novice competitors this is where things start to get challenging because the final 8 weeks, or so, are all about dialing it in and making sure you peak at the right time for the show. I’m relying on my coach to make sure I’m on the mark since this will be my first show.

As a member of Team Body Tech, I’m under the tutelage of Tim Gardner (aka…the Architect.) I began working with Tim in March 2009 and this learning experience has been priceless. Most of the knowledge I’ve gained in the sport has all been self taught and I’ve learned a lot through experience. I thought I knew a lot but when I started working with Tim I realized how much I didn’t know, specifically training and diet.

Right now I’m on a strict diet and supplement plan coupled with an intense training program. Since I’m in New Oreans, LA and Tim is in Tampa, FL, he relies on me sending him photos every Monday morning, first thing. He assesses the photos and makes adjustments to my diet and training where needed so things are constantly changing, which is good. The constant change helps keep the workouts exciting, not boring, but also doesn’t let my body’s muscles get use to a constant routine.

I didn’t have a coach when I was training to compete in 2001 (which didn’t happen) and having a coach now, I see a number of mistakes I made in my diet, supplementation (timing) and training. Some examples of mistakes I made were 1) not taking enough amino acids throughout the day and in my diet, 2) not getting enough variety of lean, solid proteins throughout the day, and 3) overtraining, to name a few. The way I feel right now, even though somewhat carb depleted, I can tell a huge difference because my strength isn’t falling nor is the muscle mass I’m holding. Instead, my bodyfat is decreasing and my striations and seperations are beginning to show more and more.

I’m a tall guy so I have to carry a lot of muscle mass to be competitive. Since I don’t carry the huge amount of mass to overshadow the other competitors right now we’re relying on my symmetry and conditioning to bring home a win. I forgot to mention Tim is also an NPC and IFBB judge so he knows what to look for in a bodybuilder, which is an added benefit for me.

For those of you who are unsure about what you’re doing, it may behoove you to invest in getting a coach, at least initially. It will be a great learning experience and will help you build on what you already know. Tim tells me, “I’m driving this train, you just do what I tell you to and we’ll win the show.” That in itself is a great confidence booster.