Archive for the ‘Secrets of Champions’ Category
Greg Titus
Greg Michael Titus was born on January 14, 1967 in Detroit, Michigan.His first appearance in bodybuilding, he refers to 1988.Championship in Houston.which debuted at a young Greg.radically affected the fate of a young athlete."I weighed 79 kg, and even managed to win this weight in absolute terms – says Titus.- I remember.after the award as I was approached by an honored guest tournament Lee labradite.congratulates and said.adding that with my need to go to the pros.
Believe me, hear this from a legend of sport – this is the best motivation to achieve ".Although prior to this event was for bodybuilding Titus no more.What a way to reset the accumulated stress.he decided to devote himself to building a body.
Greg began to speak once per year and gradually sought good results: 1st place in the Championship in Houston in 1989.the following year he won the Cup Western States.and in 1991 – won the amateur tournament, "Ironman" in California with a weight of 93 kg! As Titus says this is the victory is largely catalyzed his career.
He became increasingly appearing on the covers of magazines.and his name is often mentioned in conversations about the future of professional bodybuilding.At the 1994 U.S. Amateur Championship, Greg loses a few balls, another young athlete – Dennis Newman.The following year, the situation is repeated with Paul Demaio.But next season is the hero award.and Titus gets a cherished professional card.that he once other labradite.
A few months later fate is playing with a talented athlete cruel joke: in 1997 he went to jail on charges of possessing and distributing steroids.In February 1999, Greg was released.
The only.what he was sorry.this is the impossibility of exercising.like a real professional in two years."While the former opponents raised a lot of polishing and relief, I was sitting behind bars," – said Titus."Now I'm ready to break them on the stage like a bulldog, and I will do everything possible for this" – he concluded.
Gunther Shlierkamp
The powerful muscles of the famous movie heroes – every boy's dream.But time passes, and adult care make me forget childhood fantasies.Few people can carry the dream through the years, and Gunther Shlierkamp – just such a rare case.The blond giant of German teen.literally praying to the "Conan".beautifully played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Today, 28 years old Gunther "saber" "armor" of 145 kg of pure muscle, which he would have envied Great Arnie."Swing" the German Leviathan began at sixteen.drawing inspiration from the pages of magazines kulturisticheskih.Simultaneously, he studied mechanics – even in this land of Schwarzenegger unconsciously copying his idol!
My father did not support the athletic hobbies son, considering "iron" – a waste of time.The more.that among their peers Gunter looked "black sheep" – the bar in Germany is not among the popular classes.However, all this did not bother Shlierkampa.
He diligently studied the methods of Champions."I have always admired the spin 8 times champion of the" Olympia "Lee Haney – says Gurnter.- He won a major title in bodybuilding than anyone else.I copied his training up to the last detail.
But it does not compare with what I learned from Arnold Schwarzenegger – the pressure, fanaticism and devotion to bodybuilding ".Soon his hobby was to bring the first fruits: in 1990, becoming the first Shlierkamp the Junior Championships in Germany.and a couple of weeks – at the European Championship (also Junior).
Having rested a year, he won the "adult" clones of these tournaments.Finally.in 1993, a powerful chord completed amateur stage of his career.won "gold" at the World Championships.After receiving the "pro" card Gunter moved to the states.But not so favorite "pitching" Venice Beach, and in New York.Such a strange geographical range has been selected to supply Gunter 6-fold, "Olympian" Dorian Yates.which flatly dissuaded novice jumping into "quagmire" in California bodybuilding.
At the moment, Gunther is the most striking representative of the German bodybuilding.Relatively low place in professional tournaments with more than compensated by commission from guest posing and participation in promotions.While pessimists and assured.that time in the modern giants of bodybuilding gone with this Yates.Shlierkamp confidently striding on to meet their own "star".Gunther is young enough.promising and has a wonderful personal charm – in general all those.that he was able to highlight in itself of an idol – Arnold Schwarzenegger.Opponents, tremble, do not take place and a couple of years, as Shlierkamp will be felt in full force!
Vince Taylor
While in college Vince Taylor was fascinated.how many boys and 60.such a cult figure in bodybuilding as Robbie Robinson.By the way.still the hands of the blacks "demon" is considered one of the best and compete.surely.only with the biceps of Schwarzenegger.Teenager Wins avidly studied the magazine photographs of her idol, and once wrote him a letter asking for some advice on training and nutrition.
Robinson said.the letter was a training schedule.engaged in which Taylor was soon described the ideal proportions of the natural basis of muscle.Vince hardly could have imagined.that will be more than twenty years.and that he will become the main rival to Robinson at the "Masters Olympia".
For the first time Taylor was lit on kulturisticheskoy scene, performing at the event, "Mr. Berlin" in 1983.He expected to compete in a light heavyweight.but at night there were several performances of supernatural things.changed all the plans for the tournament.On the way to show it twice in the accident.When yet reached a place of battle.then it was too late to act in his weight class.so we had to make his debut with the heavyweight division.
As a result, Taylor still has absolute title holder, "Mr. Berlin".As a bodybuilder Vince loves at all thorough study and does not recognize the so-called "partial" athletes.His motto: "If you picked up something, then bring the matter to the end".To this day he is considered the standard of proportion and symmetry.1991 Vince became incredibly successful: the "Mr. Olympia" in Orlando, he won a bronze medal and became the ruler of the audience actually edinovlastnym hearts.
Auditoriya standing ovation Taylor – recognized as the choreographer of bodybuilding.but as for all performances of the Grand Prix Tours in 1996 and 1997.In whatever country it may seem.the audience thanked him for standing up to the masterpiece posing.performed by "Makarenu".Vince Taylor is considered the most aesthetic athlete since Schwarzenegger and continues enchanting series of victories in the tournament, "Masters Olympia".
Michael Frankos
What are the only profession not tried the current "stars" of bodybuilding.zalatyvaya hole family budget.depleted endless introductions and predsorevnovatelnymi cycles.Dorian Yates in the early years of family life, worked in a laundry.Winner of "Night of Champions 93" Porter Kotrell is still the fire of Kentucky.Coleman even after winning the "Mr. Olympia 98" did not throw the police service of Arlington.
But among the "stars" Joe athlete Uaydera.professional whose purpose is not so surprising.much admired: it – was to become a priest!
Michael Clarence Frankos born in a large family of staunch Catholics in Iowa.He grew timid and shy child: preferred homeliness.went to school.downcast eyes down.views of their peers in order to avoid.The family supported his every undertaking, so parents gladly accepted his passion for bodybuilding.Together with the first "crop" in the field of physical perfection to come Frankosu and self-confidence.
There are new friends.He has to agree to date girls.although at times it took an introvert top.Mike and the whole day did not leave the house.In parallel, he was doing bodybuilding substantial progress in football.After a knee injury, threw a football Frankos and plunged into bodybuilding.At the weekend, Michael and his family attended church.His father – a fierce Catholic – took up the whole of social work the church.it served as the best example for his son."Even the best.than preaching ".
Frankos recalled: "The preacher's robe, I began to think from the second form.Every time I said to myself, "Wow.to which they are neatly dressed! "But that tender age I did not realize their true purpose".Once in the church came two traveling priest.Their preaching such an effect on Michael that he decided to dedicate his life to serving God and others.After school, he enrolled at the private Catholic college for 2,000 students.It was then that he realized the urgency of education: the spontaneous life is over.and replacing it came to favorite science – History.Philosophy and Religion.He graduated from seminary with honors.
Undoubtedly.that was a long robe Frankosu provided.fall in love with it in a young girl Shannon.whom he met at the gym.After 6 years of deliberate solitude, he appointed the first for a meeting time.In 1.5 years were married, and Frankos became what we know today: a strong and explosive.In less than 9 years of fantastic results submitted to him: victories in the championship of the U.S. in 1993."Chicago Pro-94"."Night of Champions 94"."Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic, 95" and "San Jose Pro – 95".Frankos – an extremely complex personality.When asked about future plans.response was either stay in the fitness industry.or dedicated to the life of the church.
Greg Kovacs
Acceleration in today's life reached its peak and bodybuilding.Just imagine: 183 kg – so much now weighs a Canadian bodybuilder Greg Kovacs.On this twenty-eight year-old colossus not going to stop, continuing to work diligently on the "mass".Greg was born in Toronto, the son of a farmer.Father, "Canadian Godzilla" also did not suffer a lack of strength and muscle volume.however, in the words of Kovacs.He went to his grandfather about his superhuman strength was legendary.Childhood in the country, "V-sheet," require mandatory class hockey.but for a long time in this role, Greg did not linger.
Incredible genetics.he inherited from his parents.prevailed: eighteen Kovacs was to work hard in the gym and quickly achieved stunning results.The usual range of weights for bodybuilding can not meet this giant: for him, specially made super heavy weights.His shocking power data: leg press – 900 kg, inclined bench press – 305 kg.Once, while photographing the photographer asked him to "work" with weights of 90 kg.When Greg easily picked up this unrealistic weight.photographer was dumbfounded with surprise and fascinated watching the training.
Despite the impressive anthropometric data (volume 63 biceps.5 cm) professional debut of Greg Kovacs can be called a failure.Tournament "Night of Champions" – 97.where he became only the 16th.showed.that aesthetics and proportions of the athlete are appreciated by the judges above the giant muscle volume.Strategy.adheres to gain experience today Canadian: work on the quality of muscle.but not at the expense of the "masses".May soon see the first bodybuilder weighing 200 kg!
A small hand drill from Greg Kovacs:
The rise of EZ-bar standing
"The rise of standing up I always do with a" curve "barbell to bear a smaller burden on the wrist.I take fingerboard grip bottom.In the initial position on the extension legs apart, knees slightly bent.Moving up to be "explosive", but only due to muscular effort, and expense of not "jerk" shell back.I do not press your elbows to your sides.In my opinion, far better take a natural, not "tortured" position.I bend your hands until your biceps and reduction at the top of them straining at the moment.Then unbend his hands move down two times slower than the upward."
Alternately lifting dumbbells
"Sometimes I do this exercise standing, sitting, sometimes depends on my mood.For seating options I need skkamya with support for the back to the tank is not swayed.Original position, with dumbbells in both hands.Thumbs up "look" forward-style "hammer".Lifting weights, supiniruyu hand, when the dumbbell at hip level, palm facing the top.And at the last stage of the ascent I turn my hand even more, for a side of normal supination.The latter gives a terrific turn of the peak reduction.At the top I strained biceps, back down and repeat the movement with your other hand.It is important to avoid excessive weight and "shake" the body."
Flexion with one hand on the block
This exercise m elevation on the bench or Greg Scott usually completes training."Some are surprised that I worked through the biceps on the blocks.And I like it, because the biceps are always in tension.I take the handle grip from the bottom of the lower block, and then just hand bend on a straight-up to the peak reduction.Way back, slow and very intense."
Lifting weights on the bench Scott
This exercise Greg usually does with a dumbbell weighing 50 kg, but never "cheating".The point is to fully isolate the biceps, excluding the involvement of other muscles."I leaned forward and touched the armpit to support, and then bend the hand with the dumbbell in a straight line.At the top of a second delay.then slowly.is controlled by omitting the dumbbell down and watch.to the lowest point of not "pererazognut" elbows."
Strength and Beauty
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Breast-Arnold model number and quality!
When tested kachkovaya brethren going in a circle and starts talking about Arnold.commemorate the first thing his chest.Main hitch is that the volume of the thoracic, after all, "tied" to the total weight of the body.In other words, what you are, the greater your breast.Now if Arnold weighed in at 130 kg.wonder if there is nothing like as.but his competitive weight in the best years of barely 105 pounds!
So it turns out that breast Arnold is really incomprehensible sensation.As such, he was able "to do"? Sam Arnold denies.that he had some secrets or personal recipes breast pump.No, just a relentless, hard work, he says.However, I personally have ever seen Arnold training.I took notes and now I see.that he had his own special technique.Necessary to begin with that.that it was "merged" together the two approaches: high volume training with a relatively light weight and heavy base repeats.
On the exercise had 5-6 sets.It all started with almost "pampinga" in the 15 repetitions.and then the weight grew.and final set was a "brutal" force-style (4 repeats).Total sets turned out a lot, up to 30.But most surprising is.that such training, Arnold managed to scroll up to 3 times per week without any signs kakmh overtraining!
Once I got into conversation with Arnold and that's what I heard: "Overtraining is a mental fatigue.It is taken from the heavy monotonous work that you're doing mechanically.If you're happy to go to the gym.psyche "charged".You are full enthusiasm and nervous energy.overtraining will never happen! "The basis of nursing training at Arnold has always been a bench.
His best result in this exercise – 245 kg.At 8 reps he pressed 200 kg.at 25 -155 kg.a 110-pound barbell, Arnold easily squeezed 60 times! As for Arnold presses had their own theory.He believed that the maximum mass of a pure power gives work to the number of repeats is less than 5.Basic bench Arnold dopolnyali 4 more traffic.And each with its own goals.
Inclined bench-top for infants.breeding – for internal and external areas.pushups with weight – for the bottom.and Pullover – again for the top.Arnold believed.that all parts of the breast should be pumped separately.and, again, only heavy basic movements in the "brutal" force-style.This rule and determined the selection exercise.Nobody ever saw Arnold doing crossovers.But the execution of pullovers or dilutions collected around the crowd like Arnold dikovanny trick.
Now, about the – the most important.Power style, as is known, quickly "clog" the muscle, and it ceases to grow.Arnold thought of a unique technique, which allowed him to practice a style of power for years.It turns out that out of the impasse is fundamentally changing the nature of the nervous innervation.
In fact it is very easy.Only need to rotate in heavy presses and dumbbell bar! In either case, remains a classic bench press strength curve.but the "act" on the pectoral dumbbell and barbell quite differently.Arnold himself has been a schedule today, he presses the bar, next time – dumbbells.In addition, a safety net in Arnold presses rods periodically change the width of the grip.
And another secret.Every time after a series of sets Arnold presses performed linkage set for the back.Presses shortened pectoral, and due to this reduction occurs shoulders stoop-formed.This effect is easily neytrolizovat regimes, if there is traction to run back.Arnold keenly listened to her.
If the total power load on the body became unbearable, he moved to a special training scheme thoracic.The first training was in his chest "light", the second – and third moderate – severe.Due to this timetable it fits into the same frequency of nursing training in any.very heavy.program the total mass of muscle pump.And finally one more recipe from Arnold Schwarzenegger pumping.
The main mistake.which usually do.Arnold explains,.- Is a weak mental concentration on the work of the muscles.The concentration must be absolute! Personally, I completely "disconnected", performing an exercise.The most important thing in the pump – to feel the muscle work.If you do not feel the muscle, it does not grow!COMPLEX
Exercise sets are duplicates
Bench press 6 x15, 10,8,6,6,4
Inclined bench press 5 x 10, 8,6,6,4
Dilution with dumbbells 5 x10, 8,8,8,6
Dips 5 x 15, 10,8,8,8
Pullover 3 x15
Arnold Schwarzenegger Video
Kevin Levrone
Kevin Levrone – one of the greatest athletes in the history of bodybuilding.He has earned such words are not so much because of muscle chic.much because.that seems to be a tragic fate in no way broke his.but even gave birth to the phenomenal success of sport.Kevin was born July 16, 1966 in Baltimore, Maryland.In addition to his family had 5 children.In 10 years, Kevin has experienced his father's death – but it was only the first blow in his life Levrone.
"It is strange.but it was his father's death prompted me to bodybuilding.- Recalled, "Maryland car muscle," Twenty Years Later.- Then I felt very lonely and avoided every kind of communication.But bodybuilding – sport single, in the room you are left alone and can distract from the sad thoughts ".After college, Kevin begins to engage in construction business, and even opens up your business.All seemingly went well.But after a couple of months (when he was barely 24 years old) mother gets cancer Levrone."I am very upset about her suffering, – said Kevin.- I do not want anyone to see, wanted nothing to do: I could only train ".
After the death of another person close to him Levrone with head goes in the "iron" sport and achieves good results in powerlifting.Incidentally, his first bodybuilding competition, he won by being "lifter".It happened in 1990 at the State Championships.At the urging of friends bought a melting Levrone posing and went to the scene and.to his surprise.won! The following year he became the first National Championship in the United States and won the professional card.
Since Levrone could hardly collect titles, showered him with enviable constancy.Here are just some of the tournaments.conquered Maryland uniques: "Night of Champions".postolimpiyskih series of Grand Prix."Arnold Classic"."San Francisco Pro" and "Toronto Pro".A total of 21 medals uniform Levrone IFBB – it's more.than anyone else! He currently owns gyms in Maryland and Baltimore.In memory of parents Levrone created charity fund for the terminally ill children.Every year he holds the "Classic" own name.all proceeds of which gives the fund and Children's Center at Johns Hopkins.
The year 2002 started for fans of Kevin Levrone with mournful messages: their idol forever leaves a sport for the sake of rock music and moved to Los Angeles close to the monsters of the Phonographic Industry.The solution seemed irreversible.especially since Levrone advertised the sale of shares of its own share of successful Club World Gym in his hometown.However, in February on one of the sites appeared kachkovyh unusual message.if Levrone began to prepare for the "Olympia".Duck? Nevertheless.in March, Internet ad to sell shares lost Levrone.and in exchange the news reported.on the contrary that he bought the other half of the shares and became sole owner of a huge club.But in July, Levrone announced that the former rejects plans.The music he would write as a fan, and he will remain a professional bodybuilder.More than that, it really will perform at the nearest "Olympia" -2002.So what happened? What has changed plans?
It would not be happy…
The fate of Kevin Levrone had two injuries.The first occurred in 1993 when he did the heavy bench press (226.5 pounds!).The right breast could not stand the weight, broken.And now, ten years back injury.Levrone does squats with a weight under 320 kg and..Diagnosis of doctors: incarcerated inguinal hernia.
"To grow in earnest, – says Levrone – need to apply significant weight.Over the years, the weight becomes more serious.and here comes the day.when you understand.that your body will no longer stand.Suppose you walked into your squat up to 300 kg.How many years you will be able to squat with the weight? Well.perhaps.three or four years in fact,.knees are not designed for.once a week to load them weighing three hundredweight.Then you'll get a trauma.And if you lower the weight, it would mean rolling back the form.So for 40 years pros leave the podium.And this does not mean that they were cooked.Simply, they feel a barrier that is given to step…"
The last injury was very severe Levrone.Many blood vessels were broken.There was a risk of hemorrhage into the abdominal cavity.In fact, the doctors pulled out from the world of Kevin.Levrone himself said that during the rehabilitation period, he could not even look towards heavy.In short, behaved like a driver who hit a car accident and is now afraid to drive.
Doctors banned fiznagruzki for six months, and this time was to Levrone at times soul-searching.For the first time he had free time, and he could spend it on things before the forbidden.For example.hours-long game of pool or trip to a music store on the day.to listen to thousands of musical novelties.For the first time, without prejudice to the case and with the inevitable remorse Levrone could get on a plane and fly to the car show, or to Hawaii.In bodybuilding Levrone 16 years.and as he was joking.for the six months he realized for the first time.what life is like a normal person.
During the mandatory leave Kevin weight dropped to a modest 89 kg.In late summer, Joe Uayder gathered all his "contract" on the red carpet.Levrone and looked at her a stranger.Nobody believed that Kevin will be able to return to the ranks of elite professionals…
In fact, not only back Levrone, but also improved the form: in 2002 he again came second in the "Olympia".Paradoxically, however, the reason for success was just a long break in training.
First, a brief digression.Injury on the eve of Kevin really decided to quit bodybuilding orevnovatelny.Weight does not go, unbearably hurt my knees, elbows, shoulders.In addition to the throne of the "Olympia" the giant went Coleman.which meant.that competitors place in the top five should again grow – to become a leader.The path then one – to raise the intensity, read, practice weight.Levrone panicked.He felt that his strength is running out.In the pros, he was brought many years of heavy wear basic training.And there.it would seem.You can stay.give yourself a break.relatively gentle start fighting for the muscle form.symmetry and separation of the more.that came with the Olympic arena Dorian Yates.However, as it turned out, only to give place to an alien-Coleman.
The first thing Levrone has decided to "raise" the hip.They really got up a few of the new standard.Kevin started heavy squats.The result is you already know.So.when Levrone went back to training.that initially could not find his body – no pain! Weight soared.but knees and elbows to work like a well oiled pistons! Levrone cautiously tried the heavy bench presses for the shoulders – and there is no pain! Moreover.muscles responded to the load as if for the first time."In the professional league for 12 years I.Training have long been torture for me.And then I got back from training a pleasure! "- Says Levrone.He eventually returned to the old battle weight, even with excess.Type "extra" six pounds! As a result, Kevin was more than dangerous competition Coleman.In terms of muscle physiology special miracle in the case of no Levrone.During the six months healed all micro and inflammation, the ones that had become chronic.Previously, tissue and tendons of the many strains discharged its structure and weakened.now it is again tough.And that means a real increase in muscle strength and increase training of weights.Change is so inspired Levrone.that after the "Olympia" -2002 he decided to take another time out from training.also for six months.
According to Kevin, the time shift leader at the "Olympia" has not come yet.On one side was defeated by Ronnie Shlierkampa, but Coleman's strength is that it Needless to place.Each new "Olympia," he meets a more perfect form.In addition, it is well mastered today posing and skillfully gaining points in an arbitrary program.Personally, for myself, Kevin sees "Olympia" in 2003 as a more complex.In addition to Ronnie he has a new rival in the person of Shlierkampa, as well as "young wolf" by Dennis James
- If the upcoming "Olympia" you will fail and you will not get in the top five.what will happen then? Leave a sport?
Levrone smiles broadly.
- I am 37 years old.I promise the fans that will compete at least until his fortieth! And even longer!
P.S.At the "Olympia" the basic struggle -2003 Kevin Levrone had with Gunther Shlierkampom.Kevin lost a few points and took 6th place (Gunter Shlierkamp finished fifth).
Date of Birth: July 16, 1966
Place of birth: USA
Location: United States, Maryland
Height: 178 cm
Weight: off season -100 kg, 111 kg of the competitive
The highest achievements: winner of the tournament, "Arnold Classic" in 1994 and 1996.second place in the tournament, "Mr. Olympia" of 1992.1995.2000 and 2002.
Lee Priest
As people come in bodybuilding? Unambiguous answer to this question is almost impossible.Arnold Schwarzenegger, being very closed and repressed tyrant-father, raised to the rank of athletics religion.Bodybuilding has become his only outlet.way to earn the respect of family and sectarian worship of others.
The famous athlete Lou Ferrigno (actor.played a major role in the TV series "The Incredible clumsy"), born deaf and had difficulty pronouncing words.He discovered bodybuilding as a sport Singles.Hiding from ridicule neighbors in the basement of his house.He spent hours at the show bar.which subsequently responded to him millions of fees for his roles in movies and the world of sports glory.The history of each athlete as unique as the structure of his body.Way of Australian talent Lee Priest in the great sport.possibly.seem to someone like a fairy tale.but everything was just so…
Lee was born on July 6, 1972 in Newcastle.in the family.where for 3 generations.aptly put by Arnold Schwarzenegger."Pump the iron".Seemed to love to the bar communicated Lee in one of the 46 chromosomes of ancestors, but does not.Over time, Lee recalled that as a child stare cartoons about superman.In 3 years my mother had made him a suit to a tee as his favorite hero.Then the young Priest vowed to become as strong as his cartoon idol.Really.maintaining a heart to love a fictional superman.Whether.at the age of 13 years first went to the gym.His grandfather,.once the army wrestling champion.showed a couple of simple exercise with weights.and Lee answer was brief: "I'm staying with you".
His debut performance on the show "Sydney Bodybuilding Classic" -86 Priest spent a few months later and immediately took the first place.Then the young champion has experiment.When he was 15, 38-year-old son, my mother invited to speak at events in a pair.Naturally, the star duo has conquered all, and got the victory back Priest.On the Rights of the family contract Lee won a few tournaments noisy.Incredible potential "Superman".Priest nicknamed as sports reporters.was implemented so quickly.that in the age of 17 he won the right to IFBB professional card.winning the national championship of Australia.Lee is now 26, he has twice participated in the super show "Mr. Olympia".And in 1997 became the sensation of the tournament even.immediately took 6th place and tucked under itself such geniuses pumping.Chris Cormier and Ronnie Coleman!
Long-standing fascination Australian fantastic cartoon effect to this day.Lee often poses for the camera lens in the costume of Superman.and on his shoulder not too long ago there was a tattoo with the letter "S".Although the nature and generously bestowed upon the whole race of genetically Priests.She never wasted on such an important figure for athletes.as growth.163 cm were the only disadvantage of Li as compared to other giants of bodybuilding.Why the "other giants"? Therefore.that in his modest growth Priest managed to accumulate an incredible amount of muscle.Its weight in the offseason – 129 kg.the competition – 102 pounds! Rumor.Lee is now working on a lot of.and plans to enter the "Olympia" in 1999 with a weight of 110 kg and to repel rivals.worthy of Superman.
Lou Ferrigno
Lou Ferrigno…This name is inscribed in gold history of bodybuilding.He was born November 9, 1951 in Brooklyn, New York.In early childhood, Lou chill ears.Began an extensive inflammation, which resulted in partial deafness.Because of her school has become a pariah Ferrigo.Nobody wanted to be friends with him.more often he was the target of sophisticated abuse on the part of senior.
The dream of a rematch brought Ferrigno life in the gym.But the coach refused to accept the high lanky teenager, saying that, they say, absolutely no prospects.Then Lou took it alone "iron swing" in the basement of his home.And what happened? Genetics retreated under the pressure of fanatical.extremely persistent training: Lou turned into a giant athlete weighing over 90 kg.Later he joined the 100-pound line and become the most dangerous (and youngest!) Rival Arnold Schwarzenegger in the tournament, "Mr. Universe!".By the way, he had to Arnold became the cinematic "star".Today Lou Ferrigo looks back and does not cease to wonder how much to contain in itself the past few years…
-What are the events of your life do you consider most important?
-First.meeting with his wife, Carla.and secondly, shooting kinoseriale based on my favorite comic strip "The Hulk".As a child I was reading this comic and wanted to be the.as its main character: a huge.phenomenally strong and.of course.Good.In 1977 came the first two test series, they were greeted by cheers, and the project began to unfold.
Well, how did you filmed, if, in practice, did not hear remarks of partners?
I hired a director, a special expert, and he taught me to read someone else's question on the lips.So I could be removed along with all-just like any normal actor.
-But in general you can not be classified as totally deaf
Yes, I am deaf is not 100 percent, but somewhere in the 80.As a child I had a very difficult, well, then there were microscopic electronic hearing aids.So, today we can say that the problem of poor hearing in general ceased to exist for me.
- "The Hulk" has passed through the screens with great success.Perhaps then you flunked cine work?
Yes, I starred in one large series – "Trauma," and played a total of 20 films.And now, by the way, is preparing to release a new comedy with my participation.
His team
-You said that the second most important event in your life – his marriage to Carla.Tell us more about this…
-We got married in 1980.Charles I was very fond.but even on the eve of the wedding, I had no idea.as this is important – to marry the "right" woman.My life has completely changed.Charles – a bright, strong personality, this "perpetual motion".It is involved in my career as a manager, arranges contracts and conducts all the family budget.In short, it manages something that I never had time.Besides, she's gorgeous wife and mother.
-What about your children?
-We have three of them: Sean 16 years, Lou Jr. – 12, and Brent -7.We both wanted to have many children, and never thought that they might somehow interfere with our lives.We took them with him to work and even traveled during the holidays together.In the end, so it was that we are very close with the children, and his own interest.In my opinion, it's much better than to leave them at home, in the care of grandparents.
I make good money, but we are not millionaires, and they do not want to be.The main.I think.children to grow up in an atmosphere of close family contacts.that they are constantly seen in front of a positive example for their parents.That's when they are easy to teach what is called the true values.
-Your children are the same sport, how you were their age?
- They have a lot in sports, but life they have much richer and more diversified interests.I remember as a teenager I was completely pushed in bodybuilding, but "Iron" did not want to know.
-What do you think, what would you have been, if hearing problems are not caused you to train?
-I still would have been a bodybuilder! In bodybuilding, I fell in love with a really crazy.It has been my whole life.I raved about tournaments.dreamed about titles, and even could not imagine.that one day shall appear on television as an actor.and not a bodybuilder.By the way, I am happy that my children were not fixated on the sport-.After all, the sport – it's only a facet of life, not life itself.In my youth I had taken his own lot, on their own staging of the gym that a kind of prison.Well, they are a lot of contact with their peers, they are more intelligent, better educated…
Tough Choices
After a long break, you decided to participate in the "Olympia" -94.in the category of "master"? What prompted you to leave again on the podium?
- I just want this! In fact,.I always keep myself in shape.I train at home sobstvennomi Hall and dieting.And then Joe came up with Uayder tournament for veterans.So I decided – why not try your luck? The wife responded to it with enthusiasm.but I immediately set a condition: all their "podgotovochnye" problem, I will decide for itself.For example, I'll cook for themselves – did not want someone "panting" for me.But, in fact, in my preparation for the speech involved the whole family.I had to redraw all of our usual schedule – with the children I have not gone any fishing.or bowling.no movie.And friends, I almost did not see.
I must say that I very soul was not in place.Still, a family man a lot more responsibility – you're not that young.single."Hungry" to winning bodybuilder.You depend on other people.I think.that for many of today's professionals.with families.preparation for the tournament – a real moral torture.
-Do you think today's bodybuilders better than those that were in your time?
- Today at the podium and really much more impressive guys.Here we must bear in mind that training methods have changed a lot, more precisely, modernized.Modern builders train muscle group only once a week and therefore rarely overtrain.Well, it happened with us at every step.They also engaged in aerobic exercise, which we never did.And they have a diet supernauchnye.When you enter the store sports nutrition.eyes get – we had it! It is clear.that the current guys in the sense of a competitive form ahead of us in light years! But remember the 60's Champions! They're all as the selection was the siloviki.participated in the show of force.competition pow-erlifterov and weightlifters! Today, to be strong not "fashionable".However, it is not my fault that the guys in the.We must take into account the time – an era in which they live.It dictates to them their laws: we must by all means bring up the "meat".This super-task of enslaving the entire bodybuilding.There is no choice: you just have to be a monster! As a result, bodybuilders have a much more massive, but today.when podium were large, without exception."Meat" fed up.Moreover, some of this senseless excess muscle simply sick.It turns out some sort of counter-advertising our sport…
Life outside of bodybuilding
-You're not going to compete?
-Never! I do not want to miss again you and your family through the "meat grinder" In addition,.I have already a lot of cases.I'm shooting a movie…
-What can you advise young bodybuilders who dream of victories and titles?
-A lot of work, but still did not turn bodybuilding into a single light in the window.Be sure to go to learn.In my lifetime I have seen a lot of tragic stories.
First, the bodybuilder is bathed in the glory.and then for reasons of age goes out and finds sports.that he did not pass on that.How to live? How to earn? No one knows how talented you are.Perhaps you will become a professional, but maybe not.But even the pros sooner or later leave bodybuilding.So, to failure in life and to the changes that age brings with it, we must prepare in advance.I advise you all the money you earn on bodybuilding, invest in their education.
Believe me, the time will come when you are sure to thank me for this advice.
- And what about marriage?
- Being happy husband and father – is the largest life kicks! So.if you have in mind is a woman.which.you think.you will be a good wife and good mother to your children.get married.do not hesitate to.Dash them.with bodybuilding! Family is more important than gold-plated trinkets! Grow a healthy.educated and the good of the child to a man much more worthy task.than to pump up his biceps healthy in the end,.Bodybuilding is not conceived for.to interfere with a person to live a full and happy life!
Tom Platz
Many professional bodybuilders glorified some part of the body, he developed beyond measure.Strictly speaking.it's such an incredible muscle size and pushing the horizons of bodybuilding.demonstrating the limitless possibilities of human will.The great champions made history with his "crown" muscle groups: Larry and his monstrous biceps.Arnold with his immense chest.Dorian with unprecedented broadest …
If we talk about the feet.then the memory comes immediately athlete.outliers even among his great contemporaries.Although the last time he was seen on the dais, "Olympia" as much in 1986.the mere mention of his phenomenal "props" leads in awe of the true fans of bodybuilding.The name of this titan – Tom Platz.And rivals.and fans alike admired his extraordinary artistry.ability to endure the injuries and.of course.breadth of the soul.wide open for everyone – friends and acquaintances.
- When did you first thought of becoming a professional bodybuilder?
Tom:Believe it or not, but my choice was a matter of pure chance.In the 60 years.when I was a kid.I came across a magazine with pictures of the famous champion Dave Drappera.and it turned my life.Drapper then starred in some movie in the role of a hefty jerk – in those years were not given other roles.So the very first bodybuilder, whom I saw was Drapper at the photo, and it has decided my fate.
- In the future you have met up with Dave?
Tom:If you want to succeed in professional bodybuilding, we should move to California.It is home to the stars, here is a big policy.When I got home in California, found that Drapper lives very close, about three hours.We often trained together.
- And what have you learned from him?
Tom:For all the buzz in bodybuilding Dave was in the process of training Although he often appeared in films.By nature he was a lone wolf and he did not like to appear on the public.Even while training for selected early, at 6 am, when the hall is not just the people.When it came to participate in competitions, to Dave sent a deputation of the whole – to persuade.He once told me that he was supposedly embarrassed to be a "Mr. America".Mole.and so he has some money to shoot a movie.and therefore it would be better to give the title to some cash-strapped young guy.In this sense, Dave was the exact opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger.who also happened to me like an apprentice.
- What impressed you, Arnold?
Tom:It seems that visitors see America differently than we do, Native Americans.I remember that Arnold enthusiastically told me that America – a country of vast opportunities.Like, here, if you want, you can be anyone – even a movie star, although the Minister.Frankly, I thought that he is not all right with the head.Well, when he really became a Hollywood star.and then headed the sports ministry in the Reagan.I myself just went crazy.Today, when I went to fifth decade, I understand that it's not in America.All the barriers within us.Even before we will take to do something, we often say to myself: no, we did not get.But why.because we have not even tried! The secret of Arnold in the.that he never played himself in roulette: try.maybe get.Any thing he had planned, as the battle masshtabist.First – this is to properly assess the enemy.Second – the right to place its forces.Well, after that is cleared and the will to attack mobilizovt.Outcome of the battle will depend on your strength of mind, and this is the main prerequisite for victory.By the way, I've never seen that Arnold played in gambling.He did what he did not like to depend on the circumstances of the Blind.
Extreme training
- Tell me about your "extreme" system of training the legs.
Tom:I started with the maximum weight – six 20-kilogram "pancakes" on each side plus locks.He did about 20 reps before muscle "failure".Note that this was the classic sit-ups – I was doing with their full range of motion, dropping to the floor.I then return the bar to the rack.immediately cleaned one at a time "pancake" on each side and then crouched until the muscle "failure".Then I went on set with four "pancake", then three and finally two.Again, each time to "failure".In general, I performed a set of 150 reps and exhausting to the limit.I remember I was lying on the floor, and is ready to howl with pain bl.It hurt everything – from the calves to the buttocks and back.Today I am reminded of this as a nightmare.But such is the professional body-building: Health poboku.Do you think only about.to beat rivals.
- What else can remember from those years?
Tom:Squats have been for us a sort of self-sport.We are constantly talking about the results of each other.Time and a half to two months, we had a special day when we did some squats.This was considered something of a competition.Everyone had to show his record.Around the racks assembled bodybuilders usually 10-15 professionals, and everyone was trying to "pereprisedat" other.
- You certainly have been among them champions?
Tom:To be honest, in my life I have met only one guy himself abruptly.It was in college years.No matter how many sit-ups I did not, he is always "overtaking" I repeat for the extra 3.2.But he did not go to California.And I was so "lucky" that the first day caught the eye of Joe Uayderu.
- You did not have a sense of being part of the training for the legs you ahead of its time?
Tom:Yes, today my feet are nothing new.But in the 70 years I've been told that I had too much leg, I broke the proportions and pr.I remember in Goldz Jim approached me the pros and bewilderment asked me why such large amounts of foot.I really look like a sore thumb.
- I wonder where you bought yourself pants?
Tom:With the trousers was quite a problem.Then the jeans were in fashion, but to me they are decidedly not nalezali.His first pair of jeans I bought when thrown to compete, at thirty-five years.Steep-pros guys sewed pants for his order, but for me, a novice, every dollar was counted.And so I walked everywhere in "trenikah".Imagine.go to a restaurant.and for you "treniki"! But.I became well-known figure.I also got their own tailor.He sewed me a jacket and pants.And I did not look like a potato.
- Can you have a child were "nonstandard" feet?
Tom:No, they were perfectly normal, like all teenagers.It all began with the introduction of a powerlifter.It was he who told me that squats – the main exercise for a set of overall muscle mass.I liked the squat, like a sense of enormous weight on my "trapeze".Intensive training has increased rapidly in size feet, but again, there exists no wonder.Love any exercise.and the results will start to grow like a weed! Another thing.that squats are very few people in mind.Sometimes I am asked to recount in detail the technique of pumping the legs, and every time I refuse.The point is not in the order of exercises or number of Seton.Love squats.and will not notice.the legs will be huge! By the way.to love squats.Throw all the other exercises – leg press.hack squats.squats.leg extension…Year or two, do some squats.But in full force!
My Past and Thoughts
- What do you think of today's bodybuilding?
Tom:At one time we could not imagine.that ever going to see guys on the platform under the weight of one and a half hundredweight with 5% fat.Muscles from these monsters downright inhumane.In 1998, Coleman specifically for me, took off his shirt behind the scenes "Olympia" and pose little, my jaw dropped as much as.Even when Arnold was on top form, I have never seen such perfect triceps and biceps.Personally, I look at the current elite in awe.For example, Lee Priest.Compare, in the offseason, it weighs almost 150 kg, and this at a growth of 165 cm!
- Who else do you remember?
Tom:In the mid-90s I played in England with seminars.Then I spent about 20 workshops.And every once in a seminar in Liverpool came to a humble guy and sat quietly in the back row.Every two hours, he pulled out of the bag box with food and snack.It seems.He was very shy.but sometimes it still raised his hand and said, "Excuse.I would like to ask you a question ".And then, years later, I saw this guy on the "Olympia" and you know who it was? Dorian Yates!
- Bodybuilding has changed a lot since you left the dais?
Tom:The impression is that it became less enthusiasm, fanaticism.Just recently I talked to one of the leading "pro".And then said he did not like bodybuilding and kachatesya just for the money.At my age this was not.We are all united love for our sport.We felt like-minded people, and therefore lived as one happy family.We trained together, went together to the beach, had lunch, and organized a party.If you come across an unknown bodybuilder, it was decided to greet, exchange phone.The competition was an occasion for communication, then the guys went to each other at home.Well, I just turned to the old grandfather in our years…And in fact, bodybuilding sdela a big step forward.Professionals complain – you just look at their profits!
Tom Platz today
- What did you do all these years, after parting with bodybuilding?
Tom:I acted in films.Played gangsters and detectives.It was the role of the second row, but my appearance does not have to wait another.In addition, my wife opened a fitness club.I had to help her on the part of bodybuilding.To retain customers, we must teach them to practice.I give lectures, and from time to time take under his own advanced care stubborn children.The last eight years I have been working on the International Association of Sports Sciences.rukovozhu Department of bodybuilding.teach bodybuilding science.Here I helped to cool a university degree.I remember, for the sake of bodybuilding I was planning to leave school, but her father stood up against the mountain.He said that bodybuilding sooner or later I will end, and I will have nothing to feed my family.To me these words seemed nonsense that exists – in my 20 years I was going to train forever.I was ready to quarrel with him dead, drop everything and go to California the next day.
- What brings you joy in your life?
Tom:Life itself.Get up in the morning.to see the sunrise – it's so cool! In his youth, it seemed to me.the main thing in life – this title.But then I realized that the main thing – it's love women, children, respect for others when you give them the experience…In fact, happiness – is when you're doing something.If you want you to have more happiness in life, let them have those I would loved more cases.
- And one of such cases has been your favorite bodybuilding for you?
Tom:Bodybuilding has given me a lot.Thanks to him, I experienced the glory.I have become much wiser, as the glory of teaching responsibility.Your fans are waiting for that and everything else you'll have to sample.Glory sooner or later makes one answer to the eternal question whether he is worthy of this glory? And what made it different? For example.where I was.if once Uayder Joe did not say a Dare.podzovite me out of the guy with healthy feet…
