Competitive Bodybuilding 2015

Last year was an incredible year for me, I came back from a 22 year lay off and ended up placing second in the world! Couldn't grumble about that could I and so the thoughts ran through my head that maybe if I gave it one more go I could win a world title, this was around October time.

After all the squabbling amongst federations I decided I would try my hand with the IBFA and start with the Saxon Classic in April. My prep started in earnest in January, hell bent on winning everything again as I had done the year before, however I was not prepared for the mental turn around so soon into my prep.

Within weeks of starting I knew I had made a catastrophic mistake, I just didn't want it anymore but me being me, I had to continue, just because I said I would compete again, you see, my word is my word!

I'm still not sure what did this to me, maybe I hadn't recovered from last years rollacoaster or maybe I had just lost my love for the competitive stage, or maybe I just didn't have it in me to commit everything again for a plastic trophy, after all my poor wife had such a tough year last year and here I was putting her through it all again, how selfish of me, although Julie never complained once!

In any case my heart wasn't in it and I hated every rep of every set of every muscle group, I was on auto pilot all for the wrong reasons.

Come competition day I wasn't at my best and lost, deservedly so but I had qualified for the British, bring on the second catastrophic mistake, I decided I would get retribution at the British, I just couldn't imagine another 55 year old with my shape or conditioning being there, once again I was proved wrong. 

Looking back I could have easily won both my qualifier and British title, taking nothing away from the other great athletes in my class but had I prepared with the mindset of 2014 I really don't believe anyone would have beaten me but I was just kidding myself, I really didn't want it.

Things happen for a reason, my job at Muscle Finesse would come to an end after 5 great years and here I was in great shape, unknowingly I had just created the perfect formula to start up a PT business and as it happens it has gone really well.

I doubt I'll ever grace the stage again, my clients give me that fire now, I just want to get the best out of them and for me that's as satisfying as winning a competition, I love each and every one of them and it's just great seeing the enjoyment they get from working out with me. 2015 is turning out just great!

Current progress Re - Saxon Classic

My last update was on the 9th of Feb and it somewhat reflected my fears and insecurities during my prep, I gave an honest account of how I was feeling at the time, but you all sent kind and positive messages which seemed to lift me out of a dark place.

Well it's amazing how things change so quickly, I trained harder, did cardio harder and kept my diet on point and right now I believe that I have not only caught up but am ahead of schedule, my physique has changed dramatically over the last couple of weeks and I'm carrying more muscle than at the same point last year.

All positive stuff with only 8 weeks to go for one the UK's toughest shows, The Saxon Classic: Ryan Alexander the promoter has posted pics on face book of some of the competitors and they are as good as any Fed in the UK. 

Thanks all again for your support "Train with Purpose"

Saxon Classic update

Training and dieting is going well with just under 10 weeks to go for the Saxon Classic, it's now become evident that I am carrying more muscle than last year but paranoia has gotten the best of me condition wise. I just don't feel I'm coming in quick enough at this time, of course this has lead me to try drastic measures in terms of diet and training to correct this issue. It could be all in the mind and I could be right on track, I'll give it another week to see what happens.

My posing routine will once again be unique, I have a brand new piece of music which should raise a few eyebrows to say the least. Of course it was mixed by the maestro himself, Niko Physique.

It's all hotting up and I hear that this will be one of the toughest shows in Britain this year,

I'll keep you updated on my progress in due course. Thanks for following me and of course all the continued support. "Train with purpose"

Preparing For The Saxon Classic

I decided to compete in the Saxon Classic the early part of December. My main aim for this show is to come in great condition with an extra 4 or 5 lbs of muscle compared to year's competitions. I think the added muscle will add to my symmetry and balance.

I'm taking a slightly different approach, in that I believe I did far too much cardio last year wasting valuable  muscle in the process; I'm currently adopting low intensity cardio for 30 minutes am fasted and pm post-workout.
Although I currently don't feel I'm more muscular than last year, I'm most definitely stronger - the extra muscle will come to light as body fat levels drop further.

All I can say for now is that my aim is to win the over 50s at the Saxon Classic which will then qualify me for the IBFA British Championships in June - although I will be in the over 55s category by then where I think my real strength lies.

I'll keep you posted. Thank you for all your support.