Muscle Ventures Podcasts

In this podcast (Quicktime ipod compatible, 30MB; Google streaming flash video), Bud Gibson and Paul Wright begin a series of conversations about Paul's preparation for the Motor City Bodybuilding competition in August, 2007.

Their conversation begins with the reasons why Paul wants to compete again.  He last competed in 2005 and won Southeast Michigan Heavyweight Masters Division and also won Capital City Heavyweight Masters Division.  He placed 4th in Mr. Michigan Masters Division and felt that he could have done better.  He took 2006 off to build the gym.  He now feels ready to compete again and has a strong desire to do another show.

Paul adds that when training for a show the level of intensity in the preparation is far greater than when not training for a show.  He enjoys that increased intensity and challenge.

Bud then asks about body weight and body fat percentage.  Paul states that he is currently 7% bod yfat and is shooting for 5% for the show.  He suspects that this will translate into about a 20 pound weight loss.  Paul also states that because he doesn't need to lose that much weight his strict dieting will begin 8-10 weeks before the show. 

In regards to muscle gain Paul states that he is currently 23 pounds heavier now than he was just prior to dieting for the 2005 show.  Although Paul recognizes this is a good 20 pound muscle gain he still believes that he has not yet reached his potential.  He will enter the August show in the mid 220 pound range.

Bud asks about the difficulties of losing too much muscle while trying to get the body fat percentage down.  Paul states that it is a matter of how quickly the weight is lost.  If done slowly enough it will be quality fat loss.  If done too quickly there may be significant muscle loss along with the fat.  Paul says this is one reason why he doesn't gain too much weight when not competing.  He also just doesn't want that extra weight.  He does add, however, that the last couple of fat percentages are very difficult to lose. 

Additional Links

• Here are 10 tips on increasing workout intensity.
• What does it really take to compete?  Here is a comprehensive guide to all the prep involved.
• We covered my prep for my show last year here.

In this podcast (Quicktime ipod compatible 16MB; Google streaming flash video), Bud and I (Nancy Arnold) talk about returning to working out together after a short break. 

The past few weeks have been rather difficult.  As Bud mentions in the video we had to take a break from working out due to the unexpected death of my mother in law.  That same week Jim and I had to put our dog down as well.  Needless to say these were two very difficult events that occurred almost simultaneously and we were both overwhelmed.

Bud and I then move the conversation to lighter topics and begin to discuss competition and diet.  Given the events of the past few weeks he double checks to make sure that I am still on track for a show in April.  Although I have missed some training I feel that I have made good progress through late summer and this fall so I am confident about preparing for another show.  We touch on my current caloric intake and where I would begin for show prep.  I mention that I would probably begin dropping calories by watching carbs first as that is what has worked for me in the past.

We also discuss the importance of someone that can provide critical insight as to how the show prep is going.  Kevin Kelsey was that "outside perspective" for me in my first two shows. He provided guidance on  diet, cardio and weight workouts.   We discuss his potential role in this upcoming show and if I have thought about including anyone else.

ADDITIONAL LINKS

Check out bodybuilding .com for all kinds of show prep info.

In this podcast (Quicktime ipod compatible, 33MB; Google streaming flash video), Bud Gibson and Troy Garver discuss final bodybuilding preparation and the difference between men and women in bodybuilding.

Troy Garver is the General Manager at the Gold's Gym that Bud and I (Nancy) have become rather familiar with.  He agreed to this interview to discuss several different aspects of bodybuilding and competition preparation. 

Troy talks about his last competition and elaborates on why he doesn't compete anymore.  He also talks about current clients who are preparing for shows and discusses the finer points of nutrition regarding these clients.  He states that glycogen retention without "spilling over" is the key to a competitor placing in a show.   He emphasizes that timing is everything. 

Troy also states that there are definite differences in training men and women.  Bodyfat levels between men and women are certainly one factor to consider.  There is also the experience factor to consider.  Those with more experience clearly need less "hand holding".

Additional Links

• Although there are many diets one traditional bodybuilding diet is outlined here
• Women and training: some myths are exposed here.