BrandonM.B’s BodyBlog

  Today was supposed to be my day off, but I felt strongly compelled to go to the gym and test my max in the squat and deadlift. I woke up with my libido in OVERDRIVE, and that burst of testosterone would serve me well in the challenge that lay ahead.

First up was the squat. I went to the Smith machine, because I really don’t trust anyones spot over at my gym. I warmed-up w/ light weight, worked my way up to 225, then loaded 3 plates on each side. The guy next to me noticed what I was trying to do, and gave me kudos for being one of the few who even do squats at all,lol. We made introductions and discussed bodybuilding and powerlifting for a minute. He offered a spot, i said I would be alright. I lifted the weight(315), then added 50 more lbs. Got physched up, then lifted that. It was time to lift my max. 395lbs, and I got it up. Feeling confident, I added 5 more. 400 lbs. I won’t lie, 400 is a little intimidating! Heavy squats can be kind of scary. But I would do it.

My new friend came over, kinda gasped at what I had on the bar; and this time I accepted his help. He fired me up, I got fired up; now was the moment of truth. Got under the bar, twisted the locks and began to lower. and lower. and lower. I tried to power back up. CLANK! No good.:(  But then he said something valuable. "Dude, you went too low, there’s no way you’re going to get that up going that low,lol. You took FOREVER lowering that weight too. Control is good, but you’re using up too much energy."  What valuable advice! He said I’m definately strong enough to lift 400+, but I should practice heavy squats until I get a better feel for lowering the weight and when to come up. I was grateful to learn something new, but the lessons were not over yet…

Deadlift time. Warmed-up, then worked my way up. 185. Good. 205. Got it. 235. Got it! 245…I tried and failed..then I tried again…no good. After a few times, was starting to feel defeated(and fatigued). But I would not give up. I stayed calm,  did some meditative breathing. And then a revelation came to me. I adjusted my stance. Got the weight a little higher…adjusted a little more… got the weight a little higher still, but still no good. But something wonderful was happening. I was learning to lift better. But I wanted so BADLY to get that weight. For 40 minutes I tried. People must have thought I was nuts. A HUGE powerlifter came by and said in a booming voice "GET THAT WEIGHT!" I screamed and almost got it, but not quite. He then gave me some helpful advice. But i was gone, physically. Or was I?

I shaved down to 190. I had a new challenge. Get this weight 12 times. I had never done that much weight for 12 reps. But I would not fail. With a war cry, I lifted. 1rep 2reps..8reps..bar staring to slip. I WILL NOT LET GO. 9..10..11….12…lowered the weight YESSS!!! I did it! I was ready to pass out dead,lol. Hands were black and red from gripping so hard..but it was so worth it.

I’m so grateful fo what I learned today. It is amazing the subtle ways that God teaches us.:)

  Well, i’m disappointed that I will NOT be able to do this show. I cannot afford both my passport adn the camp to be level 1 plus the registration fee. It’s one or the other. Getting overseas comes first, no contest. Don’t get me wrong I REALLY REALLY want to compete. But it’s not about what I want. I had second thoughts about competing Oct18th, I felt I wouldn’t be ready; but Diana Chaloux won’t take no for an answer,lol!(God bless you D!:))  My heart is set on competing, but it’s simply not about what I want.

I’m trying to get a job at the gym. Which is about the coolest place to work! There are so many wonderful opportunities presented to me, so I’m not too sad about having to postpone comp. I will still train my butt off as if I was going to compete, ’cause i LOVE it! And there will be more shows. I will still take more progress pics, and I promise you there WILL be progress:) (Calves are starting to come in, yea!)

In the meantime, train hard everyone; and God bless you with health, peace, happiness and prosperity!

  Well,  first off, I’m so happy to finally get my pics up; and am grateful for the positive response. I promise you my physique will only get better and better. I will try to do new pics every 3-4weeks.

If you didn’t know, I plan on getting my passport and going to the Phillipines in September. It will be for a couple of weeks to assist the H.U.G.S teams. I figure that if I implore others for donations, I should do my part as well and lend a hand. It is the least I can do for Jesus; he has blessed me so much and been so loving and patient how can I not do something for Him!?

Wish me well, that i can make a difference in someones life and that I return safely!

God bless.:)

Helping U Grow Strong(H.U.G.S for short) is a charitable organization run from our church. However, we are very small and in DESPERATE need of funds to continue the work the Lord has sent us to do!

So what does H.U.G.S do?  The main focus is aiding those in impoverished areas of the world, many torn apart by war and strife. Our main effort right now is in the island of Mindanao, located in the Phillipines. Children who are deformed, or born with birth defects are left in the jungles to die. Many parents have to sell their children into slavery; and many of the girls are forced into a life of prostitution.  Worse still, the mountains are swarming with terrorists, making travel there dangerous, especially for Americans!

We have been so fortunate to have had success in obtaining funds, so that volunteers can go into these dangerous areas and rescue these kids from certain death, & providing for them food,clothes, shelter, and in some cases medical care and corrective surgery. The H.U.G.S teams have done so much already to make a positive difference in the lives of these children!  But there is still so much to be done.

Needless to say, getting volunteers overseas, paying for their lodging and living expenses, plus food, shelter, clothes, and medical care for those in need is EXPENSIVE!!!  But every little bit counts, and DOES make a difference. If you read this, and are able to help in even the slightest, it would be so, so appreciated.

One effect that stand out about the efforts of the H.U.G.S team on behalf of Jesus is that, upon witnessing the bravery of the men and women in the jungles, and seeing the love shown the "god-forsaken" children; two muslim terrorists converted and renounced their former life of hatred! Furthermore, they lended a helping hand, joining the team and becoming a great help. What a miracle!!!

If you can make any donation at all(donations are tax deductible by the way), send to

H.U.G.S.  Foundation  P.O. box 1360 San Antonio, TX  78295

Thank you and God bless!  Keep in mind every little bit helps, 5$ in the Phillipines is 250 pesos!

 Yes, it’s true, today’s workout was 85,900lbs!  I didn’t try for this, beleive me, it just turned out that way.  I wanted to stick to the workout plan as closely as possible but let’s be realistic, 18-21 heavy sets in 60 with 12-16sets of calves is NOT gonna happen!  At LEAST 2 minutes of rest between sets, each set taking at anywhere from 30seconds to a minute and a half. Its just simple math.

  Wanting to work calves, I did two of the three quad exercises(Squats&LegPresses;leg extensions not a priority), plus one set of DEEP hack squats & DEEP barbell squats at lighter weight. This left me about 12minutes to do calves, which was 16 sets, 8 sets at a weight I could  knock out 15-20reps, supersetted with plyometric jumps. Rest is just enough to sip water or change stations.

On top of that, I woke up at 5AM(not my hour mind you:)), then walked the five miles to the gym(not recommended before leg workouts,lol). Right now I am ecstatic, feeling so blessed, but very, very tired.  I can’t beleive the progress I’ve made!  So I will get to sleep, then do all that tomorrow requires, maybe vote for Amysuds about 1000 times! God bless and Good night!:-)