Ivan25’s BodyBlog

I don’t believe in lifting heavy that much anymore… I want to be healthy for the long-term.. As far as the pro card goes, I believe it’s overrated… I just want to get it at some point, and I just love being ripped… Frank Zane won the Olympia 3 times, he lifted heavy early on, but later on, he used mind-body connection more often…

For me, I just want to compete and potentially get my face out there in fitness magazines… I’m not the hardcore kind of bodybuilder who wants to build huge amounts of muscle… I tried it 2- years ago, and I feel it was detrimental to my joints…

I am getting my some customized orthotics next week since I have flat feet and both legs get tired from prolonged standing and stuff….

Here are some pics of my most recent competition… If you look at the pics, I look awesome in a few, and not so awesome in others… I believe that as a Natural, posing is very critical to doing well… I placed 1st in a class of 5 in this show…

All b/c I was most shredded… You look bigger on-stage shredded…

I basically lifted weights 2-3 times per week and did cardio 4-5 times per week… This is completely contrary to popular opinion in bodybuilding, but again, it’s all about perspective… IT’s all a matter of opinion…

I don’t have good mass, never did, even when I was able to squat 405 for 5 reps at 175…. What’s the point? In natural shows, if you come in shredded and ripped, you will do well…

I don’t train hard anymore, I train SMART… I do the minimal amount to get the most reward…

 Here’s the thing… I trained heavy 2-year ago, bulked up to 184 once in my life… I say this b/c I never plan on getting that heavy again… Did it help? Maybe… It might have added more density to my frame at 160, but it sure seems to have affected my joint health as well… I’m working on improving this over time with 4-6 month breaks of which I focus on functionality and flexibility…

 I competed in 6 shows in my 1st 2 years, did all the non-sense unproven methods and only got 1st in one show..

This year, I competed in 5 shows!!!! Got 1st place in 4 and 2nd in 1!!!!! I did it just coming in ripped…

And without the added stress of heavy lifting while being lean…. I just believe that I will turn pro on my own right…. I will turn pro, I’m already a pro in my eyes and mind… It’s only a matter of time until the judges realize this as well…

Most important, I will bodybuild for the long-term and stay injury-free and healthy while doing it… Training smarter and more efficiently/effectively…

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