Luke Ehlis’s BodyBlog

Four finalists qualified for the overall competition and a chance to win their pro card. From left, Luke Ehlis (heavyweight), Tony Quincy (light heavyweight), victor Brad Loomis (middle weight), Jason Kennedy (light weight).

Body builders invade Arlington’s BPAC

Danielle Szulczewski 13.AUG.2008  

ARLINGTON — As light heavyweight Tony Quincy posed on stage, sweat ran down his chest.
But that was nothing compared with his competitor in the overall contest, Luke Ehlis, who was nearly drenched and still recovering from the exhaustion of the just-ended heavyweight competition. The two vied against middle weight Brad Loomis and light weight James Gilchrest in the men’s body building competition, with the chance to earn a pro card on the line.
The committee of nine judges put the four men through the proverbial racks, their exertion evident in the expressions on their faces. Quincy, who splits his training between Everett and the Arlington Gold’s Gym, had a particularly busy day in the all-day competition at the Linda Byrnes Performing Arts Center.
Quincy entered the competition already a victor in the light heavyweight class that qualified him for the overall. And earlier in the evening he took home a trophy in the mixed pairs where he posed with fellow Everett resident Patty Smith.
But when the judges announced the overall winner, they did not call Quincy’s name.
He didn’t seem terribly disappointed. Although Quincy has trained “off and on” for about 20 years, a pro card would mean a lot more hard work.
“The pro card would involve putting on more size, getting more lean,” he said. And while he enjoys training, that’s the easy part. “The diet is hard,” he added, figuring his body fat was probably a half- to a full-percentage point higher than his competition.
Quincy did follow the overall contest with another award — he was named the winner of the Most Improved award.
He attributes his showing in this event to dieting harder than he did preparing for last year’s contest.
It’s not accurate to say body builders stay in the same condition all year long though, Quincy said. When he wants to indulge, Quincy goes for a pizza with the works.
In its third year, the Washington State Natural Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Championships were hosted by Kevin and Denise James from United Fitness. The Aug. 9 event drew competitors from all around the state and as far away as Georgia, Montana and California.
Throughout the competition, emcee Denise James, a pro body builder in her own right, emphasized the drug-free nature of the athletes’ training and defended the beauty of the contestants from the idea that their appearance was in any way unconventional.
Arlington resident and competitive rookie Robin Russell said she started getting into body building about two and a half years ago when she took up training at Arlington’s Gold’s Gym.
In her first competition, the 48-year-old truck driver placed second in the masters women’s body building competition and took fifth in a class of about 10 in the figures short competition.
Russell dedicates about two to three hours to her sport every time she can make it to the gym.
“I want to see how far I can take it,” she said of her motivation to train.

- The Marysville Globe

     Thank you everyone for your support!!  I had a blast and I look forward to the competition next year!!  Best of luck to everyone!!

This past year I have gone through many changes, one of which really changed my life. I was recently diagnosed with a sleep disorder called Sleep Apnea. Sleep Apnea is disturbed or interrupted breathing during sleep. For those affected by sleep apnea, there can be many temporary interruptions in breathing, each usually lasting about 10 seconds, throughout the sleep period. These interruptions in breathing can occur as often as 20 to 30 times per hour, keeping you out of REM sleep, or deep sleep. This overtime can lead to many physiological changes, such as an increase in blood pressure and if untreated, 60% more likely for a stroke.

Because some of the symptoms of sleep apnea occur during sleep, they may not be recognized without the help of someone else.  Following are a few examples of Sleep Apnea;

Heavy snoring, although not everyone who snores has sleep apnea

Struggling to breathe during sleep

Interruption in breathing during sleep followed by a snort when breathing begins again (a pause between breaths)

Being excessively sleepy during the day

Frequent urination at night

Falling asleep during activities that require attention and concentration, such as driving, working or talking

It was really taking a toll on my work and training. I found myself always wanting to sleep and no matter how long I slept, I felt as though I never really rested. I always felt as though I was over training no matter how much rest between sets I took. I decided to take action and find out what I could do to make a change in my life. The most common medical treatment for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which is a therapy that uses pressure from an air blower to circulate air through the nasal passages and upper airway. The patient wears a mask over the nose that is connected to the air pressure hose, and the air pressure is adjusted to keep the airway open during sleep. Other therapies include dental appliances that change the position of the jaw and tongue, and various surgeries to keep the airway open during sleep.

I went through many sleep studies and it was found that I should sleep with a CPAP. It took some time to get use to, but it is worth it. It has positively changed my life. I have more energy, a positive outlook and my training has never been better. If you have any of the above symptoms do not hesitate to see your doctor or health care provider and find out if you are at risk of Sleep Apnea. Also if you would like anymore information on sleep apnea or CPAP I have found the following website very helpful. www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/ncsdr

This year I am trying something new. I am taking the advice, that I should have taken before, of my wife to a whole new level. This year I am slowing things down, adding reps and improving the quality even further. Since I have made a effort for this training style I have noticed many changes in my physique. The weight is still there and I have really improved my "mind to muscle contractions" and I am able to stay more intense and pumped throughout my workouts.

Right now I am starting to focus on August 9th. This is the show My wife Tara and I have chosen to compete in. The INBF/WNBF Washington state natural. I have never been so strict in the off season and I am loving it. This year I am making sure to eat every 2-3 hours taking advantage of nutrient timing. My weight training sessions are usually in the evening around 5:30-6pm and last about one hour. I don’t believe you have to be in the gym for 4 hours at a time to make huge gains. Also I still do cardio 3 days per week in the morning on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I believe keeping the cardio and strict schedule has made a huge difference this year in my physique. I am heavier and leaner that any year before leading up to my 16 week contest prep.