During the event, I was on a relentless roller coaster ride of
emotions. As the excitement played out... I overcame my fear and
anxieties. At the end... when they were handing me my 5th place Sword
Trophy. I was overwhelmed with a sense of accomplishment. Knowing all
the hard work and sacrifices that I have made along the way. Overcoming
my physical and financial set backs. And how long the road was that it
took to get here... My eyes were burning fighting back the tears that
kept blurring my vision.

I am still currently training hard. I have my end date tomorrow for
Bodybuilding.com's Dymatize Nutrition $100,000 Transformation Challenge.
And I have another photo shoot with my good friend Cliff on Tuesday. So
I am trying to maintain a lean cut look as much as possible. After all
this is over I will continue on. I am definitely looking forward to my
next show for sure. Training will be Intense so to keep adding more
overall size and go up in weight class... hopefully hit Heavy Weight
contenders this next time around. I just made Light Heavy Weight at 195
pounds this time. Heavyweight class is over 198 up to 225 pounds.

I officially weighed in on the scale at the 2013 NPC Novice Michigan Bodybuilding Competition Show this Morning at 195 pounds. Just making the Light Heavy Weight Division. For my first show I did pretty good coming in 5th place.

The shot you see is taken by my wife Lisa... Yes, even though she is still in much pain from her surgery. She still made it to see me perform my 1 minute routine for my evening show performance. I edited the song from God Smack... I Am Doing The Best That I Can. I Am Doing The Best I Ever Did.

During the event, I was on a relentless roller coaster ride of emotions. As the excitement played out... I overcame my fear and anxieties. At the end end... when they were handing me my 5th place Sword Trophy. I was overwhelmed with a sense of accomplishment. Knowing all the hard work and sacrifices that I have made along the way. Overcoming my physical and financial set backs. And how long the road was that it took to get here... It was hard to fight back the tears that kept blurring my vision.

Shot taken this morning before my show.

I am certainly done with my goals. My destination is only the beginning. I am refreshed and have a new vision of achievement. I see opportunity in my future. And I am going to pursue. I will continue to Improve my overall physique, adding more size with definition and separation I know is attainable in my legs as well. I will keep moving forward... One Step At A Time.

Perspective in All Aspects of Life. I am currently dealing with much
frustrations. I feel like Crash and Burn. However, I must remain focused
and see things through. Financial hardship is a plague for me. I have
sacrificed so much. And now, unfortunate financial circumstances is
hindering once again. Also my wife Lisa needs surgery on Friday, due to
complications from her prior surgery in January. When Lisa told me this, I know how much pain and discomfort she has been enduring through, and I could not prevent the choking suffocating feeling overwhelming me and the tears that welted from my eyes. And although these
current circumstances is a strong deterrent trying to prevent me from
pursuing my first Amateur Bodybuilding Competition Show on Saturday.
Lisa still supports my efforts and wants me to follow through.

I will push my limits and see how far I can go. I will see things through with the Strength that God gives me to do so.

I have made significant overall progress gains despite my past
physical & financial set backs. Especially gaining some nice thick
size in my legs. Definition is not there as much as I would like.
Although, I am doing the best that I can with what I have to work with
for now. All I can do is hope and pray.

I know I will have and make the most fun out of these upcoming
experiences. I know I will cherish every moment no matter what the
outcome for sure.


*************************************

I never try anything... I JUST DO IT.

If I Fail. I Try Again, And Again, And Again...

If You Fail, Are You Going To Try Again?

It Matters How You're Going Finish.

Are You Going To Finish Strong?

Excellence is not a destination... it is a continuous Journey that never ends

...Its Your Decision.

Excellence Is A Place Of Movement... A Journey.

There may be parts of your life where there is Excellence and other ares
where there is not. There may be areas where you are making progress in
Excellence and other areas where you are not. You must learn how to
cultivate a spirit of Excellence in the different aspects of your life.
Excellence is in the details. Excellence is in precision. It will
require attentiveness. It will require focus. It will require an
Investment of time.

Excellence is the highest quality you can presently produce. Birth an
awareness of Excellence. Celebrate Excellence in your daily life... in
your finances, in your attitude, in your conversation and in your
relationships. Develop a spirit of Excellence... Your Life Will Never Be
The Same.

First Thing Every Morning

If you had a bank that credited your account each morning with $86,400 -
with no balance carried from day to day - what would you do? Well, you
do have such a bank...TIME.


Every morning it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it rules
off as "lost" whatever you have failed to use toward good purposes. It
carries over no balances and allows no overdrafts. You can't hoard it,
save it, store it, loan it or invest it. You can only use it ... TIME.

Here are six terrific truths about time:

First: Nobody can manage time. But you can manage those things that take up your time.

Second: Time is expensive. As a matter of fact, 80 percent of our
day is spent on those things or those people that only bring us two
percent of our results.

Third: Time is perishable. It cannot be saved for later use.

Fourth: Time is measurable. Everybody has the same amount of
time...pauper or king. It is not how much time you have; it is how much
you use.

Fifth: Time is irreplaceable. We never make back time once it is gone.

Sixth: Time is a priority. You have enough time for anything in the world, so long as it ranks high enough among your priorities.

Assign A Priority To Each Hour of Your Day.

Our life is like a train on the Track to Success. Each day God gives us
24 golden box cars (hours) to load up. What we place in each box car, or
hour, determines the speed and distance our train will move toward our
next city of accomplishment. Make your life count today. Every hour is a
Seed. You control The Harvest.

Live Simply.

Speak Kindly.

Care Deeply.

Love Generously.

I have my first Amateur Bodybuilding Competition Show coming up real
soon, that I have been Mentally/Physically preparing for. My training
has been very Intense and diet/nutrition has been going very well too...
In all aspects, I have made many sacrifices to make this happen.

I am doing the best that I can with what I have to work with for now.
All I can do is hope and pray... and I will have, and I will make the
most fun out of these upcoming experiences... I know I will cherish
every moment no matter what the outcome for sure.
https://www.facebook.com/events/495658417144496/?ref=ts&fref=ts

THE QUESTION ISN"T HOW MUCH MORE CAN YOU TAKE. BUT HOW MUCH MORE CAN
YOU GIVE. JUST WHEN YOUR READY TO QUIT, YOUR MIND SAYS PUSH HARDER. YOU
LISTEN, SENSING AN INNER STRENGTH THAT WASN'T THERE BEFORE. AND SUDDENLY
YOU DISCOVER... YOU NO LONGER FEEL PAIN.

As long as we are persistence in our pursuit of our deepest destiny, we
will continue to grow. We cannot choose the day or time when we will
fully bloom. It happens in its own time.

PERSEVERE

• Persist no matter what.

• Endure discomfort.

• Request help.

• Steadfastly hold on to your beliefs and values.

• Envision triumph.

• Very consistently keep at it.

• Embrace adversity as your teacher.

• Refuse to give up.

• Enjoy and celebrate every tiny bit of progress!

Refuse To Quit. Ever. The secret of champions is there refusal to
quit trying. Futility is merely a feeling... Conquer it and keep
heading toward your goals. Create small successes when the large ones
seem Impossible. Even skyscrapers are built a brick at a time.
Quitting...does not really give you what you really want.

Every step away from yesterday is significant progress.

**********************************************

***LEG TRAINING***


Standing Calf Raises: 3 sets @ 20 - 25 reps.


Seated Calf Raises: 3 sets @ 20 - 25 reps.


Front Tibialis Curls: 3 sets @ 12 - 15 reps.


Lying Hamstring Curls: 4 sets @ 10 - 12 reps.


Leg Extensions: 3 sets @ 10 - 12 reps.


Squats: 2 sets @ 12 to 15 reps. 2 sets 8 to 10 reps. 2 sets to failure.


Alternate 1 Leg Lunge and Stretch: 3 sets each, reps to failure.

A few simple rules to remember to stimulate MUSCLE GROWTH:

1: Heavy lifting (4-6 reps), which promotes a high rate of mechanical

damage/protein degradation.

2: Relatively high reps (up to 12-15 for the upper body and 15-20 for

the lower body), which promote a high mechanical degradation due to the

combination of moderate time under tension and intra muscular tension

magnitude.

3: Constant tension sets. To do these properly, you must flex the

target muscle hard during every inch of every rep. You can never allow

the muscle to relax. This means no rest between reps either. This

method is best kept for isolation exercises.

When weight training( whether your using heavy or light) try not to

let the muscles relax during the set (always flexing as hard as

possible during every inch of every rep) with 50-60% of the maximum

performed to failure, HGH, and IGF-1 levels will be enhanced!

The constant tension exercises can build size and strength despite

using relatively light weights and when if muscle damage is fairly low.

However, if the muscle is allowed to relax during the set, oxygen and

blood will flow into the muscle and you won't reach optimal benefits.

********************************

Chop your own wood... and it will warm you twice.

Gratitude ~ When you wake up in the morning, think of what a precious
privilege it is to be alive... to breath... to think... to enjoy... to
love.

By being yourself, you put something wonderful in the world that was not there before.

If you don't like something change it... if you can't change it, change the way you think about it.

To laugh often and much... to win the respect of Intelligent people
and the affection of children... to earn the appreciation of honest
critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate
beauty... to find the best in others... to leave the world a bit better
whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social
condition... to know that even one life has breathed easier because you
have lived. This is to have Succeeded.

2008 MuscleTech Transformation Challenge. This was my first Transformation Challenge through Bodybuilding.com. My final weigh in was around 218 pounds.

************************************

MuscleTech II Transformation Challenge. Final weigh in on April 25, 2009 was @ 198 pounds.
This was the second Transformation Challenge through Bodybuilding.com.

***********************

THE FIRST ANNUAL 2009 CREADYL/NO-BETA TRANSFORMATION CHALLENGE. Final
Weigh in @ 189.0 pounds. This was my Third Transformation Challenge
through Bodybuilding.com.

*******************************

BodyBuilding.com Fun Transformation Challenge 2011.
FINAL Weigh In @ 184 POUNDS.
This was my 4th Transformation Challenge through Bodybuilding.com. Never give up on anything that you can't go a day without thinking about!

******************************

Weigh in on 11-11-11 Veterans Day... completion of Juggernaut Challenge: @ 179 pounds. This was my 5th Transformation Challenge through Bodybuilding.com.

It is better to be hated for what you are than loved for what you are not.

************************

***Diet/Nutrition***

To me, my diet/nutrition
perception is simplicity. I have never been good at math. Although I
really love Bodybuilding, and living a Healthy and Fit Lifestyle.
Although I
do find all those nutritional charts that many people follow very
Impressive. I admit, I am Confused by them. I have never counted
calories, carbs, etc. or anything. I guess this has to do with me being a
little dyslexic. Throughout the years I have
learned to rely on my Intuitions. I Listen to my body... going by my Gut
Instinct. My diet
consists of lean proteins, fruits and vegetables. Mostly oatmeal, eggs,
brown rice, whole breasted chicken, and peanut butter. I use either flax
seed bread or Ezekiel bread. I eat lots of bananas, oranges,
grapefruit, apples, grapes, and I love blueberries!!! Caesar Salads,
broccoli, carrots, etc... and I love to snack on
almonds, and raisins. I eye ball my portions and only eat to satisfy my
hunger craving. And I do
get hungry around every 3 to 4 hours, so I am eating 5 to 6 times a day.
Some meals are just a protein drink with fruit. And sometimes I am
able to get a protein bar. In which I enjoy very much, because to me,
because of the various varieties of protein bars and the fact that they
are like eating a regular candy bar... well, it is a special treat for
me.

***ABS TRAINING***


***Reverse Sit Ups*** Having to deal with back problems all my life, I
love doing these because they help Support and Strengthen my lower back,
alleviating my pain and discomfort. I also periodically place the feat
rest adjustment at different heights to target the various back muscles.
I do not do these fast... it is not a race to complete them. I find
better results when you slowly come up and squeeze, contract, hold...
repeat. I usually do 3 sets @ 20 - 25 reps. And at least 1 set to
failure.


***Crunches*** Although I also do these on my flat bench. I mostly love
to perform them on my hyper-extension. Again, slowly come up and
squeeze, contract, hold... repeat. Feel the burn.  3 sets @ 20 - 25
reps. And at least 1 set to failure.


***Lower Abs*** I perform my leg raises on my flat bench. Raising my
legs slowly come up and squeeze, contract, hold... repeat. I also lay on
my sides to target my lower side obliques, with kicking motions and
pulling my knees into my chest. I love to feel the burn   3 sets @ 20 -
25 reps.


***Cable Pull Downs*** I have to use this big cushy pad when I kneel
down on the concrete floor because of my bad knees. However, they have
never stopped me from getting my training in... Train Hard, Train Safe. I
used to either use my bar or the rope pull down for these. However, I
know have an abs strap that is especially made for executing this
exercise. Keeping my lower part of my body firmly planted, I move
forward slowly squeezing my abs, contract, hold... repeat. 3 sets @ 20 -
25 reps. And at least 1 set to failure.


***Side Oblique Crunches*** These are executed on my hyper-extension.
Slowly squeezing my obliques, contract, hold... repeat. 3 sets @ 20 - 25
reps. 1 set to failure.

***DELTOIDS TRAINING***


***Behind the neck Military Presses*** I have read many articles of the
Importance of warm up sets... Avoiding Injuries. I take this to heart.
And from experience, I have seen way too many Injuries. I certainly do
not want or need any more. lol. Getting a few good warm up sets in is
crucial to me. I execute while keeping my back firmly erect and head
straight.
Contracting Isometrically with a Controlled Movement while squeezing my
shoulders tightly to the point of Peak Contraction, hold... repeat. 2
sets wide grip @ 10 - 12 reps. With 75 pounds. 2 sets close grip @ 10 -
12 reps with 75 pounds. 2 sets wide and close grips 6 - 8 reps @ 125
pounds.


***Front Military Presses*** I also execute while keeping my back firmly erect and head

straight. Contracting Isometrically with a Controlled Movement while
squeezing my shoulders tightly to the point of Peak Contraction, hold...
repeat. 3 sets @ 10 - 12 reps until failure with 125 pounds.


***Bent Over Lateral Raises*** I periodically switch off from using
dumbbells and my cable pull down machine, so to confuse and stimulate
muscle growth. I love to target my weaker Posterior part of my deltoids
to further sculpt and strengthen. Contracting Isometrically with a
Controlled Movement while squeezing my
shoulders tightly to the point of Peak Contraction, hold... repeat. 3
sets @ 10 - 12 reps with a lighter weight, lol.


***Alternate Front Dumbbell Raises*** Targeting the Anterior part of my
deltoids, slowly contracting Isometrically with a Controlled Movement
while squeezing my Anterior tightly to the point of Peak Contraction,
hold... repeat.  3 sets @ 10 - 12 reps. 1 set with 1 arm concentration
to failure.


***Incline Lateral Raise*** I perform these on my hyper-extension.
Pretty much at a 45 degree angle leaning on the pad with my feet planted
on the floor.Targeting the Posterior part of my deltoids, slowly
contracting
Isometrically with a Controlled Movement from my side while squeezing my
Posterior
tightly to the point of Peak Contraction, hold... repeat. 3 sets @ 10 -
12 reps.


***Dumbbell Lateral Raises*** Standing vertically with arms slightly
bent, targeting mostly the Lateral part of my deltoids. Slowly
contracting Isometrically with a Controlled Movement while
squeezing my Delts tightly to the point of Peak Contraction, hold...
repeat.   3 sets @ 10 - 12 reps.


***Upright Rows*** I periodically switch off from using my straight bar and my cable pull down
machine, so to confuse and stimulate muscle growth, and further sculpt and strengthen.
Contracting Isometrically with a Controlled Movement while squeezing my
shoulders tightly to the point of Peak Contraction, hold... repeat. 3 sets @ 10 - 12 reps. 1 set to failure.

*******************************

The Reward of Pain Is The Willingness To Change.

I am not always happy. I am not always excited. I do not always feel
hope. There are times when I do not see change. There are times where I
feel like I have poured most of my energy Into bad soil. I have made so
many mistakes in my life...many. Admitting a mistake quickly positions
you to learn from it...And Extract A Goal.

Everyone at sometime feels like quitting...like giving up. Do not get
discouraged... Your Best Season Is Just Ahead. Let me help you unleash a
River of Faith...Forever! Everybody goes through rough places...
Endurance Is A Bridge. Endurance Increases Access. Endurance Makes You A
Testimony Of Encouragement To Others.

Everyone has problems, and learning to share them is essential. Hiding
pain requires an enormous amount of energy; sharing it is liberating!!!

Assign A Priority To Each Hour of Your Day.

Our life is like a train on the Track to Success. Each day God gives us
24 golden box cars (hours) to load up. What we place in each box car, or
hour, determines the speed and distance our train will move toward our
next city of accomplishment. Make your life count today. Every hour is a
Seed. You control The Harvest.

Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.

***BAD ASS BACK TRAINING***

***Front Pull Downs***
I start off by using the Horizontal
Lat Bar pull downs. I use a Wide Grip with my back slightly arched,
chest out, with my shoulders elevated and arms extended. I Execute these
Without leaning back. Pulling the bar into my upper chest while
contracting my lats, while Squeezing my shoulder blades together. First warm up set @ 10 - 12 reps. with 150 pounds. Second set @ 10 - 12 reps with 200 pounds. Third set @ 8 - 10 reps with 250 pounds. Go back down to 200 - 150 pounds @ reps to failure.

***Reverse Grip Pull Downs***
I position my body the same way
as the Front Pull Downs. Except my grip is curling into my chest with
my hands parallel to my shoulders. Performing them this way gives me a
Greater Range of Motion. I Execute these by keeping my torso upright and
chest up. Pulling as far back as I can while squeezing my shoulder
blades together at the point of Peak Contraction.
First set @ 10 - 12 reps with 150 pounds. Second set @ 10 - 12 reps with 200 pounds. Third set @ 8 - 10 reps with
250 pounds. Go back down to 200 - 150 pounds @ reps to failure.

***Bent Over Rows***
Standing straight with my feet parallel
with my hips, I slightly bend my knees and with a wide overhand grip I
slightly lean forward about 45 degrees, using my lower lat cable. I Execute these by
Contracting Isometrically with a Controlled Movement Into my mid
section. First set @ 10 - 12 reps with 100 pounds. Second set @ 10 - 12 reps with 75 pounds. Third set @ reps to failure with 50 pounds.

***One Arm Dumbbell Rows***
Leaning forward at my waist, I
place one hand on my bench. While keeping my back flat and head
straight. I Execute these again by Contracting Isometrically with a
Controlled Movement as High as possible. Always Remember. While
Performing Any Exercise Focus In On the Particular Muscle Group You are
Using. In this case, Let Your Lats Pull You Through.
First set @ 10 - 12 reps with 80 pounds. Second set @ 10 - 12 reps with 100 pounds. Third set @ 8 - 10 reps with 100 pounds. Go back to 80 pounds @ reps to failure.

***Seated Cable Rows*** 
I start out by sitting upright on an
old padded cushion. Firmly holding the bar at close grip. (NOTE: I ALSO
SWITCH BACK AND FORTH CLOSE AND WIDE GRIP). I maintain a slightly arched
back with my chest out and Execute these by Contracting Isometrically
with a Controlled Movement Into my Mid Section. First set @ 10 - 12 reps with 150 pounds. Second set @ 10 - 12 reps with 200 pounds. Third set @ 8 - 10 reps with
250 pounds. Fourth set @ 6 - 8 reps with 300 pounds. Go back down to 200 - 150 pounds @ reps to failure.

***Reverse Back Extensions*** 
I Love performing these. Positioning
my heels and resting my hips on the pad of my Hyper Extension. I hold my
arms up with my hands behind my neck. Executing these by lowering
myself down and Contracting Isometrically back with a very Controlled
Movement. Tighten and Contract your back muscles when coming back up and
hold briefly...Repeat 3 sets @ reps to failure.

My training and diet has been going very well. Actually, my training routines have not changed much. I am an Old School Iron Junkie, lol. What has changed is my Intensity. My focus with the Iron is like a synchronized orchestra playing a beautiful ballad of perfect harmony. And as I continue to grow, I am getting stronger... I am adding thickness and size. I am still maintaining my weight as well. Averaging around 210 pounds. I know that people say not to weigh in all the time. However, to me my weight has never mattered. I felt damn good when I weighed in at a solid mass weight of 230 pounds in January of 2009. All the way down to a very lean 179 pounds on Veterans Day, 11-11-11.

I do not keep track of measurements, or my body fat. I do find that keeping accurate records of my weight. I can look back at old photos and see the overall changes that I have made over the years. Through trial and error you learn from your mistakes. Always moving forward... getting a little better each time. I know that when I went all the way down to 179 pounds, I sacrificed a lot of muscle mass. I did not know how to lean out while still maintaining quality size with definition. I now know that I was not eating enough protein, and was not drinking enough water. And I was also overdoing my cardio. Your body has to refuel what it burns off. And my body was literally starving and eating its self. Don't get me wrong now... I still felt 100% and on top of my game. However, just a lighter weight.

I also do not and never have counted calories, carbs, etc. I have Dyslexia, and the whole idea of counting calories, carbs, etc. confuses me. Over the years I have learned to be in tune and listen to my body and I go by Gut Instincts.

My goal now is to maintain the gains that I have made. And keep refining symmetrically... and I hope and pray to achieve crisp definition and vascularity.

The brick walls are not there to keep us out... The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. 

I never had a policy... I have just tried to do my very best each and every day.

Never give up on anything that you can't go a day without thinking about.

In the past I have followed workout routines from MUSCLEMAG and IRON
MAN magazine. I have also Incorporated some unique ones of my own. Since
joining Bodybuilding.com I have taken advantage of a variety of workout
routines available through there web site. Through the many articles on
heath nutrition, workouts, and using the wide variety of top of the
line supplements. I have learned what works for me through trial and
error. Also my experiences through the Transformation Challenges That I
have accomplished have been productive learning experiences. My most
valued Information was obtained from IFBB PRO Joe Palumbo through the
Infinite Labs Juggernaut Challenge. Learning that strict diet and
intense training is crucial for wanting to grow and obtain lean muscle
mass growth. Joe always told me, that as you age, and our body tends to
degenerate muscle tissue... us older guys need a little more
supplementation

For me it has been hard to Imagine that I have been able to make so
much Positive Productive Progress despite my physical setbacks, and
continued unfortunate struggles that I face with. They are the Cold Hard
Facts of Life... and I have learned to deal with them and always face
them head on. I look at my negative experiences as Life's Learning
Experiences. I love to turn them around and use them as Positive
Examples to help Inspire and Encourage others. And in return... other
people that overcome there adversities Inspire and Encourage me.

So needless to say, I am so grateful for the 30 pounds that I have put
on over the past year. To put on the strength and size in my legs have
been a miracle and is a blessing to me for sure. I trained my chest
today, and as I was practicing my flexing in the mirror in between sets.
The striations are becoming more and more prominent. Also I was able to
see some new veins starting to show through my chest. This is so cool
for me to see... I have never before had veins showing in my chest. I am
very happy and content with my continued progress gains. I look forward
to seeing the outcome of my progress at the end of this particular
challenge. I love and enjoy life, and I will keep pushing the boundaries
of Life and continue on as long as the the good Lord above gives me the
strength to do so.

oh yeah... I do plan on posting some updated progress pics soon. And I
am also planning on creating some new videos as well. Hopefully real
soon.

CHEST TRAINING DAY ~ Workout I

***Dumbbell Incline Presses*** I start off with my Incline bench
press at a almost 90 degree angle. I do 2 sets @ 10 - 12 reps with 80
pound dumbbells. I then take it down a notch and do the same, all the
way down till I reach a flat dumbbell press. When I get to a 45 degree
angle and for the rest of my sets down to a flat bench dumbbell presses
for 2 sets @ 6 - 8 reps with 100 pound dumbbells, and 1 set with 80
pounders until failure.

***Triceps Bar Triceps Extensions*** Laying on my flat bench, I
hold the triceps bar and extend it horizontally for 3 sets @ 8-10 reps
with 80 pounds. Then Skull Crushers for 3 sets @ 6-8 reps with 100
pounds.

***Dips*** My weight bench has a Inter changeable bar rest. In
which I take the bars out and move them around to perform my Dips. 3
sets @ 12 - 15 reps... last set reps to failure. ***While doing some
pull ups to failure in between sets.***

***Triceps Pull Downs*** Triceps Pull Downs for 2 sets @ 10-12
reps. With 100 pounds. 1 set @ 8-10 reps with 125 pounds. Kneeling down
in between sets, I pull toward chest for the opposite effect for 3 sets @
8-10 reps.

***Incline Push Ups*** I put my feet up on my bench and use these
old wooded push up brackets that I have. Performing 3 sets @ 15 - 20
reps... Push Until Failure.

Note: ***While Performing Any Exercise I Always Focus In On the
Particular Muscle Group That I Am Working and I Train With Intensity. My
executions are done slow and easy feeling the burn using the Pause and
Squeeze method that I learned from my new friend Joe Palumbo.***

Here is an example video of one of my Chest Training Days.

Focused Chest Training ~ Dec 30, 2009.

NOTE: A LITTLE INFO. ON THIS VIDEO...I originally created this video
December 30, 2009. When I had completed the download to my computer, I
was disappointed to see that my footage came out all blurry and hazy! I
was certainly frustrated but not defeated. I was challenged...I love
being challenged, because to me it presents yet another opportunity to
take a negative and turn it into something positive!!! I started to
explore the effects... I was amazed and Instantaneously Intrigued with
thee effects, that to me showed vividly my mental anguish along with the
intense focus, dedication, determination, and sacrifices that I have
made along my journey. I meticulously put together and chose this song
to not only go along with my video, but to go along with my story...

How I became dry and numb to my pain, becoming clear and free from the
storms of unpleasant changes that had clouded my head... my
relentlessness and refusal to give up my dreams, marked by utter calm
and tranquility, and find lucidity on my Journey ♥

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.

Insist On Today's Productivity. An unproductive day is an unhappy day. You were created to be productive... to accomplish... to multiply. Any progress toward your life dream today should be celebrated. Each hour is an "employee"... give it a specific Assignment. 

LUCIDITY: Clearness of thought or style. A presumed capacity to perceive the truth directly and Instantaneously.
Dream Control...Dream Come True...
Progress creates joy, and there are two things more Important than your money. Your energy and your time... Small steps matter.

The Apple you see me catch at the end of my video, depicts the old' saying, 'The Apple Never Falls Far From The Tree.' With me catching the Apple, I know God is with me, and I am successfully taking control of my life. I am focused and My Faith and Courage is Strong. I am not sure what direction my road is taking me, but I am content, and I do know that I am on the right path.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/PAPA-BEAR/144144712291616

As I look at this old pic I am reminded of where it was taken. This was shot in the basement of my parent's home where I grew up in when I was just 16 years old. I really did not have that much weight equipment, but I appreciated and took advantage of what I had. This was and has always been a deep instilled value in me that I have never taken for granted. I had met my wife Lisa 26 years ago when I was just 20 years old. A few years later we got married and we had moved on our own. To make a long story short... Through a whirl wind of unfortunate events. A new doorway had opened up leading our path back and purchasing the home in which I grew up in for a fresh new start in February of 2008. Ya' know, I still have those gold color steel plated weights, lol. Anyway... I always love reading other peoples stories, quotes, etc. I also love to write, also writing my own quotes, poems, etc. So recently I was again Inspired to write a new short... well, I guess you could call it a "state of mind" quotation if you will, titled, "My Gym". Motivated and Inspired from my heart about my home gym in my basement. I hope that you will not only enjoy reading it, but also be Motivated and Inspired by it as well.

My Gym

A
Grungy Old School Dungeon Styled Gym that has a lot of Character with
Irreplaceable Sentimental Value. I have shed much Blood, Sweat, and
Tears within these Confines. A No Guts No Glory Hard Core Grunt and
Groan Atmosphere that Breaths Life to the Iron and makes this Gym Come
Alive. When you hear the Iron Banging and Clanging, and feel the music
shaking the walls... Don't bother knocking. For there is a Deep Respect
here that is well Distinguished, That Will Forever Pump Within My Blood.

Written by Kevin Mattson on November 20, 2012.

So here I am 30 years later in the same basement... My Gym. This has been my habitual habit, my lifestyle, my life long passion. How could you not love it... How could you not???!!!

Habits Die Hard.

I am your constant companion. I am your greatest asset or heaviest burden. I will push you up to success or down to disappointment. I am at your command.

Half the things you do might just as well be turned over to me.

For I can do them quickly, correctly, and profitably.

I am easily managed; just be firm with me.

Those who are great, I have made great.

Those who are failures, I have made failures.

I am not a machine, though I work with the precision of a

machine and the intelligence of a person.

You can run me for profit, or you can run me for ruin.

Show me how you want it done. Educate me. Train me.

Lead me. Reward me.

And I will then...do it automatically.

I am your servant.

Who am I?

I am a habit.

I created this video for the fourth Transformation Challenge that I
had completed through Bodybuilding.com. The 100k Transformation
Challenge 2011. Taking the shots from... My Gym. I also had wrote a
final essay for this challenge that you can read in my Body Blog titled:


Never give up on anything that you can't go a day without thinking about! B.B.com T-C. My Final Essay. http://blog.bodybuilding.com/kevinma...p_on_anything/ Posted: Apr 2, 2011.

Grandpas lil' Jumping Bean and PAPA BEAR. One of the shots I took at the end of the 100k Transformation Challenge 2011.

Bodybuilding.com... Gotta Love It

Habits... Good or Bad... are difficult to break. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is not an act... it is a habit.

When you think that the problems in life has got you down... think again. Learn to appreciate the little things. Be grateful for your health and well being.

Our Christmas this year was a sad and empty one. First having to deal with some more financial setbacks, as always. Our furnace took a **** on us. We had to take out another loan that we really are unable to afford and has set us back further once again. And to make things even more unpleasant... due to the courts visitation rights, my granddaughter had to visit her dad for Christmas vacation. This might be fine for some kids, however, my granddaughter does not like to go there period. So we had her and my grandson open up there gifts on Sunday night, cause she had to go Christmas Eve. Also dealing with another death in the family, we did not celebrate on Christmas Day. However, you know me, I did not let that stop me from having an Awesome leg training session on Christmas Day.

Also wanted to say... Although I love to look forward to these Transformation Challenges for sure. I was having a hard time starting this one. My back started hurting again... real bad. Actually, the severe pain brought me to the floor. I could not believe it. My back has not bothered me like this in a long time. I have made such Incredible progress in my legs and overall strength. This sucks!!!

However, I know this psychotic nerve back pain well, with the numbing pain shooting down my leg... I do not let it hold me back... I will not give up. I do not express this in a complaining way... I do not look for condolence or advice from others, and I will not look for a doctors advice to tell me what I already know. I have been pushing myself hard... and sometimes I still need to learn to listen to my body when I need to rest. Needless to say, that I was more than excited to start this years Journey with the strong support of my wife, family and friends the day before her surgery. She will be recovering at least a month... possibly two before she gets back to work. So this year will be yet another financial struggle to get through... however, I know we will get through like we always do.

Currently everyone has been very sick here. My wife had to go stay at her cousins until the coast is clear to come home. How ****ty, lol. And to put even more icing on this undesirable cake... I am now being sued by my old trailer park for some unbelievable BS... and today is my wife and I 23rd wedding anniversary... she will not even be here.
We are also having car problems as well. The fun never ends !!!

I just hope and pray that I can make enough of a Transformation this time around that will WOW the judges for this challenge. I am also sooo looking forward to presenting myself this year for my first time in an actual NPC Amateur Bodybuilding Competition. I would certainly appreciate any and all advice for sure.                   There has been many amazing inspiration and positive motivation to me from countless of people that I have met through my experiences throughout the internet... Bodybuilding.com and through Infinite Labs Juggernaut Challenge as well. I certainly appreciate everything for sure.

At 211 degrees...water is hot.

At 212 degrees...it boils.

And with boiling water, comes steam.

And steam can power a locomotive.

And, it's that one extra degree that...

Makes all the difference.

Refuse To Quit. Ever.

The secret of champions is there refusal to quit trying. Futility is merely a feeling... conquer it and keep heading towards your goals. Create small successes when the large ones seem impossible. Even skyscrapers are built a brick at a time. 

Quitting... does not really give you what you really want. Every step away from yesterday is significant progress.

"For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little," (Isaiah 28:10).

It is when you recognize and celebrate the distinctions of another. That
is why developing daily Rituals of Honor are valuable in your Christian
life.

Remember, Habit Will Take You Further Than Passion. If you fail, it
will be because of habit. If you succeed, it will be because of habit.

Great men are men of Ritual. Rituals decide the rhythm of life. Rituals
decide your future. Rituals carry you... when disappointment weighs you
down. When feelings fail you, Rituals will not. There is no power on
earth like habit and Ritual.

Daily reading of the Bible, church attendance, singing and worship are
all important Rituals that show Honor to God and guarantee an outpouring
of Favor onto your life.

If You Succeed... It Will Be Because of Someone You Chose To Honor. If
You Fail... It Will Be Because of Someone You Chose To Dishonor.

Please vote for me for Bodybuilding.com - 2013 BODYSPACE
Spokesmodel Search, PRESENTED BY IRON MAN MAGAZINE. You can vote
everyday throughout the Month of November. When you click on the link
scroll down, I am 37th row down. Just click on my picture and vote...
Thank you!!!
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2013...ch-voting.html

I Love Being Challenged... To Me It Represents Opportunity. It
does not matter either way to win or lose. It was, is, and always has
been the Opportunity to do something Good for yourself. Your well being.
The Health and Fitness Benefits of looking and feeling good Alone are
PRICELESS to me... and should be for Anyone.

Life isn't easy... However, We Choose our outlook on Life and how we want to perceive things.
Despite fighting against negative circumstances, I always look at
things in a Positive Perspective. You become what you think about.
Negative thoughts reap negative results. If you think positive thoughts,
you will get positive results. Having a deep rooted Faith in God has
always helped me to remain focused and overcome my challenges in Life.
The Value Of A Man Resides In What He Gives... And Not In What He Is Capable Of Receiving.

In Life There Are Good And Bad Challenges, But Challenges Are What Makes
Life Interesting... Overcoming Them Is What Makes Life Meaningful. To
Get Through The Hardest Journey We Need Take Only One Step At A Time...
But We Must Keep On Stepping.

Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until
they arrive... and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.


Difficulties impact me—they do not define me.

Challenges mold me—they do not make me.

Praise may encourage me—it is my own vision that inspires me.

Successes may spur me on but it is my own reward that satisfies me.

Pain may permeate but my heart and hope prevail.

Criticism and pettiness may knock but the lock is on my side of the door.

Abundance may pave the road but it is generosity that lights the way.

As long as I'm breathin'—I'm livin'.

My way. Beginning every fresh moment—now!

How I Started

I started as a young teen, I was a solid kid, with a little bit of
chunk...lol. I love to workout, with weight training, boxing & mixed
martial arts & have never lost my interest! Over the years it has
evolved in an healthy habit/addiction! Like when you just gotta have
that cup of coffee/green tea! But it was just recently, when I had
joined Bodybuilding.com on March 25th, 2008. I had been earnestly
praying and looking for some kind of positive hobby that I could get
Involved with on the Internet. That is when I came across this web site
B.B.com, and I really started to focus, & go in depth in my training
hitting weaker area's & developing & sculpting my body as a
Bodybuilder. I will tell you, I feel awesome!!! I know I will never be
young again, but I can honestly say I have never looked & felt so
good as I do now!

Why I Love It

I am a kid at heart, ...

The health & fitness benefits of looking & feeling good alone
are priceless to me!!! I just turned 45 on May 31, 2012. I am so focused
in everything I do, & have so much energy!!! When I am asked this
question... I look at Bodybuilding & I feel like a kid in a candy
store! Bodybuilding is an addictive drug for me, It is my habitual
habit, my hobby, my lifestyle, my life long passion. How could you not
love it... How could you not???!!!

NOTE: The pics you see at the beginning of my video above, are a
mixture of the 5 Transformation Challenges, (MUSCLETECH I in 2008 and
MUSCLETECH II in 2009, THE FIRST ANNUAL 2009 CREADYL™/NO-BETA in 2009
through 2010, Bodybuilding.com's Fun Transformation Challenge in 2011,
and of course INFINITE LABS I Am Juggernaut Challenge in 2011) that I
have entered through Bodybuilding.com since 2008, and some of the other
projects, contests, goals, etc. that I have achieved as well.
You can check out some of these in my progress pics here on my BodySpace:
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/ke...n=progresspics

One Choice

One...

One tree can start a forest,

One smile can begin a friendship,

One hand can lift a soul,

One word can frame the goal,

One candle can wipe out darkness,

One laugh can conquer gloom,

One hope can raise our spirits,


And...one choice can change your life.

MMA video contest winner is heading for 'Beatdown' in Texas

Posted: December 4th, 2009 by: Blaine Jeffery

Congratulations to Kevin Mattson, Winner of 'MMA Movie Star' Video Contest!

Kevin's performance working the heavy bag while upside down in gravity
boots won this tattooed (and cut) Grandpa the role in MMA-powered action
film 'Beatdown.'

The film starts Rudy Youngblood (Apocalypto), Danny Trejo (Desperado, Machete), Bobby Lashley (WWE Star), Michael Bisping (MMA Fighter), Eric Balfour (The Texas Chainsaw Masacre), and Susie Abromeit...

NOTE: YOU CAN SEE BEHIND THE SCENES SHOTS OF THE CAST AND ME IN THE OCTAGON RING HERE ON THE COTTON GIN WEBSITE:

http://www.thecottongin.net/Movies.html

VIDEO DETAILS

When I uploaded my video entry for the MMA Movie Star' Video Contest, at
this point, I still did not know how to cut and slice my films. So I
timed my shots, to make them work. I looked through my footage from
previous videos, to see what I could make work. There were very strict
rules and guidelines to follow for this contest, and knowing that I
fudged my previous entries, I payed close attention. Some of the contest
requirements were as follows...

Contest Requirements: - Video must be between :30 and 2:00 - No nudity,
swearing, real violence or blood - No background music, logos, or 3rd
party video - All identifiable people must sign a release.

So I carefully looked through my footage, trying to find clips that
would not only work under the 2 minute limit, but would show creativity,
talent and originality, as what the panel of judges were also looking
for .


FIRST SEGMENT ~ SKIPPING ROPE

As you view the first segment of my entry, I am skipping rope, I love to
jump rope, and as you know it is popular with MMA fighters as well as
boxers to develop the lungs and legs and improve coordination and
footwork.


SECOND SEGMENT ~ CREATIVE, UNIQUE, ORIGINAL... HITTING HEAVY BAG WHILE HANGING UPSIDE DOWN ON GRAVITY BOOTS

The second segment is the element of surprise, lol. As I did not know
that my son was actually taping me, as I laughed at the camera and said,
'Are you video taping me'. as well as performing some basic stretch
exercises, and Introducing my very unique, creative and original talent
of hitting a heavy bag while upside down on Gravity Boots!!! Also at
this point, I had already trained for several hours, because we were
taking various takes for a new workout video. I was fatigued and over
worked my workout. My body was screamin' and as I dismount, my boot gets
hung up a little on the bar. I successfully dismount, only to show Good
Sportsmanship and Honor with Thumbs Up and a Smile!!!


THIRD SEGMENT ~ MILITARY PULL UPS

My third segment I am performing military pull ups, (while enforcing the
Isometric tension), considered one of the largest mind game exercises,
but Improves overall strength, and mental focus significantly, also
showing the core strength of the abs as well as my determination and
undying dedication to the sport!!!


FOURTH SEGMENT ~ THE APPLE NEVER FALLS FAR FROM THE TREE

My last segment, just making it under the 2 minute time limit, I am
under an old apple tree, and the apple you see me catch at the end of my
entry clip, depicts the old' saying, 'The Apple Never Falls Far From
The Tree.' With me catching the apple, I know God is with me and I am
successfully taking control of my life, I am Focused and My Faith and
Courage is Strong. I am not sure what direction my road is taking me,
but I am content and I do know that I am on the right path.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1186465507869.2027468.1415247247&type=3

Good friend IFBB Pro Joe Palumbo Trains Delts with 2012 JUGGERNAUT GRAND
PRIZE ARNOLD WINNER KEVIN MATTSON & Juggernaut Glenn Pennington.

A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.

Here is a short clip of my leg training video with Infinite Labs Original Juggernaut IFBB Pro Joe Palumbo.

I have persevered through severe back problems & narrowing of the disks since 1997, hernia
surgery with mesh patch Implant to repair 2 massive hernias in 2007.
Plus many more physical setbacks... ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING.
The only
thing that stand between a person and what they want in life... is the
will to try and the faith to believe it is Possible.
It's not what happens to you that matters, It's how you choose to respond that does.
Always choose to Finish Strong.

Here is another short clip of my leg training warm up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swZV74_N6-cI am reminded of the movie 16 Candles. "Grandpas Hyena is acting up"... lol.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AX02RWmAFzYIn 1997, I was told I had severe back problems & narrowing of the
disks. I had seen many back specialist, & was told I should have
major back surgery, & that I could end up in a wheel chair!!! I
refused there option, and I was given strengthening exercises to
strengthen my lower back muscles. I use gravity boots to elongate &
open up my spine & disks, & the use my hyper extension to also
strengthen my lower back muscles. This helps significantly!!! Yea, sure,
I still have problems... & pain, who doesn't??? I refuse to give in
& become "A Zombified Couch Potato"!!! I have also persevered &
overcome 2 massive hernias, in which they implanted a mesh patch in my
lower left groin area. I can actually feel it in there, it is yet
another pain & adversity that I endure, and have learned to live
with.
I love & enjoy life... I will go on doing what I love till the day that God takes me home!!!

I never had a policy... I have just tried to do my very best each and every day.
http://www.facebook.com/Kevin.Mattson7

Kevin Mattson ~ WARRIOR
NOTE: The takes at the beginning and end are 1 take shots...
I Hit The Apple Every Time !!!

STRENGTH DOES NOT COME FROM WINNING. YOUR STRUGGLES DEVELOP YOUR STRENGTH. WHEN YOU OVERCOME HARDSHIPS, THAT IS STRENGTH!!!
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/kevinmattson/

Creating videos using gravity boots won me a chance to appear in a LionsGate, Grindstone w/ MovieSet.com MMA movie Beatdown.Inspired by my experience I was compelled to write my experimental PAPA BEAR story...
The Story And Struggles Of PAPA BEAR:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/PAPA-BEAR/144144712291616