vagymbro’s BodyBlog

I went to a bb contest in MD with a friend Saturday evening.  Lots of great competitors and gorgeous models.  The outcome was expected as the winner’s size and definition was off the chain.  However, this show had a male fitness model division and my friend and I were very surprised at the disdain and very obvious LACK of love shown to the models when they did their routines.  The audience’s homophobia was quite blatant–no one applauded these competitors, you could hear snickering and whispering, and the MC made it a point to encourage the audience to give these guys some respect.  Two guys in front of us shook their heads as if they had not seen anything so pathetic.  But when the male bbers came out and posed (in less clothing mind you), there was cheering, yelling, and screaming from these very same people.  One guy went wild when a competitor hit a rear leg shot and exposed his glutes. 

Soooo….is there a double standard when it comes to the public’s attitude toward male bbers and fitness models?  Are bbers "masculine" and fitness models "effeminate?"  I have trouble understanding how a person can cheer, whoop and holler at at a dude coming onstage in nothing but posing trunks, but have a problem with another dude coming out modeling his body in swimwear.  One is not more "gay" than the other.  In fact, neither are.  Just my 2 cents, but then again, maybe I’m just too open-minded.  LOL

I went to the finals of the Kina Elyassi NPC East Coast show in DC tonight as a spectator and student.  It was a great show and I learned a lot in order to help me prep for my first show which will be sometime next year.  The dude who won the overall surprised me very much as he looked much bigger than a bantamweight, and while he had size and definition, his pecs lagged a great deal and were overshadowed by the rest of his physique.  But the quality of all the competitors was phenomenal, and their dedication was displayed with each pose.   I have a lot of work to do in the meantime! 

Normally, I only write about stuff relevant to my training, nutrition, etc. here, but last night at the gym, the networks were tuned into the Democratic primary results.  I stayed up pretty late watching the coverage and commentary.  It’s such a historic moment that Obama is now the first Black presidential nominee of a major party.  Who would have thought that he would have came of nowhere and defeat a former first lady and one of the most powerful people in the party?  Heck, he has made history even if he doesn’t win in November.  But I hope he does! 

I’m not competing anytime soon for a show, but am curious if anyone knows the best tanning product for people with sensitive skin?  I have eczema and would want to avoid applying something that would break me out or make itch and scratch like crazy!

The gym was packed last night, quite typical for a Monday.  I just finished up my chest workout when I heard what is most likely the dumbest comment ever.  Three macho dudes (you know the type that show off and grunt and roar just to get the ladies’ attention) were finishing up leg presses.  One asked the other why he didn’t wipe down the equipment that they had sweated all over.  The response:  "Man, only gay people do that."  Umm, WTF???  I could not believe such stupidity.  I had no idea that homosexuality is somehow equitable with simple gym etiquette, not to mention hygeine.  So in this idiot’s mind, germs, skin rashes, etc. are worth risking just as long as his  "manhood" isn’t questioned.  Waaayy too much testosterone…..

I’m currently training 5 days a week, but am contemplating starting a new workout routine fairly soon.  I work one bodypart Monday through Friday and take weekends off.  Might do the 5 day split between upper and lower body.  Here’s what I did for back this evening.

Chins

4 sets (15, 12, 10,

Increase the resistance w/ each set.

Lat Pulldowns

90 x 10

90 x 10

105 x 8

120 x 8

Seated Rows

120 x 10

135 x 6

150 x 5

Machine T-Bar Rows

45 x 10

55 x 10

55 x 10

DB Rows

45 x 10

45 x 10

55 x 10

55 x 8

Standing Pulldowns at Lat Machine

4 sets:  45 x 10

OMG did I feel like I could fly out of the gym when I left.  ‘m off work tomorrow (DC holiday), so tomorrow morning, I’ll hit these wheels.  GRRRR! 

I joined a Golds last night.  Had a good chest workout.  It felt good to be hitting weights again.  Lost 7 lbs. as a result of being out of the gym for almost a month.  I guess that’s not too bad.

I’ll be joining a gym next week.  I looked around my new area and found a Golds that is offering a great membership deal this month, very conveniently located to my apartment, and suits my needs.  I’m considering getting up with the roosters and working out in the morning before I head to work instead of in the evenings which I have always done.  After working 8 hours, then riding back to VA from DC, I doubt I’ll have the energy to train in the gym as intensely as I want.  We’ll see how it goes.

I can’t wait to get back into the gym!  It’s been about a month.  I’ve been using my apartment’s fitness center, but it’s wack–very small and no free weights.

I just let out the biggest "yaaay!!" in my office!  I got the job that I interviewed for last week!  I am so excited that I’m leaving this boring "city" behind.  Let the apartment and gym hunt begin….

Psyching myself up for hitting the legs this evening after work.  I’m considering splitting up quads, hams, and calves and just focusing on quads and hams and giving my calves their own special day along with abs.  I want to murder my legs into growing and figure that by the time I finish, I won’t have the energy to work my calves which are super stubborn.  LOL

 If you follow this split, I’d like to know if it has worked for you.