The past month has been a real challenge for me in the bodybuilding world.  Some things are appearing to be tougher for me mentally and physically. My age and the past 24 years in the gym are beginning to be a major factor with my performance in the gym. I know some people may look up to me as this hardcore bodybuilder with terrific drive and determination, but just like anyone else I am a human being first before a bodybuilder. With that being said, I have my own share of downfalls. I want to share not only my times of success, but also times when I am struggling. It is always easier to bolster your ego by writing about the triumphs and the high points in your career, but rarely do you really hear the difficulties and times of failure from other bodybuilders. I am in one of these periods of turmoil as I write this and to say I am depressed with my training is an understatement. It is hard for me to accept my body is changing, but I am not giving up.

My tendonitis in my shoulders has been a serious issue for me for a while now, but for the past month it has been a sharp ass thorn in my side.  For example, in the past it was very common for me to handle 100lb. dumbbells on incline chest press for an easy 10 reps and lately I am lucky to grab the 80’s and complete 6 reps before the intense pain sets in. This is very frustrating to say the least. In all honesty, it is extremely depressing to see yourself diminish like that. I would be lying if I said my confidence level hasn’t been shaken because it really has. I know I still have the same amount of muscle mass, but it’s always in a bodybuilder’s nature to continually to want more and improve. I did have a high note with yesterday’s workout by pulling my personal best with the deadlift by nailing 425lbs. for 2 reps on my 3rd and final set. (Edit, in the video I listed 415 as my personal best, but I was actually lifting 425lbs. LOL. Talk about short changing myself!)
View the video here.

I had a high note for just a short time until I performed my second exercise. Then I managed to hit a low point as well, as I was forced to cease my workout because a strong feeling of shortness of breath and extreme fatigue quickly set in. I tried to push through with my second exercise, but I did not have an ounce left in my tank. I could not believe I had to quit after my first exercise of the workout. I have never ever quit during a workout. It is not in my DNA to do that, but at the same time I am smart enough to understand and grasp what I am capable of and my mind convinced me to stop. In the past I would have did everything in my power to finish what I started, but yesterday I forced myself to walk away from the battle and continue with the war on another day. 

Mentally it plainly sucks to not perform like you are accustomed to doing. I feel I have ventured into a point in my career where changes are needed with my approach if I want to continue with my natural bodybuilding career. At 39, I know I am not old per se, but many years in this sport and many years as an autoworker has put a tremendous amount of stress on my body. My body just does not want to respond to my typical workouts anymore. Different protocols will be necessary to remain productive and injury free. Things like deloads (reduced intensity and reduced volume) along with a variety of training methods will be incorporated into my training. I have to keep my ego in check and only train within my capabilities and not let outside influences get me out of my comfort zone.

We are already in the month of August and I have only 5 months left to my offseason and overall I feel a couple of areas have been very beneficial for me this offseason, such as incorporating squats and deadlifts back into my training. It has been roughly 5 years since I routinely performed deadlifts and probably 10 years since I was a regular under the free weight squat bar. I have recently seen a 405lb squat and a 430lb deadlift, both personal records, so I guess not all is bad. However I know all the guys on the World stage, such as World Champ Shaun Clarida, Former World Champ Brian Whitacre, Team 3DMJ’s very own Alberto Nunez and Brad Loomis to name  a few, have incredible legs and back development. So I want to make sure I do not get embarrassed, but to ensure I belong with them.


WNBF World Lightweight Champ - Shaun Clarida


2X World Lightweight Champ - Brian Whitacre


WNBF Pro & Team 3DMJ Coach - Alberto Nunez


WNBF Pro & Team 3DMJ Coach - Brad Loomis 

With 5 months to go I have some things to work out in my mind and with my physique to be successful in my run for the 2011 contest season. Right now I am in a frustrating place and I know I have to do something about it if I want to continue with my journey. It is just like our (Team 3DMJ) Mission Statement, “The journey we take through life is filled with moments of triumph and times of darkness. It is not these events that define us, but what choices we make when faced with them.” For me, I choose to accept the fact I am older and my body has gone through 24 years of gut wrenching workouts which has surely taken its toll, but I refuse to be done just yet! There is more strategic work to be done because my ultimate goal, win or lose, is to stand on the WNBF World Stage with the best!