Background

Hugo A. Rivera, a University of South Florida graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and also a Trainer Certification from the ISSA, was born December 5, 1974 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. As an overweight child he experienced at an early age the feelings of insecurity that come along with obesity as well as the scorn and ridicule from the people around him.

After going anorexic at the age of 13 and losing a total of 70 pounds in less than a year, he was taken to a nutritionist by his concerned parents in an effort to stop the anorexic cycle. This nutritionist mentioned one thing that would change Hugo's outlook on dieting forever: "Eating food will not make you fat; only abusing the quantities of the bad foods will." After listening to that statement, Hugo decided to kick the anorexic habit and to dedicate his life to studying the effects of foods on the human physiology.

By the age of fifteen Hugo's interest in how food affects the shape and the form of your body naturally led to an interest in the area of exercise, something that led him to become an avid natural bodybuilder.

Discovering early on that there wasn't much realistic or practical bodybuilding or fitness advice, he went on to start recording what worked and what didn't for him. After much trial and error, he started finding principles that he noticed worked on any healthy human being. The best part of it all was his discovery on the fact that there was no necessity to stay all day at the gym in order to get results!

Upset at the fact that not many people in the industry cared about trainees actually reaching their goals, he decided to create a web site and start conducting personal training during his college years in an effort to spread all of the knowledge that he had acquired.

Fourteen years later Hugo holds a Statewide Natural Bodybuilding Title (Mr. Typhoon Bay) and also a 4th Place in the Nationwide NPC Team Universe (the natural bodybuilder's highest and most competitive contest). Hugo is now considered an expert in the industry and he has dedicated much of his time to helping normal people achieve their dream figures by sharing sensible and practical knowledge that he has found over the years to work even on the most stubborn metabolisms.

Published Works

The Body Sculpting Bible for Men (#1 in the Barnes and Noble Men's Health Division)
The Body Sculpting Bible for Women
Body Re-Engineering (e-book)
The Hardgainer's Bodybuilding Handbook
The Body Sculpting Bible 21-Minute Express Workout for Men
The Body Sculpting Bible 21-Minute Express Workout for Men
The Body Sculpting Bible for Brides

Works in Progress
The Body Sculpting Bible Chest and Arms Specialization Workout for Men
The Body Sculpting Bible Buns and Thighs Specialization Workout for Women

He can be contacted at hugo@hrfit.net.

Vital Stats

Age: 30
E-Mail: hugo@hrfit.net
Web Site: http://www.hrfit.net
BodySpace: bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/hrfit

Pictures

Articles :: Sorted By Date

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2004 Exercise Prescription For Abs Of Steel!
In weight training, there is a variety of exercises that one can choose from to sculpt the body of your dreams. Find out which exercises work best for fast results!
Section: Training :: Feb 13, 2004

Which Exercises Are The Best For Fast Results?
In weight training, there is a variety of exercises that one can choose from to sculpt the body of your dreams. Find out which exercises work best for fast results!
Section: Training :: Feb 13, 2004

Characteristics Of A Good Nutrition Program!
Nutrition is what gives us the raw materials for recuperation, energy, and growth. Without a good diet, your dreams of achieving your ideal body will never be reached. We'll now discuss the characteristics of a good nutrition program and we'll also go over nutrition basics.
Section: Nutrition :: Feb 18, 2004

The Science Behind Calf Training!
Calves besides being one of the most neglected body parts in the gym are ones whose training is most misunderstood. Some people claim that you need to hit them every day with high reps while others claim that low rep low volume works best. In my experience I found that an approach of heavy twice a week calf work worked great.
Section: Training :: Mar 19, 2004

Making New Gains With The Anabolic Diet!
Often I am asked what do I think about Low Carbohydrate diets. Before, I go into what my thoughts are, I will first define what a Low Carbohydrate diet is. Find out what the anabolic diet is and how I made great gains on it!
Section: Nutrition :: Mar 26, 2004

Training Protocols For The Anabolic Diet!
In my last article we discussed what I feel is the best way for a bodybuilder to implement a high fat (good fats)/high protein/low carb diet. This week I will discuss the training protocol that I used and what I would recommend these days in lieu of the more time consuming one.
Section: Training :: Mar 26, 2004

Mass Training Tactics - Part 1!
This month I will start presenting a series of routines that when performed in the sequence in which I present them are guaranteed to bring you the results that you are looking for. This phase will only be a 1 week long phase in which we will only train with weights twice a week on a full body routine.
Section: Training :: Mar 29, 2004

Mass Training Tactics - Part 2!
In my last article we talked about how to properly cycle your training in order to assure continuous gains in muscle size and strength. We discussed the importance of having Active Recovery Phases coupled with Loading and Growth Phases. This month our focus will be on how to properly implement a Growth Phase.
Section: Training :: Mar 31, 2004

The Power Of Goal Setting!
Without goals we are like a ship on the middle of the sea, just drifting away with no sense of direction. In order to achieve success in our bodybuilding program, our goal should be clearly defined and engrained in our brains. Learn why and how to set goals of your own...
Section: Mind :: Apr 02, 2004

Roadmap To A Lean 2004 - Part 1!
While I don't intend in this article to approve or disapprove any theories out there I do intend to provide a simple yet effective plan that I have used successfully for losing fat weight while retaining muscle, which is the matter that give us the shape to our bodies as well as keeping the metabolism in high gear.
Section: Nutrition :: Apr 06, 2004

Roadmap To A Lean 2004 - Part 2!
While I don't intend in this article to approve or disapprove any theories out there I do intend to provide a simple yet effective plan that I have used successfully for losing fat weight while retaining muscle, which is the matter that give us the shape to our bodies as well as keeping the metabolism in high gear.
Section: Nutrition :: Apr 06, 2004

Training Recommendations For A Lean Summer Body - Part 2!
If all you want is to firm up and lose fat, this routine will do the trick. Try it out and that Lean Summer Body will be yours in no time.
Section: Training :: Apr 22, 2004

Training Recommendations For A Lean Summer Body!
This month let's focus on training to get that lean look. After all, training and nutrition need to go hand in hand in order to get the results that you are looking for. Doing one and neglecting the other will ensure that you get half-way results.
Section: Training :: Apr 22, 2004

Dietary Recommendations For A Lean Summer Body!
In this article, I cover what needs to be done with your diet. Don't worry; I won't take your carbs away or stick you with a liquid or celery diet. If you want a summer body and have the determination necessary to do what it takes to get it, I describe the path that will lead to it.
Section: Nutrition :: Apr 22, 2004

The Common Dieters' Mistake: Thinking That Eating Less Is Better!
When people think of a diet they think of pain, hunger and food depravation. Before we continue, lets stop right here and explain what is going on inside the body.
Section: Nutrition :: Apr 29, 2004

The Magnificent 7 Ab Routine!
The spring rapidly approaches with no one to stop it. The routine is composed of 7 abdominal exercises carefully chosen to hit both the upper and lower abs. You will note that no direct oblique work is present.
Section: Training :: May 01, 2004

How To Get Nice Abs!
Frequently I get asked the question "How can I get a nice set of abs?" I also get "I do a thousand sit-ups a day but I still cannot see my abs. What's wrong with me?" Find out how to get nice abs!
Section: Training :: May 04, 2004

From Lard To Hard: A 14 Page Guide To Get In Shape!
In this report I will give you a proven plan to change the way you look, whether the goal is to simply lose a few pounds and firm up or become a bodybuilder. I will give you the knowledge to get there. All I ask of you is that you use your desire and put the plan to work for you.
Section: Training :: May 11, 2004

What You Need To Know About Caloric Cycling!
This week I will give you the secret for getting consistent results (e.g. fat loss and increase in muscle tone). The secret is called caloric cycling. Learn more...
Section: Nutrition :: Jun 01, 2004

Hormonal Manipulation Through Macronutrient Intake!
In order to achieve large gains in muscle mass along with significant body fat decreases, many hormonal events need to occur in the body. These events are affected to a large extent by the quality, timing, amount and ratio of the macronutrients consumed..
Section: Nutrition :: Jun 01, 2004

Prescription For Fat Loss!
One thing that I notice is that people are really confused about the way to get rid of their body fat. Infomercials that appear on T.V. as well as articles written in magazines have less than up to date information. Here are the 7 rules of fat loss.
Section: Nutrition :: Jun 08, 2004

Home Gym Equipment Training Routines!
This week we will discuss how you can set up different routines by using the minimum equipment of a bench with a good leg extension/leg curl attachment and a pair of adjustable dumbbells.
Section: Training :: Jun 08, 2004

Easing Into A Diet Program!
In this article we are going to teach you a program that you will be able to use for the rest of your life to stay in top shape.
Section: Nutrition :: Sep 23, 2004

ABSculpting 101 - Part 1.
In this series of articles, best selling fitness author and National NPC bodybuilding competitor Hugo Rivera and fitness expert, IFBB Figure Professional, Marcy Porter join forces to finally provide an answers to get great abs...
Section: Training :: Feb 28, 2005

Hugo Rivera Reports On The 2005 Arnold Classic.
Hugo Rivera reports on what happened at the 2005 Arnold Classic and gives commentary on the placings.
Section: Contests :: Mar 12, 2005

Ab Training Routines: Bodybuilding And Figure!
We will start by presenting a beginner abdominals routine. At this level, only one routine is presented that can be applied to both bodybuilders and figure competitors alike.
Section: Training :: Apr 12, 2005

Abs Q&A!
Since the Bodybuilding.com staff and I get so many questions on how to get abdominals, we decided to put together an Abdominals Q&A section. Read below to learn more about some basic tips that will help you get better abs.
Section: Training :: Apr 29, 2005

Big Arms Q And A!
Next to abs, arm questions seem to be the second most frequently asked ones. In this Q&A, I hope to Answer the most commonly asked inquiries on how to get guns for arms.
Section: Training :: May 11, 2005

Hugo's Rules For Getting Lean In 8 Weeks, Part 1.
Summer is the time when the temperature is just right to hit the beach and show off. It is time to hit full gear to get the winter fat off. Read below to learn how you can start cutting.
Section: Training :: Jun 03, 2005

Hugo's Rules For Getting Lean In 8 Weeks, Part 2.
Summer is the time when the temperature is just right to hit the beach and show off. It is time to hit full gear to get the winter fat off. Read below to learn how you can start cutting.
Section: Training :: Jun 13, 2005

Supplementation For Maximum Growth: Part 1.
Not all supplements are created equal. In addition without a sound training and nutrition plan many supplements will not help. Find out here what the different categories of supplements are and which ones you need to use at all times.
Section: Supplements :: Jul 15, 2005

Supplementation For Maximum Growth: Part 2.
Not all supplements are created equal. In addition without a sound training and nutrition plan many supplements will not help. In this installment we will cover supplements that will support more specific goals.
Section: Supplements :: Aug 01, 2005

An Interview With Chris Kelly About Supplementation!
Today we are going to talk about some of the most important supplements you can take for cutting, bulking, and athletic performance. We will also talk about what not to take! Get all the facts right here!
Section: Supplements :: Sep 22, 2005

The Top 10 Rules Of Lifting Safety!
The importance of lifting correctly and avoiding injury cannot be over emphasized. Avoiding injury by following these 10 tips should give you many years of injury free exercise. Beginners would do well to read this.
Section: Training :: Sep 22, 2005

Cardiovascular Exercise Basics.
In order for aerobic exercise to be effective, it needs to be performed within the fat burning zone. Read right here to get some of the best fat burning cardio activities.
Section: Training :: Oct 03, 2005

An Interview With IFBB Figure Pro Marcy Porter!
New IFBB figure pro Marcy Porter shares with us about her first year as a pro competitor. Learn more about Marcy right here and what some of her goals are...
Section: Contests :: Oct 11, 2005

An Interview With 2004 Masters National Overall Champion Carla Salotti.
After taking a year off in 2003 to reassess her competitive career, Carla came back and won the 2004 Masters National Overall Title... Find out how she is doing and what her plans are right here!
Section: Contests :: Oct 19, 2005

Training During The Holidays: Minimize Your Time In The Gym!
The holidays are approaching, Thanksgiving leading the way with Christmas and New Years closely behind. Here is a training program that is made just for this time of year. Try it out!
Section: Training :: Nov 18, 2005

Top 10 Strategies For Staying In Shape During The Holidays!
I want to share with you my Holiday Survival Tactics. In this article, I will disclose my top 10 personal strategies for surviving the Holiday's... Learn more about these tips right here!
Section: Nutrition :: Nov 21, 2005

An Interview With Bodybuilding Guru And Nutritionist Tim Gardner!
In this interview, we will meet the architect behind many top-level physiques. Also learn how he got started in our sport, in addition to what his training philosophies and nutrition tactics are. Learn more...
Section: Contests :: Dec 12, 2005

Bulking Up Rules For The Natural Bodybuilder!
In order for a bulk up phase to be effective, it needs to be executed properly. This article will provide a detailed plan on bulking up in the off season; plans included are for beginners, intermediate, and advanced. Check it out!
Section: Training :: Dec 19, 2005

Interview With New IFBB Pro Patrick Richardson!
New IFBB Pro Patrick Richardson shares with us how he got started in bodybuilding, his training and diet philosophies, and how he got to turn pro at the 2004 NPC Nationals... Learn more right here!
Section: Contests :: Dec 21, 2005

Achieve Bodybuilding Gains By Adopting The Mindset Of A Successful Bodybuilder!
Here are some problems that may happen if you quit a training program altogether. Included are ways of improving the situation, a split training routine and a meal plan for men and women.
Section: Mind :: Feb 16, 2006

Testosterone Levels And Testosterone Boosting Supplementation.
Learn more about testosterone and why it is so important to our bodies, especially the bodybuilder. Below I list some of the maladies and top natural supplements to boost testosterone levels. Learn more and try them out!
Section: Supplements :: Jun 22, 2006

Can You Lose Fat And Gain Muscle At The Same Time? Learn The Truth!
Alternating calorie intake with a periodized routine and cardio program are keys for great muscle gain and fat loss. Want both? Try this detailed diet and periodization program.
Section: Training :: Jan 12, 2007

Women's Bodybuilding Myths: Resistance Program Included!
The myths about women's weight training and female bodybuilding do not ever seem to go away. My goal with this article is to share the real facts about girls and the weight room. Bonus Resistance Program included.
Section: Training :: Feb 14, 2007

Hardgainers And Their Nutritional Requirements!
The popular definition of a hardgainer is a person that works out hard with weights but has a hard time putting on muscle. Breakthrough and put on muscle with this effective, very detailed weight gain diet! See examples for both men & women.
Section: Nutrition :: Apr 09, 2007

An Interview With IFBB Figure Pro, Mercedes Khani!
Beautiful International Fitness Model Mercedes Khani talks about how she got started in the sport, her rapid rise to the pro ranks, her pro debut at the Colorado Pro and her plans for the future. Learn more about this up and coming star!
Section: Contests :: Apr 30, 2007

An Interview With Talented Amateur Bodybuilder Peter Putnam.
The very talented and competitive amateur bodybuilder Peter Putnam recently took time to update us on the controversy surrounding the USA's, plans for 2007 Nationals, judging, turning pro, and much more!
Section: Contests :: Nov 19, 2007

Body Re-Engineering Transformation Guide: Introduction - (Part 1)
In this transformation guide we will discuss the top reasons why bodybuilders fail to achieve significant gains in the form of new muscle mass and fat loss and put you in the fast track to results.
Section: Mind :: Jan 01, 2008

Body Re-Engineering Transformation Guide: Setting Goals - (Part 2)
Positive pressure can be a great ally in your quest to making awesome bodybuilding gains. It can be created by giving you a clear deadline by when to achieve your bodybuilding goals.
Section: Mind :: Jan 10, 2008

Body Re-Engineering Transformation Guide: Bodybuilding Diet - (Part 5)
Training is what sparks the growth stimuli in the body. Nutrition, however, is what provides the raw materials for that growth.
Section: Nutrition :: Jan 14, 2008

Body Re-Engineering Transformation Guide: Workout Charts - (Part 4)
This section shows you how to follow and fill up the workout charts. After these examples, you will find the journal sheets that provide your specific workout routines.
Section: Training :: Jan 14, 2008

Body Re-Engineering Transformation Guide: Bodybuilding Training Program - (Part 3)
In order for us to be successful in bodybuilding we need to first and foremost have the determination required to stick to the plan that will make you reach your goals.
Section: Training :: Jan 14, 2008

Body Re-Engineering Transformation Guide: Bodybuilding Supplements - (Part 6)
Nutrition and training are the most important components of a bodybuilding program, with rest and recovery next to them. Once all of those aspects of your program are maximized, then you can start thinking of adding supplements to your program.
Section: Supplements :: Jan 16, 2008

Body Re-Engineering Transformation Guide: Rest And Recovery - (Part 7)
Sleep deprivation will cost you valuable bodybuilding gains. Seven to ideally eight hours of sleep each night will not only keep you healthy and more energetic, but also will ensure that bodybuilding gains keep on coming.
Section: Mind :: Jan 16, 2008

Body Re-Engineering Transformation Guide: Putting It All Together - (Part 8)
At the end of the day, losing fat is a matter of creating a slight caloric deficit in order to start losing weight in the form of fat. This caloric deficit can be created through either an increase of activity, a decrease in caloric intake or both.
Section: Mind :: Jan 16, 2008

Body Re-Engineering Transformation Guide: What To Do After Week 12 - (Part 9)
The biggest secret to long term bodybuilding success is having the determination to stay consistent with your bodybuilding program day in and day out for years to come, always setting new goals and achieving higher levels of development.
Section: Mind :: Jan 22, 2008

Bodybuilding Training And Dieting For Improved Performance In Baseball!
Bodybuilding is an activity that not only can be used for bigger musculature and less fat, but also for increased performance in sports. In this case… baseball. Use this detailed strength training program to improve your game!
Section: Sports :: Apr 24, 2008

Teenage Bodybuilding: A Program For Greater Performance & Success!
Bodybuilding is an activity that not only can be used for bigger musculature and less fat, but also for increased performance in sports. Use this detailed training program to improve your performance!
Section: Training :: Apr 29, 2008

Best Back-Building Principles & Routines!
In this article, I discuss back training and the principles that I've used to design good back training routines for myself and many others. By using this information, I guarantee you that you too will get a wide and thick looking back. Read on!
Section: Training :: Jul 08, 2008

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