By: Kris Gethin

When you mention the word "Second" in bodybuilding circles names like Cormier, Flex Wheeler and Shawn Ray are just a handful to choose from the ever decreasing circles of "almost men".

If one was to refer to the amateur ranks of the national stage you could bet your bottom dollar that the name "Mike Ergas" would be tapping on your shoulder to remind you of the many occasions he knocked on the professional door only to be told, "Do not disturb, please return later." That he did and with effect. In 2006 Ergas obliterated the competition to claim an emotional victory and to leave the amateur ranks... forever!

Standing at 5'6" and weighing in at around 218lbs, Ergas has more than enough muscle to make an impressive impact at this show. Phil Heath, Desmond Miller, Marcus Haley and Bill Wilmore are all athletes that have been very impressive on their first time out of the amateur ranks as of recent and Ergas is expected to be next to join that list of distinguished gentlemen.

A frequent visitor to Gold's gym in Venice, Ergas has all the tools available for him to dismantle his opposition and earn his right to have his picture placed on the walls of that very gym. Please hang with care because in the coming weeks Ergas will be showing no mercy to friend or foe.

[ Bodybuilding.com ] I am proud to know you personally Mike so I can attest to the fact that other competitors were not a concern for you when preparing for your competitions. Is this still the case preparing for your first pro show?

[ Mike Ergas ] I don't think there is anyway around not thinking of my competition under these circumstances. That being said I am trying to do what I have done in the past and that is just to worry about myself. I can't control anyone else or the size of the pond I am competing in so instead of wasting energy on these circumstances I am only focusing on myself at this point.

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Mike Ergas.

[ BB ] Many amateurs have fallen victim to playing the size game once dipping their toes in the pro ranks. What is going to be your game plan?

[ ME ] My plan is to do what got me here in the first place and that is to come in as conditioned as I possibly can. Of course I want to be bigger than in the past but size without cuts will do nothing in regards of a decent placing anyway.

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Mike Ergas.

I remember when I came to your BBQ last year Kris, and I asked Dorian Yates for his advice and he said the same thing, which was do what I have always done because it is still a bodybuilding stage, professional or amateur. I just have to evolve with it.

The only thing I am doing different this year is using a fat burning product called X-FORCE and X-LEAN made by I.B.E. (Innovative Body Enhancement) and they are making my diet a lot easier so I can be ready ahead of time. I have never been a fan of taking supplements when I have been on a diet in the past but this company has done a huge amount of research and I have personally seen the effects from them.

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Mike Ergas.

[ BB ] What is your personal placing prediction for your first pro show?

[ ME ] I know it is hard to do on your first time out as a pro but it has been done before, and that is to qualify for the Mr. Olympia. So that is my ultimate goal, to place in the top three. It's going to be a tough competition and there are going to be a lot of great competitors there but at this time that is all I am focusing on.

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Mike Ergas.

[ BB ] Have you been focusing on increasing/decreasing the size of certain body parts to make sure you get that Olympia invite?

[ ME ] My legs have always been my strong point so I have been continuing to work on my upper body whilst really focusing on keeping my waist small and tight.

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Mike Ergas.

[ BB ] What have you been doing specifically to keep your midsection small?

[ ME ] I have been taking Pilates classes. It's definitely not easy but I have been consistent with the classes on a weekly basis and it seems to be working.

[ BB ] Have you looked past this show for your future competitive plans?

[ ME ] Not really but I have thought about the possibility of competing at the pro show in Canada, but since my focus is purely on qualifying for the Olympia at the Europa Super Show I would like to have the option on passing at Canada if I am successful on my first time.

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Mike Ergas.

[ BB ] Thanks and good luck Mike.

[ ME ] Thank you Kris and thanks to all of my fans, friends and sponsors. See you in Texas.

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See You In Texas.

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