A Bodybuilder Is Born #55: The Torch Is Passed
Soon the audience would see Randy raise his hand in triumph, but they would not see all the hard work that had led up to that one brief moment under the spotlight.
Section: Contests :: Apr 12, 2011

A Bodybuilder Is Born #54: Judgment Day Arrives
It's the next-to-the-last episode of our 55-part series. Judgment Day is here. All bets are off.
Section: Training :: Apr 07, 2011

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 53 - Judgement Day Cometh.
It had been nearly a year since I had sat down with Randy and drawn up a plan for him to compete at his next contest a full eight pounds heavier than his debut, in all the right places, and nab his first win.
Section: Contests :: Mar 29, 2011

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 52 - A Matter Of Faith!
At three weeks before the contest, Randy had been at the inevitable 'sticking point' in any diet. I had assured him that his panic was unnecessary. Learn more.
Section: Contests :: Oct 14, 2010

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 51 - It's Always Darkest Before The Dawn!
At some point your progress grinds to a halt and at three weeks out from his contest, this is the nightmare Randy suddenly found himself living. Learn more.
Section: Contests :: Oct 08, 2010

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 50 - Make The Most Of What You're Given!
Right now Randy was six weeks out from his contest, at the point where so many generally start crying out to the heavens with pained questions... Learn more.
Section: Mind :: Oct 01, 2010

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 49 - The Cure For The Summertime Blues!
It was ninety-nine degrees outside, and in that particular corner of the gym, it may have been a couple degrees hotter. The following story offers an idea that is sure to beat the summertime blues. Read on.
Section: Training :: Sep 24, 2010

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 48 - You Can't Have Progress Without Progression!
They used to call weight training 'progressive resistance training'. Without progression in your training you cannot make progress. Here's a story where dedication truly wins and efforts are rewarded. Read on.
Section: Mind :: Sep 17, 2010

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 47 - Get Creative To Solve Problems!
Getting creative is the only solution oftentimes when we are stuck at a plateau. Get ready for the pain as the following story takes you on a trip that is sure to solve your biceps training problems. Read on.
Section: Training :: Sep 10, 2010

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 46 - The One True Way To Gain Mass!
There are so many different ways to train, how can you know which one is right? If there really was only one way we would all be doing it. Find out what the one true way to gain mass is right here.
Section: Training :: Sep 03, 2010

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 45 - The Gym As Therapy!
Some people pay therapists to listen to their problems. For those of us that have devoted our lives to hard training, there's no need for that. The weights are our therapists and the gym is our therapy. Read on.
Section: Mind :: Aug 27, 2010

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 44 - Striking A Balance!
Does loose training form have a legitimate place in a bodybuilder's workout? Once you find that balance, muscle growth is almost unlimited in potential. I vowed to find that balance. Read on.
Section: Training :: Aug 20, 2010

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 43 - You Are Not A Clone!
Are you doing what's best for you, or what someone else told you is best? Don't be afraid to be your own person in the gym and break away from the crowd. It may be the best choice you ever make! Read on.
Section: Training :: Aug 13, 2010

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 42 - A Year In Muscle!
Randy wanted to reach 225 by spring... That was one goal, now it was time to sketch out the remainder. Here's my account of telling him that his year in muscle was about to begin and finish with a win... by fall. Learn more.
Section: Contests :: Aug 06, 2010

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 41 - Put A Value On Your Time And Experience!
You've developed your physique where others can see you know what you're doing, and they want your help... for free. Put a value on your experience and see where I had to draw the line and say no. Learn more.
Section: Training :: Jul 30, 2010

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 40 - A Good Time To Grow!
I allow myself to not worry about staying 'in shape' for approximately the last 2 months of the year. This is a great time to grow and the following story is an example of what happens when you don't. Learn more.
Section: Contests :: Jul 23, 2010

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 39 - Great Backs Come From Great Effort!
It was only when they turned around that I saw Carl was going to sweep the class easily after all. Rick's back just wasn't that impressive. Had Rick built a great back with great effort he could have won. Learn more.
Section: Training :: Jul 16, 2010

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 38 - Stimulate, Don't Annihilate!
'You know, you could have a much better physique if you gave your muscles a chance to grow.' Here's a great tale about a kid who was clearly in need of intervention and why it's important to stimulate your muscles and eat better.
Section: Training :: Jul 08, 2010

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 37 - Knowledge Not Applied Is Worthless!
One thing about having a training partner? it helps to keep the nuts away. Now, it was open season. The following story is a perfect example of knowledge not applied. Learn more.
Section: Training :: Jul 02, 2010

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 36 - Self-Improvement In Bodybuilding Will Lead You To Victory!
It has been over six weeks now since the contest Randy and I competed in together, and now you shall hear the tale of his debut and victory. The result is not quite what you would expect. Learn more.
Section: Mind :: Jun 25, 2010

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 14 - Supplements Are Not Magic!
Stop falling for media hype! Most magazine ads are full of false claims. Learn the truth and what supplements work!
Section: Supplements :: Nov 05, 2009

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 13 - Do Not Seek Outside Approval!
In this article you will learn the bodybuilding means making sacrifices. Not everyone is going to agree with what you do at all times. Learn how to deal with the critics, in this case, your grandparents...
Section: Mind :: Oct 22, 2009

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 12 - You Can't Flex Fat!
Some time in your bodybuilding career you will become fat. When bulking, some bodybuilders tend to go a little to far. Learn how to keep on track and not get fat!
Section: Training :: Oct 21, 2009

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 35 - Going Through The Motions Isn't Enough!
As husband and wife bodybuilders, we both got a lot of questions asking 'how we got this way'. Of course, this episode is no different and reveals how going through the motions is not simply not enough. Learn more.
Section: Training :: Aug 12, 2009

Dieting For Dummies: 8 Simple Steps To Help Shred Those Winter Pounds.
Looks like we've put on a few extra pounds of flab this winter. Did I say a few? Use these 8 simple steps to help you drop the weight you may have gained over the winter season.
Section: Nutrition :: Jul 20, 2009

Up Close And Personal With Bodybuilding Legend Rich Gaspari!
Rich started out with a skinny body and went on to become one of the greatest bodybuilders of the 20th Century. Finally, I had the chance to sit down and talk with the 'Dragon Slayer'. Learn more.
Section: Contests :: Jul 15, 2009

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 34 - Do Not Become Your Own Worst Enemy.
Being obsessed with having a striated butt caused me to make some very poor decisions. Will Randy make the same mistake?
Section: Mind :: Jun 13, 2005

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 33 - Weakness Is In The Mind.
Continuing to prepare for the New England Bodybuilding Championships. Randy and myself are still trying to get ready without becoming discouraged even though we can't seem to get to the weight we would like. See how Randy is dealing with it.
Section: Mind :: Jun 12, 2005

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 32 - Excellence In Execution: Perfecting The Pose.
In bodybuilding competition, posing ability can often be the difference between winning or losing a closely fought battle. Here is a session where I try to talk some sense into a novice about poses.
Section: Contests :: Jun 11, 2005

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 31 - The Mind Game Of Competitive Bodybuilding.
Don't let yourself get beat even before the contest begins. As we will see in this article the message boards are no exception. They can mess with your head.
Section: Mind :: Jun 08, 2005

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 30 - No Carbs Is Not Good.
Randy was 210 when we had our little talk in the locker room, and he got up to 214 before he finally put the brakes on his bingeing.
Section: Nutrition :: Jan 29, 2005

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 29 - Bulking Up Has Its Consequences.
'Twas the night before Christmas, or at least the late morning on the day before Christmas, and Randy and I were performing our sacred pre-workout ritual in the locker room.
Section: Contests :: Jan 28, 2005

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 28 - On The Fast Track.
It had been a month since Randy had started to specialize on his arms, calves, and upper chest, and the results were already starting to show...
Section: Contests :: Jan 27, 2005

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 27 - Giving Weak Bodyparts A Fighting Chance.
Find out how Randy is going to bring up his lagging body parts...
Section: Training :: Jan 26, 2005

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 26 - A Chain Is Only As Strong As Its Weakest Link.
This is the third time since Randy has been training with me that he has watched me diet down into contest condition. Randy learn on how body parts he needs to improve...
Section: Contests :: Jan 25, 2005

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 25 - Missionary Work.
Randy brings his brother to the gym, why getting in shape can improve your life and more...
Section: Mind :: Dec 17, 2004

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 24 - What Was Your Excuse Again?
Nothing can prevent you from making your dreams come true unless you let it. Now you need to ask yourself this question, and think hard - what was your excuse again?
Section: Mind :: Dec 16, 2004

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 23 - All Great Athletes Aren't Great Role Models!
In this section, we see how some bodybuilders, like Randy, can become obsessed with the media exploited portion of the bodybuilding subculture, just as anyone can do with most any other lifestyle group out there...
Section: Mind :: Nov 24, 2004

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 22 - Use Your Super-Powers For Good, Not Evil!
In this article Ron explains what it is like to be a part of the bodybuilding subculture and how the average joe can react to and treat bodybuilders in an offensive and sometimes even derogatory ways...
Section: Mind :: Nov 22, 2004

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 21 - Rise Of The Machines!
And to those of us in the fitness world, the eternal debate is, what's better for building muscles, free weights or machines? Read on!
Section: Training :: Jun 18, 2004

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 20 - The Need For Thick Skin!
I had written something in a magazine that someone was very upset about, and through the magic of Internet message boards, it had escalated into a major international incident.
Section: Mind :: Jun 17, 2004

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 19 - Live To Fight Another Day!
A wise warrior chooses his battles carefully. Rather than go fight a battle you absolutely can't win, you are always better off staying away and living to fight another day. Read about my training partner's bout with the flu!
Section: Training :: Jun 11, 2004

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 18 - Back To Basics!
Deadlifts should be a part of your routine if you are looking to build a thick back. I did not start them until I was 34...
Section: Training :: Jan 27, 2004

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 17 - How To Squat!
There are many different ways to squat and many different ways to squat wrong. Learn the difference between powerlifting style squats and regular barbell squats...
Section: Training :: Jan 26, 2004

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 16 - Compare Yourself To No One But You!
In this article will learn the importance of not comparing your physique to anyone else. Take a look at Ronnie at the 2003 Olympia...
Section: Training :: Jan 25, 2004

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 15 - Welcome To The Real World!
In this article you will learn why a bodybuilders top potential isn't until later in life and the importance of waiting to compete...
Section: Training :: Jan 24, 2004

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 11 - The Teacher Gets Schooled!
Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone. Your last week before a show is the most critical. Learn why and how I messed up the last week before my show...
Section: Contests :: Jan 20, 2004

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 10 - Dealing With Injury.
When you lift heavy ass weights, you are bound to get injured. Find out what you need to know about your first injury and how to deal with it!
Section: Training :: Jan 19, 2004

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 9 - The Power Of Rivalry!
In this article you will learn all about rivalry and how it can help you make new gains...
Section: Mind :: Jan 18, 2004

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 8 - Curb Your Enthusiasm!
Learn the basics on overtraining and why it should be avoided. Learn why training more will not help you get bigger faster!
Section: Training :: Jan 17, 2004

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 7 - Sell No Wine Until Its Time!
In this article you will learn why a bodybuilders top potential isn't until later in life and the importance of waiting to compete...
Section: Training :: Jan 16, 2004

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 6 - The Dark Side Beckons!
In this article you will find out what to do when the talk about steroids comes up. Learn why you need to wait until you can't grow anymore before even thinking about steroids...
Section: Supplements :: Jan 15, 2004

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 5 - You Are The Company You Keep!
In this article you will learn the difference between a champion and an amateur. Learn why illicit drugs will not help you grow and will eventually lead to your downfall...
Section: Mind :: Jan 14, 2004

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 4 - When Less Is More...
In this article you will learn the meaning of Less Is More. Do you lift heavier weights than you can handle without a training partner? If so, read on...
Section: Training :: Jan 13, 2004

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 3 - Eating Is A Job!
In this article you are going to learn why eating is one of the most important aspects of being a champion bodybuilder!
Section: Nutrition :: Jan 12, 2004

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 2 - The Barrier Of Pain!
In this article, you will find out what pain really is. How does it effect your training and how to get past it...
Section: Training :: Jan 11, 2004

A Bodybuilder Is Born: Episode 1 - The Commitment!
In this series of articles, bodybuilding champion Ron Harris is going to teach you everything you need to get started as a bodybuilder. Learn how to become a bodybuilder from his real life examples!
Section: Training :: Jan 10, 2004

Two Muscleheads Are Better Than One!
Should you get a workout partner? How can you be a good partner? Bodybuilding is most definitely not a team sport.
Section: Training :: Apr 28, 2003

Get Aggressive: For Raging Muscle Gains!
We've all experienced days when we were punching out reps with something we normally couldn't budge, when we felt all-powerful like some sort of mighty beast.
Section: Training :: Oct 15, 2002

Basic Instinct: Harnessing Your Powers of Intuition for Explosive Growth!
We have all been conditioned to look to the "experts" to guide us through this often confusing maze of bodybuilding. After all, few of us have all the relevant information in terms of physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, biochemistry, and applied chemistry that we would optimally desire.
Section: Training :: Oct 01, 2002

A Half-Dozen Great Ham and Quad Builders!
There are so many underdeveloped lower bodies in the gyms of the world. Is it because good leg equipment is so hard to find? On the contrary, most facilities have rows of sturdy racks and machines with which to forge fantastic wheels.
Section: Training :: Sep 13, 2002

Never Stop Growing!
Ask yourself, is this exactly the way you wanted to look? I didn't think so. Don't worry. I'm not going to leave you hanging.
Section: Training :: Sep 07, 2002

Building The X-Frame: Time To Get Wide!
In the beginning, all any of us ever want is to get big and strong. Once you have built up a solid foundation of muscle, however, it's time to start looking objectively at your physique and determine what needs to improve to reach your ideal potential.
Section: Contests :: Sep 04, 2002

Extreme Measures: Pushing Your Body To The Limit.
Rising above the typical human body is a given if you are already working out and eating multiple high-protein, low-fat meals a day. But what if that's not enough?
Section: Training :: Aug 27, 2002

Power Moves!
We all have our favorite exercises for each bodypart, and for many of us they tend to be the same ones.
Section: Training :: Aug 21, 2002

The Tortoise And The Hare! Why Do Some People Gain Faster?
You wonder why you bother training and eating seven meals a day for years, when someone else can look bigger and better in months.
Section: Training :: Aug 16, 2002

'Dem Bones!
As bodybuilders, our bone structure is the underlying framework for the physiques we construct.
Section: Training :: Aug 14, 2002

Shoulder Shockers! The Best 3 Exercises.
A set of broad shoulders isn't the only marker of a man's masculinity, but it is a powerful one. Here are the three best exercises for building your delts, along with some great shoulder workouts.
Section: Training :: Jul 30, 2002

Flawless Physique: Improve Weak Bodyparts!
We all dream of having the perfect body. It's what we spend so many sweat-drenched, pain-wracked hours in the gym for. But who among us has a perfect body? Learn to improve the most common weak bodyparts with this full guide!
Section: Training :: Jul 08, 2002

Change For Killer Gains!
Does your body look the same as it did years ago? What will your life be like in the coming years if you continue on the exact path you are currently on? Here are six things you can change in your bodybuilding life that can catapult you to new gains!
Section: Training :: Jul 05, 2002

Rescue 911: How To Revive A Terrible Workout!
Damn it. Something's really wrong here. That last warm-up set felt like a working set, and now the weight that should allow an easy ten reps feels like a ton of bricks. Want to prevent a bad workout before it happens? Here's how!
Section: Training :: May 08, 2002

12 Ways To Boost Gains While Spending Less Time In The Gym!
Are people calling you a gym rat? Here are ways to get better results without spending your whole life in the gym. Get in, get out and GROW! Here are 12 tips.
Section: Training :: Apr 30, 2002

Get Your Dream Routine! Better Results With Less Exercise.
Advice columns in every magazine are besieged each month by trainers, both new and experienced, searching for the "perfect routine." What's the best plan for bigger arms? How can I beef up my chest?
Section: Training :: Apr 29, 2002

Calf Implants And Synthol: Learn The Truth!
Learn the TRUTH about calf implants and Synthol. Are these ethical? Pictures are online!
Section: Contests :: Apr 11, 2002

Free Weights or Machines?
It's one of bodybuilding's longest-running debates ever, and shows no signs of stopping. Find out the truth! Also, find out what exercises are the BEST for free weights and machines!
Section: Training :: Apr 05, 2002

Your Hams Suck!
Like some of you, I have taken great pride in my quad development and strength. From the front, I always felt my legs could stand next to just about anybody's.
Section: Training :: Apr 05, 2002

Taking It To The Stage!
Okay, you bodybuilder stud or studette. You've been training hard for a long time, and your body has taken on some exceptional size and shape. People probably ask you all the time if you compete. Here is everything you need to know to get started!
Section: Contests :: Mar 28, 2002

Dieting For Dummies!
Ron Harris is a competitive bodybuilder, writer, and personal trainer! Learn from the best!
Section: Nutrition :: Mar 25, 2002

Stripping For Cash In Cancun!
But here I was, and this was no fantasy sequence out of one of those teenage sex comedies like "American Pie" or "Road Trip." It was really happening, and I had bodybuilding to thank for it.
Section: Contests :: Mar 25, 2002

Are You Done Growing?
There's something deep in our brains that drives us to keep striving for more, long after the average gym member would have quit. But if you've been training for years and haven't made much in the way of improvements, you have basically quit.
Section: Training :: Mar 22, 2002

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