By: Brian Bullman

This coming weekend, the IFBB Pro scene will invade Dallas, Texas for Betty Pariso's annual Europa Super Show. One man who has his flight booked and is prepared to take some names is the 2006 British Heavyweight and Overall Champion, Troy Brown. Coincidentally Troy edged out that years favorite Flex Lewis, who went on to take the overall from himself in 2007.

Troy is a big name on the other side of the Atlantic and is gaining increasing popularity stateside month by month. It seems you can't open a magazine without seeing his face in there somewhere. I called Troy at his new home in Canada to discuss what his plans were for the future in the sport and his objectives at this year's Europa show. Here is the what the man they call "Big" Troy Brown had to say.

Interview

[ Q ] Troy, this is only your second show this year, tell us, what made you decide to sit out the remaining earlier shows after the Iron Man?

[ A ] I just needed to make more improvements to my body. I also wanted to get more exposure in so it could help me for the Europa.

[ Q ] I personally felt as though you had improved at the Iron Man from the Spanish GP where you place 6th. Do you think it was a case of the standard being higher in the USA or a case of merely getting lost in the crowd?

[ A ] Yes, the standard was amazing on that day. I learned so much doing that show. I thought I could have been much tighter on that day. But above all I had a great time standing on stage with Freeman, Heath, Badell, etc. I think it was a case that it was only my first show on US soil. I need to get better known in America to improve my success. I think the Europa will help that cause... I hope.

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Troy Brown At The 2008 Iron Man Pro.
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[ Q ] Right. Enough of the living in the past, what have you done differently in this off season, compared to previous shows?

[ A ] Well my training is totally different from my past shows as I used to always do HIT training. I have been doing FST-7 Training under the watchful eye of Hany Rambod. I have been doing FST-7 since the Iron Man show. I can't wait to really see what it can do in my off season after the Europa. My diet is pretty much the same.

[ Q ] FST-7 training? I have heard little about this, tell us what makes this training method different from HIT.

[ A ] I am doing FST-7 training. I have now been doing this since the Iron Man show. When I first started doing FST-7 I was hurting in ways I cant even describe. LOL!

I find FST-7 very effective. My body seems to respond well to more volume which is strange as I have been a HIT trainer for many years.

FST stands for Fascial Stretch Training and the seven refers to the 7 sets performed for the final exercise of a body part. This system is for overall growth and especially to improve stubborn body parts.

There are three types of Fascia in the human body, but the type bodybuilders should be concerned about is DEEP FASCIA.

The most genetically blessed bodybuilders have thinner fascia, which is why their muscle bellies appear to be larger and fuller, with that round look that all bodybuilders want. Ronnie Coleman and Phil Heath would be two examples athletes blessed with thin fascia. This means their muscles expand easier.

FST-7 is all about stretching the muscle from the inside out and volumizing it. This is accomplished by getting the greatest pump possible while training.

You still have to lift heavy on first movements but when you see the 7 set mark it is all about pumping. Heavy weight will build thickness and density, but will not give you that round, full look.

Getting awesome pumps all the time can impact some of the roundness, but you will ever get extreme muscle size without training with heavy straight sets. I am still very new to it and really looking forward to doing it in my up and coming off season.

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[ Q ] Awesome, are you a big fan of supplements? What do you use both off season and now that you are pre contest?

[ A ] I really love Gaspari products like SuperPump250 and Size On. I've been using them in off season and for pre contest.

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[ Q ] With your show only a week away, how are you feeling right now?

[ A ] I am hanging in there man. Very tired but looking so forward to the show. I have not slept properly for weeks, but that's cool as I am so excited for the show.

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[ Q ] So has your training differed much from off season to pre contest to these final stages of preparation?

[ A ] No, not really. I trained hard and heavy all the way through for this show. Right now - the last week of my prep - I will drop my poundage's. It is Sunday today so I will train today and tomorrow and my last training day is Tuesday then I fly to Dallas on Wednesday.

[ Q ] So what is your goal at this contest? Are you aiming to come in leaner than before, bring a more streamlined package, or come in as your big bad self?

[ A ] You got it in one brother... streamlined baby!!! (Laughing)

Click To Enlarge.
Troy Brown At The 2008 Iron Man Pro.
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[ Q ] So what will you be doing in this final week to ensure that you dial everything in on the money?

[ A ] I am not quite sure yet but will be speaking to Hany tomorrow. I think I will keep everything the same.

[ Q ] I understand that your other half is also competing soon? We all know how hard it can be to get ready for a show, but with both of you dieting it must have been tough. How did this affect the whole mental approach to the show?

[ A ] It made life so much easier. It is like more of a team effort when we diet together. I hear so many people break up when they diet together but Meg and I are such a strong couple; it is so easy for us. She is such an amazing person. In fact we have both been dieting since we met a whole year ago.

[ Q ] How far beyond this show are you looking? Will you be competing in the Atlantic City Pro?

[ A ] To be honest, I feel like I need a real good off season after this show. I feel I need another 8 lbs of solid muscle on my frame which would put me in the mix for a Mr. Olympia invite next year. So, as soon as this show is done I am back in the gym working with Hany on more improvements.

Click To Enlarge.
Troy Brown At The 2008 Iron Man Pro.
View More Pics Of Troy Brown.

[ Q ] As a relatively new IFBB Pro, what are your ambitions within the sport?

[ A ] I just want to be a really good Pro and to improve every single time I step on a Pro stage. I would also like to qualify for the Mr. Olympia next year and also hope to one day get an Arnold Classic invite too. But above all that, I want to be a great ambassador for the sport of bodybuilding and to be a great role model. Also I want to remain healthy and have a long and great career.

[ Q ] I understand that you are NOT a sponsored athlete, how has this affected your ability to prepare for the show?

[ A ] Yes, it has been hard, but you do what you have to do as I love this sport so much. I really feel I am good enough to get a contract with someone and who knows, if Troy Brown does well at the Europa Pro there could be a chance I could have a contract with someone. That would be a dream come true for me and it would also finish what has been a great year for me.

Click To Enlarge.
Troy Brown At The 2008 Iron Man Pro.
View More Pics Of Troy Brown.

[ Q ] Do you feel that coverage in the magazines can help increase you chances of placing higher?

[ A ] You never know, I hope so. It is great to get my face in the magazines. I feel going into this show that more people know who I am.

[ Q ] Is there anybody in particular that has helped you through the show, or are you more of a lone wolf?

[ A ] Yes my fiancé Megan McCurdy. She has been through it all with me. I cannot thank her enough. She has dieted with me all the way through and we have done every single cardio session together. She has given me so much happiness since my move to North America. Her family has been so awesome too. My family back in London has also given so much support going into this show.

Click To Enlarge.
Troy Brown At The 2008 Iron Man Pro.
View More Pics Of Troy Brown.

[ Q ] Well Troy it has been a pleasure as always, you are a true gentleman, and friend and I wish you all the best next week and in the future. Is there anything else you would like to add?

[ A ] Thanks Brian for this opportunity my friend. You have always believed in me and that means so much to me bro. Thanks to all the fans for all your supporting emails and words of encouragement. I will try and not let you down. May god bless you all! I just want to say congrats to my good friend Flex Lewis on his placing at the Tampa Pro. Great job buddy. Well done you deserve it!

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To Contact Troy Visit:

www.bigtroybrown.com
www.myspace.com/troybrownifbbpro

brianthebull@gmail.com

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