At the age of 14 I experienced a condition where I had migraines every single day. I went to see a several doctors and none of them were able to diagnose their cause. One day, I came across a book in which the author referred to how regular exercise, namely lifting weights with proper form, good breathing and plenty of stretching, helped many people overcome their physical conditions.
I decided to give this a try by following the exercise routines depicted in the book. It was a decision that helped me get rid of those stubborn migraines, improving the quality of my life and setting me on a path of personal growth, physically and professionally.
I get the most intensity and pump-up from the push/pull of the opposite muscles, superset routines with just an active rest period between supersets. These consist of deep stretches to elongate the muscles to their full length, keeping them warm, flexible, prone to their full potential growth and keeping the heart rate up for the entire duration of the workout. I train two body parts per day, 2 days on, 1 day off, 2 days on and 2 days off.
I prepare my meals in advance for the whole week, divided in portions for each 5-to-6 meals of the day, consisting of whole grain pasta, brown rice, quinoa and protein from chicken, fish, turkey and lean meat. Also I use protein for post recovery, like Optimum's Gold Standard.
Quite clearly because of its benefits. Bodybuilding has given me back my health when I was struggling at an early age and, ever since, has become part of my life. Bodybuilding has become a lifestyle choice and has been slowing down my aging process, keeping me looking and feeling better than my age, naturally. Bodybuilding is a sport for everyone. Practicing bodybuilding doesn't require extraordinary aptitudes nor is limited by age. It is accessible equally to men and women, young and old, the genetically gifted and the less gifted by nature. The goal of bodybuilding is to develop a healthy body, strong, pleasant looking, with a harmonious and proportionate musculature, well balanced and defined.
Having experienced living with a frustrating condition, I have come to appreciate how important it is to live a healthy lifestyle. The need for movement, effort, and physical development does not have to feel like a burden. It is a joy, because it is an expression of basic necessities, as basic as the need for air, food or sleep. It is an expression of our biological vitality.
The desire to not only better myself, but to help others achieve their fitness goals through inspiration, motivation and drive. As a motivator I practice what I preach and lead by example. Guiding people to get in the best shape of their lives is the greatest reward for doing what I enjoy the most.
Since my comeback in 2010 from a semi retirement I am trying different natural bodybuilding federations, looking for a truly natural competitive platform. At the moment I'm looking to compete in November 2012.
I encourage other fitness competitors to stay natural and go for the healthy, long haul.
I am an old school competitor, so Frank Zane is still my favorite.
I read the articles of other Fitness/Bodybuilding amateurs and professionals alike.
Andy Whitfield, Spartacus, a true warrior on the screen and in real life.
Tony, OAMG