Jose Raymond, Olympian Champion
I was recently speaking privately with my coach, Justin Dees and we were discussing all that’s required to be a Champion in the sport of Bodybuilding. Each of us floated some ideas but we quickly came back to one basic decision point that must be incorporated into our psyche and operationalized. “We will do whatever it takes.”
Justin very adroitly pointed out that when a person says that he/she “will do whatever it takes” to become a champion he is skeptical. The words are easily uttered but usually the person making the commitment really does not yet know what is required and how much of is going to be demanded of them. So, Justin mumbled, “When somebody says they will do whatever it takes, he thinks, —- really?!” Maybe they will, maybe they won’t. Here are some of the things that a person has to take into consideration when setting their sights on being a Bodybuilding Champion. These are not eliminators but they are considerations that must be accounted for as he/she progresses.
WHAT WILL IT TAKE?
1.) A solid, wholehearted commitment to excel. This must be thought through very carefully and a covenant with ourselves has to bee made. It’s not simply a verbalized “vow” it’s a contract with ourselves to pursue a course of action leading to the top.
2.) Planning is essential. You do not take on a life changing goal without outlining generally and specifically how you’re going to do it. You have to take the long look and the short look and then reduce your plan of action to paper.
3.) Action must begin immediately or the commitment will fade to the level of nothing but a good idea. “Strike while the iron is hot.” Start training in earnest.
4.) Get a coach as early in the process as possible. He has years of experience helping champions attain their full potential so don’t try to go it alone. I tried to do it myself and fell short of where I wanted to be. I now have a coach and will always have a coach.
5.) Time Management. Schedule your workouts carefully so as to give yourself uninterrupted time in the gym or so you don’t have to cut your workouts short. When forging a new body you need 1-1.5 hours per day to “GET IT RIGHT.”
6.) Diet. My coach preaches that about 90% of successful bodybuilding happens outsie the gym. This includes a carefully constructed diet program to enhance muscle growth and health. Work with your coach and do what he says. This part of the equation is often neglected due to laziness.
7.) Supplementation. Work closely with your coach and a reputable Nutritionist. The correct supplements fills in the areas of your diet that need support or to make your diet complete. Some of the supplements actually enhance the speed and size of muscle growth. At first, I thought this stuff was bogus but as fate would have it, I am now a solid proponent of dietary supplementation to include things like, Branched Chain Amino Acids, Protein Shakes, Glutamine, L-Arginine and others. All of these are in place to help us get into our best shape and condition in the most efficient way.
9.) Posing. I thought I knew everything about posing. Boy, was I wrong! It is hard work and requires daily practice and attention to detail. There is a large requirement that you engage your coach for him to evaluate you periodically in the run up to your contests. It will come! Work hard and be patient!
Bodybuilding is not “JUST A SPORT” rather it is a “LIFESTYLE.” As my coach says, “If you are a bodybuilder, you ought to look like a bodybuilder all the time.” Thus, details to keep yourself physically sharp must be adhered to or you will look like something else, but not a bodybuilder. “I WILL DO WHATEVER IT TAKES” is to make a covenant with your mind and your body to “LIVE WHATEVER IT TAKES” not just “DO” whatever it takes.
“THIS IS OUR TIME!” Turn today into a new start! We only get one chance to attack our passions whatever they may be. Don’t squander the opportunity God has give you to be the best!
Until next time.
Douglas E. Graham, Lt Col, USAF, (ret), MHSM
Six Pack and Senior 