Men's Physique: GX's road to the 2012 BC's (and beyond) [Archive] - CANADA BODYBUILDING

Gaoshang Xiongshou

01-04-2012, 10:08 PM

Hello all! My name is Brandon Best, and I am entering into the new Men's Physique division at the BC's this year. This is my first show, although not first attempt at it. Looks like this time, I am going to make it!!

I will endeavor to keep this short and sweet.

I am from the U.S., have been here in Surrey for almost fifteen months, and married to fitbody (Dawn Alison). My background is in martial arts, having trained in various styles of traditional Chinese gung-fu/wushu, and also in other arts, starting at ten-years-old (I am now 36), and am currently a student of Bak Mei gung-fu. My original goal was to put on size for bodybuilding, but when it was announced that Men's Physique was coming this year, with a straight shot to the BC's, top five going to Nationals, AND there was the chance at winning a pro card... and it was all happening here in the Metro Vancouver area, so I would not even have to leave the province... well, it just made good sense. I agreed, although reluctant, as I wanted to go with bodybuilding. However, I have had time to come to grips with this truth: Although I know what I want, the bottom line is that my genetics are suited for Men's Physique, not bodybuilding. Oh, I train like a bodybuilder. I eat like a bodybuilder. I technically build my body... but I am a Physique guy. So be it. I can dig it.

Enough for now. Follow along. You will come to know more about me, for sure. Some pictures to get things started. These will show me in my various stages throughout the last few years, going back as far as 2008 (the first picture), and ending with this year (taken this past Friday)...

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Get ready for a ride!!!

Gaoshang Xiongshou

01-04-2012, 10:12 PM

I am all over the place.

My website: www.absolutebesttraining.com

Facebook: facebook.com/GaoshangXiongshou

Twitter: @Xiongshou

Gaoshang Xiongshou

01-04-2012, 10:39 PM

Dawn and I have been keeping a close eye on the Men's Physique scene in the U.S. Yesterday was the 2012 NPC NY Metropolitans. It was a pretty large turnout for this division. And in the end, Class C winner Sadik Hadzovik took the overall...

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Gaoshang Xiongshou

01-04-2012, 10:43 PM

The IFBB Governor's Cup was on March 24, 2012. Taking the top spot in this show... Matt Christianer.

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It appears that Matt was a former MW bodybuilder, coming in tied for 15th at the 2010 NPC USA's.

Delt King

01-04-2012, 11:00 PM

Good stuff GX... work your butt off because i think there will be quite a few bodybuilders making the switch (myself included). I still haven't found any information on where they'll put mens physique at the National level yet. obviously the only 2 choices are either in bc with the elite bodybuilders and figure, fitness, bikini nationals or with the bodybuilders in Edmonton. I could see the women's physique for sure with the bodybuilders though. Cmon CBBF let's make some decisions known for the athletes who need to plan!.......man i am pumped for this... i have a feeling this could be my yr.:)

Gaoshang Xiongshou

02-04-2012, 05:54 AM

cog

02-04-2012, 06:51 AM

Gaoshang Xiongshou

03-04-2012, 07:29 AM

Welcome Brandon,I believe the new class will become popular with the public.It would also be good to hear any fitness tips from your martial arts background,there is usually something that can provide insight.

That I can do!! It may take me a while to recall some specifics, because so much of it is second nature to me at this point, that it feels like a natural thing as opposed to something done specifically for a purpose.

Flexibility training would be the first, and most obvious influence to be culled from the martial arts. That is something that must not be ignored. And it is not just about doing the splits either. You want to have as much flexibility as possible with your body. This is not only good for your ROM in joints, BUT the stretching will also allow for a portion of a muscle shaping effect, which is one half of the whole that is created by the next part...

Which is iso-tension postures, taken from forms training. The very act of practicing forms themselves allows for a dynamic stretching environment and a low impact contraction environment (in comparison to weight training). Going back to the very beginning of Chinese martial arts, Da Mo developed moving exercise patterns (which later became adapted for fighting applicability out of necessity, becoming the wellspring for future Chinese martial arts styles) to essentially do just that: stretch and strengthen the body. So me, whereas this aspect of martial art practice has become a distant memory today, I still hold on to it for this reason. That said, moving through the various positions in forms is great for detailing muscle shape and appearance. Leave hypertrophy for the gym.

While any martial art will serve this purpose, be it Chinese or not, some of the better ones I can think of for this specific purpose are:

* Hung Gar
*Wing Chun
*Taijiquan
* Shotokan Karate

It really is an invaluable cross training. Also, do not forgo or underestimate the importance and worth of weapons training; this is an entirely different muscle control, balance, and expression in movement that will differ somewhat from empty hand practice. It will only benefit you more. Bear in mind though that, while not entirely true as was once thought, greater muscularity CAN be a bit of a hindrance. My current shifu keeps remarking about this. But it is doable. Now, if you are not so concerned with performance, and just looking at it from a complementary standpoint to your bodybuilding, enjoy! That is what it is there for.

cog

03-04-2012, 08:08 AM

We spend far more time building than stretching over here.Some of the best growth I ever experienced was when I did a lot(10 times a day)stretching of my upper body.Lower body most of us are in kindergarten,compared to martial artists.Apparently Tom Platz could do the splits.I looked at a martial arts site devoted to stretching,we have a lot to learn here.Most of us don't even spend the time for proper stretching for squats,including myself.

Gaoshang Xiongshou

03-04-2012, 08:16 AM

Gaoshang Xiongshou

03-04-2012, 09:37 AM

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Regardless of what your specific endeavor is in all of this (bodybuilding or other physique divisions, Strongman, Olympic lifting, mainstream athletic sports, etc.), while you may be very good at what you do and you have come a long way, do you want to become complacent? Even with making progressive strides in your chosen field, there is room for an improvement from outside sources that will help you in your main chosen passion.

Now, I realize what that may sound like, being vague and ambiguous, and all, with me being a bodybuilder… but, no, I am not talking about what you would find in a bottle or a syringe. Instead, I am talking about your own gusto and ability… with a dose of quizzical interest. What I am talking about is cross training.

Not CrossFit, unless that is what you want to move into. If that is the case, go right ahead.

I am talking about finding a second (or third, even) physical activity, one that will require you to use your body and mind in a different way, ask something different of your body, put you in a different (yet, same) mindset, and overall, just make you more of a beast than you already have become.

It is beyond obvious what my combination has been and will be: bodybuilding/weight lifting and martial arts. And honestly, it does not stop there (because of contest prep, some other activities cannot happen at this time). After this contest season is over, I intend to return to some strongman training and power lifting. Bodybuilding will still be in the mix, but those three training protocols all require something different from the individual. Results are hugely different, but for me, they all have the same thing in common: I get better. That is all that matters to me.

So, whoever you are, there is no reason for you to be stymied by being burned out on a singular track of development. Take your pick of things… it will be good for your body, AND your mind (after all, an unhealthy mind will eventually give way to an unhealthy body). Do not just choose arbitrarily though… have some method to your madness, so to speak. I know exactly why I chose bodybuilding as a complement to my martial arts, and why both benefit from each other, therefore making both better, which equals me being better. And a really good, and unlikely example, would be my wife. In her teen years up into her mid twenties, she rode horses. Equestrian arts never would have come to mind, would it? But riding the horses took a lot of work; it is not just sitting up there and riding along. There is a LOT that goes into that, and it can be taxing on the body. But in training and riding horses, that provided the base for her to transition effortlessly into power lifting (which later saw her transition into bodybuilding).

Think about what you want to do, want to accomplish, want to achieve. If nothing in particular comes to mind, this is okay; you can always just go with what interests you, and over the course of time, you can make that connection with yourself and your secondary involvement, and discover how it is helping you and the primary.

Always want more. Always be more. Know you are more. Do more. Give more. More people then benefit from what you are, and with luck, the good influence spreads.

razorsedge

03-04-2012, 09:50 AM

Some awesome posts Brandon. Welcome to the board. I can see that your background and knowledge will be invaluable to the board.

All the best in your prep...will follow your progress and look forward to watching you you up there with the final product!!

cog

03-04-2012, 03:00 PM

Couldn't agree more Brandon.If more people adopted that outlook we wouldn't have so many people that drop out with the passage of time.

Gaoshang Xiongshou

03-04-2012, 09:28 PM

Couldn't agree more Brandon.If more people adopted that outlook we wouldn't have so many people that drop out with the passage of time.

I do not understand people sometimes, cog. But I hope in my blogs (this is the copy and paste of today's entry) that what I have within, I can use to influence others for their own betterment. And if I have reached even just one person, and affected change, then I have done what I set out to do. I will be posting my blog entries here. As of lately, just one a day... but sometimes two a day.

Some awesome posts Brandon. Welcome to the board. I can see that your background and knowledge will be invaluable to the board.

All the best in your prep...will follow your progress and look forward to watching you you up there with the final product!!

Thank you! I have been around for a few years here and there... I stay pretty low key, although Dawn is reversing this slowly but surely.

I have always gone the way of the dragon from Chinese mythology... Dragons only appear when someone is ready (read:able) to see them, or sometimes, randomly at will. I liked that approach, personally. Anyway, I do hope that I will be of some use here. :)

Gaoshang Xiongshou

04-04-2012, 08:35 AM

April 4, 2012

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Let us say that you want to get into your car and drive to a destination 500 miles away from your home. You have never been there before, and you only really have a vague idea of how to get there. Do you just get into the car and go, hoping and trusting that you will get to that end point?

Well, yes, you could do that. Or you could get some directions on how to get there. That would be the better, and more practical solution (granted, everyone is not trying to look like the guy in the picture above, but just hear me out on this).

Do you enjoy the guesswork that comes with going at it alone? That is the same as traveling down an interstate highway, coming to an off ramp that you are SUPPOSED to take, but have no real idea, and so you keep going straight instead, making a mistake. Or how about listening to misinformation (and believe me, there is a LOT of it. What you think might sound legitimate is actually the furthest thing from it. Case in point: Someone tells you creatine is a steroid. Need I say more?) Essentially, someone is giving you the wrong directions, and you will be lost.

Travel that road several times (or in the case of training and diet, over a period of time), and you know the way from experience. And yes, there are generally several different (albeit sometimes similar – some are really far removed from the conventional path) routes to take to get to the same place. It is good to get a feel for the different paths… find one that works for you, or maybe even combine several and make your own route (again, if that really works for you). Remember though, you did need some initial direction to start, and perhaps will need some as the journey progresses. The point is… the destination will clearly be in sight if you know how to get there. Do not let pride or ego stand in your way. If you say you want to look like this or that… like someone says that they want to leave their home and drive to Las Vegas… then get some direction and do it. There is no sense floundering around and wasting gas just spinning your wheels and driving around in circles.

Not all of us will lead you astray.

Gaoshang Xiongshou

05-04-2012, 08:18 AM

April 5, 2012

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Following somewhat closely on the heels of yesterday's entry is today's, focusing on actually following directions as opposed to making deviations or trying to take unapproved shortcuts. And the most obvious correlation in this is with your diet.

None of us are the same. I have often taken that for granted, expecting that if I am as hardline as I am for my results and what I want to accomplish, that anyone else who does this will be the same... and being perplexed when they proved themselves not to be. No one is me. I am not sure of the existence of anyone else who would turn down a cheat meal, wanting the satisfaction of unwavering discipline and first in class, overall, and a pro card instead of the temporary bliss and settling of mind that would come with the cheat meal. Yes, I am a strange one... I would rather stay hellbent on something that might not happen instead of feeling as if I compromised myself for something that could happen. BUT... that is just me. I speak only for me, and act only for me. Believe me, I would implement cheat meals for people if they can have them.

However, I hear all the time about people complaining about how the diet is not working, how they still feel fat (I know one girl in particular, who for all of her "being fat" is one of the better looking people heading into competition and will be... if she can get her head right), how they cannot help cheating, how... you get the idea. Or, someone will change something in the diet just because they do not like the way something else in it was laid out for them, or make a substitution for their own comfort, or... again, this can end up anywhere. But you see where I am going with this.

My question is: Why?

I look at it this way: I am going to be out on that stage in front of several hundred complete strangers, magazine photographers, friends and family who believe in me, and whomever else there may be. Competition in this arena is possibly the most personal and intimate one can experience, as you are truly exposing yourself for all to see, and be judged. The journey to the stage will show you and all those around you what you are made of, and there is no way to hide it at any point unless you go into seclusion for the duration. So... with the world watching (I just see it that way, whether it be true or not, now with the instant accessibility of the Internet and pictures being able to be sent via text message... any and all eyes can be on you at any given moment), why would I want to present anything less than my absolute best? There will be photo shoots to come. I have to be in front of the camera, and unless I planned to just lock those images away, which I do not intend to do, anyone and everyone will see them; excellence must be presented. But that will not happen if I carelessly indulge, giving way to whatever stresses may come. And we all have them. No one is immune. You do what you can to not give in to them, instead of just say "screw it", and have at it.

It is easier said than done for many, I know. I have a strict martial arts background to draw from, so it is not even a thought for me to stay true... I just do, with the goal in mind; nothing more. But for those who have a different background, there is only one thing I can say to you: OBEY. You know what you are supposed to do. You know how you are supposed to do it. You know why you are doing it. Therefore, just do it.

It is hard? Welcome to Life. Nothing is easy, unless you want it to be. Cardio... well, let me just be frank about it: Cardio sucks. But it is a necessity, end of story. DO IT. DO IT ALL. Ask yourself how badly do you want your results. If you say you really want them, but then bite down into a muffin or doughnut or a double cheeseburger (unless it is an authorized cheat), then you do not want it. You must be truthful in your belief and intent. Otherwise, you fail yourself.

And I propose that you try to live with that, rather than live with the alternative. If you think dealing with the diet is hard, try dealing with that!

ubcpower

05-04-2012, 10:25 PM

Gaoshang Xiongshou

06-04-2012, 05:27 PM

Nice to see you on the board Brandon, you and dawn used to train at my home gym fitness world in surrey. The new physique division seems to be all about the shoulders, chest and abs. You should do very well, good luck

Thank you! I am excited to get the show on the road! If you are at the BC's, or even in Kelowna for the show there, come by and say 'Hi'.

Gaoshang Xiongshou

06-04-2012, 06:44 PM

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The Perfect Weapon Women's Self Defense Class

For anyone reading this, please spread the word regarding this class if you can.

I am starting a women's self defense class on April 16th. One thing that I absolutely cannot stand is the assault and abuse on women today, especially in supposedly loving relationships. The need today for a woman to know how to defend herself and keep herself safe is more important than ever. It is for this reason that I have searched the teachings and concepts of all that I have learned in the martial arts, and have combined it with basic personal survival skills that one needs to avoid, escape, or engage and conquer an aggressive encounter.

The idea of a self-defense "course" does not sit well with me. It is nigh impossible to expect someone who has taken 10-12 classes over a period of a few weeks to be able to functionally defend themselves, given the focus of most all self-defense classes today... which is purely on technique. There is a lot... and I do mean A LOT that goes into a physical altercation, that is overlooked in instruction today. Where my class will stand out from these is in several areas.

To begin with, while techniques for nullifying an attacker will most certainly be stressed and taught, a bigger part of my focus will be in developing key attributes... not so much to turn a woman into a fighter, but to make her be able to fight if she has to. This attribute development extends beyond just the physical as well, moving into the mental.

Next, where as other classes today have a preset curriculum to teach, or a general scope of techniques, what I offer comes from a traditional Shaolin (my major backgound) approach. During times long past, students of Shaolin first learned the basics of wushu, spending perhaps a year working on stances, footwork, basic hand techniques, and kicks. From there, the student moved into a proficiency, based on his ability, personality, and personal physical attributes. In this class, there is a basic curriculum to learn, setting the progression for where this class really shines: In time, I will see each student's strength and weakness, and then provide a further, streamlined offense/defense solution for that individual... meaning that no two students will be the same or follow the same formula, and each student, because of their carefully selected method, will be more comfortable with what they are doing. In short, their course of study is customized for them, which is NOT found in any self defense class or martial arts school at all.

Also, completely optional to the student, there will be traditional weapons training available, to make them more complete in the event of an aggressive situation. The reason for this is that not only does weapons training entail and teach a different movement (more to add to one's arsenal), but the training of traditional weapons can translate to the use of any item that she may have to grab in a defense situation. Among weapons taught are staff, Chinese broadsword, knife fighting (single and double blade), and more. A greater length in time in studying with me will introduce the student to more advanced weapon training, such as the wooden bench, and the two sword technique of Nito-Ryu (learning to use weapons of differing length and weight simultaneously; also covered in stick and dagger fighting). Again, this is not seen in any self defense class today, and all martial arts schools generally stick with the weapons contained within their style. If a student chooses to partake of this option, I will tell them where they will be able to obtain their weapons for a reasonable price, where they will be of good quality.

Finally, this class is ongoing, and not set for a determined length of time, 10 classes, 12 weeks, etc. Because of the way I teach (coming from the background that I do), I am able to work with anyone of any skill level at any time on anything, and not be thrown off of my train of thought for another person. So, while even though the student will be in a class setting, they still will be getting personal attention from me. Classes will be sold in four month lots though, at a fraction of the cost that other schools/programs cost.

Another benefit to this class:

Students receive, with their four paid months, six free one-on-one classes with me, by appointment, for one hour. These appointments can also be used to take the place of a missed class during the regular schedule.

This is essentially all of the information regarding the class. Again, if any of you are in the Surrey, or Metro Vancouver area and are interested, or have specific questions, please email me at absolutebest3@hotmail.com , or if you know of someone in the area who may be interested (or worse, have a need), please pass this information along.

Thank you.

cog

06-04-2012, 09:14 PM

Gaoshang Xiongshou

07-04-2012, 07:09 AM

April 7, 2012

My apologies, but I do not have update pictures for this week. I was not able to coordinate my regular picture time. I will be waiting until next week at the regular time to take them, so do know that 11 week out pictures will be here!

Earlier this week, the idea of me entering into the upcoming Emerald Cup was entertained. Ultimately, decided against, Dawn said that I was looking good enough at this point to take a stab at it (as it can only get better from here). So no detour for me, just keep pushing straight ahead to the BC's.

Part of the contest dieting process is the unfortunate and perhaps unavoidable diminishing of mental capacity and functioning due to the lowered food intake and lack of sleep (or very little) that can be experienced by some. I know I have not had a problem in that department, for sure. I remember another prep diet though, where my sleep was really erratic and definitely not solid throughout the night, and that was a result of the intensity of my training. It is still intense this time around, but sleeping is not an issue. I am sure with enough thought though, I can figure it out, and be able to pass it along with my other experience. ANYWAY... as I was saying, things happen when in this depleted state. It is either funny or tragic, depending on how you wish to look at it. Several weeks ago, for whatever reason that I cannot even begin to comprehend, I got out of the car, and went into the gym... left the keys in the door. About ten minutes later, one of the gym members came in, and asked my wife and I who he should give the keys to. We are really fortunate that no one took the car, because this is not exactly the best area for truthful people. Fortunately, he was one of them.

That was a pretty dark day for me. Never in my life had I done anything so stupid, and never in my life had I felt so dumb. That was the day that I decided that I was not going to let being tired get to me anymore. Something of a struggle, still, but I manage. I know it is normal for this to happen, but for me, I see it as a major weakness to succumb to this (I would not say this about anyone else; I speak only for myself). So, in an effort to stave off further diminishing mental function and capacity, I have taken some daily measures now. Probably about ten years ago, I read something somewhere that stated that keeping the brain busy with things like crossword puzzles or word searches would keep mental functioning high. Ever since reading that, I have done it. And after that incident, I returned to doing word search puzzles, and have added in Sudoku, for a warm up. I have also started solving mathematical equations of various branches (mostly Trigonometry). Finally, just for a little light reading to relax the brain gently, I am again reading Kierkegaard. It would be interesting too, to go back and reread Nietzsche's 'Beyond Good and Evil' again. I have not read that since I was nine-years-old. Actually, 'Thus Spoke Zarathustra' should be a good choice too. Maybe a trip to the bookstore or to find an online download somewhere is in order. In any case, I am not going down without a fight.

I got more work done on my left sock (lower leg tattoo) Thursday. It hurt like Hell. Still does. I am having to take Asprin right now to dull the pain, and it wakes me up sometimes at night. I know how it is though... another two or three days, and the pain should be gone completely. It was definitely hard on a guy who is single digit body fat!! And no matter what you have, when the tattoo has to cross the shin or the Achilles tendon, you are in for some pain. But, when I am healed, I just go back, get it finished, and move on from there.

Anyway, that is it for me this week in review!

Gaoshang Xiongshou

07-04-2012, 07:12 AM

Sounds very,very good Brandon.My wife no longer trains in the martial arts due to her health,but she did many different styles including weapons.She originally got the bug from her father,who was a very experienced jump trained commando in WWII.We practiced many times,she would demonstrate techniques to stop a man,she was very flexible.

First and foremost, I am a martial artist. When everything else in this world has come and gone for me, I will still be that same martial artist that I started out as. That is something that will NEVER leave me.

Delt King

07-04-2012, 10:15 AM

fitbody

07-04-2012, 10:43 AM

Hey GX, are you able to go straight to the BC provincials without a top placing at a regional show? In ontario the OPA says i have to start all the way at the bottom at a regional show before going to provincials and eventually the national show in bc (because my bodybuilding qualifications don t crossover to Physique class). So i m planning on doing all 3 shows, assuming success allows it. i was looking at the National show in New Westminster---it s about 35-40minutes away from the Vancouver airport (effing taxi costs are going to kill me) Too bad they didn t pick a location closer to the airport for all the athletes coming from all across the country. Anyway, keep crushing the prep GX.

hi ya
ya here in BC we are allowing both mens and womens physique to go straight to the BC Championships without qualifying
we will be having classes available at both Kelowna (drug tested) in May and Fort St John show in June
but they don't have to do those shows
and because Nationals is here in our province this yr top 5 from BC's will go to Nationals this yr instead of top 3

as for getting to your hotel
we will pick you up from the airport if you like
and if you want to know where a hotel is with a kitchenette instead of contest hotel let us know
we are about 15 mins from the venue
theres a hotel darn near across the street from us with kitchenettes
and we can drive you to and from the athletes mtg, show if you like

Delt King

07-04-2012, 11:03 AM

hi ya
ya here in BC we are allowing both mens and womens physique to go straight to the BC Championships without qualifying
we will be having classes available at both Kelowna (drug tested) in May and Fort St John show in June
but they don't have to do those shows
and because Nationals is here in our province this yr top 5 from BC's will go to Nationals this yr instead of top 3

as for getting to your hotel
we will pick you up from the airport if you like
and if you want to know where a hotel is with a kitchenette instead of contest hotel let us know
we are about 15 mins from the venue
theres a hotel darn near across the street from us with kitchenettes
and we can drive you to and from the athletes mtg, show if you like Wow that's so nice of you guys. i ll definitly get hold of you when i get through the first 2 shows and make my arrangements for Nationals. You guys are the best...cheers!

fitbody

07-04-2012, 06:43 PM

Wow that's so nice of you guys. i ll definitly get hold of you when i get through the first 2 shows and make my arrangements for Nationals. You guys are the best...cheers!

whatever we can do to help you just holler

Gaoshang Xiongshou

07-04-2012, 07:46 PM

Well, she definitely answered your question more succinctly than I could. But after all, this is coming straight from the VP of the BCABBA!

It will be fun! Just like the camaraderie that Arnold and the guys had back in the day. Bodybuilding, and any division associated under that umbrella, needs more of that anyway. :D

Gaoshang Xiongshou

08-04-2012, 08:08 AM

April 8, 2012

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Life is about choices, and the choices we make define who we are. This is not a good or bad thing… this is just how it is.

So, if the choice you make is for material possessions over your fitness, health, and well being, then you make it pretty apparent to the world where your priorities lie.

Why not make the investment in yourself instead of the good time you will have, moments which will come and go in an instant? Sure, memories will be made, had, digitally saved, and never forgotten… but your body is the only one you get, and you will have it forever.

Therefore, you cannot say that you cannot afford personal training or the healthier lifestyle, if in the same breath, you make mention of just buying a new H2 Hummer, a BMW motorcycle, a second home somewhere, or are taking off for three weeks to some remote island. It is not that you cannot do what you must for your body and health, because clearly you can. You just want something different, is all. And that is fine. Just do not lie to others, or more importantly, to yourself about it.

If the things in your life are more important than the quality of your life, see how far that gets you. Yes, Life is to be enjoyed, but I would think that one would want to be able to enjoy life in as grand a fashion as possible through optimum health and performance. At least that is how I want to go through life.

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Eating cleanly and properly is expensive? It can be, but does not have to be. Smarter shopping is the answer, meaning a little work and some time invested on your part is in order. OR… you can just blow it all on quick, supposedly inexpensive food, and really shrink the holdings of your wallet, while increasing the size of your waist at the same time!!! It is the gift that keeps on giving!

Life is about choices, and it is the choices that we make that define who we are. Comfort, just like anything else in life, has its price. If you are willing to pay, have at it. A better payment plan would be into yourself, which will repay you dividends. But… I am just an outsider looking in on your life. But I will tell you this like I tell the competitors… suffer now, but smile later.

And unlike anything material in this world, that is not going anywhere.

Gaoshang Xiongshou

09-04-2012, 07:26 AM

April 9, 2012

Today's blog entry is really long and involved. So rather than copy and paste it here, I will just leave the link:

http://absolutebesttraining.com/?p=640

This is certainly worth the time it takes to read. Pass it on as you see fit!

Gaoshang Xiongshou

10-04-2012, 08:10 AM

April 10, 2012

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For any man or woman in this lifestyle, what draws a person into this, makes them stay… you already get it. For those not though, there seems to be a bit of confusion, and hopefully, I can clear that up today.

I recall seeing shows like ‘The Jenny Jones Show’ or ‘Donahue’, and on the rare occasion that they had a female bodybuilder on the panel, or an entire show focused on female bodybuilders (Jenny Jones’ producers made it seem like more of a freak show than anything else), the response from the audience in attendance was always one of shock, disgust, and even outrage. There were questions such as “Why would you do that to yourself?!”, “Why did you get into doing this?”, and “Are you trying to be a man?!” You know… really ignorant questions (and not ignorant as in the textbook definition of the word, but just plain out mean and stupid). And most times, the women were not top level competitors. Some were not even competitors at all, just women who loved to lift. It did not matter to the audience. No matter what they said, the audience booed them as if they had done something horribly wrong. Of course, it did not help that they were put on the defensive, most likely from having to deal with negative backlash personally. But the whole thing really was a recipe for disaster. And the intolerance and judgment surrounding those women’s (or any women’s) involvement in the fitness lifestyle, to whatever degree they chose, was stifling and unbearable almost all times.

What it is that calls women to lifting weights, and developing muscle (which WILL happen if she trains and eats correctly, and puts forth the requisite efforts)? People would be really surprised. To this day, men and women alike still pose the same questions mentioned above, plus other not-so-tasteful or tactful inquiries. Perhaps even you have often wondered what that reason is.

The answer is this: There is no definite answer. Everyone is different. Everyone is on their own journey, in their own time, for their own reason. One should not be so quick to judge another, as you have no idea what that person’s story is. Because whether you know it or not, everyone… even you… has one.

There are women who get into the fitness lifestyle because they see it as a means to use the discipline required for all components to gain control over an eating disorder. Some women may use it as a way to feel empowered, and in control of something, stemming from an unfortunate sexual or physically abusive relationship or childhood. There are women who enter into the lifestyle in order to maintain a recovered status from injury, or to better manage a disease (one of my clients came to me to gain strength to deal with the Multiple Sclerosis that has ravaged her body). Some women, having had an athletic background in earlier days, move onto weight training to keep in touch with their athletic side; their wish is to not be inactive, and the discipline and intensity of weight training is the draw for them that they can relate to from their earlier athletic endeavors. And then there are some women who just like to get physical and move heavy weight.

You ask why? I ask you why not? If anyone knows what the problem is with a woman wanting to do what she feels is better for herself mentally and physically (maybe even emotionally), improving upon what she has been given in life, or in worst case scenarios, what she has allowed her life to become… please, share it with the rest of us.

The reasons are endless. But each reason is valid. For those who question and belittle those who would do so, would you want someone telling you that what you are doing is wrong, or makes no sense, or anything negative in an attempt to dissuade you from pursuing something that you are passionate about? For instance, let us use scrapbooking as an example. Someone out there reading this loves it. It does not hurt anyone, does not endanger anyone, has a positive focus, is productive in its own right, and brings the participant happiness and contentment. And there are many out there who may see your hobby as a waste of time, money, energy, and all around boring, and would not hesitate to tell you such at any given chance. Do you really think you would want to hear that? Or would you rather be able to make your case for your involvement, expressing your joy, sincere earnestness, and devotion to your craft and what it does for you? In the end, perhaps you still will not change their opinion of your activity, but maybe they can at least stop asking “Why?”

And that is all that I am saying to you… you never know what or why a woman has chosen to transform her body through weight training. But I can guarantee you that she is not intent on challenging the status quo. But, even if she is… that is her prerogative! There is a reason for everything.

Understand this.

Delt King

10-04-2012, 08:31 AM

Gaoshang Xiongshou

10-04-2012, 09:07 AM

And the same goes for guys...although more easily accepted by society now in general the reality is i still get looked at like some kind of freak...even in the gym setting by other members. People try to dissuade us and it only strengthens our resolve to achieve our goals. The public may not understand but we only ask for acceptance, tolerance and please stop asking "how much steroids do you take". Unless you want me to ask you "so how much junk food do you eat?" lol. great post as always.

Indeed! Over on my blog, I have dedicated this entire week as a focus on women and their involvement in the fitness lifestyle. Yesterday's entry was just way too involved and long to post here (word count of 2100+!!!) with many different pictures. So I just left the link for that one. I consider that to be my magnum opus... even though I still have so much life left ahead of me.

I am a huge proponent for and supporter of the women's side of this sport and women training in general. I have been extremely outspoken about it in the past on various forums, and those who know me well know exactly where I stand on it and why.

I am glad you liked it! Thank you! Writing was always my other original passion, starting right about the time (maybe just a short, unmeasurable bit before martial arts). I post at least one entry a day to my blog. Some days, if I have time, two. I love to write, and will write about anything. Having the blog lets me do it.

Gaoshang Xiongshou

10-04-2012, 09:08 AM

By the way... how long does it take before I have access to a signature line here?

Gaoshang Xiongshou

11-04-2012, 07:46 AM

April 11, 2012

29397

In tandem with yesterday’s blog entry about how and why women get into weight lifting and the pursuit of the fitness lifestyle, today brings the insight as to what one receives from their labor and dedication to themselves. Just as there are comments and questions regarding why a woman would train with a purpose, there is the same insincere inquisitiveness surrounding what a woman would “get” from it.

Think about this: In taking this journey into lifting, proper nutrition, regimentation, and persistence, you come to spend a lot of time reflecting within yourself, really getting to know and understand more about how you think, why you do what you do, and why you want to go wherever you want to go. You discover feelings and ideas about yourself that you never knew before, or would have even thought to exist. You find out what you are made of, how much you can take, how much you are willing to give, how much you actually mean to yourself. You may think you know yourself, but you come to find out that it really is like opening a new book which you have never seen before. And this book has no end yet. It is up to you to write it. And so, in the many various lives of the women who have undertaken the pursuit of their own best physical excellence, what they “get” from their passion is oftentimes far more valuable and holds much more worth than the muscle that they gain from their diligence.

Being physically stronger is one thing that appeals to many women. Who could not use a little more strength in their lives? If they are goal driven, following a carefully constructed and detailed training and nutrition regimen is the appeal, with the payday not being what was gained from it, but the mere satisfaction of setting a goal, having a plan, following through, and completing the task. I have come to understand that some see it as a character building opportunity, making themselves stronger and better as a person by developing a strong and able body that runs like a well oiled machine. Others still use the approach to consistency, the attention to detail that is required, the repetitive processes of all that is necessary, and blend that into other areas of their life, thereby enriching and enhancing the quality of their life overall. Here also, the benefits are numerous, endless. And what it really amounts to is that in one’s pursuit of their goal, whatever the reason(s) may be, the end result and the by-products of the journey will be intense on a personal level. Perhaps even a level that someone on the outside looking in would not ever be able to fully understand or associate with. But realize that what she “gets” out of training like that is good for her, in her own way. Do you have to agree with it? No, certainly not. Just be aware that what drives you to do what you do, she has that same something to do what she does, and she intends to get what is coming to her.

She does not need permission to do as she pleases. She does not need acceptance. Chances are, she probably could not care less what anyone thinks of her and her efforts. But what she, and anyone else needs, is the opportunity to be themselves and to become more of themselves, without interruption, or dissuading. Everyone wants to grow (some literally, some figuratively, some both… the pun is not intended, but it does fit!!), and no one should be made to feel badly or inferior for it.

This is the type of thing that keeps many women from making what is guaranteed to be a promising change in their lives. Between the sneers and jeers of the societal norm, colleagues, and even so-called “close friends”, the argument for good physical health and appearance for women gets overshadowed very easily. You reading this right now, if you are a woman, maybe you have even felt something similar to this at some point, or still do? I can tell you now that there is absolutely nothing wrong with this pursuit.

Every woman deserves to lead a healthy and sound life. However they do it is just that: however they do it. If that involves a shift in lifestyle that will bring her the peace of mind and body that she wants, then she should. If you have been part of the vicious cycle of decrying and bemoaning of a woman training in the gym, please reconsider. You have no idea of what you would potentially be putting a stop to.

MuSuLPhReAk

11-04-2012, 11:49 AM

By the way... how long does it take before I have access to a signature line here?

50
Welcome to CBB btw :)

Gaoshang Xiongshou

12-04-2012, 08:26 AM

50
Welcome to CBB btw :)

Thank you!!

Gaoshang Xiongshou

12-04-2012, 08:27 AM

April 11, 2012

Another fairly lengthy one here, because I am notorious for being long on words...

http://absolutebesttraining.com/?p=667

razorsedge

12-04-2012, 11:14 AM

Brandon...I have to say your posts are awesome and you have hit it on the head several times here.

Keep it rolling......

Gaoshang Xiongshou

13-04-2012, 06:19 AM

Brandon...I have to say your posts are awesome and you have hit it on the head several times here.

Keep it rolling......

Thank you so much. I sincerely appreciate that. Dawn will tell you that I do not really speak a lot, unless I just have to. She probably wonders what is going on in my head because I say so little. The majority of what I write is a direct reflection of what is going on up there, and I am happy to share!!

Gaoshang Xiongshou

13-04-2012, 06:21 AM

April 13, 2012

Today's blog entry. Does it actually top Monday's? I am not sure, but I think it just might!

http://absolutebesttraining.com/?p=675

razorsedge

13-04-2012, 09:49 AM

Thank you so much. I sincerely appreciate that. Dawn will tell you that I do not really speak a lot, unless I just have to. She probably wonders what is going on in my head because I say so little. The majority of what I write is a direct reflection of what is going on up there, and I am happy to share!!

Thats probably because it's hard to get a word in when she starts talking...lol...and you can tell her I said that. I like getting her all worked up as she gets even more passionate about trying to make her point.....the competitive juices start flowing but all in fun.

Great work again!!

Gaoshang Xiongshou

15-04-2012, 07:28 AM

Thats probably because it's hard to get a word in when she starts talking...lol...and you can tell her I said that. I like getting her all worked up as she gets even more passionate about trying to make her point.....the competitive juices start flowing but all in fun.

Great work again!!

No, I really am just a quiet and introverted person.

Gaoshang Xiongshou

15-04-2012, 07:30 AM

April 15, 2012

29422

Birthdays. We all have them. Some look forward to them, while others want to hide from them. Today is someone's birthday. If you are reading this, and it is yours, Happy Birthday to you. I have a real present for you... a revelation. Keep reading.

From time to time, as people celebrate theirs, it makes me think about mine. No, not that thing that comes around every year… that is nothing but a day to me, no different than the day before it, or the day after it.

No, when I think about my birthday, I think about something different: the day I first set foot in a gym, and began on the journey that has made me what I am now, and will make me what I will be later. That is just how my mind works. That was the day that something and someone truly unique was born. That is the day when a being began being forged from the fires of searing, deep muscle failure and the tears of my body as I moved weight, unrelenting and merciless in my endeavor, paying the price to be in the game. Oh yes indeed, the day I stepped into the gym, it was go time. I have never looked back, and I dare the challenges of the future to meet me head on, and get twisted in the process.

It was the day when this world was promised a force that would be unlike any other. It was a force that would make a statement here, there, and everywhere, with whoever came in contact with it. It was a force that would be known by many, but understood by few. It was the beginning of life. That day that comes around every year… that is for your significant others to enjoy. That day is for your family. It is for friend and foe alike. But the birthday… the REAL birthday… that is all for you.

Who remembers their birthday? I may not remember the exact day, but that does not even matter. All that does matter is that my birthday came when it was time, and I have been tearing it up in the gym ever since 1993. So now, I know some of you are thinking about your birthday… that glorious day when it seemed like the gates of a parallel universe opened up, swallowed what you were, and spit out what it knew you would need to be in order to make your moves, and become something beyond imagination and comprehension.

Every day that you take that cold iron in your hand, you celebrate your birthday. The bang of the plates as you load them, the rattle of the poundage as you press or pull… there is your birthday song. No birthday cake? So what? You get a birthday shake, and that is much better for you anyway. Your present is a masterpiece that people wish they had, and they will waste no time in telling you such. Now how is that for a birthday celebration?

So whoever you are, wherever you are, raise your protein shaker or water jug high, and toast that great moment in your life...

Happy Birthday, brothers and sisters. Now get in the gym and rip it up as only you can.

Gaoshang Xiongshou

15-04-2012, 07:42 AM

The IFBB Grand Prix Los Angeles was held yesterday. Men's Physique winner... Mark Anthony Wingson.

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Gaoshang Xiongshou

19-04-2012, 07:32 AM

April 19, 2012

29435

Let me ask you something.

If you ask someone for the exact recipe for a gourmet dish, and they give it to you with the list or everything that you will need to prepare it and the exact instructions on how to go about making it, and then you decide to omit, alter, or completely ignore any or all parts of the instruction, when it does not turn out right, who is to blame?

Would you say that person, because they gave you what you did not feel was right, and you felt you just HAD to change it, citing that what you did and what they gave you to work with was not a good combination? Would you say that they did not know what they were talking about to begin with, regardless of the success they have had with that recipe?

Well, you reading this, perhaps you would accept responsibility for not following the plan. But I can tell you this.,. there are scores of people who would not, and blame the bearer of the recipe.

And this happens more often than not with those who are looking to change their fitness levels, who hire personal trainers. They want to put their lack of success and improvement on EVERYTHING: they blame the trainer not knowing what they are doing or talking about (and to be fair, yes, there are a great number of people who should not even be training a dog, let alone a person... but that is not the issue at hand), they blame their circumstances (work, home life, outside interests, etc.), they blame the dog, the cat, the fish... anything and anyone that they can point the finger at, people do it. The problem is, is that they never look toward the truly responsible party. And we all know who that is.

Every day is a choice. Every day is an opportunity to make that choice. What you do with it is entirely up to you. If you have a trainer, rather than circumvent what you are being told for your own comfort, instead, try talking to them, voicing your concerns or problems with the current plan. There may be room for a little augmentation... or there may not be. But at least get it into the open. There is no reason for you to invest your time and money in someone who you want to show you the way to the you that you want, not do anything or very little of what they say, become upset with your lack of return of investment, bad mouth them, and then frustrate them through it all... when all that had to be done was to accept responsibility for your own actions, and realize that accountability would keep you on the straight and narrow path toward what you sought.

I cannot tell you how many times I have heard about someone switching (now talking about competitors, in which case most all of you are not or do not plan to be, but this holds a relevance here) trainers because they "didn't like the diet", or "they put me in the wrong class; if I had gone into XYZ, I would have placed or won", or "they won't bring me in with the look the judges are going for", and so on and so forth. Yet, you never hear them talk about how they cheat on the diet, eating protein bars or massive cinnamon buns, drinking wine, binging on chocolate, not doing the required cardio, missing meals, or anything else that they have full control over. Yet, they want to blame the trainer for their diet and training not working. Yes... something was not working, alright... them.

Think about if someone asked you to help them do something, and you told them how. You guided them through a good number of the steps, if not all. Someone, you might even have to hold their hand through every step, as if they were a baby first learning to walk. And then think about how frustrating it would be to have them return to you with what certainly should not be the results you intended, even though you know that you gave them everything that they needed to ensure success and completion. Would that not upset you? See that guy in that picture at the top of this blog entry? Yes... that would be you. You know it, and I know it.

Believe me when I tell you that that is somewhat the same way other trainers (myself included) feel more often than not. Would you like someone to make you feel that way? Then do not impose that punishment on anyone else.

If you cannot accept responsibility for eating what you should not eat, not doing what you know you should be doing, and otherwise, just ignoring their expertise and yourself, then no one ever needs to hear about blame, unless it is you and it is the internal monologue in your head. Will not follow directions (because that is all it is... there is no such thing as 'cannot')? Would you ask a strongman to build you up to compete in their events, and not listen to anything they tell you? That is a sure way to get hurt, given what is required in that arena. Would you go to flight school, and not listen to what the instructors tell you? If so, enjoy your crash and burn; never invite me along for a flight.

This is no different. Listen to those whom you have entrusted to help you, and get your rightful return of investment.

Gaoshang Xiongshou

21-04-2012, 07:00 AM

April 21, 2012

29456294542945529457

Ten weeks out from the 2012 BC’s. The time is speeding by. The two things I use to define my week (Friday’s wushu training… which unfortunately, I missed (but it probably is just as well, as I need the rest)… and Saturday’s blogging of the progress updates) are the things I most look forward to right now. And this is due fully in part because during the week, I blog my thoughts on the various aspects of the physically fit lifestyle, and do what I can to motivate. But Saturday, these have become my personal days, the day when I truly talk back to the world and let you in; this is the day (at least I think so anyway) when you learn the most about me. And as you have come to see, I am not a person who is short on words. I say what I have to say, be it in 10 words, or 1,000 words (or more). I think entries that have a little meat on them are appreciated, and allows for a greater insight to the person or the material presented, if not both.

Day in and day out, my mind is fixed on those moments when the stage is mine. Regardless of who else is out there with me, to me, there is only myself on that stage. Please do not misunderstand… I do not disregard anyone or their presence onstage with me. But having turned inward to put everything into this show, and the one following it six weeks later, it is all I can do at this time. I think anyone who gets on that stage with me is going to look awesome, and deserving of any accolades that he may get. Of course, when it is all said and done, there can only be one. That has to be me.

Okay, so seemingly obsessive rambling aside, this past week was pretty interesting. I have another location to teach my women’s self defense class at, this one being a private personal training studio with female clientele only, called Studio 64. I run a demo class on Saturday, April 28, and classes begin on the 3oth. The demo and grand reopening for WKX should be the following weekend, and I will be there for that also. It is looking really good on that front. While personal training more than likely will not take off for me at WKX, I am expecting it to overwhelm me at Studio 64. I am very open and receptive to that idea.

The next day, I had the photo shoot at the gym (Ultimate Fitness, Port Moody BC). I have not received any of the images yet, but we shot for about an hour and thirty minutes, give or take a few here and there. I am sure we got some good ones. The lighting was a little off in there, and the photographer does more studio work than location work with interior lighting (which she cannot control to suit her purposes), so it makes for a somewhat different experience. Still, we both had fun. She is contest dieting too, also for the BC’s (Master’s Bikini division), so after a while, it started to wear on her. We called it a day, and I hope to see some of the images sometime next week. I really hope she was able to do something with the rope climb pictures. I climbed a rope for the first time in… 15-16 years… and did it effortlessly. Good ol’ fashioned hand-over-hand, just straight pulling with upper body strength, no use of the legs at all. Completely blew her mind that I climbed up so fast and about twenty feet up, dropped back down about five feet, and then just let go of the rope and dropped down to the floor. And then I did it for her again. She was monitoring the display, and from the looks of it, she was saying that those shots did not come out good at all. We shall see. They will go up on my Facebook page, and some here also. The next shoot is set for May 27, at the WKX Gym, in which I have invited my Team Fit Body teammate to get in on. Should be an interesting time! And the next is set for the following weekend, in Redmond, WA, at my shifu’s Hung Gar kwoon. This, I am most certainly looking forward to, as I have not seen my Hung Gar shifu since 1997.

That was Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday, tragedy almost struck, as I started dozing off at the wheel while driving to pick up liquid egg whites. At the speed I was going, I would have hit the guard rail and probably flipped over it. Fortunately, as I started veering to the right, someone pulled alongside me and blew their horn, which woke me up and started the adrenaline flowing. I was up then, of course. It could have been ugly though. To say that fatigue is an issue is an understatement. Still, it is good some days (tolerable, and able to be dealt with) and bad others. This was one of those bad days. I deal with it as best as I can; there is no sense in complaining. If that is the case, I would just stop doing this. No one is forcing me.

Thursday and Friday were fairly uneventful. Nothing too special, except I did find myself flanked by two of her Jr. Female Bodybuilders at one point yesterday.

It is a hard life that I live, I tell you.

Thursday, I decided that I wanted and needed to delve into the world of addiction, and uncover what and why these things happen to people. I am off to an Overeater’s Anonymous meeting tomorrow afternoon. While I do not need the program for myself, what I do need is an understanding of the difficulty that people face with food issues and some insight into that addictive mindset that I do not comprehend. As I will no doubt face this problem with some clients down the line, rather than me just taking the hard line stance that there is no will power and no commitment to a change in lifestyle diet, it would really be in my best interest to connect and learn about this problem. Plus, it will help me be able to determine who actually suffers from these issues, and who is just using that as an excuse to not buckle down and take responsibility for what they put in their mouths. And I know there is so much to learn, so I am really excited about this prospect.It really will be an eye opening experience, and extremely helpful. In order for me to fully connect and empathize (because as of right now, unfortunately, I am unable to; my black-and-white world of traditional martial arts discipline sees only weakness that one fails to overcome as a result of lack of will… but I know that this is not the case, and that is the wrong in my thinking which needs to be corrected), I need to be on that side of this, without actually being on that side, if you know what I mean. Beyond this, I am going to attend a few other meetings, just to fully grasp the full cross section of addiction and the way it plagues people... NA, AA, SA (Sexaholics Anonymous), etc, and speak with an addictions counselor, and take whatever path necessary to become a qualified addictions counselor with credentials. This certainly can be useful in my helping people get a better handle on their physical life. That is what I am here for... to help people.

That is all for now. See you back here in a week for whatever else may happen with me on this road to the BC’s!

cog

21-04-2012, 09:31 AM

Delt King

21-04-2012, 09:46 AM

Looking fantastic GX! :welldone

Following along on your journey.

Gaoshang Xiongshou

21-04-2012, 08:55 PM

Have to watch it with fatigue at the wheel,nearly fell asleep myself when I was almost home after a long night of snow.Just thinking about something can turn into dreaming.I sometimes use a technique when very tired,take a breath and increase intrabdominal pressure for about two seconds and repeat.

Interesting. I will have to start using this one then. Any and all help is appreciated! Thank you :)

Looking fantastic GX! :welldone

Following along on your journey.

Thank you so much for following along and keeping up with this! I am sure you are looking excellent as well. Yes, you especially, being a National level competitor already, and having been to this dance at least once before, even if it was for a different division. You know what it is all about through experience, where as I just know through having kept up with it through other's experiences. It will be great to meet you and hang out while you are here (provided time permits it). Like Arnold and Lou and Franco, and the rest of the bunch. I do not think that type of connection happens with competitors anymore. It is always me, me, me. So I look forward to it.

And unlike Arnold to Franco, I am not going to try to give you the wrong "advices" :rofl

Gaoshang Xiongshou

21-04-2012, 09:12 PM

Oh, check this thing out. I thought it was a riot!!

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Gaoshang Xiongshou

22-04-2012, 08:19 AM

April 22, 2012

29462

On September 1, 2004, Detroit Police Officer Kenneth Daniels Jr. was shot while moonlighting at a strip club in a rougher area of Detroit. He died 12 hours later from the wound. It was a great loss to the city, a great loss to his family... a great loss to me.

Ken was my training partner at the time.

Training at the original Powerhouse Gym in Highland Park, MI, I was a new fixture there. This was the place that many of bodybuilding's greats had been through in the years that it had been there, most notably, eight time Ms. Olympia, Lenda Murray, who had spent a number of years there crafting her championship physique. It was the gym that dreams were made of (I say was, because it is no longer the place that it was when I was there). I trained myself and many people out of that place, and while people were very impressed with what I was able to do with my clients, and wasted no time in asking for my advice, the general consensus was that what I was trying to achieve for myself was not possible. Oh sure, a few guys (and girls, because there were some die-hard female lifters there too) saw something in me, and knew that it was only a matter of time. But Ken was the one who knew, without a shadow of doubt, that I had what it took to make good on my commitment to myself and my goals, and he was the most vocal about it, and supportive of them all. I guess that is how our bond came to be. Ken was an Aikidoka and power lifter, transitioning into strong man. He asked me one day about improving his conditioning for the move into the new sport, which eventually lead to him wanting to revealing that he wanted to take a shot at doing a bodybuilding show. We talked for a while, and then of course, me fully aware of the benefit of power lifting in maximizing muscle gain (as Ronnie Coleman had demonstrated), I began to pick his brain on power lifting. The rest, as the saying goes, is history. It started from there. We both needed something, and clearly saw what the other could do and be able to accomplish, and it was a perfect fit. We both saw ourselves make some good strides in our respective goals.

It was through him that I happened to get in good with the other power lifters there, and they all came to eventually look to help my progression. It was an interesting schedule that I kept (it helped that I was self-employed), as I trained with them, with Ken, trained my clients, and trained in Muay Chaiya there... and that is a story all unto itself. I practically lived there, I kid you not. Anyway, they group wanted to bring me up slowly and without injury, as I was still fairly lean and nowhere near as strong as any of them. It was hard work, really rough stuff... but you should know me by now... that is how I like it. And it helped a great deal. To this day, I still think about that group of guys from time to time.

Ken though, he never leaves my mind.

As mentioned, everything I was doing, and everything that I knew, it all came to a screeching halt on September 1, 2004. And following that, it was about a year before I stepped foot in the gym again. The drive, the desire, the passion... it was all gone. I left the gym, stopped training people, found work, and got on with life. Was it me though? Was I happy? Not in the least.

I have a lot of reasons for wanting what I want, and doing what I do. And I mean A LOT. But none of them I can articulate as clearly as this one: A big part of my drive is Ken. He knew where I was going, and wanted to be. And he was the only one who believed that I was going to get there, without needing some proof or convincing, while everyone else refused to. He pushed me hard. He knew I had the potential… and this was someone that I knew less than a year. I took my approach and workout ethic back to formula with him, and I have what I have today, which has made people duck and dodge me in the gym before, and training partners quit, leave the gym, and never ever come back. Sure, I still have the desire to be bigger and harder as my drive in the gym. But Ken added to it because he is no longer here to see this. His goals… unfulfilled, are now mine… at least one of them. And it has to be done...

In 2008, I went to the Arnold Expo, and attempted to close the #3 Captain of Crush... a high tension gripper that requires 280lbs. of crushing grip power to close. I got to within 1/4 inch of the close, so it was a no go. Unlike the bodybuilding community of late that jeers and heckles you for your failures or shortcomings, the strength community is entirely different. Getting that close was to be congratulated, and the feel with those guys is entirely different. I really like that, and would like to see it return to bodybuilding. As I was saying, I did not complete the close. But I am not done yet. I have set my goal for January 2013. Ken and I are going to get together for one more good time, where I WILL close. In doing so, I get my name entered into a strength journal. I wanted to do it for him, in his name, but the rules prohibit that. However, I can dedicate the close to him, and that will be listed in the journal indefinitely. So, he still gets in. That was the one goal of his that I knew I would be able to take on, and so I have. I have been working at it all through this dieting.

I wish I had gotten the picture of us together from his last strong man competition, because there is only one out there on the web, and it is very small. It would not even make any sense to post that here. That is how small it is. Instead, I opted for his family, whom I have not seen since earlier that year in 2004.

I do this for a lot of reasons… suffer through the monotony of the diet, deal with the blinding pain of rebuilding and binding muscles, sacrifice a great part of my better years so that tomorrow, I can be more than I am today… yes, I do it for me, but in his memory, I do it for him as well. This is my drive.

There are going to be days when it seems like this world, your world… it moves in slow motion. What do we do? REMEMBER. Whatever it is that drives you, find it and hold on to it. Coming to a standstill is only an option when you are in gridlocked rush hour traffic on the way home from work. Any other time, it is full speed ahead.

I will continue to push, to see that he is honored properly and fittingly with everything that I do. I have no idea what it is that drives any of you, but I hope you find it, and I hope it does everything for you that mine does for me.

Rest In Peace, Kenneth Daniels Jr. You did well. You are a part of this spark that propels me to propel others to their own greatness. Even in your absence, your presence is still felt. I have made, and always will make sure of that.

cog

22-04-2012, 10:26 AM

Quite a shake up to keep you out for a year...

cog

22-04-2012, 06:47 PM

I tried one of those number 3's a week ago.I have an adjustable Ivanko but haven't been using it much.You definitely have a crushing grip.

Gaoshang Xiongshou

24-04-2012, 06:03 AM

April 24, 2012

29469

You know what? It happens. Life intervenes, and most times, in a very big way. It can be a little more challenging than we are able to deal with, or something that leaves us no choice, bringing us to a complete standstill.

I am talking about restarting. Everyone has had to at some point, for whatever reason. Me myself, I was sidelined by an injury that would not heal properly because I continued to train with it, trying to work around the issue (and pain) with it. In the end, better judgement prevailed, and I lost three and a half months in the gym. When I returned, strength wise, I had to rebuild.

And this is something that you need to remember: just because you have to start over again does not mean that you are going to stay there forever. In fact, if you are one of those dedicated and well trained individuals, you are going to bounce back much faster (generally speaking, in most cases; some are not as easy to recover from) that the casual lifter. After my three and a half month hiatus from the gym, my strength had taken a little bit of a dip, and in one area in particular, it truly was gone, and I had to start from square one, and come back to where I was. To this day, that process is still going on. But I am so much father along than if I had just sat back and not done anything about it.

In cases like this... starting over... the fact that you have to is the last thing you want to focus on and beat yourself up over. Save that for if you just say "forget it all", give up, and accept whatever has happened and whatever has become of you. If that is not you though, then instead, focus on how much you are going to regain and the point that you are going to surpass in doing so, because when I speak of regain, I am hardly talking about strength and body composition alone. Going back to square one plays heavily on the mind. But as you are strong in body and strong in will and spirit, you also are strong in mind. If you have let the unfortunate circumstances and effects of your situation permeate your thoughts and being, then it is only because you have refused to realize the uniqueness of the moment. It is not the end unless you say it is. You can even look at it as a new beginning, instead of starting over. There is no time for "woe is me"; the time you spend saying that is the time that you could be dedicating to refocusing and regrouping your efforts to present yourself to friends, family, and onlookers stronger and better than before. But mostly, it is your chance to show the most important person to you what you can accomplish, and how you are no longer unfettered or imbalanced by anything that is happening or has happened. And you see them daily in the mirror.

Setbacks are difficult. But there is no such thing as a perfect life. It is these trials, and the way that you deal with them, and with yourself that illustrate the character of a person. You should be more concerned with that than what complete strangers and false friends may think. They do not provide you with your worth. You do. The road back to where you left off may or may not be a long one. But take it anyway, and take it with intention. In this, know that you will get there.

Be smart about it, however. I speak from experience. We all know what we can handle, and sometimes, what really is going on is more than we anticipated, so if it means that you have to slow down or back off (imagine trying to bench press 500lbs., when you clearly can only handle 315 semi-comfortably with average form; you would be insane to go for 500 in this case), then do it and realize that today is today, but tomorrow is tomorrow. You will get there. But you want to get there in full capacity, firing on all cylinders, and not set yourself back again (or even worse than before).

Going back to square one is not as bad as you would think, nor does it have to be. It is all a matter of how you look at it. If you think it leaves you behind in the game, trust me, you are never left behind unless you just stop trying. Otherwise, you will catch the rest of the pack in due time.

Gaoshang Xiongshou

24-04-2012, 06:15 AM

Quite a shake up to keep you out for a year...

It was pretty bad. I was able to handle his death, but the zeal for the gym, that drive, that determination... it was just gone. It had to rebuild on it's own, and that was how long it took.

I tried one of those number 3's a week ago.I have an adjustable Ivanko but haven't been using it much.You definitely have a crushing grip.

The number 3's are rough for sure!! Because of dieting, I am nowhere near being able to get a full close right now. I can still manage the number 2 (195 lbs.) for a few reps, although that is down from where it was before prep, and the number 2.5 (237.5 lbs), well, that is just hit or miss some days. It will all be back though. Coincidentally, today's blog post relates to this. The injury that sidelined me for three and a half months was a wrist injury that I acquired from lifting the stones incorrectly. My wrist looked like it was broken at first. The first three days, I could not even move my hand, because it was that bent and twisted. When mobility started to increase, I wrapped it with a boxing hand wrap, and would train with it tightly compressed. I kept this up for a while, moving on to a wrist brace too. But I eventually just had to let it go, and let it heal. This injury forced me to have to rebuild my grip strength from the ground up. It is not where it was prior to the injury, but it is still pretty good. The number 3 presents a bit of a challenge, but I refuse to let this be the end of it. I set out to close it, and damn it, I will. That one is for Ken. Closing the number 4 (365 lbs.) will be for me. No one has closed that one since 2004. It might not happen anytime soon. But it will happen. And I intend to do it.

cog

24-04-2012, 08:46 AM

IIRC,that guy that closed the number 4 weighed around 165-170 lbs.Do you train pinch strength as well?

Gaoshang Xiongshou

24-04-2012, 03:00 PM

IIRC,that guy that closed the number 4 weighed around 165-170 lbs.Do you train pinch strength as well?

I have dabbled some, but not extensively. I do plan to get into that after Nationals. Pinch gripping is really tough! That is going to be a slower progression that crushing grip. But I have plenty of time, and even more patience.

Gaoshang Xiongshou

24-04-2012, 03:05 PM

Dawn usually gets me to open the really tightly sealed jars, and then gets upset when I close them back extremely tight again. It is habit!! I got into doing that so that I would constantly have to engage my grip and grip mechanics. It has served me well. :)

Gaoshang Xiongshou

27-04-2012, 07:16 AM

Today's blog entry is another one of those long and involved kinds... :)

http://absolutebesttraining.com/?p=764

Gaoshang Xiongshou

28-04-2012, 04:07 PM

April 28, 2012

29485

Normally, this day is the update day. Today, I am nine weeks out. No pictures today though. Dawn is out of town, and she normally takes my pictures. I like to maintain consistency, so I will have them for next week. Keeping in the theme with how my posts run though, today is still my so-called “personal day”.

This week, I had the opportunity to work with a 2012 Miss Universe Canada hopeful (pictured above). Mina Khtaria is one of Dawn’s clients. While gone for the few days this week, I filled in for her. I did not exactly know what to expect in training a pageant queen (as I called her; she thought it was funny). You think of those women, and you all sorts of stereotypical images and ideas enter the mind, based on what has been seen or portrayed in modern media (and for some, it really is not an act). You would look at her, and expect nothing less or more. However, behind that million gigawatt smile, bubbly disposition, and obvious cover girl look, something deep and real emanates and resonates through that young girl’s spirit and well manicured hands.

In doing a set of dumbbell presses, I saw something that needed to be corrected. After this, I saw that she needed to use more weight, so we increased it. A bit more of a challenge, she completed her sets, and then we moved on. I was not expecting her to take the ball and run with it on that. Since she went up in weight and felt good in doing that, with each movement, she wanted to increase weight. I am very sure that Dawn has her reasons for sticking with what she does with Mina. I know how she operates, and everything is for a specific reason. I am not questioning anything at all. But Mina saw that she was capable, and apparently stronger than she realized, and wanted more. It was not a matter of me trying to convince her; I did not even have to. She truly WANTED it. Now, of course, the look on the pageant circuit is not one of great musculature, or even any real noticeable developed musculature… so she would not do anything to jeopardize that, I know. We could go up in weight; she likes to move it… but it is not going to be so much that a dedicated building process starts. And that is okay. Everyone has their needs and goals. I am not even sure what hers are. But I saw what her goal was yesterday: Increase the weight. And increase, she did, on all but one movement. I found this phenomenal. At one point, she would get to a weight stack before me (we had some cable work yesterday), and I thought that was just outstanding. The weight itself might not be a lot to some (most is more like it), but again, this is also okay. Strength is relative to the individual. An improvement is an improvement in my book. And I was so thoroughly pleased with her determination, focus, and drive yesterday, that I had to send her a text message telling her what I thought of her performance, and how much I enjoyed working with her.

You never know who are those who are going to rise to the occasion, and those who will fold. Usually, the ones that you do not think will rise up (and I am not saying that I thought this of Mina. I just did not envision what happened yesterday to actually happen) are the ones who surprise you the most. I do not know how long she intends to be on the pageant trail… but I can foresee her getting a bit more serious in the gym with herself after that part of her life comes to a close. And I really hope I am around to see that.

I saw one of my own clients later that day.This is another one who has surprised me. When she came to me, she was in a fairly weakened state from dealing with Multiple Sclerosis for a good number of years. Although she has it subdued with medication, it still left her feeling a little frail and in pain at times. When we started working together, she was doing it purely for cosmetic reasons. Me, I had other goals in mind for her. Well, here we are five months later, and my goals for her have been met and far exceeded. For her, while we still have a little ways to go until we reach her desired body image, she is extremely pleased with the results she has had up to this point. She recently visited her sister in San Diego, and was told that this is the thinnest she has ever been. And at her last doctor’s visit, the staff was blown away by how she looked, and how much she had changed since last seeing her. She has built a little muscle, and her entire body composition is so vastly different than from when we first started. And she does not give me a problem or complain… well, not all that much anyway. And I am okay with that, because I can usually talk her around that looming doubt of herself or mind, and get her through the training with no problem. This is a really good thing for her, because in her own words, she “does not commit to anything”. She can be here today, gone tomorrow, with whatever she is doing. But not this. She has stuck with it, and you have no idea how happy and proud I am of her for it.

It is young women like these… people who seem to have the odds against them (Mina with the stereotypical “pageant girl” shadow hanging over her head, or Rajbir, my client, with the debilitating disease), that make me wonder why more women, women with no real issues or anything to hold them back do not get active in the gym, and want and become more than where they are presently at. And this is not to make anyone feel bad… it is just an observation.

It is days like this that I really, REALLY love what I do.

ubcpower

29-04-2012, 12:52 AM

Gx can you share your contest diet at this point (9 weeks out)? and how much cardio youre doing?

Delt King

29-04-2012, 05:27 PM

Gx can you share your contest diet at this point (9 weeks out)? and how much cardio youre doing?

hey GX, i know Dawn is working with Greg now and with some heavy duty coaches in the past. How about you? self coached or do you have someone giving you direction?

Gaoshang Xiongshou

30-04-2012, 07:36 AM

Gx can you share your contest diet at this point (9 weeks out)? and how much cardio youre doing?

Diet wise, not a lot of carbs!! LOL I get them as instructed. Cardio, 70 minutes a day, daily. With my martial arts training, that results in an extra 2-3 hours a week, and that is more along the lines of interval training.

hey GX, i know Dawn is working with Greg now and with some heavy duty coaches in the past. How about you? self coached or do you have someone giving you direction?

Dawn is handling this. In the past, in attempting to make it to the stage, I had done it myself, with good success. But where I am now far surpasses what I was able to do on my own.

Gaoshang Xiongshou

30-04-2012, 07:40 AM

April 30, 2012

29487

Everywhere you go, everyone you see… today, everything is all about reciprocity. No one can do anything for anyone today, just out of the goodness of their own heart. It is always about “give to get”. That is selfish. It should not be that way.

BUT… reciprocity IS the code of the gym. It should be YOUR personal code. You should expect the iron to reward you for your dedication and attention to the task at hand. You should expect the weight to bring it to you, and give no quarter during your meeting. You should expect for the weight to ask for more than you want to give… and you better give it without hesitation.

That is right… reciprocity out there… in the world… yes, you can look past it, and be a different person, apart from the norm. In the gym… that is the time to be selfish. When you lay down on that bench, looking up at the bar with fractions of a ton on it, and it is daring you to not be a bitch, that is its gift to you… giving you what you need to man up and kill it. Give it right back in the form of unadulterated aggression, determination, and ownership. However the weight comes at you, give it your list of demands, and mean it. Fair and equal exchange is soon headed your way.

Be hungry. No… scratch that… be ravenous. Want it all. Take, and take, and take, and take… but you better give. This is not one of those “Tis better to give than receive” moments. Oh no… this is the time when it is better to receive. But remember the code, because you will get nothing unless you give, and give plenty.

So when you hear those guys over on the wall, huddled tightly, looking like they are all about to break out into a game of close quarters grab ass, complaining about how they come in and work and work, but have nothing to show for it, you can smile, knowing that those are the stingy ones, and that they are completely clueless. When they look your way, thinking that your muscle came from a syringe (because they will), you will more than likely just laugh and shake your head, because your act of committed selfishness is the biting, crippling, emasculating truth for them… they just do not have what it takes. And they will know it. However, if they pay attention, they will come to know of, and learn this unspoken code of reciprocity as well.

And all will be right with the world… at least until the next person starts to whine about their lack of return. Then, the cycle starts all over again.

SHOW THEM HOW IT IS DONE.

Gaoshang Xiongshou

30-04-2012, 09:02 PM

This weekend saw Canada's first real pro in the Men's Physique Division (even though Mark Anthony Wingson is touted as the first Canadian Pro)...

At the 2012 IFBB Europa Show of Champions, Mark Anthony Wingson wins again. Meanwhile, here in Canada, at the IFBB 2012 World Qualifier, the new MPD pro is... well, I do not have his name. But here is the picture:

29490

And at the NPC Europa Show of Champions, the winner was Chino Peng.

29489

Gaoshang Xiongshou

03-05-2012, 05:18 AM

May 3, 2012

29502

You have put so much time and effort, diligence, sacrifice, dedication, and focus into what you have done with yourself in the gym and in the kitchen... all of your friends and family have noticed the difference and reacted in kind (some good, some bad, as that is the way it is), and everyone has noticed everywhere that you normally go... you have even seen it for yourself in the mirror, in your clothes, and perhaps even in the shocked and astonished eyes of a lover... you have done all of this, so why take the opportunity to erase all of that with bad food choices?

Okay, so it may just be the one time. Maybe. One becomes two, two becomes four, four becomes an entire month of counterproductive behavior. And ask yourself... is it really worth it?

Granted, there is a use for an indulgence every so often, especially planned ones. The hardest part of living the fitness lifestyle to whatever degree you aspire, is without a doubt, committing to a proper diet...

__________________________________________________ _______________________________

As an aside...

NOTE: The word 'diet' has come to be known as an action that is required for weight loss; there is a technical definition though, which people overlook. And for those of you reading right now who misunderstand the word 'diet' as easily as most people misunderstand the word 'supplement', let me clear this up for you right now. Taken from Merriam-Webster's dictionary:
1
a : food and drink regularly provided or consumed b : habitual nourishment c : the kind and amount of food prescribed for a person or animal for a special reason d : a regimen of eating and drinking sparingly so as to reduce one's weight <going on a diet>

For those new to this (relatively speaking, as in this day and age, there is no such thing as actually being new to this), most always, when 'diet' is referred to, definition 1a (specifically, 1c in some cases) is what is being spoken of; a barrier for a lot of people moving into this lifestyle is, upon hearing the word 'diet', they go straight to definition 1d, settling on the thought that they will have to starve themselves in order to lose weight, which is not the case.

__________________________________________________ ________________________________

... and it can be a daunting task in the beginning. But you want the results (or you have enjoyed the results that you have already had. Now, this entry does not target everyone. There is a segment of the population that have legitimate issues with food, and for them, it is not as easy as "do it; have some willpower". This is an entirely different subject, one which I will address in due time here. But right now, I am talking about the ones who CAN help it, but choose not to.

To be fair, I am not saying that you just should not EVER treat yourself, or indulge in the things that you like. On the contrary, you should. What I am talking about is not giving in to those urges just for the sake of it. When you think back on how far you have come, all that you have done, and where you can continue to go with your body's health and appearance, why would you want to bring bad food into your body, on a whim? Even if it is just for that one time, is it really worth it?

Cheat meals DO NOT have to be junk. A cheat meal can simply be more of what you are normally supposed to eat. For instance, if you are supposed to be eating 5 1/2 ounces of chicken, and you decide to cheat and eat upwards of 7 ounces (or not even keep track of how much you eat at that meal), congratulations: cheat meal. Granted, that may not sound like a worthwhile cheat... but worthwhile to who? Some outsider looking in? Why should that matter to you? Of course, when a scheduled cheat meal comes around, most, if not all people (yes, even me... although my wife will tell you, I actually fight her pretty hard on this one) go for the things that they miss the most and crave in the worst way. And that means trips to fast food chains, nine times out of ten. Or convenience stores. Or maybe childhood favorites that have no place in your diet any longer. Whatever the case may be, that is how it goes down when the cheat meal comes around. And again, with a planned cheat meal, actually no, there is nothing wrong with that (not exactly my preference most times, but that is just me). But I am not talking about scheduled cheats right now... I am talking about those moments of weakness, when dedication and discipline get tossed aside, giving way to supposed rationalization. Well, you can do it, and probably not have a setback of any sort. But, if nothing else, it is going to play with your mind. If you have done so good with and for yourself for such a long time, and you are liking what you see, then why did I just do that to myself?? Never had that dialogue with yourself? Just wait until you do. It is going to prove to be an interesting experience for you.

With the detail to food being the biggest problem for people getting into or settling into this lifestyle, you should know that there is hope. Like anything else that is good and worthy of sustaining in life, this also requires work. But it is work that does not go unappreciated. Because you would be spending so much time in the kitchen for meal prep anyway, rather than look at the difficulty in it, or seeing it as a punishment to yourself, why not look at it as an expansion to yourself... and learn something new about cooking in the process. I have heard from people that "the food" is the hardest part of all of this... the monotony of chicken, green beans, yams, or what have you, is boring, and they do not know how I or anyone can stick to it. That is because that is not all that there is. In this big, wide world of food, the only time we limit ourselves to the strictest of dietary confines is by choice (unless certain restrictions must be imposed, for health reasons of any sort). There are all sorts of ways to eat for the lifestyle and for general health without having to be bored, and having to bust your diet because the cravings have gotten out of hand. Look into it... there are many ways you can substitute one thing for another. Might that change the taste or consistency? Probably so. But would it be better for your body and more conducive to your goals? PROBABLY SO. Look around. Do some research. Take what free time you have, and experiment. Some of the best recipes were discovered completely by accident. There will be some trial and error involved, I will not lie. But you do not have to be bored with food, or have cravings go unsatisfied and unchecked. And even in the midst of your culinary exploration, please still remember to exercise some control.

Iif you are a competitor, you know how important the diet is for what you need to do. In the off season, yes, enjoy a few things here and there. But your off season... and it does not matter what your sport/endeavor is... should not be based around junk foods. Very, VERY few people can get away with that. And even if you can, just... why do it? Even if it is not affecting what is happening outside, can you say the same for what is going on inside? Think about it. Of course, I am not going to tell anyone what to do. Just remember though, the more you junk it up in the off season, the more cardio you will more than likely have to do for contest prep. Not to mention, the abrupt 180 degree turn you are going to take diet wise, which might send you into a spiral of cheating on the diet in the beginning, or possibly all the way throughout. Think about it.

29503

All I am saying is that you should not want to place yourself in the mindset that you are undoing any progress in any kind of way, not even for one mishap. I have seen that actually demotivate people, and they fall to the wayside, returning to where they started at.

Do not let it be you.

Gaoshang Xiongshou

05-05-2012, 10:28 AM

May 5, 2012

I am running on three hours of sleep, so I am just being lazy today...

http://absolutebesttraining.com/?p=814

fitbody

05-05-2012, 10:52 AM

pic from Brandon's shoot with Vicky Lee just over 10 wks out
i'm so excited one of my 1st Mens Physique competitors
and one i have more to do with than anyone lol
so excited to see him onstage

Gaoshang Xiongshou

07-05-2012, 05:36 AM

May 7, 2012

Today's blog entry - http://absolutebesttraining.com/?p=821

Gaoshang Xiongshou

09-05-2012, 07:05 AM

May 9, 2012

Today's blog entry - http://absolutebesttraining.com/?p=839

Gaoshang Xiongshou

10-05-2012, 11:03 AM

May 10, 2012

29544

If you are going to do this thing, then you have got to do it correctly.

Although the desire never dies, we know there comes a time when we hit a low point in this thing that we do, and every so often, even we need a little something to push us through the mud. True, we make our gains; we get the love from our friends and families… that does not matter because we are not in it for that. It helps though… but it is not enough.

Then, we head out to a show to see other brothers and sisters throw it down under the lights to make a name for themselves, and you know as well as I do what it took for them to get there. You can identify with it. When that front double biceps is shot out at the hysterical crowd, you know what that pose REALLY represents, and what every step of the journey meant to him, because you feel it day in and day out; you feel it in every forced red; you taste it with each bite of chicken breast; you feel the calm from the job well done when the water in your shower cascades over the impregnable fortress that is the armor that you have fashioned. You understand just how important the job at hand was with those weapons of mass construction. Like that man… like that woman on stage… you know that the months of fun were just as much of a Hell as the months of torture to bring something to the stage that will make people question if you are merely human, or a freak of nature. The gym is your playground, and the stage is your killing grounds… those on the stage know that, and you know it. You get it. While there are those in the audience looking and leering and wanting and cheering, you share their adulation. But unlike them, yours is different. While they respond to the display, you respond to their triumph, and what their triumph gives you: if you lost the way, they helped you find it again. If the path seemed dark, they showed you the light. If you found yourself starting to get burned out, being there in that crowd, in that chaos, with that energy, in that moment, living, loving, and knowing all in this… they lit that fire under your ass. Why are you so happy? Because in your heart, you know you are ready to go again… one foot in front of the other, step by step, making your way down that road with your eye on the target… and you better believe that we are coming… sneaking up on you… creeping up on you.

It might not be the same for everyone. It could be watching someone get their face kicked in during the current UFC fights. It could be watching bygone World’s Strongest Man events. It could be watching the Super Bowl… it could be anything for anyone in any endeavor… the point is this: this has to mean something to you, and it does. It means more than anyone will ever know, and more than you can ever put into words.

If you are anything like me, something like this is not just any old fire… it is fire fueled by napalm. And when it ignites, it and you will blow everything away.

29545

Gaoshang Xiongshou

15-05-2012, 07:15 AM

May 14, 2012

29569

Often I hear people remark about someone else, stating how they work just as hard as them, yet they do not look anywhere near like them. This in turn demotivates some people, and can set off any number of events, from depression to fatal over training, and anything and everything in between.

The human body was not created equal. We are all very much different for us being very much the same. While the physical makeup is the same, the difference in each of us is the genetics. Some respond to and can handle a certain stimulus than others. But that does not mean that your efforts are worthless or that someone else is superior; that just means that they are different from you, just as you are from someone else who may not have attained the success and goals that you have. It is not for lack of trying (in some cases, anyway).

Now, if you are a competitor in the fitness industry in any of the several divisions, then yes, it may be a bit more difficult to avoid comparing yourself to others who you know will be sharing the stage with you. That could just be a part of the game; I do not know. I do not compare myself to others. I will leave that for the panel of judges. But there is absolutely no faster way to cloud your own perspective and perception of all that you have done and achieved than comparing yourself to others. Friendly competition, maybe a lighthearted rivalry... that is fine. Make this the basis for what you do, why you train, or your worth... you are going about this all the wrong way.

Rather than look at someone else, or maybe a picture, and think about how you do not look like them despite all of the hard work that you have done and how you have obeyed the rules, so to speak, look at yourself, and... well, that is is: just look at yourself. Look at yourself and remember. Were you always where you are at now? Do you think you will stay where you are at now? Can you envision better? You want to compare yourself with something? Then compare yourself with your ultimate goals. Not quite there yet, are you? But you want to be, right? Then this is what you do:

QUIT THINKING ABOUT IT, AND SET OUT TO MAKE IT THERE.

I really cannot make that any simpler. But that is all it takes. If you want to drive to somewhere 500 miles from your house, are you going to just sit on the couch and wish and wish all day that you were at this destination, or are you going to get in the car (or catch a flight or whatever) to get there? Exactly, you are going to do what it takes to get there. Likewise, if you are motivated by what someone else has done with themselves, and you want to look like them, do you stand and stare and wait for it to happen to you, or do you do something about it?

Of course, if you just want to stand and stare, that is fine... it just means that myself and others get into the squat rack that much sooner. However, if this does not apply to you... if you will not just stand and stare and hope and pray for the miracle of aesthetic appeal without the required work, then get a move on, and make it happen.

"But Brandon... you said that the human body was not created equal. The difference is genetics. I am never going to look like so-and-so".

Okay. And?

Is this supposed to be reason to stop, or not even try? Should that stop you from being the best that you can be? Do you have any idea what you will look like? Do you have any idea what you CAN look like? The human body is a wondrous work of art, and ultimately, you are the artist. Do what you will with the materials provided. And you know what? It will be good. Chances are, it is going to be good enough to evoke the same feelings in someone who is watching you. And that person who you want to look like (of course, not EXACTLY alike, unless there is some sort of 'Single White Female' thing happening, in which case, there is a HUGE problem), you may wind up looking just as good as them, or even surpassing them.

Be happy with your progress. Know that this is not the end of the line for you; you only come to the end when you decide that it is time. You are better today than you were yesterday, one year ago, five years ago. That is the important thing. That is what you need not forget. And that should truly be what keeps you going day in and day out.

Now, I would be remiss if I did not say this... this IS NOT a reason to slack off in the gym, and with your diet. You have gotten to where you have for that exact opposite reason: You did not slack off. I just want you to realize that if you do not see yourself at an Olympia level physique or other top fitness athlete or mainstream sports star (or even just the guy or girl next door if that is the look you aspire to), it is okay; you are going to be you, and as long as you put in the work and have the dedication, you are going to actually be far beyond anything that you look at. Think about it. And as far as the role played by what you see, use that as your motivation to excel, not your hindrance.

That said, go forward today, and show the weights and yourself no mercy.

GYMBRAT

16-05-2012, 05:17 PM

It will be fun! Just like the camaraderie that Arnold and the guys had back in the day. Bodybuilding, and any division associated under that umbrella, needs more of that anyway. :D

AMEN to that, and excellent thread GX thx!

fitbody

26-05-2012, 10:11 PM

5 weeks out pic

Gaoshang Xiongshou

27-05-2012, 06:42 AM

AMEN to that, and excellent thread GX thx!

I am glad you like the thread! Hopefully, I can tend to it a little more consistently in the months ahead. For now... well...

Please, I know me. I will work something out.

Gaoshang Xiongshou

27-05-2012, 06:42 AM

May 27, 2012

29710297082970929711

As you can see, it has been close to two full weeks since I last posted anything here. I sincerely apologize for this. To say that time is limited now is an understatement. Even at this moment, I need to make this quick. Yesterday was five weeks out. The time is drawing nearer, and I feel ready. Pictures definitely do not do me justice at this point. As you can see, I am finally in board shorts. The good thing is, the ones in the picture are not the final pair. I just recently got new shorts, which now need to be altered for proper fit, and that will be happening within the week. Both of those work much better for me.

In the short span of two weeks, a few things have either happened or been decided upon, all with an eye toward future endeavors. It has all been good. No complaints here, as it is what I have wanted. There have been blog ideas that have come and gone, as I honestly cannot remember them anymore. I know my creative process though, and how it works, and unless I get it out right then and there, unfortunately, I usually lose it. If I regain it, it is never as good as it originally would have been, and therefore not worth writing. As an artist, that just is how I am about what I produce... it has to meet my standards, and seeing as how I set them for myself with what I do and have done, I set them extremely high. I would like to say that beyond contest prep, I will have the chance to return to regular blogging, but as of now, I do not see it. Time will tell that tale though. The near future holds a lot for me, and I am going to want to share it. Fortunately, there is Facebook and Twitter, which I can access easily from my phone. My updates appear there regularly. Have not found me on either yet? You should! Trust me, I am easy to find.

For now though, I keep plugging away, moving toward June 30th, and again, I do apologize for not writing as regularly as I had been. Heading out to a photo shoot in a little while, which I am really excited about. Pictures will surface as I receive them. Later, all!

M-Rods

27-05-2012, 06:05 PM

Hey GX nice seeing u here. Best of luck.

fitbody

24-06-2012, 11:26 PM

Team Fit Body's Incomparable Brandon Best
caught by Photographer God Paul Paul Patrick Hammill

pic 1 wk out

fitbody

25-06-2012, 10:06 PM

TEAM Fit Body's Bobby Gill
Gunning for BC's Mens Physique

fitbody

27-06-2012, 09:23 AM

June 27, 2012
pt of the day

“The only thing that will stop you from
fulfilling your dreams is you.”

“Don't be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.”

TEAM Fit Body's Bobby Gill
preparing for BC's this wkend in Mens Physique

Delt King

27-06-2012, 04:25 PM

Team Fit Body's Incomparable Brandon Best
caught by Photographer God Paul Paul Patrick Hammill

pic 1 wk out

Kick butt GX!

fitbody

27-06-2012, 05:34 PM

TEAM Fit Body's Drew Whalley gunning for
BC Championships Men Physique

fitbody

27-06-2012, 07:05 PM

TEAM Fit Body's Brandon Best
gunning for BC's in Mens Physique

fitbody

04-07-2012, 07:09 PM

Brandon was 4th at BC's
and will be going onto Nationals Aug 11th

fitbody

04-07-2012, 07:11 PM

my other 2 were 6 and 7th in their class

fitbody

04-07-2012, 07:14 PM

Team Fit Body Results
BC Championships 2012

------------------------------------------------------
Figure
Gillian Nolan Figure Short Champion
Barbara Hirst Figure Tall 2nd Place Champ
Tiffany Vik Figure Tall 4th Place Champ
Alisa Stern Figure Short Masters 5th Place Champ
Michelle McBeth Figure Med Masters 2nd Place Champ
Kyla Rice Figure Med Masters 3rd Place Champ
Jesse Brar Figure Med Masters 5th Place Champ

Competitors: Virginia Martinez & Manita Sandhu
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bikini
Vicky Lee Bikini Masters Short 5th Place Champ

Competitors: Mirela Pilas-Simoni
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bodybuilding
Leeann Harper Jr Womens BB Champ
Leeann Harper 3rd Place Mid wt Champ
Zeng Allardyce 2nd Place Grand Masters Champ
Zeng Allardyce 2nd Place Heavy Wt Champ
Grant Hoffman 2nd Place Grand Masters Mens Champ
Glenn Lee 3rd Place Grand Masters Mens Champ
Bruce Allardyce 4th Place Grand Masters Mens Champ
George Faltus 3rd Place Mens Light Wt Champ
Jeff Kilpatrick 4th Place Mens Heavy wt Champ

Competitors: Lauralee Cheng
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Physique
Leah Pepper 4th Place Womens Champ
Brandon Best 4th Place Mens Champ

Competitors: Tammy Gagnon, Bobby Gill & Drew Whalley
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I’m so proud of you all
---------------------
Team Fit Body has 11 going on to Aug 11th Figure, Fit, Bikini and Mens Physique Nationals
and 3 going onto Aug 18th Bodybuiilding Nationals