Lose the Fur
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- Created on Tuesday, 12 March 2013 18:37
- Written by Tom Cinzori, Master's Men's Physique Competitor
If 
you follow the world of fitness, men's physique, bodybuilding, or anything in physical culture long enough, there will come a day when you realize all the fit dude's that grace the magazines, the competition stage, or who just strut their stuff down the beach with sculpted 6 pack abs, all have one thing in common. They have NO body hair! How can this be? They don't actually shave do they?
To Hire a Coach, or Not?
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- Created on Sunday, 23 December 2012 18:14
- Written by Reginald Simmons NPC MP Competitor
Almost
one year ago, I receive a piece of advice from the 2012 Bikini Olympia Champion, Nathalia Melo, during a brief discussion in a downtown Fort Lauderdale gym. During our exchange, I told Nathalia that I was planning to compete in Men’s Physique and she prompted urged me to hire a nutrition/workout coach lickity split. Ok, she didn’t use the term lickity split but she did communicate that time was of the essence given that my first competition was a month away.
According to Nathalia, coaches have a way of “seeing things that you can’t see.” She went on to say that competitors have a way of “going crazy” in those last few weeks and days before a show.
Guide to Physique Competing. FAQ by New Competitors
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- Created on Monday, 15 October 2012 01:44
- Written by Kimberly Miller, Commercial and Fitness Talent, Stylist, Writer
There
are many questions to consider when thinking about participating in a physique competition. Scott Keppel, former body building competitor and Owner of Scott’s Training Systems has worked with a variety of individuals. His skills and expertise cover a wide range of areas. He has coached everyone from pro physique competitors to individuals enrolling in their first show. In this article Scott shares answers to the questions most commonly asked by those considering physique competing...
The Stage is the time to CELEBRATE!
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- Created on Thursday, 09 August 2012 19:07
- Written by Derek Trombetta CPT, Fitness Coach
I have
had the honor of being involved with Men’s Physique since it started which has allowed me to see the already many changes in this still very new division and one thing that has held true since the start is that your poise and presentation are a HUGE determination in your final outcome. What many who don’t actively compete and/or attend many competitions don’t realize from simply looking at pictures and placings is that the Division of Men’s Physique is a VERY dynamic place and when it all comes down to having so many phenomenal looking competitors on stage. One of the largest things that makes one person stand out from another isn’t their arms, it isn’t their abs, it isn’t even the hair… It is that poise and presence that you just can’t put your finger on, that “Swag Factor!” When I say “Swag Factor” I am talking about the quality to walk onto stage and just grab peoples eye and make them look at you, this is in a lot of the unseen, non-verbal cues and a big part of it comes from confidence and truly having a great time! We all know someone who can just walk into a room and right from the start has that positive vibe that everyone wants to be around, well that right there is all part of the Swag Factor! Remember that on many of the State Level and for sure the National Level Shows all across the country that EVERYONE has worked hard and looks great and the best way to set yourself apart is to just have a great time and enjoy the stage, it is your time to celebrate!
Competition Tanning: Insider Tips From the Experts
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- Created on Thursday, 26 July 2012 01:26
- Written by Kimberly Miller, Commercial and Fitness Talent, Stylist, Writer
Anyone who has ever attended at physique competition knows that an essential element of the process is getting a spray tan. In order to perform well, you need to present yourself on stage in the best way possible and one element in doing that is spray tanning prior in order for the judges to easily see your physique. Competitors often have many questions regarding spray tanning. In this interview, I sat down with Business Owner Katie Tipton of Aglow Tanning for tips and advice on how to get the best spray tan possible.
How does a competition tan differ from a regular spray tan?
A competition tan is much more complex than a regular spray tan...
Don't Scare Her AWAY! Keeping Your Gym Smell Under Wraps
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- Created on Wednesday, 23 May 2012 20:13
- Written by Kimberly Miller, Lifestyle Consultant
Smelling 
at the gym is a necessary evil. While it might not be appealing to those around you, it’s actually the body’s way of keeping you cool as your temperature rises and riding your body of the toxins you produce on a regular basis. When the body sweats in produces acid in various sweat areas. This acid is secreted and when it makes contact with the air and dries is produces a sour smell. Sweat is also considered a food source for bacteria living on the skin; thus, when it reaches the top layer of your skin bacteria begins to feed off of it producing an unappealing smell (http://www.medimanage.com/my-worries/more-articles/do-you-sweat-excessively-here-are-the-solutions.aspx).
Dialing It In: Water Manipulation to get You Stupid Lean
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- Created on Thursday, 29 December 2011 23:13
- Written by Jacob Johnson
This 
article may seem like it only applies to the small number of you who plan on competing at some point. This is not the case. Anyone who is sitting at a reasonably low body fat percentage (<12%) and wants to go from simply “lean” to “holy hell” can benefit from this. Here I will lay out how to manipulate water levels and storage to make you look both leaner and more muscular in 5 days. This particular routine has actually been used by a number of competitors. That being said, I cannot advocate the off-label use of diuretics, they are potentially lethal, so that section is strictly hypothetical. Proceed at your own risk, brave little jacked man.
The Issue
You’re lean, you’ve been working hard on your diet, and you have a special event coming up (beach, party, etc) that requires you be shredded. This is easily accomplished if you are already at decently low body fat. Now is the time when you have to critically assess yourself in the mirror. You will not magically get shredded if you’re sitting at 18% body fat.
Keys to Success on Stage
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- Created on Monday, 21 November 2011 21:07
- Written by Bobby Ashhurst, IFBB MP PRO
“Nothing 
can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.” ~ Thomas Jefferson
First, I want to wish good luck to all my Men’s Physique brothers competing for the final 6 pro cards of 2011 this weekend at the Nationals in Miami. Hopefully Ian isn’t too carb depleted right now to post this before show time. (IAN WAS PERFECTLY FINE TO PUBLISH THIS; HOWEVER, HIS COMPUTER WAS NOT UP TO THE TASK)
Selecting Board Shorts for the Stage
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- Created on Sunday, 16 October 2011 00:05
- Written by Stacey Naito, D.O., AOBFP
Many men aren’t exactly gifted with the ability to...
Dry Skin is NOT Sexy
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- Created on Wednesday, 07 September 2011 01:39
- Written by Stacey Naito DO, AOBFP
There is nothing sexier than a man with a chiseled physique 
whose skin is like polished wood, healthy, smooth, and even. Yet I see so many male competitors who don’t seem to care about the appearance of their skin, and who sport an epidermis which looks and feels like a piece of driftwood.
Healthy skin that glows looks amazing onstage, takes spray tanner better, and reflects the optimal diet which competitors should be practicing. So how does one get such healthy skin?
There are general guidelines which should be followed...
Shaving Basics
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- Created on Tuesday, 23 August 2011 01:47
- Written by Stacey Naito DO, AOBFP
Shaving is the cheapest hair removal method, especially for more hirsute individuals who want to don the stage with a minimal amount of body hair. Keep in mind, though, that this method can result in uncomfortable itchiness as the hair grows back. If this is something you feel you can handle, then let’s discuss the best approach to this method.
A good way to prep for a massive assault on body hair is to clip the hair either with a small pair of scissors or an electric clipper. Some men will often abandon shaving after completing this step, but others will carry through with removing the remainder with a razor. Once this is done, it is always best to hop in the shower and allow the water and steam to soften the hair and open up the hair follicles for easiest shaving...
The Acne Curse
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- Created on Tuesday, 02 August 2011 22:41
- Written by Stacey Naito DO, AOBFP
It seems ridiculous that these little lumps can cause so much anguish in people, yet they do. Men have the additional curse of generally having higher oil production as a result of higher testosterone levels. The best thing to do is to have a skincare regimen in place so that the bacteria that cause acne and excess oil are controlled.
The essential anti-acne skincare components are:...
Distinguished? Or just Old-looking?
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- Created on Saturday, 16 July 2011 00:29
- Written by Stacey Naito DO, AOBFP
that weren’t there a year ago, or a bit of sagging in the skin on your cheeks and jawline. Alas, this is all a part of aging. However, we all know how much our personal appearance is scrutinized when we are up on stage. To remedy the age-related changes which can creep up, there are a number of options available...
How to Use Advice to Make Improvements
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- Created on Thursday, 07 July 2011 17:21
- Written by Tim Staggs CPT
and now you want to know what you need to do to improve. How do you go about deciding what to change? Do you ask the judges for advice and how do you take that advice and use it to improve for your next show?
First I would recommend not asking your friends. 90% of your friends are going to tell you that you should have won and you looked perfect. The first person I recommend asking is your contest prep coach since you have put your trust into them to lead you in the proper direction. If they are a good coach it’s in their best interest to help you improve and to be brutally honest with you...
Botox
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- Created on Friday, 01 July 2011 12:09
- Written by Stacey Naito DO, AOBFP
it comes to the concept of having Botox injections. They will often say, “I don’t want to lose my facial expressions” or “I don’t like the idea of having a toxin in my body!” Yet when injected judiciously and expertly, Botox can end up relaxing and balancing faces that may be stuck in a permanent frown or scowl. In other words, the results should look natural instead of producing a “frozen” look which many people have come to associate with Botox...
Do You Really Need a Coach
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- Created on Thursday, 30 June 2011 21:54
- Written by Tim Staggs CPT
of individuals to their fitness goals. The question I get a lot is what do you actually do
for people as their coach?
Ingrown Hairs...Ouch!
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- Created on Tuesday, 14 June 2011 19:24
- Written by Stacey Naito DO, AOBFP
for the quickest methods by which to clean it. As a result, they are often prone to developing ingrown hairs, where hair gets trapped inside a follicle or grows back into the skin, forming painful bumps.
If you want to minimize the chances of developing these nasty bumps, you must exfoliate! This can be accomplished with salicylic acid based cleansers, post-shave products and moisturizers. You can also use a soft-bristle brush or washcloth to exfoliate dead skin cells. Make sure that you are consistent with your exfoliating regimen or else you will find yourself having to treat ingrown hairs instead of preventing them from forming...
The Taming of the Brow
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- Created on Thursday, 02 June 2011 00:26
- Written by Stacey Naito DO, AOBFP
You may have heard that brows work like frames 
for the face, accentuating the eyes and helping to provide balance to facial features. So when I see a man who has brows which are so bushy that they overpower his features, I feel compelled to pull out some scissors and a tweezer and get to work. Of course the worst is the dreaded unibrow which can inspire fear in any attractive female...
Holding onto that Faux Bronzed Glow
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- Created on Monday, 23 May 2011 17:34
- Written by Stacey Naito DO, AOBFP
It can be quite a task remembering not to sweat, get wet or have any restroom mishaps. Below I have provided a general guide to preserve that impeccable color until contest time.
1. Make sure to wear LOOSE clothing without elastic or tight necklines. The general rule is to wear drawstring pants and button down shirts, preferably in a soft cotton flannel material. The greater the surface area of skin covered, the better. It is better to go commando than to try to put on underwear, otherwise you may get smudges and lines from the elastic in your skivvies....
How to remove self-tanner after a shoot or show
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- Created on Monday, 23 May 2011 17:29
- Written by Stacey Naito DO, AOBFP
self-tanner. Perhaps they must be re-sprayed for another show or shoot, or they are tired of the blotchy manner in which the self-tanner is wearing off and would rather remove it completely. The most effective means I have found to remove self-tanner of any type (Mystic, Jan Tana, Pro Tan, LiquidSunRayz) is a method that Trae Kidd passed onto me last year.
You will need a...
