Different goals will require different diets. For example, a bodybuilder prepping for a show may diet differently than someone who is just preparing their body for vacation. Whatever your reason is for dieting, understanding the components of your meals will help greatly. Let’s take a closer look at five foods in particular, their nutritional profiles, and what exactly makes them so helpful. Afterward we’ll examine a few basic general tips for staying on top of your diet.

#1 – Chicken

Ask any number of bodybuilders what their go-to source of protein is and many will say chicken. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, with very little fat and no carbs either. Chicken meat also provides all of the essential amino acids. Each ounce will typically contain around 7-9 grams of protein with one gram of fat, totaling somewhere around 50 calories. As with all meats, it is essential to weigh your portion size after cooking rather than before. Chicken’s low sodium content is notable as well. At the end of the day any type of meat will contain the protein you need, but chicken’s leanness is its greatest attribute by far. Chicken protein is also thermogenic, which causes the body to burn extra calories during the process of digesting and metabolizing it. It’s also a highly versatile food and will easily pair with almost any other foods you’re consuming on your diet, making the goal of getting all-out shredded one bit easier. Remember to remove the skin, as this will slightly reduce the number of calories consumed.

#2 – Rice

You almost can’t say the word chicken without rice coming right after it. As an excellent source of carbs, rice is highly favored among bodybuilders. 1/3 cup will typically contain somewhere around 70 calories, with 15 grams of carbs. By its very nature rice is easy to partition into absolutely any serving size you need, making it a convenient choice for anyone chasing after a lean physique. When it comes to white rice vs. brown rice, the decision is yours alone to make. Brown rice comes with a higher fiber content but at the cost of adding extra calories. Both will contain roughly the same number of carbs, and white rice will contribute to a quicker insulin spike after consumption. Rice is also an ideal carb component for meals after working out. Your body uses muscle reserves of glycogen as fuel during a training session, and needs carbs to fill them back up afterwards. Unfortunately, not all carb sources are equal in this respect. Some evidence indicates that fructose-based carb sources replenish glycogen stores in the liver before replenishing the muscles, which is exactly the opposite of what you want after a workout. Rice is a starchy food, meaning it is made up of the simple sugar glucose, which is much more ideal.

#3 – Peanut butter

Even though you’re on a cut you’ll still need healthy fats to maintain your muscle, and that’s where peanut butter comes in. Peanut butter serves as an excellent dense source of fats, with one tablespoon alone containing around 15 grams, at the price of 200 calories. These fats are typically monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, which have the added benefit of being healthy for your heart. Peanut butter also contains numerous micronutrients such as folate, magnesium, resveratrol and vitamin E, all of which further help to benefit overall cardiovascular health. When purchasing peanut butter, quality is key. Rather than buy cheaper forms, make sure to choose organic brands (if you open the lid and there’s a thick liquid on top, you’re good to go). Larger brands of peanut butter usually involve larger amounts of saturated fat, so organic is always the way to go. Its cheap price combined with nutrient density makes it an excellent choice for athletes trying to get ripped.

#4 – Oatmeal

An alternate and comparable source of carbs would be oatmeal. ½ cup (one serving) of oatmeal contains slightly fewer calories and carbs than a similar serving of rice. While it doesn’t exactly pair with chicken as well as rice does, oatmeal can easily be substituted by the athlete who wants a varied diet or has grown tired of rice. In addition oatmeal has a far more moderate glycemic index rating, meaning it is digested and metabolized at a slower, steadier rate. It’s a source of dietary fiber as well. This helps greatly by improving your digestion, with the added benefit of keeping your appetite somewhat lower by making you feel full for longer periods of time in between meals. B vitamins, iron, zinc, and other minerals can be found in oatmeal too. It also contains phosphorus, which is helpful for encouraging healthy bone strength and maintaining metabolism. Remember, carbs are your body’s preferred source of energy. Even though you’re reducing your caloric intake, having a clean source of carbohydrates will help you quite a bit.

#5 – Tuna

There’s no better source of protein out there if you’re looking for a combination of convenience and price. Canned tuna is an extremely common (and very lean) source of protein. With around 150 calories and 30 grams of protein, tuna is an excellent addition to any diet. Its high omega-3 content packs added benefit for your heart’s health. When buying tuna, try and avoid any kinds that have been canned in oil as they will contain quite a lot of extra fat. Tuna canned in either brine or water is preferable. Tuna’s typically cheap price is very attractive as well. Just like chicken, tuna is very flexible with other foods. Make sure to purchase farm-raised tuna whenever possible. Farm-raised tuna are typically harvested at an earlier age than wild tuna, and therefore have a much lower mercury content. For those concerned about this mercury, studies have stated that a can of tuna per day is an absolutely fine amount for almost anyone. Those who want to increase their tuna intake should do so over the course of several weeks in order to allow their kidneys to slowly adjust over time.

While cutting, certain standards must be maintained throughout the diet. First and foremost, maintaining a constant caloric deficit is essential. Depending on each person’s goals, deficits of between 100-500 calories per day are typical. To decide just how much you should be eating, assess your activity level and your goals. Do your best to determine how many calories you’re burning per day, then base your diet on that and the amount of time you plan on taking.

One essential key to successfully maintaining a diet is to ensure variety in what you eat. In fact, one of the main reasons people don’t diet in the first place is because they assume dieting means loss of choice over what they eat. In fact the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. If you correctly maintain a caloric deficit while consuming adequate amounts of macronutrients, the details of your diet are your own to control. Make sure to switch up what you eat from time to time in order to keep from being tempted to cheat.

Hunger is obviously the most common reason people fail or cheat on their diets. To keep hunger at bay, make sure to stay hydrated at all times. Water contains no calories, meaning you don’t have to worry about drinking too much and going out of a deficit. Water (like fiber) will keep you feeling fuller longer. It will also keep your workouts more efficient during a time when many feel the need to slack off on training intensity. Most importantly, water is essential for digestion. No athlete will be able to reap the full benefits of the food they consume when they’re in a dehydrated state.

Remember that carbohydrates will be the main macronutrient you manipulate on your cut. This is because they are your body’s usual source of energy, and as long as carb intake remains above a certain level your body won’t dip into its fat reserves for fuel. Make sure to divide your calories up into many smaller meals each day rather than a few large meals. This ensures that your metabolism runs more efficiently and allows it to burn off extra calories throughout the day.

You can choose from any number of paths to achieve your bodybuilding and fitness goals. What matters most at the end of the day is that you stay motivated and stay consistent. Give your body plenty of time, and keep your mind focused on the end goal. Whatever route you choose to take, the results will be worth it!

Written by Trent Wozniak

Out of the twenty competitors in the open class, only two or three could be reasonably discussed as contenders for first during the lead up to Tampa. Australia’s Josh Lenartowicz and New York’s Max Charles (who won the contest two years ago) were certainly most fan’s favorites before stepping on the stage. As expected by many, Lenartowicz showed his dominance in true fashion, shutting out Charles and the others by gaining a unanimous first place judging. At a stage weight of around 265, Lenartowicz was certainly a sight to behold. He wisely chose to put off extreme conditioning in favor of extra size, a decision that will certainly benefit him in a few weeks at the Olympia.

The battle for second and third place was much more competitive, with Max Charles and Henri Pierre Ano taking those placings. With a judging difference of only six points behind Charles, Ano must be considered as a dangerous threat. Charles’ physique appeared splendid as always, and especially dominant from above the waist and the front. By contrast, Ano carried with him a level of conditioning that nobody else in the top five was able to match.

The open division’s fourth placing was taken by the Camel Crew’s own Abdulhadi Alkhalyat. His placing was somewhat debated immediately after the show. Prior to arriving in Tampa, he had posted a series of photographs on his social media pages which caused waves of discussion in the bodybuilding world. While Alkhalyat looked impeccably full and conditioned in these photos, his stage body was somewhat less impressive. Though by no means weak, he simply did not appear as advertised.

Rounding out the first callout were An Nguyen and the young Regan Grimes. After the show, Nguyen admitted to only having prepped for six weeks, which may have somewhat altered his placing. To have appeared with better conditioning and slightly more muscle would have benefitted him quite a bit. Grimes too could benefit from slightly more muscle. He has enjoyed an excellent first pro season since earning his pro card at the 2016 Arnold Classic Brazil, and is often discussed due to his excellent shape and proportions. If he continues to improve over time, it may be that by this time next year we see Regan Grimes placing within the top three at shows like this.

Over in the 212 division, Derek Lunsford shocked the industry by taking first place in his pro debut, only a few weeks removed from winning his pro card at nationals. Similar to his counterpart in the open division, Lunsford received a unanimous decision from the judging panel. Second place was taken by Jacob Wilson, coached by none other than 212 powerhouse Jose Raymond. Wilson’s excellent conditioning was easily notable early on in the contest and allowed him to stand toe-to-toe with Lunsford. 

Third in the 212 came to Bahrain’s Sami Alhaddad. Alhaddad entered the show as the bearer of a dangerous physique, blending good proportions with good conditioning. His physique could benefit from a few improvements to the back, but still managed to fight off a very close fourth place competitor, Kim Junho. Fifth and sixth were taken by two relatively unknown competitors, P.A. Chukwu and Rixio Tapia. Both proved that they have what it takes to tangle with other 212 competitors at a major show.

Now that the show has gone and passed, the industry begins to focus more on the upcoming Olympia. The one question burning in all bodybuilding fan’s minds is that of the two Tampa champions’ future placings in Vegas. Lenartowicz took 8^th place last year, a placing that we can reasonably expect him to match or improve upon. If we assume a somewhat similar top four to last year, then Lenartowicz’s prime competition will likely be William Bonac, Roelly Winklaar, Cedric McMillan, and Brandon Curry. Dallas McCarver’s announcement that he will not appear this year will help Lenartowicz’s odds somewhat, but he still faces a tough road. As for Lunsford, despite his excellent work in Tampa it does not seem likely for him to be highly competitive at the Olympia 212. Ultimately both men’s placings are a matter of speculation, and as the Olympia rapidly approaches us we will all watch eagerly as our industry’s very best competitors prepare themselves for the greatest show on earth.

Written by Trent Wozniak

Acetyl l-carnitine is the primary ingredient contained inside Double Tap, and is an amino acid. Commonly used as a component in fat loss products, acetyl l-carnitine has seen widespread use in supplements for many years. The primary means through which it accomplishes this task is by encouraging the uptake of fatty acids (hydrocarbon chains typically found in fats and oils) into your cells. From this point, cellular mitochondria utilize these fatty acids in what is known as the Krebs Cycle, which ultimately causes the output of energy. One gram of acetyl l-carnitine is contained in the recommended dose from Double Tap, and it is important to follow this dosing carefully. Excessive use will cause buildup of a molecule known as acetyl-CoA (coenzyme A) which causes carbohydrates to be used instead of fatty acids.

Next on the ingredients listed in Double Tap comes choline bitartrate, a water-soluble vitamin-like nutrient. When used for their fat loss capabilities, choline supplements rely on their ability to slightly elevate the body’s rate of lipolysis in order to bring about change. Lipolysis is a complex process involving the metabolism of lipids (fats) and is typically induced by certain hormones. Double Tap’s inclusion of choline into its formula speeds up the rate that this process happens at, allowing you to burn fat even sooner.

The third substance listed on the Double Tap label (green tea extract) may surprise you. Green tea however has long been known to possess some simple basic weight loss benefits, due to its makeup. Green tea contains a class of antioxidants known as catechins, which are the source of the tea extract’s fat loss properties. Simply put, catechins work by slightly increasing the typical rate at which your body utilizes energy. This causes increased need for energy output, and translates to more fats being metabolized. Furthermore, the caffeine inherent in the green tea extract acts (as caffeine always does) as a mild stimulant, serving to depress the consumer’s appetite. It is worth noting however that green tea’s ability to promote fat loss depends highly on the user not being caffeine-resistant prior to consumption, so it’s a good idea for consumers of Double Tap to cut back on their caffeine intake. Also ensure proper hydration during use, as caffeine is a natural diuretic.

Lastly we’ll discuss 2-aminoisoheptane, another stimulant. Aminoisoheptane is a somewhat newer ingredient, having very little exposure on the supplement market thus far. Relatively little is known about it, but it is believed to function in a method similar to tuaminoheptane. Its value is due to its ability to support high energy levels while simultaneously reducing appetite among users.

Through these ingredients, Double Tap covers multiple bases with its formula. Mental focus and improved physical drive are key to increased performance in the gym (especially to athletes on a reduced diet). Its ability to reduce appetite combined with its fat loss components greatly assist the athlete who utilizes it. Double Tap comes in powder form, making it easily combinable with preworkout supplements or just as simple to take on its own.

Overall, Double Tap is one of the most potent fat burning products on the market. Few others can match its overall potential to aid the user in their weight loss goals through the use of multiple different pathways and ingredients. Commonly, rival fat loss products will base their formula on one or two individually weak substances. Contrast this to Double Tap’s ingredient list, which is a veritable laundry list of components to bring you that much closer to your goals. In an industry swamped with outdated and non-scientific backed products, Double Tap stands out even more. The second-to-none potential contained in this powerhouse leaves it as the clear choice for bodybuilders and fitness athletes across the world.

Written by Trent Wozniak

Creatine (a nitrogenous organic acid) is of course the base ingredient in such supplements. Its most important function in the human body is to enable the recycling of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in muscle and brain tissue. ATP is a muscle cell’s primary source of energy, and is recycled by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) via the accumulation of a phosphate group molecule. Creatine has seen clinical use in treatment of individuals with muscular dystrophy, and has also been commonly utilized by the athletic community for decades. Roughly one half of the human body’s creatine is synthesized in the liver, with animal sources of protein (wild game, fish, lean red meat, etc.) providing the rest. The main benefits associated with a creatine-based preworkout are increased endurance and strength improvements. A dose of 5 grams per day is typically recommended for peak performance.

Another common ingredient is caffeine. Caffeine is a widely-used stimulant in products across the world, and has found a place in many workout supplements as well. 100-200 mg (or about the amount found in 1-2 cups of coffee) should be sufficient. The basis of caffeine’s use is its ability to block the action of the nucleoside adenosine on its receptor. This serves to block or delay the onset of drowsiness, which is typically prompted by adenosine. In practical terms, this means that its value in a preworkout is its propensity to discourage fatigue among athletes who choose to utilize it. Like all stimulants caffeine will somewhat depress the appetite, making it somewhat unhelpful for weightlifters engaging in a bulk phase.

L-arginine is an α-amino acid that, when used in preworkout, converts to nitric oxide upon metabolism. Products that contain this ingredient or are based on it are typically referred to as “vasoactive.” Nitric oxide serves to promote capillary and pulmonary dilation, allowing for faster and more efficient transport of oxygen to muscular tissues being used during training. This increased oxygen flow will result in better muscle contractions and higher production of ATP (created via certain enzymes through a process known as oxidative phosphorylation). Three grams is considered an effective dose. While it also serves other purposes and functions, its use among bodybuilders and similar athletes is by far its best documented.

The presence of a ph buffer such as taurine is also common. During a workout, skeletal muscles function at their best when the blood flowing to them is within a certain alkalytic ph range. A mitochondrial ph gradient exists across the inner membrane of cells, a fact that was demonstrated and proven in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Taurine’s role in the maintenance of this buffer is to stabilize it, keeping it safely within a ph range of 7.5-8.5. If a cell’s buffering capabilities are too low the gradient can potentially shift, ultimately disrupting ATP production in that cell. Simply put, taurine’s role (and that of other ph regulating substances) is to enable cells to produce ATP for energy. Taurine dosing is typically done at around one gram.

The amino acid tyrosine can also be found in many preworkouts. Its most common physiological role is to enable signal transduction in the brain. To this end it serves as a precursor to the organic chemical norepinephrine, which stimulates metabolism. Norepinephrine reserves are depleted as a result of prolonged intense training. 1-2 grams of tyrosine is sufficient to raise norepinephrine levels and enhance brain function.

At the end of the day it is the consumer’s responsibility to carefully analyze and select supplements that will best serve their personal needs. Many seek to enhance their endurance, strength, focus, and intensity at the gym. For these individuals a preworkout substance may hold great potential benefits. Having such a substance in your supplemental arsenal makes your goals more achievable, and allows your ambitions to rise higher. A good basic understanding of common supplement ingredients will greatly benefit such a person, helping them to select the product best suited for their interests and allowing them to pursue their goals with much more confidence.

Written by Trent Wozniak

The most well-known indication of low testosterone is sexual difficulties. These can range widely. Men with low levels commonly experience reduced or subpar sex drives. A reduced number of spontaneous erections, difficulty gaining an erection, and lower duration of an erection are all commonly seen as well. This is particularly common in men aged 30 or older, due to their naturally declining androgen levels as well as a higher amount of their remaining testosterone being bound to SHBG (sexual hormone binding globulin) which renders it unavailable for use. Infertility is less commonly seen than other more typical indicators, but is by no means unheard of.

Sleep problems and/or difficulty in remaining asleep for long periods of time may also be experienced. The role that testosterone plays in this issue has not been clearly defined yet, despite extensive research. What is known however, is that a definitive and strong relationship exists between having low levels of free testosterone in the male body and difficulty in getting a full night’s sleep. Science may have been unsuccessful in isolating the mechanism by which this relationship stands, but it clearly exists.

One of the other known functions of testosterone is that of emotional regulation. It has been established that mood swings and depression in men are more common among those suffering from low levels of testosterone. There is even a term for this condition, known as “irritable male syndrome.” It is typically defined as a state of constant frustration, hypersensitivity, and sometimes even anger. Men who have successfully raised their levels commonly describe an improved sense of wellbeing, as well as higher self-confidence and motivation. Better memory recall and concentration are reported as well. Less susceptibility to stress and irritation are also reported. 

For those who seek to enhance their performance at the gym, a healthy testosterone level is a must. Testosterone promotes increased protein synthesis in lean muscle tissue. This is accomplished by stimulation of a growth hormone response in the pituitary gland, which in turn promotes amino acid uptake. It can also serve to escalate the number of neurotransmitters at the uptake site in muscle fibers and encourage faster tissue growth. It is also theorized that testosterone may have a relationship with satellite cells. Increased strength and endurance will be noted by the athlete who ensures healthy androgen levels in his body. The obvious and immediate effects of this will be the ability to move more weight in the gym, the inclination to train harder utilizing heavier lifts, and a quicker post-workout recovery time. Decreased soreness after training sessions is also a common benefit.

One common way of approaching this issue is to seek testosterone replacement therapy (known as TRT). This medical process is rapidly attracting more adherents, with some estimates stating that the number of men who seek TRT has more than tripled in the past ten years. The established means of procuring TRT begins by requesting one’s personal doctor to order bloodwork done utilizing a sample taken from the patient. After low testosterone levels have been established, a pharmaceutical prescription (commonly aiming for shots of around 100-200 mg. of testosterone per week) will be given, and the patient can begin injections.

Many athletes seek to elevate their testosterone levels through non-medical means. Some men turn to over the counter testosterone booster products. In recent years there has been an increase in use of plant based products. The plant hormone laxogenin in particular has seen elevated use among supplement companies. The metalloid boron is also a common ingredient in many booster products. Saponin compounds such as fenugreek extract have also been tried.

The health and fitness craze of today’s world leaves many seeking to acquire an edge over their competition when it comes to physical performance. Due in part to this, the use of natural testosterone boosters has skyrocketed. Whatever method that you ultimately choose to boost your testosterone level, the many health benefits will be worth it.

Ask any bodybuilding fan for an example of a controversial judging call and many will say the 1980 Olympia. While there is truth to this, the following year would see one of the most divisive judging calls in the history of the sport. The 1981 Olympia was boycotted from the beginning by athletes Frank Zane, Mike Mentzer, and Boyer Coe, due to the previous year’s results. Prior to the contest, Franco Columbu made the decision to come out of retirement for one last show, much like Schwarzenegger had done the year before. His previous one-year Olympia reign had been cut short by a horrific accident at the 1977 World’s Strongest Man event, in which he tore all the ligaments and tendons in his left knee. While Franco had recovered an impressive amount of his former leg strength, his legs were still mere shadows of their former image. The judging panel’s decision to anoint Franco as Mr. Olympia resulted in boos on that night, and scorn ever since.

Nasser El Sonbaty (also known as The Professor) was a Serbian-Egyptian bodybuilder who reached peak fame and success in the 1990’s. Known in particular for his off-season weight of 300+ pounds, Nasser was among the challengers to Dorian Yates’ five year reign at the 1997 Olympia (held in Long Beach California that year). Yates had experienced a major setback while preparing for the show, having torn his tricep only three weeks out. Regarded by many as one of the most contentious Olympia decisions of all time, Dorian was ultimately crowned at the end of the night with Nasser taking second. Debate has raged back and forth since then over aspects of both men’s physiques. Dorian was certainly (as always) the better conditioned contestant, and couldn’t be defeated from the back. Nasser however is generally regarded as having had better legs, chest, and arms (due to Dorian’s injury). Regardless of who actually deserved the title on that night, the contest was one for the ages and has awed fans ever since.

In 2007, the Dominican dominator Victor Martinez went toe-to-toe with America’s own Jay Cutler. Victor (only the second Dominican bodybuilder to ever turn pro) was coming into the contest borne by the momentum of his recent Arnold Classic victory. In the meantime, Jay himself was a brand-new Mr. Olympia, having finally wrested the title away from Ronnie Coleman the year before. That year’s contest (held in Las Vegas) was also notable for being the last time Coleman would set foot on the Olympia stage. Aside from Cutler’s legs being larger than Victor’s, there is fairly little ground for argument on Jay’s behalf at this contest. 2007 has long been held to be a prime example of when an Olympia victory could have been decided differently. Cutler would in fact be defeated by Dexter Jackson in the following year, but that proved too late for Victor who suffered a torn patellar tendon in January 2008.

The years 2012-2014 would each see the same top two results at the Olympia: Phil Heath and Kai Greene. 2014 in particular is regarded as one of Kai’s finest years by his fans. At that year’s contest it was clear from the beginning that Phil wasn’t coming in at his very best, and Kai seemed determined to take advantage of the opportunity that this created. The rivalry between the two had begun several years before and was quite well-documented, making the drama that ensued at that year’s press conference all the more entertaining. Phil’s conditioning was certainly off that year, which was a weakness that Kai capitalized on. A tense atmosphere pervaded the entire night’s proceedings, until Phil was finally proclaimed winner (taking his 5^th Sandow). Judge Skip Hill was quoted as saying “I saw absolutely no reason for Phil to be unseated,” which sums up the results quite well. While Kai pushed Phil every second of the event, at the end of the night he simply didn’t have what was needed to dethrone the former year’s champ.

Controversial decisions are an inherent part of the Olympia, just as they are with any sport. Subjective events like bodybuilding are just made for debate, it comes part and parcel with the territory. While nobody will agree with every single decision made by our industry’s judges, in a way the subjectivity is one of the most entertaining aspects of bodybuilding. It leaves room for debate, deliberation, and discussion to take place for years after the contest has ended. 

Written by Trent Wozniak

It’s become more and more common for enhanced bodybuilders to buy their gear online. One glance at any of the numerous steroid marketplaces will reveal thriving, vibrant communities. Often excellently self-policed and regulated, these communities are a far cry from the shady fly-by-night locales that they are often depicted as. Nonetheless it doesn’t take more than a quick bit of detective work to notice the concerning number of young folk on these sites seeking a source of gear. Underage, unknowledgeable, and often only novice gym goers, these prospective buyers are a concerning factor in today’s bodybuilding world. While it is common practice for most gear marketplaces to discourage and turn away these individuals, it is impossible to 100% completely ensure the prevention of all sales to minors.

The flooding of marketplaces with these young customers has been somewhat exacerbated by the rise in popularity that SARMs have experienced over the past few years. Enjoying their status occupying a legal “grey area,” SARMs are often advertised as a legal alternative to steroids. In addition, some SARM producers (a certain popular YouTube channel for example) describe these substances as being healthier and safer than steroids. While some aspects of that statement are true, it is fairly common to find posts online made by young SARM buyers who have made their purchase without any real knowledge whatsoever. I have witnessed such scenarios as a buyer who had already started his cycle without knowing if he will need PCT, or even how long his cycle should last. Situations like this are unacceptable.

Another frequent critique of persons who have gained notoriety in this area is the use of certain drugs and/or dosages that they recurrently recommend to other users. One well known amateur bodybuilder has gained a reputation for utilizing shockingly high doses, and has stated in an interview that he does not routinely get bloodwork done. This sets a particularly poor example for beginner users. Another bodybuilder has often propagated the use of dangerous and addictive substances, all in the name of “crushing ignorance” (part of his brand’s slogan). A particularly concerning video made by this athlete described the use of 1000 mg of DNP (an amount that would kill almost anyone) by one of his friends for a period of time. A simple google search will reveal dozens of videos regarding almost any compound imaginable, many made by people with no real experience using steroids or containing conflicting and false information.

So how do we respond to this issue? By stopping the problem at its source. It is imperative that the industry as a whole lifts its invisible and unspoken prohibition on steroid discussion. After all, the best way to keep people safe is to educate them. Unfortunately bodybuilding’s “educators” at the moment seem to be the very people who we should most avoid listening to. The solution to this rise in false information is to spread truthful and accurate facts, something that the powers that be seem hell-bent on suppressing.

Steroids have been attached to a certain stigma that follows them wherever they are mentioned. While being completely undeserved, steroids are labeled as dangerous and unethical. This view will only continue to be more and more widely accepted among the public as long as people are afraid or unwilling to openly and honestly discuss gear. Being the biggest consumers of steroids and (typically) the most knowledgeable, it is up to bodybuilders to change this stereotype.

Written by Trent Wozniak

In 2016 we witnessed the return of The Gift in spectacular fashion. Silencing all rumblings about him coming in at less than his best in 2015, Phil Heath’s physique commanded the utmost respect and awe from the moment he set foot on stage last year. At only 37 years old, Phil hasn’t even begun to age or slow down. It’s sometimes said that bodybuilders peak around age 40, with that in mind it’s entirely conceivable that we have yet to see the best package Phil has to offer. Phil has made it clear that he expects to win no fewer than 10 Sandows in his career, and I see no reason to doubt the man. While it’s anyone’s guess how the placings will finally fall, I feel confident putting Phil in first.

Second place last year was taken by none other than Shawn Rhoden. Hailing from Jamaica, the Flexatron has consistently impressed bodybuilding’s fans with the kind of symmetry rarely seen even in top level physiques. 42 years old, Shawn has yet to show signs of aging as well. It’s often been said that if Shawn could improve his back and his legs in particular that he could closely contend with Phil for the number one position. Even back in 2015 we witnessed an authoritative display from Shawn, with some in the audience remarking after pre-judging that Shawn had appeared better than Phil himself. Analysis of the 2015 Olympia scorecard reveals that Shawn’s third place finish (after Phil and Dexter Jackson) was decided by only a single point. Just like last year, Rhoden has taken all of 2017 off from competing in order to focus on bringing the best package he possibly can to the Olympia stage. As a major Rhoden fan myself I’m not counting on him dethroning Phil, but if there ever was a year this would be it.

This brings us to last year’s third place finisher, the timeless Dexter Jackson. In the weeks leading up to the 2016 Olympia Jackson appeared confident and assertive, stating in an interview that “if you got me out of the top three, change your f***ing list.” Jackson’s prediction came true, though admittedly many fans thought the third place position rightfully belonged to Big Ramy. Whatever your belief, there’s no denying that 2008 Mr. Olympia Dexter Jackson is a very real threat in this lineup. Furthermore, Dexter has mentioned in the past that he feels unrecognized as a former Sandow winner, and we can conclude that much of his motivation going into this year’s contest will be to put that lack of credit behind him. Like Rhoden and other Olympians The Blade has not competed this year, which means that the Dexter we see at the Olympia will be fully rested and ready for whatever may come.

Taking fourth place was the most impressive Big Ramy we’ve seen yet. Ramy has competed at the Olympia since 2013, and has improved his placing every single year (8^th, 7^th, 5^th, and 4^th). The most noticeable difference between the Ramy of 2016 and every other form of him that we’ve seen was his conditioning, which was markedly improved since 2015. Ramy had competed at 316 lbs. in 2015, and so drastically different was his 2016 look that it earned him the temporary nickname “Medium Ramy.” It’s often said that of the current Olympians, Ramy has the best shot at being the man to eventually take the mantle from Phil. While I hesitate to believe (as some do) that this will be that year, I greatly look forward to seeing Ramy take home a Sandow one day.

Cedric McMillan, Roelly Winklaar, and (hopefully) Brandon Curry can be counted on to duke it out for the last spots within the first callout and the first couple within the second. Though it’s likely that we’ll inevitably see surprises and shakeups in the top 10, we can realistically guess with fair accuracy what placing range most competitors will fall into. If there’s one thing that’s for certain though it’s that this year’s Olympia will feature one of the most stacked and talented lineups we’ve seen in many years, and witnessing how things will ultimately play out will be a fine spectacle indeed.

Written by Trent Wozniak

There are currently (as of 6/27/2017) fifteen athletes qualified for the open class at the Mr. Olympia 2018. It doesn’t take much imagination to conclude that Kai would have no problem dealing with the majority of them, but his potential problems arise when you get down to last year’s top four. Phil Heath, Shawn Rhoden, Dexter Jackson, and Mamdouh Elssbiay (Big Ramy) would likely be Kai’s prime competition, and while Kai has beaten each of them at the Olympia in the past (except Heath), Kai’s three year hiatus from the competition doesn’t help his case much. Certainly with Dexter aging it’s possible to see him slip further down in the rankings, but Rhoden is only a year older than Kai and has taken no such hiatus from competing. Ramy and Heath are still in their 30’s, and Ramy in particular could potentially improve his 4^th place ranking from last year. Lastly, none of these four athletes have the added concern and stress of having to run their own company while preparing for a show.

This brings us to our next topic: Dynamik Muscle. Launched in 2015 and selling everything from preworkout supplements to gym apparel, the company has grown quickly within the ranks of the bodybuilding industry’s premier brands. The company has benefited greatly from an excellent social media presence, and having a top-tier Olympian as its front man. Unfortunately, the same thing could be said of rival brand Gifted Nutrition up until 2016. Designed and masterminded by Olympia winner Phil Heath, Gifted Nutrition was his attempt at creating a personal brand (much like former Olympia winner Jay Cutler’s Cutler Athletics), and sold many products similar to what Dynamik Muscle offers. Ultimately the responsibility of running a company became too much for Heath, who announced his withdraw from it in 2016. Many aspects of his departure from the company have been debated, including whether or not the stresses of running a business may have contributed to his physique’s slight decline at the 2015 Mr. Olympia. If Kai were to re-enter the competitive ranks, it cannot be ruled out that doing so could strain his relationship with Dynamik Muscle. In 2017’s bodybuilding documentary Generation Iron 2 the audience was given a peek behind the scenes at the inner workings of Dynamik Muscle, and in particular Kai’s role in formulating new products. From what we can glean in these few scenes, Kai appears to take an in depth, hands on approach with his company. To begin prep for the Olympia, it is almost certain that Kai would have to (at least temporarily) step back from many aspects of running his business. Whatever the specifics, Kai’s relationship with Dynamik Muscle would change.

This is not to say that all the possible aspects of Kai competing are negative. The bodybuilding community’s fans have long been clamoring for Kai’s return to the stage. If he were to announce his acceptance of the IFBB’s invitation, the entire industry would be abuzz for weeks. Much as the return of 90’s bodybuilding legend Kevin Levrone caused a stir in 2016, Kai would be able to accomplish the same in 2017. In addition the publicity would surely drive traffic to Dynamik Muscle’s products, greatly benefiting the company.

Several once-consistent Olympians have left the competition in the past few years. Branch Warren competed last in 2015, where he took 6^th place. Dennis Wolf last competed in 2015 as well, having since undergone significant surgery to his cervical spine. Other popular names are often speculated to drop out in the coming years (Victor Martinez, Dexter Jackson, Johnnie Jackson, etc.). Kai’s possible return to the stage (along with Wolf’s) is seen as a spark that could reignite interest in a competition that many believe has stagnated in the past two years. Both 2015 and 2016 saw slight variations of Heath, Rhoden, and Jackson in the top three. Without the return of Kai Greene to shake things up, it is certainly possible to see the same exact results in 2017.

So what can we expect? Realistically the chances of Kai competing are low. While never outright stating it, Kai has hinted in multiple interviews that he won’t be seen at the Olympia any time soon. Many people blame internal politics for Kai’s lack of a Sandow. Whether you believe that to be true or not, even just the idea that the game is rigged against you can be demotivating and discouraging to any athlete. It’s been over a week since the IFBB officially posted news of their invitation and we’ve heard nothing regarding it from the Kai camp. All mention of the invitation has been removed from the IFBB’s official social media accounts. So don’t hold your breath or go betting your savings on Kai’s return, because only Kai himself knows what his future holds.

Written by Trent Wozniak