Nombre de messages : 7374 Pts Actifs/Pertinence : 14877 Réputation : 105 Date d'inscription : 15/04/2009
Sujet: Re: Ben Pakulski 2011 Ven 21 Jan - 2:06
January 18, 2011
FLEXONLINE.COM
Here is an excerpt from Ben's latest blog entry: "The one thing that I definitely took for granted and miss a lot this prep is my osteopath and good friend Alvin Brown. With all this hard training and not many days off, my body is starting to get tight achy. Having Alvin in my corner every year to this point has allowed me to train more or less pain free and with an optimal range of motion. As much as I knew how important and valuable this aspect of my prep was, you never really appreciate it fully until you no longer have it."
January 10, 2011 "A" GAME 6 weeks to go…let the fun begin!
I look forward to the last 6 weeks before a contest for so many reasons. The mental focus, the regiment, pushing my body and mind to new limits, and starting to really see the hard work I’ve put in showing through. The time has come for me to pull up my socks and put the “A” game on the table. With the list of competitors announced for this show, there is no pulling punches now. It’s time to put in every last ounce of energy and determination to bring my absolute best possible package to that stage. There is no doubt now that I have made some tremendous gains, now I just need to attain a whole new level of condition. Then I can not only be able to stand there with some of the best in the world, but beat them.
My cardio regiment is kicking into gear and the calories have come down. The adjustment period to dieting in a new country is behind me and I feel at home in Venice beach! The week back after my trip home has been amazing! I did a good ole “Pak-style” quad workout and some killer upper body workout with Charles and Paul. We have really been focusing on bringing in my upper chest and lower lats. Things I’ve never before attempted in the gym are working like a charm! Just when you think you’ve seen all Charles can throw at you, he tosses in some new angles and a few new exercises. I LOVE IT! This week we tried an extra steep incline for chest and a very upright position for lower lats (with a few “Glass twists” on the exercises).
My energy is still great and my body feels amazing! A few regular weekly massages would be helpful, but I haven’t been as consistent with that therapy as I typically am. I gotta keep these tissues healthy! Seeing Dexter in the gym every day, plus the slight extra pressure of the watchful eye of the Gold’s Venice patrons, has me realizing a slightly elevated level of pressure to get in shape! There are so many fans in there cheering for me to kill it at the FLEX PRO – I can’t let them down. They know what I’m capable of and now it’s time to walk the walk!
BETTER THAN EVER!
Posted by Ben Pakulski at January 10, 2011 11:09 PM
January 08, 2011 Back to Venice Tomorrow will mark the 6-week out point for the first contest of the 2011 season, the Flex Pro. I am ecstatic to be back in LA after spending the holidays in Canada. Rested, refueled and a renewed motivation for this show!
The 2 weeks at home were busy and COLD! I saw some really great friends and had some great workouts with my good friend Darren Oliver (He was one of the major reasons for my progress last year for the NY pro). Darren is one of the most passionate trainers I have ever met. He truly loves what he does and has his sights set on becoming recognized as one of the best trainers in the world. No doubt he is on his way. I do my best to constantly challenge his stubborn mentality and he is really pushing his practical knowledge to a new level. Over the past 2 years, we have definitely helped each other become better at what we do. Darren shares my belief in high volume training, and likes to push even my mental limits. Love it! Yes 3 hr back workouts have happened (and yes they included 17 sets of one-arm DB rows!)
A few minor roadblocks along the journey that are quickly turned into growth opportunities! I’m learning to LOVE being challenged by life. It makes me a better person and more prepared for future obstacles and setbacks.
I figured for my first day back in Venice, what better way to celebrate than Pak -style strip sets for legs! I never count reps on these sets, but im thinking somewhere in around 50/set. Workout kicked my ass! (Literally). The second day back was Friday, and I had the best ever chest workout that I’ve had yet with Charles. The workout started off with heavy incline barbell strip sets. Then onto heavy flat smith press (strip sets) super-set with machine flys. I can feel how tight my chest is already as I sit here writing this, about 8 hrs after my workout.
The dream of living and training in Venice beach is truly all that I had hoped it would be. I feel as though “we” are bringing back the old energy and camaraderie.
Posted by Ben Pakulski at January 8, 2011 9:37 AM |
December 30, 2010 I Over Indulged at Christmas! Christmas this year happened to fall exactly 8 weeks out from my first show of the year, the 2011 FLEX Pro. I have a rather small family, so the holiday’s are important to me because I really value those times when we get together. Even one missing person is always noticed and missed. So despite being so close to my show, I felt it necessary to come home.
I’m not going to lie; it was a tough first few days. Every bodybuilder I know is a creature of habit, throw off that habit or routine and he will feel out of sorts for a few days. I am no different. The great part of being home is that despite doing all the same things I do in California, the week just seemed to be more restful for me. I feel refreshed and recharged and ready to smash the last 8 weeks.
I’m sitting at about 300lbs at the moment, which puts me about 8lbs heavier than I was at this point for my last contest. I am a bit leaner as well. The weight just seems to be distributed differently. Better balance all around and my waist is down almost 2 inches. I’ve got a few new things I’m doing to bring down the waist to maximize my shoulder to waist ratio and they are working like a charm. A new week begins for me today, Sunday Dec 26th. I allowed my off day to fall on Saturday this week so as to spend those hours with my family. I just pushed all the workouts back so I didn’t have a day off mid week.
Sitting down to Christmas dinner is always a fun time. I decided to over indulge this year…..on green vegetables! My plate was overflowing with roast beef, turkey and about 5 kinds of green vegetables. My family is extremely understanding and supportive of my life style. Although I must admit, this has taken a few years of coercing. I am really feeling as though there is a lot of room to grow into this show. One of the motivating and exciting parts of competing is seeing how much you can change your body from show to show. This year’s prep is so different from any other and I can’t wait to see the end result! Hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season. No regrets. Back to business!
Focus, Set Goals, Grow! Pak
Posted by Ben Pakulski at December 30, 2010 8:23 PM
MJ23
Nombre de messages : 11320 Pts Actifs/Pertinence : 15456 Réputation : 110 Date d'inscription : 14/01/2008 Age : 52
Sujet: Ben Pakulski 2011 Ven 21 Jan - 12:02
J'attend principalement de voir si son dos est "better than ever"....
Louloubabar
Nombre de messages : 22017 Pts Actifs/Pertinence : 36329 Réputation : 279 Date d'inscription : 26/04/2008 Age : 74
Sujet: Re: Ben Pakulski 2011 Mar 25 Jan - 9:03
Ben Pakulski Trains Back à 6 semaines du Flex Pro:
Nombre de messages : 7374 Pts Actifs/Pertinence : 14877 Réputation : 105 Date d'inscription : 15/04/2009
Sujet: Re: Ben Pakulski 2011 Mer 26 Jan - 10:04
January 19, 2011 Dealing with the Aches and Pains Its 33 days from the FLEX Pro and I’m sitting at around 290lbs and it’s time to start to bring it down. I definitely am well within striking distance to come in bigger and badder than 2010.
Hany just upped my cardio to twice a day and started me on some thermogenics (which I never normally use). I started pushing the pace of the cardio a bit to see if we can bring it in a bit faster and ensure optimal condition for the show.
The one thing that I definitely took for granted and miss a lot this prep is my osteopath and good friend Alvin Brown. With all this hard training and not many days off, my body is starting to get tight achy. Having Alvin in my corner every year to this point has allowed me to train more or less pain free and with an optimal range of motion. As much as I knew how important and valuable this aspect of my prep was, you never really appreciate it fully until you no longer have it. The little aches and pains add up! It hasn’t impeded my training yet whatsoever, but it definitely seems to take just a little bit longer to get in the groove of the workout. Alvin is a deep tissue specialist and knows how to get my body firing on all cylinders. He works with some great pros like Jay, Ronnie, Bob Weatherill and Paul Dillet when Paul made his comeback in 2007. Alvin is the man!
I’ve been doing everything I can nutritionally to reduce the chronic inflammation obviously associated with the repeated beating we put ourselves through as pro bodybuilders. Now, the lack of nutrients and recover time starts to catch up so you need to ensure you have all these puzzle pieces to get the most out of your body. Three things I have tried this year are some amazing products introduced to me over the last couple years: Wobenzyme, Curcumin and a topical cream called Accelerade by Zanagen. They are definitely helping to reduce the inflammation caused by training and allow me to get in there day after day and continue to grow into the show.
Loving life, killing the weights! BPak
goodyear
Nombre de messages : 7363 Pts Actifs/Pertinence : 12705 Réputation : 137 Date d'inscription : 26/06/2008 Age : 37 Localisation : in your face
Nombre de messages : 7374 Pts Actifs/Pertinence : 14877 Réputation : 105 Date d'inscription : 15/04/2009
Sujet: Re: Ben Pakulski 2011 Jeu 17 Fév - 19:49
From the MD Video Vault: Pak-Man Flashback - NY Pro Routine
The Flex Pro Bodybuilding Championships marks the first time Ben Pakulski has competed since May 2010 at the New York Pro. In the Big Apple, Pak Man took 7th place honors. In this video we show Pakulski's posing routine from the finals in New York. Is this the package Pak Man will bring to the Flex Pro? We will see.
Nombre de messages : 7374 Pts Actifs/Pertinence : 14877 Réputation : 105 Date d'inscription : 15/04/2009
Sujet: Re: Ben Pakulski 2011 Ven 18 Fév - 13:26
Growing Experience As the Flex pro grows near and I reflect on my prep, I am seeing one of the most difficult contest preps ever. Damn…this year has been a struggle. Just so many new things, so much going on. I faced a bunch on large roadblocks and still I find myself a solid 8lbs heavier than last year and much better quality with a smaller waist. This package will be much more in line with what I want to bring to the stage. Last year just seemed to be a quest to compete against some of the biggest guys in the sport (Dennis Wolf and Toney Freeman) in NY. This year, I’ve diligently gone about my business to make sure that my physique is headed down the path that I want in my quest to become the best bodybuilder in the world.
This has been the best growing experience of my life and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Definitely a stepping stone to where I want to be. I am looking forward to these shows more than any I have ever competed in. What an honor to partake in two of the best shows of the year with many of the best bodybuilders in the world. It’s been pretty cool being able to train with Charles Glass and watch Dexter Jackson getting ready for the same show I am. By the way, your ass is mine Dex!
Hany and I are on the same page for the final week of prep and are set on trying something a little different this year. Something I have never personally done, but we both agree its going to work much better for my body. Time will tell!
A HUGE thank you to the entire Weider Team, they have all been such a tremendous help. Really being there for me for any little thing I needed along the way. They are such a family-like team that is looking to advance together and help me take my career to the next level. Thanks guys! (and gals!)
I hope everyone brings their ‘A’ game to this show; I want to beat the best at their best. No excuses.
FOCUS, PERSISTENCE, BPak
Crom
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Nombre de messages : 192 Pts Actifs/Pertinence : 360 Réputation : -22 Date d'inscription : 11/11/2008
Sujet: Re: Ben Pakulski 2011 Ven 4 Mar - 8:19
LEECH
Nombre de messages : 36686 Pts Actifs/Pertinence : 58221 Réputation : -484 Date d'inscription : 29/12/2007 Age : 110 Localisation : Planète des Elohim ,à une année-lumière de notre système solaire.
Sujet: Re: Ben Pakulski 2011 Lun 7 Mar - 21:27
Hier à Columbus :
Nicko77
Nombre de messages : 1142 Pts Actifs/Pertinence : 1697 Réputation : 14 Date d'inscription : 01/10/2009 Age : 35 Localisation : 77
Sujet: Re: Ben Pakulski 2011 Lun 7 Mar - 23:18
heracles 13
Nombre de messages : 1960 Pts Actifs/Pertinence : 3044 Réputation : 2 Date d'inscription : 22/06/2008 Age : 39
Sujet: Re: Ben Pakulski 2011 Lun 7 Mar - 23:20
attention les mollets y me rapel quelqu'un.....
shuikan
Nombre de messages : 9391 Pts Actifs/Pertinence : 18654 Réputation : 215 Date d'inscription : 26/11/2009 Age : 33
Sujet: Re: Ben Pakulski 2011 Mar 8 Mar - 13:21
shuikan
Nombre de messages : 9391 Pts Actifs/Pertinence : 18654 Réputation : 215 Date d'inscription : 26/11/2009 Age : 33
Sujet: Re: Ben Pakulski 2011 Sam 21 Mai - 12:37
fitfreddy
Nombre de messages : 37 Pts Actifs/Pertinence : 42 Réputation : -1 Date d'inscription : 09/11/2008
Sujet: Re: Ben Pakulski 2011 Sam 21 Mai - 20:05
Des mollets de 51 cm, la folie!
loutfi
Nombre de messages : 1898 Pts Actifs/Pertinence : 3617 Réputation : 55 Date d'inscription : 12/03/2008 Localisation : Montréal
Sujet: Re: Ben Pakulski 2011 Sam 21 Mai - 22:57
Yes je bats Ben de 0,4cm sur les bras ... Mais il m'explose sur les mollets. lol Je trouve que "Charles" place mal son ruban sur les mollets, la partie la plus grosse était légèrement plus bas.
thejpman
Nombre de messages : 7374 Pts Actifs/Pertinence : 14877 Réputation : 105 Date d'inscription : 15/04/2009
Sujet: Re: Ben Pakulski 2011 Mer 25 Mai - 3:10
Ben Pakulski: The Wanderer... After 4 shows and tons of travel, the Pakman is back to blogging... by Ben Pakulski on May 16, 2011
As you may have noticed, my blog presence has become a bit scarce over the last few months. This year has certainly been a unique one for me; a year of many new experiences.
As of today, May 1, I feel as though I've been living the life of a traveling band for the last 3 months. Since the Flex pro on February 19, I have essentially been on the road every weekend traveling from competition to competition and guest appearance to guest appearance. I have spent more time in airports then I have in gyms, or so it feels. I feel blessed to be able to see the world and meet so many great new fans, fitness enthusiasts and friends.
I was able to compete in 4 shows this spring, the most I have ever done in one year. An amazing learning experience all around. I wasn’t entirely happy with my outcomes, but I also wouldn’t trade the knowledge I gained this year for a higher placing. For me, this contest season allowed me to learn my body like never before. I have done a ton of research, had the opportunity to work with some brilliant people, and most of all, try new things for each show and learn what works for my body.
Although I have been a pro bodybuilder for almost 3 years already, some people find it hard to believe I had only done 9 shows in my life. Each time learning something new about how my body reacts to certain foods, certain training, certain environmental stimulus. For me, training someone else is easy, it’s all right there in front of you to see and analyze. I pride myself in the knowledge I worked hard to acquire over the years. I have become known for getting my clients in the best shape and most of all, allowing them to remain healthy. Body and mind!
When it comes to myself, it can be a completely different ballgame because I see myself everyday and to make an objective assessment of how you truly look can be near impossible. Your mind is as tired and depleted as your body and asking yourself to make an accurate self assessment is sometime like looking in a fun house mirror with coke bottle glasses on. Not easy or accurate to say the least.
With this contest season, I had the opportunity for a lot of trial and error. I documented every little thing I did this year and over the last two months. Going forward I have a clear reference of what works for me, how it works, and how my body responded. As many of you know, I always pride myself in being a student of the game. I want to learn every little thing I can about how to optimize every single piece of the bodybuilding puzzle.
As it stands right now, I am home in Toronto “relaxing” for a few weeks. I am completely injury free and truthfully feeling like a million bucks! I am planning my offseason onslaught and mapping out what needs to be done to be successful next year and exactly how I plan to do it. Growing, improving balance, bringing up lagging body parts, and polishing certain aspects of my presentation.
I also take these few weeks, after dieting for so long and being on the road, to cleanse my body. I make sure my endocrine system is working like a newborn and I rest my nervous system to prepare it for the offseason ahead. There are so many aspects to our sport that go unnoticed and often neglected by people in this industry. One example that I preach about is the adrenal glands. So few people take the time to heal their adrenal glands. After a few months of dieting, training hard, training often, lacking sleep, stimulants, exposure to environmental pollutants, our adrenal glands are suppressed. Whether a pro athlete or not. If you want to feel great and get the most out of your body, you need to take the time to heal your adrenals.
I also make sure to pay attention to all my body systems. Making sure that in going forward, everything is firing on all cylinders. Why should I work against my body when I can have my body working for me to build muscle!
For a complete breakdown of my offseason recovery protocol, follow me on Flexonline.com and benpakulski.com.
Until Next Week, Ben Pakulski
shuikan
Nombre de messages : 9391 Pts Actifs/Pertinence : 18654 Réputation : 215 Date d'inscription : 26/11/2009 Age : 33
Sujet: Re: Ben Pakulski 2011 Sam 11 Juin - 11:24
le 3 juin
le 9 juin
heracles 13
Nombre de messages : 1960 Pts Actifs/Pertinence : 3044 Réputation : 2 Date d'inscription : 22/06/2008 Age : 39
Sujet: Re: Ben Pakulski 2011 Sam 11 Juin - 12:48
abusé ses mollets
LEECH
Nombre de messages : 36686 Pts Actifs/Pertinence : 58221 Réputation : -484 Date d'inscription : 29/12/2007 Age : 110 Localisation : Planète des Elohim ,à une année-lumière de notre système solaire.
Sujet: Re: Ben Pakulski 2011 Dim 19 Juin - 18:41
Hier à l'expo du Toronto Pro :
LEECH
Nombre de messages : 36686 Pts Actifs/Pertinence : 58221 Réputation : -484 Date d'inscription : 29/12/2007 Age : 110 Localisation : Planète des Elohim ,à une année-lumière de notre système solaire.
Sujet: Re: Ben Pakulski 2011 Ven 24 Juin - 2:57
La couv' de juillet de Flex Magazine :
thejpman
Nombre de messages : 7374 Pts Actifs/Pertinence : 14877 Réputation : 105 Date d'inscription : 15/04/2009
Sujet: Re: Ben Pakulski 2011 Lun 27 Juin - 14:53
Ben Pakulski: The Weakest Link pas de date précise mais entre mis may 2011 et 13 juin 2011
We sit 4 weeks after my last competition of the season and right in the mix of rebalancing all of my hormones and body systems.
The approach I take each year after competing is to learn to balance everything that’s going on in my body with the use of natural herbs and vitamins. Most people really have no idea the extent of the taxation a pro athlete puts on his or her body in a competitive season. Bodybuilders often seem to be so far behind other sports when it comes to stuff like healing the body, likely because we just don’t have the same financial resources that the other mainstream sports do. It can really get expensive if you want it to, but I’ve learned many ways to be cost effective; just learning to weigh the cost to benefit ratio really.
Bodybuilding tends to be a very ego driven sport. “I’m bigger than you, so I must know more than you do.” I try to adopt the philosophy that there is something to be learned from every situation and every person we encounter. I like to look at myself first and foremost as an athlete. Every athlete has very specific needs and requirements to ensure optimal output. What exactly is it that allows other elite pro athletes compete at such a high level for so long and not burn out? Sure there are some that do burn out and get injured, but I chose to look specifically at the elite that are able to sustain an exceptionally high level of performance over a long period, or I look at the ones that are the absolute best in the world at what they do. They must be doing something differently, and I set out to find out what it is, and replicate it.
For me, it started out as baby steps. Learning what few factors I could change immediately and notice a quick response. The first thing I experimented with was supporting my adrenals. By using just a few herbs I noticed my energy was more consistent, my mood was more stable, my sleep was more sound, my body’s responsiveness to just about anything I asked of it increased. For someone like myself, who loves to train, often more than once a day, my adrenals were certainly fatigued. I found myself having more than ample energy to complete multiple workouts on a daily basis without the need for stimulants after just a few days on proper adrenal support. Check out James Wilson’s work on www.adrenalfatigue.org for some great information.
The second thing I noticed was that my body wasn’t using sugar as well as some people. A quick look at my blood work or my family history would verify my suspicions. Some dietary changes and workout manipulations and I noticed a significant difference within weeks. My energy was better. I found myself with a better ability to concentrate. Less likely to doze off at random times throughout the day. My strength in the gym went up and fullness increased dramatically. Something as simple as adding some lemon water into your diet in the morning or before each carb meal with significantly change your insulin utilization. My protocols tend to go into a lot more detail than this, but that’s definitely a good quick tip!
One of the most commonly asked questions is, “how do I know where to start? “ Or, “how do I know which of my bodily systems needs balancing or support?” I use a method of simply determining what I call my “weakest link”! What is it about my body that I feel holds me back from greatest gains? For me, if had always been a slight lack of energy upon entering the gym. Once I got going, I was fired up and ready to kill it. But often times I find myself walking into the gym thinking about a nap rather than this arm workout I was about to have. Is this normal? The answer is, yes it is! Apparently its very common. I traced this back to a mild case of “overtraining” and poor insulin utilization. For me, the weakest link changes every year and I’ve since taken on the mentality of simply addressing every body system to ensure optimum health and output.
Try starting with one system at a time to see if you notice an immediate difference. Plenty more to come!!!
thejpman
Nombre de messages : 7374 Pts Actifs/Pertinence : 14877 Réputation : 105 Date d'inscription : 15/04/2009
Sujet: Re: Ben Pakulski 2011 Lun 27 Juin - 14:54
Ben Pakulski: The Weakest Link - Part 2 Reducing inflammation to get the most out of your body! by Ben Pakulski on Jun 13, 2011
One thing I love about our sport is that you’re never perfect. Some aspect of your preparation can always be improved, whether it is training, nutrition, supplementation, or recovery. How about the things that few people know anything about? How neurotransmitters affect growth, or how your adrenals control cortisol; you all know about cortisol right? How about how the food you eat every day can instantly increase estrogen and cortisol levels and completely halt growth? How about how much training is the right amount for growth? Sets, reps, fast, slow, full, partials? There are so many factors to consider.
Learning about these little subtleties is what I love doing! How can I improve my performance, recovery and growth even 1% and sometimes 50%? As I have recently mentioned in part 1 of this blog, the approach I take is that an athlete is an athlete. We all have very similar needs and requirements for optimal performance and recovery. Bodybuilders obviously will have different caloric requirements, and different training volume and load, but at the end of the day, were all trying to get 100% out of our bodies. We try to minimize injuries, and recover as fast as possible so we can get back In there and do it all over again!
Lately, a lot of my time and efforts has been focused on learning to optimize recovery, short term and long term. This seems to be the limiting factor for maximal growth; the faster I can recovery, the more time I spend being anabolic. Everyone knows someone who can train as hard or harder than most people, and doesn’t really get sore. Chances are they have a greater capacity for growth because they can train again sooner and stimulate more new growth.
The question then becomes, how do I know what factors set these people apart and where do I find how to change these variables. For most bodybuilders, “recovery” means taking some carbs and BCAAs after a workout, eating lots of dietary protein, and we’re on our way to recovery right? Well, the truth is, when trying to maximize performance, the difference between being good and great needs to be a lot more precise. Training at an elite level affects a lot more than just the obvious things that you can see or feel.
One factor that I find to be THE most important aspect of recovery is inflammation. It is absolutely essential to be aware of inflammation and do everything in your power to reduce it and keep it under control. It has been said that 60% of all human ailments and health conditions are a direct result of inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s response to irritated tissue or organs. It might be from training, allergic reactions to food, sudden blunt trauma, repetitive strain on a muscle, ligament or joint, etc.
When we train we are causing damage to muscle tissue. The body naturally sees this as an “injury” and instinctive tries to protect the area. It can sometimes take days for this to go away, inhibiting our ability to move properly and of course, limiting our training potential. It makes sense then, that if I can help to speed up the healing of the inflamed tissue, I will more quickly be able to train, with less inhibition and less pain!
Most important factors in reducing inflammatory periods: -Proper rest. -Adequate hydration. -Appropriate supplementation.
This last factor is what you’re all probably waiting for. Lets stick to the basics: 1) Omega 3 fish oils 2) Proteolytic enzymes 3) Minerals (Magnesium, Calcium, Zinc are essential) 4) Turmeric *I also use CoQ10 and greens which can aid in the elimination of accumulated inflammation.
Achy joints? Tight Muscles? Finding it takes a long time to recovery between workouts? Try the supplements above! And FYI, these simple supplements can also play a huge role in reducing heart disease or arteriosclerosis (inflamed blood vessels!).
Stay healthy, stay huge!! Pak
thejpman
Nombre de messages : 7374 Pts Actifs/Pertinence : 14877 Réputation : 105 Date d'inscription : 15/04/2009
Sujet: Re: Ben Pakulski 2011 Lun 27 Juin - 14:56
Ben Pakulski: My Trip to Japan Pakman heads to Okinawa for a seminar and guest posing. by Ben Pakulski on Jun 22, 2011
Last week, I was so privileged as to be able to travel to Okinawa Japan for a guest posing and seminar. An amazing experience to travel across the world and experience a completely new culture. The travel was, as I expected, long! The trip there ended up being almost 30hrs. Needless to say, not ideal for keeping on track with any type of regimented diet.
As I have mentioned in previous blogs, I had been staying in Toronto for 6 weeks post contest to complete my, “get my body feeling like a newborn again, recovery protocol.” So, the flight to Japan, unfortunately started in Toronto rather than LA, which added another 6 hrs to the journey. Toronto-San Fran, San Fran to Osaka, Osaka to Okinawa.
Once landed in Osaka, it was necessary for me to throw away all my prepared food and clear customs. The customs agent didn’t speak a word of English, so when I tried to explain why my passport was a “temporary one,” she looked at me like a criminal and summoned the border guard to escort me into the office (I received a “temporary” passport a few weeks prior in LA because my permanent one was washed and all the stamps were removed, so to allow me to travel out of the country they issued me a temporary white passport). It took them about 1.5hrs to determine that the passport was legit and let me go. The timing was about right. Another 30mins and they might have had a 300lb Godzilla-like hungry screaming man running wild in the streets of Osaka.
Now the adventure to find some sort of protein in Japan…..not so easy! Clearly a serving of meat is not the same to them as it might be to me. I found a restaurant that looked like it would best suit my needs and did my best to get some grub. All in all, not that bad.
Okinawa was a beautiful place and one that I would love to visit again. My accommodations were on the US air force base, which was a completely new experience for me. I had never been around any type of military base. Being a fan of the movie Top Gun as a kid, I had dreamed of being a fighter pilot and shooting down bogies with Maverick and Ice Man. So meeting a squadron of F15 fighter jet pilots was awesome. Needless to say, “Danger Zone” was the theme song playing in my head all day. Lol. These guys (and 1 girl actually-wicked!) do some pretty crazy things. There training is intense and long. The fact that I got to see these badass planes up front was definitely a dream come true. I would have loved to be able to ride in one, maybe someday!
Everyone was definitely hospitable and I got some very unique souvenirs. I’m back on North American soil now, and training has been going amazingly well. Looking back on the past few years of training, I feel like I am light-years ahead when it comes to mind muscle connection and being able to get the most out of my body when I demand it.