Adrian Burke - www.FUSIONBodybuilding.com
Friday, February 23, 2007
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
2007 SABBA Bodybuilding Championships & Bikini Model Search
COMPETITOR INFORMATION for the
THE 1ST ANNUAL GREENE YAK FITNESS MODEL SEARCH
HOST HOTEL: Ramada Hotel
1818 Victoria Avenue
Regina, SK
Reservations: 1-306-569-1666
(refer to “2007 Novice Champs group # 9859) for discount rate)
Please book by March 17th, 2007 to guarantee your rate
WEIGH-INS: 6 pm sharp
Friday March 30th, 2007
University Theater, located in the Dr. William Riddell Center
at the University of Regina
3737 Wascana Parkway
Regina, SK
FINALS: 5 pm
Saturday March 31st, 2007
University Theater, located in the Dr. William Riddell Center
at the University of Regina
3737 Wascana Parkway
Regina, SK
Fitness Model Search Competition Information
This is the 1st ever Greene Yak model search which is perfect for the female who has an athletic physique with possibly (but not mandatory) a modeling background that yields a marketable look. This event is a terrific opportunity in many regards to the competitor. The bar has been raised for this event in that this event is being used as a National Qualifier. Aside from the prestige of winning the 1st ever Greene Yak model search, the winner of the model search will be given the opportunity to represent Canada at the Miss Caribbean Tan International Finals Pageant! That’s right, the winner will receive an all expense paid trip (air, hotel, food) to Mexico for a week to represent Canada for the first time ever!
In the model search you will not be required to perform a gymnastic routine. The model search competition will consist of two (2) rounds:
Round One – sports attire round
In the sports attire round, the competitor may wear any type of athletic clothing that compliments your particular body type. Fitness or gym wear, aerobic wear, sports skirts, workout “booty” shorts are all good examples. All attire must be tasteful with respect to decency. Bare foot or sport shoes are acceptable, but heels are not permitted. The competitor will be judged on an on overall athletic appearance that is naturally obtainable.
Round Two – two piece bikini with high heels
In the two piece bikini round, the competitor will be judged on an on overall athletic appearance that is naturally obtainable as in round one. High heel shoe style and two piece bikini style and color is up to the competitor, however absolutely no G-string or thong bottoms will be allowed. It is important to note that the judges will be presented a different “total package” while wearing a two piece bikini with high heels as opposed to the sports attire round and therefore will be judging with a fresh perspective.
General Model Search Rules and Regulations
*Competitors must have filled out and signed the Model Search entry form and paid the entry fee.
*Hair may be styled as desired, as well as jewelry is allowed as long as not excessive.
*No posing oils or lotions are allowed in any round.
*All two piece bikinis and sport attire must be brought to the weigh-ins. If you do not have it with you, you will be allowed 15 minutes to get it. If not brought in this time frame, you can be disqualified from the competition.
*Numbers must be worn on the left hip in all rounds.
*Depending on the number of competitors, the competition format (for both rounds) are as follows: The competitors will line up at the back of the stage and be called out of the lineup one at a time in which they will have approximately 30 seconds to move around the stage walking the “catwalk”. You may stop, do a ¼ turn, ½ turn, and/or strike a pose in a manner that a runway model would, and in a way that suits and compliments you best. Remember to make sure the judges see you.
* Back Stage: Due to the size of the backstage and change rooms, no one will be allowed to accompany you back stage; friends, coaches, etc. There will be help for the competitors back stage. Security will be present.
*Competitors should be at the venue approximately ½ hour before show time to familiarize yourself with the stage and backstage area.
Note: There will be no pump up weights supplied backstage at the venue. If you require any pump up weights, or rubber resistance bands, you may bring them.
Adrian Burke - www.FUSIONBodybuilding.com
Monday, February 19, 2007
(((CONTEST))) ***FUSION Bodybuilding's TRAIN INSANE Face***
The new FUBAR formula is about to launch - about damn time! To get things going we want you to send us a snap shot of your best TRAIN INSANE face. We are going to give FUBAR samples to everyone who enters AND to the 10 best TRAIN INSANE face's we are going to send you a FREE bottle.
Be part of the insanity – click below for contest conditions: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=1483681
Remember to TRAIN INSANE…cuz if you aren’t - someone else is!!!
Chris Belanger – VP Sales - www.FUSIONBodybuilding.com
Be part of the insanity – click below for contest conditions: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=1483681
Remember to TRAIN INSANE…cuz if you aren’t - someone else is!!!
Chris Belanger – VP Sales - www.FUSIONBodybuilding.com
Monday, February 12, 2007
HORMONES
Testosterone
Molecular Structure of Testosterone
Testosterone (T) – perhaps one of the most important hormones for bodybuilding, or at least, one of the most common hormones in the human body. T is a primary sex hormone in men, and also highly anabolic. It is also found in women, but to a much lesser degree than men, men create, on average, twenty to thirty more times T than women.
Since T is highly anabolic, this means that it plays a role in “building of”, usually tissues in the body, ie. muscle mass. T also plays a role in protein synthesis which helps you repair muscle after an intense workout. Other anabolic effects with T is strength gain, this is fairly obvious, the more muscle mass you have, the heavier you can lift.
T is a steroid hormone, and like all other steroid hormones cholesterol is one of the precursors for its production. Most of the T in men is made in the testes, but also in smaller quantities in the adrenal cortex, which is found on top of the kidneys. In women, most of the T is synthesized in the ovaries.
In addition to its large role on muscle tissue synthesis, T indirectly affects muscle fiber’s protein content by promoting growth hormone release, which leads to insulin growth factor (IGF) synthesis and release from the liver. T also influences neural receptors to increase neurotransmitter release and initiate structural protein changes that alter the size of the neuromuscular junction, the gap between the pre-synapse and the cellular membrane of the muscle cell. These neural effects increase the force-production capabilities of skeletal muscle, thus more strength.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
These two hormones are gonadotropic hormones; a hormone released either from the anterior pituitary gland, which is found in the brain. FSH in males stimulates gernminal epithelium growth in the testes to promote sperm devolvement. LH also stimulates the testes to secrete T.
How exercise affects FSH and LH is still unknown, here are inconsistent reports that describe short-term exercise-association release. However, LH release works like a pulse; it has it peaks and low points, thus making it somewhat difficult to separate any specific exercise related changes from a normal pattern. But generally, LH concentration rises before exercise and peaks during recovery.
Growth Hormone, Exercise, and Tissue Synthesis
Growth hormone is a 191 amino acid, single chain polypeptide hormone, which is synthesized, stored and secreted by the cells within the anterior pituitary gland, which stimulates growth and cell reproduction.
Structure of Human Growth Hormone
Short term physical activity stimulates a sharp rise in GH pulse amplitude and the amount of hormone secreted per pulse. More importantly though, exercise stimulates release of GH isoforms with extended half-lifes as compared to normal GH, this will allow for the effects of GH to last longer on target tissues. Some of the most GH release benefits include muscle, bone, and connective tissue growth and remodeling. It also influences the choice of “fuel” during exercise, principally decreasing glucose uptake, increasing free fatty acid mobilization and enhancing liver gluconeogensis (the creation of glycogen). The net metabolic effect on increased exercise-induced GH production preserves plasma glucose concentration for central nervous system and muscle functions. Many of the growth-promoting effects of GH result from actions of an intermediary chemical messenger on different target tissues, rather than direct effect of GH itself. These peptide messengers, produced in the liver, are termed somataodmeials or insulin-like-growth factors because of there similar structure to insulin. These factors exert potent peripheral effects on the motor units of other tissues.
The mechanism on how exercise stimulates GH release to improve protein synthesis, and thus muscle hypertrophy (muscles growing in size), and it’s other effects is unknown. One hypothesis says that exercise directly stimulates GH release, or release of somatomedians from the liver or kidneys, which then in turn stimulates anabolic processes. Exercise also may indirectly affect GH by stimulating the cholinergic pathways to trigger GH release.
Trained and sedentary individual show similar increases in GH concentration when they exercise to exhaustion. In contrast though, the sedentary person maintains higher levels of GH for several hours into recovery. During a standard bout of sub-maximal exercise, sedentary individuals have a greater GH response. Because this absolute sub-maximal exercise level represents greater stress for the less fit person. GH release generally relates more to the relative strenuousness of physical effort.
Insulin-Like Growth Factors (IGF)
IGF’s mediates many of GH’s effects. In response to GH simulation, liver synthesize IGF-1, a 70-amino acid poly peptide and IGF-II (a 67-amino acid polypeptide, the total time for this process that requires 9 – 30 hours. IGF’s travel in the blood attached to one of five types of binding proteins for release as a free hormone to interact with specific receptors. The factors that influence IGF transport include the binding proteins within muscle, nutrition status and plasma insulin levels.
The time required for IGF synthesis to GH stimulation affects any IGF appearance during or immediately following exercise. This suggest that it’s release results from disruption of cells already containing IGF. Also, GH-mediated release of IGF with exercise may reflect a different time course than the typically observed in non-exercise conditions.
Kurt Kuhn - www.FUSIONBodybuilding.com
Molecular Structure of Testosterone
Testosterone (T) – perhaps one of the most important hormones for bodybuilding, or at least, one of the most common hormones in the human body. T is a primary sex hormone in men, and also highly anabolic. It is also found in women, but to a much lesser degree than men, men create, on average, twenty to thirty more times T than women.
Since T is highly anabolic, this means that it plays a role in “building of”, usually tissues in the body, ie. muscle mass. T also plays a role in protein synthesis which helps you repair muscle after an intense workout. Other anabolic effects with T is strength gain, this is fairly obvious, the more muscle mass you have, the heavier you can lift.
T is a steroid hormone, and like all other steroid hormones cholesterol is one of the precursors for its production. Most of the T in men is made in the testes, but also in smaller quantities in the adrenal cortex, which is found on top of the kidneys. In women, most of the T is synthesized in the ovaries.
In addition to its large role on muscle tissue synthesis, T indirectly affects muscle fiber’s protein content by promoting growth hormone release, which leads to insulin growth factor (IGF) synthesis and release from the liver. T also influences neural receptors to increase neurotransmitter release and initiate structural protein changes that alter the size of the neuromuscular junction, the gap between the pre-synapse and the cellular membrane of the muscle cell. These neural effects increase the force-production capabilities of skeletal muscle, thus more strength.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
These two hormones are gonadotropic hormones; a hormone released either from the anterior pituitary gland, which is found in the brain. FSH in males stimulates gernminal epithelium growth in the testes to promote sperm devolvement. LH also stimulates the testes to secrete T.
How exercise affects FSH and LH is still unknown, here are inconsistent reports that describe short-term exercise-association release. However, LH release works like a pulse; it has it peaks and low points, thus making it somewhat difficult to separate any specific exercise related changes from a normal pattern. But generally, LH concentration rises before exercise and peaks during recovery.
Growth Hormone, Exercise, and Tissue Synthesis
Growth hormone is a 191 amino acid, single chain polypeptide hormone, which is synthesized, stored and secreted by the cells within the anterior pituitary gland, which stimulates growth and cell reproduction.
Structure of Human Growth Hormone
Short term physical activity stimulates a sharp rise in GH pulse amplitude and the amount of hormone secreted per pulse. More importantly though, exercise stimulates release of GH isoforms with extended half-lifes as compared to normal GH, this will allow for the effects of GH to last longer on target tissues. Some of the most GH release benefits include muscle, bone, and connective tissue growth and remodeling. It also influences the choice of “fuel” during exercise, principally decreasing glucose uptake, increasing free fatty acid mobilization and enhancing liver gluconeogensis (the creation of glycogen). The net metabolic effect on increased exercise-induced GH production preserves plasma glucose concentration for central nervous system and muscle functions. Many of the growth-promoting effects of GH result from actions of an intermediary chemical messenger on different target tissues, rather than direct effect of GH itself. These peptide messengers, produced in the liver, are termed somataodmeials or insulin-like-growth factors because of there similar structure to insulin. These factors exert potent peripheral effects on the motor units of other tissues.
The mechanism on how exercise stimulates GH release to improve protein synthesis, and thus muscle hypertrophy (muscles growing in size), and it’s other effects is unknown. One hypothesis says that exercise directly stimulates GH release, or release of somatomedians from the liver or kidneys, which then in turn stimulates anabolic processes. Exercise also may indirectly affect GH by stimulating the cholinergic pathways to trigger GH release.
Trained and sedentary individual show similar increases in GH concentration when they exercise to exhaustion. In contrast though, the sedentary person maintains higher levels of GH for several hours into recovery. During a standard bout of sub-maximal exercise, sedentary individuals have a greater GH response. Because this absolute sub-maximal exercise level represents greater stress for the less fit person. GH release generally relates more to the relative strenuousness of physical effort.
Insulin-Like Growth Factors (IGF)
IGF’s mediates many of GH’s effects. In response to GH simulation, liver synthesize IGF-1, a 70-amino acid poly peptide and IGF-II (a 67-amino acid polypeptide, the total time for this process that requires 9 – 30 hours. IGF’s travel in the blood attached to one of five types of binding proteins for release as a free hormone to interact with specific receptors. The factors that influence IGF transport include the binding proteins within muscle, nutrition status and plasma insulin levels.
The time required for IGF synthesis to GH stimulation affects any IGF appearance during or immediately following exercise. This suggest that it’s release results from disruption of cells already containing IGF. Also, GH-mediated release of IGF with exercise may reflect a different time course than the typically observed in non-exercise conditions.
Kurt Kuhn - www.FUSIONBodybuilding.com
Friday, February 02, 2007
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Leucine as a Nutritional Signal
Branched-Chain Amino Acids (Leucine, IsoLeucine, and Valine) also known as BCAA’s are the building blocks of the body. They make up 35% of your muscle mass and must be present for molecular growth and development to take place. BCAA's act as nitrogen carriers and assist the muscles in synthesizing other amino acids needed for anabolic muscle action.
Over the next little while I will not be discussing the anabolic effects about the BCAA’s but rather discussing the role of one very important BCAA – Leucine.
Leucine
Systematic Name: (S)-2-amino-4-methyl-pentanoic acid
After doing some research I came across an article put together by Susan M. Hutson (Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157) and Robert A. Harris (Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5122)
Leucine as a Nutritional Signal
Although the anabolic effects of amino acids originating from dietary protein on protein synthesis and cell function were first reported over 20 year ago, until recently to molecular basis for many of these observations remained elusive. Now there is convincing evidence that amino acids are actually participants in signal transduction pathways, activating in selected cells some of the same signaling cascades as the anabolic hormone insulin.
Activation of signaling pathways is now recognized to be an important non-protein function of amino acids. This can be and often is studied with amino acid mixtures. In most instances, however, the indispensable branch-chain amino acid Leucine can exert the same effects as amino acid mixtures.
Historically, Leucine has always seemed special and more important that the other two branched-chain amino acids, IsoLeucine and Valine. We have long known that Leucine is ketogenic and is specific among the branched-chain amino acids in its ability to stimulate insulin release from the islet cells of the pancreas (Panten et al. 1974).
A paper was put forth, “Regulation of Branched-Chain α-Keto Acid Dehydrogenase Kinase Expression” by Robert A. Harris, reviews the molecular mechanisms by which Leucine catabolism is controlled at the level of the branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase complex. Evidence is presented for nutrient and hormonal regulation of expression of the branched chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase kinase. The hypothesis is put forth the involvement of thyroid hormone in the regulation of the expression of this gene.
A second paper has been put forth, “Function of Leucine in Excitory Neurotransmitter Metabolism in the Central Nervous System” by Susan M. Hutson, addresses the role of branched-chain amino acids in metabolism in the central nervous system. The hypothesis is advanced that branched-chain amino acids have an important role as donors of nitrogen for dispensable amino acid biosynthesis, analogous to their role in glutamine and alanine synthesis in skeletal muscle developed in the 1970s (Odessey et al. 1974, Chang and Goldberg 1978, Garber et al. 1976). Evidence that BCAA nitrogen is required for formation of the neurotransmitter glutamate has been reviewed (Yudkoff et al. 1996, Bixel et al. 1997, Hutson et al. 1998) and new findings on the special role of branched-chain amino acids in neurotransmitter metabolism in the central nervous system are present.
1. Chang T. W., Goldberg A. L. The metabolic fates of amino acids and the formation of glutamine in skeletal muscle. J. Biol. Chem. 1978;253:3685-3693
2. Fajans S. S., Knopf R. F., Floyd J. C., Power L., Conn J. W. The experimental induction in man of sensitivity to leucine hypoglycemia. J. Clin. Invest. 1963;42:216-229
3. Hutson S. M., Berkich D. A., Drown P., Xu B., LaNoue K. F. Role of branched-chain aminotransferase isoenzymes and gabapentin in neurotransmitter metabolism. J. Neurochem. 1998;71:863-874
4. Odessey R., Khairallah E. A., Goldberg A. L. Origin and possible significance of alanine production by skeletal muscle. J. Biol. Chem. 1974;250:290-298
5. Panten U., Christians J., Kriegstein E., Von Poser W., Hasselblatt A. Studies on the mechanism of L-leucine-and alpha-ketoisocaproic acid-induced insulin release from perifused isolated pancreatic islets. Diabetologia 1974;10:149-154
6. Yudkoff M., Daikhin Y., Grunstein L., Nissim I., Stern J., Pleasure D., Nissim I. Astrocyte leucine metabolism: significance of branched-chain amino acid transamination. J. Neurochem. 1996;66:378-385
In conclusion to this article I believe that there is substantial evidence that BCAA’s and specifically Leucine may have an important role on weight loss. I will continue do my research on the metabolic effects of this incredible amino acid and keep you posted with the findings.
Chris Belanger – VP Sales
Over the next little while I will not be discussing the anabolic effects about the BCAA’s but rather discussing the role of one very important BCAA – Leucine.
Leucine
Systematic Name: (S)-2-amino-4-methyl-pentanoic acid
After doing some research I came across an article put together by Susan M. Hutson (Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157) and Robert A. Harris (Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5122)
Leucine as a Nutritional Signal
Although the anabolic effects of amino acids originating from dietary protein on protein synthesis and cell function were first reported over 20 year ago, until recently to molecular basis for many of these observations remained elusive. Now there is convincing evidence that amino acids are actually participants in signal transduction pathways, activating in selected cells some of the same signaling cascades as the anabolic hormone insulin.
Activation of signaling pathways is now recognized to be an important non-protein function of amino acids. This can be and often is studied with amino acid mixtures. In most instances, however, the indispensable branch-chain amino acid Leucine can exert the same effects as amino acid mixtures.
Historically, Leucine has always seemed special and more important that the other two branched-chain amino acids, IsoLeucine and Valine. We have long known that Leucine is ketogenic and is specific among the branched-chain amino acids in its ability to stimulate insulin release from the islet cells of the pancreas (Panten et al. 1974).
A paper was put forth, “Regulation of Branched-Chain α-Keto Acid Dehydrogenase Kinase Expression” by Robert A. Harris, reviews the molecular mechanisms by which Leucine catabolism is controlled at the level of the branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase complex. Evidence is presented for nutrient and hormonal regulation of expression of the branched chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase kinase. The hypothesis is put forth the involvement of thyroid hormone in the regulation of the expression of this gene.
A second paper has been put forth, “Function of Leucine in Excitory Neurotransmitter Metabolism in the Central Nervous System” by Susan M. Hutson, addresses the role of branched-chain amino acids in metabolism in the central nervous system. The hypothesis is advanced that branched-chain amino acids have an important role as donors of nitrogen for dispensable amino acid biosynthesis, analogous to their role in glutamine and alanine synthesis in skeletal muscle developed in the 1970s (Odessey et al. 1974, Chang and Goldberg 1978, Garber et al. 1976). Evidence that BCAA nitrogen is required for formation of the neurotransmitter glutamate has been reviewed (Yudkoff et al. 1996, Bixel et al. 1997, Hutson et al. 1998) and new findings on the special role of branched-chain amino acids in neurotransmitter metabolism in the central nervous system are present.
1. Chang T. W., Goldberg A. L. The metabolic fates of amino acids and the formation of glutamine in skeletal muscle. J. Biol. Chem. 1978;253:3685-3693
2. Fajans S. S., Knopf R. F., Floyd J. C., Power L., Conn J. W. The experimental induction in man of sensitivity to leucine hypoglycemia. J. Clin. Invest. 1963;42:216-229
3. Hutson S. M., Berkich D. A., Drown P., Xu B., LaNoue K. F. Role of branched-chain aminotransferase isoenzymes and gabapentin in neurotransmitter metabolism. J. Neurochem. 1998;71:863-874
4. Odessey R., Khairallah E. A., Goldberg A. L. Origin and possible significance of alanine production by skeletal muscle. J. Biol. Chem. 1974;250:290-298
5. Panten U., Christians J., Kriegstein E., Von Poser W., Hasselblatt A. Studies on the mechanism of L-leucine-and alpha-ketoisocaproic acid-induced insulin release from perifused isolated pancreatic islets. Diabetologia 1974;10:149-154
6. Yudkoff M., Daikhin Y., Grunstein L., Nissim I., Stern J., Pleasure D., Nissim I. Astrocyte leucine metabolism: significance of branched-chain amino acid transamination. J. Neurochem. 1996;66:378-385
In conclusion to this article I believe that there is substantial evidence that BCAA’s and specifically Leucine may have an important role on weight loss. I will continue do my research on the metabolic effects of this incredible amino acid and keep you posted with the findings.
Chris Belanger – VP Sales
Monday, January 22, 2007
What BODYBUILDING's all about!!!
We received this e-mail and I wanted to share it with you. A real inspiration - un-edited:
"Hello my name is Darrell T Banks born July 11 1967 in Brooklyn New York as a child i always had a muscular built at the age of 12 touch my first weight and never put it down
just loved the feeling of blood flow thru my veins as i feel the splendid feeling of being pumped muscles bellies filling like there got to pop from working out so hard!!!!!!! i join my first gym at the age of 13 paradise gym in jamaica queens new york 1980 i was surrounded be old skool muscle heads so i at a early age i knew the mean of NO PAIN NO GAIN i compete in my 1st bodybuilding show at 15 eastern metropolis got 5th place most people would be happy but for me angry at myself meaning i needed to train harder in the gym by the time i was 17th i was winning all teenage shows then i competed in my first open mens show at 18 yrs old i competed in the middle weight class got 2nd at that time i said to myself maybe i can be really good at bodybuilding after i took time of being qualified for nationals need to be bigger i hooked up with a ifbb pro john terrelli at natural physique gym by the time i was 20 i was 5'5 in the 240's getting ready for 1988 nationals for heavyweight class but my life had a dramatic changed july 27 1988 a auto accident i became partially paralized !!!!!!! my dream of being a ifbb pro was gone without a trace but the iron game taught me to never give up !!!!!!!!!
in 1992 i got the fever for powerlifting. lakeshore facility in birmingham alabama sponsored me i got the chance to travel the world competeing in powerlifting won a few shows in the 81kg 181 lbs weight class but now back to my first love bodybuilding but with a slight different twist wheelchair bodybuilding right now getting ready for my 1st show wheelchair bodybuilding nationals in palm beach fl march 10th. The iron game tought me a few things never give up and to try try try again until you get it right!!!!!!! and the weight won't move until you put forth the effort to move it!!!!!!!! Iron game and Life game run on the same princpals! the love the effort the persude and the trill of accomplishment!!!!!!!!! to all my ironheads and Ms ironheads STAY STRONG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!!! IF YOU DON'T WHO WILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MUCH LOVE
Darrell"
Now for all the whiners - SHUT UP AND TRAIN!!!
Adrian Burke
"Hello my name is Darrell T Banks born July 11 1967 in Brooklyn New York as a child i always had a muscular built at the age of 12 touch my first weight and never put it down
just loved the feeling of blood flow thru my veins as i feel the splendid feeling of being pumped muscles bellies filling like there got to pop from working out so hard!!!!!!! i join my first gym at the age of 13 paradise gym in jamaica queens new york 1980 i was surrounded be old skool muscle heads so i at a early age i knew the mean of NO PAIN NO GAIN i compete in my 1st bodybuilding show at 15 eastern metropolis got 5th place most people would be happy but for me angry at myself meaning i needed to train harder in the gym by the time i was 17th i was winning all teenage shows then i competed in my first open mens show at 18 yrs old i competed in the middle weight class got 2nd at that time i said to myself maybe i can be really good at bodybuilding after i took time of being qualified for nationals need to be bigger i hooked up with a ifbb pro john terrelli at natural physique gym by the time i was 20 i was 5'5 in the 240's getting ready for 1988 nationals for heavyweight class but my life had a dramatic changed july 27 1988 a auto accident i became partially paralized !!!!!!! my dream of being a ifbb pro was gone without a trace but the iron game taught me to never give up !!!!!!!!!
in 1992 i got the fever for powerlifting. lakeshore facility in birmingham alabama sponsored me i got the chance to travel the world competeing in powerlifting won a few shows in the 81kg 181 lbs weight class but now back to my first love bodybuilding but with a slight different twist wheelchair bodybuilding right now getting ready for my 1st show wheelchair bodybuilding nationals in palm beach fl march 10th. The iron game tought me a few things never give up and to try try try again until you get it right!!!!!!! and the weight won't move until you put forth the effort to move it!!!!!!!! Iron game and Life game run on the same princpals! the love the effort the persude and the trill of accomplishment!!!!!!!!! to all my ironheads and Ms ironheads STAY STRONG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!!! IF YOU DON'T WHO WILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MUCH LOVE
Darrell"
Now for all the whiners - SHUT UP AND TRAIN!!!
Adrian Burke
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Katie Uter's Fitness Explosion Camp - HOLLA!
3 Weeks Til Katie Uter's Fitness Explosion Camp!
Katie Uter, 2001 Ms. Fitness Universe and 2006 Ms. Bikini Universe, is hosting a fitness training camp in New Orleans, Louisiana, January 26th - 28th. Katie has been competing, coaching, and modeling in the fitness industry for over 10 years. She is now offering a weekend training to teach women the skills they need to enter and succeed in the fitness competition and modeling industry. You won't want to miss this weekend of motivation, education, and fun! Oxygen Magazine will be flying to New Orleans just to cover this event. Katie will also be assisted by several other successful competitors in the competition circuit who will share their expertise as well. There is even a VIP event on Saturday night at Republic in New Orleans for all the ladies attending the camp. There are now girls registered from all over the United States and even one girl coming from Germany for the camp! It is not too late to register! You can find all the details at: www.katieuterfitness.com
Adrian Burke
Katie Uter, 2001 Ms. Fitness Universe and 2006 Ms. Bikini Universe, is hosting a fitness training camp in New Orleans, Louisiana, January 26th - 28th. Katie has been competing, coaching, and modeling in the fitness industry for over 10 years. She is now offering a weekend training to teach women the skills they need to enter and succeed in the fitness competition and modeling industry. You won't want to miss this weekend of motivation, education, and fun! Oxygen Magazine will be flying to New Orleans just to cover this event. Katie will also be assisted by several other successful competitors in the competition circuit who will share their expertise as well. There is even a VIP event on Saturday night at Republic in New Orleans for all the ladies attending the camp. There are now girls registered from all over the United States and even one girl coming from Germany for the camp! It is not too late to register! You can find all the details at: www.katieuterfitness.com
Adrian Burke
Thursday, January 11, 2007
New PURPLE-K Ad
Well it looks like the marketing department has been working hard. After much dialogue with bodybuilders who use PURPLE-K it has been concluded that the number one reason they continue to buy is: EXPLOSIVE STRENGTH. Props the marketing guys - this advert speaks the truth.
Chris Belanger - VP Sales
Chris Belanger - VP Sales
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
FUSION Hoodie Contest - Prove You're a GYM GOD!
We recently ran a contest on Bodybuilding.com. We asked people to prove they are a GYM GOD by sending us a video clip and the top 6 entries would win a killer FUSION Hoodie. Thank you to everyone who entered!
These are the 6 winners, in random order:
Atomic Lee - Strong Man Competition
Brotherhood - 265 x 5 Deads
Srombado - 405 Squat
Panic66 - 315 Bench for reps
Mr. Aries - 405 Stiff-Leg Deads
Babolat06 - 450 x 30 Hammer Strength Squats
Chris Belanger - VP Sales
These are the 6 winners, in random order:
Atomic Lee - Strong Man Competition
Brotherhood - 265 x 5 Deads
Srombado - 405 Squat
Panic66 - 315 Bench for reps
Mr. Aries - 405 Stiff-Leg Deads
Babolat06 - 450 x 30 Hammer Strength Squats
Chris Belanger - VP Sales
Thursday, December 28, 2006
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
In a couple of days the year 2006 will come to an end and it will be the start of a new era for Fusion Nutrition. It was a great year with the continued success of PURPLE-K and the launch of FUBAR and ZEUS.
We have listened to the questions and concerns that the Bodybuilding Culture has had over the past year and we are proud to say that we will be bringing new artillery to the gym forefront that will help you reach your bodybuilding goals.
Thank you Bodybuilding Culture for another excellent year and we look forward to working with you in 2007.
Have a safe and Happy New Year!!!
Happy New Year!!!
Chris Belanger - VP Sales
We have listened to the questions and concerns that the Bodybuilding Culture has had over the past year and we are proud to say that we will be bringing new artillery to the gym forefront that will help you reach your bodybuilding goals.
Thank you Bodybuilding Culture for another excellent year and we look forward to working with you in 2007.
Have a safe and Happy New Year!!!
Happy New Year!!!
Chris Belanger - VP Sales
Monday, December 18, 2006
PURPLE-K Tester Threads
I'd like to thank everyone who tested PURPLE-K on Bodybuilding.com. You were all very thorough and it's great to see so much dedication and hardwork.
Here are their threads:
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=956593
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=954591
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=982865
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=958792
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=947044
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=960754
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=959781
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=980744
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=953882
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=953530
Chris Belanger - VP Sales
Here are their threads:
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=956593
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=954591
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=982865
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=958792
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=947044
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=960754
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=959781
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=980744
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=953882
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=953530
Chris Belanger - VP Sales
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Thursday, December 07, 2006
SHANNON LEROUX – WNSO Pro
Check out this 6’ blonde bombshell – I never knew that a GYM GODDESS could look so good.
You can find more information on Shannon at www.wnso.com/news/index.asp?catID=16
Her website will be launching soon - so keep your eyes peeled: www.shannonleroux.com
Chris Belanger - VP Sales
You can find more information on Shannon at www.wnso.com/news/index.asp?catID=16
Her website will be launching soon - so keep your eyes peeled: www.shannonleroux.com
Chris Belanger - VP Sales
Friday, November 24, 2006
Mixing Alcohol and PURPLE-K
Lately I have been getting the same question being asked time and time again – “Can I drink alcohol while I am using PURPLE-K?”
As you should all be well aware of, Purple-K uses a patented form of buffered creatine known as Kre-Alkalyn™. I will try not to rant on about this question but no, there is no problem consuming alcohol while using Purple-K, “But do I have to take a day off of using Purple-K when I drink alcohol.” This is just like saying do I have to quit eating today because I am going to booze it up tonight.I am not telling you to quit drinking or start drinking alcohol, but if your focus is to build muscle or burn fat make note that alcohol will hinder the outcome of what your goals are.Like everything in life, moderation is key.
I found some valuable information, which was collaborated and written by Marc David. Please read and learn…
The REAL Effects of Alcohol On Your Body
Chris Belanger - VP Sales
As you should all be well aware of, Purple-K uses a patented form of buffered creatine known as Kre-Alkalyn™. I will try not to rant on about this question but no, there is no problem consuming alcohol while using Purple-K, “But do I have to take a day off of using Purple-K when I drink alcohol.” This is just like saying do I have to quit eating today because I am going to booze it up tonight.I am not telling you to quit drinking or start drinking alcohol, but if your focus is to build muscle or burn fat make note that alcohol will hinder the outcome of what your goals are.Like everything in life, moderation is key.
I found some valuable information, which was collaborated and written by Marc David. Please read and learn…
The REAL Effects of Alcohol On Your Body
Written by: Marc David - Monday, 20 November 2006
If you are curious as to the effects of alcohol on the body, this could be the most eye-opening article you will ever read.
Many of us associate the effects of alcohol on the body with the heart, lungs, liver, brain, memory, etc. Furthermore, if asked about effects of drinking alcohol in terms of our fitness goals, most people will let you know about the infamous beer belly.
You know what I'm talking about right?
Drink too much and you end up storing too many calories as fat.
Many people will choose low calorie alcohol drinks or low carb alcoholic beverages in an attempt to avoid the fat storage issue. They feel that by making this choice the only bad effects of alcohol - increased fat storage - will be minimized.
But what you didn't know is that only about 5% of the calories from alcohol are stored as fat! [14]
Then it hit me as it should hit you right about now...
The effects of alcohol on the body are far more damaging than can be predicted by the number of empty calories in some alcoholic beverage.
The truth is...
1- Alcohol really affects the amount of fat your body can and will burn for energy!
In a study done by the American Journal of Clinical Research [4] they concluded that just a mere 24g of alcohol consumption showed whole-body lipid oxidation ( the rate at which your body burns fat) decreased by a whopping 73%!
When alcohol goes thru the liver, the by-product is called Acetate. It would appear that acetate puts the proverbial brakes on fat burning.
Your body can use many types of fuel. Protein, carbohydrates and fat. In many cases, the fuel used is dictated by it's availability.
Trouble is...
Your body tends to use whatever you feed it for fuel right? As your acetate levels increase, your body burns more acetate as fuel.
What this means is...
Fat burning takes a back seat!
What it all boils down to is this...
a) You consume a couple of alcoholic drinks or more. b) Your liver metabolizes that into acetate. c) Your body uses the acetate for fat as fuel.
2- Increase in appetite
In another American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study, there was evidence to suggest that consumption of alcohol lead to an increase in appetite over that of any other carbohydrate type drink. [5]
Researchers over in the Research Department of Human Nutrition and Center for Advanced Food Studies in Denmark [8] concluded that consumption of alcoholic beverages, and wine in particular, may enhance total energy intake at a meal relative to a soft drink, when served with no restriction.
3- Decrease in Testosterone and an Increase in Cortisol
A study of 8 healthy male volunteers observed that after drinking alcohol, the effects of a significant decrease in testosterone and an increase in cortisol (a muscle destroying hormone) lasted up to 24 hours! [6]
The only real question to ask yourself is this...
If you are serious about building muscle and burning fat, you want all the free testosterone levels you can get and you want to reduce cortisol in any way you can. That means go lite on the drinking because it does affect your hormones.
What more...
Is that the effects were even worse if you exercise before drinking. [1] This means that if you are going out and will be drinking more than a small amount of alcohol, you might as well skip the gym.
Not shocking is a study done by the Department of Radiology, Sahlgrenska Hospital, Goteborg, Sweden [2] that determined increased waist to hip ratio of alcoholics may include not only changes in adipose tissue, but also in muscle tissue distribution.
In layman's terms.. that means more fat around the waist and less overall muscle mass.
4- Decrease in vitamin and mineral absorption
When you consume large quantities of alcohol, your liver is busy converting the alcohol to acetate and any vitamins and minerals that it might process are taken up by the detoxification process.
Alcohol interferes with the metabolism of most vitamins, and with the absorption of many nutrients. Alcohol stimulates both urinary calcium and magnesium excretion. [13]
This just means that you'll get less of a benefit from the "healthy" meal you may be consuming.
Food in the stomach will compete with ethanol for absorption into the blood stream. It is well known that alcohol competes and influences the processing of nutrients in the body. [12]
5- Decrease in protein synthesis of type II fibers
This means the actual building of muscle is slowed down by 20%+ or more. This included a 35% decrease in muscle insulin-like growth factor-I (GF-I). [9]
6- Dehydration
A common side effect of alcohol is dehydration. Alcohol is a diuretic. Drinks containing 4% alcohol tend to delay the recovery process. [11]
Considering how important water is to muscle building and general health, it's clear that dehydration can put a damper on your progress. After alcohol consumption the first thing you might want to do is drink coffee. But that's a diuretic as well. How to avoid dehydration? Drink more water.
7- Sleep
Alcohol consumption, especially at the times when you would normally sleep, can have effects on the quality of sleep. Clearly high quality sleep is extremely important to the rebuilding and growth process of muscle. Without proper rest and recovery, your gains will be affected.
Alcohol consumption can induce sleep disorders by disrupting the sequence and duration of sleep states and by altering total sleep time as well as the time required to fall asleep. [10]
8- The next day
A rather obvious conclusion but if you plan on drinking on a Friday night in excess then the leg workout you thought of doing on Saturday morning won't be top notch. It takes a bit to recover, your body to detoxify and for you mentally to be prepared to workout.
Not to mention you need energy for the workout ahead.
Sure you can hit the weights but my point is...
It's not going to be the best workout you've ever experienced.
At this point you might be totally discouraged to ever drink any alcohol again. But there's some good news.
Here's proof...
In the November 2004 issue of the International Journal of Obesity [7] they did a study on the effects of moderate consumption of white wine on weight loss.
Each group consumed 1500 calories. 150 calories came from white wine in one group and 150 calories from grape juice in another.
The conclusion?
An energy-restricted diet is effective in overweight and obese subjects used to drinking moderate amounts of alcohol. A diet with 10% of energy derived from white wine is as effective as an isocaloric diet with 10% of energy derived from grape juice.
It's simple: Moderation is the key! (with first place being abstinence as you already know).
In any event...
The effects of alcohol on your body when it comes to building muscle and burning fat are quite clear. It is a lot more than just some extra calories stored as fat. If you consume too much, it can derail your goals a lot longer after your head has hit the pillow and you've gone to sleep.
References:
1. Heikkonen, E., Ylikahri, R., Roine, R., Valimaki, M., Harkonen, M., & Salaspuro, M. (1996). The combined effect of alcohol and physical exercise on serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and cortisol in males. Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research, 20, 711-716
2. Kvist, H., Hallgren, P., Jonsson, L., Pettersson, P., Sjoberg, C., Sjostrom, L., & Bjorntorp, P. (1993). Distribution of adipose tissue and muscle mass in alcoholic men. Metabolism, 42, 569-573
3. Raben A, Agerholm-Larsen L, Flint A, Holst JJ, Astrup A. (2003). Meals with similar energy densities but rich in protein, fat, carbohydrate, or alcohol have different effects on energy expenditure and substrate metabolism but not on appetite and energy intake. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 77, 91-100
4. Siler, S.Q., Neese, R.A., & Hellerstein, M.K. (1999). De novo lipogenesis, lipid kinetics, and whole-body lipid balances in humans after acute alcohol consumption. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 70, 928-936
5. Tremblay, A., & St-Pierre, S. (1996). The hyperphagic effect of a high-fat diet and alcohol intake persists after control for energy density. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 63, 479-482
6. Valimaki, M.J., Harkonen, M., Eriksson, C.J., & Ylikahri, R.H. (1984). Sex hormones and adrenocortical steroids in men acutely intoxicated with ethanol. Alcohol, 1, 89-93
7. Flechtner-Mors, M., Biesalski, H.K., Jenkinson, C.P., Adler, G., & Ditschuneit, H.H. (2004). Effects of moderate consumption of white wine on weight loss in overweight and obese subjects. International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders, 28, 1420-1426
8. Buemann, B., Toubro, S., & Astrup, A. (2002). The effect of wine or beer versus a carbonated soft drink, served at a meal, on ad libitum energy intake. International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders, 26, 1367-1372
9. Lang CH, Frost RA, Kumar V, Wu D, Vary TC. (2000). Inhibition of muscle protein synthesis by alcohol is associated with modulation of eIF2B and eIF4E, 3, 322-31
10. Alcohol Alert, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, No. 41 July. 1988
11. Shirreffs, Susan M., and Ronald J Maughan. 91997). Restoration of fluid balance after exercise-induced dehydration: effects of alcohol consumption, Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol. 83, No. 4, pp. 1152-1158
12. "Alcohol, chemistry and you," Kennesaw State University, chemcases.com, Aug. 2002
13. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Report to Congress, 1990
14. "Why alcohol calories are more important than you think," Christian Finn, TheFactsAboutFitness.com
Learn more about the effects of alcohol on the body and many other training, supplement and nutritional topics in Marc David's Free Crash Course on Bodybuilding eZine at: http://www.beginning-bodybuilding.com
Chris Belanger - VP Sales
Thursday, November 23, 2006
SYMMETRICAL?
Think this dude's symmetrical?
Dave Naugler - 2006 Canadian National Middleweight Champ!
Chris Belanger - VP Sales
Dave Naugler - 2006 Canadian National Middleweight Champ!
Chris Belanger - VP Sales
Monday, November 20, 2006
I am a Gym God
Last night I had the sickest workout in the 7 weeks that I had been back training. It was one of those workouts that with every lift there is an increase in strength and the focus is bang on. I felt like I could have lift forever with the Purple-K and ZEUS flowing through my veins…it was an endorphin rush that could never be touched by any drug. After a grueling workout and promising lifts, I didn’t want to leave because I felt like I was leaving something behind…I am a Gym God.
Chris Belanger - VP Sales
Chris Belanger - VP Sales
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
SHOUT OUT!!!
This is a shout out to Barry Antoniow who has had a very successful last couple of months. In September 2006 Barry won the Ontario Provincial Bench Press Championship with a 210 kg (462lbs) bench and broke the Ontario record but check this out - it was his record to beat :-)
On October 19, 2006 he then took the Gold Medal at the North American Bench Press Championship in San Jose, Costa Rica. He benched a whopping 215 kg (473lbs) to set a North American record as well as a new Ontario Provincial record. These were drug tested events which means all his lifts are in the books.
For more information on Barry Antoniow please visit his website at http://www.ottawastrong.com/
FYI: Along with Barry’s dedication to training and proper diet, he is a user of ZEUS, Purple-K, and FUBAR.
Chris Belanger - VP Sales
On October 19, 2006 he then took the Gold Medal at the North American Bench Press Championship in San Jose, Costa Rica. He benched a whopping 215 kg (473lbs) to set a North American record as well as a new Ontario Provincial record. These were drug tested events which means all his lifts are in the books.
For more information on Barry Antoniow please visit his website at http://www.ottawastrong.com/
FYI: Along with Barry’s dedication to training and proper diet, he is a user of ZEUS, Purple-K, and FUBAR.
Chris Belanger - VP Sales
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Busy F'n Week!
My week in the office has been too busy to really come up with good things to talk about.
I have been spending quite a bit of time on the Bodybuilding.com forums. If you want to follow me on there, my user name is Gym God. Yes…I am a Gym God. Here's a current thread:
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/forumdisplay.php?f=85
My training is going good and I have one more week before I switch up the program. Strength is going up and my form is good. I have been putting a lot of emphasis on my legs… since my injury there has not been much too them. In one more week and I plan to get in the squat rack and hammer the legs.
Chris Belanger - VP Sales
I have been spending quite a bit of time on the Bodybuilding.com forums. If you want to follow me on there, my user name is Gym God. Yes…I am a Gym God. Here's a current thread:
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/forumdisplay.php?f=85
My training is going good and I have one more week before I switch up the program. Strength is going up and my form is good. I have been putting a lot of emphasis on my legs… since my injury there has not been much too them. In one more week and I plan to get in the squat rack and hammer the legs.
Chris Belanger - VP Sales
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