Musclemag International: April 2011 - Review

Musclemag International's (MMI) April 2011 edition has as its focus getting ripped. That is cutting back the fat so you can see those abs you've been working on all winter long. You have been working on them right? It is the right time to start thinking about it, so MMI is trying to get a jump on that thinking.

Best Quote: "God gave men a penis and a brain but only enough blood to run one of them at a time" - Michael Alvear p.282. Sad, but so true.

Highlight Article: "Assault on Abs" - in keeping with the theme of this month, the highlight article is great in that it tackles all aspects of abdominal training save one - nutrition. That said, everything else is outstanding whether you lift at home or the gym this is a good one. (p. 100-116)

Best Regular Feature: I actually want to highlight whole group of them that gives MMI it one truly great unique feature -- The back of the entire magazine is called Musclemag Hardcore. This effectively gives you two magazines for the price of one. MMI's Hardcore has tips and advice from real pros including one of my favorites Joel Stubbs. Why is he a favorite of mine? Because he is six feet, three inches tall. Just one inch shorter than me, so his advice often is more helpful to the taller bodybuilder such as myself. Also here are Mark Dugdale, Johnnie Jackson, Craig Richardson and Hidetada Yamagishi with regular features.

Notable Articles:
1. "Get Cut, Caveman Style" - Not only is this great article on the paleo nutrition plan, which highlights the current debate in nutritional understandings, it also gives me a chance to praise illustrator Mark Collins. Mark gives MMI some its unique graphics content, not only in an article like this one, but also in Muscle Bites where he offers up a unique illustration for each report given. (p.122-130)
2. "Watch Out Megflab is Officially Contagious" - Johnny Fitness is SO RIGHT on this one! (p.48-49)
3. "America's Strongest Family" -- Very inspirational article of IFBB Pro Andy Haman and his family. It is nice to see a father and mother pass on their love for fitness to all of their children. (p. 178-188)

Duds: Maybe I am being nit picky here but the sport med regular feature about spinal compression (p.80-82) seemed a little incomplete. It showed what options there are for treatment, but offered little in the way of preventative advice. Not a true dud, but missing something.

Graphics Content Review: Professional as always. Unique graphics for each article, unique illustrations and artwork. Photos crisp and clear; not grainy at all and that was true for both color and black and white. Eye candy this month is model Heather Shanholtz and she proves why married men should stay away from baseball if they wish to remain faithful.

Rating: Four and a half stars. This one was great. It has something for everyone and every fitness level. The articles are informative and well written without resorting to technical language. The graphics were outstanding. The focus of MMI is always about improving yourself at whatever level you may find yourself and this one demonstrates that very well. This issue is a demonstration of why I say it is the king of them all.

Musclemag -- February 2011 Issue - Review

Musclemag International (MMI) is by far my favorite publication involving Bodybuilding and I am not just saying that because they published my letter in the January 2011 issue and paid my $ 50 for it but it helps. Robert Kennedy and company have put together a total package that can appeal to any bodybuilder of any level. There is an overall philosophy to the magazine that matches my own so for me it works well. It also has a kind of two for one feature. The regular magazine and then the back is a hardcore section of its own for advanced lifters which makes it great as well.

This months theme is about gaining muscle size and strength. It is that time of year in the bodybuilding cycle so it fits.

Best Quote: "Arnold fans the world over may collectively groan with disgust at the news that Sam Worthington (from Avatar) is being considered for the lead role as John Matrix" (Referring to the possible remake of Commando) - no kidding the guy is a toothpick.

Highlight Article: "Hardgainer's Nutrition Guide" (p148-158) -- being a hard gainer who is large myself, it was good to see Craig Richardson's off season nutrition plan. Gives you a lot of ideas if you are a hard gainer of what to do.

Notable Articles:

1. 'Meet the Fakers' - good article on some food choices that seem good on the surface but actually have problems.

2. 'The Book on Shrugs" - solid article about shrugs and their role in the development of traps muscles.

3. "Food Folly" - good article on salt and diet manipulation before a contest.

Dud Articles:

None - this is why I like this Magazine, there is really no fluff to it at all. Every part of it focuses on the bodybuilding world with good insight and advice.

Graphics Content Review: MMI has one real skill when it comes to graphics - they bring together all three elements very well -- originality, crispness and realism. In this issue are two photo spreads: Water Warriors' and 'Aqua Attraction'. The first of bodybuilders Ronny Rockel and Ahmad Ahmad. The second is of Jessica Putnam. Both are taken poolside in Los Vegas and are well done with clear photos that bring out every one's best features. The one of Jessica is tame compared to some of the spreads in previous issues, put still shows the power of fitness to create and sexy and attractive woman.

Rating: To one of their best, but still the high quality I expect from Musclemag International. Four and a half stars.