Muscular Development - June 2011 - Review

Muscular Development Magazine (MD) June 2011 features Arnold Champion Branch Warren on the cover. This issue is all about Branch and all the other MD athletes that did well at the Arnold Classic.  I really was a great contest for them  and it makes them a real threat at Olympia.  In this issue, MD was blowing it own horn a bit but 'it ain't braggin' if you did it'.

Best Quote: "Everything I have, I owe to Bodybuilding.  People ask me where I got my work ethic and my  discipline and it was from bodybuilding" - Branch Warren (p.180)

Highlight Article: "Is Arnold Champ Branch Warren the Next Dorian Yates?" -- This article explores exactly this question and the parallels are tight -- Dorian and Branch both work hard and do not care about what others think.  They both overcome genetic limitations through hard work.  Yeah, I think it is possible. (p. 176-187)

Best Regular Feature: At the risk of being redundant, No Juice Bodybuilding on p. 262 hit it again.  Layne Norton strikes again about not being a hater but instead focusing on self improvement.  Sorry the guy is really resonating with me right now.

Notable Articles:
1. Team MD invades the Arnold: Branch Warren, Dennis Wolf, Victor Martinez and Evan Centopani -1,2,3,4 at the Arnold Classic.  Team MD interviews and a good look at each athlete. (p. 158-169)
2. Biceps Blitzkrieg! -- Dennis Wolf's bicep workout. (p192-201)
3. Victor Martinez Bigger and Better: Great look at The Dominican Dominator current Training and thus why he is re-surging. (p.204-213)

Duds:
1. Ramblin' Freak -- don't read it anymore, the f-word is substituted for the actual English language.
2. Any article about drugs and drug use in bodybuilding.  Trust me, I know that the whole issue is not as bad as people say, but by doing these your are endorsing the breaking of the Law.  I know some are legal, but it is the appearance of evil that bothers me.  Plus, being an natural bodybuilder, I can't use them.

Graphic Content Review:
MD is brilliant at times: their black and white photos are some of the best in the business.  However, they get both repetitive in their graphics and their overuse, in my opinion of black and white backgrounds.  There regular features never change their graphics.  You can definitely see that they are more concerned about other things than their graphics.

Eye Candy:
This month we have a triple threat: Bikini Competitors  Nicole Nagrani, Sonia Gonzales and Nathalia Melo.  MD does it right when it comes to eye candy this month.  Three top competitors wearing the bikinis they make look good in competition is the way to go.  Also, these ladies finished first, second and third respectively, so it was a top championship lineup.

Rating: 3 and half stars: Good at times, but lagging behind at times.  I liked the interviews and as always MD has lots of good info to digest.  Good to see Branch Warren and the rest of Team MD get their due respect as well.

The Significance of Kai Greene's Victory at the New York Pro

Kai Greene's Victory at the New York Pro a couple days ago indicates that he is most definitely back in the game, but it has an even greater impact down the road as we look at the Mr. Olympia contest in September.  It now means that things are shaping up for one of the toughest Olympia's ever.

Jay Cutler, the current Mr. Olympia, has stated repeatedly that he wants to win the next one and have there be no doubt as to why he won.  After last years squeaker I can understand why as many still claim the Phil Heath won the thing if prejudging actually counted for something.  The problem for Jay is that as this year has gone by, the field has not gotten easier to beat but harder.  It is like the pack of wolves nipping at his heals senses weakness and is ready to bring him down.  Sorry Jay but I don't think a clear victory is in the cards this year.  There are simply to many good competitors.

Phil Heath has been training all year with only one thing in mind -- winning the Olympia.  He has done nothing but aim at this event.  He is going to be even tougher to beat than last year.

Branch Warren is now the winner of the Arnold Classic and that means he also is a number one contender.  The guy has from now till Mr. Olympia to train and get ready.

Two other guys are surging right now and look really really good - Dennis Wolf and Victor Martinez.  Both of them came very close to winning the Arnold Classic.  If they keep surging, they will be right up there with the rest of them.

Evan Centopani can't be counted out as a dark horse either.  He may be new but he is definitely reached the status of player.

Now, there is Kai Greene and Kai looked very good a few days ago and if he looks even better at the Mr. Olympia that contest between Kai and Phil will indeed take place along with all the rest thrown in as well. 

In short, there are a whole pack of competitors that could take Jay's crown this year and I am banking that one of them will succeed.  Sorry Jay, I think it will be too much to hold off more than one.  Last year you really only had Branch and Phil to worry about.  This year, it is going to be Branch, Phil, Dennis, Victor, Evan and yes indeed -- Kai Greene.  This is shaping up to be very interesting indeed.

Muscular Development: April 2011 - Review

Muscular Development (MD) also has Arnold Schwarzenegger on the cover. The main focus is all the prep going on for the Arnold Classic and at the time of writing the contest is over. Congrats to Team MD with the top three finishes and some others who placed well. The central thing about this MD is some insider stuff on the movie Pumping Iron, a film that can be credited not only for promoting bodybuilding success but fitness in general.

Best Quote: "I plan on winning the show, so that's it. I train for first place and nothing else will be acceptable" -- Victor Martinez (p.178)

Highlight Article: "The Story Behind Arnold and Pumping Iron" - This is actually an interview with George Butler who made the film. Many things I already knew from watching the special features from the 25th Anniversary special edition of Pumping Iron but there was some new stuff as well. In addition there are some great photos, not just of Arnold, but of Lou Ferrigno as well. (p.162-170)

Best Regular Feature: The nod goes to former Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates' column "Blood and Guts: What you need to know before your first show" It is very nice to see an old pro with lots of experience share this knowledge. It covers a lot of ground and offers sound advice. Thanks Dorian. (p. 290-294)

Notable Articles:
1. Thunder Thighs Throwdown: Branch Warren and Evan Centopani go at it in Legs (p.146-157)
2. Hard as a Rock: This was a very inspiring article about Ronny Rockel. Talk about a guy who had to overcome adversity (p.188-196)
3. Dennis Wolf's 15 Best Lifts: I like articles like these where the pro simply tells you what is best for them and why. (p. 220-235)

Duds:
1. Ramblin' Freak - repeat of last months review
2. Anything involving Anabolics -- I don't use them, so none of these articles are useful to me.

Graphics Content Review:
Someone at MD has either been reading my reviews or a light bulb has gone on because black back grounding has given way to some other colors and the magazine has lost some of its dark feel. More use of color in the rest as well. There is a poster of The Oak to pull out. This months Major Distraction is Nathalia Melo. Melo is a IFBB Bikini Pro and I have only one complaint. I am not expert photographer but isn't putting a girl with nice earth tones to her hair, eyes and skin against a white and metallic setting in black and white outfits kind of harsh. Thank God the girl herself still pulls off the shoot.

Rating: Four and a quarter stars. The changes in graphics are step in the right direction and the vintage photos from Pumping Iron are great. Content is solid with good information for the most part.

My Arnold Classic 2011 Picks - Part 2 - Me vs. The Results

So how did I do? Do I have a future job as a bodybuilding prophet?

The Winner: Branch Warren. I picked Branch Warren. Now let the talk begin of a true three way competition at Olympia between Jay Cutler, Phil Heath and Branch Warren. Branch Warren (pictured above) is the Man.

2nd: Dennis Wolf. I picked Dexter Jackson. Dexter was a disappointment this time. I had hoped Dexter's star was not dropping, but he did not look good this time. Dennis Wolf is definitely back though and in the hunt and will keep the big three looking over their shoulder.

3rd: Victor Martinez. I picked Dennis Wolf. Victor is definitely on the rebound, with some solid work he could definitely do well at Olympia. Note: Had the right order at this point except for Dexter Jackson finishing so poorly.

4th: Evan Centopani. I picked Victor Martinez. Evan was the best Dark Horse of them all this time. I felt he would finish seventh but looking at the pics, he definitely deserves fourth. There is a new player in town.

5th: Dexter Jackson. I picked Ronny Rockel. Dexter's fifth place has got to be a disappointment. Honestly looking at the pics I feel Ronny still deserves this spot. Dexter just looked wrong. This was a case of 'Gee Dex, you kind of suck today but because you are a former Mr. O we can't place you lower".

6th: Ronny Rockel: I picked Toney Freeman. Ronny deserved the fifth place spot I gave him but with Evan doing so well and Dexter being so bad, Ronny hit sixth - again.

7th: Jonnie Jackson: I picked Evan Centopani. Jonnie deserved this spot. He looked good. Definitely moving on from being a strong man to a bodybuilder.

8th: Roelly Winklaar: I picked Roelly Winklaar. Dead on here. Roelly has a great future ahead of him.

9th: Toney Freeman: I picked Sergey Shelestov. Toney didn't do as well as I had hoped. Sergey did almost this, it is just Jonnie Jackson did well; others were surprises.

10th: Ben Pakuski. I picked Ben Pakuski. The Pak Man will have a great future in this sport if he remembers one thing -- he is going to have to work very hard.

11th: Sergey Shelestov. Me: Fouad Abaid

12th: Fouad Abaid. Me: Jonnie Jackson

13th: Essa Obaid. Me: Robert Poitrkowicz (Mohammad Touri did not compete)

14th: Robert Poitrkowicz. Me: Essa Obaid

Looking at it I did pretty good for a guy who has only been looking at men's bodybuilding for a couple years. I had the order pretty close. Dexter Jackson not doing well and a stronger than expected performance from Even Centopani and Jonnie Jackson were the only things I really got wrong. Toney Freeman was a slight disappointment. The rest I was very close (1 or 2 placings off either way) and I nailed three of them including the winner.

To Team MD (Muscular Development Magazine) - Congratulations: 1st, 2nd and 3rd. You have to be proud.

My Arnold Classic 2011 Picks!

I am only going to pick for the big competition. Sorry Bikini, Figure, Fitness, Bodybuilding Women and 202 Men, I just don't know your competition criteria enough to make a call. The only reason I am even picking this is to see how well I am learning the sport and compare my thoughts to what happens.


The big news is of course that two time champ Kai Greene is sitting this one out and so is Phil Heath (being 2nd both at Olympia and Arnold last year). Jay Cutler being Mr. Olympia needs not apply. Last year's Heath vs. Greene will not repeat. That leaves things a little wide open. This is going to be a wild one with some very good and evenly matched competitors. Based on what I see, here is what I think should happen.


1. Branch Warren - Branch has been playing second fiddle long enough. Two 3rd places at Olympia the last two years and a second and 2 third place finishes at the Arnold over the last three years are his resume and without Heath, Greene or Cutler in front of him, he should win this one. He needs this one to make a statement going into Olympia 2011 so that is even more motivation.


2. Dexter Jackson: The 2008 Mr. Olympia and three time Arnold winner will add a second place trophy to his mantle. I really like Dexter but he is starting to have the air of veteran player who is starting to have his star slowly fall. Hopefully I am wrong and a Arnold win would definitely mark him as back in the game, but I have to say second.


3. Dennis Wolf: Dennis Wolf has regained his momentum and is heading forward with his 'no more gurus' approach. I think it earns him a 3rd slot barely. He is a guy who can challenge the top two and if he has a great day could definitely pass them.


4. Victor Martinez: Victor needs this one and a top finish at Arnold would put him back in the big game as well. He seems to be rebounding from his leg injury very well and if he can get it together he could win this one with a little help.


5. Ronny Rockel: Ronny finished sixth last year. I would normally say then it would be fourth place for the German with Greene and Heath out. The problem I see is a resurgent Wolf and Martinez. He is going to have to be perfect to finish better than fifth.


6. Toney Freeman: I love the X-Man and in a perfect world where symmetry and frame mattered as much as size, Toney should be in the top three. However this is not a perfect world.


7. Evan Centopani: After two years off Evan is going to be the guy that rises to the top over the next decade. Finishing this high would be a good start.


8. Roelly Winklaar: 'The Dutch Beast' is getting better, I just don't see him having that little something extra that takes him past the guys I have listed above him.


9. Sergey Shelestov: The Russian Born Canadian will lead the rest of the field. He is my dark horse in a sense because I feel he will finish this high. I like his physique it reminds me a little of Nasser El-Sonbaty.


10. Ben Pakulski: Like Ben as well, but he is going to have to be spot on to beat some of these veterans.


11. Fouad Abaid: This guy's classic looks should serve him well.


12. Jonnie Jackson: The worlds strongest bodybuilder of 2009 will be hard pressed in this field.


13. Mohammed Touri: This guy looks great, but a veteran field will sweep him away. Give him a few years and he will challenge someone.


14. Robert Poitrkowicz: I think this guy slips this year.


15. Essa Obaid: A lot of people are going nuts for this guy, I don't see why myself. Maybe its the hair.


Well that is it. I guess we will see how it comes out on March 5th. I hope I do OK, but I have only been bodybuilding myself for a year and a half and following the sport for a couple years. We will see how it comes out.

Muscular Development: March 2011 Issue - Review

The March 2011 issue of Muscular Development (MD) has one central focus: The upcoming Arnold Classic (March 3-6). MD has good reason to be excited about the Arnold Classic, as their editor points out, because they have a lot of their own bodybuilders in the mix. I will make my predictions for the Arnold next week, but there is a really good chance that a Team MD athlete will come out on top. I count five: Branch Warren, Dennis Wolf, Roelly Winklaar, Evan Centopani and Victor Martinez. The only front runners I see that are not MD for the Arnold are Dexter Jackson and possibly Toney Freeman.

Best Quote: "When it comes to weight, I think if you can't do it right, then don't do it" Lee Priest p.39. All Hail the Priest, he is dead on right.

Highlight Article: "The Countdown to Columbus: 2011 Arnold Preview" -- of them all, this magazine this month had the best Arnold coverage. Probably because they have the most at stake. They are tooting their own horn a bit, but I have to say I like Team MD's odds. (p. 138-149)

Best Regular Feature: 'Absolute-Lee Outrageous' -- That's right Lee Priest again. The fact is Lee Priest has the best regular feature month after month. His frank, no nonsense approach is pleasing and the way he handles questions is real. (p.38-39)

Notable Articles:
1. At the Back of any MD magazine is the section with the pros tips and articles that give a great advice. (p. 284-322)
2. In the middle of the the month's MD is also a bunch focus articles on each MD competitor for the Arnold Classic (p. 162-229)
3. "Going Old School: Donkey Calf Raises" -- I have to admit this one make me think that I should incorporate them into my routine, the only thing is I would have to draft my daughter or wife to sit on my back so I could do them.

Duds: 'The Ramblin' Freak' -- I really do not have anything against Gregg Valentino, and I understand this is supposed to be entertainment only stuff, but I just don't get the entertainment of this regular feature. Second month in a row - dud.

Graphics Review: MD is as dark as always, I think using black as a background color throughout the magazine is a mistake except for one thing - it makes the black and white photos, which MD excels at, stand out more. Some of the regular feature graphics are repetitive as always.

Rating: 3 and a half stars. For content MD would get a four start rating. However, because of the poor graphics and the content revolving around expletives and anabolics, I drop it a star. This month though, it is the king of the Arnold as far as preview coverage is concerned so back up one half star.