Musclemag International - Abs Special - Review

Musclemag International (MMI), on occasion at the right times of the year , will put out a special issue to deal with the goals for that item.  In this case it is about having those abs for the beach.  This is more of a reference tool than an actual magazine, but it bears looking at for potential.  That is Jeremy Patterson on the cover.

Best Quote: 'Keep in mind that you biggest roadblock...is complacency." Bill Geiger (p. 23)

Feature Article: The heart and soul of this special edition is the 60+ ab exercises that are fully illustrated with advice on each one.  Divided by abdominal area: Upper, Lower, Obliques and Combos.  The specific anatomy of each exercise is illustrated as well.  This section also offers a difficulty level for each exercise as well. (p.39-104)

Notable Articles:
1. Six Week, 6 Pack Starter Guide: Good overall article laying out the groundwork for abdominal training. (p.106-115)
2. Cardio the Lean Maker: Good article on the purpose of cardio in an ab training program.  it includes different intensity levels (p. 116-123)
3. Six Weeks to a Lean Physique: Nutrition article giving a six week program to cut weight. (p.124-131)

Graphic Content Review: There are lots of things to consider in this one.  MMI's regular magazine always does a good job with graphics.  This magazine is no exception.  The real issue is are the graphics useful as this is a training guide.  The fact that a magazine would take the time and illustrate over 60 abdominal exercises with photos, giving a page for each one, is a testimony to a commitment to quality work.  In addition the photos are top notch.  Well done.

Rating: 4 and a quarter stars.  This is a very well don training guide.  You could keep this one on the shelf as a reference tool for all things involving abdominal.  I know it is causing me to rethink my strategy for the rest of the summer. 

Musclemag International - June 2011 - Review

Musclemag International

Musclemag International's (MMI) June 2011 edition feature Ronnie Coleman on the cover.  The magazine promises to be an extreme muscle gain issue.  You know for a guy who is 'retired' from the sport of bodybuilding, Ronnie Coleman still gets some serious press.  Guess being a former 8 time Mr. Olympia will do that for you. 

Best Quote: "Bodybuilding is a tough sport because you have to do it from the time you get up until the time you go to bed, every day." - Ed Nunn (p.235)

Highlight Article: "Extreme Mass, Extremely Fast" - This article is quite long and covers every aspect of mass building from training split, rep ranges, routines and principles for individual exercises.  I am definitely going to file this one away for my next mass building cycle. (p. 120-150)

Best Regular Feature: "The Big Risk of Beach Muscle Training" - There are a lot of guy that train only for the beach muscle, this article reminds all of us that this is not only stupid from a bodybuilding point of view, it is also a health risk during training. (p73-74)

Notable Articles:
1. "Explosive Lifts for Extreme Growth" - Good article on the potential for power lifting to help the bodybuilder to achieve quicker results. (p108-118)
2. "Big Time" - Eight nutrition tips that help a bodybuilder add quality mass (p.154-162)
3. "Fix It or Forget It" - Well done article on common training errors, identifying them and fixing them (p. 240-250)

Duds: You know I looked hard but each article actually had some value to me.  Good work.

Graphic Content Review: Of the all, MMI has the best overall graphics.  They work hard not to be repetitive, their pictures are solid and colorful.  In this issue they had some great shots of the Arnold Classic and Branch Warren's victory there.  In addition, the cartoons are good and unique every week.  Really high end professional all the way around.

Eye Candy: This month MMI features Jenna Webb.  One thing Robert Kennedy has going for him is that he also produces a men's magazine called American Curves and he gets to showcase some really unique talent here in MMI because of it.  Jenna Webb probably made the camera melt on this one and Gregory James should be very proud on this shoot.  Jenna is an extremely sensual woman. (p. 198-210)

Rating: 4 stars.  Very solid as usual from MMI.  Very Solid Mass building issue.    

Welcome to The Temple Builder for Christ

This Blog is spin off from the Rabyd Theologian 2.0. and contains my posts from that site involving bodybuilding, nutrition, motivation, magazine reviews, etc. The point being to have a unique home for those type of posts.

In addition, I want this to be a place of accountability for myself as I continue on my a lifelong journey of being a bodybuilding Christian pastor.

I also hope to write on the issues of the health and fitness world and how I think they affect Christians who both train and compete.

Blessings and Enjoy!

Flex: May 2011 - Review

The May 2011 edition of Flex Magazine features Pro Bodybuilder Kai Greene on the cover. Dubbed the Build Old-School Muscle Issue, this issue promises gains in strength, size and focuses on arms. Kai Greene sat the Arnold Classic out this year, but that does not mean he has been idle as he has his sights set on the New York Pro this year. Flex, as always if focused on the sport of Bodybuilding and does its level best at covering as many aspects of training and competition as possible.

Best Quote: "Nobody Trains for Seventh, Eighth or Tenth." - Kai Greene p 168.

Highlight Article: "The O-Men Workouts" - Covers various workouts of Five former Mr. Olympias and analyzes why they worked. Each Mr. O (Arnold Schwarzenegger, Frank Zane, Lee Haney, Dorian Yates and Ronnie Coleman) is featured in one of their best body parts and then dissected as to why the workouts worked. (p 125-141)

Best Regular Feature: This month I want to highlight the NPC Report. Usually Flex has this one the back of every issue and it is a good dose of information hitting the highlights of the NPC Amateur Bodybuilding scene. It is nice to see at least one mag cover the sport's amateur side. (p.275-280)

Notable Articles:
1. A New York State of Mind: A great interview with Kai Greene. You know, I am starting to become a Greene fan, at least until he goes up against Phil Heath or Branch Warren. (p. 166-174)
2. Eat Like a Pro: You have to see this one day of diet that Phil Heath is on during the off season. I don't often say this, OMG! (p.196-205)
3. Power Circuits: A Circuit Training Workout for Bodybuilders. No kidding. (p. 180-190)

Duds:
I am not sure about this one. On the cover, there is the expression "7 Keys to the Perfect Workout". Maybe someone could point it out to me, but I couldn't find it inside the mag.

Graphic Content Review:
Solid and Varied as always from Flex. Lots of pictures and some great shots from the Arnold Classic all the way through. Flex really puts the color into things and I like that. Lots of good photos

Eye Candy:
IFBB Figure Pro Kathleen Tesori in some very good shots. This is how a bodybuilding magazine should do a photo shoot of a woman. Get one of your pros and showcase them. Playboy playmates simply look too soft and with some pros there is still some mystery to some of their parts. Not much, but some. (p. 252-258)

Rating: Four Stars. Solid in every way but nothing really says "wow!" but still good. Graphics are good and varied with tons of good shots from the Arnold Classic. Good one.

Muscle and Fitness: May 2011 Edition - Review

The May 2011 Edition of Muscle and Fitness (M&F) Features Brock Lesnar, former WWE Superstar and UFC Heavyweight Champion on the cover. This issue is dubbed the Fighter Issue for much of the content being devoted to fighters of all types. A note on the cover, it was troublesome because of the open up in the middle feature to get to see an ad featuring Brock Lesnar. The editors may wish to reconsider not doing this again because I know it was a pain in my backside as it kept getting caught on things and folded backward. I noticed on the magazine racks where I shop it also caused more ripping and tearing than usual.

Best Quote: "My mom and dad understood that you don't get nothing in this world for free" - Brock Lesnar (P. 154)

Highlight Article: Yes, This Will Definitely Hurt: Close up look at Brock Lesnar's training. I am not a big Brock Lesnar fan but this guy's toughness in not in question. If he stays health I can definitely see him returning to be the UFC Heavyweight Champion. (p.142-154)

Best Regular Feature: Classic Muscle: This is definitely a surprise section as it is not just a bunch of photos of old guys posing but actual workout and nutrition stuff from back in the day that still works, interviews with some classic guys and a pic or two from back in the day. (p.213-224)

Notable Articles:
1. Caged Fury: This was a great look at how to dust off a classic old piece of equipment and give it some new life - the power rack. There is another thing about power racks you home gym people should know - they are cheap and they do a lot. (p.78-88)
2. Banging the Bag: Literally this is a whole body Heavy Bag workout - boxing/mma style. Idea is to build and strengthen the arms (p.96-109)
3. Lift to Get Lean: This approach is so interesting, I am doing the training part and nutrition (three day rotation - high, medium and low card days) myself for the rest of my cut. Unlike the program which says it is a no cardio program, I am going to add a little cardio. (p.126-138)

Duds: Regular Feature: The Edge - Wheels: This is the one feature that unfortunately survived the makeover. Cars are a form of muscle I do understand but I don't really get excited about it.

Graphics Content Review: Solid once again. Crisp and clean with good pictures and enough variety to keep you from getting board. Sometimes you think: 'there is a lot of white going on here' but other than that it is pretty good stuff. Photos are good and there are some good classic shots in this one too. Nothing screamed at me: 'hurray!' but still good.

Eye Candy:
1. Two pages of Katie Cleary best known for being voted off America's Next Top Model but bouncing back very well. (p50-51)
2. The photo spread goes to Playboy Playmate of the Year 2010 - Hope Dworaczyk. Hope is dressed in M&F from the waist down at least in these desert shots. It must be hot outside though, because the only thing from getting Hope arrested is her hair and well placed arms. This is two months in a row that M&F have featured a Playboy Playmate. My concerns from last month stand. (p.162-168)

Rating: Three and Three Quarter Stars. I like the changes and there are a number of other articles that are solid as well. They have really made the change over from a frat guy feel to an athlete feel very well. I like it.

Flex: April 2011 - Review

Flex's April 2011 edition features Bikini Pro Amanda Latona on the cover as this is also the annual swimsuit edition. The special feature this month is said swimsuit photo spread with this year being about the top 15 Hot Bodies from the past fifteen years. As always, Flex also is about bodybuilding in all its forms as well as training and nutrition. It is Muscle and Fitness' big brother as as such goes a little deeper into all of the above. In addition to the ladies there is also an emphasis on chest training.

Best Quote: "Concentration and Mental Toughness ARE the Margins of Victory." - Bill Russell (11 time NBA champ) p.84

Highlight Article: "The All Time Hot List". Flex did a poll online to get the top ten all time most hot swimsuit models from the past 15 years of swimsuit issues. It actually lists the top ten in order and five other honorable mentions based on this poll. I don't want to spoil everything but the winner was Amanda Latona (that is why she is on the cover). As for the rest, buy a copy; you want the pictures anyway, right? Each of the top ten gets her own spread of one or two pages. (p. 164-188)

Best Regular Feature: "Flex Street Scene" (p.38) I like this feature as it gets some face time to young up and comers as well as a look at some people at entry level. It is always a great way to see new faces.

Notable Articles:
1. "Build a Treasured Chest" Great article not only on chest training but back training as well. The idea being to get a larger chest measurement by hitting both sides. (p. 120-138)
2. "Triple Threat" Phil Heath, Jay Cutler and Toney Freeman sound off on their chest training issues (p. 144-156)
3. "The Education of Eduardo" Brazilian Eduardo Correa da Silva lays out a full arm training regimen. (p 206-216)

Duds: No single article to point to, but the sound bite type articles that seem cluttered are back.

Graphics Content Review: Good pics and lots of them as always from Flex. They are not as crisp and clean as MMI or even their own sister mag M&F, but there are a lot of photos. The main focus of course in this months graphics was the swimsuit issue and it definitely was a collection of each lady's best shots. That of course means this issue is about the eye candy and it does a fabulous job.

Rating: 3 and three quarter stars: There was great number of training articles but the nutrition articles seemed a little thin this month. The sound bite clutter does not help this month's edition either. BUT, the girls save the day and this one should fly off shelves for that alone.

Musclemag International: May 2011 - Review

Musclemag International's (MMI) May 2011 edition has as its focus getting leaned out by Summer. There is also an additional cover story about Jay Cutler's (on cover) Arm Workout that changed history and allowed him to be the four time Mr. Olympia. MMI's philosophy of eat clean, train hard and emphasizing health over size resonates with me so I will freely confess I like them the best of all the bodybuilding mags out there.

Best Quote: "I can't die; it would ruin my image" - the late Jack LaLanne (p.297)

Highlight Article: Actually there are two involved with getting lean by summer that stand out "The Ketogenic Diet" and "The Everything Cardio Guide" that fit the bill on this one. Really when getting ripped it is less about training and more about nutrition and cardio. (p. 126-146) Both articles deal with this idea.

Best Regular Feature: Joel Stubbs' column is a hit with me this week as it talks about the Big Man and nutrition. Joel being a big man himself makes this a column from someone who is there and that means authentic. He still remains my favorite of the regular pro columns. (p.262-263)

Notable Articles:
1. "Sugar Shock" - Great nutrition article on the actual effect of fruit juice in nutrition. It isn't always good. (p158-166)
2. "Workouts That Rewrote History" - great chronicling about how Jay Cutler took the throne from Ronnie Coleman and got it back from Dexter Jackson (p.238-251)
3. "Rock Your Back" - great article about Ronny Rockel's back workout. (p.104-111)

Dud: "Take the Easy Whey": I only label this one a dud because of timing as Muscle and Fitness released their supplement guide this month and to follow it two weeks later with the same stuff is a little off.

Graphics Content Review: Solid as always, although nothing really caught my eye this week as super great. The magazine is just clean and crisp with good photos and illustrations; so the challenge for them is to do something off the charts. Eye candy this month is Jacqueline Suzanne and I am fairly certain that there would be little construction going on at any site she showed up at as the men would be busy doing other things.

Rating: Four and a Quarter stars, solid work as always. I guess what I am waiting for is a wow factor that will give them something even more. I love the two sections and content being solid and timely. Graphics great as always. Every article was good as far as content although the Whey article showed poor timing.

Muscle and Fitness: April 2011 - Review

The April 2011 edition of Muscle and Fitness (M&F) has World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Superstar Sheamus the Celtic Warrior on the Cover. Seeing the issue actually appeared on stands right around St. Patrick's Day, it makes sense although the black and orange seems more to invite thoughts of Halloween. Rock Hard Challenge - month three is also inside.

There is a really balanced focus in this one but there is an emphasis on gaining mass, strength and getting lean. This one also has a flip over feature, flip the magazine over and you have the 2011 Suppliment Guide.

Best Quote: "Let's just do it. It's time to lift. I don't want to hear anymore." - Chuck Vogelpohl (p. 190) - my sentiments exactly. Man, this guy is a freak worthy of respect.

Highlight Article: "The Fighting Irish" - A very good close up of WWE Superstar Sheamus. It not only gives some highlights of his career, but documents some of his training and nutritional issues he has had along the way. It includes his workout. I liked this one because Sheamus is very close to my size (He's 6'6" and 272 pounds; me 6'4" and 285lbs.) and the importance of nutrition logs and full body training became apparent to me. (p. 74-80)

Best Regular Feature: "Stay Loose" p . 26 - even though it was short, it stuck with me that one of the most important things to do before any type of competitive activity is to - relax. I wish more articles were written about the psychology of training and competition.

Notable Articles:
1. 'Get Yoked' - Good article on training neck, traps and shoulders. You usually don't see much on neck training and so this one was a rare goody. (p. 132-144)
2. 'Eat Like a Caveman' - Another Paleolithic Diet article but this one has the added feature of some real practical suggestions on what to eat. (p. 156-164)
3. 2011 Supplement Buyers Guide: Flip the magazine over to the backside and you have the guide. It covers protein and fat burning supplements for the most part. (p. 1-47 of the back)

Graphics Content Review:
I like the new look for the second month although it seemed a little darker than last month. The photos were clean and crisp and the graphics were not repetitive. Eye candy is another double: Bikini Pro Mariza Prince and Playboy Playmate Holly Madison. I usually only have two reservations about using Playmates in fitness and muscle mags. 1) I know a lot of Playmates train to maintain their looks but they are not competitors and I like it when fitness and muscle mags promote their own and 2) What are you going to show of Holly Madison that most have not already seen. Just saying.

Rating: Three and three-quarter stars. I liked the moves M&F made last month and are continuing here. The improvements are good, but it still does not approach the quality of some of the other mags. I do like how they are appealing to a more broad audience. They are definitely moving from just a 'get in shape' mag to covering all types of training and nutrition. Even the equipment gear articles are much improved.

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.

Flex: March 2011 - Review

Flex, like a lot of the bodybuilding periodicals this month, has Arnold Schwarzenegger on the cover. That also means the focus of the magazine in training like Arnold. Also as a collector's edition it promises classic shots of the man who made fitness and bodybuilding more than a small cult. The reason, of course, for all the Arnold coverage is that the Arnold Classic is the first weekend in March.

Best Quote: "Obviously, I can't train like I used to, but I am still in the gym - my home gym - five days a week, for at least an hour at a time." - Joe Weider "The Master Blaster" Age: 90 (p26) It doesn't get much more inspiring than that.

Highlight Article: Actually there is a set of three articles in a row running from page 120 to 166 which are all Arnold. The first is his eight best moments, the second is on how he trained and the third is some great photos of 'The Oak'. Great collectors stuff here.

Best Regular Feature: In Hard Times this month is a tribute to Jack LaLanne that is very well done. It was good to see all the heartfelt support for Jack and his family. (p. 52)

Notable Articles:
1. 'And The Winner Is...' Great article about the (at the time) upcoming Arnold Classic. (p. 172-188)
2. 'Back Burner' Kai Greene's Back Day. It also showed a little more of Kai's change of attitude. (p226-242)
3. "Stick to It" Good advice for people who are going into contest regarding their diet. For me as a hobby guy right now it also was good stuff about cutting. (p. 246-252)

Duds: "The Flexy Awards" given to the most 'buff' entertainers. Don't get me wrong I understand how the entertainment industry needs buff performers and they should be recognized. But some of the best ones got ignored this time, I simply disagree completely with the results.

Graphic Content Review: Good as always. With the addition of a lot of black and whites of The Oak, it is a plus. Clean and crisp photos this month on everything else. The green and black shoot is Figure Pro Felicia Romero who also happens to be this months only eye candy. Truth be told, this was a great graphics shoot showing a very strong and sexy woman. The best I have seen of the green and black this year.

Rating: I would say four and a half stars. The addition of The Oak makes it so high. Otherwise it would be four. The best graphics this month was the Felicia Romero shoot. I have come to expect this quality of work from Flex and they didn't disappoint.

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.

Muscle and Fitness: March 2011 - Review

The March 2011 Issue of Muscle and Fitness (M&F) features strongman Derek Poundstone on the cover. I got very excited about this issue when I read the letter from the editor Seth Kelly who promises a 'new, revamped magazine'. Over the years, if I have a complaint about M&F it has been that it stays on the beginner side of things and as a person gets more experienced it loses its appeal. So when I heard this I was excited to see what the actual changes were.

The theme of this magazine is strength and size and that is keeping with the March/Spring part of the training cycle. The springtime being the last moments of mass gain right before the cutting season of Summer. The second month of the Rock Hard Challenge is in here as well with new routines and nutrition.

Best Quote: "I wanted to put things in perspective. An injury is an injury. Death is final." - Derek Poundstone p. 125.

Highlight Article: "Juggernaut Jacked" - This article highlights Chad Smith's Juggernaut method of training. The article promises massive gains in strength. It is a very different approach and based on the gains possible, it is a good one. It is also backed up by Chad's strength gains in real life. (p. 74-84)

Best Regular Feature: Got to give it to Diet 911 again because it addresses a common problem: what to eat pre and post workout if you do not have supplements? A note on all the features in "The Edge" they have been revamped and as such they look better. One of them is new -- "Workout Overhaul" which does the same thing fora guys workout as Diet 911 does for nutrition. I will be watching this one in the future.

Notable Articles:
1. 'Drop the Weight, Turn Up the Volume': This is an excellent article on using the various drop sets techniques in a workout. (p.92-100)
2. 'The Agony of Victory': A very inspiring view of strongman Derek Poundstone (p.122-131)
3. "Hard Case": Chronicles the current training regimen of Matt Kroczaleski. Hard Core would be more like it. (p.192-198)

Article Changes:
No duds this time because the only one would be the vehicle article that remained. What I do want to note is what is out and in. Out: no watches, silly articles about farting, etc. In: Classic Muscle, Workout Overhaul, exercise equipment reviews and a good many more varied articles that hit all abilities. Well Done.

Graphics Content Review:
One of the first things I noticed was the more get down to basics, hardcore feel to the magazine's graphics. The photos are solid and realistic as well. The editors make up for last months lack of eye candy by giving us both Samantha Seubert and fitness model Jamie Eason. Jamie's star has been on the rise for at least a couple years now as she has done a photo spread in all the magazines I review. She also looks like she could catch anything she wants in the fishnet she is wearing, seeing it is the only thing she is wearing.

Rating: 4 stars. This is the best I have felt about M&F in a long time. Good article switches and graphics upgrades.

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.

Musclemag: March 2011 - Review

Musclemag International's (MMI) March 2011 issue has Alvin Small on the Cover. The main theme is mostly mass gain. For a bodybuilder this is once again the time for mass gain though if you were going to compete at the Arnold Classic in early march you would probably rush to the article on getting lean in 8 weeks and realize you are four weeks too late.

Best Quote: "Let me assure you I've had to interview a prominent, mega-sized pro in a dark, draughty corridor because he couldn't manage the 15 steps leading to my warm, well-lit office." - Johnny Fitness p. 46 and 47. Apparently size can indeed cause problems.

Highlight Article: 'Four Exercises That are Better Than the Bench Press' (p. 124-134). Now they are, but also interestingly enough the are variants of the Bench Press. Good solid ways to improve the king of chest exercises.

Best Regular Feature: Face Off -- nothing like comparing one exercise for a muscle group with another exercise for the same muscle and asking: 'which is better?' This week -- EZ-Bar Preacher Curl vs.Incline Dumbbell Curls. Mostly what you learn is to do both.

Notable Articles:

1. 'Brazilian Beef': Great Article about Eduardo Correa Da Silva and his Chest Routine. Some of the pics of this 202 competitor are very well done.

2. '13 Ways to More T': - That would be Testosterone, the element that makes a man a man and incidentally an element that helps build and maintain muscle. Solid article including some of my favorite ways to boost testosterone levels naturally. Yeah, one of them is sex.

3. 'Carbs: The Anabolic Nutrient' Good article on Carb Cycling and how it relates to muscle gains.

Dud Articles: 'No Weight Gains' I understand the value of weightless exercises, I plan on having a routine of them when I leave this summer for Romania not knowing what equipment I will find, but the reason I label this one a dud is this -- if I am doing a routine with weights and I need another exercise which would be better -- one with weights or weightless? Just saying.

Graphics Review:

As rule I like MMI's graphics and this issue was solid as well. Nothing annoyed me this issue but nothing really stood out either . The pictures of Eduardo are good as are the black and whites of Alvin Small. The eye candy this month is rock climber Aleisha Hart who's pictures are almost reminiscent of Flex's green and black feature. Might want to avoid that in the future.

Rating: Four stars. Information is as good as always and the graphics are solid as usual. I read it and it helped a lot of my areas in my training and nutrition issues right now so that was a plus. The professional advice area was good as well.

Flex: February 2011 - Review

The February 2011 Issue of Flex Magazine features the 'X-Man' Toney Freeman on the cover and has the main theme of developing the X-frame. (As an aside, how a guy nicknamed 'The X-Man' because of his near perfect X-frame and proportions has never won a Mr. O is beyond me. Probably just confirms the fact that bodybuilding has a gotten a little size crazy instead of looking at overall aesthetics.) Muscle and Fitness' bigger brother also focuses on mass building. It is after all the season for mass building, unless you are headed to the Arnold Classic in Columbus, OH in early March.

Best Quote: "My Entire Body Can Always Improve" Kai Greene p. 180.

Highlight Article: 'Operation X' (p.114-132): If you are a bodybuilder and the X-frame is a problem for you, this program promises to help you out. The focus is on Delts, Legs and Abs and it is because of that, I believe that this will definitely work.

Best Regular Feature: Joe's Page (p. 26) Joe Weider has a regular column in Flex and this month it is a great one. He looks back to the July 1950 issue of Your Physique where he predicted ten things that would happen in the world of physical fitness and the importance bodybuilding would play in the future. He was very good in his predictions.

Notable Articles:
1. 'Perception of Character': I have made it no secret that I am not a big Kai Greene fan. However, I may change my tune after this article. Kai's seventh place finish at the Mr. Olympia has definitely brought a new level of humility to a man who was already pretty humble. It has also brought some new found respect from me as well.
2. 'Hell on Wheels': Ben Pukulski is one of the fastest rising stars in bodybuilding and given the intensity of his leg routine -- I can see why.
3. 'Muscle Meals': Good nutrition article to add some variety to your meals. Much Better than last time with the fast food info that was very thin.

Dud Articles:
1. None, Really. I even have to say the sound bite issue from last month is toned down a bit as well. Most of the time there is something valuable in every article.

Graphics Review:
Flex still dominates this month with the variety of photos and pictures of competitors. They definitely do good work on quality as well. The photo's of Kai Green were actually very well done and show a guy who is starting to get focused on details and symmetry and not just size. The 'green and black' outfit photo shoot I have mentioned before is of Deena Walsh and it has some incredible back and shoulder shots of the aerospace engineer/figure pro. The sexy girl spot however is taken up by Romanian bikini pro Anca Marcus.

Rating: 4 and quarter stars. This issue is solid and the graphic well done as always. The sound bite problem shows a little improvement over last month. I always like a magazine who can focus on the x-frame and mass at the same time. Well done.

Muscle and Fitness: February 2011 - Review

The February 2011 issue of Muscle and Fitness(M&F) has the return of the Rock Hard Challenge an annual (or had been) twelve week contest put on by the magazine. Goal get as fit as possible in twelve weeks using the workouts and nutrition guide provided. I did the Rock Hard Challenge about three years ago. It had great results but did not get me to place of long term commitment. This year there is real cash money involved.

The theme this month seems to be 'getting shredded'. in short, to loos fat to the point where people can see your muscles. This is a little early in the bodybuilding cycle to be doing this so I assume they are getting us ready ahead of time. Or they are just being what they are, a magazine about getting fit and following good nutrition for men (they have M&F Hers) for the guy who just wants to get in shape.

Best Quote: 'Anyone who tells you that transforming you physique will be easy is not really being honest with you' -- Julien Greaux p.98

Highlight Article: 'Go Hard at Home' -- This is not a great article because it is in depth or anything spectacularly new. It is a great article because it shows what a guy and a basic set of weights (without a bench) can do at home to get started. Olympic barbell set and an open space and you are there.

Best Regular Feature: Diet 911 -- I want to give props to this regular feature. I love how they take some one's diet and show how it can be improved. This month was a high school athlete, trying to gain weight -- the basic advice -- get more fat in your diet to increase testosterone production.

Notable Articles:
1. Rock Hard Challenge: Looking it over it would be tough and produce some decent results. If you are looking to get in shape, this would do it provided you follow the nutrition plan and the training.
2. Squat 2.0: Another great article that focuses on the squat which is the king of all exercises.
3. 2011 -New Years Revolution: This is a very sound article about getting the most out of the new year.

Duds:
1. I know this is a magazine for men and perhaps articles on watches and vehicles make sense, but they never do it for me.

Graphics Content Review:
M&F is still pretty basic for graphic content this month but they do seem to be trying to add some elements with dark training rooms and variety. Much crisper and cleaner this month than last month. Photos are clean and bright except in a few spots.
No girls this week but this is pretty much a mag for men alone with all the articles that reference male behavior (Jerk Off - about various kinds of jerky, How's it Hanging - about hanging leg raises, along with all the other references to HARD outside the Rock Hard Challenge) so perhaps it is best that they are out of it.

Rating: 3 stars - good for the beginner and the guy trying to get in shape. The Rock Hard Challenge is a good blueprint for anyone who has been lifting for a little while and wants to kick it up a notch or so. Nutrition articles are solid and focus on balance with carb control.

Muscular Development - February 2011 Issue - Review

Muscular Development (MD) can probably be summed up in two words -- 'hardcore bodybuilding'. It is the uncensored, raw commentary of the bodybuilding world. It's style is very much in your face and it lives up to the motto of 'No Bullsh*t'. It does not steer away from topics such as drugs, steroids or sex. It has the latest research and trends in the world of bodybuilding. I will be honest, it is a little too much over the top. To me it lacks the class of Musclemag, but is downright honest in its approach and so it remains my second favorite to read.

It seems each issue has two basic themes -- hardcore training and GET BIG. This one is no exception.

Best Quote: "Bodybuilding to me is about self-exploration and discovery, so it never made sense to me to watch all those pro DVDs and just copy what they do" - Jason Huh (the guy on the cover). To which I can give a hearty 'Amen'.

Highlight Article: "TotaLee Awesome" p. 298-300 -- this is a new regular column and I hope it is here to stay. The eight-time Mr. Olympia is dead on about the current problems in bodybuilding contests in which size matters more than everything else.

Notable Articles:

1. 'Quad Damn It!' -- Holy Crap what a leg workout -- no wonder Jason Huh has such BIG legs for his age.

2. 'Championship Chest Workout' - Fred Small and Branden Ray show us their chest workout they did together. Lots of good options and advice in this one.

3. Regular Features: This is the one and only time I will do this -- I am giving all the regular features a thumbs up. From now on I will pick one but the fact is MD is packed full of good information in the regular features.

Duds:

'The Ramblin' Freak' -- this is supposed to be a 'for entertainment only article' but I rarely find it entertaining -- seems to be just an excuse to use the f-word a lot.

Graphic Content: if there is one thing that annoys me about this magazine the most is that every page is black with color on it. It makes it dark and repetitive. Some of the stock graphics look die cut. The photos are good but everything is dark. The feature articles are well done with good photos but the graphics never change for the regular features. This month the Major Distraction is Jennifer Andrews and she is distracting in a catch your eye, 'that looks very good' way. Did I mention the mag is dark. I suppose the goal is looking hardcore, but I don't think hardcore necessarily means depressing.

Rating: I give this mag high marks for content and depth. It is indeed the 'no bullsh*t' magazine in the world of bodybuilding including when dealing with subjects such as drugs and steroids. The graphics though (Other than the Major Distraction) make me put it down often to rest my eyes. Three and a half stars.

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.

Flex - January 2011 Issue - Review.

Flex Magazine is kind of the bigger brother of Muscle and Fitness. Both are produced by Weider Publications. That is where the similarity ends and as a general rule Flex is far more advanced in its content and it has as its focus bodybuilding as a sport. If there is something you want to know about bodybuilding competitors or competition, Flex probably has it. In fact, I find it at times to be cluttered with 'sound bite' type articles that give quick blurbs about something and then it is off to the next thing. The content ultimately is either intermediate or advanced training and nutrition or the sport of bodybuilding in its various forms from men's to women's (bodybuilding/figure/fitness and bikini).

The theme of January 2011's issue is arms and arm training. There is also a lot of 'looking back' articles.

Best Quote: "When the desire to succeed is in your heart, setbacks won't hold you back." -- Yenny Polanco -- Women's Fitness Competitor p. 68

Highlight Article: "Arm Yourself/Feed Yourself" p. 124-146 -- Actually this is two articles back to back but the focus of which is to provide both training and nutrition for a three week program to blast your arms to 1" growth. Everything is laid out including advice, supplements and sample meal plans. I am focused on what to do for arms later on in this year, so it caught my attention and it might be a possibility.

Notable Articles:
1. "Phil Heath's 23" Gun Salute": A good close up look at Phil Heath's arm training.
2. "Top Secret Arm Arsenal": A look at some of the better, but less known, arm exercises
3. "Pecs in the City": A close up look at Kai Greene going to the gym where he started his career and his monster chest routine.

Dud Articles:
1. Fast Food Fix: The Guide -- Trust me I understand that people may want this info but the fact is it covers only a few places and it relatively short on each one. It could have been much more in depth. Great concept, but poor execution.
2. Assortment of small articles: Its the sound bite thing that often bothers me. Its not the content of the articles that bothers me so much as the quick word, lack of depth style.

Graphic Content Review: Flex has a far more graphic content than most muscle mags. Tons of pictures of competitors and they are usually crisp and clean. Each article often has its own graphic style too and so the magazine avoids repetitive graphics. Their black and white photos are some of the best. There are two pictures of real note: Jack LaLaane is featured on page 70 from the cover of May 1950's Your Physique and an old photo of Eugen Standow on page 304 which are both classics. Probably one of the best long running photo shoots is the one Flex does with female competitors (This month it is Alicia Harris - Figure competitor) where each woman every month wears the same olive green and black workout outfit as they do their training so you get a more true comparison of how they actually look. There is of course a closer look at the online monthly winners for Flex's Bikini model search featuring the winners from month one through four. Finally, the same Met-Rx calender that was in Muscle and Fitness this month is also present here. It means I could put one side of one and the other side of the other together and have the whole year in front of me all year long, but that would almost assuredly bring about the breaking of both arms and probably other important pieces of my anatomy by Mrs. Rabyd Theologian. It too will remain in the magazine.

Rating: I always like the graphic content of the Flex magazine line and this issue is no exception. Lots of pictures an good pictures. The articles are often helpful when they are not of the 'sound bite' variety. Four stars.

Muscle and Fitness: January 2011 - Review

Being a guy who lifts weights, I read several magazines about the subject including Muscle and Fitness(M&F). I originally cut my teeth back in the day with M&F, but I have to admit it has lost its luster over the years. Much of that has to do with the fact the M&F has a beginner emphasis with the occasional article for intermediate and advanced lifters. I would classify myself as an Intermediate Bodybuilder who occasionally engages in Advanced lifting techniques, so M&F is usually a little too basic for my tastes these days.

M&F's January 2011 issue has a theme which revolves around Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Particularly the competitor Rich 'Ace' Franklin who is pictured on the cover.

When I write a Magazine review I will basically pick the Best Quote, Highlight Article, List the Notable Articles, List of Dud Articles, Graphics Content Review and Give an Overall Rating of zero to 5 stars.

Best Quote: (In response to a reader telling him that his coach felt that lifting would hurt his speed, Gunnar Peterson responds): "If he still believes lifting weights makes you slow, he probably thinks the world is flat, because those two theories were dispelled about the same time"

Highlight Article: 'Game of Inches' p 104-112. This article outlines an intensive program that involves 6 hours of arm exercise for the purpose of adding up to an inch to one's arms. I used to think this was crap but I have found out since that it can be done. It is risky because it basically involves trashing your arms so badly that they will grow simply from repairing the damage done to them. It's my highlight article because I am considering it for myself. I have a 4 week gap in between my current program and my cut at the end of the year. It might be a good finale before I hit my cut.

Notable Articles:
1. Beginner Articles: This issue has two solid articles for the beginner: ' Beginner's Luck' and 'Nutrition 101'. Basic but essential stuff.
2. 'Break Your Legs' -- Tough at home workout for legs
3. 'The A-Team' - A bunch of pro trainers weigh in on the best abdominal exercises and there is a list of ten of them. Many were actually new to me, or I had heard of but never seen them pictured. Lots of new ideas here.

Dud Articles:
1. 'The Fart' - an article offering up a bunch of useless knowledge about 'farting'. Nuff said.
2. 'Urban Cowboy' -- A review of the Jeep Wrangler. I would rather have a review of this depth on some piece of exercise equipment.

Graphics Content Review:
Overall I have been disappointed with the graphic layout. It is basic stuff with basic colors these days. Photos in M&F are usually clear and bright; which is good; and that is true in this magazine as well, The exceptions are the photo spread of MMA star Rich Franklin which have a dark hardcore feel to them and the photo spread of Kenda Perez (MMA model and hostess) which are also dark, but sultry not edgy. Another notable in this issue is the 2011 Met-Rx calender which is two sided (Jan to Jun on one side / July to December on the other) and each side is flanked by the bikini clad Met-Rx models. Even though the calender would be useful, Mrs. Rabyd Theologian would break my arm if I put it up somewhere, so in the magazine it will stay.

Rating:
There are other good and inspiring articles in this issue of M&F as well as some helpful advice and the training and nutrition notes are good as well. It lacks advanced stuff I like and the graphics are a little dull with the above listed exceptions. Overall three stars.