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.

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.

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.

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.

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.