APRIL 2013
May 2013 JUNE 2013
“Auspicious Journey”
MATEO AGUIRRE IFBB PRO SHERRI GRAY
SHAUN PICCININO POWER LIFTING SERIES WITH LISA JAMES AND MICHAEL DEL SIGNORE
ALSO INSIDE: THE FUTURE WITH SHAWN ROBINSON RONNIE COLEMAN CLASSIC REVIEW
Hello Readers: The Central Texas Showdown was a complete success. Bob and I are planning next years ventures with a few surprise annoucements. Stay tuned to Pose Down once we finalize our plans. I have the distinct pleasure of revisting with a friend of mine in this issue Nancy Di Nino. Please read her updated news and ventures.
HALL OF FAME TEXAS METRO FLEX FT WORTH TX
Cover Picture: Mateo Aguirre Editor In Chief : Bob Johnson Stephen Laura FrazierJohnson Editorial /Director/Designer: Ray Rojas Publication Interest: Aaron Fletcher Photographers: Dan Ray James Allen Contributing Column Writers Mike Bell Guy Grundy Noah Williams Jack Duncan Ryan Ellison Photos for IFBB Pro Sherri Gray by Dan Ray Photos for Ronnie Coleman Classic by James Allen Guy Grundy submission of Shaun Piccinino
Pose Down Magazine accepts photos from individual athletes with the understanding that each athlete own the rights to photos submitted…….
COPYRIGHT
All content included in this publication, including but not limited to, text, graphics and images, is, unless otherwise noted, copyrighted under United States law and protected by worldwide copyright laws and treaty provisions. The compilation (meaning the collection, arrangement and assembly) of all content in this publication is the exclusive property of Pose Down Muscle and Figure Magazine LLC and protected by United States and international copyright laws. No use, including the reproduction, modification, distribution, transmission, republication, display or performance, of the content in this publication is permitted without Pose Down’s written permission. LIMITS OF LIABILITY This Publication is provided by Pose Down Muscle and Figure LLC on an “as is” basis. Pose Down makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, as to the content written in articles and columns of the publication or the information, content or materials included in this publication. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Pose Down disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to, interviews, photos, written content of articles and perspective views of its columnist.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Why I decided to transform Charles Williams
Page 6- 7
Hollywood “The Inside Dish”
Page 13
Egg White Casserole
Page 14
Auspicious Journey
Page 16-19
Shaun Piccinino
Page 20-22
Lying Tricep Extension with Guy Grundy
Page 24
William Neco
Page 28
Future with Shawn Robinson
Page 32-33
Powerlifting Series with Lisa James and Michael Del Signore
Page 36-37
NPC Competitor James Howard
Page 40-41
IFBB Pro Sherri Gray
Page 43-45
NPC Ronnie Coleman Classic
Pages- 46-49
Attention all Athletes! Send your Bio and 4 - 6 pictures to posedownmagazine@yahoo.com for a chance to be in an upcoming issue!!
W O H S S 013 A X 2 E , T 1 3 L R t A s U R ugu O T Y N A E K R C R A MA LEND CA
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Before
Why I decided to transform
Age 28 Height 6’2” Weight 232 lbs Body Fat ~20%
S E L AR
After Age 29 Height 6’2” Weight 181 lbs Body Fat 3.7%
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There’s nothing more motivating to get off your butt and make some changes than taking off your shirt and taking a good, hard look at yourself in the mirror. Standing there, with my pearshaped body in a pair of jeans that practically cut off the blood circulation to the lower half of my body, I decided it was time to do something about it. It was time to get into shape; something other than a pear at least. Naturally, my inclination was to slap on some kicks and run like caffeine-crazed banshee while living on steady diet of food fit for a rabbit, but it wasn’t sustainable. I was on a roller coaster of weight gain and loss that ultimately left me discouraged. I had conversations with many people to get a pulse on how I needed to eat and workout, but was even more discouraged, as everyone had different different ideas of what that looked like. How I accomplished my goals. Consistency, patience, planning, a lofty goal, and some accountability. I started lifting with a buddy in February last year, and after 5 months of hitting the gym 2-3 days a week, I still didn’t have the results I was pining for. Self doubt and more questioning resurfaced. What was I doing wrong? How do I dial in my diet? Did I need to mix in more cardio? Did I need to need to lift differently? I knew what I needed to do. I needed to turn my brain off, and have someone tell me what to do. At that point, my buddy and I decided to meet with a personal trainer to get our hands on a meal and workout plan. That was, hands down, the best decision I’d ever made regarding fitness.
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After just a few months of following this man’s game plan, my body began to transform like never before. Albeit difficult, it was unbelievably effective. I lost 30 lbs and had exponential strength gains in every area. And, believe it or not, accomplished this without an ounce of cardio. No running on a treadmill, just lifting at a very high intensity. The key was to keep the weight low and the reps high. And by “high” I mean around 1400-1500 reps in a single session. By the end of each workout, I could literally wring my shirt out. It was a fantastic feeling.
I’m the kind of person that needs a goal to strive towards; a carrot dangling at the end of the stick. I wanted a lofty one. When 2013 rolled in, my buddy and I decided we’d attempt a bodybuilding competition. Lofty enough, right? After 10 months of grueling training and prep, I stepped onto the stage as a men’s physique competitor at the Ronnie Coleman Classic. I didn’t place, but I don’t care in the slightest. I did something I never imagined I could do, and completely transformed my body in the process. I’d say it was a win.
Charles Williams http://charleswilliams.me twitter - @charleswilliams
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www.posedownmag.com
www.posedownmag.com
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Ingredients (Makes 2 servings) Laura Johnson 8 egg whites 1 chopped bell pepper 1 shredded potatoe 1teaspoon pepper 1teaspoon Table Blend Salt Free Seasoning Blend By Tye Sheets Pierpont Directions Mix egg whites, bell pepper chopped, shredded potatoe and seasoning. Put in a sprayed pirex dish and bake turning until egg whites are cooked through. Nutrition Facts Serving Size 11 serving (299.1 g) Amount Per Serving Calories 158158Calories from Fat 55 % Daily Value* Total Fat 0.5g0.51%1 Saturated Fat 0.1g0.10%0 Cholesterol 0mg00%0 Sodium 228mg22810%10 Total Carbohydrates 22.0g22.07%7 Dietary Fiber 4.1g4.116%16 Sugars 4.7g4.7 Protein 16.9g16.9 Vitamin A 37%37 • Vitamin C 162%162 Calcium 3%3 • Iron 7%7 * Based on a 2000 calorie diet BreakdownDaily Values (299.1g) Good points •Very low in saturated fat •No cholesterol •High in dietary fiber •High in potassium •Very high in riboflavin •Very high in selenium •Very high in vitamin A •High in vitamin B6 •Very high in vitamin C
CENTRAL TEXAS SHOWDOWN AUG 31, 2013 WACO CONVENTION CENTER www.CentralTexasShowdown.com Page 14
Auspicious Journey By Ryan Ellison
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Auspicious Journey By Ryan Ellison
One day the filament begins to ignite and that light bulb in your head illuminates and you have a moment of clarity. It seems opportunities that were unconceivable at first, have manifested themselves into a reflection of your daily life. You find yourself owning a successful personal training business, while becoming one of the best NPC expeditors in Texas and soon to be a promoter, while transforming yourself into a national level physique competitor. Only one name comes to mind Mateo Aguirre. Now keep in mind none of this happened over night. It’s taken years of hard work and dedication to get to this point, but nothing’s ever come easy for Mateo. Being the oldest of seven can force anyone to grow up quick. With that many mouths to feed, Mateo had to come up with a solution to help his family financially. At the age of 16, he began to attend auto auctions in an effort to buy, repair and flip cars for profit. This actually turned out to be his first step into entrepreneurship. Mateo continued to flip cars all the way through his days as mechanical engineering student at the University of Texas in Austin.
Before
After
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While studying and also buying and selling cars, he managed to start a fraternity (Sigma Lambda Beta Latino) and a community outreach non-profit organization - Auspicious, Inc., which he would later name his personal training business after. Auspicious, Inc, was developed to teach youths from low-income families the importance of higher learner, and that a college education was obtainable. Mateo used his own experiences to connect with the children and adolescents. In high school, Mateo felt as if college wasn’t an option for him, as the majority of his friends were interested in skipping class. But not Mateo - he wanted to graduate high school with honors and to do that he needed to surround himself with positive influences. He formed friendships with some A.P. (advanced placement) and honor students, and everything changed. Instead of discussing which class to skip, the conversations leaned more toward college. After college, Mateo landed a job selling memberships for Gold’s Gym. Little did he know where this job would eventual lead.
This ended up being the perfect match for someone with his personality type. Many of the members were under the assumption that he was the gym manager. On top of that, he was frequently being asked by members if he would train them. His response was always the same “I sell memberships, I’m not a certified personal trainer”. It only makes sense that after constantly being asked the same question over and over again, that Mateo would eventually start to self reflect and try and find logic behind the questioning. Not that it bothered him, he took it more as a compliment. With the intellectual capacity that Mateo has, trust me it didn’t take long for him to realize that he may have found his calling. So he searched the internet and found a personal training certification that he liked N.C.S.F. (National Council on Strength and Fitness) In 2009, Auspicious Fitness was born, being a sign of future success. If I could only use one word to describe Mateo, it would be auspicious. I’m sure he would humbly describe himself, and his clients the same way. Mateo also would rather be referred to as a life coach, and Auspicious Fitness as a life coaching business. Life coaching is more than personal training, which is just running people through different routines. Mateo helps his clients with time management, stress management, financial management, nutrition and counseling. Mateo even puts group events together which could included anything from potluck dinners during the holidays, to bowling or even trips to Schliterbahn - a local water park. Mateo and his clients have a bond and are considered one big family. Auspicious Fitness is also making a name for itself in the bodybuilding industry, with a team of 8 competitors who consistently place top 5. They’re all Mateo’s clients, so he provides dietary advice, workout programs and even does all the team’s tanning himself. It helps that he just recently became a distributor for Jantana tanning supplies.
Looking back Mateo never would have pictured himself on stage. Growing up, no one thought of him as the muscled-up fitness guy. It wasn’t until 2010 when he volunteered to help with that year’s Texas Shredder that had sparked his curiosity. He spent the next two years expediting. 2010 Texas Shredder – Volunteer INBF South Western National ChampionshipsVolunteer Texas Round-up- Volunteer 2011 Naturally Fit Super Show- Event Assistant Texas Shredder- Expeditor Texas State Naturals-Expeditor Lackland Classic- Head Expeditor Central Texas Showdown- Expeditor Gold’s Gym Classic- Head Expeditor South Texas Classic- Expeditor Adela Classic- Volunteer 2012 West Texas Classic-Expeditor Ronnie Coleman Classic- Expeditor Texas Shredder Classic- Expeditor Lone Star Classic- Expeditor Rock Fitness Extravaganza- Head Expeditor Dorian Yates Classic- Expeditor Heart of Texas- Expeditor South Texas Classic- Expeditor Iron House Classic-Head Expeditor Central Texas Showdown- Head Expeditor Lackland Classic- Expeditor Dyess Muscle Classic- Expeditor Naturally Fit Super Show- Event coordinator 2013 Phil Heath – Expeditor Lone Star Classic- Expeditor Ronnie Coleman Classic- Expeditor Fort Worth Classic- Expeditor 2011 Mateo felt that it was his time to step on the stage - a decision that changed his life. His put a plan in place and the destination was Adela Garcia, followed by the Branch Warren Classic, Europa, The Olympia, Texas State Pro/Am and finally, Texas State Naturals. The original plan wasn’t to do 6 shows in four months, but after the first, he feel in love with competing. Backstage, he feels that he’s finally with the kind of people he wants to surround himself with. Competition history 2012 Adela Garcia Classic-2nd Masters, 8th open Branch Warren Classic- 1st Masters, 7th open Europa Super Show- 3rd Master’s, 12th open M&F Model Search @ THE OLYMPIA- top 10 Texas State Houston Pro-3rd Masters,7th open Texas State Naturals-2nd Masters, 4th open 2013 Arnold Amateur-top 20 2013 Texas Shredder-3rd place open, 6th Masters Very few competitors can manage to compete in 6 shows in 4 months; with just the amount of time and dedication that’s involved, as well as the mental toll from constantly dieting. It’s enough to break anyone well almost anyone. Mateo’s passion for the sport, and living a healthy lifestyle, is how he empowers people. Mateo has several projects in the works right now, including a community outreach program designed to educate inner city youth and adults about proper nutrition. He also is in the process of releasing his own protein bar that he named “Actually Healthy”. It should be available in stores in the near future. Mateo leads by example and nothing get’s people more motivated than watching a person accomplish goals that they never thought possible. This is only the beginning for Mateo and Auspicious Fitness. Who knows where this auspicious journey will lead.
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Shaun Piccinino
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Shaun Piccinino, a thirteen-year veteran of the industry and a versatile, award-winning martial artist, started directing commercials and films since the age of 17. Through now, he has earned credits listed anywhere from animation, make-up and editing and VFX, to becoming a producer, editor, writer and director with over ten years of experience in stunt work, motion capture and fight choreography on such TV, film and video game projects as Deadliest Warrior, 24, Jinn, UFC: Undisputed 3, Call Of Duty: Black Ops 2 and Sleeping Dogs.
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This year, Shaun stars in the upcoming home release of his latest collaborative film effort by Truly Indie Studios, Hectic Films and Cinescope Media, THE LACKEY, a new independent action movie which he co-directed with stunt performer and co-star Jason Sanders, and co-choreographed and wrote with his Kung Fu guru, Steve Pisa. The film also stars veteran actor Vernon Wells who also served as associate producer along side co-star Guy Grundy. Other stars also include Lauren Parkinson, producer Rickey Bird Jr., Robin Steffen, Paul Wolverton, Alexandra Holtzman, D.T. Carney, Larry Parrish and Mark Magid.
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Filming originally began in 2009, with just a few scenes shot to broadcast for promotional and funding use. Since then, THE LACKEY has made its way through several film festival accolades in 2012 at the SoCal Film Festival and the AOF Film Festival. The film earned eleven nominations ranging from best male performance to best screenplay and best fight choreography, of which it acquired four wins, including best in cinematography and audience choice. With the acknowledgement and achievement Shaun has received with the film, I got to share a few words about how he came up with the idea for The Lackey, with which also, he ardently credits Master Steve Pisa for their creative and fruitful working partnership: The Lackey was born out of my fondness of 70’s & 80’s action flicks, then later inspiration came in the form of Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez and then Guy Ritchie. My writing partner and Kung Fu Master (that’s right I said Kung Fu Master) started brain storming a cool littler action flick with a terribly flawed hero. We wrote the first couple scenes at the Kung Fu Studio actually. I’m a third-degree blackbelt under his tutelage and we’ve written six scripts together. Needless to say most of them have a ton of great action in them. I should say The Lackey is also heavily influenced by the great Kung Fu movies as well. Jackie Chan and Buster Keaton also influencing the action.
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Shaun is a fan of many genres. For THE LACKEY, however, he adheres to some of his favorite films which inspired his vision, including classics like Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs, and contemporary hit titles like Kill Bill, Snatch, Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels and the spaghetti western Mexploitation action thrillers El Mariachi trilogy-specifically, El Mariachi and Desperado, all which Shaun considers to be “dark, gritty, pull-no-punches” types of films. So, for a film with this type of stylized and gritty action, Shaun adhered to a convenient list of people he has worked with before, like Guy Grundy, Jeremy Dunn, Orlando McGuire and Sonny Sison. When asked about the casting process, he said the following: The casting process was great, it was a mix of casting people we had worked with on other films and open casting through the internet. Vernon Wells was connected to us through a fellow cast member and we brought him on board that way. He is signed on for the sequel to play the lead villain. With the sequel cat out of the bag, film goers and action junkies alike will get to see the first installment of this action franchise September 10, 2013 on DVD, VoD and Blu-Ray, courtesy of Cinema Epoch. For THE LACKEY, Shaun promises fans “An old school action flick with a surprising amount of heart. Plenty of guns, fists and ‘Do The Right Thing’ moments”. As for the sequel, here are the goods (with as few spoilers as possible): Steve Pisa and I actually have two sequels currently being penned. The part two script is almost done...I can tell you the story opens up a lot and you find out a lot more about who the title character really is. In the first movie much about Jude St. Clere is a mystery. The sequels explore who he really is, and why he can kick so much ass! And also why he’s a raging alcoholic... In terms of future plans, Shaun also mentioned he has a western script that is currently in development. In addition to this, he is also planning to make waves during this summer’s film festivals with a post apocalyptic zombie movie in which he starred as lead actor and produced called Phase Two. -Interview by Lee Golden Shaun Paul Piccinino www.trulyindiestudios.com www.shaunpiccinino.com www.thelackeymovie.com www.v8stunts.com http://www.imdb.me/shaunpiccinino
Shaun Piccinino Movie Work Out: -1.5 hour gym weight training 3 x week -3 mile jog 2 x week -1 hour martial arts training 2 x week Gym work out : -15 minute cardio warm up (treadmill, jump rope or heavy bag) -1 hour weight lifting routine, focusing on 2-3 muscle groups per workout (Mostly free weights & kettle bells) -15 minute abs & cool down Jogs: -3 mile jog mixed with light free running along the beach. Martial Arts: -Bag work (kicking & punching drills) -Practicing Kung Fu Forms & Animal Techniques. -Hapkido/Grappling
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www.guygrundy.com
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WILLIAM NECO I first started lifting weights at 11 years old. My motivation was to become a wrestler, but after buying an issue of then Joe Weiders muscle builder power I decided on training for a body that was like those in the magazine. By the age of 13 I was so built and strong I could no longer use the 110 weight set in my basement, so I joined the YMCA where they had Olympic weights. There I started the power lifts, and became so strong gym members urged me to join the bensonhurst open powerlifting meet which was being held in conjunction with the Mr and Ms bensonhurst promoted by Dan Lurie. As a 13 year old I performed a 270 squat, 200 bech, and a 350 deadlift while weighing 145. I won my class against grown men. I also took up Olympic lifting and became good enough by 17 to place second in the jr metropolitan championships, and was invited to the empire states which could have qualified me for the jr nationals. Unfortunately I suffered a knee in jury which discouraged me so much I quit weight training altogether. By 37 I was a fat delivery guy weighing 224 with plantar problems and old knee injuries. I once again was inspired by a magazine, this time Robert Kennedy Muscle Mag. I couldn’t afford a gym so I started a regimen of pull ups on a construction site scaffold near my job, after two weeks I added pushups, leg raises and body weight squats after I returned home from walking 7 miles with bad feet as a messenger. two weeks later a piece of roof from a construction site fell on my back narrowly missing my head which would have killed me. I suffered a sever herniated disc, but despite tears and excruciating pain I didn’t give up my exercise routine.After 4 months my body responded and I weighed a muscular 178 on the regimen of calisthenics alone. Inspired an suffering less pain, though the herniated disc wasn’t healed, I bought a 110 weight set like I did 29 years ago as an 11 years old. By 2004 I had built a physique worthy of competition and to prove it I placed 6th in the novice NPC eastern. My bodybuilding career finally began 33 years after I picked up my first set of weights. Since then while still having a herniated disc and also a chronic case of chrohns disease I still compete. This is my competitive record, Npc eastern 2005 6th place, NPC metro 2006 4pl, muscle mania nyc 2006 3pl, Muscle Mania NYC 1 lace 2007-2009 3 time champion record. 2007 INBF N.Y state middle weight 1 place. 2009 mister jones beach promoted once again by Dan Lurie 1 place, INBF Mr America over all masters champion and light heavy first place. Wnbf Masters pro cup over 50 1 place and most recently usbf masters level 2 3 place.
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H T I W
EBy: Mike Bell R U UT
F
PD: Hey Shawn, thanks for taking the time to visit with us. Let us get some of the basics out of the way. What is your height and current weight and what is your contest weight? SR: I am 5’8 and at this moment 234 pounds. Contest weight optimal at 210 but 215-218 in the past. PD: Where do live and train? SR: I live in Huntington, NY and I train at the East Coast Mecca, Bev’s Powerhouse. PD: That’s is an awesome gym with a ton of quality bodybuilders! How old are you and how long have you been competing? SR: I am 31 and I have been competing for 4 years now. PD: You got a late start in the sport compared to some. Did you play sports in high school or college? SR: I played football then I boxed. PD: What got you into the sport? SR: I was overweight, about 290 at my heaviest, and I didn’t recognize my own face. I was always strong but one day a training partner challenged me to take my shirt off after I out pressed him, and I knew I couldn’t beat him that day, so I gave Dave Palumbo a call and we went on a 20 week journey to my first show. I lost close to 100 pounds and came in 2nd in the light heavyweight class, after everyone minus a few in my gym at the time doubted me, which made me train harder and stick to my diet! PD: That’s a hell of a story. How did you like working with Dave and his Keto diet? SR: Everyone has something to say about Dave’s Diet but it works! It is the only way I get in shape. More so my blood type and gluten allergies, I just don’t handle carbs well but I can still thrive with a reefed meal once a week. PD: What are some of your recent shows, and how did you place? SR: I did a couple shows last year some I probably shouldn’t have; I placed 4th at the Mets, and 5th at the Atlantic States last year. PD: What have the judges told you need to work on in order to place a little higher? SR: I’m laughing at this comment because I just got yelled at about this, I was told that I have everything, the only thing they want from me is conditioning.
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PD: Why do you feel you haven’t brought the type of conditioning the judges want? SR: 2 reasons. First the number game, I start to panic when I see the 220’s go by. I have that fear of being small, Kevin always tells me I won’t be small because of my dimensions and the way my body is built, so once I am that low, I stop my cardio, or I will add carbs in even though I know I am not supposed to. My first show I trusted Dave 100% I didn’t deter plus I didn’t know what I was doing alone. The problem after that is trusting my coach and knowing they want the best as well as I do. I learned you have to believe in your coach and trust them to the fullest. PD: What are your plans for the rest of this year? SR: This year I am going to make sure I do this right, my plan is to qualify and make a splash at a National show. PD: What do you find to be the most difficult part of this sport? SR: I find the lack of unity in the sport the most difficult thing, it’s not the dieting, not the training, not the cardio. I like to make friends and support them, but it seems most people just like to talk trash and put each other down. That’s not who I am. PD: I agree, I would love to see more “brotherhood” within the sport. You’re a big guy what are some of your best lifts? SR: I’ve incline pressed 455 for 5 reps, flat dumbbell pressed 180’s for 6, I have deadlifted 605, I’m not a huge squatter but I have gotten 515 for 6 reps. PD: Do you work with anyone for your prep? SR: Right now I am working with Phil Provenzano, I also have Kevin English in my corner he’s been like the big brother I never had. Max Charles and Steve Weinberger are also in my corner. I have so much respect for them. PD: When did you decide you wanted to take this sport as far as you could? SR: After my last show, I was ready to call it a day, there was no desire to compete anymore. Then Kevin (English) called me and told me he wanted to talk to me. He told me that it would be a shame if I didn’t pursue this sport, he said with condition I could be untouchable, he told me if I didn’t have the potential he would let me stop or tell me to just do it for fun, he talked to me for over an hour and that was coming from Mr. Olympia 202 as well as someone I look up to. PD: That says a lot coming from Mr. O himself! What do you feel you need to work on besides conditioning? SR: I am my own worst critic! I can tell you I hate my arms where most people love the! I also think bringing up my legs to match my upper body, specially glutes and hams, will balance me out perfectly! PD: Is there anyone you would like to thank? SR: I would like to thank my sponsors Ironmaglabs and the whole team, for supporting me through ups and downs. They have a great team assembled by Mr and Mrs DiMaggio. I also have to thank Aaron Singerman for bringing me on board and believing in me even though I haven’t made my return to the light heavies like he wants lol. I have to give a big shout out to my newest sponsor Further from Falling clothing, they make a great line of workout apparel! Sibil Peeters for giving me my training programs, Kevin English for not letting me quit! Jeannette for being so patient and Nick Cappello for pushing me everyday, Steve Weinberger, JB, Max Charles, my boys, Juan Morel, Lori Coppola, Angellica Nebbia. I can go on for days abouth the supportive people in my life. So to everyone I say thank you and I love you guys. PD: A supportive team can make a huge difference in this sport! Thanks again for your time and be sure to let us know what your plans are come Fall! Best of luck to you.
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S I L
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Hi I’m Lisa James, 28 year old single mum of 2 children age 3 and 5 from llanelli! I started powerlifting in dec 2011 and within 2 months did my first competition and won the welsh championships! I instantly loved the sport and went on to win the following.. Welsh championships2012 67.5kg class Welsh cup holder 2012 67.5kg class British qualifiers 2012 67.5kg class Uk opens 67.5kg class World championships 2012 67.5kg class Wales’ strongest woman 2012 3rd place @72kg body weight British championships 2013 75kg class where I also was awarded ‘best of the best’ overall female power lifters! Wales’ strongest woman 2013 1 st place @73kg body weight! My main sport is powerlifting but after having a go of strong woman last year I decided to try it again this year and was thrilled I came first! Im currently training for the European championships powerlifting in July and also for body power next week where il be doing the pull/push completion! My best lifts at the moment @73kg body weight are.... Squat...185kg Bench....100kg Deadlift...190kg Page 36 I am also sponsored by Avenches Biotech and they are amazing and really supportive! PAGE 36
MICHAEL DEL SIGNORE My name is Michael Del Signore. I live in Southlake, Texas. I am 54 years old. I have been a competitive powerlifter for 31 years. During this time, I have competed in approximately 100 full Powerlifting, Bench press and Deadlift meets. I have won numerous State, Regional and National titles over the course of my career. The organizations that I have competed in include the AAU, USPF, APF and USAPL organizations. In addition to my power lifting career, I have competed in 7 bodybuilding shows as well.
CAREER SUMMARY I have been a competitive powerlifter for 31 years. During this time, I have competed in approximately 100 full Powerlifting, Bench press and Deadlift meets. I have won numerous State, Regional and National titles over the course of my career. The organizations that I have competed in include the AAU, USPF, APF and USAPL organizations. In addition to my power lifting career, I have competed in 7 bodybuilding shows as well. POWERLIFTING HIGHLIGHTS 1982 AAU Delaware State Champion -181 Lbs (6x state champion 82-85,97,98)) 1983 AAU South Jersey Champion – 1st Place -181 lbs. 1984 USPF Collegiate Nationals – 5th place - 181 lbs. 1985 USPF South Jersey Champion – 181 lbs 1986 APF Nationals – 3rd place – 181 Lbs 1987 USPF Mountaineer Open – 2nd place – 181 lbs 1988 USPF YMCA Nationals – 4th Place - 198 lbs 1990 APF Virginia Open Champion – 198 lbs 1992 APF National Champion – 198 lbs 1994 APF Sr. Nationals – 4th Place – 198 lbs 1995 APF Sr. Nationals – 4th Place – 198 lbs 1995 USPF Sr. Nationals – 5th Place – 198 lbs 1996 AAU Sub-Masters Nationals Champion – 198 Lbs 1999 USAPL Masters (40-44) National Bench Press Champion -220 lbs 2000 USAPL Masters (40-44) DC Open – 220 lbs 2001 AAU National Champion – 220 lbs 2002 USAPL American Masters (40-44) Champion – 220 lbs 2002 USAPL American Masters Best Lifter 2004 USAPL American Open Champion – 220 lbs 2009 USPF Masters (50-54) Nationals Champion – 220 Lbs 2009 WPF World Recorder Holder – Squat 661 lbs @ 204 lbs bwt 2009 WPF World Record Holder Total – 1636 lbs – 220 lbs 2009 USPF Sr. Nationals – 3rd Place Open Division – 220 lbs BODYBUILDING HIGHLIGHTS 1982 AAU Mr. Philadelphia – 6th Place 1982 AAU Mr. Delaware – 3rd Place 1983 AAU Mr. District of Columbia - 3rd Place 1983 AAU Mr. Delaware - 3rd Place 1991 AAU Mr. Delaware - 3rd Place 1991 AAU Mr. South Jersey Champion – Short Class OTHER ITEMS 1984 Collegiate All American (Temple University) Certified Personal Trainer – ISSA Former Gym owner - “The Training Center” - New Castle, De -1988-2003 Competed in at least one meet each year for 25 straight years (1982-2007)
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JAMES
HOWARD
https://www.facebook.com/BodybuilderJamesHoward?ref=tn_tnmn
JAMES HOWARD
Why I do it It’s the old cliche: I got sick of getting pushed around, beat up and picked on. I grew up in the country. There’s little to do. We entertained ourselves the best we could. I guess I started moderately training in 1983 in gym class. After I got beat up by a couple of older kids, my grandfather bought me one of the old DP plastic and concrete weight sets. But what flipped the switch for me was the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie Commando. Out of all my fictional comic book heroes, whose physiques I strove to emulate, here was finally an actual living human being who carried all the characteristics of how I saw myself, of what I wanted to be. And I said “I want to look like that”! From that moment on, there’s never been a glitch. Twenty years later, I’m still banging! Why I love it There are no limitations. In the weight room, I am a God. I shape, mold, build, destroy, rip, tear and bring it all back together again. What other athletes in the world can look at their image in the mirror, and through hard work, dedication, actually change their physical form? Bodybuilding is the sport of the Gods. I’m like putty in my hands. Competing For me, it was a logical course of action. I had run out of challenges and become complacent. At 42 years old, I needed to overcome an obstacle, to have a long-term goal and objective. It has developed into the pursuit of an IFBB Pro card. In the gym I prefer to train alone. I have built a full gym in my home; I call it the pit . It is my most favorite training location, just me, my music and the weights. I also train my clients from this location. But a large part of what we do as professional trainers holds a social aspect to it, so I do also frequent several local gyms and fitness centers. In the kitchen It takes a lot in this sport. A plus for me is Team James. I’m blessed to have an awesome wife; my trainer IFBB Pro Jay Rowe and my wife put the fuel in this machine. It is a complete science with these two. I hold a general knowledge of nutrition due to my profession, but as I’ve said, my wife Kim handles preparation - me, I stay focused on getting better, making improvements and consuming all that fuel. Contest history July 2012 NPC Georgia State Championships 4th place, Men’s Masters 40+ 3rd place, Men’s Open, Super-heavyweight August 2012 NPC Coastal USA’s 2nd place, Men’s Masters 40+ 2nd place, Men’s Open, Super-heavyweight May 2013 NPC Europa Eastern Seaboard 3rd place, Men’s Masters 40+ 1st place, Men’s Open, Super-heavyweight Best Poser award Best Sportsmanship award
Sherri Gray IFBB Pro Female Bodybuilder By Noah Williams
Being a 38-year-old mother of two, wife, full-time instrument engineer at a pharmaceutical company, and professional bodybuilder, Sherri Gray has quite the busy life. But she still makes it to the gym on a regular basis to keep improving her physique. Gray originally got in to training when she decided to take a weight training class as a freshman in college. She had always been active but never really put a lot of time and effort in to weight training. It wasn’t long, though, before it had become her passion. Initially, it was a means to stay healthy, and while she never disregarded health, Gray’s main motivation soon became the desire to compete. After several months of training, Sherri was in the gym when a few friends approached her and asked her if she’d ever competed. From that moment on, Gray had it in her mind to compete and see how far she could take her physique. When she began her diet for the competition and saw the changes that were happening, she knew she was hooked. Originally starting as a figure competitor, Gray was convinced to switch to bodybuilding by several judges who kept telling her she was too muscular for that division. (For those who do not know, the judging criteria in women’s bodybuilding is the same as it is for men’s: The judges look for muscularity, symmetry, balance, and overall conditioning.) Gray has now been competing in and training for bodybuilding for a little over four years.
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Written By: Ryan Ellison
SHERRI GRAY
Her first show as a bodybuilder was the 2009 NC State Bodybuilding, Fitness, and Figure Championships in the lightweight female bodybuilding class, where she took first place and the overall. Since then, she’s competed in the 2009 Jr. USA Bodybuilding, Fitness, and Figure Championships, where she competed as a middleweight female and took second place; the 2010 Arnold Amateur Sports Festival as a middle weight bodybuilder, where she took second, and the 2010 North American’s Bodybuilding, Fitness, and Figure Championships as a middleweight, where she took first in open middleweight and master’s 35+. When it comes to training to improve her physique, Gray takes an approach that most people don’t, but should. “I push myself every time I step foot in the gym. To make improvements you have to put your heart in to each training session.” She doesn’t have a favorite body part to train — she enjoys training them all — but she does have favorite exercises. Some of which include dumbbell bench press, shoulder press, and dumbbell deadlifts. Sherri also doesn’t just train with one single rep range. She varies things. “I do a variety of training,” she says. “My workout changes every week and varies depending on where I am in my prep. I only lift heavy for about six weeks at a time; then I change it up and do more sets and reps — although with this, I still use a weight that is challenging.” Gray isn’t messing around when it comes to competing, either. She knows how to be disciplined and how to get lean. Asking what advice she’d give to women looking to compete, she emphasizes the need for patience and perseverance. “Give yourself enough time to diet down,” she says. “Don’t try to do it quickly. Know that it takes time and consistency. Slow and steady, and stick to your diet with no cheating. Make sure to get your cardio in and do a variety of different types to keep it interesting. …
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SHERRI GRAY As far as weekly cheat meals go, once I am in contest prep I do not have cheat meals. I eat strictly what is written for me and that is all.” But the off-season is a different story: “In the off-season I will have cheat meals. I usually like hamburgers, a slice or two of pizza, or a home-cooked meal. Dessert is usually included in there too!” Tye Sheets Pierpont As for show time? “Learn from each show and take time to make improvements. Each show should be a learning experience. Take that experience and grow as a competitor each time. Also know that it takes a lot of mental strength, sometimes more than physical, when it comes to sticking to your plan.” The next competition Gray is looking to compete in will be the Chicago Pro – Wings of Strength in July of 2013. Be keeping an eye out for her. She has the drive and mentality of a champion with the physique to back it up.
RONNIE COLEMAN CLASSIC 2013
Photos by James Allen Ronnie Coleman Review By: Ryan Ellison If there’s one show this time of year every competitor and spectator looks for its non-other than the Ronnie Coleman Classic. How could a show named after the 8x Mr. Olympia aka king of Bodybuilding be nothing short of spectacular. Considering that Brian Dobson owner of the Orignal Metroflex gym in Arlington, Tx is the shows promoter. Not to mention the fact that the show is a national qualifier. The 2013 Ronnie Coleman Classic was held at the Mesquite Convention Center, which is the same venue they’ve used in years past for good reason. There’s plenty of parking spots, it’s easy to find, they have a hotel right next door, not to mention it’s the only venue that I know of that you can fit Ronnie Coleman’s Massive Bus inside. When you go through the front door you walk through a maze of vendors just to name a few The Drive clothing line, Muscle Egg, Able foundation and it would be complete without a massive booth for Ronnie Coleman’s Supplement line. The highlight of the night had to be the Men’s Open Bodybuilding Super Heavyweight division. It was showdown between 3 great competitors Chris Smith, Joe Mackey and the overall winner Max Fairchild. This show truly brings out some of the best amateur athletes this sport has to offer. All the other competitors look great and the show was expedited perfectly. This By: Jackseems Duncan shows popularity to grow every year and for good reason. I’m not the only one looking forward to the 2014 Ronnie Coleman Classic.
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RONNIE COLEMAN CLASSIC