By: Gary Benkendorf
It was some time back in the early 90»s; I was climbing the corporate ladder, head down, working hard like most Americans trying to get ahead. Years on the road, hotels and airplane trips contributed to my weight ballooning into the unhealthy sphere. I began a simple running and cycling exercise program that I did during my lunch hour or after work. My weight began to drop. I added some weight training in my garage with equipment I had collected over the years and fell in love with the effect of getting back in shape. I eventually joined a gym. But, it was still years later that I decided I wanted to do something competitive.
That idea came to light a couple of years ago when my friend Tony, a more experienced bodybuilder at the gym, took me aside and said I should do a bodybuilding competition. I didn»t think much of the idea. The fact was I didn»t think I had the muscle needed to succeed. But I trained hard for another year. I»d been collecting issues of the No Nonsense Magazine and now they really came in handy. Within these pages were the keys to my small series of success, training tips, supplementation and diet plans. I read it all, cover to cover.
The 2008 Texas Shredder Classic in Austin, TX was my first show. I placed 2nd in the Masters Division (50-59). I was very pleased, but now I was hooked. If you»ve done a show, you»ll know what I mean. Two weeks later I won the overall at the NGA Southern States Pro/Am Classic and earned my Pro Card in the Open and Masters Division. The following year at the 2009 Texas Shredder Classic, I placed 1st in the Masters Division (50-59).
competitionshade. I get this done 2 days before the show and it cures to a dark deep shade that is very durable.