NPC and IFBB Men’s Divisions

IFBB and NPC MenFor decades the competitive bodybuilding landscape has been defined by the muscular gods who have graced the Olympia stage and the covers of bodybuilding magazines. Arnold Schwarzenegger turned the spotlight on bodybuilding and helped to mold society’s perception of the bodybuilder physique. Maximum muscle development, size and conditioning, along with balance and body symmetry are the ultimate goals in bodybuilding for both men and women.

Then in 2011 the National Physique Committee made a very clever move by establishing the Men’s Physique Division. The Men’s Physique Division is characterized by a well-muscled physique but with a smaller degree of muscularity than what is exemplified in men’s bodybuilding. If you think of a male fitness model, you will have a clearer picture of what is desirable. This is not to say that muscularity is not rewarded, but the hulk-like muscularity that is seen in Mr. Olympia title-holders is not the goal with men’s physique.

Now men have a more attainable goal with the Men’s Physique division, but be prepared to put on some lean muscle mass if you dare to grace the stage. The new Men’s Physique IFBB Pros have sculpted physiques which were certainly not earned by sitting on the couch all day!

What Are The NPC and The IFBB?

picture2life_99681_originalFor those of you who do not know what the NPC and the IFBB are, here is an explanation.

The NPC stands for the National Physique Committee, which is the number one amateur bodybuilding organization in the world. Most serious amateur competitors who have a goal to earn professional status will compete as amateurs within the NPC to attain prestigious IFBB Professional Status. The NPC was established in 1982 by Jim Manion and is the amateur arm of the IFBB. The IFBB, which stands for the International Federation of BodyBuilders, encompasses 160 nations and is the big granddaddy of professional bodybuilding leagues. Ever since Lee Haney became the first NPC Nationals champion to attain IFBB status, the majority of the greatest IFBB athletes reached this status via the NPC. Those of you who may have followed bodybuilding over the years may recognize names such as Shawn Ray, Flex Wheeler, Cory Everson, all of whom competed in the NPC before becoming part of the IFBB as professionals.

The best athletes in competitive bodybuilding flock to these organizations and elevate the sport with their tremendous physiques.

Swat Fuel 9mm and 9mm+P Fat Burners Are The Best

9mm and 9mm+PIf you are looking for a revolutionary fat burner which provides sustained energy for an entire day and which also works as a potent pre-workout booster, you need to check out 9mm and 9mm+P from Swat Fuel. I am not joking – prepare to be amazed.

I am not easily impressed by sports supplements because there are so many products out there that over-promise and under-deliver. However, I can honestly say that Swat Fuel 9mm and 9mm+P are unique and superior to any other thermogenic fat burners on the market. These products were originally formulated for law enforcement individuals and military personnel to specifically provide sustained stamina and energy which lasts the entire day and does not produce jitters. These products optimize fat metabolism and are excellent for use as pre-workout boosters to maximize your energy and stamina during your lift. Even if you don’t work out, you can count on these powerful formulations to increase energy levels without the usual jitters or crash that many thermogenics cause.

9mm is a powerful thermogenic and pre-workout formula, but if you are trying to lose weight or you want to become ripped, opt for 9mm+P which also contains a natural appetite suppressant.

Prepare to SWEAT LIKE A PIG during your workouts when you take these supplements! Also make sure to hydrate very well when taking either product. Even from the first time I took 9mm, my reaction was one of total surprise. As the sweat poured off me and I noticed that I had laser focus with my lift, I just kept saying, WOW. I was truly blown away, and I continue to be impressed by the fact that this product delivers true to its description.

Every time I take this stuff, I am drenched in sweat about five minutes into my lift. No other thermogenic has ever had this effect on me. What amazes me is that my heart does not race, I do not get the jitters, and my workouts are much more powerful than on the days when I don’t take it.

Go to http://swatfuel.com/solidfuel.aspx to order, and remember to enter discount code 1HOTHAPA for a generous discount at the time of your order.

Discussion On Glute Exercise #1: Reverse Abductor Press

In the Top Ten Glute Exercise Video Series Ian Lauer CSCS and IFBB Men’s Physique Pro and I presented ten exercises which we felt were the most effective for building and tightening up the glutes. Number one on the list was the Reverse Abductor Press, which I will describe here.

I chose the Reverse Abductor Press as the number one exercise in the Glute Series because it is the best exercise for tightening up the ham glute tie in, plus it does an incredible job of rounding out the glutes.

You will get on a leg abductor machine (this is the machine that works your outer thighs), but you will face the back support pad instead of resting against it (i.e., backwards). Keep your upper body upright and move your legs out to the sides, sitting into the movement and squeezing the booty as you do this. If you want an extra burn on this you can hold each rep for up to three seconds.

Recommended rep range is 15 repetitions for each leg, 6 to 8 sets total. You can increase your rep range to 20 or 25 to really work your glutes!

Watch it on YouTube:

Discussion On Glute Exercise #2: Dip Machine Leg Press

In the Top Ten Glute Exercise Video Series Ian Lauer CSCS and IFBB Men’s Physique Pro and I presented ten exercises which we felt were the most effective for building and tightening up the glutes. Number two on the list was the Dip Machine Leg Press, which I will describe here.

Facing an assisted dip machine, climb up and place your right foot firmly on the plate you would normally kneel on, with your other leg behind you (knee bent or straight). Grab onto the side handles for stability and position your torso so that your waistline is at the level of the handles. Push down on plate with your right foot and fully extend at the hip and knee without locking out the knee, and drive your movement through the heel to emphasize the stretch. As you do this, squeeze your booty and pause briefly. Return to start, then repeat. Complete a full set with right leg, then switch legs.

Bear in mind that when you set your weight for this move, you actually will be selecting the weight used and NOT the weight of assistance since you will be pushing against the plate rather than allowing it to assist you.

Recommended rep range is 15 to 20 repetitions for each leg, 5 to 6 sets total. You can increase your rep range to 25 or 30 if you really want to feel the burn!

Watch it on YouTube:

Discussion On Glute Exercise #3: Good Mornings

In the Top Ten Glute Exercise Video Series Ian Lauer CSCS and IFBB Men’s Physique Pro and I presented ten exercises which we felt were the most effective for building and tightening up the glutes. Number three on the list was Good Mornings, which I will describe here.

Stand with feet close together, holding a barbell behind your head and keeping your back straight. Flex at the hips until your upper body is parallel with the floor, pushing your glutes out and pushing through your heels. Return to start. For those who are unfamiliar with good mornings, the body movement is essentially the same as with deadlifts, but with this exercise, the exertion phase is when you flex at the hips (with deadlifts, the exertion phase is during hip extension when you pull barbell up).

Recommended rep range is 15 to 20 reps, 4 to 5 sets total.

Watch it on YouTube: