Week Two Climbing To The Top

So, it’s week two of twenty-one and I have to say that I am pleasantly surprised with my progress thus far. Part of the final hurdle in preparation for my first show was the locking-down of my diet. The newest diet that Dusty has put me on isn’t so different from my previous ones, except for one thing; THE CHEAT DAY. Prior to starting this final diet I was a little apprehensive about losing this ability to indulge in some of the most delightful of God’s creations. To those of you whom don’t know, I have a little bit of a sweet tooth. Don’t believe me? Almost every single cheat day you could find me at different valley restaurants gorging on some of the fattiest, artery clogging food anybody has ever seen. Upon my visits to the Cheese Cake Factory I would order a Smokehouse B.B.Q Burger made with smoked bacon, melted cheddar cheese, crispy onion rings, all covered in a zesty BBQ ranch sauce. To accompany my mount of deliciousness, I would order some mouth-watering sweet potato fries. Then, to top it off I would wash all that down with a delectable warm Godiva Chocolate Brownie Sundae. Now, just tell me that meal doesn’t sound like a good time. The only down side to consuming food in such a manner is its ability to steer me away from my goal. Being that I am only two weeks into my new diet I have to say that even though there are times I miss eating like a normal person I have not craved the sweets.

            In regards to my new work out plan, I have to say that Dusty never ceases to amaze me. Each new work out is like discovering a new part of an unexplored cave. My body is exploding with transformation and every time I leave the gym I can feel myself becoming more confident. Obviously, my body is sore and there are times when I get stuck trying to tie my shoes, but all the pain is worth it. As I sometimes like to say to those whom I give training advice to, “Pain is weakness leaving the body.”

It’s amazing to think that this time a year and a half ago I was nowhere near competing in a body-building contest. Intuitively, one might think that embarking on such a journey there is nothing to be gained from only eating certain foods, enduring certain amounts of ridiculous pain, but I have to say I completely disagree. There is nothing better than climbing the mountain of progress and I will not stop till I reach the peak.

·                                 “Set a goal to achieve something that is so big, so exhilarating that it excites you and scares you at the same time. It must be a goal that is so appealing, so much in line with your spiritual core, that you can't get it out of your mind. If you do not get chills when you set a goal, your not setting big enough goals."

~Bob Proctor~

21 weeks to the Border States Classic

Fifty-eight weeks ago I started a life changing journey to enter the amateur bodybuilding ranks, and twenty-one weeks from today I will compete in my first show, the 2011 NPC Border States Classic.

Since I was sixteen I have always been into going to the gym and working out. but I never had the understanding and guidance to put together the correct routines and diet. I have always had a real challenging time achieving the look I wanted. I would design a monthly plan to focus on different muscle groups, but was never able to get the desired results. I would become so frustrated that I would throw in the towel for a couple of months, and then jump back into a whole new plan. Finally, in my mid twenties I was noticing definite change. I increased my strength, endurance, and over all appearance.

            This change in my overall appearance motivated me to focus on taking myself to the next level. I finally got the opportunity to work with Dusty Hanshaw, a role model in bodybuilding that I hold in highest regard. Once given the opportunity to train under Dusty’s supervision we have been able to transform my physique from a nasty 236lbs to a lean 184.

            I have decided to write this blog for the motivation and inspiration to get thru the next twenty-one weeks. Over that period I will be posting updates, blogs, pictures, and progress that I have made.

I know that I will never reach pro status nor be the biggest, but when I walk on that stage I can say with confidence that I have fully committed myself to be in the best physical shape possible. 

Jeff Berkowitz

"There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when it's convenient. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses; only results"