Here’s a recent interview with Shawn Ray. Shawn asked a specific question about the MD articles, and I credited the visionary Steve Blechman for giving me a platform to write whatever I want in my Muscular Development columns.

I was remiss in not also mentioning you, the readers and watchers of TLR, who afforded me the largest and longest running platform in terms of expressing my ideas.

I’d like to thank my good friend, the legendary Shawn Ray, for his excellent job in this interview.

Click to hear the interview.

My definition of cruelty to animals: cruelly depriving animals like me from devouring steaks, chicken, eggs and whey products.

But seriously, I don’t judge the vegans too harshly. And in fact, they do inspire me.

I came across an article that took me aback. This topic of vegan diets comes up from time to time. I honestly don’t get it – why someone would avoid all animal products? But just like years ago with the Finger Man, I have to respect their resolve.

This New York Times article outlines some of the approaches about how they get protein from non-animal sources. It sounds nuts to me – no pun intended. The length these guys go to hold onto their values. Sometimes vegans become bodybuilders, and even win, like Kenneth Williams.

Whether you go vegan, or you just get caught up in life and find yourself losing your monster mass, you have to figure out how to live life with a lesser physique. Which is why, while I personally don’t get the vegan lifestyle, I loved this quote by Kenneth Williams, who now at 44 is a raw vegan:

“I’m no longer an athlete,” he said. “I’m a warrior now. There’s a big difference. The athletes are just out to get paid. Warriors stand for something.”

Whatever you stand for, you have to see wisdom in that statement.

I believe it’s within all our destinies to become warriors. It’s important to remain open and flexible on what that battle will be. It may be in the gym, maybe not. It could be anywhere. It will find you. When it does, it’s not about money or who’s watching. It’s about you, and your ability to stand up for your values. Vegans got that part right. What will YOU get right?

OK, gotta go get a steak.

Peace,

Kevin

Also check out MD Radio with Shawn Ray:
MD RADIO

Squat till you drop – a phrase that best represents what this following video entails. Squats is one of the best ways to increase upper body strength, plain and simple. Rob, who had fallen slightly short of his 405 bench press, knows this to be the case. Taking him through this kind of leg training will only ensure that he will meet and surpass his quest for 405.

peace fellas

Another year has passed, a new year is upon us. In this life, we can control many things. Time is one of those elements which we cannot control. It keeps moving forward relentlessly with no cognition or care of how you live your life. However, what you do with your time can make all the difference in the world, literally.

Study the video below. The Bulldog has already set certain milestones in a relatively short amount of time. The personal goals he has set forth for himself takes a great deal of discipline. Putting yourself out there in full world view also takes a great deal of courage. Rob has done both with great determination.

2012 is here. What will you now do with your time?

peace TLR

Rob has committed himself diligently to face this challenge head on, pushing his physique, mind and soul to the utmost limits.  It’s a huge burden to bear, especially during these times when most have forfeited past year resolutions.

No one ever said this would be easy.

To those of you who have stuck to the gameplan and sacrificed along the way, TLR salutes you.  To those of you who have offered support to those who need it most whether it’s in or out of the gym, TLR salutes you.  To those of you out there who need that extra push/drive just remember, sometimes all it takes is that single spark and the rest will fall into place.

Happy Holidays TLR

No matter who you are, what your background is, whether you are a 400 lb hulk or a 90-lb warrior adjusting to your new wheelchair.

Whether you have lost a job or a loved one, been cheated on, held back, turned back, abandoned, misunderstood; or whether you are the guy who has it all except for a physique he’s proud of, or you have a pit of emptiness inside that needs filling, we are brothers of iron, all.

If you’re out there grinding away on your own, maybe at the local gym, or maybe at home, sometimes it gets rough on your own.

That’s why I’m glad I can give you front row seats to see what it’s like being monitored by a pro-level nutritional expert. Bulldog Rob is putting in the effort, and Todd Swinney, one-man-fitness-factory, is doing what he does best – shooting straight and fast.

Listen carefully – Todd covers a lot of ground in this short video. This is Grade A fitness advice, Made in USA, Levrone-approved. You can take it to the bank and apply it to your own goals, courtesy of TLR.

So far Rob has triumphed with eight pounds of lean body mass, lost a couple pounds of fat. He has been full blown and in the zone, no wavering, no turning back. Getting plenty of rest, and like a NASA astronaut, he’s followed advice from mission control to the letter.

He has paid his dues, and as you can see in this video, he’s enjoying the fruits of his labors so far. His physique does the talking. So will yours.

It’s that simple guys. On Battlefield Body, the spoils go to the bold and the brave, and the gut never lies.

When it comes to calories, protein and carbs, Swinney’s on the case. Listen closely as he packs this meeting with valuable truth about the theory of nutrition.

We’re honored to have both Rob and T. Swinney donating their time and energy to the TLR mission of spreading inspiration, information and wisdom, free of charge, around the world. If it makes you stand a little straighter today; if it makes you try a little harder, and sharpens up that vision in your head of what you dare to achieve, we have succeeded. The rest is up to you.

Peace,

Kevin

IFBB Hall of Fame

Update from the IFBB Pro World Masters Championship! Dexter Jackson came in with great condition. And it was great to see legend Samir Bannout on stage again – great showing. Click HERE for full interview.

Hard core strength and mass training here at Gold’s Gym in Owings Mills, Maryland. Bulldog Rob in the house. 4 sets of 4 reps, 320 lbs on the bench.

It takes full blown focus, visualization and belief in yourself to attack this kind of weight, and Rob’s charging forward in his very own “strive for 405,” for one rep. TLR veterans here will recognize that phrase. Today Bulldog was victorious with 320 lbs.

These massive compound exercises are turning Bulldog into a monster from the inside out. The squats and deads actually help the bench, too – it all fits together.

When compound mass achievements create a solid champion scaffolding, Bulldog (and you following along) can really start to chisel and pack on insane muscle.

But today it’s about insane focus. Rob’s dead lifts at the end of this video are some of the most insane reps ever shown on TLR. He’s discovering that deep reservoir of strength and power. If you dare attempt this kind of audacity in the gym, be careful and train with a professional.

What’s the secret to success? It’s not magic. It’s not a secret. It’s simply the act of getting in a zone and moving forward. With bodybuilding, when you start to see results, the effort you continue to put in is self-perpetuating.

The more results you see, the more you can’t wait to feel the steel. So whatever you do in life, get over the hump of adversity, gut it out, and give yourself a chance to taste the fruits of your labors; the rest will take care of itself.

Peace,

Kevin

Check out this link with Shawn and Flex on the World Masters. 

December 10th, join me at the Miami Florida Master’s Show, with Shawn Ray, Lee Haney, Dorian Yates, Dexter Jackson, Ronnie Coleman and more. – Kevin

I should also add that I’m thankful for TLR, and for you. The trials and tribulations I faced this year were met nobler, with more strength, after being involved in the TLR experience for the past few years. Thanks to what you bring to TLR, and what you bring out in me.  - Kevin