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"The Mecca of Bodybuilding" Gold's Gym, Venice, may be temporarily closed down, but the "Lift Must Go On!" IFBB Pro, 

, grab an intense chest and shoulder workout at a private gym in beautiful Marina del Rey, California.

Silvio, who has won three pro shows and placed as high as 5th in the Arnold Classic and 7th at the Olympia is well-known for beating far larger competitors with his beautiful symmetry, outstanding lines, and conditioning that few have been able to achieve. After several years away from the sport, Silvio made a comeback in 2019 and for the first time ever, found himself at the bottom of the pack. Rather than letting that discourage him, Silvio reevaluated his approach and decided to join forces with a new coach - Eric Broser. The two have been working together for the last 10 weeks at Gold's Gym in preparation for the St. Louis pro.

However, those plans were squashed when the Coronavirus pandemic shut down all NPC/IFBB competitions until further notice. Silvio and Eric look at this as a just another obstacle to be fought through and overcome, remaining in "prep" and ready to strike when

Sil and I have known each other a few years. We met at Gold's. Always been a fan of his physique. He made a lackluster comeback to the stage in 2018 and 2019. He watched how I train other clients and became interested in my methods. After placing very low at the Cal Pro in 2019 I sat next to him in the audience and we talked. He was in tears because he was used to being a top guy and now barely got looked at. I told him that if he ever wanted my help to just ask. At the end of 2019 he came to me and asked me to take over his training and diet, even though he never let anyone handle both aspects before. I agreed and we started working together with the ultimate goal of getting him back to the Olympia stage.

I have mainly changed his training from a more ballistic and loose style to a more controlled technique using various methods via my specialized protocols - SPEC™, FTX2™, ESPX2™ and

PRRS™. I also made his diet much more strict and progressive, with a much closer watch over his macronutrients.

He is so far thriving on my program, holding more muscle than ever before while leaning out more and more each week.

West Coast Update with Eric Broser - Silvio Samuel 

Eric: Please start off by telling GASP readers how old you are; where you are from originally and where you now reside.

Luca: I’m 45 years old. I’m originally from Italy and moved to California in 2007. Currently

I reside in Marina del Rey, and I’m very proud of becoming an American citizen in 2016.

Eric: When did you start bodybuilding and what got you into it? Did you have any mentors or idols in the sport?

Luca: I started training at the age of 16 because I was extremely skinny. I used to weight 145 pounds at a height of 6’2”. To be honest, I did not have any mentors or idols in the sport, and began just to be healthier and look better.

Eric: When was your first contest and what show was it? How did you do?

Luca: Once I arrived in California I couldn’t wait to step onstage! My first show was the

“Muscle Beach Championships” on the 4th of July 2008. I competed in both the open and novice division. I won the overall title in novice and placed 1st in the heavyweight open class.

Eric: At what show did you win your pro card? How did you feel when you achieved this

Luca: I earned my IFBB pro card at the over 40 division of the Master’s Nationals in 2016.

To me it meant everything - the end of a long journey started 25 years prior.

Eric: Did you have any struggles or obstacles you had to overcome while working towards

Luca: Besides few small injuries and few minor setbacks, my main obstacle was to remain motivated without being able to compete at any “National Level” show because I was not yet an American citizen. So as soon I obtained my citizenship (in 2016) I competed in 3 straight pro qualifying shows, finally locking down that coveted IFBB card in the final one.

Eric: So, you have had your pro card for a while now, but have not yet done an IFBB show. Why is this and do you think you will ever grace a pro stage?

Luca: After I got my pro card I tried to get ready for Vancouver pro in 2017 but I had to pull out 2 weeks before due to some physical issues. After that I kind of lost interest in competing and I started focusing more on my acting career. However I’d still like to do one more show before I retire 100% from bodybuilding. I am thinking about giving it a go sometime in 2021, when hopefully all is back to normal.

Eric: You are obviously a beast. At 300 lb. and a bit over 6 feet tall you have a huge frame, and you are massive head to toe. However, in our many conversations we have discussed how it is impossible to ever be satisfied. What areas of your physique do you consider weak points, and how are you trying to change that?

Luca: First of all, there are always going to be some areas I want to develop further, and I doubt I will ever be fully satisfied with my physique. At this moment I’m focusing to improve my upper chest and my back thickness. I’ve been trying for the past few months to work those areas with very heavy weights at one session and then again later in the week with a “touch up” workout.

Eric: As you mentioned, you love acting, and have appeared in many commercials and other TV projects. What are your plans and hopes for the future in this aspect of your life?

Luca: As soon as things return to normal, I definitely want to focus on improving all of the skills necessary to become a true, working actor. I really love the industry, and the financial rewards it provides vs. what I can achieve in bodybuilding.

Eric: 2020 has been a crazy year, but looking back before all of this, I want to ask you about training at “The Mecca.” When did you start lifting in the most famous gym in the world and was it a dream come true for you (like it was me) when you entered through those doors?

Luca: I moved to California from overseas almost exclusively to train at Gold’s, Venice. To have the chance to train alongside the top pros was my dream since childhood. Unfortunately, in my opinion Gold’s has changed in the past few years and it’s not like it once was. It is beginning to look more and more like any other gym, and many of the pros have gone elsewhere.

Eric: Even though bodybuilding is an individual endeavor, we all have had our share of help along the way. Anyone you wish to thank?

Luca: I’m definitely very grateful to have had the opportunity to train at “The Mecca” all these years, and I appreciate all the support and encouragement I have always had from everyone there. I would like to say a special thank you to you Eric for the kind words, support, and friendship, as well as for helping me with my prep for many of my shows.

West Coast Update With Eric Broser - Luca 

My good friend, IFBB Classic Pro, Toto Djong, is a regular at Gold’s Gym, Venice, where he can be seen almost daily training with his partner and coach, George Thibault (also an IFBB Masters Pro).

 is an episode of my show B Built by Broser where I trained Toto 10 days out from his last show.

Toto began his IFBB career in the 212 division, but quickly realized he would be better suited for classic. This turned out to be a great decision, as he made quite an impact in 2019, earning a higher placing in just about every show he entered. I have had the honor of putting Toto (and George) through several workouts using my unique training methods, and although they are both pros, they are always willing to learn something new and embrace new techniques.

Recently I decided it would be awesome to catch up with Toto and take this time to introduce him on my new GASP blog – “West Coast Update.” Hope you enjoy!

 Thank you for doing this little interview with me my friend! Please start off by telling GASP readers how old you are; where you are from originally, and where you now reside.

 It’s my pleasure Eric. Thank you for asking me to do this. I’m honored! My name is Toto Djong and I’m 42 years old. I was born in Jakarta Indonesia and came to United States in 1995. I’m a Santa Monica, CA resident, and have been for over 25 years now.

 When did you start bodybuilding, and what got you interested in it? Did you have any mentors or idols in the sport?

 I started lifting weights when I was 21 years old. I regularly went to gym with friends, but had zero real knowledge of bodybuilding, supplements or nutrition. Everything changed when I was blessed to meet veteran bodybuilder, George Thibault one day while in the gym (around 2008). He approached me and told me that I have great genetic potential, and should compete in shows. I took his advice and decided to give it try.

George taught me how to improve my lifting technique and train my body in a more logical manner. He also schooled me in nutrition, supplements and the proper dieting protocols for both gaining mass and losing fat. At the time I looked up to many bodybuilders, and appreciated both mass monsters and the more aesthetic physiques. Some of my favorites were Lee Labrada, Jay Cutler, Phil Heath and Kevin Levrone.

 When was your first contest and what show was it? How did you do?

 My first ever contest was the NPC Excalibur back in 2008. I prepped for 12 weeks under George’s guidance and got 4th in the bantamweight class. From then forward I was hooked on competitive bodybuilding!

 At what show did you win your pro card? How did you feel when you achieved this amazing goal?

 I won my Pro card at the 2017 NPC USA in Las Vegas (welterweight division). I took 24 weeks getting ready for this show. I spent the first 12 weeks in a size-gaining phase and then took the next 12 weeks to totally rip up my physique.

It felt amazing o hear my number announced, and even more incredible to be put in the center amongst the best bodybuilders in the country. It was a dream come true after spending 9 years working my way up in the amateurs - to finally reach my ultimate goal of winning my IFBB pro card. Yeah Eric, it’s felt great and was also so humbling at the same time.

 Did you have any struggles or obstacles you had to overcome while working towards making it into the pros?

 Because I work all day in a gym, training clients, I feel my biggest personal struggle is keeping up with my own workouts and nutrition. It can be exhausting work and often it is hard to find the time to get in all my meals and have enough energy to crush my own training sessions. However, I always find a way because this is the lifestyle I want. It’s all a mindset.

 I believe you began your pro career in the 212-bodybuilding division, but have now switched to classic physique. Why did you make this change? Do you approach the classic class differently from the 212 as far as how you focus your training?

 Yes my first pro show in 2018 was in 212 division – the IFBB Tampa pro. I was the lightest in that line up, weighing only about 173lbs. And because I was giving up over 30 lbs to most of the guys all I could manage was 14th place. I realized I would be better suited for classic physique, as my strengths are in my lines, shape and conditioning. My approach has not really changed, as I still just work as hard as possible trying to get better at every show.

 When you prepare for competition what type of diet do you follow? Do you go super high in protein or stay more moderate? Are you a high carb guy, or do you prefer more fats?

 I always been a fan of carb-cycling and have used that technique since my first competition. I generally keep my protein intake steady – around 250 g per day. On my higher carb days I will consume around 250 g per day, and on really low days, as little as 50 g. On low carb days I increase my intake of healthy fats. This keeps my energy from dropping.

 You have outstanding quads – both in size and shape. What might a typical thigh workout be for you? What is your favorite quad movement?

 I came from an athletic background - playing soccer and basketball in my younger years. I think that’s why my quads are somewhat dominant over my upper body. However, that does not stop me from killing my quads in the gym!

My favorites thigh exercises are leg extensions, squats, leg press, and lunges. But out of all of these movements I tend to favor the leg press. These seem to bring about the most development for me.

 Yeah bro, those quads are crazy! You had a lot of success in your last few shows, placing as high as second in a very tough lineup. What is your eventual goal? Do you have aspirations of winning the Mr. Olympia one day?

 Like everyone says, you have to pay your dues. I knew if I kept on doing the work and kept on showing up at every show better and better that I would be rewarded. My ultimate goal is to qualify to compete on the biggest stage in bodybuilding – the Mr. Olympia. And yes, just like so many other’s in my chosen sport, my dream is to one day even win it!

 I think you have it in you my friend! Like me, you normally train in Gold’s Gym, Venice – “The Mecca of Bodybuilding.” Right now it is closed, and we all miss it quite profoundly. What do you love most about training in the most famous bodybuilding gym in the world?

 Ahhh yes, the Mecca of bodybuilding. I think that Gold’s Gym, Venice is the best gym in the world. It is an honor to be able to train there. I love working out alongside so many great and knowledgeable people like you (“Merlin”) and Dave Bourlet (who loves bodybuilding and is such a humble person).

And of course, it’s amazing to see the superstars of our sport every day, such as Dexter Jackson, Shawn Rhoden, Silvio Samuel, and Danny Hester. On occasion I actually get to train among true legends like Arnold, Lou Ferrigno and Robbie Robinson. Every day I enter that gym my motivation and inspiration jumps to a higher level. We are like a big, happy family at Gold’s – a true brotherhood of iron.

 Well my friend, it was so great talking with you and catching up a bit. You are on of the most friendly and humble people in the sport of bodybuilding and your work ethic and dedication is admirable. Thank you for taking the time to share some of your story with everyone at #TeamGASP.

West Coast Update With Eric Broser - Toto Djong

Throughout his long bodybuilding career Dave Hughes has always been somewhat of an underdog. He was the guy who looked awesome at just about every show he did, consistently breaking into the top 6 of some of the most talented lineups ever seen – but constantly falling just short of earning a coveted IFBB pro card. That said, he was still extremely popular in the sport – constantly in demand for photo shoots, magazine articles and endorsement

contracts. I myself was a big fan of his, as I admired his density and thickness, coupled with granite hard conditioning. Little did I know that one day I would not only meet him, but also train him – and more importantly form a real friendship.

While I mentioned that Dave has always been an underdog, one thing he has NEVER been is a QUITTER. After overcoming all kind of obstacles and adversities, Dave finally 

pro card at the (masters) North American Champions in late 2019 at the age of 53! I recently sat down with him for a short interview, which I’d like to share with GASP readers.

Let me take this time to once again to congratulate you on finally becoming one of the elite in the sport! How did it feel to finally win your pro card?

Dave: Finally winning and receiving my pro card was such an amazing feeling! Almost surreal to tell you the truth! It has been a goal of mine since 1989. It seriously was a very long but also joyful journey! All the places I was able to visit and the amazing people I met were always such a great experience! Guest posing, traveling and doing what I loved for so many years was priceless. But there was always one piece of unfinished business that left me feeling dissatisfied, which of course was never turning pro. That is why I gave it one more shot with everything I had, and I finally accomplished my biggest goal. But I can tell, you – it has been a long, tough road.

Ok, so you did win your pro card, as you mentioned, but I know it almost never happened because at one point you actually retired from the sport – is that correct?

Dave: Yup, that is true! I had actually retired from bodybuilding in 2000 after my twins Gracie and Logyn were born. We were moving to California from Oregon and I just felt like it was time to focus more on work and raising my kids at that point in my life. However, bodybuilding was in my blood, and I got the competitive itch again three years later and jumped back onstage in 2010. My return was not as successful as I wanted it to be, as I was dealing with injuries to both knees, as well as massive hip pain. My hips especially kept me from being able to train with the kind of intensity needed to turn pro.

Let’s stop and talk about that tough road just a bit. Everyone loves a good comeback story! What obstacles did you have to overcome along this amazing journey to a pro card?

Dave: The main obstacles I had to overcome were injuries I had to both my knees and hips as I mentioned. Both of these things had a huge impact on my training, as they not only limited my exercise selection, but also my range of motion. However I always did my best to work with and around these challenges because that is just how I tick! That said there is no doubt it greatly impacted my ability to progress in improving my physique.

You eventually gave in and had hip surgery at some point, yes?

Dave: Yes, I did. After struggling with major pain from 2010 to 2017, I finally decided to go under the knife. It was a miracle for me, because for the first time in so long I was able to train legs again at near maximum intensity.

It’s really crazy when I think back on it. Those who knew me saw me get to the point of barely being able to walk let alone even consider training legs. I finally had to swallow my pride and began using a cane but still couldn’t bring myself to take it out of my car with me! When I would pull up to Gold’s Gym, Venice, it would take me like ten minutes to get from the parking lot to the front door. Those were not good times at all, but I kept telling myself it could always be worse!  And that’s what kept me going to the gym everyday, even when I had no more intentions of competing again. I just love to train and you couldn’t keep me from getting in there and grinding.

Ok, so how did you go from the hip surgery to thinking about competing again?

Dave: Well, like I said, once I finally recovered from surgery I started feeling good again. I decided to embark on a mission to rebuild my legs. I had all the confidence in the world I was going to get them back, even better than before! As I saw the improvements week after week a fire was lit, and I knew I had to get back on that stage and finish what I started.

I decided to target my comeback for 2018, even though I kind of knew that might be too early – but I just had to test myself and see where I stood. And while I did not win, I managed 3rd place, which felt like a good starting point to really go after it in 2019. I targeted the North Americans and exactly 25 years after first doing that show, I won the whole thing!

So you and I had seen each other at Gold’s for over a year without ever actually meeting. Then one day you saw me performing an unusual exercise for my shoulders, which prompted you to come over and ask me about it. Then you tried it and loved it. This was maybe a month or so before the North Americans. Shortly after, you started training with me – right up until the day before you left for your show. We then continued the partnership as soon as you returned. How did my methods differ from your own and what made you literally change your entire philosophy of training upon our meeting?

Dave: Well “Big Eric,” I was very fortunate to get some awesome workouts with you even if just for a few weeks before my competition. It was awesome timing for me. Being that close to my show, my energy was getting pretty low. You were a huge motivator, and the things that you would say while training really stayed with me throughout the week, and kept me

driving hard, even when you were not around.

I tell everyone who will listen, Coach Broser is very inspirational but even more so, extremely knowledgeable - trust me!” I’ve been in this game for over 30 years, both training and competing, and have worked with some of the best in the business! I’m always trying to learn more and to pass on to others as well. What I love about your methods is that you have a

very unique way of keeping the muscles guessing. You have amazing and novel ways of shocking the muscles and maximizing their full potential. The methods you taught me are unlike anything I have experienced before. It was a great experience training and learning from you and I’m looking forward to training with you again as soon as possible.

Wow Dave, thank you so much for your kind words. One more thing I want to discuss involves the hernia surgery you had a few months after winning your pro card. You and I discussed this at length in the lead up to it, but I’d like readers to know what made you finally get this done after so many years.

Dave: I finally decided to have a hernia repaired after years of letting it go. In the beginning it was not that bad, but slowly it started getting worse and worse until it was really an eye sore when I came back in 2018. I should have taken care it immediately after that show but I was on a new mission to get my legs better for the next year. In my mind, I couldn’t afford the downtime in order to be where I wanted to be within a year. So I opted to wait until I achieved my pro card and could relax a little with that goal achieved. Let me tell you, it was stressful though. I was very worried that the hernia would hold me back at the show- luckily it did not. But, going forward, I knew if I ever wanted to compete again – as a pro - this was a must to get fixed!

The recovery period lasted for several months. It was difficult and painful. I did not even touch a weight for about 8 weeks, and when I was allowed to go back to the gym, I had to start with extreme caution. At this point I am finally getting back into the groove and almost

training at full capacity. That said, I have a lot of size I need to gain back before I even feel like myself again.

So where does Dave Hughes go from here? What are your future plans now that you achieved your dream of becoming an IFBB pro?

Dave: As of now, I’m currently working on building my online clientele and expanding my “brand.” This is what is most important at this point. I do not have any immediate plans to compete because I am not yet sure what the official IFBB schedule will be. So for now I am just trying to stay focused on training and improving – especially my legs.

But I can say that when the time comes for me to compete again I want to do it locally (Southern California) so that my family and friends can all be there with me. Sharing these moments with the people I love is what makes everything worth it.

I know you want to thank a few people, so please take this opportunity to do so.

Dave: I definitely want to thank my good friend and sometimes training partner, Francisco, for all of his help and support before my North American’s victory. He actually traveled to the show with me, which was just so awesome. I also want to thank my son Logyn, who also made the trip out to Pittsburgh with me to assist with anything I needed. We shared a very special moment back stage right after I won. He wanted to get the first picture taken with me, and right before we took the picture he pulled out an IFBB necklace that he got me right after he knew I won. When he handed it to me I could see in his eyes how proud he was of me. So

it was definitely an unforgettable moment that I’ll cherish forever. Finally I must thank my beautiful woman, Cathy, who nursed me back to my feet after my double hip surgery and really supported me in whatever decision I made!

Thank you my friend for sharing all of this with me, and GASP readers. You are a true

inspiration and provide us all a lesson in what the meaning of “tenacity” really is!

West Coast Update with Eric Broser - Dave Hughes 

More in Destination

Check out this video taken at Destination by Muscle & Strength. Take a look as they highlight all the various training styles and areas that are housed under the 20,000 square foot facility that we at GASP call our home base.

"This is the first video in a brand new series call Epic Gym Tours! In this series we travel to some of the most iconic gyms in the world where some of the best bodybuilders train and hangout."

Muscle & Strength Epic Gym Tours - Destination

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We were just in Manhattan and then hit up the East Coast Mecca aka Bev's Powerhouse in Syosset, New York. Now we are in Englewood and Edison New Jersey with Derek Lunsford, Vlad Petric and Michael Johansson.

Thanks to the great recommendation from Vlad, we link up at Bobby Bournias Brownstone Pancake Factory. This place is world famous having been featured on national and international food television networks. Their claim to fame are the epic dishes, more notably the pancakes, desserts and amazing breakfast menu along the flawless attention to detail.

Michael Johansson, Derek and Vlad discuss the origins of the success of the Brownstone franchise and connect it to the enjoyment of the process similar to that of bodybuilding, powerlifting and any physique sport.

"I always say it's like a destination." Bobby referring to Brownstone becoming the place to be for all kinds of celebratory meals, not intending to create a pun connecting to ...destination, Dallas, Texas.

The common denominators between Bobby and the GASP crew were numerous and made it feel like "coming home" on our first visit to the Brownstone Pancake Factory.

After fueling up at Brownstone we haul ass to Edison, New Jersey to one of Guy Cisternino's home gyms Apollon Gym. Here the crew splits up and slang some iron in true no compromise fashion. Derek and Shaun are gearing up for the 2019 Mr. Olympia, Guy Cisternino was preparing for the Chicago pro and Tampa pro contests, Chris Pantano is full offseason mode along with Vlad still deep in his offseason preparing for his pro debut in his home country of Romania.

Stay tuned to gaspofficial.com for the epic 4 city tour to China with GASP OG's Branch Warren and Johnnie Jackson.

Like Coming Home - IWT New Jersey Recap

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"GASP, number 1 they never apologize for who they are and who they support and they never lost their focus. Thats why the relationship has lasted so long. Because they are hardcore and I wouldn't want to be with anyone who wasn't." - Branch Warren

What do you get when you combine the brand made for only the hardest working individuals of the iron sport and the man who fought, clawed and scratched his way to earn everything he's accomplished in bodybuilding and business? An epic, one of a kind symbiotic partnership that has sharpened and built one another for over 10 years! Branch Warren and GASP are going on 11 years of a relationship that promotes, at their respective cores, being relentless, non compromising, and earning everything you want in life. Here we have the the story of how it all started between GASP and Branch. Where we started, how we have grown and where we are going.

Stay in the loop with GASP and Branch Warren. We are preparing for next level global tours, athlete searches, productions and events all geared to keep you fired up and NO COMPROMISE!

10 Relentless Years: GASP & Branch Warren

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Being huge can create problems. We fix those problems. At least when it comes to a badass fit on denim pants.

Hear it from Branch Warren himself on how the new Flex Denim pants are a perfect fit for him without even wearing a belt.

BRANCH WARREN APPROVED - GASP Flex Denim

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Ed Brown has put in the work and has earned it.

Now, after trials and tribulations Ed Brown has put in the work again and is at Masters Nationals for another run at qualifying for professional status.

There is a different look from EARNED muscle through legit, programmed lifting and constant progression compared to genetically blessed or younger lifters. Ed has done a myriad of training styles including powerlifting, power building and strongman. The different styles has built an ultra dense look to Ed's physique but it has also given him knowledge and mileage that he transfers to his clients both competitor and general health alike.

Ed brown has also coached driven and hungry bodybuilders and powerlifters to win everything from meets to NPC contests to pro cards.

Big shout out to Big Tex Gym, Metroflex Gym and of course Destination for cultivating the no excuses atmosphere and mentality.

Earned Never Given - Be The Hardest Worker

More in Training

IFBB's newest pro Martin Fitzwater and ultra hungry & yoked Brett Wilkin blast off with Armbrust Pro Gym owner Dylan Armbrust all the way to Destination for several epic days at the GASP and Better Bodies HQ with Hunter Labrada, Bryan Troianello, GASP CEO Michael Johansson and the team.

Unlike the title suggests its not really a v.s kind of an experience (although the competitiveness in the gym is very present) but more of a "bodybuilding kumbaya" like Hunter Labrada called it.

It took 12 hours to drive to Dallas. Thankfully Dylan drove most of the way and allowed the guys to sleep to ensure a proper push day with Hunter Labrada.

We will feature a whole training cycle which is push, pull, arms and leg training with Bryan Troianello making his way up to Dallas again for arms and legs.

This is only day one and it is a very rough cut, all inclusive episode featuring the Denver crew's AirBnB, a gnarly push session with Hunter, and a feast at Michael Johansson's house again.

Denver Bodybuilders v.s Texas Bodybuilders- Martin Fitzwater, Brett Wilkin & Hunter Labrada

More in Events

 is busting his ass to bring an improved package to the Chicago Pro BUT at the same time continuing to work hard to promote the new NPLC - National Powerlifting Committee together with 

 owners Robert Impastato and Esther Chou.

A common theme in and around GASP and Better Bodies is tons of badass endeavors going on globally in tandem with other initiatives. Together with Johnnie, Rob and Esther, GASP teams up with the NPLC to be the title sponsor of the first meet which will be held in conjunction with Freddy and Sheilahe's pro/am Battle of Texas event December 5th.

Check back for updates and contest coverage from the Chicago pro in Atlanta and plenty of coverage leading up to the Battle of Texas and the first powerlifting and strongman event under the NPLC.

Johnnie Jackson Chicago Pro and NPLC

One of the main lessons of bodybuilding is that when the going gets tough you keep going and pushing forward to finish what you start no matter what!

, late 2019 and 2020 has been riddled with trials and tribulations. It goes without saying that the ultra low point in 2020 was when he lost best friend and training partner Luke Sandow.

One thing he did to counter the effects of these uncontrollable circumstances was to focus on getting healthy and competing again.

One of the things that Ben relied on to get through the loss of Luke and getting his body right to finish his prep and compete at the NPC Texas State was his stellar support system. The like minded and disciplined individuals in his circle like Hunter Labrada, Bryan Troianello, Brett Wilkin Martin Fitzwater admittedly was huge in contributing to Ben pushing forward to his finish line. Donnice Christian, Ben's wife also plays a pivotal role in contributing to keeping Ben accountable. "I could not have done this without her support."

Check out the full video and how Ben explains the ups and downs and relying on discipline and the mental strength that is built from following through with goals.