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Courage Opara and Bernardo Costa are preparing for the Battle of Texas this December along with what seems to be EVERY other classic physique pro in the world.

Freddy Naidu and Sheilahe Brown have made a stellar reputation for the Battle of Texas being an amazing competitor experience along with world classic stage production and the feeling of an actual rock concert and bodybuilding combined.

Now with the way 2020 has been and given the contest's reputation, everyone is looking to show up and try to earn a 2021 Olympia qualification here.

This list includes top tier pro Courage Opara and rookie pro Bernardo Costa. Bernardo is making his pro debut here in about a month and they both discuss pro debuts and the ups and downs (both physically and mentally) of going pedal to the metal getting pro level shredded.

Separate Yourself - Classic Physique Pro's Speak

It is no secret that Johnnie Jackson gets a lot of comments on his explosive tempo and range of motion. Say no more...

Segue to the point of this description of him training back and having one of the most complete and freaky developed backs in history: the training principle of individual differences.

What does individual differences mean? The simplest definition is that we are all unique. Our past experiences (Johnnie began weight training at a very young age with his brother, has a military background and over 25 years training at the Original Metroflex Gym) our genetic composition, current physical condition, injuries etc. all play a role in our response to any training modality/exercise including tempo and range of motion.

Point being and as the title suggests, you're not Johnnie Jackson so most likely will not respond to his routine, exercise selection and execution how he does.

If you have aspirations for anything more than being a recreational lifter you absolutely will have to be proactive in finding what works best for you. You can flatten this curve by working with qualified coaches and trainers.

This video was recorded a few days after Johnnie competed in the Chicago pro. He had his trade mark conditioning which was evident in his back, delts and traps giving his trademark freakiness. Check it all out. It is raw and rep for rep.

The Principle of Individual Differences is a principle that states that, because everyone is unique, each person experiences a different response to an exercise program. Some of these differences may be related to body size and shape, genetics, past experience, chronic conditions, injuries and gender.https://gaspofficial.com

You Are Not Johnnie Jackson - Principle of Individual Differences

More in Destination

Hector Mendoza doesn't work... this is the feeling when he is capturing timeless moments with some of the bodybuilding and fitness industries premier athletes and personalities.

Hector has become the go-to photographer for all of Muscular Development Magazines projects including their most recent cover with Hunter Labrada.

GASP & Better Bodies CEO Michael Johansson sits down with photographer, veteran, father and bodybuilding aficionado Hector Mendoza. Everything from upbringing to life philosophy and goals + aspirations are discussed. They deliver anything BUT a typical conversation so it might resonate with anyone who wants to break out of a perceived mold or life trajectory. Check out this Destination LIVE discussion and some of the highlights from Hector's 2020 so far.

Destination Live With Hector Mendoza

More in Other

I am so happy and excited to bring to GASP my latest “WEST COAST UPDATE” with my good friend, and IFBB Master’s Classic Physique pro, George Thibault. He and I met at Gold’s Gym, Venice and struck an immediate friendship, as he is just one of those people that is always smiling and offering kind words to everyone. I watched him compete in many shows, and always in amazing shape - but at age 53 he put it all together and earned pro status at the 2019 NPC Team Universe.**

ERIC:** Let’s go back to the beginning. When did you starting lifting weights and what got you into the activity?**

I first started lifting weights when I was only about 10 years old. My mother signed me up for boxing classes at the YMCA and while there I noticed they had a weight room. When I saw what the guys looked like who were lifting, I knew that is something I wanted to do.

ERIC:** Did you want to want to compete from the outset, or did that goal come later on**

Yes, I wanted to compete right away! I think I was only about 15 years old when I did my first contest.

ERIC:** What was your first show, how did it go? Did anyone help you prepare?

My first show was the teenage Los Angeles and I had no clue what I was doing! I was pretty much on my own with no mentor or coach. I had no idea how to diet and did not know I was supposed to do cardio to lose fat. As I remember there were only 5 of us up there and I got dead last.

 How many shows have you done in your career approximately? Does any particular show or shows, and/or victories stand out?**

Honestly, I have no idea how many shows I have done – although I have certainly done a lot. I have actually taken many breaks from competition during the years, but always got the bug to come back. Obviously the show where I achieved pro status (the 2019 NPC Team Universe) stands out the most. One of these days I plan to dig out all of my trophies and take a photo of them all.

ERIC: How did it feel to finally achieve that IFBB pro card?**

When I heard my name called and knew I was finally a pro it was an incredible relief. I literally felt the weight lifted from my shoulders.

ERIC:** Was it just a crazy experience to step onstage as a pro?**

My first pro show was a great experience because I did it with both of my training partners, so we had a blast. I entered knowing I’d be much older than everybody else, but had the goal of looking my personal best and beating some of the younger guys – and I did!

ERIC:** You are a personal trainer and will also sometimes coach other athletes. What are the main things you try to teach your students about training and the sport?

Yes I make my living as a personal trainer/coach and I love every minute of it. The main thing I try to teach my students is to always have fun and to always consider their health first. I tell them that if they are not enjoying it and loving it, they should not be doing it.

 Which bodybuilders have always inspired you? Who do you think was the best Mr. Olympia of all time?**

This is a tough one for me as there are so many greats in the sport. However, if I had to choose, I would say Lee Labrada because he physique was incredible from every angle and at the same time looks “attainable.” When it comes to the best Mr. Olympia that would be either Ronnie Coleman or Lee Haney.

ERIC: You and I met at “The Mecca of Bodybuilding,” Gold’s Gym, Venice. You trained there long before I did. Who are some of the big names you have gotten to train with over the years?**

Yes, we did meet at “The Mecca,” which was filled with so many awesome people and bodybuilders. Actually, I never really trained with many of the really big-name pros, although I was friendly with all of them. Some gave me tips as I moved along in the sport, and sometimes we had lunch at the Firehouse – which was always fun. I did once do a little arm training with Dexter Jackson and of course I trained along with you and Silvio Samuel a couple of times. Even though I never did a workout with them, it was amazing to watch guys like Flex Wheeler and Chris Cormier train with Charles and get ready for their biggest shows.

ERIC:** You have been in this sport for a long time, both training and competing, and in your 50’s you keep improving. What do you owe your longevity to?

Just as I stress “health first” with my clients, I also apply that to myself, which has kept me in the sport for all this time. Although I treat bodybuilding extremely seriously I do not take any stupid risks or push any aspect of the prep for shows too far. I also never train with crazy weights or use sloppy form so as to keep injuries at bay and my joints intact.

ERIC:** What are your goals moving forward? Will you continue competing, or are you winding your career down?**

Yes I am slowly winding my career down. I’m tired brother! I am most likely going to do one or two more shows in 2021 and then hang up the posing trunks. Of course I will always be a bodybuilder and always stay in top shape – that never stops!

ERIC:** George, you truly are one of my favorite people. You are my brother in iron. You always have kind words for everyone and act as a cheerleader for all other bodybuilders. And for that, I thank you. Anyone you wish to thank for contributing to your success?**

Thanks Eric. Yeah, you are right in that I try to always encourage everyone, and I am willing to help in any way I can. I think it is important we support each other in this sport, and recognize the hard work, discipline and sacrifice of everyone in the gym. Just by telling someone how good they look can give them a huge boost, and everyone needs that now and again. As for who to thank, that would have to be my mother. She brought me to the YMCA to keep me out of trouble, which is where my fire for the sport was lit. Of course I must also thank my wife, Connie, who has always supported me through everything.

ERIC:** Wow, that was awesome my friend. You are one of a kind and a true gentleman. And in fact, you may have inspired me to go after my pro card as well!

West Coast Update With Eric Broser - George Thibault

More in Ambassadors

The uncertainty of 2020 has been daunting when it comes following through with bodybuilding prep and not knowing if the competition will be possible. Bernardo Costa at 6'4 and near 300lbs offseason is damn near the second coming of Lou Ferrigno. Needless to say both of these facts attribute to the title of this video.

"Can you be ready too early? (Jokingly) Yes I think so. No, I think you have to know how your body works and adjust. I never heard of someone having too good of condition on contest day."

Being that this is Bernardo's pro debut (originally he set out to do the New York Pro) he put everything into this prep and is ready to step on stage NOW. Most bodybuilders are of the same thought process that someone can "peak too soon." Bernardo has a very practical approach to diet if this happens so he maintains that he can change up his calories if need be and be ultra shredded and avoid this peaking too soon problem.

The Battle of Texas is gearing up to be a MASSIVE pro show with a lot of rookie pros and some more established pros looking to take the top spot and the Mr. Olympia qualification for 2021.

Massive Pro Debut - Bernardo Costa

How well can you do the same process over and over and OVER until you break through?

Bodybuilding is not for the weak minded or those addicted to instant gratification. The grainy muscular density paired with next level conditioning worthy of pro status comes from years of training, learning how to progress and a super comprehensive understanding of how the human body needs to repair from proper nutrition.

Ed Brown is a prime example of years of experience and plugging away hard core, getting stronger and fine tuning nutrition and training before attempting a pro qualifier. At the same time he passes on this knowledge to those under his tutelage.

This weekend at the 2020 NPC Universe he earned his pro card in the IFBB. Big congratulations goes out to the one and only Ed Brown. Follow him 

Ed Brown Universe Weekend Pro Card - Earned Never Given

One of this man's tag lines is "make some noise."

When he hits his top sets, the weights are clanging and the F bombs are flying.

Whether it be on stage, an expo, podcast or family dinner, his presence CANT be ignored.

In that same breath, NO ONE will give more effort, heart or passion. He will go above and beyond to make sure anyone is taken care of and has all the support they need to get their own show on the road.

The one and only Guy Cisternino sits with GASP & Better Bodies CEO Michael Johansson and discuss growing up, perceived successes and failures, origins of his no compromise attitude and "fuck you if you tell me I can't" mentality.

Destination Live With Guy Cisternino

More in Iron World Tour

The Mr. Olympia weekend has changed to Orlando, Florida so we had to be super agile and change plans to take over Orlando with the Iron World Tour.

The GASP and Better Bodies team along with 13 Olympia competitors including Hunter Labrada, Shaun Clarida, Derek Lunsford, Jennifer Ronzitti, Samantha Jerring, Guy Cisternino, Divine Master, Irene Anderson, Ahmad Ahmad and Jeremy Potvin will all be either competing in the 2020 Olympia or taking over Orlando in the best way possible.

We will have a HUGE house near Kissimmee Muscle Gym in Orlando. We will be training every day, working hard and playing hard and you all are invited!

Iron World Tour Orlando

We are still in Dubai with Joe Mackey and Larry Wheels. On the agenda and program today for Joe is a max lift of 835. Joe is preparing for the meet back in Dallas on December 5th and has been programming his deadlift training with Josh Bryant.

Right now Mackey is smack dab in the middle of his offseason where he is incorporating powerlifting training to add the needed size and strength to ultimately own the IFBB stage in 2021.

"A man's character is not defined by the good times, but by how he responds to failures."

Ultimately Joe missed this 835 lift BUT learned several valuable lessons when it came to:

Stay tuned for more from Dubai and Joe Mackey's meet this December at the Battle of Texas.

Deadlifting with Larry Wheels - Joe Mackey 835lb Attempt

Hunter Labrada is joined by Ben Chow and Liv Rothenberg for this hamstring focused leg day.

By the time of this posting the news has dropped that the Mr. Olympia has moved to Orlando, Florida. Everyone has to qualify in some shape or form. Every one is a pro and every one has won a professional competition to qualify for it. This year has been filled with ups and downs and a lot of uncertainty when it came to gym shutdowns and capacity limitations that lead to contests being canceled.

Florida WILL host the contest and it is the first time in 20 years that the contest has not been held in Las Vegas.

Hunter has always had a super strong set of quadriceps when it comes to development and has been hammering his hamstrings to win his pro debut and improve them even more now for his Olympia debut.

Check out all the top sets and the effort it takes to force the body to respond at this level of bodybuilding.

Subscribe to the GASP channel. The content is revving up going into the last quarter of 2020.

Hunter Labrada's Mr. Olympia Debut - Hamstrings with Ben Chow and Liv Roth

We catch up with premier 212 pro Derek Lunsford. Derek has had a fast rise to knocking on the door of his first Olympia win. After the 2018 Olympia and finishing 2nd to Flex Lewis he went into the 2019 Olympia a fan favorite and sure fire winner. When the dust settled that wasn't the case and it was extremely mentally tough on Derek.

Here in this interview Derek breaks it all down and explains from childhood all the way to missing the win in 2019 the mental cues of essentially needing certain validation and hearing the hype to having the whole narrative turn upside down along with any peace of mind.

"When I go into business with someone I want to hear about their successes AND their failures." Michael Johansson explains timing and how champions are made from failures.

Tune in to this full interview with Derek Lunsford and GASP CEO Michael Johansson and take what you can from it.

Be sure to stay tuned in the GASP community groups for way more interviews like this in 2020 and leading to the Olympia.

Destination Live With Derek Lunsford

More in Motivation

Ed Brown, fresh off a pro card win at the NPC Universe visits Destination Dallas and pays homage to Kevin Levrone.

"You got guys critiquing pro's like Branch Warren and Johnnie Jackson yet haven't done jack shit themselves."

Ed gets a bit heated with internet critics with brazen attitudes who like to spread negativity.

_"There is a quote from a top pro who inspired me to return to competition and he said it best: There are those that talk about what happens, those that watch what happens and there's people that make things happen."

In the end we are all responsible for what we do and more importantly what we DONT do in life. Either eliminate excuses and make it happen or don't. You're responsible either way.

Here Ed Brown is joined by friend and client Kiu Luong who trains out of Big Tex Gym in Austin, Texas with Ed. Kiu and Ed have teamed up to build up Kiu's physique to be able to compete and qualify for Nationals soon.

Also mentioned in this video is GASP brand specialist Henry Nguyen who competed with Joe Mackey and Ed Brown in the Ronnie Coleman classic as a teenager. Definitely an environment of Iron sharpens iron.