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Jacked upDate: 11.05.2007
Posted by: Anabolic Info Team Canada
Bodybuilders flock to St. John’s for provincial championships
Motivation won’t be a problem for Lee Hayward at today’s provincial bodybuilding and figure championships.
The 28-year-old from Conception Bay South is taking part in his ninth bodybuilding event and this time has a specific finish in mind.
“I’ve been doing it for 12 years but haven’t won a show yet. I don’t know too many people that have competed that long without winning one,” he said. “That’s been driving me and if I keep improving, eventually I’m going to win.”
Hayward also helped organize this weekend’s competition at the Delta Hotel and is an executive member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Bodybuilding and Figure Association. In addition to competing, he’ll help other bodybuilders with their posing oil and posing techniques. Chances are they’ll need his help since most of this weekend’s participants lack experience.
“There’s going to be a lot of newcomers at this show and that’s great since it shows the sport is really growing,” Hayward said. “It’s really anybody’s show this year ... It’s nice to have a show with a lot of new people because they have a lot of excitement.”
While the rookies want to win as much as Hayward, they are also fueled by meeting personal goals. Most of today’s competitors are men and women who have spent a few years in the gym and in the last 12 months have stepped up their weight lifting efforts (early in their training) and increased their cardiovascular workouts (in the final stages of training) to specifically prepare for the provincial championships.
After all, the thought of stepping on to a well-lit stage wearing nothing but a Speedo and a smile in front of judges and hundreds of spectators is enough to scare anyone into taking bodybuilding seriously.
Diet a big factor
“I saw it as a way to get in great shape,” said Mount Pearl’s Adam Nolan, one of the first-time bodybuilders competing. “And it pays off. In the past 18 weeks, I’ve lost 50 pounds. The other day a complete stranger came up to me in the gym and told me I looked great. Hearing that makes you feel good.”
Diet is also a huge factor in a bodybuilder’s training. Lean meats like chicken and fish are a must while a healthy serving of green vegetables is just as important. There’s room for selective carbohydrates such as brown rice and oatmeal, but fast food is out of the question.
“The main focus is losing fat. You’re trying to get leaner. That’s the main focus in the last three to four months before the competition,” said Hayward.
Although a lot of the bodybuilders are rookies, there will likely be one or two that really surprise the judges with a professional-looking physique. These men and women usually receive a lot of praise from their competition, but unfortunately rumours about what they took to get so ripped often accompany the compliments.
Hayward acknowledges that some people assume a big, well-defined bodybuilder must be taking something illegal, whether it be steroids or another banned substance.
“It does ... bug everyone. I know a lot of competitors that have won and are totally natural. They’ve even competed in drug tested events,” Hayward said. “I’m not denying some people take drugs. But most are drug-free and do well through hard work.”
Hayward adds that like some sports, the highest level of bodybuilding has its share of athletes who indulge in banned substances. But when it comes to events like this weekend’s provincial championships, he said there’s no need to wonder who’s clean and who’s on the juice.
“At the local level, people compete for personal satisfaction and personal goals,” Hayward said. “(Steroid speculation) hasn’t hurt our events. The sport is still growing and getting bigger.”
In addition to men’s and women’s bodybuilding, a women’s figure championship will also be decided today. Hayward said judges are looking for lean, athletic-looking females, similar to the way a swimsuit competition is decided.
“It’s a more desirable look for a lot of women. It’s taking over women’s bodybuilding,” Hayward said.
Event begins today
Twenty people (10 men and 10 women) from across the province are expected to compete and up to 500 spectators are likely to attend today’s event at the Delta Hotel in St. John’s, which begins at 7 p.m. (tickets available at the door).
Winners in several weight categories will be decided and one overall champion will be crowned in both the men’s and women’s divisions. The overall winners earn a berth at the Canadian bodybuilding championships later this summer. |
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