We’re bringing you this bonus post this week because this past weekend was the biggest weekend in Professional Bodybuilding. . .  Joe Weider’s “Mr. Olympia” Competition.  This is where the top bodybuilders that compete year round take the stage for the most prestigious title in bodybuilding: To be crowned “Mr. Olympia.”  So, in case you’re wondering who won, it was Phil Heath.  There are also other main events in addition, including four women’s events, such as the Ms. Olympia, Fitness Olympia, Figure Olympia, and Bikini Olympia.  In that order, they go from the most intense event (Ms. Olympia) down to the least intense (Bikini Olympia), which is still incredibly intense and takes plenty of work.

The winners of 5 / 6 categories: Fitness Olympia, Figure Olympia, Bikini Olympia, Mr. Olympia (pictured second from left), and 212 Showdown (A second male category).

On a slightly related note, I often use the phrase “Natural Bodybuilder” when referring to my hobby because I don’t want to be compared to our modern day competitors–  Even the physiques that are visually appealing are much larger than I ever want to be.  Let me explain. . .

There’s terminology occasionally thrown around in bodybuilding that describes the different “aesthetics” of bodybuilders–  These also coincide with “eras.”  While I respect the hard work that modern era, or “X Aesthetic” bodybuilders, put in to their training and nutrition, I don’t appreciate the overall aesthetic of their body.  They look overly muscular to me;  However, “Y Aesthetic” bodybuilders (Also known as the “Golden Era”) have a much more appealing body.  While I never plan to get anywhere near that size, I can appreciate both the hard work, and the aesthetic of the bodies from the “Golden Era.”  For a visual example:

A show of Olympia “Dynasties” through the years.

And of course, another reason I refer to myself as “natural,” is because Alissa and I only take natural supplements;  We also don’t take anything that is a banned substance as defined by the USADA, and / or the International Natural Bodybuilding Association.  For the sake of disclosure, we would like to point out that the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness does have an anti-doping policy.

Regardless, congratulations to everyone who competed at the Olympia, and to those who didn’t place as well as they wanted, remember: “Without sports, there is no ‘next year.'”

Filed under: Body Building by DeVinePhysiques
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It was about a year and a half ago that I started hearing a lot of buzz about barefoot running.  A lot of people that adhere to a paleo lifestyle were praising them because of the supposed “natural” running they allowed for–  I just thought they made you look funny.

I bet these get all the ladies.

I tried them on, though, and realized there was something to them.  The first pair I tried on was the original style of “Fila Skeletoes.”  I was amazed by how comfortable they felt;  While that’s completely subjective, I found most people were put off by their appearance at first, but then loved them when they tried them on.  Now, the original style really only has one practical use as far as I’m concerned, and that’s for weight lifting.  Next, I tried on a pair of the running variety, and I definitely fell in love with these–  It also helped that I was in need of a new pair of running shoes.

Alissa finally admitted that she’s not embarrassed to be seen with me in these!

So, what are the benefits people always claim?  First, is that it’s more “natural.”  I put “natural” in quotes because at this point in human evolutionary history, I’m sure running in shoes is more natural.  The next reason I’ll hear is that they’re a better workout for you because the movement engages more muscles.  This has been addressed in numerous essays that try and either prove, or debunk it.  There is no real definitive explanation, but there is an argument for both sides:

One camp says that the barefoot running shoes provide a better workout because it engages more muscles throughout your lower body to keep you stable and running with less support and a “natural” gait.  The other side says that running shoes, specifically the non ultra lightweight running shoes provide a better workout (metabolically speaking), because of the added weight and the additional force needed to keep your pace up with a heavier shoe.  Either way, honestly, it didn’t matter to me.  I bought them for 2 reasons:  They look kind of wacky, and I’m often drawn to things of this nature;  And they’re really, really comfortable.

Okay, so what is it like to run in them?  When I first started reading about the barefoot running phenomenon, I heard a lot of people say it takes some getting used to.  In the essays that would describe the benefits and / or drawbacks of barefoot running shoes, they always mentioned a sort of break in period where your body adapts to running in a “natural” movement.  My first few times running with my Skeletoes was doing HIIT on a treadmill, and I didn’t notice much of a difference.  It took a few minutes to get used to the feeling of running in them, but in terms of having to adjust my gait or being additionally sore, I didn’t experience any of that.

Then came time to do sprints and extended period running outside.  This is where it made an insane difference, but again, not in actually running. . .  It was later that day, and the next day where I noticed why people mention the enhanced muscle engagement.  Normally after running, my legs will be decently sore–  The usual “DOMS”  (Delay Onset Muscle Soreness) that occurs the next day and keeps my calves tight, and sometimes makes my quads and hamstrings sore.  Not this time. . .  The tops of my feet hurt in a way I had never felt;  My ankles throbbed with every step I took.  My shins were sort, my calves were tight and my glutes wanted to give up.  On top of all of that, my quads and hamstrings were a bit sore. . .  But, while running, my feet were very comfortable.

So, they were right. . .  There is a bit of  a break in period, and eventually, my feet will revert to running in these without any unusual soreness.  In the end, I love my new running shoes, but they’re not for everyone.  Start off by trying them on at a shoe store, and if you really love them, I definitely recommend them–  You’re not limited to Fila Skeletoes, either.  There are a lot of options out there, the most popular being Vibram “Five Fingers.”

Filed under: Fitness by DeVinePhysiques
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“Don’t give in to peer pressure.”

I’m sure we have all heard about peer pressure growing up, but the secret that adults never tell you is that peer pressure exists in adulthood too.  Being healthy, or attaining the physique you want can be a very demanding task that requires an immense amount of self discipline.  To take the time to plan out your food every day, keeping your calories within the range that you need for your goals, and keeping your macronutrient ratios in the optimal ranges;  To spend all of the time at the gym required to build (or maintain) muscle and cut away fat;  To spend all of the time reading and doing research to find a health and nutrition plan that works for you, not to mention all of the experimenting with plans and the months that could go into that–  All of this, and more, is necessary to achieve your goals.

Yet, some people will try and derail your progress for whatever reason they see fit, and to that I must remind you to not give in to peer pressure.

“You said you did weight training earlier– Now you need carbs!”

A lot of hard work can go to waste over giving in, but if you can maintain the same level of self discipline, you will never set yourself back.

Plus, the option exists to plan your workouts and meals around those who may influence you.  This past weekend we were visiting family, and I knew we would be going out for dinner one night.  So earlier in the week, while planning my workouts, I planned to do weights before that dinner so I could eat whatever I wanted, as I’m “Carb Backloading.”

Filed under: Health, Nutrition by DeVinePhysiques
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Have you ever give much thought to what type of shoe you’re wearing while working out?  For weight lifting, you have a lot of different options for footwear.  Actually, you could wear almost any style of shoe, with one huge exception:  Running shoes.

Fantastic for running. . . Slightly dangerous for lifting.

Running shoes are built to give support while cushioning the impact of your stride, and this cushioning is horrible for weight lifting;  Also, running shoes typically contour to your foot, and thus aren’t flat–  Most of the time, this is to keep your feet from pronating, or under pronating.  This creates an unstable base for your lift, which could potentially be hazardous.  I experienced this first hand when doing “Good Mornings” in running shoes–  I kept shifting about while trying to keep steady.  (I immediately went out and bought what I currently wear for weight lifting.)  Just think about it–  Running shoes are meant to help while you run, not stand in place holding a lot of weight.  (We’ll get into running footwear in a separate post.)

So, if you shouldn’t wear running shoes for weight lifting, what do you wear?  Literally, almost anything else.  There is only one distinction:  If you’re doing Olympic style lifts, you will want an actual weight lifting shoe, as these have a moderate heel built in that forces your body into a more engaging starting position.  They run anywhere from $80 to $300.

If you’re not training for the Olympics, then most shoes fall into one of three categories:  Training, Flat, and Barefoot.  I use a training shoe now because I was in need of stability while squatting and doing good mornings.  A training shoe is typically all leather (or synthetic leather), which helps keep your foot steady as there’s no mesh in it that flexes.  There’s also a very solid, mostly flat sole with a slight heel which will help to keep your feet planted and stable during dead lifts, squats, and good mornings.

An excellent option for a training shoe.

And then there is the “flat shoe” option.  If stability is not an issue for you, or you’ve developed stability and proper form through the use of training shoes, you should optimally weight lift in a flat shoe.  The most famous weight lifting shoe in this category, of course, is the Chuck Taylor All Star.  You will see this shoe often in old photos of bodybuilders.  To get maximum engagement from your muscles, you should have a completely flat base that you’re lifting off of, and flat shoes offer just that as all the shoe is doing is keeping your foot safe from the ground.  Other examples of these shoes would be indoor soccer shoes, wrestling shoes, skate shoes, and many varieties of tennis court shoes.

And last, but not least, is the barefoot option.

I wish my gym would allow this.

Barefoot is the best way to lift, but most gyms won’t allow that.  For that reason, we have the new line of barefoot shoes that most manufacturers are now making.  Now that I’ve gained stability with my training shoes, I plan on switching to a pair of barefoot shoes.  There is one thing to make sure of, though. . .  When selecting a barefoot shoe, do not pick out the running variety.  A perfect example would be with Fila Skeletoes:  There is a normal option, and then there is the running variety, and the running variety has the same drawbacks as a normal running shoe.

Filed under: Body Building, Fitness by DeVinePhysiques
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Are you someone who checks the packaging of an item to see if there is gluten in what you’re eating?  If so, why are you checking?  Let’s say you’re not one of these people that checks. . .  Do you know people who do?

These logos are popping up everywhere, and it’s not necessary. . .

Lately, a lot of people have been preaching about gluten free foods, but most people don’t understand why this is rather silly.  Gluten is not your enemy–  When it comes down to it, the only thing that should be your enemy is sugar unless you are actually allergic to gluten or have Celiac Disease.  I digress. . .

To put it very simply, gluten is a protein composite derived from grain and grain products.  It’s found in foods containing those ingredients, and is also used as a supplemental source of protein in some foods.  The only people that need to watch their gluten intake are those who suffer from Celiac Disease, a digestive tract autoimmune disease;  The only treatment for Celiac Disease is a lifelong gluten free diet–  And if you suffer from Celiac Disease, go ahead and skip this post.

So, how common is Celiac Disease?  It affects between 0.5% and 1% of the American population, and experts say that there are similar rates worldwide.  For us in the U.S., that means there are 3 million people nationwide that suffer from this.

So, if this disease is so rare, why do people think that gluten is their enemy?  I can’t figure it out when the movement started, honestly, but people do it as a way to be “healthier” and to “lose weight.”  This movement has gained fuel from celebrity endorsement and food packaging, which helps people believe they should choose gluten free foods.

So if celebrities say it helps them, and food packages tout “Gluten Free,” then it has to be healthier, right?  Wrong.  The fact remains that any food that normally has gluten, but has had it replaced with something is less healthy.  The reason for that?  Typically speaking, these foods have fewer calories, but that gluten was replaced by sugar, which raises your blood sugar.  As we’ve discussed countless times here, raising your blood sugar leads to an insulin response from your body, which leads to fat storage.  So even if all you care about is calories, the weight you lose will be muscle–  You won’t appear any more “toned.”

EDIT:  A reader pointed out that it is entirely possible for sausage and fruit gummies to contain gluten, so we’ve removed this section.

Do what is healthy for you and your body–  Don’t fall into a fad that will actually harm your results.

Filed under: Nutrition by DeVinePhysiques
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