As the old saying goes, 'Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it'. As a pro bodybuilder one of the things that sets the successful pros apart from the average pros is being busy. My entire career I haven't been busy...lol. I have been a bodybuilder now for twelve years and a pro for three and I have always asked myself, 'is this all there is to it'.
Throughout my career I have spent my days working, working out, eating, sleeping and getting ready for the one or two shows a year. I thought, there is no way this is it. I started to see other pros traveling from state to state or country to country and I realized what I was missing. The life of a successful pro can be measured not just by placings but also by how in demand he is. After realizing this the dreams started to flow.
I decided, I wanted that, I wanted to travel from country to country and guest pose, make appearances, interact with bodybuilding fans....live the life....be successful. Well all my wishing has started to come true. This is my first day home in my own bed in about a week and a half and right about now I am just happy to be here. I was in NYC last week for a seminar, from there travelled to Toronto to see my therapist and from there travelled to Sudbury, Ontario to see my clients take home some much deserved hardware.
I have to admit and I am not complaining at all because this is the life I chose and I want it, but it is hard to be away from home week after week and really make gains as a bodybuilder. Being away from your kitchen, your gym, your training partners, it all takes its toll. I guess this is what the top ten in the world deal with all year round and for me its only the next month or so. Definitely something I welcome but also something I will have to adjust to. After all becoming good enough to win the big shows is still the top goal at hand.
I have to congratulate Valerie Richman and Misha Ristic who busted the f;ing ass for 14 weeks to realize their dreams. Val has been working with me for a little over a year now and at our second show together and a good offseason we were able grab a 1st place in figure. Mish just started training not too long ago and although he could only manage third he did weigh in 12lbs heavier than his last show meaning things are only going to get better with more hard work. I can say this, if he can gain 12lbs a year who knows where he will be by 30, the kids only 25 years old!
As for the people of Sudbury, Ontario, I honestly can not say enough about how great they were. Thank you to all of them who came up to me and supported me with kind words and great respect. I have to say for every person who came up to me it will help motivate me to do that one more rep or set and keep kickin ass in the gym. I also wanted to thank Ron Hache for his hospitality at his show, he really put on a great event with quality competitors.
I think a lot of pros stop going to some of the local shows after they gain success. Personally I get a lot of satisfaction out of going to all the shows. I enjoy watching competitors getting ready to hit the stage, it reminds me of when I was starting out. I see some of these guys and girls go from show to show and improve and move up the ranks and it actually gives me a sense of motivation to work harder.
At the end of the day there is nothing better than interacting with bodybuilding fans for me. There is also no better feeling for me than knowing that I might possibly be able to help someone achieve there goal with a little more help or a tip that might make all the difference. There was one guy yesterday pumping up and getting ready to go onstage and he said to his girl, "I can't take it anymore, just give me that bottle of water". I think he was going to chug it all...lol. I looked over and told him to hold out, its just a little longer, work just a little harder you're almost there. He passed on the water and continued working. Watching that made me realize how hard all these guys work, no matter what level, how big or small, we are all realizing our dreams.
'Sacrifice Without Regret'
Fouad Abiad
Throughout my career I have spent my days working, working out, eating, sleeping and getting ready for the one or two shows a year. I thought, there is no way this is it. I started to see other pros traveling from state to state or country to country and I realized what I was missing. The life of a successful pro can be measured not just by placings but also by how in demand he is. After realizing this the dreams started to flow.
I decided, I wanted that, I wanted to travel from country to country and guest pose, make appearances, interact with bodybuilding fans....live the life....be successful. Well all my wishing has started to come true. This is my first day home in my own bed in about a week and a half and right about now I am just happy to be here. I was in NYC last week for a seminar, from there travelled to Toronto to see my therapist and from there travelled to Sudbury, Ontario to see my clients take home some much deserved hardware.
I have to admit and I am not complaining at all because this is the life I chose and I want it, but it is hard to be away from home week after week and really make gains as a bodybuilder. Being away from your kitchen, your gym, your training partners, it all takes its toll. I guess this is what the top ten in the world deal with all year round and for me its only the next month or so. Definitely something I welcome but also something I will have to adjust to. After all becoming good enough to win the big shows is still the top goal at hand.
I have to congratulate Valerie Richman and Misha Ristic who busted the f;ing ass for 14 weeks to realize their dreams. Val has been working with me for a little over a year now and at our second show together and a good offseason we were able grab a 1st place in figure. Mish just started training not too long ago and although he could only manage third he did weigh in 12lbs heavier than his last show meaning things are only going to get better with more hard work. I can say this, if he can gain 12lbs a year who knows where he will be by 30, the kids only 25 years old!
As for the people of Sudbury, Ontario, I honestly can not say enough about how great they were. Thank you to all of them who came up to me and supported me with kind words and great respect. I have to say for every person who came up to me it will help motivate me to do that one more rep or set and keep kickin ass in the gym. I also wanted to thank Ron Hache for his hospitality at his show, he really put on a great event with quality competitors.
I think a lot of pros stop going to some of the local shows after they gain success. Personally I get a lot of satisfaction out of going to all the shows. I enjoy watching competitors getting ready to hit the stage, it reminds me of when I was starting out. I see some of these guys and girls go from show to show and improve and move up the ranks and it actually gives me a sense of motivation to work harder.
At the end of the day there is nothing better than interacting with bodybuilding fans for me. There is also no better feeling for me than knowing that I might possibly be able to help someone achieve there goal with a little more help or a tip that might make all the difference. There was one guy yesterday pumping up and getting ready to go onstage and he said to his girl, "I can't take it anymore, just give me that bottle of water". I think he was going to chug it all...lol. I looked over and told him to hold out, its just a little longer, work just a little harder you're almost there. He passed on the water and continued working. Watching that made me realize how hard all these guys work, no matter what level, how big or small, we are all realizing our dreams.
'Sacrifice Without Regret'
Fouad Abiad
