Nothing can stand in my way!

So we're a little over ten weeks out from Tampa Bay now and things are rolling right along better than I could have imagined. There have been a few setbacks, hence the title but overall I am happy with the progress I have been making and still baffled by the weight loss even while eating five thousand calories a day.
So lets get to the setbacks so you all can understand what we really go through on a day to day basis as IFBB Pro's. One of the goals this year was to really bring up the legs all around, hams, quads and calves. To do this we have been blasting them twice a week, heavy and high volume, the perfect recipe for injury. Most bodybuilders either go heavy or they go high volume but because of the imbalance in my physique I have had to do both all year. In the process I have managed to overwork and inflame my tendons in my knees and my elbows.
On a daily basis you could walk into my apartment at any time of day and find me with ice packs wrapped around my knees and most likely an ice pack on deck for one of my elbows. Its the only way to keep the inflammation down and allow me to keep training and growing. Anyone who has ever had tendon inflammation of any kind can understand the pain that I go through on a daily basis. These are just the day to day things that I have to live with as I try to grow and become better at what I do.
On top of the day to day challenge of keeping me feeling good enough to train I have minor tears that also come with the territory of lifting heavy for long durations of time. For example, I have a minor tear right now in the top left area of my calve and it makes it hard to do any type of leg curl. I am also battling a hamstring tear that I actually tore about nine years ago now but it has been aggravated again and I am getting it worked on. These are just two of the many minor tears I have dealt with this year. Maybe other bodybuilders are training injury free all year round but I would bet my pay on the fact that anyone training as hard as I am is going through similar problems. As I said its part of the territory so I'm not trying to complain but just trying to educate you all about some of the things you have to look forward to as you become great bodybuilders.
That's pretty much it for setbacks so I guess I am lucky that nothing really bad has happened and I am thankful everyday to still be doing what I love. On a more positive note as I said before I am still eating about five thousand calories a day and still seeing minor changes in my physique everyday. I actually am heavier now than when I started my diet but I am much leaner so I guess that means I am growing into the show which is something I have never done before.
In the past I have always gotten really heavy and then cut cals to help get me in shape. I think that approach worked because it always got me really ripped for the stage. The bad side of that approach for someone like me could have been that it made me stringy and smaller as I dieted. I have a fast metabolism so I think cutting calories drastically burns a lot of mass as well as fat in my body. With the contest diet appraoch Hany is using with me and if I can keep lifting heavy (and its getting heavier every week) all the way into the show I think you will all see a completely different physique. I am excited at what I am seeing so far and can't wait to hit the stage.
So at ten and a half weeks out my weight is 275lbs in the morning on an empty stomach, still eating lots and lifting offseason weight but precontest. So far a great report card as far as I can see. Who knows you all might be witnessing my first pro win in a few months...

Sacrifice Without Regret,
Fouad 'Hoss' Abiad

So it begins...

What's going on everyone? I'm back at it for the 09' season and getting ready to make a bigger impact than last year at the Tampa Bay Pro in August. I started dieting a couple weeks ago and figured it was time to get back to typing and letting you all know how messed up things really get as I get hungrier and crankier in the weeks to come.
As most of you reading this know I am working with Hany Rambod this year so the diet and training around now is really new to me. In years past working with Chad Nicholls we really only dieted for about eight weeks for most shows, Hany had me start at the fourteen week mark. I am hoping the longer diet makes a difference as we are trying to grow into the show instead of lean down. In all honesty I'm not looking forward to dieting for an extra six weeks than I do normally but if it means a big W at the end of the struggle than that's what it has to be.
One of the benefits of working with Hany this year was being able to keep my weight down throughout the offseason. I am usually known for getting very heavy in the offseason, hence the name 'Hoss' and it has worked to date in helping me obtain size, usually 5-10lbs a year since I started. The problem with this is now that I am at a higher level if I keep doing what I was doing and eating mass quantities of food at each sitting my stomach is going to start growing with the rest of me. That's why this year we kept meals small and my weight in check, although only time will tell if it was the right way to go when I hit the stage.
The other great thing about growing into the show so far has been being able to eat more while dieting. For instance, right now I am eating about 350-500g of carbs depending on the day so I am still relatively nice to people..lol. I am going to try and keep my demeanor a little more civil this year, being hungry isn't really an excuse to be an ass.
Training this year is really different for me. So far I am only doing cardio six times a week which is nice but I have three days where I train with weights twice a day. This is new for me, I have never done more than one training session a day and those three days are really taking it out of me. To counter that I am only training with weights five days a week instead of my normal six so I think it balances out in the end. The other main difference is we are doing anywhere from 30-40 sets per bodypart so its fine now but I wonder as I get down in carbs and low on energy how its going to feel to get through that. Like I said its all new and you guys can come along for the ride.
Overall I think it was a good offseason and I am very curious to see what the finished product is. As the last couple weeks have passed I have begun to see small changes in my physique as for as fat loss and that has aloud me to see some of the muscle gains that have come through hard work this year. We'll keep this blog all business but I think most of you know that followed along last prep as I get crazy in the head so does the writing!
If any of you have questions or if there is anything you want me to write about feel free to email me, fouadabiad@gmail.com.

Sacrifice Without Regret,
Fouad 'Hoss' Abiad

Cover Number Two!!

What's goin on people. I have been busting ass in the gym to bring you guys a new package for 2009. I am really looking forward to the Tampa Bay Pro in August and I wanna say I am not just looking to qualify for the Olympia but it would be nice to get my first pro show win under my belt! I don't like to make predictions so I won't but I will just say, I am past the point of just being happy to be there....I want more! Wantings not enough though so I have been killing myself to put the pieces of the puzzle together.

At one point this past month I had to take a moment to reflect on my career. MuscleMag International decided to feature me on their cover for the second time and I was really excited about that. I think the cover turned out great (if I might say so myself...lol), thanks to Paul Buceta for his awesome photography. I don't really know how to express myself about it I guess I just want things to keep rolling the way they are so I gotta keep killin it in the office.

Training is going well. I suffered a minor back injury a few weeks back but after some extensive chiro work I was able to keep smashing the weight without really missing a beat. I am still lifting heavier than I ever have before and I have maxed out the dumbell's for some exercises and some of the machines as well. I guess now I have to break records with reps when it comes to those movements.

My goal this year along with Hany's was to really overhaul my physique by bring up my strong points and making sure the lagging ones weren't lagging anymore. One of the goals was to bring up the quads which I have been killing myself in the gym to do. I am bangin out legs twice a week heavy and high volume and although I am seeing some growth its not what I want yet. I guess it means I just have to keep hammering away and let nature take its course. I seem to be stuck when it comes to the squat at a weight I am trying to break but my body just won't let it happen...its discouraging but I gotta keep reminding myself I am a bodybuilder not a powerlifter, the size will come with time.

Not too much has happened on the personal front. I am toying with the idea of adding a supercharger to my Mustang but still haven't decided if that's what I want or if its better to wait for the 2010 Camaro to hit the road. Maybe you guys should weigh in and let me know what you think. I have always been a Mustang guy so I kinda feel like a traitor looking at the Camaro but man, its a nice ride. If I get it, you guys will be the first to know.

The ASC is a few weeks away now and I am really looking forward to it. I'm not competing in it this year because I just don't feel ready to stand in that line up but I am working a booth there. You guys can find me at the MMI booth or at the Muscletech booth all three days. I will have shirts, pics and DVD's for anyone interested but I am happy to just say hello and snap a pic with you so don't be shy to pop in! Oh, if you see me out at one of the clubs, I wasn't drinking if Hany asks....

Alright, that's about all for today, just a short one to keep you all kinda informed. If there is anything you guys wanna know about that I haven't written about, feel free to email me at fouadabiad@gmail.com and let me know.

New Year, New Strategy

Hey everyone, I know, I feel horrible its been over a month but I have a lot to go over with you now so its better than getting a boring one every week...right? Anyway, some of you have been busting my balls about updating you on things so here goes.
Okay so you guys know now that Hany is now my nutritionist and things seem to be working better than I could have imagined. Last time we talked I was bitching about my joints being sore and not being able to move. Well its been a little over a month now and my body is really responding and getting used to the heavy pounding of the iron.
I'm wearing Patella Tendon bands for my legs when I train them and the bands seem to really be helping and I have really increased the amount of joint md I am using. On a really positive note I have been breaking some of my old records and I am really happy with the strength gains. Just today I did 8 plates a side for hacks and 4 plates a side for front squats, both things I couldn't do before.
I think the clean eating and taking all my vitamins and minerals everyday is really helping. In the past I was of the impression that I only needed my vitamins and minerals in precontest mode but this year I have kept them in and it may have been the added help I needed to keep me recovering and growing.
On the personal side of things life is finally settling down and things are really falling into place. I just signed a three year deal with MuscleTech, so career wise things are moving in the right direction.
I know I told you guys I bought a condo and man that has been stressful. I took possession back at the beginning of December and the place was in rough shape. I had a friend come in and start tearing it apart. It has been about a month of renovating now but the place is redone from top to bottom. It was decorated by me personally and I must say I think I did a pretty good job...lol, maybe a career in interior decorating after bodybuilding...lol?
Anwyay so that just finished up today and I have all sytems go on the new place. At the same time I just finshed up packaging and sending out all the pre-ordered DVD's. I think the DVD turned out great and I think anyone who watches it will get a real idea of who I am and how I got here which was the reason for making it in the first place. This one was more of an introduction to me and the next one will be the hardcore training vid you guys love so much.
Well, that's about all and I know it doesn't sound like much but with the holidays and the renovations it just seemed like so much. I got out for the holidays and hung out with some old friends and maybe had a little too much fun. I can't be faulted for that though, we all need to let loose once in a while so that's what I did. The fun's over now and its back to work, I need 09' to be my biggest year yet and I have a lot to prove to myself as a bodybuilder. If all goes well and I can stay healthy you guys will see a new and improved Fouad in August at the Tampa Bay show. Till next time...

Sacrifice Without Regret,
Fouad 'Hoss' Abiad

Feels Good To Be Back!

Hey hey, everyone, whats going on. Things are on a roll again and I am feeling good! It has only been one full week since I have started training again in the gym but man I am feeling like 09' is going to be a good year.
Well, I told you all that I might be hitting the stage soon. After some long deliberation with my nutritionist (Hany Rambod) we have decided that rushing back onto the stage would be a bad career move and wouldn't allow me to be my best. Over the course of my career I have had a pretty good track record of coming back each season better and better and its just too soon. We were thinking of hitting the IronMan Pro show but I told Hany that I had a goal of winning a show this year and I don't think its time....yet.
Hany's main training philosophy is the FST-7 principle which is based on stretching the muscle fascia for more muscle growth. To learn more about the program pick up this months MuscleMag International (I think Johnnie Jackson is on the cover). Anyhow, I started fitting this principle into my workout program this week and I can't tell you guys how sore I am. I'll give you a small example of what I mean. The day after training legs I was sitting around watching TV. I would have to get up to get something but it was like I was getting myself ready for a big set. I couldn't even get up off the couch....to get up, there was a minute of contemplation, then psyching myself up, and finally slowly get up....it was ridiculous and I have a feeling its going to be like that all year. So be it, if that's what it takes to win then it must be done.
Since I am not doing the IronMan I have started eating again. I haven't received my offseason program yet so I have been working on my old offseason program. My weight hasn't really changed but my muscles feel more full again and I look different so I know things are falling into place. Lately I have been eating a lot of ground turkey and ground steak. I was never a fan of turkey but ground up its much easier to cook and eat so its fast becoming a staple in my offseason diet.
On the business end, things really are starting to pick up. My online nutritional business Platinum Nutrition seems to really be taking off. I have many more clients this year and people seem to really be happy with their programs. I enjoy helping people get to where they want to be and when they are serious and don't cheat its very rewarding for me.
The DVD I have been working on is coming along nicely I have finally received my rough copy of the final product from the editor. After watching I decided that you all deserve some nutritional advice so I am going to add a section of cooking and show you all what I eat on the average day in the offseason. It might take a little longer to finish but I know you will all like it more with the added info.
I don't know how many of you all are car nuts but if you have been reading along at all you guys know my car is my baby. Well it looks like the time is near and I am going to have to store her for the winter. Its kind of depressing me but I think its best and it doesn't really make too much sense to be driving around a Mustang in the winter so away she goes. In its place I think I am getting a Jeep Cherokee, not the coolest car but its a 4X4 and since I am like a little kid I'm sure I'll have some off-roading pics for you all to laugh at. Knowing my luck they will be pics of me stuck in the mud or something along those lines.
Okay, that's about it for now. I have to ice my elbows, after that FST-7 training on my triceps I feel like my elbow is blown out. Don't worry its not the program, I had bad elbows to begin with. That's what you have to do when you get to this level, train with the pain because there is no time to waste....

Sacrifice Without Regret,
Fouad 'Hoss' Abiad

Chompin at the Bit

Hey everyone, its been a long time I know, I apologize. I have been caught up taking care of other things for the last few weeks and haven't really had time to share new things going on my life. I guess we can start with the training. There is nothing to report...lol...no in all seriousness, there really isn't much to report since I have been off for the last three weeks.
You know, I don't think people in this industry really realize how much they love training until its taken away from the them. I hear people say all the time, 'oh, I don't have time' or 'I'm too tired to go today'. At this point I don't think I will ever say those things again, I miss going to the gym more than anything on earth right now.
I actually started back last Thursday just doing some cardio because I was told I was aloud to get in there for that. Today I couldn't really take it anymore and I just got in and trained calves a little and that alone brightened up my entire day. I think as of next week I will be back into the swing of things 100%.
Even though training has been non existent I have still maintained a bodybuilding diet consisting of chicken, egg whites, ground turkey, rice and oatmeal with the odd cheat meal here or there. I thought eating this way without training would make me fat but it really has simply kept me bigger and fuller than I thought I would be from not training. Today I weighed in at 270lbs, flat and soft..lol.
Things outside of bodybuilding seem to be going well. You guys know I have a habit of buying things, well I finally bought something I can be proud of. All this time I have been renting a condo, well I finally am able to purchase a condo of my own. Its small and by no means a long term dwelling but for the next couple years its perfect. It overlooks the water and definitely will give me a nice view doing cardio every morning on my StairMaster. I guess its going to keep me busy since it needs some minor renovations, you know, paint, carpet, some added fixtures but other than that its all good.
Something I think some of you will like and some of you won't is a piece of art I have been waiting a while to get and I finally got it a couple weeks ago. I don't know if any of you guessed but yes I got new ink. I have a new tat running down the back of my right arm and I apologize to those of you who don't like tats but its something I have wanted for a while and I think it looks just like I imagined it. Once I get back into training and I'm not so scrawny I will get some pics up for you guys to judge for yourselves.
Well, I think that's about it, I know, not too interesting but what can I say its my time off and its boring as hell. One thing I can keep you guys guessing about is when I am going to hit the stage next. I guess all I can say is it might be very soon, keep your eyes peeled to my blog for more info.

Sacrifice Without Regret,
Fouad 'Hoss' Abiad

Tough Pill to Swallow

Whats up everyone. It has been about four weeks since the Olympia and things seem to getting busier by the day. I have an appearance in Texas in a couple weeks so I am looking forward to that since I have some good friends down that way. Plus, what can I say about those Southerners, they really know how to get it done. Maybe I will hit up MetroFlex just to get that dirty hard work feel that I had the last time I banged out some iron there.
It should be fun regardless but that is only some of the good news. My first DVD, 'Sacrifice Without Regret' should be done soon. We are just putting the final touches on it so I am really looking forward to seeing the final product. I am trying to incorporate some nutritional advice into the DVD but am still unsure how to do it. I think I may just take you all for a walk through my kitchen to show you some of the things I eat and take on a regular basis.
That's really all I got for good news. I have been going through kind of a tough time lately so I have been compensating by shopping again...its my vice what can I do...lol. Although I have to say at least some of my purchases have been smart. I have bought a few things for the home and since I did I thought I would reward myself by buying something for my car...lol. I guess I'm the only person on earth who rewards themselves for buying something by buying something else...how stupid..lol.
The other bad news is I have been ordered to take a rest. I am to take a break for the next couple weeks by order of my trainer. Since I did four shows and I haven't taken a break yet he thought it would be good for my physique and my mental state to take a break now and I don't have a say in the matter. I am a full time bodybuilder and don't really do to much of anything else other than watch TV and shop. If all I can do is buy stuff for the next two weeks, man I am gonna be broke as hell.
The rest should be good for me though. My joints are really starting to get sore now and I found I have really been sleeping a lot of the time, not by choice. I will just be sitting there and find myself nodding off in the middle of the day, so I guess that's my body telling me something. Maybe I will take up yoga for the next two weeks, I'll have to hide out in the back though, I have a reputation to keep...lol.
I have received my first start up program from my nutritionist and I have to say I feel much better. Its not as much food as I thought it would be but my body feels much better. I guess my fears of the last few weeks getting a new nutritionist were overblown. I thought it was going to be a lot harder than it has been. I get two cheat meals a week and the diet is set up so that I don't ever really get hungry but I think its enough to keep growing.
I have been learning moderation. My cheat meals in the past when I did my own offseason nutrition weren't cheat meals, they were cheat days. I would take a whole day off and eat whatever I wanted. I am learning now that everything doesn't have to be black and white and instead of eating a bucket of ice cream and two large pizzas, I can have a good meal that my body can use and that get back to the program. So far it feels good to have control over myself. I have to try and employ the same technique when I go out...that might not be as easy, I let you guys know how that works out.

Sacrifice Without Regret,
Fouad 'Hoss' Abiad