Firing On All Cylinders

First I want to apologize to you all for being a day late. It was Canadian Thanksgiving yesterday and I did indulge myself just a little so I guess it made me a little lazy....but I would never leave you all hangin so here is this weeks instalment.

Last week was an amazing week all around for me. Training, career, rehab, all facets were a go and all I had to do was enjoy the ride. As most of you know by now I am rehabbing a quad tear that happened a few months ago now and things have really been coming along. Alvin Brown has been doing the deepest tissue work I have ever gotten on my physique. I gotta be honest I really dread going to see him every week because the pain he inflicts is so bad I leave like I was just in a bar fight. The positive side of that is the effects in the gym.

Last week I was able to bring back some of my old school strength because when you aren't hampered by injury you can really kill it in the gym. I am back to curling 80lb DB's and I was doing 405lb Incline Presses for a clean 8reps. The biggest achievement of the week had to come on leg day. Not only are my Leg Press and Hack Squat numbers up (12plates a side and 5plates a side, not crazy but getting better every week) but to top it off I was able to squat for the first time since July. Mind you it wasn't a free squat, it was a smith machine squat but regardless I was able to get up to three plates for a solid 12 reps. I think I could have gotten to 18-20 if I was completely healthy but I'm minding my rehab and checking my ego.

Career wise things have really been great. MD posted a new leg workout video we did back in September and it was received with overwhelming support from the MD fans! Someone also took a progress pic from my FB and posted it over at MD which was also received very well. To hear some BBing fans put me in the first tier category in BBing and rank me amongst the best in the world really makes me proud. Now I just have to produce come March.

Not only in my own career are things going well but like most of you know I do online physique coaching. I receive weekly updates from my clients and all of them are really making progress. The offseason athletes are getting bigger and better and the competitive athletes are getting shredded and all is clicking like it should! Nothing makes me feel better than getting an email from a client that is miserable about the diet but is so happy with the way they look, they don't care.

My discipline went out the window last week. I got in a few extra cheat meals knowing I have a guest spot coming up and I am about to shut it down and go completely clean with the food. For some reason and I don't know why lately my crutch has been ribs! Why? I have no idea. I started eating them one day about a month ago and since I have been having them for my cheat once a week and last week cuz I got stupid I had them twice. I mean I guess it could be worse, I guess I could be pounding back ice cream and cake which is complete garbage. Ribs are bad because of the high fat content and the sodium but at least they have quite a bit of protein so its not totally useless. I guess this is what I mean when I tell my clients to find something BBing friendly to cheat with.

On a more personal note, I thought I would share this with you all. Throughout my career people have always asked me, "why are going to all this trouble bodybuilding for such a small gain and no glamour?". I try and explain to them its something in me but there is no way they will ever understand. I think majority of people give up on their dreams somewhere around the age of twelve because someone told them whatever they were thinking was a joke. I can personally admit to that because my original dream in life was to be a race care driver and eventually test drive exotic cars.

Yes, as you all know that didn't happen and now seems comical as I probably can't fit into most of those cars...lol. I was fortunate in life to find another dream as I got into my 20's and yes like race car driving everyone around me said "that's stupid", "its too much work for no money", "you'll never make it, just have some drinks with us", "that's not even a real sport". I have heard it all but at the end of the day its MY dream and that's all that matters.

The point most people don't get is the all of the satisfaction doesn't come from being one of the best bodybuilders in the world. The real satisfaction comes from being able to say I did things my way and I made it work. I didn't have to give in to peer pressure or peoples ignorance, I am my own boss and am drawing out my own journey. No one can say anything to me about my choices because they are all mine and I live with conviction.

Having a dream and reaching for it is the most honorable thing a person can do, no matter what anyone thinks of it. Sure giving in, taking the safe route, sitting behind a desk is also admirable. You can make a great living and you will be accepted into society as the norm but is that all you want. Do you just want to be accepted or do you want people to say "you know what, he did things his way and he's living his dream!". Is money and fame all that matters or is there more to life and more to you?

Don't be scared to go for what you want in life. There are going to be people everywhere waiting to tell you what they think...that its stupid and impossible but the voice in your heart is the only one that matters. When you do something do it with all your heart and accept your decisions as your own. No excuses, no regrets...

Sacrifice Without Regret,

Fouad 'Hoss' Abiad

www.thefouadabiad.com (should be live this week!)

Almost Time

It has been a long offseason and its still not over yet. I haven't been onstage since August 09 and it is really wearing on me mentally. After I turned pro I have done at least two shows a year for the last four years and this was the first time I sat out. I think the progress I have made over the last 13-14 months are going to be evident when I step on stage in Feb-Mar or at least I hope so anyway.

As most of you know I have had some leg injuries this year but have been diligent in my rehab and very cautious in my return to make sure none of the injuries reoccur. I have been training legs back from my time off for about five weeks straight now, still not squatting but each week that leg press has a little less room on the pins and the same goes for the hack squat.

I have been training legs over at Powerhouse in Detroit Michigan. Its a rough area and a hardcore gym but man they love bodybuilders! That's not a family gym that's for sure, its the closest thing to hardcore around my city so its worth the border crossing! They have an old school hack squat that I swear isn't even oiled up...lol...three plates on this thing feels like six on a new hack. Almost makes you feel like your doing a real squat.

Anyway on to other things. I have an appearance at the Western Ontario show in London, I'm hoping you all will make it...and please be prepared with questions. I usually like to hang out after I get off stage and just shoot the shit with the fans. I'll have DVD's and hopefully some of my new line of clothes with me so you can grab so new HOSS gear!

So I have been cheating a little more than usual this week, I think its because I know I am going to start dieting soon so I am getting in the last little bit of junk before I completely shut it down. I am going to start really cleaning things up after my birthday (oct.15) for the Nov 28th appearance at the Westerns. On Nov.13th I will really shut things down and go into hibernation for the ASC...no more friends, no more cheats, no more family, no more fun.....eat, breath, sleep bodybuilding!

Don't get me wrong tho, I am planning on updating my new website (thefouadabiad.com, coming soon) with videos for you all along the way. Just sign up to be members and follow me in the gym, on the cardio equipment and in my house as I get ready to step up with the big boys in 2011!...its about time...

Interestingly enough I have a couple clients in the Nov 28th Westerns and I am hoping to get them into the winners circle so I can get some good pics with them backstage, since all of us will be in shape it could be fun! My clients are working hard and all you other bbers better be training hard because I'm bring them in 100%. Ontario always has great up and comers it should be a great show!

Before I go I just want to ask all you HOSSAMANIACS...lol...(just joking I'm not that cheese), are you all doing everything you could be doing to achieve your dreams. A while back I realized I only thought I was doing all I could do to be the best I can be until a friend really set me straight. He asked me to sit back and really look at my life and see where I had time available to me? He asked me to sit back and ask myself what can I do to get more out of my life? After taking some time and really pondering what I am doing with myself, I realized I was wasting my opportunities.

People have become conditioned to think that you grow up, get a job and that job pays your bills and that's how you earn your money and that's it. What I have learned is that's not it. That is only one part of it. Truly successful people dip their hands in many pots and take candy from each one ending up with there ultimate fortune. I'm sure a lot of you went to the Jay Cutler seminar this weekend or if not you know who he is (or you should..lol). He is a perfect example of someone who has not sat back on his contract(s). He has decided to dip his hands into everything. Shirt, hats, DVDs, posters, training people, real estate, etc, etc, etc.

The point of all this is do not become complaisant. Never tell yourself, 'that's enough for me'. Always ask for more. Ask yourself, 'what do i have to offer and how can I get more for myself'. 'What more can I do to get more out of life', this way you are never stuck and owe one person anything. That way if someone does you wrong or a boss fires you, you just keep moving because you are in control of your destiny. Are you in control of your destiny and your dreams?

Sacrifice Without Regret,

Fouad 'Hoss' Abiad

Las Vegas

There was a time in my life when I would have been going to Vegas with nothing in my suit case except some club clothes and money for vodka/sevens…lol. I have realized those days are long gone and may never return…at least while I am bodybuilding.

In contrast this time around my suit case contained, my DVD’s, my T-shirts, pictures to sign, gym clothes an extra bag for food and lastly some comfy clothes to sleep in. I know it sounds like a party..lol

Believe it or not this past weekend was pretty amazing. My girlfriend and I arrived on Thursday for the 45^th Mr.Olympia weekend and from the moment I arrived MuscleTech really showed their appreciation for their athletes.

I was picked up at the airport given tons of merchandise in clothing and gym equipment that I didn’t even ask for. It was just the way MuscleTech operates, I am really grateful to be with the best company in the industry.

Friday morning I hit the expo with all my new MT gear on and was ready for the greatest bodybuilding fans on earth. People kept asking me if they were bothering me, if I was tired, how I could really want to be there all day. Honestly nothing could have been further from the truth. I love being around all the bodybuilding fans, my fans, other pros fans it doesn’t matter.

I was talking to Seth Feroce for most of the weekend and Cedric McMillian and the one thing I realized is we all like being there because not only are we in the sport but we are still major fans of the sport ourselves. We were just like most fans when Phil or Jay would walk in, kind of taken back by there size and shape. It’s a good feeling to be a fan of the sport you are part of, it keeps you grounded and very appreciative of all the fans who aren’t in it except for sheer enjoyment.

MT treated us to dinner at the Mandalay Bay and had front row tickets to prejudging and finals. I have never been to a Mr.O to watch, this was my first time. Sitting front row watching this guys battle it out gave me goose bumps and got me just itching to hit the stage again!!

I would like to congratulate Jay on his 4^th Olympia and Phil on really showing that he has what it takes to be the best one day. Branch is the man also, I have never seen conditioning like that in my life on any human being in person. Maybe there are guys in pics somewhere that are harder but like I said in person I have never seen anything like it! I was also really happy for Dennis Wolf for bringing back his Olympia form and Ronnie Rockel for getting noticed and placed where he deserved. Kudos to the judges, it was a tough show to judge but I personally think they got this one right.

On a final note I realized that drinking and partying don’t really have a place for me anymore. I had every intention of going out on Saturday night and really having some fun since its been so long. After watching Phil, Jay, Branch battling it out I realized it wasn’t important. My purpose in life has changed. My enjoyment doesn’t come from seeing the bottom of a bottle of vodka anymore, my enjoyment is going to come when I can say I am one of the best. Leaving my mark on the sport is more important to me than anything. I am not in this to ‘live the life’ or ‘live the dream’ as some think it should be lived. ‘Living the Dream’ for me, means having people stand and cheer for me when my time is done because they respect the work and mark I have left behind.

Dennis James retired last night at the show and the people stood on their feet for 5-10mins applauding him for his effort and career. He took a chance, didn’t take the safe route in life, decided to chase his dream and he made something of himself. For that I was also on my feet and at the end of the day that is how I will measure my success.

Sacrifice Without Regret,

Fouad ‘Hoss’ Abiad

Ask and You Shall Receive

Whats goin on everyone? I have been slaving away this week and last week. Ever since I started seeing my new physio therapist things have been booming! I described to you all what new plans I had in store last week and I am still working on them. Very excited to get them going but in the meantime crazy things are happening all around me.

This past week I went to Powerhouse Detroit for a leg workout to be filmed by MD (www.musculardevelopment.com). I love that gym in Detroit and its only about 20min over the border from my home in Windsor, Canada. The general manager there is also a really great guy and said we can come back anytime to train for free, so, that's exactly what we're gonna do.

I was a little worried about my leg workout as I have been for a while. As you all know I had to take about 4-6 weeks off training quads because of injury and this workout we were filming was only my fourth quad workout since I was off. Alvin Brown has been treating me every week and my legs actually felt really good last Friday. Still not going heavy and still not cleared to squat but the workout was still awesome and my legs are still fried three days later!

So that was some good news on the training front but the best news that day came after training was done. One of the guys training near us was a promoter and after seeing me he asked if I would guest pose at his show...'Done', I said. So that's not that crazy you say, everyone guest poses. Okay well on my way out the door I was introduced to the owner's son of all the Powerhouse's in America. I asked if they had one in Canada anywhere only to find out they didn't....I looked at him and said, I have always wanted my own gym with a grin. He knew where I was coming from and the meeting with him and his father is set. Now I'm not saying anything will definitely come from this but being open to all possibilities is a great start.

The next day was the Detroit Pro Show where myself and Shawn Ray were the analysts. I have never been an analyst...at least publicly anyway..lol. It was cool sitting next to the legend shootin the shit and takin care of business. After the prejudge and night show we did a video wrap up which isn't something that comes easy to me but I think I did alright. You can find it on the MD site and judge for yourself...just don't be too harsh :-(

At the show I also met John Simmons which was pretty cool as I also consider him a legend of the sport himself. The nice thing was he actually asked me to guest pose at his show as well and I gladly excepted. Lastly in that same night as if enough good hadn't happened I was approached by one of the pros on stage that night and we discussed me taking him on as a client. I will let you know who it was when it all comes together. All I can tell you is he has a ton of potential and I know I can get him into the top spots!

I wanted to touch on something I thought of this past weekend, it was a realization I guess. All these people are talking about quantum physics, visualization, positive thinking, the book The Secret and so on and how these things can make you great. Well I'm calling bullshit.

Those things are only part of the equation. What they forget to tell you is that all of those things without planning and hard work will get you nothing. The realization I have come to in my own life is just to be open and positive to the idea that your hard work can take you as far as you can see in your mind.

For example; I have been busting my ass the last three weeks more so than ever before with all the new things you read about last week. Constantly on the computer, emailing, planning, studying to become better. Along the road while I am doing these things new opportunities are coming to me and now I am open and ready for them. Without me working like a dog, the new website wouldn't be done, the clothing line wouldn't be started, the new and old clients wouldn't feel taken care of, I would have never met the promoters last weekend, etc., etc, etc. My point is that you have to work hard day in and day out with the ultimate goal always in the front of your mind. You do have to visualize and see it as if its already a part of your life but without ball busting determination and drive the other thoughts are just pretty dreams.

Sacrifice Without Regret,

Fouad 'Hoss' Abiad

Big News Coming Soon

Ok Hoss fans its taken me some time but I am about to get off my ass and finally make something of myself...lol I have been enjoying the life of a boydbuilder fulltime and really have not started to think about the things I want to leave behind later on.

So what does all this mean? Well for the you guys it means everything! I am currently working on a new website that will be much more interactive. I think my current site is a little out of date and need to step it up and give you all the kind of treatment you deserve.

I also am in the process of coming out with all new merchandise. No more cheesy 'Hoss' shirts although thank you for the emails telling me you like them. This time I am working on clothing that you actually might wear somewhere other than the grocery store and not feel like a scrub. Hats, Beanies, T-Shirts, Sleeveless, Tanks, Hoodies, Jersey Pants and yes even some little tanks for all the female gym rats out there!..lol

Ok, ok, all bodybuilders have there own clothing line and good websites what is so special about this. Well There is some merchandising that I don't think other pros have and thats all the powerlifting gear you could ask for. I am starting out small but am working on lifting straps, elbow sleeves, knee wraps, weight belts, ect. all with my symbol on it (yet to be released!). I am going to make sure companies other companies stay honest by giving you all the best prices for everything!

Ya, ya so there is some merchandise, 'I don't even use a belt' you say? This is just the tip. I have already started my own YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/fouadabiad) and will be adding videos after they are on my website for a bit. See I am adding a membership section to my site and no its not for some price of $10.99 a month. I am giving back to you for free all you will have to do is enter your email and you will be aloud to enter the membership section with photos, videos, blogs, ect.

One of the other things I have been thinking about is Skype Consultations. There will be a payment made for 30min of Skype time for strictly training and nutrition consultation. Here you can ask me personally all your questions about anything regarding the program you are currently on. The price is yet to be determined but I know one thing for sure you can fit a lot of info into 30min.

Finally I am thinking about making my own book on my philosophies about training and diet. It will be an Ebook not long maybe a few pages just outlining what kind of training and diet I have used to get to where I am today. I haven't fully committed to this one yet still waiting to see what the demand will be.

There are a bunch of other ideas I have in mind and over time all of these things will be implemented. I am really about to give this thing my all and make sure you all get the best of me. So far its been a lot of work, I haven't watched TV in 7-8 days really and its getting to me. Anyone who knows me knows that TV is my best friend.

All in all it has been great, traveling down new avenues, really taking on new clients and letting them know I am 100% focused for them. I am beginning to expand my empire and it will all begin here with your help!

Please stay tuned to my website www.fouadmuscle.com or to my Facebook page and sit back and enjoy the ride with me. We can all be better and this is my way of showing that I am going to be bigger, stronger and more successful on all fronts.

Sacrifice Without Regret,

Fouad 'Hoss' Abiad

The Mind is a Powerful Thing

I'm into the last bulking phase now before my diet and I have to be honest I am itching to get back onstage. I am still busting ass trying to make more improvements before it is time to shred it down and dawn the posing trunks. That being said it really feels like each day is a lesson in patience and consistency.

I have made improvements and I really want to get contest ready to be able to see them! The challenge comes in knowing that your competition is still working hard at putting on more and more muscle and still improving. That means I have to keep at it regardless of how impatient I have become about this. Its just 8 more weeks and it will go fast but just not fast enough I guess. I'm grinding out each day, each, meal, each set, each rep just trying to keep my eye on the ultimate goal....bringing the biggest, hardest package to date to the ASC stage.

My weight is holding steady at around 285lbs but I feel like I am getting leaner and leaner at this weight so that is always a good sign. I have begun thinking about posing music and going through the motions in my mind of what it will look like the day of the show under the bright lights.

I have even begun looking at new posing trunks..lol...believe it or not I am a little superstitious about my trunks. I wear the same ones for every shows prejudge and I feel like I need new trunks for every big show I enter. Not sure if any of you do this but its just something that I noticed I do recently and I'm not even conscious of it.

I have really begun to incorporate time in each of my days to really focus on what I am doing. To really visualize the day, how it will look, who will be there, what people will be in the audience, the music in the background. It has started to be that detailed as I envision the day and how it will go. Of course in my mind I am winning so only time will tell if the vision in my mind will come true or not.

I think training the mind to think through negativity and to be strong in the face of bad attitudes is a major part of becoming a champion. A great physique can take a turn for the worst in a hurry if the person can't control how he/she feels inside. Personally at one show I did in 2007, I looked great but after a couple bad attitudes were able to get into my head my physique really took a turn for the worst.

Battling through adversity is not only about not caring about exterior things that happen in your life. Its also about battling the negative thoughts and bad feelings that are always trying to hold you back. Some people let that get the better of them, some people use those thoughts for fuel in their attempt to drive thru them....which person are you?

I know this really seems like a lot of fluff but in all honesty, a great body is useless without a great mind. Take the time in your day to stop, sit down and just think. Envision how you are going to do things, what the final outcome will look like. The more you do this the clearer the vision will become and as time goes on you will begin to see it happening....just remember its not always overnight.

I'll leave you with this story. In high school I was often board in class and would find myself doodling in my notebooks (whatever I wasn't an academic). I was a car nut so I would always doodle a Ford Mustang GT (the 96-04 style). I did this over and over again, all the while driving a piece of crap car but it didn't stop me from doodling that Mustang and dreaming about it. I did this all through high school and most of University all the while driving crappy cars. Until one day I was washing my new car and realized...OMG....all that doodling left an imprint in my mind and that day I was washing the car I had envisioned myself in for years! I was washing my brand new Ford Mustang GT, it took me years to get but who cares, I got it! Just remember this simple rule, if you can't see it in your mind, you will never see it in real life!

Sacrifice Without Regret,

Fouad 'Hoss' Abiad

Being a True Professional

The days keep passing and I keep growing...lol...I'm sitting at 294lbs right now and feeling good about how lean I am and the gains that I have made. I'm eating relatively clean now, I got all the junk out of my system after my guest appearances and finally am working hard.

Training is good, for a while I tried to simplify things and see how my body would respond. In some body parts it works great and I continue to use it, in others it doesn't. I was doing a 3 set, 3-4 exercise split and going to failure on all sets. Most of the time I was out of the gym in 9 sets and feeling great. The problem is this type of training only works for me on my body parts that I can feel easily. For my lagging body parts I don't really see a positive effect.

I believe that if your mind muscle connection is strong in certain muscles they will grow easily without much volume. I think for me anyway when it comes to lagging body parts they need to be hit with a variety of angles and maybe a little more volume than normal.

So since I realized this after a couple months of trials, I have gone back to really mixing it up when it comes to my leg development. My last quad workout went like this:

8 sets of leg extensions (increasing the weight after each set) X 20reps

8 sets of leg press (increasing the weight after each set) X 20reps

4 sets of squats(weight stayed the same) X 20reps

That is not a traditional leg workout for me. It was lacking in angles but the rep and set scheme really did me in. Give it a shot but make sure you are pushing right through to 20, no stopping.

Life on the outside has been good as well (that's what I call it since I am in the gym for what feels like all the time), my client base is growing and my online coaching business is really flourishing and people are getting great results! What more can I ask.

Actually one shitty thing happened. The love of my life was backed into last week....not my girlfriend, the other love of my life....my STANG! I had put it away for a couple months since I have been doing a lot of driving. The first day I bring it out, dude backs into me in the gym parking lot. Shitty but at least she'll get her backside buffed and shined....yes perverts I'm still talking about the car...lol

One of the best things to happen to me in my career took place last week. I was asked to do a golf charity event for kids with cancer and some kids from Children's Aid. Obviously it was voluntary and I jumped at the chance. I love all my fans but I'm sorry none are better than little kids. They just love big muscle, it reminds them of cartoon characters and they get so excited. So I signed some hats, shirts and some pics for the kids and took pics with all of them...making them pose with me of course!

I guess I could say I indulged myself a little as well. As part of the event the Fire Dept in town brought out one of the trucks. Well I took it upon myself to ask to go for a ride..lol, but wait it doesn't stop there. When we got back I walked away but kept looking back at the basket they use to save people in high rises. Finally I said 'fuck it, I'm gonna ask', I went back and asked them to take me for a ride in the basket..lol..they looked at me like they already knew I wanted to..lol, embarrassing but whatever, I was a kid for a day.

Anyway, seeing those kids, some in wheelchairs, some with crutches, some with just no one to be there for them really made me appreciate the things I have in my life more than I already did. Lately anytime I see or feel something that I think is a big downer I think about how happy those kids were with all that they had going on.

I have been invited back next year and the organizers called to tell me I was a big hit with the kids (and some of the adults..lol, guys asking how to get in shape), without hesitation I told them I will be there before the first kid hits the door!

Sacrifice Without Regret,

Fouad 'Hoss' Abiad