14 Weeks Out

Things are on point this week! Everythings going smooth, weight is down, strength is up and the physique is looking more and more complete everyday. For some reason I am not feeling very anxious this time around, I'm feeling confident about my chances at winning in February. I really feel like this offseason has been good for my physique. My legs are up, my stomach feels tighter, calves came up and back and shoulders are wider believe it or not.
Last week was a great week in the gym. I had a great chest workout and filmed it for all of you, just go to my website www.fouadhossabiad.com and sign into the members section to check it out. 405lbs on the incline bench seems to be routine now and the week before I even did 455lbs for four reps so things are really clicking. I think the biggest news had to come on leg day though. It was my first time free weight back squatting since my leg injury. Man, I breezed through 405lbs like it was baby-weight! Banged out 12 solid reps like never before, legs felt great, no tenderness, no friction, just smooth and powerful!
I have made a big change on the career front as well. As some of you know I left MD about two months ago and I have turned the page and made the move to FLEX. I am now a Weider athlete at least for a little while anyway but I am very proud to be part of history. I hope it becomes a more long term agreement but i guess that's up to me and my placings. There is a bump in the road though as all of us experience some get hit harder than others. My Muscletech contract comes to an end in three months and I am looking for a change. They have decided to let my contract expire and I am a little excited to be honest. MT is a great company and they treated me great but at the end of the day its hard being part of a ten man team. In leaving I have a chance now to really grow with a company. There are some ideas I have in mind but like I said I have three months left so I will let you guys know as soon as I know!
So that's about it for this week. I guess the point I wanted to get across was that there are always bumps in the road. We all deal with issues, problems, adversity, some not so well and some deal with it like its nothing. I had a couple clients this week that were down in the dumps about some issues but I think its because sometimes we think we're alone. None of us are alone, some make it look like nothing is wrong on the outside but there are always things they need to deal with. Just because you don't know about their issues it doesn't mean there are none there.
The point is, life is always going to be hard if you let it. You have to role with the punches sometimes and see what you can turnover on the other side of things. I found out a few days ago that MT wasn't going to resign me and I honestly was upset for about an hour. After that hour passed I got on the phone and now I see it as an opportunity. Nothing can stop you if you don't want it to. You are in control of your life and the things you choose in life are the things that are coming to you. I choose to get off my ass and find a company that's going to believe in me and for the long term. I'm going to find a company who sees the same vision for me that I see in my own mind. When I find that I will be on top of the world and all the pieces of the puzzle will be there. How are you dealing with your adversity? Are you letting it beat you down? Are you giving up? Get off your ass and take control of your life, nothing and no one person can stop you unless you let them!

Sacrifice Without Regret,
Fouad 'Hoss' Abiad

15 Weeks Out

Okay I apologize for being a couple days late but I'm just trying to get my bearings with the new diet and being so busy all of a sudden. Things are going well although last week was a bit of a roller coaster week with my weight. I am currently sitting at a pretty lean 285lbs and feeling very confident about my look come Feb and Mar.
My legs used to be a week point and after smashing them all year with different techniques, different splits and different volumes I feel like they have finally responded the way they were supposed to. The other day I was actually posing with some friends and the look I had was actually a little bottom heavy to be honest. That day my legs were more impressive than my upper body and THAT has never happened unless it was after leg training. They are taking on a new dimension almost, the sweep is better on the outside and the inner thickness has really volumized my legs.
Like I said at the top of this my weight was on a bit of a roller coaster ride this week. After about three days on the diet I dropped about 10lbs (water and glycogen) and even though in my head I new it was nothing to be concerned about it actually threw me a little. I always drop about ten pounds when I start dieting but this year I thought since I was more lean going into the diet it wouldn't happen. I guess the part I didn't think of was, more muscle means more water in the body and more water to lose. Either way the strength is good and actually getting better so I know the muscle is still growing. Anyway after I spoke with Hany (my trainer) and we increased the food and tried to fill me a bit I have gained back five and am losing nice and slow now.
The cardio is getting easier this week and I assume week after week it will continue to do so. I can't lie though I am doing 40min on the stepmill and this morning around the 36min mark I had to stop and catch my breath..lol I know its embarrassing, I'm supposed to be a pro athlete but like I told a friend earlier in the week, I am a 'strength athlete', we are different..lol
Last weeks blog talked about going for your dreams and not giving in to social pressures or anything else. This kind of falls in line with that. For about three years now the Ontario Physique Association has been asking me to put on a bodybuilding show in Windsor, Ontario(my hometown) and I have declined. Not because I didn't want to but in all honesty I didn't think I had what it took to put on a major production like that.
This year one of my best friends and training partners Paul Lauzon came to me saying that they asked him to do it and to see if I would join him. The good news is I have finally decided to take on the challenge. Paul convinced me that we could do it and we have given ourselves enough time (Oct. 8, 2011) to really make it an outstanding show. Its going to be called the Fouad Abiad Classic and I have plans to make it the biggest show of the year in Ontario!
I really think bodybuilding has given me everything in my life. That doesn't always mean material things or tons of money (even though that's coming..lol). I mean more about a sense of knowing myself and knowing what I am capable of. So many people have so much in them but just aren't willing to take that chance. Are you really living your life? Is there something out there you want to do that you just can't quite bring yourself to grab hold of?
I say go for it. Bodybuilding has taught me a system above all else that will hold true in ANY instance in life. For example, when your getting ready for a bodybuilding show you do your homework. You take your time, you have a long offseason, you fine tune your physique until you know its just right and then you unveil it! Everything in life follows the same guidelines...for me anyway. When I decided to compete in my first show (ironic enough it was the Windsor Cup), I gave myself a little over a year to take the time and really bring a great package and I won that show. This show I am putting on is no different. I am giving myself a little over a year to fine tune this beast so on the day of the show all I have to do is open the doors and the event will be amazing!
Sure it took me a push from a friend but now I am that friend and I am pushing you. Find your passion and follow the steps. Take the time to really understand what you're getting into and then fine tune it before you show the world. My dad taught me one thing in life. He never cared what I did for work or what I chose as a final career, all he told me was if you do something do it with all your heart and believe in yourself.

Sacrifice Without Regret,
Fouad 'Hoss' Abiad

16 Weeks Out

The time has finally come, time to drop everything, put my head down and go to work. I haven't stepped on stage since Aug 2009 and I almost feel like I have forgotten how to diet..lol..I know it'll come back quick though.

I am on day 2 of the diet and am already feeling great. There is a ton of food in my diet so I don't even know if I can call it that. I'm eating over 5000 calories all from clean food and somehow it really feels like I'm gonna get bigger as I get leaner going into this thing. As it stands now I have already added about 10lbs of contest weight to my frame and if I can gain another 5lbs during this diet its gonna be lights out for the competition!

So that's all the positive side of things for you but surely there must be a downside to dieting right? Well here it is. Since I have gained about 10lbs like a mentioned, cardio has become IMPOSSIBLE..lol. I have no idea how someone Ronnie or Jay's size gets through 45min on the stairs with all that muscle. In all honesty I think I will get used to it in the next week or so but for now it feels like I'm walking up stairs with cinder blocks attached to my legs!

Being this heavy and most of it being muscle is much harder than when I was a fatter 290lbs starting my diets. The stepmill is no joke and being on it for 45min is a true test of how bad you want to work. The extra muscle mass is not only heavier but also takes more oxygen to keep it fuelled. I think I'm going to buy a small oxygen tank and strap it to my back for the next week or so...lol.

Alright, enough whining, I had to get it out though. I don't want you guys to think I'm all smiles. The best part about the diet is now you all will get to see the real me. Its 16 weeks out now and I'm still cheery but as the weeks dwindle down you will be reading a much different blog say around the four week mark. I become obsessive about everything, I become a shop-aholic, I become agitated, intense and powerful all at the same time. I can't even explain it I guess you will all have to follow along for the next four months and see for yourself.

So on to other business. The website is finally done, I guess you could say that. Its launched but I still have some things I want to fix up here and there but the basic set up will not change from here on out. For a while anyway. Please get on and check it out at www.fouadhossabiad.com and sign up for my free newsletter and get in for the free members section while you can. Only the first 1000 members are free!

Enough of that. I went out for dinner last week with some friends and it was brought to my attention that one of my friends was having some trouble with BBing and what its all about. I guess he is torn about what the point really is. I just wanted to touch on this for a minute before I go. I have been through many days in my career when I sat and thought 'what am I doing, do I really want to be doing this?'. Those days are the tough ones when you contemplate everything. Why am I eating all this food? Why do I have to drink all these powders? Why do I have to go to the gym instead of going out? Why am I sitting here in pain from a leg workout and I can barely walk?..okay skip the last one I actually love that feeling..lol.

Point is, we all have bad days, sometimes even weeks where things aren't going right and it seems like you just aren't doing what you're supposed to in life. The way I see it, everyone goes through those times in any serious endeavour they take on in life. The business man who is away from his family for weeks at a time, the office worker who is working four hours past there shift getting home at 10pm, the MMA fighter who can't win a fight, the actor or actress who can't get a gig, the salesperson who just doesn't want to go out for another drink but knows its part of the job. I know all of these people and they all wrestle with the same issues we do from time to time.

Bodybuilders and people who are around bodybuilding I have found like to isolate themselves, like only we go through these hardships or somehow ours are different from other people. Sure, our chosen profession/hobby is harder than any other on earth but trust me, other people are going through the same hardships in their own life. Its fine to sit and contemplate your choices in life and its always okay to have a bad day, we all have them. What I find to be sad is when outside influences take you away from what you really love. When you let those bad days get a hold of you and take you off course.

If you love going to the gym, if you love eating all your meals and feeling healthy, if you don't want to go to the club every weekend, there is nothing wrong with you. Don't let that crazy uncle tell you just because your eating chicken and broccoli and not cake that you're crazy. Next time that happens ask them why its fine that their guzzling a beer while golfing at 9am? Or why its ok to light a big fat cigar and sit in a smoke filled room eating Cheetos just because your playing cards?

What we do is not 'normal'(who knows what normal is anymore anyway), but its what we do because we love it. If you have a dream, a goal or you just want to feel good and live life on your own terms, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Deep down we are all a little nuts, we just choose to show it in different ways. For me, its painting myself dark, oiling myself up, dawning my nicest banana hammock, getting up in front of thousands of people and showing what they can achieve with a little elbow grease. (that visuals gotta tug at your heart strings..lol)

Sacrifice Without Regret,

Fouad 'Hoss' Abiad

One More Week

The countdown is on and I am excited as can be. Funny, I woke up today feeling fat, sluggish and shitty (even tho I don't actually think I'm fat) and thought to myself 'I can't wait to start dieting!'. Well be careful what you wish for....I just spoke to Hany (my trainer) and we start the diet Saturday!

Its about time because honestly I can't take it anymore. I actually weighed myself after about three meals today and the scale said 303lbs!! I am ready, Hany and I have calculated everything this year. Every training session, every meal, every therapy session and its all going to pay off now in the next 16 weeks!

Okay so I know the lingering question, what am I going to eat this week since I have to start dieting on Saturday? Honestly in the past my mind was like a light switch when it came to diet. I would eat as much crap as I could and then come the day of my diet I would flip the switch and that's it, not another piece of anything! This time though I think I have been in the offseason so long I have had everything I could possibly want and now I am ready to just start. I don't need any last minute binges or garbage meals I just want to bring it!

Okay, I'm not going to lie there is a couple things. Some friends are taking me out for my Bday on Wednesday and I think I am probably going to enjoy some good cheesecake or something along those lines after a big fat steak, maybe a T-Bone! Some other friends want to take me out on Thursday so I think that one will be my last all you can eat sushi outing and I want to make it a good one....I hope they're ready for me..lol.

Alright back to reality. I had a great week of training still benching 405lbs on the incline for fun, got some smith squats in again with a little tenderness but feeling good. I was also able to hit six plates a side on the hack squat this week so the strength in that exercise is really coming back fast. Legs overall are just coming back better and better each week.

I have been using a foam roller at home most days. I like to roll out my quads when they aren't too sore to flush them and I also have been using it on my right lat to keep it from getting too bound up....Hany's advice. I'm seeing a new therapist in the Windsor area in conjunction with Alvin Brown's therapy. I needed someone close to home so I could get two sessions a week, Dave Cowie is my Osteopath in Windsor and really seems to have the same work ethic as Alvin. I am confident I am in great hands with both!

I did have a minor set back this week. Doing DB curls yesterday I actually felt a sharp pain shoot down my arm. It almost like a tendinitis pain but I think with some therapy, home therapy and just being diligent in its recovery I should be fine. No worries all, I am going to be 100% come February and like I said in one of my FB status updates, I'm bringin it in such a way they're going to change the name to Fouadruary..lol..its my month!

Enough bullshitting..lol...life is good, training is good. Seeing things in my mind before actually putting them into effect is really working out well for me. I find myself bangin out weights in the gym with only one thing in mind and that's my look come four months time. I find myself resting between sets but not really present...I can't hear anyone or anything, it feels like its just me and the weights and my thoughts. What are my thoughts?

This is a hard one to answer but I'll try. When I'm sitting there in between sets waiting to do the next set, waiting to give it everything I have, I'm thinking of the show. I can see the person standing next to me on stage, see the person on the other side of me. I can hear the judge calling out each pose, I can hear the guy next to me breathing heavy wanting a rest while I'm getting stronger. I can smell the Protan, hear the background music, hear the noise coming from the crowd. I can feel everything as if I was there seeing it clearly, living it in my mind so come that day standing up there I know what to expect. I know I'm going to bring it, I know the guy next to me will be shocked that I am so prepared it seems like a walk in the park! My strength will make him weaker, I will TAKE his energy and make it my own. All of these things flash through my mind in the 60-90 seconds that it takes me to get ready to trash the muscle just one more time...

Sacrifice Without Regret,

Fouad 'Hoss' Abiad

Keep and eye for the new website which should be up in the next day or so www.thefouadabiad.com.

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