Contest Preparations

I have asked Harold “Big H” Marillier to provide the notes updating us on the progress of bodybuilders preparing for 2007 contests under his guidance.  Some I have seen in the gym during the last few weeks but others have come and gone at quiet times of the day unobserved by your reporter. I had to visit the gym last Friday about mid-day and bumped into a wall of muscle by the door,some taking in their pre-workout drinks, others resting, looking tired but pumped as they drank or scooped down their post-workout recovery food; some waiting their turn for an update with Harold before or after their workouts.  And Tony Turner sat on a chair. Overall, the positive atmosphere of any good bodybuilding gym.   The gym is doing well with good membership numbers and a steady stream of potential additional members dissatisfied with progress at the local more up-market fitness clubs or merely sick of paying £50 per month for pretty surroundings.

Anyway, over to Harold.

Gym member Danny Poole has grabbed even more muscle mass and symmetry improvements since the December update.   Everything looks on course for a contest weight of 18st [252 lbs] in August/September.

Troy Brown has just returned form a visit to the 2007 Ironman contest in Pasadena, California and is more enthusiastic than ever to make his way in the Pro Ranks of bodybuilding. While over in America, Troy had the chance to talk with Dorian Yates and many other top bodybuilders who were in California for the show — or already lived there. As well as seeing the American scene for himself, he got some useful advice on preparing for the future.   The way ahead is clear.  Look out for more incredible gains.

Paul Scarborough — pictured at top of this page — has started his diet from 218 lbs [15st 10lbs] at 5ft 5in and in good off-season condition.  He is on track to compete at a very lean and ripped 195 lbs with improvements throughout his well muscled and dense physique.  I think he is on line to defend his Overall title at the NABBA West Britain and is a legitimate contender for the top honours at the NABBA Britain Finals in May.

Southampton’s Kris Piotrowski is still training hard and shaping up well for the South Coast Show on 1st April.   Keep focused, Kris, keep up the good work and you will surprise yourself. 

Tom Dyke has been training chest with me and he shows great determination to succeed.  He is making great gains at the present time and will delay his entry to a UKBFF Qualifier until later in the year and make the most of his present growth rate.  He already has great back and shoulders.

Our own Michelle Jones has now gained 14 kg of muscle in the last 5 months and is now weighing 80 kgs [12st 8lbs]  She is looking to compete at 70 kgs in September at the World Championships. Michelle has retained all the symmetry, shape and class while gaining so much more size.   The pictures were from a recent photo session at the gym with Eric Guy.

Joe Essadi from Eastbourne continues to make substantial gains, especially on his legs. He has now had quite a few legs sessions with me and is learning well the way to real improvements. He is still growing and has passed 108 kgs [17st] — at 5ft 9in.  Looking like he will be ready for a good showing in contests around August/September 2007 — Gravesend or Leamington.

With 5 weeks to go to the South coast Show, Sarah Lewis is displaying some fantastic upper body condition.   Watch out girls — don’t get too close; she is razor sharp.  On track for another win Portsmouth on 1st April.

Terry Watson is, of course already qualified for the UKBFF Finals and is training really hard to be at his best.  Already he has made tremendous size and density improvements throughout.

Mick Freeman has finally committed himself to the South Coast Show   Always lean and symetrical, Mick is going to hold onto some extra size this time and storm the show.

The Master Monster, Kevin Devonport, is weighing 20st [127 kgs] at 6ft 2in and in good condition. I am looking forward to starting his preps for the British Finals this year.  Watch this space.

Gary Jones will be doing the First Timers at the West Britain Show.   With 10 weeks to go he is showing some good detail in back and legs.   All you other First Timers — watch out!

The UKBFF South Coast Show will take place on Sunday, 1st April — one week before Easter.  As we have done in recent years, the Forest Gym will sponsor the trophy for an Overall Winner of the Men’s Classes — a title re-instated after some discussions with UKBFF Officials.

The show will have Dennis James as the Star and with Kerry Kayes supervision, he will be answering questions between the judging and the main evening show.   Dennis has a great physique, which, for some reason always seems to be at its peak 2 or 3 weeks before the Olympia each year.    Every bodybuilder has problems hitting his peak at the right time and trying to reach the optimum in size and condition.   There is no denying, though, that Dennis James carries a lot of muscle.

Paul Smith always puts on a great show and he will, as in previous years have added entertainment for the kids and families who may not want to watch undiluted bodybuilding for six hours or more.

These pictures of Michelle Jones were taken in The Forest Gym on 31st January 2007.   As you can see, she has already added considerably to the mass she displayed at the UKBFF Finals last year.