2008 Muscle Camp USA
Posted 09/01/2008
Photos by Jordan, Shellie, Funda and Jon.
Evansville, Indiana was the location of the first muscle camp of 2008, hosted by WNBF pro and contest peaking specialist Dr Joe Klemczewski. Dubbed the Fantasy Camp, clients signed up to train with a host of natural bodybuilding stars including current Pro World Champion, Jim Cordova, 2-time world champion Dave Goodin, Figure Pro and Best Body swimsuit champion Mary Bell, WNBF Pro Duke Bell, rising INBF star Sean McCauley, and of course the main man Joe. This year Joe decided he would like to add an international trainer to the line-up, and kindly invited me over to assist in running the camp. Naturally I was delighted to be offered the chance to work overseas at such an event. It certainly sounded like a lot of fun. The only downside is that I knew I'd have to try and control my Christmas pig-out, as I didn’t want to show up all fat and out of shape. Well, that plan failed as you will see from the photos, but I still had to turn up!
I flew out on Thursday 3rd January to embark on my three-stage journey to Indiana. Setting off from Birmingham International at 8am, I swapped planes at Dublin airport, before heading off to Chicago, and finally landing in Evansville at 10pm the same evening. With a six-hour time difference and a hefty 20-hour total journey time, it took its toll on my body clock, and when Joe met me at the airport I was tired, groggy and ready for bed. So it was a nice surprise to learn that he had booked a stunning Marriott hotel for our accommodation. Shame I left my swimming trunks at home as the heated pool and Jacuzzi looked very tempting.
The following morning Joe took me on a tour of "The Diet Doc" HQ. It's a very well kitted out facility, with offices, treatment rooms, a kitchen, plus of course a fully equiped gym with plenty of free weights, dumbbells up to 120 lbs, and loads of brand new commercial-grade machines. With a good night's sleep behind me I was itching to try it out. However, before that we had to ensure there was enough food to cater for all these hungry bodybuilders, so we headed over to the supermarket to pick up a huge platter of healthy, high-protein goodies to keep everyone fuelled throughout the day.
At 5pm Friday the camp kicked off, and trainers and clients gathered at the facility for informal introductions. We sat in a circle and went round one by one, telling a little about ourselves. This was a nice icebreaker and a good way to learn more about each other. Video cameramen from Pro Edit (who shoot for bodybuilding.com) were milling around too, capturing footage for a forthcoming DVD documentary of the event.
With introductions done and dusted we were ready to rock and roll in the gym. The first session saw each trainer completing a full 1-on-1 workout with a client (the clients got to choose what body-parts they wanted to train and who to train with). I was down for legs with TJ Lynch, who at 240 rock solid pounds and over 6ft tall is one seriously big dude. Talk about being thrown in at the deep end. TJ is a great guy with the heart of a lion, and we thrashed legs hard with leg presses, squats and stiff-leg deadlifts.
After a short break and some post-workout food, we all swapped round and completed round two. However, instead of training, this time the trainers would oversee two clients working out together, spotting them, checking on their form and suggesting ways to get the most out of each exercise. The system worked well, although for some reason I kept getting called out for legs. This time Craig Granowitz and WNBF pro Jordan Chabinsky were ready for some serious thigh destruction. Amazingly, when I thought they might quit out on me they'd continue to grind out reps from nowhere. For example: Jordan committed to a 315 lb 10-rep squat. Spotting him closely I thought he might fail at 6, but he soldiered on to get all 10 reps, giving him a personal best lift. That's what it's all about, giving 100% intensity and doing whatever it takes to get the results. No one said it was going to be easy.
The following day I hobbled down to breakfast. Tucking into my toast and eggs, I spotted the guys I trained with yesterday - also hobbling to their tables. Glad it wasn’t just me with sore legs!
We got picked up at 8am and driven back to the facility to begin out first workout of the day. I was penned in for delts or arms, but me and my client Kori Propst decided to lump them in together. Kori was in great shape for the camp, and deservedly picked up the "Hardest Trainer" award for her efforts that weekend.
In between sets I couldn't help but notice that a competitive edge was starting to creep in amongst the pros. To my left I spotted Joe hammering out 13 plates a side on the leg press (strategically beating my 12 plates from the previous day), whilst to my right Dave Goodin insisted on shoulder pressing more than me on every set. These pros, what are they like, eh?
Well, after another rest and refuel, we kicked off the posing class. Headed up by Dave Goodin and myself, we took the clients through rounds one and two of a bodybuilding contest. Dave would hit the pose for us and talk us through it, while I added extra commentary with some do's and don’ts for getting the most out of each pose. Then it was over to the clients to practice in front of mirrors, whilst the trainers checked everybody out, tweaking their poses to look as good as possible. To finish off Dave and I gave a talk on free posing and choreography.
Lunch was next (as you've probably figured by now food played a major part during the weekend), and this was followed by a lecture by Joe on nutrition and peaking. Here we were taken though a slideshow of physiques in 'before and after' state, illustrating the various results that can be achieved with correct - and incorrect - diet plans. The session also covered water/carb manipulation, a tricky subject at the best of times, but it was handled expertly by Joe.
At 2pm we were back in the gym for another gruelling workout, this time overseeing two more clients. I was dealt another leg workout (no surprise there) putting Shellie Collins and Nancy Kornblum through their paces. These girls were Strong, squatting 225lbs for a solid 10 reps apiece, earning them PB's to boot. We also covered some alternative leg movements, such as reverse back extensions and the glute/ham raise. The latter being a beast of an exercise, and one that I was reluctant to demo having not warmed up, so we called upon a particular proponent of this exercise - Layne Norton - who had arrived with the film crew, to show us how it's done.
The final session commenced at 4pm and saw me training Funda Dervisoglu for back. It's a little known secret that shows are often won and lost on back development, and it's an area I've battled with for many years, so I was pleased to get the opportunity to train back with Funda and share those little things I've learned over the years. We hit the bodypart from lots of different angles, and when Funda wasn’t busy laughing at my poor English humour she managed some impressive lifts, bent over rowing 100 lbs for solid reps, using a unique variation I showed her.
With all the workouts complete, it was time to wind down a little. We headed off back to the hotel and got ourselves ready for the big night out. According to Joe, the night out was one of the highlights of last year's camp, so of course we were all looking forward to it. The evening started with a meal at one of Evansville's newest restaurants, and one in which Joe has his very own menu (talk about fingers in pies!) The food was delicious and it was a nice opportunity to just relax, socialise, have some fun and get to know everyone a bit better.
After the meal we ventured out to sample the nightlife. The first bar we found was a smart and contemporary affair. We stayed there for a few drinks and took some photos, before seeking out Evansville's 'finer' establishments. Jim suggested a particular downtown bar where some of his friends were performing live that night in a rock band. We finished our drinks and headed on down. Well, what can I say other than the doormen were scarier than us and the place was dark, smoky and noisy - very noisy! The band were great though and with the alcohol flowing freely we had some crazy moments that night for sure, but as they say "you had to be there".
My alarm clock was set for 8am Sunday morning, and boy I needed it, otherwise I'd have slept in 'til noon. Nursing a slightly fuzzy head (and I couldn’t figure out if it was the loud music or the alcohol - or perhaps a combination of both?), I just about made it back to the facility for the final leg of the camp; the physiology discussion. Funnily enough, I wasn't the only one with squinty eyes and a croaky voice that morning.
Joe covered some theory on physiology, followed by the trainers giving a low-down on their training philosophies in a Q&A style format. It was interesting because perhaps for the first time it really highlighted the differences in our individual styles of training. The clients learned that there is indeed more than one way to skin a cat when it comes to building muscle. After the session, the Pro Edit team took the opportunity to grab interviews with me and the other trainers, in addition to the footage they'd captured all weekend.
Now, I cant conclude this without a few good words on our trainers!
Joe: Looked after me the whole weekend and is a gentleman and a true friend. Knows his stuff more than just about anyone, and his presentation skills are second to none. I learned a lot just watching Joe, he is very accomplished at what he does. Freaky strong on legs in both size and strength, although yet to see him complete a four-plate squat after heavy leg presses, unlike this Englishman, although I'm sure he can! Has a lovely wife and four great kids.
Jim Cordova: Looked bigger than ever. Wouldn't take his top off but didn't need to, he was busting all out of his clothes. Had a nasty cold but trained through it hike a hero. I've a lot of respect for this guy. He's passionate about bodybuilding and will take some stopping this year. Unhealthy obsession with camcorders though as he videod the whole weekend!
Dave Goodin: Quite simply a legend of natural bodybuilding. Still looks awesome even at the wrong side of 40. Very knowledgeable and a highly accomplished speaker. Great sense of humour too. Watch him when he hits the red wine though, he's a bit of a party animal!
Mary and Duke Bell: Mary is quite simply a stunning figure competitor with a huge personality and a great sense of humour to match. Her partner Duke is a top guy and a fiercely intense trainer. Humungous chest and quads! They both have huge potential in the sport. Don't envy their monthly food and supplement bill though.
Sean McCauley: A great guy and really friendly too. Needs to trim down his butt though as it keeps setting off automatic doors in hotels! Very knowledgeable and the ultimate hardcore personal trainer.
Layne Norton: I'd known Layne for a long time via the internet, but this was the first time I'd met him in person. He's a cool guy and well educated, especially on the subject of nutrition. Big and strong in the gym too, with some huge guns. Talks a lot though, so you'll need to be fast to get a word in edgeways!
A special award goes out to TJ Lynch. He had us all in stitches with his comedy act on Sunday morning. The story about his recent 'colonic-from-hell' was legendary. My sides never hurt so much from laughing!
As for me, well I tried to keep up with all of them. I think they liked my impersonation of a New York accent more than anything though. I'm going to keep practicing that one for next time, as well as grow some more muscle so I can try and catch up with big Jim...
So there you have it, a weekend of personal training, eating, discussions, seminars, more training, more eating, and partying. What more could you possibly ask for? Naturally, I'd like to extend a huge thanks to Joe for inviting me over, and to everyone else at the camp who all made me feel so welcome. I've met and worked with some wonderful people and come home inspired and with some great memories. On the plane journey home it even got me thinking about the possibility of a UK muscle camp. Hmmm...
For more information on Dr Joe's services visit www.thedietdoc.com
Photos by Jordan, Shellie, Funda and Jon.
Evansville, Indiana was the location of the first muscle camp of 2008, hosted by WNBF pro and contest peaking specialist Dr Joe Klemczewski. Dubbed the Fantasy Camp, clients signed up to train with a host of natural bodybuilding stars including current Pro World Champion, Jim Cordova, 2-time world champion Dave Goodin, Figure Pro and Best Body swimsuit champion Mary Bell, WNBF Pro Duke Bell, rising INBF star Sean McCauley, and of course the main man Joe. This year Joe decided he would like to add an international trainer to the line-up, and kindly invited me over to assist in running the camp. Naturally I was delighted to be offered the chance to work overseas at such an event. It certainly sounded like a lot of fun. The only downside is that I knew I'd have to try and control my Christmas pig-out, as I didn’t want to show up all fat and out of shape. Well, that plan failed as you will see from the photos, but I still had to turn up!
I flew out on Thursday 3rd January to embark on my three-stage journey to Indiana. Setting off from Birmingham International at 8am, I swapped planes at Dublin airport, before heading off to Chicago, and finally landing in Evansville at 10pm the same evening. With a six-hour time difference and a hefty 20-hour total journey time, it took its toll on my body clock, and when Joe met me at the airport I was tired, groggy and ready for bed. So it was a nice surprise to learn that he had booked a stunning Marriott hotel for our accommodation. Shame I left my swimming trunks at home as the heated pool and Jacuzzi looked very tempting.
The following morning Joe took me on a tour of "The Diet Doc" HQ. It's a very well kitted out facility, with offices, treatment rooms, a kitchen, plus of course a fully equiped gym with plenty of free weights, dumbbells up to 120 lbs, and loads of brand new commercial-grade machines. With a good night's sleep behind me I was itching to try it out. However, before that we had to ensure there was enough food to cater for all these hungry bodybuilders, so we headed over to the supermarket to pick up a huge platter of healthy, high-protein goodies to keep everyone fuelled throughout the day.
At 5pm Friday the camp kicked off, and trainers and clients gathered at the facility for informal introductions. We sat in a circle and went round one by one, telling a little about ourselves. This was a nice icebreaker and a good way to learn more about each other. Video cameramen from Pro Edit (who shoot for bodybuilding.com) were milling around too, capturing footage for a forthcoming DVD documentary of the event.
With introductions done and dusted we were ready to rock and roll in the gym. The first session saw each trainer completing a full 1-on-1 workout with a client (the clients got to choose what body-parts they wanted to train and who to train with). I was down for legs with TJ Lynch, who at 240 rock solid pounds and over 6ft tall is one seriously big dude. Talk about being thrown in at the deep end. TJ is a great guy with the heart of a lion, and we thrashed legs hard with leg presses, squats and stiff-leg deadlifts.
After a short break and some post-workout food, we all swapped round and completed round two. However, instead of training, this time the trainers would oversee two clients working out together, spotting them, checking on their form and suggesting ways to get the most out of each exercise. The system worked well, although for some reason I kept getting called out for legs. This time Craig Granowitz and WNBF pro Jordan Chabinsky were ready for some serious thigh destruction. Amazingly, when I thought they might quit out on me they'd continue to grind out reps from nowhere. For example: Jordan committed to a 315 lb 10-rep squat. Spotting him closely I thought he might fail at 6, but he soldiered on to get all 10 reps, giving him a personal best lift. That's what it's all about, giving 100% intensity and doing whatever it takes to get the results. No one said it was going to be easy.
The following day I hobbled down to breakfast. Tucking into my toast and eggs, I spotted the guys I trained with yesterday - also hobbling to their tables. Glad it wasn’t just me with sore legs!
We got picked up at 8am and driven back to the facility to begin out first workout of the day. I was penned in for delts or arms, but me and my client Kori Propst decided to lump them in together. Kori was in great shape for the camp, and deservedly picked up the "Hardest Trainer" award for her efforts that weekend.
In between sets I couldn't help but notice that a competitive edge was starting to creep in amongst the pros. To my left I spotted Joe hammering out 13 plates a side on the leg press (strategically beating my 12 plates from the previous day), whilst to my right Dave Goodin insisted on shoulder pressing more than me on every set. These pros, what are they like, eh?
Well, after another rest and refuel, we kicked off the posing class. Headed up by Dave Goodin and myself, we took the clients through rounds one and two of a bodybuilding contest. Dave would hit the pose for us and talk us through it, while I added extra commentary with some do's and don’ts for getting the most out of each pose. Then it was over to the clients to practice in front of mirrors, whilst the trainers checked everybody out, tweaking their poses to look as good as possible. To finish off Dave and I gave a talk on free posing and choreography.
Lunch was next (as you've probably figured by now food played a major part during the weekend), and this was followed by a lecture by Joe on nutrition and peaking. Here we were taken though a slideshow of physiques in 'before and after' state, illustrating the various results that can be achieved with correct - and incorrect - diet plans. The session also covered water/carb manipulation, a tricky subject at the best of times, but it was handled expertly by Joe.
At 2pm we were back in the gym for another gruelling workout, this time overseeing two more clients. I was dealt another leg workout (no surprise there) putting Shellie Collins and Nancy Kornblum through their paces. These girls were Strong, squatting 225lbs for a solid 10 reps apiece, earning them PB's to boot. We also covered some alternative leg movements, such as reverse back extensions and the glute/ham raise. The latter being a beast of an exercise, and one that I was reluctant to demo having not warmed up, so we called upon a particular proponent of this exercise - Layne Norton - who had arrived with the film crew, to show us how it's done.
The final session commenced at 4pm and saw me training Funda Dervisoglu for back. It's a little known secret that shows are often won and lost on back development, and it's an area I've battled with for many years, so I was pleased to get the opportunity to train back with Funda and share those little things I've learned over the years. We hit the bodypart from lots of different angles, and when Funda wasn’t busy laughing at my poor English humour she managed some impressive lifts, bent over rowing 100 lbs for solid reps, using a unique variation I showed her.
With all the workouts complete, it was time to wind down a little. We headed off back to the hotel and got ourselves ready for the big night out. According to Joe, the night out was one of the highlights of last year's camp, so of course we were all looking forward to it. The evening started with a meal at one of Evansville's newest restaurants, and one in which Joe has his very own menu (talk about fingers in pies!) The food was delicious and it was a nice opportunity to just relax, socialise, have some fun and get to know everyone a bit better.
After the meal we ventured out to sample the nightlife. The first bar we found was a smart and contemporary affair. We stayed there for a few drinks and took some photos, before seeking out Evansville's 'finer' establishments. Jim suggested a particular downtown bar where some of his friends were performing live that night in a rock band. We finished our drinks and headed on down. Well, what can I say other than the doormen were scarier than us and the place was dark, smoky and noisy - very noisy! The band were great though and with the alcohol flowing freely we had some crazy moments that night for sure, but as they say "you had to be there".
My alarm clock was set for 8am Sunday morning, and boy I needed it, otherwise I'd have slept in 'til noon. Nursing a slightly fuzzy head (and I couldn’t figure out if it was the loud music or the alcohol - or perhaps a combination of both?), I just about made it back to the facility for the final leg of the camp; the physiology discussion. Funnily enough, I wasn't the only one with squinty eyes and a croaky voice that morning.
Joe covered some theory on physiology, followed by the trainers giving a low-down on their training philosophies in a Q&A style format. It was interesting because perhaps for the first time it really highlighted the differences in our individual styles of training. The clients learned that there is indeed more than one way to skin a cat when it comes to building muscle. After the session, the Pro Edit team took the opportunity to grab interviews with me and the other trainers, in addition to the footage they'd captured all weekend.
Now, I cant conclude this without a few good words on our trainers!
Joe: Looked after me the whole weekend and is a gentleman and a true friend. Knows his stuff more than just about anyone, and his presentation skills are second to none. I learned a lot just watching Joe, he is very accomplished at what he does. Freaky strong on legs in both size and strength, although yet to see him complete a four-plate squat after heavy leg presses, unlike this Englishman, although I'm sure he can! Has a lovely wife and four great kids.
Jim Cordova: Looked bigger than ever. Wouldn't take his top off but didn't need to, he was busting all out of his clothes. Had a nasty cold but trained through it hike a hero. I've a lot of respect for this guy. He's passionate about bodybuilding and will take some stopping this year. Unhealthy obsession with camcorders though as he videod the whole weekend!
Dave Goodin: Quite simply a legend of natural bodybuilding. Still looks awesome even at the wrong side of 40. Very knowledgeable and a highly accomplished speaker. Great sense of humour too. Watch him when he hits the red wine though, he's a bit of a party animal!
Mary and Duke Bell: Mary is quite simply a stunning figure competitor with a huge personality and a great sense of humour to match. Her partner Duke is a top guy and a fiercely intense trainer. Humungous chest and quads! They both have huge potential in the sport. Don't envy their monthly food and supplement bill though.
Sean McCauley: A great guy and really friendly too. Needs to trim down his butt though as it keeps setting off automatic doors in hotels! Very knowledgeable and the ultimate hardcore personal trainer.
Layne Norton: I'd known Layne for a long time via the internet, but this was the first time I'd met him in person. He's a cool guy and well educated, especially on the subject of nutrition. Big and strong in the gym too, with some huge guns. Talks a lot though, so you'll need to be fast to get a word in edgeways!
A special award goes out to TJ Lynch. He had us all in stitches with his comedy act on Sunday morning. The story about his recent 'colonic-from-hell' was legendary. My sides never hurt so much from laughing!
As for me, well I tried to keep up with all of them. I think they liked my impersonation of a New York accent more than anything though. I'm going to keep practicing that one for next time, as well as grow some more muscle so I can try and catch up with big Jim...
So there you have it, a weekend of personal training, eating, discussions, seminars, more training, more eating, and partying. What more could you possibly ask for? Naturally, I'd like to extend a huge thanks to Joe for inviting me over, and to everyone else at the camp who all made me feel so welcome. I've met and worked with some wonderful people and come home inspired and with some great memories. On the plane journey home it even got me thinking about the possibility of a UK muscle camp. Hmmm...
For more information on Dr Joe's services visit www.thedietdoc.com
Dr. Joe Klemczewski's 2008 Muscle Camp Evansville, Indiana, USA January 4th - 6th
Trainers Dr Joe Klemczewsi Dave Goodin Jim Cordova Jon Harris Sean McCauley Mary Bell Duke Bell Clients Tony Bronco Kerrie Michaud Lulu Olson TJ Lynch Shellie Collins Scott Kornblum Funda Dervisoglu Nancy Kornblum Craig Granowitz Jordan Chabinsky Kori Propst Chad Troup Jamie Larsen Video footage by Pro Edit Interviews by Layne Norton |