By Jason Stern

For some reason, MuscleWeek isn’t given a lot of props in the bodybuilding community — probably because we’re the only guys with big enough balls to tell the truth while everyone else is busy complimenting the Emperor on his invisible coat.

Oddly enough, most of our props have come from other sources. ESPN, Fox News, NBC, and LA Weekly are just a few of the respected sites and blogs that have correctly recognized MuscleWeek as THE VOICE of bodybuilding. So when we broke the OFFICIAL news that Venice Google’s Geeks were planning to give Venice Gold’s Grunters the boot as of June, 30 2014, a mad media scramble ensued in which the suits at Gold’s Gym International (GGI) switched gears to damage control (continuing to deny that such a move was imminent) and the dorks at Google Corporate realized that making enemy with 1,500 juiceheads across the street might be hazardous to their health.

The result?  A flurry of telephone calls between Google’s Real Estate VP and the CFO of GGI, in which they both agreed that the best move for both parties might just be for Google to let Gold’s sublet its current space at 360 Hampton Drive for an additional TEN YEARS.

Currently, the parties are still trying to iron out the fine print, but expect a deal to be hammered out by the end of the year — extending the life of Gold’s Venice until at least 2024.

The best part is that none of this could have happened without MuscleWeek’s investigative journalism and the interview with Gold’s icon and lifelong bodybuilding fan Ed Connors that set all of the above chain of events into motion.

MuscleWeek wishes to thank Ed Connors for his continued support and friendship along with LA Weekly’s Simone Wilson for staying in constant communication with us throughout our efforts to keep Gold’s in Venice. Most importantly, we would like to offer ourselves a congratulatory slap on the back.

Thanks MuscleWeek!

Tag: Golds Gym Venice vs. Google

It is no secret that Muscleweek Senior Editor Shane Ray is a serious hockey fan.  On a recent trip to see the New Jersey Devils take on the New York Rangers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals where the Devils prevailed with a 3-2 victory, Shane decided to stop in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey to catch a quick workout with Men’s Physique competitor and soon-to-be competitive powerlifter Kevin Fabian at LA FITNESS off of Interstate 295 and Route 38 where they discussed everything from dating Figure Chicks to Men’s Physique Division and hair care.

MW:  Kevin. Welcome to Muscleweek. When you were first introduced to us what were your first thoughts? Why do you think so many are shy to interview with us?

KF:  When I first stumbled upon Muscleweek my jaw basically dropped. I think I spent an hour just going through the blogs reading and laughing hysterically. People shy away from sites like yours because they have no sense of humor. You can start a blog about me and how horrible I am if you want. I’ll probably chime in and add a few things as well. You have to be able to laugh at yourself. Being serious all the time just isn’t any fun.  Bodybuilders for the most part have no sense of humor. They take themselves way too seriously. 

MW: No. Most bodybuilders are caught up in their delusions & grandeur they don’t have time to laugh. You’re a born & bred New Jersian. When I think of New Jersey I think about The Devils hockey club, the cryptic Devil allegedly seen in the Pine Barrens, White Castle and one of my favorite 80′s hair bands, Cinderella. What do you like most about the state many consider the Armpit of The East Coast.

KF: The best thing about this state is everything is within driving distance. The beach, mountains, the city, all within a 2 hour driving distance if not less from my house. I am big into snowboarding in the winter and I spend most of my summer at the shore. If you dont like it then don;t live here.  I obviously live in the better half of New Jersey.  South Jersey. Represent!

MW: (chuckles) I hope you don’t go snowboarding with Jordan Gluteman. Anyway. How did you get caught up in the bodybuilding scene? Natural transgression from sports or did some girl also spill your heart all over the floor and now you want to show her what she passed up.

KF:  I was a skinny kid in high school.   I was 130lb soaking wet my senior year. My mom is the one who actually intoduced me into weight training to get me stronger for collegiate sports. I picked up my first dumbbell and I was instantly hooked. I have been training ever since. I wouldnt really say im into bodybuilding because thats not what I do. I eat clean and train hard. I compete in Men’s Physique not bodybuilding. Major difference. 

 MW: I know. Major difference. Keep in mind that  Muscleweek supports Men’s Physique. We believe that bodybuilding attracts the attention of men and perverts with a lust for extreme muscle while Men’s Physique makes every woman in a 2 mile radius soak her panties. Do you concur?

KF:   No. Sure every person that competes in that category of  Men’s Physique is a competitor but that doesnt mean that their physique has the ability to soak any panties. I understand it takes a lot of guts to get out there on stage but I would never step on stage looking like I just started training or have never trained at all. Thats just me. I get what you’re saying, though. Men soak panties by their ability to talk and communicate. You know that better than anybody.

MW: Excellent point. Mystery Approved.  Some people argue Men’s Physique is simply bodybuilding with less drugs or no drugs at all. Is that true? Can genetically gifted guys compete in Men’s Physique without being expected to be a pin cushion plunging deca, testosterone and winstrol into their asses while swallowing down clenbuterol and t3? 

KF:   From my own personal experience I feel that I have done extremely well and have not gone near the stuff. I’ve done 3 shows, 2 state shows and 1 national show, and placed first in both state shows in my class and placed 6th at Team Universe weighing 160lbs.  So no you don’t need to do that stuff in order to compete. It’s absolutely unncessary.

MW:  What changes do you see coming to Men’s Physique? I see the long board shorts being eliminated to expose more leg development.

KF:   I feel that some standard poses will eventually get introduced to the competition as well as the shorter shorts to show off the leg development. Walking on stage having 10 seconds to turn a few times and walk off does not really show off someones physique. Everyone else gets to do something. Why should Men’s Physique be any different, right?

MW: What is it like being backstage as a Physique guy? Do the guys in Bodybuilding exhibit an Oedipus Complex towards you guys or is it total team camaraderie?

KF:   Honestly, I don’t know. The Men’s Physique competitors are extremely friendly so you never go out and wander around talking to other people. Every show I have done everyone has shown me nothing but kindness. The Physique guys are an awesome group of guys and I am glad that I could be a part of it.  So are the bodybuilder guys but some of them are total douchebags.

MW:  Pfft. Some of them?  Anyway. Riddle me this; I have to imagine that having a Men’s Physique not only opens doors in this industry but legs also. When I was at my biggest & heaviest it seemed as if only dudes and skinny middle aged men wanted to talk to me in the gym or in public. Now that I am about 30lbs more slim I’ve been getting more attention from women. Are you laying the smack down on lots of VAG as a full-blown Men’s Physique guy these days?

KF:  Oh, yea it is like a brothel at my house. Girls coming and going all day and night. Haha! But seriously I don’t really know. I just got out of a long relationship not to long ago so I’m kinda just getting used to being single again. You know Saturday nights watching crappy tv and eating a 3rd dinner or something like that. I am an easy going guy so I just go with the flow. Not really going out there looking for anything.

MW: Whaaaaaat?!?! Whatever.  Maybe you’re onto something because all too often I find many competitors dating each other. I believe bodybuilding is an incestuous little industry. I also believe that the couples who TRAIN together never ever ever STAY together. Do you find this to be true?

KF:  Well, in my case that seems to be very true. Oh well shit happens.

MW:  Most competitor chicks seem like a dream come true for the bodybuilder or seasoned gym rat who just don’t know. You see the glamour, the looks, the body, the shaven cooters and you think you have a great catch. What advice would you give for the Dude-Bro or Bodybuilding Douche who asks you for advice about dating a serious competitor chick? Do you tell him to “Run to the Hills” like Iron Maiden or would you encourage him to “Follow Your Heart” as recommended by Triumph?

versus

KF:  Duh! IRON Maiden for the win! Just be prepared!

MW: Ha! That’s an understatement. I straight up tell dudes to keep a clove of garlic around their necks and a pocket full of Paxil on them at all times dealing with those nightmare trainwrecks from Hell.  Let’s move on. Kevin. Rumors around the industry tell me you are considering making the flip from the stage to the platform. Are you thinking about competitive powerlifting?  

KF:  Yes. That is most definitely true. Team Universe in July will most likely be my last show competing on stage. Friends, other fitness personalities, and even some pros have told me that this year could most definteily be my year to get my pro card. Thats great and all but this sport is just not for me. I am a teacher and quite frankly its just a pain in the ass. I really only started competing because my girlfriend at the time was a competitor so I thought why not this will be fun we can do shows together yada yada yada. With powerlifting there is only one judge and that is the weight. Either im going to be able to move it or i I am not. No one in a powerlifting meet is going to tell me my colors off, I didnt like your choice of shorts, or you didn’t smile enough, well atleast I hope not. I train like a powerlifter all year round so why wouldnt I give that a try.

MW: We at Muscleweek.com: Where a Bodybuilder is a Bodybuilder is a Bodybuilder  couldn’t agree more.  All pageant judging is corrupt and full of subjectivism  to avoid being held accountable for any real standards. The winner is already chosen before the show starts much like pro wrestling.  Powerlifting is a real sport. You lift the weight or you do not. It isn’t about who you are sleeping with, who you run drugs for or if that effeminate mullet head comic book shirt wearing douche, JM is your manager. Agree or Disagree?

KF:  We all know you have to put your time in to go pro. Why? Why do I have to do 10 shows to finally become a pro? Why does my face need to be familiar to do well? Its kind of a bunch of bullshit if you ask me. You are judging someone on what they bring to the stage not who they are and who they know. I had a friend of mine at Team Universe last year that got like 4th or 5th callout in bikini ask why she placed so terrible here when she placed in the top 5 at several national shows. Their response, “Oh, why didnt you tell us before the show?” Seriously?!?! Why does that even matter? Its too political and I just dont have time for that. Not saying I should have a top 5 physique at Team Universe this year but it will be interesting to see how I place after doing this interview.  Like I said before I’m done after this show. I could win my class, win the overall, and I will happily walk away. You are right, though. Powerlifting is a true sport. Bodybuilding is a pageant like all you guys on your site say.

MW: You powerlifting is a good thing. I respect powerlifting. I live very close to true powerlifting legends such as Lance Karabel and Ed Coan. It’s a cut and dry competition. Nothing subjective about it. No lies, brainwashing and politics. Right?

 KF:   I am hoping thats the case. I could be wrong though. Maybe ill make the lift and then they will tell me that I didnt use enought chalk or something. Stranger things have happened.

MW:  Moving on.  Kevin. We know that facebook is seriously infected with every creep and schmoe in the galaxy. Do you have any interesting stories about some sicko private messaging you wit some bizarre requests? I interviewed this one guy who told me some creep tried to solicit a bottle of his urine for $200.

KF:   No. I dont really get too much of that. Am I hurt? A little bit. Am I not I good looking enough or built enough to get the attention of other men? What am I doing wrong?!?! Haha whenever I get a message that is even going towards being remotely creepy I just ignore it and usually delete that person. Maybe if I started a fanpage I would get more? I dunno.

MW:  (laughs) Facebook did do a great job of making every single douche who ever stepped on stage believe they are some A-List Celebrity just because they eat Tilapia and Asparagus at Meal 6.  So, Kevin. If you could leave a legacy. What would that legacy be?

KF:  Like I said before I want to be that guy that just walked away. I am sure there are pros out there who have neer stepped on stage at the pro level and have no intensions of doing so. Would it be cool to say I was a pro? Sure. Do I really care? Not really.

MW:  Well, I hope not. You might get retaliated a bit for talking to us. Tell us which industry girl gets your blood down there flowing. For me it is still Monica Brant.

KF:    That changes all the time but right now would have to be Oksana Grishina. Her combination of her beauty, her physique, and her athleticism have me just amazed with her all the time.  I also cant forget about Sam Baker, Jenna Renee Webb, Christina Vargas, and Vanessa Tib. I think that’s all.. Haha!

MW:  Who in the industry would you like to kick between the shoulder blades? For me it is JM for looking at himself in the mirror every morning and seeing nothing wrong with his 45% bodyfat, Spiderman t-shirts and Rosie O’Donnel mullet. To me he screams “estrogen overload”.

  KF:   There are so many how am I supposed to choose just one!?!? Basically if you post a motivational quote on facebook everyday, cry about how you have to eat tilapia and asparagus, or lie about how you eat/supplement/train you deserved to be kicked in the face.

MW:  Tell me 3 things you can not go to the gym without.

  KF:   My water bottle, my cellphone/iPod, and myself. I dont need anything else. Some chalk on Fridays. Thats when I deadlift.

MW:  Supplements. Which 3 can we always find on your kitchen counter?

  KF:  Pretty much just whey protein. I don’t bother with anything else.

MW:  Kevin. You are known around the globe for your wavy locks and golden brown curls. What kind of hair care tips can you give to the readers who are follically blessed like you are and not follically cursed like I am.

  KF:   Wash it once and awhile, condition everyday, and let it air dry. I dont put too much effort into these locks. I am almost late to work everyday so I dont have time to mess around with it in the morning.

MW:  Kevin. Is there anything you would like to promote or plug?  How can one contact you for possible sponsorship, modeling work or to purchase your soiled underwear?

KF:  Best way is to hit me up on facebook.   https://www.facebook.com/kevin.fabian.5

Bonus Questions:

- Favorite Movie:  TROY.
- Favorite Band:  KillSwitch Engage.
- Favorite Cheat Food:  McDonalds.
- Favorite Beer:  Corona.
- Skoal or Kodiak?  Neither. I can’t believe you chew that shit!
- Bon Jovi or Cinderella?  Do I really have to choose?
- Martin Brodeur or Patrick Roy?  Ron Hextall.
- Favorite Exercise:  Deadlifts.
- Favorite Gym:  Future Fitness.  Next time you’re in town I’ll take you there.

by Jason Stern

Last week, MuscleWeek first broke the story that Gold’s Gym is on its way out, after a one-on-one conversation with Ed Connors in which Ed revealed that the owner of the Gold’s property Larry Fields had directly informed him that the property is now in the hands of Google.

Despite attempts by the bodybuilding media to discredit MuscleWeek by claiming that there was still an opportunity for Gold’s to renew the lease, today, the owner of the Gold’s Gym building confirmed to LA Weekly that come July 1, 2014, Google will indeed begin renting the space.

Venice real-estate giant Larry Fields currently owns both Gold’s and several of the buildings nearby, including the giant space about 300 feet north from Gold’s currently occupied by Digital Domain. Fields’s company NSB is a major local developer that “has been involved in the acquisition and development of more than $1 billion of real estate in Southern California.”

Alexander Aurbach, a press officer for NSB Associates, told LA Weeklyn today that Google will pick up the lease for all 31,500 square feet of Gold’s — located right across the street from Google’s ‘Binocular Building’.

Source: LA Weekly

Tag: Golds Venice

by Jason Stern

Sigh. It’s nearly become a daily occurrence for an athlete to test positive for steroids these days. Rather than continue to operate their drug-assisted professional sports leagues, perhaps football, baseball, hockey, MMA, and boxing could lear a lesson from bodybuilding. Professional Bodybuilding (under the IFBB) doesn’t even bother to test its ‘athletes’ for steroids because nary a single one would pass and the ‘sport’ would cease to exist. Rather than wax poetic about what amazing athletes bodybuilders are and highlight their amazing accomplishments of strength posing in a thong , the IFBB simply accepted that steroids are a part of the game and moved on to celebrating the outcome of mass steroid use and abuse — the oodles of copious mountains of salacious muscle exhibited by the aforesaid bodybuilders.

For most of us, that tack is preferable to what is currently happening in every other sport: Lies, denials and excuses for steroid use that seek to confuse the public (and more often than not, ‘journalists’).

Take the latest steroid scandal to break this week — WBA Light Welterweight Boxing Champion Lamont Peterson, who flunked a steroid test two months prior to his highly anticipated HBO rematch with Amir Khan. Today, Lamont’s ‘camp’ (a euphemism for the chain of command that flows downhill from the lawyer to the PR flack) denied that Peterson has ever tested positive for steroids in his 18 years of boxing.

 For now, let’s ignore the red herring fact that amateur boxing under [current amateur United States boxing governing body] USA boxing does not test its athletes for steroids and that 99% of all boxing matches are conducted without any steroid testing. Instead, let’s focus on the latest excuse to come out of an attorney’sathlete’s lips:  According to Team Peterson, the 28-YEAR OLD Peterson underwent treatment from a Vegas doctor about one month prior to his first fight with Khan in November 2011 for a “critically low level of free testosterone.“

First, let’s take a moment to laugh at the use of the word ‘critically’. According to the American Hospital Association, in medical circumstances the word ‘critical’ to describe a patient in which “Vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits. Patient may be unconscious. Indicators are unfavorable.”  To the layman, that means that a person stands a decent chance of being dead by the next health update. So what does it mean if an athlete — a boxing champion, no less — is ‘suffering’ from ‘critically low’ testosterone levels?? Does it mean that he’s in danger of dying? That he can’t produce offspring? That he no longer has an interest in browsing Tube8.com? Of course not.

It’s more likely that his testosterone levels are merely average to high-average. But in case you hadn’t noticed, top athletes are not supposed to be “merely average.” They are supposed to be super-human, and therein lies the latest rub: Athletes with anything less than super-human levels of testosterone are now (falsely) claiming to suffer from low testosterone. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and the clinics that prescribe such therapy are nothing but the latest roundabout in a long list of ways to ‘defeat steroid testing’. As the tests have gotten better at detecting the use of anabolic steroids, we have seen a growth spurt in the number of athletes who are no longer comfortable in just trying to evade detection of their steroid usage — now they OPENLY admit to steroid use but claim that it is necessary to overcome ‘critically low’ levels of testosterone.

The rest of Team Peterson’s claims are even more laughable: They claim that Peterson’s physician — Dr. Thompson — actually injected pellets of “bioidentical testosterone derived from soy” into Peterson’s hip. Thompson claimed the soy pellets do not enhance athletic performance because they are released into the system so slowly.

Let’s try to get this straight: The Champ, suffering from ‘critically low’ levels of testosterone (that we can assume resulted in a diminished athletic performance) allowed himself to be injected with a testosterone designed to be released into his blood system so s-l-o-w-l-y that it would not even enhance his athletic performance.

Basically, what they’re lying about saying is that Lamont Peterson allowed a doctor to jam a large syringe full of steroids into his bare buttocks for reasons having nothing to do with him wanting to defend the WBA Light Welterweight Boxing Championship of the world and for which he would receive a SEVEN-FIGURE PAYDAY (and closer to EIGHT-FIGURES for future potential bouts with Pacquiao and Mayweather). No, Team Peterson is saying — this had nothing to do with athletic performance at all — just another case of a top athlete choosing an inconvenient and purely coincidental time to undergo testosterone replacement therapy.

Yeah, right.

Or more likely, just another liar.

by Jason Stern

Google

The worst-kept secret at Gold’s Gym in Venice is that the gym is closing its doors for good when its lease expires on June 30, 2014. With its 45 years of history, this Los Angeles landmark was once the second most popular tourist attraction in the LA area after Disneyland, but alas, times have changed and the ‘Mecca of Bodybuilding’ is slowly transforming into the Mecca of Millionaires, or ‘Silicon Beach’ in techno-blog-speak. Perhaps lost on most bodybuilders is the painful irony of the proverbial pencil-neck geek getting sand kicked in his face by the muscular beach bully turning the tables and kicking the bodybuilders out of Venice Beach. While the new owners of Golds (GGI) were out there licensing the Gold’s name to create Wii video games for couch potatoes instead of renewing their lease at 360 Hampton Drive, Google was creating an empire and looking for a place to expand its empire. The result: Google Plus. Gold’s Minus.

Publicly, the gym management continues to emphasize (perhaps ‘misrepresent’ is a better word choice) that Gold’s Gym isn’t going anywhere, but for those in the know, it has become painfully clear that the clock is ticking down to zero. According to former Gold’s Gym Venice owner Ed Connors, Google has bought the building and the surrounding real estate, with grand designs on walling off the streets and creating a SoCal campus to rival its Mountain View ‘university’. If this is accurate, Gold’s Gym appears to have dropped the ball, and with undeveloped real estate (and parking availability) in the area in short supply, the death of Gold’s Venice is but a foregone conclusion.

Gold

While some have predicted a move to nearby Culver City or Playa Del Rey, Gold’s already has franchisees in those areas and the geographic limitations of those franchise agreements would likely come into dispute if the most famous gym in the world were to relocate to their area. For the record, Ed Connors — the man who sold Gold’s to its current owners — is already eulogizing the gym he helped create: “It’s a shame if they [Gold's Gym International] are going to let a piece of history just disappear but sadly I think that’s what is going to happen.”

As a current member of Gold’s Venice and a fellow Maryland alum of Google founder Sergey Brin, I believe that I am well-positioned to mediate this matter. My recommendation is that Google use its considerable wealth to purchase Gold’s Gym Venice, make it the official gym for Google employees, and rename it — wait for it…

Problem solved.

MW: Jean. Welcome to Muscleweek. It’s a pleasure for you to meet me. So let me get this straight. You are a model first and a competitor chick second or is it the other way around?

JL: [Laughter] Now that`s using the word “MODEL” lightly. I once read a PAINFUL post by Issac Hinds about using the word “Model” to describe ones self, lol. It wasn`t directed towards me, just a generalization but it still hit home. I don`t get paid to model so I don`t wanna confuse anyone. I just would never would use that term! This is all a hobby for me…
I`m as green as a model as I am a competitor, actually. I need more experience in the industry to be able to categorize myself as ANYTHING. I`m just another person in the long line of T&A around this neck of the woods.You feel me?

MW: You seem to get around, Jean. Geographically, I mean. From California to New Jersey and back again. Is Kati Perry correct with what she says about California girls?

JL: To be honest, I`m more of a Jersey girl. California is too laid back for me. Jersey is way more competitive and fast paced. Most people don`t realize how beautiful the Garden state is! All they know is what they see in The Sopranos. Jersey is awesome, and the girls are wayyyyy cuter and who wants to live by the ocean and NOT EVER be able to actually swim in it cause it`s so FRICKIN COLD!!! I`d take the Jersey Shore over Laguna Beach any day of the week..”fogetaboutit!”

MW: What got you into this circus known as the bodybuilding industry? Were you naturally a gym rat or did you start dating some turd burglar bodybuilder who talked you into it?

JL: This is how it happened! I became friends with this girl that competed and she asked me to be her workout partner. I went to her show and decided that I wanted to compete. My gym at the time was filled with competitors so everyone kinda put in their 2 cents about my diet and training, it was a hot mess to say the least.
Was I a gym rat?….probably in my own mind though. I really felt like I looked like Jenny Lynn or something. I really thought that I was gonna win shows and kick a lot of ass. I was kinda mistaken, I think I was a legend in my own mind.

MW: So what shows have you done and what did you learn from them?

JL: I have competed in the Golds Classic, Mountain Valley Classic, Tournaments of champions, San Francisco Classic and Eastern USA’s. What did I learn? That I definitely need an NPC card to get in…

MW: Looking a pictures of you makes me want to tell you that bodybuilding is not in your cards and you seem you’d be a little out of place for bikini. Have you thought about Physique?

JL: Why does everyone say that! Can`t a girl dream? I have been “told” to do bikini…doesn`t really matter what I want, it`s what the judges want to see! I`ll be that girl in body image therapy camp that is 100lbs but when asked to draw myself, I draw Iris Kyle (in heels).

MW: In your honest opinion what is the major difference between Figure and Physique? Is it simply a matter of posing and high heels?

JL: I think that that is an appropriate observation, I still think the physique girls are a taddddddd bit more lean and hard and somewhat muscular. GOD! I wish they would let you wear heels in physique!!!!!

MW: Are drugs as dominant in Physique as it is in bodybuilding? Many argue that switching over to physique from bodybuilding is simply a matter of lowering the dosage and switching from Figure to Physique is a matter of upping your dosage. Is any of this true?

JL: I don`t think that it needs to be. I think that a lot of people are scared of hard work and proper diet. I mean when someone decides that they want to compete, it`s like “I wanna do this NOW”. How bout just try putting in the time and the work and deal with the drug issue later. I think that it depends on the person, I`m sure that some feel like they need it, some don`t. It would make sense that someone not needing to be AS big and muscular would need less drugs.

MW: Are bodybuilding competitors in general athletes? Would you say the term ATHLETE correctly identifies those who step on stage to showcase their bodies for a panel of judges? Isn’t contestant a more appropriate term? What are your thoughts?

JL: OMG, some of them run quite a bit, I guess that’s athletic? Some of them do CrossFit now.
You know what? We like to do Mud Runs and Spartan Races so we TOTALLY are athletes !!!!
Don`t be hatin!

MW: What is the long term goal here, Jean. What does a PRO CARD bring you except another annual $200 debt?

JL: I can`t live in LALA land and think that I`m going to get a Procard anytime soon. It`s not even in my 5 year plan…um, and BTW I think the Procards are like 350$ now, going up with the price of gas and milk you know? On a serious note I would love to compete again, hopefully at the end of the year.

MW: These days most people hire a nutritionist or a prep coach. Are you or have you ever been a member of the secret society known as Team Bombshell or do you work with a private individual?

JL: Here is my stance on Bombshell-ism. I can`t lie and say that I haven`t been a fan. Over the years I have referred 3 or 4 friends that are currently on the team that have had major success with the program. I also have to say, I haven`t seen a BAD looking one take the stage yet. I don`t pay attention to the politics and the behind the scenes too much but I`m going to have to be on their side a little bit because the training/nutrition seems to work! Bottom line is I love the look and I love the posing and I endorse the program. Those girls work hard! I think Shannon needs to send you an invitation to “super camp” and take you through the whole thing. Now THAT would be awesome! Practice your lunges and jump squats now because you know you love those “Bombshell Booties!!!!!

MW: Jean. On Muscleweek we don’t make a secret about what tranwrecks girls who get into bodybuilding competitions become from obsessing about their calories, their carbs, their abs and if Pro Tan works better than Jan Tana. What keeps you level headed or can you relate to those girls who cry over eating a prune that wasn’t on their scheduled diet?

JL: Protan does NOT work better than Jan Tana under any circumstance solet`s just get that straight.
I`m going to be real. I have been on both sides of the fence when it comes to crazy vs. not crazy
I have gotten VERY upset at my better half for having “bad carbs” in the house, have even cried over it. I have felt like everyone in my life is insensitive to my feeling and “goals”…I don`t know how anyone keeps a level head actually. I think those who don`t own up to it are lying. Diet time is always crazy pants times so you always feel entitled and superior to all mankind, I just came to the conclusion (after a week of off time and many cheat meals) that I am not curing cancer or solving world hunger. I just love the ones that talk to you one on one and are like ” I hate this”…blahblah. Then turn around on FB and post some overly positive message from god…and it`s not just the girl. The boys are JUST as guilty for being dieting psychopaths!

MW: The judging is so subjective girls spend days online trying to encrypt what the judges are looking for now driving themselves into further insanity. Do you feel the judges are looking for anything concrete or is it a game they play so they can reward the most politically connected without being held accountable to criteria?

JL: There is definitely a criteria -and I am not being sarcastic. I think that we need to give the judges a little more credit than that. I think the competitors tend to be the crazy ones that get all hyped up and make stuff up in their heads…I feel like it`s kinda an urban myth about bodybuilding. Does the politics play a part? SURE IT DOES! I mean, 100% but I think that that is just human nature to gravitate to competitors that you know or see around the industry more. Competitors, especially the gals, like to keep themselves in a semi tortured state like the world is crashing down on them so negativity is ALWAYS a must just so that they always have stuff to cry about. Heck, your a beautiful woman standing next to a bunch of other beautiful women getting judged based upon your LOOKS alone so that’s a tough pill to swallow sometime when you are carb depleted and probably if tested would be legally insane. It is just easier to blame the judges for the fact that you had no ass or blame that girl who had her suit made my CJ [James] which had more bling on it or the girl that won OBVIOUSLY gave out some favors. Proof justified.

MW: Like Attracts Like or does it? Please tell me you don’t date a broke bodybuilder who lays on your couch all day and drives your car until it is on E. Who is Jean Loveridge’s main squeeze these days? He is employed, right?

JL: My main squeeze stays out of the industry and actually has a real job. I think that I’m the one who drives his car till it`s on E. I think that couples need to have similar interests so he goes to the gym and cares about his nutrition but he can care less about the scene or competing.

MW: You meet many people through the very small bodybuilding community. Some very good and some you won’t be Friend Requesting anytime soon. Can you generally tell who is good people and who has a hidden agenda while being a part of this industry?

JL: I have been fortunate to have many great friends in the industry. I have a good relationship with Stan Efferding who is knowledgeable about the fitness industry and doesn`t ever seem to have a hidden agenda. I like his insight and advice. He basically does this as a hobby and that’s mostly what it should be, right? Also, Dusty Hanshaw and his wife are good friends. They have a great relationship and seem to stay far away from the industries ins and outs. Therese Janc has been one of my best friends and advisors in my journey. Shes strong and has a way of thinking that is dynamic. She thinks outside the box and has the biggest heart in the world. Isn’t she also your publicist and social media director? I`m really lucky to have these people in my life. I will quote Emo Men’s Physique Competitors’ facebook statuses when I say.. “I`m just so blessed” [Laughter].

MW: Jean. I have to imagine your inbox on facebook is loaded with creepers soliciting and proposing. You have any funny tales of the weird & wild about some schmoe on facebook? This one girl we interviewed told us about this guy who offered her $100 for a bottle of her urine.

JL: I mean I`ve had it all happen. The proposing seems to be the worse. I had a detailed message once about setting up a webcam in a specific area for money. I`m not even going to go into detail about it, too gross and I deleted faster than I could read it. Message to people – Have some damn respect and manners !!!

MW: Fun Stuff: Ready? If you can promote one message to humanity what would it be?

JL: Do whatever George Clooney says!

MW: Describe for us your fantasy date from morning to night. Go!

JL: [Laughter] Now that’s a loaded question! It will take me all day for me to get ready for the date because I don`t just wake up looking THIS good (insecure female in me). Soooo we’d have dinner at one of those Brazillian meat stick places. We’d desert at BJ`s Brewery because I like the “pizookie” which is basically a giant cookie served slightly undercooked a la mode. Then maybe a kiss goodnight! I promise I never wear a metallic short dress with holes on the side and hooker heels from the electric boutique on a date, so PLEASE guys don`t ever wear any HOTBODZ gear. Sheesh!

MW: If you knew you were going to be trapped on a desert island for a year and you can bring 3 items with you what would those items be?

JL: Protein powder, my iphone and a Squeem.

MW: If you could have any super power from a comic book what would it be?

JL: I’d want to have the ability to be invisible! Imagine how fun that would be.

MW: Who is your industry hubby? Whose glutes do you want to squeeze?

JL: YOU ARE!! Bend over I wanna squeeze! No. Even better. Let me rub your bald head, Shane.

MW: Jean. Is there anything you would like to promote? How can one contact you for possible modeling work and/or sponsorship opportunities?

JL: Just add me on facebook http://www.facebook.com/jeanloveridge1 . Please. Creepers need not apply!

BONUS Q’S:

- Favorite Movie: Reign of Fire.
- Last Book You Read: Fall on your knees.
- Favorite Song: Love you like a love song ! repeat repeat repeat…
- Last Time You Cried: Today! god! my traps hurt!
- Favorite Color: Blue.
- Favorite Alcholic Drink: Margaritas.
- Favorite Cheat Food: Hamburgers.
- Favorite Exercise: SQUATS.
- Favorite Sports Team: The Yankees baby!

by Shane Ray

I never knew a bizarre form of cannibalism was to be considered a cure for a medical ailment, but maybe the lovely people of South Korea know something I don’t.

In a bizarre discovery officials in South Korea intercepted an underground exchange of about 17 thousands pills containing powdered flesh of human remains — namely babies and fetuses.

Allegedly the grim market is coming out of China where corrupt medical personnel are tipping off equally corrupt manufacturers when babies die, are stillborn or even aborted. Once the bodies are acquired, they are brought to underground facilities where procedures such as medical drying is conducted and the flesh is crushed, grinded and compressed into powdered form.

Officials in China claim to have been aware of the trade and claim to have set procedures to stop it, but have thus far been unsuccessful. China is known for alternative remedies to cure medical ailments such as eating placenta to improve health and even ground up horn of rhino.

The biggest concern in the United States is that these pills are being sold on the internet which can cause a larger demand for desperate sick people around the world which will make blunting efforts to produce these pills even more difficult.

The human fetus pills are made of mostly aborted and stillborn human fetuses and are believed to improve circulation and stamina but South Korean health officials warn that no conclusive research has ever proven that and the powdered remains can be contaminated with dangerous bacteria.

Grizzly reports state that some babies could have possibly been left in the rumored “death rooms” to deliberately die in order to profit from the smugglers and shady business men who demand the remains to resell to the manufacturers.

South Korean officials would prefer to keep diplomatic peace with China, so the primary authority resides with their own government to handle these cases.

What does this have to do with muscle growth? Who knows but once the rumors swirl about human baby flesh pills having an ability to improve human performance and increase muscle mass by 1,876% you can bet that bodybuilders worldwide will be itching to get their hands on these pills just as fast as they want to get their hands on raw hormone powders also smuggled from China.

Because if baby water is better than regular water, just imagine the benefits of baby protein!

Baby-Lyze, anyone?

1. PLANET FITNESS COMMERCIAL – BANG BANG POW: Their best commercial and not just because I reserve the Posing Room with Jerome every Monday from 10am to noon. What makes me crack up is Jerome’s baby voice asking about his email address. And yes, that’s really how Jerome talks. He’s just a big teddy bear! Don’t you want to take him home and make him grunt! Or Bang Bang Pow him? Rating:9/10

PLANET FITNESS COMMERCIAL – LIFT THINGS UP AND PUT THEM DOWN: More popular than the Jerome one, this one is clearly taking a jab at Arnold with the bad European accent. Uses repetition to great effect, but this one never actually makes me laugh. Still, they get A LOT right with the hand-cut tank top, fanny pack, gallon jug of Godknowswhat, Gay Otomix booties and the Daisy Dukes. A close second. Rating: 8/10

PLANET FITNESS COMMERCIAL – BUNNY EARS: There’s a HUGE fall-off after the first two. I think they got cheap and figured they could just fire the ad agency and make their own ‘jokes’. This one doesn’t work at all, basically painting a guy with a good build (but not remotely huge or intimidating without the tats and facial hair) as a total moron. The part where he screams did get a chuckle out of me, but this commercial doesn’t have any wit or intelligence. Rating: 4/10

PLANET FITNESS COMMERCIAL – BROTEIN: Man, I didn’t even understand this commercial until I read that Planet Fitness banned personal trainers from their gyms. Apparently, PTs realized that a gym where not a single person knew what they were doing was a perfect place to pick up new clients. PF said ‘Not so fast. We like our members fat and clueless’ and gave the boot to all PTs. But this isn’t even communicated in the commercial. And would most people (even fatties) even consider that a positive? I guess most of us wouldn’t know, as we’ve never been bothered by PTs — probably because we actually know what we’re doing. This commercial is a FAIL, made watchable only because of the copious amount of muscle on the screen! Rating: 3/10

PLANET FITNESS COMMERCIAL – WASHBOARD: At first glance, I thought this was a different take on the Personal Trainer ban. Here, we have a MPD guy showing off his abs to a total stranger. I’ve been in gyms for 25 years and have never seen anyone expose themselves to anything other than a mirror. But regardless, here’s a handsome guy who’s in better shape than 99.99% of this fat nation and we’re supposed to not want to be a part of ‘his planet’ because he’s a narcissist? C’mon, even the ugliest, fattest chicks at Planet Fitness would love to try to find their wet spot between her folds of kangaroo pouch fat and cottage cheese if they saw this stud coming. Rating: 2/10

PLANET FITNESS COMMERCIAL – DOO WOP: Holy loads! I swore (with fingers crossed) that this commercial was going to wind up with all three of these queers in a single shower, doing the soap on a rope trick while fucking each other’s hairy asses silly. And that’s when Muscle Goddess Lauren Powers decided to show up and add a dose of ‘femininity’ to the action. Again, I don’t even remotely understand the point of the commercial. I highly doubt that a female bodybuilder has ever seen the inside of a Planet Fitness and equally doubt that the typical Planet Fitness average Jane has ever seen anything resembling Lauren Powers. This is nothing but a cheap shot at women’s bodybuilding and if you’re gonna hit a woman below the belt, at least check to make sure she has balls (or a penoris). Rating: 1/10

Your thoughts?

On Muscleweek’s expense account Shane Ray sat down with one of Chicago’s finest at Gibson’s Steak House on Rush st. where they dined on premium ribeye and New York strips while sipping on Merlot discussing the city, the Chicago Police Department and what bodybuilding means to Erick Seng himself. 

Officer Seng. Welcome to Muscleweek. First thing is first. How the heck did a St. Patrick’s (highschool) kid from Chicago’s Northside get into this whole mess of competitive bodybuilding? natural transgression from sports or was sand kicked in your face once at North Ave Beach. Like me. 

I’d say a natural transgression from sports. I was always active, but once I went to college (Western Illinois) and began to work at Powerhouse Gym (Elston&Lawrence) I got pulled into the world of bodybuilding. My first show was when I was a sophomore in college at 19, way back in 1997.

You’ve been very popular in the Chicagoland bodybuilding scene for a long time. What are your thoughts on the culture of the scene in the same city you protect? Is it as popular as it was during our glory years of 2001-2009?

LOL. I don’t think I’m popular or anything special! I just think of myself as a work-out guy who’s been competing for a long time! I think that bodybuilding isn’t as popular or hardcore as it was when I started. I remember Espn carrying the NPC National-level shows and Ifbb shows on television. The first time I saw Kevin Levrone on television was on Espn competing at the 1995 Olympia, and I was like I want to look like that! We used to have MuscleMag stores in the area to get your posing trunks and bodybuilding gear. We also actually had Powerhouse Gyms and Gnc’s that were actually geared towards bodybuilding. When I worked at the elston Powerhouse, we used to play the Mr.Olympias on all the t.v’s and you always had guys getting ready for either the Illinois or the Ironman. Those were the only 2 shows that mattered to anyone.

Now with Cross-Fit and things like MMA, it seems like the fitness industry is blowing up, but the old-school bodybuilding gym guys are kind of dying off. You don’t have the hardcore guys around in one gym. You don’t have the gym characters like the Mike Hamilton’s or Sam Urbach’s of the world.  You don’t have guys that were really hardcore with their training… Now a days it’s a bunch people jumping around, punching bags, using ropes and doing some weird shit to get in shape!

What are your best memories as a bodybuilder? I remember you standing next to being compared to Phil Heath at the 2005 Jr. Nationals. I’d have to say that was one of them, right? 

Yeah, I’d have to say getting 3rd at the Juniors in ’05 and getting called out in the first call out with just Heath was probably the best bodyduilding moment. I remember it like yesterday and I think that was obviously my best look I’ve ever had on stage. I’d say winning the Overall at the Ironman in 06 was big for me because that was always such a big deal with the guys I worked out with. If you won the Overall at the Illinois or the Ironman you were a good bodybuilder and gained a little gym cred. The other big thing for me was shooting for Muscle n Fitness. I remember reading the magazines when I first started, and to actually see myself in an issue was pretty cool. I was so lucky to get that opportunity.

Erick. You are endorsed by MHP. How has Gerard Dente and his company treated you all of this time? What do you like most about the company?  

Gerard Dente is one of the best people I’ve ever met in the fitness industry. He has always been great to me and treated me like family since I met him in 2002. I was super lucky to meet him and get the opportunity to be in some ads and work for them on the side. I feel like I have a second set of family and friends with the guys in New Jersey that work for MHP. The best part about MHP is that I really live off their products and stand behind them! Gerard always puts out products that not only work, but really benefit the serious athlete. I bleed blue and yellow!

It is no secret that you are a Chicago Police Officer. For those reading this who doesn’t know Chicago like we do is The City of Big Shoulders as dangerous as it’s reputation? Media hype or lock your car doors no matter which neighborhood you drive through? 

I always say that things can happen in any place at anytime. In any big city, you’ll always have your good parts and shady parts. Chicago obviously has some rough areas, but its about being aware of your surroundings at all times. If you’re on the west or south sides of Chicago, you obviously have to keep your eyes open. But on the other hand, compared to some of the other cities I’ve had the chance to visit like Detroit, Newark, parts of L.A. and Miami, I’d say that Chicago on the whole is safe and one of the best cities in the world.

What made you want to be a police officer? Please don’t tell me because Ronnie Coleman once was.

No. I’ve always wanted to work for Chicago. I’ve had family and life-long friends that were on the job, and its just something I’ve always wanted to do since I can remember.

Erick. Most serious competitive bodybuilders would rather not work a job like being a cop in a big city nor not even hold down a job at all for that matter just so they can strictly focus on their protein intake and their next workout. How were you not able to get sucked into the scene so hard like many we know and keep yourself so level headed putting a career in front of their next show?

It’s what you make of it and how you approach the sport. If you want to go out and put everything into becoming a pro, do it. I would never discourage anyone from doing anything they want to pursue as far as a career choice. You have to do what makes you happy, but at the same time, you have to keep things in perspective and be smart about the decisions you make. If you’re someone that has horrible genetics and $20 in your savings, making a run at the Ifbb might not be the best route for you. Bodybuilding and working out is a passion of mine, but it’s a hobby to me first and foremost. I think by having my career and bodybuilding as hobby, they both automatically balance out my life because neither takes it over completely!

I have to imagine dieting for a show and working long days through a long work week is tough. Believe me, I know. How do you get through a prep when timing is essentially everything. It isn’t like you can tell your sargent to hold while you get in your next meal. How do you adapt? 

Dieting is hard period. It can be a little tougher with work, but I try not to let it bother me and just roll with the punches. Everyone I have worked for and with have always been beyond supportive. They’ve encouraged me to do my best and have looked out for my well being! If it gets tough, I always say that I’m competing and dieting because I WANT to compete. No one is forcing you to diet, so why be an asshole and make everyone around you miserable.

Some of your critics have said you could never win a pro card due to the nature of your job. What do you have to say about that?

I’m at the point now in my life where I’m a little older. Competing is even more for fun me now and a tool to motivate myself in the gym. It’s pretty much going to be the Team U, or the masters in a couple years, or some local stuff. If it ever happened great, if it doesn’t great,  but I wouldn’t say it’s the nature of the job as to why I didn’t max out my potential! There’s so many things that go into that process you could never give one reason as to why it happened or why it didn’t. I’ve had a blast with bodybuilding and if I never competed ever again, I’d be happy with what I’ve been able to accomplish!

On the topic of challenges. You are a married man who has a wife also involved with the bodybuilding industry and is a competitor herself. She is also a detective with the Chicago Police Department. Describe how that can be challenging. Ever any fights over the last chicken breast or have you found a way to keep the ship smooth sailing without any “competitive turbulance”. 

There’s never competitive turbulance. I’m the type of guy that doesn’t like drama and will be the last one to start a fight. I think of myself as a very chill and laid back person. You could take the last chicken breast, and you wouldn’t hear a peep outta me! I’d just buy some more food and start cooking!
Facebook is infested to the gills with every weirdo, creeper, schmoe and pervert in the galaxy. Do you often receive private e-mails from these types with bizarre requests or propositions? How do you handle them?

I’ve always gotten weird emails from people all over the world, especially when I was younger and just starting out. I just ignore them, or say thanks but no thanks.

How does the police force treat you because of your size? Sorry but most COPS I see are bloated sacks of shit. Are you the guy they send in first when a door is broken down or when your team has to apprehend a suspect?

Everyone with the force has always been cool and respectful with me. I don’t think of myself as some huge guy though, but I am the “ram” guy for my team when it comes to search warrants which means that I’m the guy breaking down the door! It’s a lot of fun and a rewarding career.

I have to imagine your stature and muscularity can serve you well in your line of work. Has anybody ever surrendered to you immediately or do you find that people you may have to arrest want to step to you more and challenge you to prove something? 

I’ve had both situations. Usually when someone really doesn’t want to go back to jail, it doesn’t matter how big, fast or strong you are, they’re going to run and fight their ass off not to get caught!

Some argue bodybuilding at the higher levels of competition are so over the top with dabbling in illegal activities and using boatloads of illicit drugs. Can one even compete and be competitive anymore these days without it?

I think with what the Pro’s look like, that question kind of answers itself with a probably not. That’s the huge moral question people have to answer if they want to compete competitively at the higher levels of the sport.

What are your thoughts on Men’s Physique? Lots of guys are making the switch and rightfully so. You once told me a judge recently suggested you make the flip and de-muscle a little. Where do you stand with that?

That was brought to my attention last year, but I don’t think that it would be for me. That being said, if someone in the gym came up to me and said they wanted to do Physique, I would say cool and be supportive of that person. It’s a way for the promoters and organization to make more money, and it gives people an option to compete and get in shape with the way the want to look. So even though it’s not me, you won’t hear me bash it either.

Do you work with a nutritionist or do you pretty much do everything yourself?

Yeah I’ve worked with Dr. Willes Ko, my friend, chiropractor and training partner! He is unbelievable with diets and training. I’ve done diets for others and for myself, with me having more success helping others. I think when you do the diet yourself, you over think things and over diet or slack. When someone is advising you, the stress is taken out which makes it easier!

Okay. Who in the industry gets your “blood flowing”. For me it is still Monica Brant. I know there has to be someone that does it for you. 

That’s an easy one, my wife Michele Wood…. Back in the day I remember a girl named Brandy Dahl who was in all the mags, who looked good, but I don’t think she competed.

Supplements. Which are your 3 staples you always use?

MHP- Dark Matter for post workout
MHP- Isofast for my isolate
MHP- Probolic for my night time protein!

Where does Erick Seng see himself in 5 years?

Well, I’d like to be happy, healthy and injury free with hopefully a growing family!

So what is next for you? Rumors around XSport tell me that Team Universe or the 2012 North Americans in on your agenda.

No plans… Yet
Is there anything you would like to promote? How would one contact you for endorsements or any opportunity?

Facebook is probably the easiest way to contact me, and MHP has a sick new pre-workout called Fit-x “trainer” and post workout product called Fit-x “power”… Check out getmhp.com!

Bonus Questions.

Favorite Movie:  I have a ton and I don’t think I could name one, but the last good movie I saw was “Drive”, it was a bad-ass flick.

Favorite Chicago Restaurant:  Uncle Juilio’s Hacienda on North Ave and Clybourn

Favorite Song:  Another hard one, but I’ve always been a house music guy. I’d say my favorite three artists right now are Deadmau5, Wolfgang Gartner and Skrillex, who are kind of electro-dubstep-house guys!

Favorite Gym:  Gold’s Gym Venice California

Favorite Exercise:  Deadlifts 

Sox or Cubs:  Cubs

Deep Dish Pizza or Thin Slice:  Absolutely Deep Dish!!!!!

IFBB Professional Bodybuilder Robert Burneika of Lithuania made his professional MMA debut last night and while it wasn’t a pretty sight, still managed to put away his lifeless opponent by clubbing him to the ground and finishing the fight via ground and pound in the second round.

Burneika, who looked to be in prime off-season bodybuilding condition, certainly provided ample support for the theory that boxers shouldn’t lift weights as muscles tend to interfere with the streamlined process of throwing a punch. This was clearly evident in the case of Burneika, who couldn’t seem to fully extend his arms or legs, but it made no difference as his opponent apparently was a subscriber to the Mirza Theory and could neither look the larger man in the eye, nor throw a single punch in his direction.

As the video below demonstrates, the drunken crowd threw themselves into fits of hysteria whenever Burneika managed to raise his arm above parallel to the ground — in obvious appreciation for the flexibility of the muscleman.  The frenzied fans further demonstrated their love of schmofessional MMA by applauding whenever Burneika exhibited exhaustion at having to take more than 3 steps in a single direction without needing a Mount Everest oxygen mask and cannister by waving for his opponent to come forward and fight. What was probably lost on most fans was the fact that Burneika is simultaneously preparing for a bodybuilding show and didn’t wish to go catabolic by raising his heart rate over what would otherwise be achieved by walking on a treadmill in excess of 3.4 mph.

In any event, Burneika clearly proved to the schmoes of the world that in a fight between a musclebound monster and a skilled MMA practitioner, the MMA fighter stands little to no chance of overcoming the brutal, superhuman power and athleticism of a Pro Bodybuilder.

Thank you, Robert. You’ve made us all proud today, and in your honor, tonight we shall all wear our T. Micheal Bodybuilding gear to the nightclubs instead of our Affliction jerseys.

Here’s an older video of our very own Special Ed interviewing MMA Bodybuilder Robert Burneika at the 2007 Arnold Classic.