March 2015 Issue: Justin Compton Plus Arnold Preview

The raw power and overwhelming muscular development of Justin Compton makes him the ideal choice for the cover of our 2015 Arnold Classic preview. Justin, one of several Team MD athletes favored to place highly at this year’s Arnold Classic, brings to mind a magnificence that is larger than life.

Magnificence is also the hallmark of the King of Bodybuilding, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the bodybuilding contest that bears his name, the Arnold Classic. The show is one of the most prestigious and respected in the industry, a class act all around and a true reflection of Arnold.

Muscular Development shares Arnold’s dedication to bodybuilding, his vision and drive to be the best, and we are proud to give you the best coverage of the 2015 Arnold Classic anywhere, in print and online at musculardevelopment.com. Our lineup of creative talent and industry experts and insiders is unrivaled, bringing to life our passion for the sport and art of bodybuilding to deliver a product that’s second to none. And to give you the most comprehensive coverage possible, we have an interview with the man who made the Arnold Classic possible, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The Arnold Classic is part of the Arnold Sports Festival held each year in Columbus, Ohio that attracts athletes who compete in a wide variety of sports – in one of the industry’s mostly highly anticipated and iconic weekends that has expanded to global appeal and success. The mega-event is promoted by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jim Lorimer.

The Arnold Classic is where most of the top names in our sport gather. In “2015 Arnold Training Camp” check out the workout routines of this year’s top competitors such as Dexter Jackson, Branch Warren, Evan Centopani and Justin Compton just weeks before they hit the stage in Columbus to do battle.

Evan Centopani is at a crossroads in his career. He’s won the FLEX Pro, the New York Pro and he placed fourth in the Arnold Classic. But Evan lost a bit of momentum in his last two Olympia showings, and he knows it’s time for him to deliver and present his full potential at the 2015 Arnold Classic. In “Evan Can’t Wait” he tells Peter McGough about his winning game plan and vows: “Come March 7, I will not only be the best I’ve ever been but also be more than good enough to win the show.”

Since he first competed in the Arnold Classic in 1999, Dexter Jackson has gone on to win 20 professional titles, including four Arnold Classic wins. Will Dexter, a former Mr. Olympia, make history this year in Columbus when he becomes the Arnold’s first five-time champion? In “Chasing Dexter…While Dexter Chases History!!! Armed and Dangerous in Columbus,” Dan Solomon looks at the prospects of Dexter standing alone as the greatest Arnold Classic champion of all time.

Our coverage of the 2015 Arnold Classic culminates with a journalistic crescendo the ultimate “wow” factor-an interview with the man who made it all possible, the king of bodybuilding, Arnold Schwarzenegger. In “Arnold: The Interview,” the seven-time Mr. Olympia and former Governor of California talks to MD’s Dan Solomon. Thank you Arnold, for taking the time to speak with Muscular Development.

Last month, Muscular Development presented the first part of groundbreaking exposé on the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in professional bodybuilding, “The Real Dope on Bodybuilding! A Steroid Round Table With the Top 3 Muscle Legends of the 90’s.” This month in part two, MD’s three Hall-of-Fame bodybuilders – Dorian Yates, Shawn Ray and Kevin Levrone – candidly discuss their use of PEDs with actual cycles divulged, as well as any lingering health problems, along with comments on synthol and the plaque of early deaths among our pros.

The rest of the book is packed to the binder as usual-with the latest cutting-edge research on training, nutrition, fat loss, supplements, drugs and information on bodybuilding by the industry experts and insiders who make it all happen. See you at the Arnold!

Shaw Captures Back-to-Back Arnold Strongman Titles

After an impressive come-from-behind rally in the last event of the Arnold Strongman Classic to win the entire contest, MHP’s Brian Shaw wasted no time in turning his focus to the Arnold Australia Strongman Classic just a week later in Melbourne. It was in Australia where Brian Shaw would claim back-to-back Arnold Strongman titles.

Things didn’t start out the way Shaw wanted at the Classic in Ohio. The first day events were the Log Lift and the Timber Carry, where he finished fourth place in both. But on day two, the big man cranked out back-to-back first place finishes in the Hummer Tire Deadlift (with a massive 1,117 lbs.) and Bale Tote Yoke (carrying the 1,500 lb. apparatus over the course in 27.57 seconds). In the final event, the Cyr Dumbbell press, Shaw cranked out 6 reps with the 274 lb. dumbbell to overtake the lead and win the coveted Louis Cyr trophy by a mere point.

 

After just one day’s rest, Brian was on his way to Melbourne for the inaugural Arnold Australia Strongman Classic. Facing a strong field of competitors, the 6’8”, 440-pounder proved that he was a force to be reckoned with. He placed second in the deadlift, but won the Car Walk in a blazing 17.61 seconds and pumped out 8 reps with the 198 lb. Circus Dumbbell. On the second day, Brian had to put everything into the final event – the Atlas Stones, where he is among the world’s best competitors – to win with 4 stones in 19 seconds. Here again, the overall title was decided in the last event, and Shaw came back to the U.S. with a historic two Arnold Classic Strongman titles in the space of 9 days across 2 continents! The two Arnold victories over many of the world’s best strongmen make Shaw an odds on favorite to win his third World’s Strongest Man title in April.

Vida Guerra Major Distraction | Back by Popular Demand

Vida Guerra Major Distraction - Back by Popular Demand

Vida Guerra is no stranger to the MD crowd. She’s graced the cover of countless magazines and been in everything from music videos to movies. Her rise to fame came by accident when a friend of an ex-boyfriend sent her picture in to FHM in 2002. Six months later she got a call for a photo shoot, and the rest is history! Over 70 percent of the readers said they wanted to see Vida again, just like the readers of MD asked us for more Vida, and we were happy to oblige! (Originally published in the April 2013 edition of MD)

AZ: You’re very popular and your Facebook page is off the charts. It’s not like you needed to do Bikini for the exposure. What drew you to it?

VG: I’ve been working out since I was 19— ballet and karate. In 2000, I found out about this new division called Figure. It sounded like what Bikini is now. I gave it a try. There were 27 girls in my first contest, and I came in fifth. I just didn’t have the right look. When I found out about the Bikini division, I wanted to give it a try. I won my first show and qualified for Nationals. It was something I never thought I’d be able to complete, and I like to finish what I start. So when I realized I was qualified, I had to go for my pro card.

 

AZ: What do you like about competing, aside from finishing what you started?

VG: The naturalness of it. They see you for what you are onstage— no airbrushing.

 

AZ: People seemed surprised to hear your age – you’ll be 41 in a couple of weeks. Did turning 40 intimidate you?

VG: No. Although when I turned 40, I was like Oh my god! But I’ve always looked young. When I started worrying about it, I felt like I started looking older. Whatever your mind thinks becomes your reality. If you think you’re old, you’ll be old. So, I had to snap myself out of it, and now it doesn’t bother me at all. I’m my own Fountain of Youth!

 

AZ: What kind of man is your type?

VG: I’ve always had a crush on Dwayne Johnson. I’ve met a bunch of celebrities. Dwayne was the first one that left me speechless. He has integrity and confidence. I met him at a gym. He talked to everyone there, from the front desk worker to the janitor. He’s humble, and people are just drawn to him. That’s so attractive. That’s why people get the success that they get. The ones who continue to show and have substance— they inspire people.

 

AZ: Give me a Vida Fun Fact.

VG: I don’t watch TV.

 

AZ: At all?

VG: No.

AZ: Why?

VG: Why am I going to watch someone else fulfilling their dream when I want to be fulfilling my own?