Flextreme Episode 3
October 21, 2010
Welcome to the blog for our third edition of the FLEXtreme Makeover! Check in for updates from our winner Nicolas Medici
Flextreme BlogFlextreme Episode 3October 21, 2010Welcome to the blog for our third edition of the FLEXtreme Makeover! Check in for updates from our winner Nicolas Medici Supplementing for the FutureJune 21, 2010We see them all the time, ads that not only promote lifting and dieting supplements, but also promise bigger arms and a smaller waist. We see these ads in magazines, the expos we attend, and at the juice bars of our local gyms. The bottom line regarding supplementation is that each supplement reacts purely on an individualized basis and it is important that one finds what works best for one’s self. Importantly, for us gym rats, or even for those who workout at a moderate pace a few times a week, what we put in our bodies is just as important as the exercises we put our bodies through. At the very least, the bare necessities that make up our supplementation regime should include a fast absorbing protein, BCAAs, and a multivitamin; it is with these components that we our able to not only reverse the negative effects of catabolism, but also replenish cofactors for normal daily enzymatic activity. 
Through the FLEXtreme Makeover, I have been fortunate enough to receive some great supplements from the dedicated folks over at MET-Rx. At some point in early January, I received a towering pile of boxes that contained a 6 month supply of various supplements. Among these supplements were: MET-Rx Nitropump, MET-Rx Arsenal Training Packs, MET-Rx 100% Instantized Natural Whey Protein powder, MET-Rx Protein Pancake Mix, and MET-Rx Meal Replacement powder packets. Certainly, I was excited after I was told over the phone by Allan Donnelly that I would be receiving MET-Rx supplements in the mail as part of the Flextreme Makeover, yet both the amount and assortment surprised me for sure! 
Since January, I have been religiously taking my MET-Rx supplements as they have not only accelerated my progress, but also given me the power to improve my future. Just last month, I accomplished yet another dream of mine as I signed with Silver Models Management - one of the top fitness modeling agencies in the country. I have provided a couple photos from two of my recent shoots in New York City. There I worked with two amazing photographers, Rick Day, and Randell Mesdon. The other photo (that has me holding some of the MET-Rx supplements) was taken by one of my friends at the gym I workout at (the same one Phil and I trained at in the video). In closing, I would like to send out a very sincere thank you to not only everyone over there at MET-Rx but also to FLEX Magazine Editor-in-Cheif Allan Donnelly and his staff. If you guys haven’t picked up the latest issue (July issue), you should definitely check it out. Allan has a pretty sweet piece on one of the greatest up-and-coming rivalries that bodybuilding has seen to date between Phil and Kai. Phil, if you get a chance to read this bud, I just want to say that you were in killer form at the Arnold, and your time is just ahead. You continue to be a positive figure in my life as I try to emulate your work ethic and sincerity every day. I’d also like to thank the readers of my blog. If you guys have any questions or comments that you would like me to address please send them to my email: markusfitlife@gmail.com, I’ll do my best to provide you with a response. As for now, I need to head to the library as my MCAT date is coming up on the 17th and I need to get some solid study time in. Keep working for the future! 
Lift Hard, FLEXtreme MAKEOVER II: DEFINING WORKMarch 17, 2010
What is it about hard work that makes us better people? Most likely, if you are a reader of FLEX you have aggressive goals both in and out of the gym, and your hard work has been paying off. However, work, the driving force behind achieving one's goals is fundamentally defined as the amount of energy that is transferred by a force acting through a distance, and it is neither left on the doormats nor in the humid locker rooms of our local gyms. Simply put, how we perform in the gym translates to how we perform both at our jobs and within our personal lives. What truly sets apart a champion from the average person is not only learning from past mistakes but making the necessary changes and sacrifices that will allow us to excel. With all of the media in today's world, the idea of the "champion" has changed drastically and no longer requires us to be professional athletes or grace the cover of a magazine. Every single one of us has the potential to be a champion in the eyes of our families, friends, and colleagues. Granted, I will be the first to admit that I have dreamed of shaking Joe Weider's hand while displaying a gold medal around my neck on the Mr. Olympia stage, or hanging out with some of the women's figure athletes at a post-contest party (Jamie Eason, you rock!!). Dreams are an important part of what push us forward through the final reps of a brutal set of squats or going the extra mile on a project in school or in the office, and it is important to remember that even Olympia greatness started in some local gym with the same dreams that we have. No matter who you are, these dreams, visualizations and goals help turn the fantastic into tangible aspects of our lives. WATCH MARKUS' FLEXtreme MAKEOVER VIDEO WITH PHIL HEATH During a recent trip to Guaimaca, Honduras, I spent time both volunteering in a medical clinic and teaching English to middle school and high school children of the nearby villages. Honduras is considered a third-world country as finding healthy food and safe drinking water remains both a struggle and a priority for many of the town's people. The healthcare system in Guimaca has much to be desired as it operates primarily from US donations and practices holistic methods of healing. While triaging patients, I would hear them complain of lower back pain, thoracic-spine irritation, and sore Achilles heals, and I could not help but think that all of this could be avoided with proper care and more resources. Granted, it was poor nutrition that played a large role in the cause of their symptoms, however what disappointed me further was that most of the day's patients wore footwear in extremely poor condition. With no money to buy better shoes it is unlikely that these patients will ever find any long term solution to their pain.
During my time in Guaimaca, I lived "small," but I was able to think "big." I was given the opportunity to put the world into perspective and step back in order to see just how fortunate I am. There were no gyms (or weights for that matter), swimming pools, or nutritional literature. I found that many of the Guimacan people, especially the males in the age group from 14-35, were observant of my physique. By no means do I fall under the category of a "huge" guy, especially in the U.S., but in Guaimaca, many of the town's people where intrigued by above average musculature. I was able to show them my March issue of FLEX, and explained to them the different ways to build certain muscles. My experience in Honduras was only made possible by my ever-growing and relentless drive to achieve greatness in life, which currently has me putting in countless hours while I study for the MCATs in an effort to gain admission to medical school. I was able to learn about a new culture, freshen up on my Spanish skills, teach English and fitness (when applicable), and aid in a developing healthcare system. There is no doubt in my mind that the work I put in at the gym conditioned my mind and spirit to be able to fulfill my dream of volunteering overseas. So keep in mind that when we are fighting for our 11th rep or walking down the carpeted and rubber matted floors of our gym like a penguin after a grueling leg workout, it is the work we have performed on both our bodies and undoubtedly our minds that allow us to overcome obstacles and become better people. And, if you are at all like me, you will agree that it is a great feeling to know that you are stronger, both mentally and physically, walking out of the gym that day than you were when you walked in. FLEXtreme MAKEOVER IIJanuary 22, 2010I've been a FLEX subscriber for a couple of years and saw the FLEXtreme Makeover in an issue. I thought of it like scratching a lottery ticket. Did I think I'd win? No, but the benefits far outweigh the burden the amount of time it would take to apply. So I did it. It didn't even take me five minutes to fill out the application and write something about myself and I knew I could get a dream come true if I got it. Needless to say, it was well worth it. It's important for me to highlight that FLEXtreme Makeover was a life-changing event. It's not just about lifting weights or learning new training techniques; you get to see how people are. It's more than a pro bodybuilder coming to lift with you, it's very important people in their field who took time out of their day to visit with you. It puts a good light on people and made me feel good. Part of what the magazine was able to show was the training Phil Heath and I did and what we ate, but what the article didn't touch on - due to Allan Donnelly not being involved in the conversation with me and Phil - was how fitness can help you stay focused and change you life. That was the most important part of meeting Phil for me. I will elaborate more on this in a later post. As for me, I have thought about the online blog portion of the Flextreme makeover often, and along with expressing my personal improvement, I also plan to address the deeper issues of fitness and enjoyment of life. However, I'm going to be traveling overseas in mid-February to Honduras, where I will be volunteering in a medical clinic for the less fortunate. After that, I'm planning to take my MCATs in late-March. I will do my best to keep this blog updated. -- Markus First First FlextremeJuly 14, 2009First and foremost, I would like to thank Flex Magazine and Muscle Tech for choosing me to be the first make over winner. Never in a million years would i have thought myself so lucky! I'm Honored and humbled to be part of this whole experience, It'll be with me for the rest of my life. Okay down to it, since my time with the make over, about six months, I've become a leaner and added some quality mass. This is exactly what I was going for. I have been sticking to my diet for the most part. I go through eggs like crazy, no joke. Working out one major body part a day has made me grow like a weed. I now have broader shoulders and a much stronger back. So thanks Dex for the great advice! Dexter Jackson is such a good person for actually taking time out of his schedule and hang out with me. I really want him to win the O again this year. Have you seen him? Geez, That guy is crazy yoked. He showed me how to work out to get maximum results with minimal effort, win win for me! Plus I think you owe my brother 100 bucks? ha ha AND I think its official with Transformers 2 Megan Fox is hotter.
naNo Vapor is great tasting and i've never had such great pumps. it really did make me feel twenty pounds heavier. good stuff. Anyways thanks Dexter, Muscle Tech,and Flex you guys rock. |
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