Getbig.com: American Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure
Getbig Main Boards => Gossip & Opinions => Topic started by: HarleyBreite on November 03, 2008, 08:13:12 AM
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Dear Get Biggers,
My name is Harley Breite and I have the good fortune of being both training partner and personal friend to IFBB Professional Craig Richardson for the past 10 years. I have very much enjoyed this site and finally decided to register.
Like many of you, I became interested in bodybuilding at a very young age. While bodybuilding, like all sports, is plagued with certain ailments, it certainly has great potential to allow us to extrapolate our success in the gym to many other areas of our lives. Depending on our own personal excess and extreme, I guess we are all balancing the benefits and detriments of a sport and lifestyle to which we have gravitated.
I wish the magazines and other forums would offer some more personal insight to the sport. I know that I am very lucky to have an "insider's" view to the athletes, training, and the competitions.
Lastly, I very much enjoy this forum's discussions on the history and development of bodybuilding as well as the comparison of the athletes themselves. Some of the pictures you guys find are just awesome. I would be happy to post pictures of Craig during his training and contest preparation if I could ever figure out how to use the "Attachment" option. I must confess to a serious lack of computer acumen.
I am glad to have finally registered and look forward to the banter.
Sincerely,
Harley Breite
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welcome to the board man, i'vew seen you on the BFTO videos on Craigs segments, you're the guy with long hair, right?
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I would be happy to post pictures of Craig during his training and contest preparation if I could ever figure out how to use the "Attachment" option.
Hi Harley
Awesome to have you here, Ive thought Craig had tremendous aethetics since I first saw him in MD a few years ago. We would love to have you post training pics of pre contest posing pics.
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Craig has an amazing physique...Complete from head to toe.
Awesome Wheels and great calves
(http://www.davepalumbo.com/2008%20Photos/CongratsJRUSA-NYPRO/images/Richardson.jpg)
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super super aesthetic,... one of the few physiques in the ifbb which 99% of females would be all over... with wonderful shape like his theres no such thing as too much muscle or too lean... TONS of potential right there..
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craig was awesome as a teenager in nj in early ninties ,was winning open shows,progressed each yr with some size,you guys train at teterboro golds right?
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Hey Guys,
Let me just test to make sure this reply goes through. I just wrote a really long one that never went through. Ugh.
Harley
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The server will fail to accept the post sometimes. Just make sure you copy it before hitting the post button if it's a long one.
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how come craig never received our official endorsement?
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Hey Guys,
Let me try this again.
Thank you for all your positive responses and warm reception.
Craig is just now getting back into the groove of training. He is considering foresaking the early and mid season shows in order to gain as much quality weight as possible. He has never but once had a very long off season in which he could attempt to put on a considerable amount of weight.
It is Craig's hope to get up to 265 pounds and maintain it for awhile. He then will diet down and hopefully compete at 225 pounds as opposed to his 216 pounds as of late. Don't worry, he will not allow himself to sacrifice what symmetry he has in the name of sheer muscle. He was very inspired by Dexter's win at the Mr. Olympia as well as his own redemtion from the Atlantic City debacle with a 13th Place finish at Mr. Olympia.
While I understand Craig's phsyique may not appeal to everyone and is flawed, I would be happy to post some pictures if his fans were to ask. Knowing the psyche of bodybuilders, I will have to cajole Craig into letting me snap a shot before he gains some more size and weight.
I would like people to know that Craig is a very affable and approachable guy. If any of his fans see him at a show, please know that Craig will always stop for a photo and chat. Those athletes who are too dehydrated and agitated to talk to the fans seem to forget just who buys the magazines and supplements from the companies that pay those guys.
Harley
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Good luck + train hard
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The server will fail to accept the post sometimes. Just make sure you copy it before hitting the post button if it's a long one
Thanks for the tip. As you can see, I don't know how to copy and respond to an individual message.
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Welcome Harley..........good to have you here.
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Hello Harley! Welcome.
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and remember, respect is everything..
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and remember, respect is everything..
spot on as usual
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The server will fail to accept the post sometimes. Just make sure you copy it before hitting the post button if it's a long one
Thanks for the tip. As you can see, I don't know how to copy and respond to an individual message.
before you post click on the "quote" at the top right of the person's post and then start typing after the "quote" in brackets at the bottom of the post.
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I am glad to have finally registered and look forward to the banter.
Sincerely,
Harley Breite
Be careful what you wish for, Harley. ;)
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before you post click on the "quote" at the top right of the person's post and then start typing after the "quote" in brackets at the bottom of the post.
good post.
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Hey Guys,
Such a warm reception that even Craig will be surprised. Please note that while I am more than happy to debate the merits and detriments of Craig, I am always happy to give an honest (as long as the legal implications are not terribly jeopardized) insight into a competitor, the sport, the regimen, myself, etc. So much of what I read in the mags and even on here just never happened. Perhaps some are afraid to call it like it is but guys here seem to have the courage to call out the competitors, judges and even other GetBiggers.
I have met many guys in the sport and if asked, I will always give an honest answer. No hard feelings and no intent to insult anyone. Please remember that.
Harley
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Welcome Harley, look forward to hearing an insider's stories/insight.
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Harley, Welcome! Just a fair warning that there are a few GetBig members who actually dislike competitive bodybuilding and successful bodybuilders and I am sure that you will be hearing from them soon enough.
Posting photos is not real difficult once you do it a couple of times. More than likely you have a problem finding the correct file on your own machine.
One of the easiest ways to post photos is to email them to one of the members on this Board and let him/her do it on your behalf. But that assumes that you know how to email photos.
I'm sure that Ron has posted easy to follow instructions somewhere on this Board and someone will refer you to them. At present my only problem seems to be the "file size limitation" meaning that the photo is too large to submit to GetBig.com - but I'm slowly solving that problem by reducing the photos in PhotoShop. This is the kind of stuff you pick up as you follow through.
Best bet at present is to email the photos to Ron or one of us to post them on your behalf. Welcome to the world of nerds and bodybuilders and their fans and otherwise. Once involved, you're going to find it very interesting. And some of it even makes sense.
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ok stunt movie hahaha.
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Hello Harley
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Dear Stuntmovie,
Thanks for the encouragement. Hopefully soon, my computer guy comes over and helps me find my way through this stuff.
I have seen a great deal of negativity on the Board and often wonder why it exists. The debating amongst the fans is great stuff and shouldn't be stifled. However, I see no reason for personal attacks nor racism which doesn't happen too often but is nevertheless, completely unwarranted. With a sport so subjetive as bodybuilding, we are all open to discussion. I just love all the knowledge you guys offer.
The one thing I thought I might be able to offer is an insider's view. It doesn't appear that many guys actually hang out, know or train with any of the pros which is a great experience. That is where I thought I could give a little something back given how lucky I am to be in that position.
I am a big fan of guys like Mohammed Makkawy, Paul Jean Guillame, Rory Leidelmeyer, J.J. Marsh, Vince Comeford, and Flex (please excuse my poor spelling). I would love to have heard stories about their real life training and eating and not all that nonsense printed elsewhere. Hopefully, I have something worthwhile to offer.
Harley
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Dear NJFlex,
No, Craig and I do not train at Gold's in Teterboro.
We do train at Stokely Palmer's place, The Lion's Den in Fairfield, New Jersey. It is a great place with awesome equipment. All the guys there like Bill Leahy, are very nice and supportive. Of course, Stokely knows how to take care of people as he is also a top competitor himself. He and Ron put together a top notch place.
We also sometimes hit Diamond Gym in Maplewood, New Jersey. John Kemper has always offered his assistance to Craig and is a wealth of bodybuilding knowledge.
Additionally, we do, on occasion, make it out to Long Island to Steve Weinberger's gym. Steve is a very gracious host and makes us feel at home everytime we show up. One thing that some may not know about Steve is that underneath that tough exterior, there is a guy who truly cares about the competitors.
Harley
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Craig is a man with lots of muscles........
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harley what style training do you two use ? what is craigs diet like in the offseason, and pre contest ?
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harley what style training do you two use ? what is craigs diet like in the offseason, and pre contest ?
Yeah i'd like to hear some about this. Craig has a great physique.
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Welcome to Getbig, Harley !
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Dear Tbombz,
Craig and I believe in training very heavy but very smart. We keep the reps between 6-8. We train 2 bodyparts a session and train 2 days on and then take a day off. It will look like this:
1) Back (always including pull ups)
2) Chest/Hams
3) Day Off
4) Quads
5) Biceps/Triceps
6) Day Off
7) Shoulders/Traps
Repeat as written.
We usually do 3 different exercises per bodypart but because Craig's Back needs help, we do more exercises for Back. We don't count the first 2 sets as they are used to warm-up which is very important and not very much discussed. That is one reason he and I have avoided serious injury.
Craig's off-season diet is not too different than when he preps for a show. That is the truth. Watch:
Off-Season- Meal One- 13 Egg Whites, 4 Yolks and 2 cups of Grits or Oatmeal.
Meal Two- 16 ounces of Steak or Ground Beef and 2 Cups of Rice.
Meal Three- A Protein Shake with Weight Gainer.
Meal Four- Same as Meal Two but with Chicken or Talapia instead of beef.
Meal Five- Same as Meal Three.
Meal Six- Same as Meal Two.
Meal Seven- Same as Meals Three and Five.
Contest Prep: First Seven Weeks:
All the meals are the same for the first 7 weeks except that he cuts the carbs in half.
Next Three Weeks:
Everything stays the same except that all steak and beef is removed and replaced with either Salmon or Talapia.
Last Two Weeks:
This is not always constant as it depends on his conditioning. I am not trying to be evasive, but there is no set formula. Sometimes he adds a meal with steak if he looks too flat or is losing too much weight too fast.
I can tell you that Craig has not rotated his carbs in the last several years but for the last week of this past Mr. Olympia prep. All that will now change and go back to what he did when he won The Nationals and took 3rd in Tampa Bay. He will begin rotating carbs 4-5 weeks before his show while keeping cardio to no more than 45 minutes per day. Any more than that and he loses a great deal of size on his legs.
I hope this answers your question as to how Craig eats. This is the truth and his actual diet. If you have any other questions, just let me know and I can clarify for you.
Harley
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yeah, that does answer my question, thanks alot dude ! some interesting insight into contest prep dieting strategy as well.
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Dear Stuntmovie,
Thanks for the encouragement. Hopefully soon, my computer guy comes over and helps me find my way through this stuff.
I have seen a great deal of negativity on the Board and often wonder why it exists. The debating amongst the fans is great stuff and shouldn't be stifled. However, I see no reason for personal attacks nor racism which doesn't happen too often but is nevertheless, completely unwarranted. With a sport so subjetive as bodybuilding, we are all open to discussion. I just love all the knowledge you guys offer.
The one thing I thought I might be able to offer is an insider's view. It doesn't appear that many guys actually hang out, know or train with any of the pros which is a great experience. That is where I thought I could give a little something back given how lucky I am to be in that position.
I am a big fan of guys like Mohammed Makkawy, Paul Jean Guillame, Rory Leidelmeyer, J.J. Marsh, Vince Comeford, and Flex (please excuse my poor spelling). I would love to have heard stories about their real life training and eating and not all that nonsense printed elsewhere. Hopefully, I have something worthwhile to offer.
Harley
It looks like Craig’s physique fits right in with the Champions you admire. He seems very aesthetic and balanced although, we are only seeing one angle. Nice o have you on the board. Who is his sponsor?
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Dear Harley,
What does Craig's gear cycle look like? Thank you in advance.
Pollux
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WOW
it's refreshing to hear someone who doesn't bullshit about the food eaten or the onstage weight ;D
I didn't expect that, Mr.Breite will be a great addition to the board
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How tall is Craig ACTUALLY ?
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Hey Guys,
It is sad but true that Craig remains without a sponsor. One day soon I will list all the extraordinary things Craig does for the community and you will be even more disheartened with a sport that fails to promote its good guys.
Well, the question of gear didn't take long. LOL. I promise to answer that question but not before I mention a few things.
1) It really is true that if 99% of us took exactly what the pros do, we would not look even remotely close to the way they do. Their genetics are something you can't even believe. They seem to have an ability to maximize every miligram and cc of anything they use. They also seem to be able to digest incredible amounts of food and maximize all that it offers. People don't understand just how unique you must be just to be able to consume all that damn food and have it go to good use.
2) The discipline in eating of the successful pros is something that very very few ever exhibit. It is unreal just how the world stops when it is time to eat. No matter what is happening, the food is ready to be consumed and is done so without care to the rest of the world or what time it is.
3) Lastly, we all think we train pretty hard but do we? Not all, and not as many as you would think, but quite a few pros train harder than you could ever imagine. Do that consistently and then talk to me about how you train.
Ok, Ok, I am a man of my word. First, and of course, Craig does not admit in any way shape or form to possessing any controlled dangerous substances nor having ever taken any.
Hypothetically speaking, a professional competing for many years may incorporate Growth Hormone during let's say a 12 week Contest Prep to the rough amount of 6-9 IUs a day, divided into a morning and evening session. Testosterone for such a pro may involve 1,200- 1,500 mgs per week. Anadrol, although I think it's all fake, may also be involved at 50 mgs per day. D-Ball, if available, only for the first 4 weeks (a bit too much water retention) at about 8 per day. Winstrol at 1cc every other day for 4 weeks along with Clenbuterol for 4 weeks may also help. Propionate is the preferred choice if available. EVERYTHING but Clenbuterol is now removed 10 days before the show so as to rid of all water. Diuretics are used sparingly for 6 days leading to the show.
Guys, again, I cannot say that Craig does this but you can trust me that a top bodybuilder of many years will do this type of routine in order to remain competitve for a show. While drugs do not make the champion, rest assured that no champion is made without the help of supplements. That is in no way a denigration of all that they do, but rather, an honest and factual statement proved by all those who have competed.
I don't think I could maintain any credibility with you guys if I did not choose to answer this question. And lastly, Craig is 5 foot seven inches tall, the same as me. That is probably the only phsyical trait we share. LOL
Harley
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thanks for your input Harley, nice read.
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Why must Craig look like a cowboy from mt. brokeback everytime he steps on stage ?
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Good stuff.
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Harley, as you can already see, most of us GetBig members are very interested in hearing your "updates and inside comments" on the subject of bodybuilding.
I've been around a good long while and have personally met or worked with just about 90% of the pros and I do gotta admit that it would be hard to find a better batch of guys and gals to converse with and associate with.
I go back to the days of Paul Anderson and of Reeves when he was still a teenager and had the honor of working with him shortly before he passed away. I knew most all the West Coast old timers - Hilligen, Yarick, Eifferman, Lalanne, etc. and many others who were even more exceptional but never had the desire nor the opportunity to stand shirtless within the range of a camera lens.
I'm very proud to call Tommy Kono and Bill Pearl my good friends.
I've met and conversed with Perry and Mabel and Dan and Hoffman and the entire Weider family. Bill "Peanuts' West, George Frenn - the craziest lifters of those early days who set the standards for the rest to follow. And Zuver! Reverend Zuver!
So many name you've never heard of but should be long remembered.
Zeller has taken my picture and Jeff and Cory are like my own family ..... and many other family members have pulled the weight in various strength competitions including "odd", Olympic, and power and sometimes simply to see how many plates could be lifted from the floor with the five fingers on your left hand.
Arnold and Franco and Zane and Scott and so many others who wern't as famous who we've mostly forgotten but should be imortalized for what they accomplished.
And the "new kids" that entered the gyms and left years later looking like the monsters that they wanted to be so many years earlier .... Platz, Grymkowski, Santiago, Teufel and even an up and comer by the name of Chicherillo. It would take a while, but he'd be there.
Then Haney and Phyllis and the new breed of impossible achievers. And the ladies who came into Gold's and started lifting with the guys and surpassed a few in fact.
And these new lads just out of their posing diapers..... the future bodybuilding superstars such as Evan, Brandon, and Trey, and that new guy you may be complaining or braggen about at your local gym............
Good times have come and gone and many stories cannot be told - not because they were bad, but simply because they've been forgotten.
Stories like floating a few feet off the ground while posing at a tribal function in Africa.
Stories like open heart surgery while wide awake and feeling every cut and slice and heartbeat.
Stories like jumping from city to city one or two steps ahead of the guys who want to put you six feet under.
Stories like bragging about now much drugs you've taken over a one year period and are still alive to do the braggen.
Stories about all the good, all the bad, and all the in-between in this world we call bodybuilding.
Every BB generation has a "clump" of individuals who together push this sport in a unique direction. A uncharted direction sometimes off the compass but no less interesting than the past and often more so.
I've often thought I've seen it all but the next few weeks always prove I'm wrong. "Been there, done that!" never does apply.
So expect the impossible and stay with it as long as you can.
The pride, the hatred, the jelousy! Some honest insinuations! .................. It's always an interesting ride.
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Why must Craig look like a cowboy from mt. brokeback everytime he steps on stage ?
you are thinking about Frank Robertson
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you are thinking about Frank Robertson
i actually thought it was craig the guy with the cowboy head and the plastic guns too.
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you are thinking about Frank Robertson
Good catch Stavios, my apologies 'harvey' .....
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Dear jaejonna,
Why so quick to be negative? No need to antagonize me by incorrectly calling me "Harvey." I don't harbour any ill-will toward you.
With a guy as interesting as Stuntmovie out there I would think we would be begging him for stories.
And no, Craig is not Frank Roberson who wears the cowboy hat and boots. As far as Frank goes, he once came up and introduced himself and I believe his wife or girlfriend to both Craig and I. He congratulated Craig while he himself had just won a show. He was nothing but polite and a gentleman. He did mention that he hoped the crowd enjoyed his cowboy personna.
Harley
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awesome stuff from Harley, very much appreciated, hope you stick around this place could use the knowledge.
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Dear jaejonna,
Why so quick to be negative? No need to antagonize me by incorrectly calling me "Harvey." I don't harbour any ill-will toward you.
With a guy as interesting as Stuntmovie out there I would think we would be begging him for stories.
And no, Craig is not Frank Roberson who wears the cowboy hat and boots. As far as Frank goes, he once came up and introduced himself and I believe his wife or girlfriend to both Craig and I. He congratulated Craig while he himself had just won a show. He was nothing but polite and a gentleman. He did mention that he hoped the crowd enjoyed his cowboy personna.
Harley
why do you always type like a robot?
Also
Please tell us what Craig's cycle is like?
Dude is probably on enough shit to kill an elephant
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Greetings.
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Hey Harley, lots of good stuff. Might want to take it to the positive board if it gets too rough here. ;)
Any fun gym stories to share?
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why do you always type like a robot?
Also
Please tell us what Craig's cycle is like?
Dude is probably on enough shit to kill an elephant
he just wrote that a few post up
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he just wrote that a few post up
what do you think of the cycle he outlined man? think it's accurate?
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what do you think of the cycle he outlined man? think it's accurate?
yeah, considering Craig's physique I would believe that !
those are good doses, not super high and not super low.
he said Craig is 215 lbs onstage so obviously he isn't "huge" and good muscle bellies must be a great part of why he looks so big onstage.
definitly believable cycle
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Hey Guys,
It is sad but true that Craig remains without a sponsor. One day soon I will list all the extraordinary things Craig does for the community and you will be even more disheartened with a sport that fails to promote its good guys.
Well, the question of gear didn't take long. LOL. I promise to answer that question but not before I mention a few things.
1) It really is true that if 99% of us took exactly what the pros do, we would not look even remotely close to the way they do. Their genetics are something you can't even believe. They seem to have an ability to maximize every miligram and cc of anything they use. They also seem to be able to digest incredible amounts of food and maximize all that it offers. People don't understand just how unique you must be just to be able to consume all that damn food and have it go to good use.
2) The discipline in eating of the successful pros is something that very very few ever exhibit. It is unreal just how the world stops when it is time to eat. No matter what is happening, the food is ready to be consumed and is done so without care to the rest of the world or what time it is.
3) Lastly, we all think we train pretty hard but do we? Not all, and not as many as you would think, but quite a few pros train harder than you could ever imagine. Do that consistently and then talk to me about how you train.
Ok, Ok, I am a man of my word. First, and of course, Craig does not admit in any way shape or form to possessing any controlled dangerous substances nor having ever taken any.
Hypothetically speaking, a professional competing for many years may incorporate Growth Hormone during let's say a 12 week Contest Prep to the rough amount of 6-9 IUs a day, divided into a morning and evening session. Testosterone for such a pro may involve 1,200- 1,500 mgs per week. Anadrol, although I think it's all fake, may also be involved at 50 mgs per day. D-Ball, if available, only for the first 4 weeks (a bit too much water retention) at about 8 per day. Winstrol at 1cc every other day for 4 weeks along with Clenbuterol for 4 weeks may also help. Propionate is the preferred choice if available. EVERYTHING but Clenbuterol is now removed 10 days before the show so as to rid of all water. Diuretics are used sparingly for 6 days leading to the show.
Guys, again, I cannot say that Craig does this but you can trust me that a top bodybuilder of many years will do this type of routine in order to remain competitve for a show. While drugs do not make the champion, rest assured that no champion is made without the help of supplements. That is in no way a denigration of all that they do, but rather, an honest and factual statement proved by all those who have competed.
I don't think I could maintain any credibility with you guys if I did not choose to answer this question. And lastly, Craig is 5 foot seven inches tall, the same as me. That is probably the only phsyical trait we share. LOL
Harley
what do you think about bodybuilders participating in Gay 4 Pay activities such as Kai Greene?
Has Craig ever been involved in that industry to make ties meet?
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yeah, considering Craig's physique I would believe that !
those are good doses, not super high and not super low.
he said Craig is 215 lbs onstage so obviously he isn't "huge" and good muscle bellies must be a great part of why he looks so big onstage.
definitly believable cycle
i agree, i believe it too, sounds like the cycle that Milos was talking about awhile back.
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Dear Bodybuilder1234,
I am not sure what you mean by typing like a "robot." I am still learning how to get around on this site as this is my first time joining any website club. Perhaps my writing is a bit terse and to the point but I am doing this while working as I am sure are many others.
Perhaps you can re-read the beginning of my answer with regard to the consumption of gear. It won't take much for you to read between the lines. I can explicitly tell you one thing which I presume from your message you won't believe; Craig is doing nothing in terms of "killing an elephant." The guy has serious issues in gaining weight and size so perhaps that corroborates what I am saying.
As far as Gay4Pay or anything else a person does, I live my life believing that so long as someone doesn't harm another person, I am not fit to judge them. We are all flawed human beings and my morality need not be proselytized nor pushed on anyone else. Craig is happily married for 10 years and has 3 kids. He may live in a depressed and dangerous urban area but he maintains a positive spirit. No, he has never engaged in any such activity as you asked.
As for me, I am a 41 year old single heterosexual. So now that we covered that issue, let's talk bodybuilding.
Craig did a MD shoot with Kai Green after the NY Pro this year and said that he never saw quads so striated all the way up a guy's thigh as he did on Kai the next day. During the day's shoot, Kai maintained all that conditioning despite drinking no less than 12 bottles of Gatorade!!! There is now talk that Kai weighs between 300-310 pounds and is doing the Arnold.
Harley
Harley
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hey Harley i remember watching you hand those huge 175's to Craig for the incline press in BFTO 04, that gym looks pretty hardcore, do you guys train that heavy all the time?
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hey Harley i remember watching you hand those huge 175's to Craig for the incline press in BFTO 04, that gym looks pretty hardcore, do you guys train that heavy all the time?
Hey Quaker Oats,
Yah, I am the lucky one who gets to hand that ridiculous weight to Craig. They are actually 180's. Craig doesn't always go that heavy on the incline but rather, keeps it around 160's until we are in a good groove. I don't suppose Craig is one of the strongest BBs when you look at Branch and Johnny Jackson and others but when it comes to doing legs, that may be another story. We take a great deal of pride in how hard and heavy we train legs. Although Craig always laughs in disagreement, I always tell him, "It's all about the wheels."
Harley
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Hey Quaker Oats,
Yah, I am the lucky one who gets to hand that ridiculous weight to Craig. They are actually 180's. Craig doesn't always go that heavy on the incline but rather, keeps it around 160's until we are in a good groove. I don't suppose Craig is one of the strongest BBs when you look at Branch and Johnny Jackson and others but when it comes to doing legs, that may be another story. We take a great deal of pride in how hard and heavy we train legs. Although Craig always laughs in disagreement, I always tell him, "It's all about the wheels."
Harley
good stuff man, good to have you aboard.
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Leg training in BFTO 05 was also pretty amazing.
Harley is one strong dude for an attorney, smith squats with 500lbs for 9 reps! :o
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Hey Quaker Oats,
Yah, I am the lucky one who gets to hand that ridiculous weight to Craig. They are actually 180's. Craig doesn't always go that heavy on the incline but rather, keeps it around 160's until we are in a good groove. I don't suppose Craig is one of the strongest BBs when you look at Branch and Johnny Jackson and others but when it comes to doing legs, that may be another story. We take a great deal of pride in how hard and heavy we train legs. Although Craig always laughs in disagreement, I always tell him, "It's all about the wheels."
Harley
wow. What do you do on incline?
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welcome. very good info.
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wow. What do you do on incline?
pretty sure he did the 100's pretty easily on that video, they maybe weren't the fullest reps but they're both pretty strong.
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good stuff man, good to have you aboard.
Thank you. I hope I am getting the hang of this. It's nice to share an interest with other people, especially about a subculture such as bodybuilding. I very much recommend Alan Klein's "Little Big Men." Great ethnography depicting the lives of BBs at Gold's. It is very academic in its presentation and writing but it was interesting to me in that it was similar to a dissertation I myself was working on while back in school many years ago.
Harley
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Thank you. I hope I am getting the hang of this. It's nice to share an interest with other people, especially about a subculture such as bodybuilding. I very much recommend Alan Klein's "Little Big Men." Great ethnography depicting the lives of BBs at Gold's. It is very academic in its presentation and writing but it was interesting to me in that it was similar to a dissertation I myself was working on while back in school many years ago.
Harley
good stuff, do you find it difficult balancing your career with the training, eating and the whole lifestyle in general?
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Leg training in BFTO 05 was also pretty amazing.
Harley is one strong dude for an attorney, smith squats with 500lbs for 9 reps! :o
Thank you very much. I read a thread once where the guy (maybe someone named SquatFather) dismissed using the Smith Machine for squats. Well, Craig and I feel very differently and have never free squated. Our belief is that the Smith eliminates any issue of balance and using other muscles. The Smith allows you to move only up and only down which seems to place all the weight on the quads if situated and executed properly.
It's hard for Craig and I to get jacked up for anything less than 500 on the squat. Craig has done 600 for sets of 12 and I have actually done 600 for 8. Craig has never attempted 700 and I am not sure I would allow him to try it. As his training partner, I feel a certain responsibility and I don't fully see the need for him to do 700 lbs. when he has legs that hold their own. We never want to risk injury for the sake of ego.
Harley
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Thank you very much. I read a thread once where the guy (maybe someone named SquatFather) dismissed using the Smith Machine for squats. Well, Craig and I feel very differently and have never free squated. Our belief is that the Smith eliminates any issue of balance and using other muscles. The Smith allows you to move only up and only down which seems to place all the weight on the quads if situated and executed properly.
It's hard for Craig and I to get jacked up for anything less than 500 on the squat. Craig has done 600 for sets of 12 and I have actually done 600 for 8. Craig has never attempted 700 and I am not sure I would allow him to try it. As his training partner, I feel a certain responsibility and I don't fully see the need for him to do 700 lbs. when he has legs that hold their own. We never want to risk injury for the sake of ego.
Harley
First owning on this board, Harley, not bad for a newbie. ;D
600 for 8 is amazing!
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good stuff, do you find it difficult balancing your career with the training, eating and the whole lifestyle in general?
Well, between running my own law practice, owning a Karate/Kickboxing School, training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 5 times per week and running a charity devoted to improving the lives of mentally and physically challenged children, you would wonder how I could find time to train with a guy like Craig 5 times per week. I too wonder and I guess the answer lies in doing what you really feel you need to do and being willing to sacrifice what others are not willing to sacrifice. In the end, I like to think of myself as very grounded and don't ever take anything I do too too seriously.
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First owning on this board, Harley, not bad for a newbie. ;D
600 for 8 is amazing!
I am a bit embarrassed to confess I am not completely sure what an "owning" is but I can reasonably infer. As long as there isn't any pretentiousness attached to it, then I am fine with having the first owning on the board.
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I am a bit embarrassed to confess I am not completely sure what an "owning" is but I can reasonably infer. As long as there isn't any pretentiousness attached to it, then I am fine with having the first owning on the board.
Nevermind, you did nothing wrong. :)
What does your work with challenged children encompass? Is sports involved there too?
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Hey Harley,
Where does craig buy his pants?
How can he fit those quads into a pair of regular jeans?
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Great to have you here! very interesting reading! :)
Thank you very much. I read a thread once where the guy (maybe someone named SquatFather) dismissed using the Smith Machine for squats. Well, Craig and I feel very differently and have never free squated. Our belief is that the Smith eliminates any issue of balance and using other muscles. The Smith allows you to move only up and only down which seems to place all the weight on the quads if situated and executed properly.
It's hard for Craig and I to get jacked up for anything less than 500 on the squat. Craig has done 600 for sets of 12 and I have actually done 600 for 8. Craig has never attempted 700 and I am not sure I would allow him to try it. As his training partner, I feel a certain responsibility and I don't fully see the need for him to do 700 lbs. when he has legs that hold their own. We never want to risk injury for the sake of ego.
Harley
haha yes, dave dissed me for my smith machine front squats :'(
It's just like you say, it takes the glutes out and really focuses on the quads.
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Yea! Like Wavelength, I'm also interested in your work with the kids. I'm in the process of setting up a Nonprofit <501 (C)(3)> for similar purposes and would like to hear your experiences in that regards. I'm attempting to do this without a lawyer for financial reasons.
Do you have a website for your charitable endeavors?
Thanks, Harley!
Stunt
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Yea! Like Wavelength, I'm also interested in your work with the kids. I'm in the process of setting up a Nonprofit <501 (C)(3)> for similar purposes and would like to hear your experiences in that regards. I'm attempting to do this without a lawyer for financial reasons.
Do you have a website for your charitable endeavors?
Hey Guys,
Sorry to disappoint you but I never bothered to go through civil lawyers in order to set up a Nonprofit 501. What happened was that many years ago, my friend Jeff Kovatch introduced me to a group of WWll and Korean War Veterans who were part of an organization called the Alhambra. They did some work with challenged kids and Jeff and I joined in (they felt terrible when years later they found out I was Jewish and therefore not eligible for official membership).
As time went on, Jeff and I slowly took over as the guys were literally in their 80's and 90's and couldn't continue. We began to throw parties every 2 months with a live DJ, catering in pizza, 2 custom balloon people (they make things you can't imagine such as a monkey hanging from a palm tree eating a bannana), toys, and sometimes a magician. Each and every June, we take the kids up for a whole day to a campsite and dance, feed them, have a parade, play games (plastic basketball hoops and bowling pins) and make announcements to acknowledge their placings in the recent Special Olympic games. Well, Jeff moved to Vegas and I couldn't let the charity go under so I just ran it myself. I call it a charity although I don't solicit any money. I just pay for it myself. I don't advertise this so therefore there isn't a website.
You may have seen pictures of Craig with the kids at the parties in some of the magazines. He always comes to the events and takes tons of photos and hands out free autographed pictures. The kids think he is a superhero. I think he is a nice guy for doing it.
Harley
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Hey Guys,
Sorry to disappoint you but I never bothered to go through civil lawyers in order to set up a Nonprofit 501. What happened was that many years ago, my friend Jeff Kovatch introduced me to a group of WWll and Korean War Veterans who were part of an organization called the Alhambra. They did some work with challenged kids and Jeff and I joined in (they felt terrible when years later they found out I was Jewish and therefore not eligible for official membership).
As time went on, Jeff and I slowly took over as the guys were literally in their 80's and 90's and couldn't continue. We began to throw parties every 2 months with a live DJ, catering in pizza, 2 custom balloon people (they make things you can't imagine such as a monkey hanging from a palm tree eating a bannana), toys, and sometimes a magician. Each and every June, we take the kids up for a whole day to a campsite and dance, feed them, have a parade, play games (plastic basketball hoops and bowling pins) and make announcements to acknowledge their placings in the recent Special Olympic games. Well, Jeff moved to Vegas and I couldn't let the charity go under so I just ran it myself. I call it a charity although I don't solicit any money. I just pay for it myself. I don't advertise this so therefore there isn't a website.
You may have seen pictures of Craig with the kids at the parties in some of the magazines. He always comes to the events and takes tons of photos and hands out free autographed pictures. The kids think he is a superhero. I think he is a nice guy for doing it.
Harley
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big whoop
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welcome Harley.
typical Getbig. 80 % replies from bodybuilders and fans, happy to have someone in-the- know on board; and 20% negativity from people who hate bodybuilding that i can't figure out why they spend all day on here.
your honesty is appreciated and respected. it's funny how people think that if they did a cycle and never got good results they think the pros do assinine amounts of drugs. i agree what you say about food intake. i force fed myself day and night for 15 years trying to gain size. that is way more important than drug intake. my opinion is the drugs only make your protein synthesis better and recovery faster. if you can't force down 400 grams of protein per day, all the drugs in the world won't help.
thanx for the candid and forthright responses to everyone, you may want to completely ignore the negative people as they won't believe you anyway.
thanx, rik
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Harley - keep on posting here - you'll win some good endorsement deals in no time - getbig is read by everyone in the industry@!
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hello harley
welcome
im a big craig fan
Gene
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Harley - keep on posting here - you'll win some good endorsement deals in no time - getbig is read by everyone in the industry@!
That was never my intention but if Craig derives a benefit from all this then that would be great. It is so surprising to see all the nice "welcomes" I have received. I don't claim to own the market place on bodybuilding insight, I just figured I didn't see too much of it and thought someone might like it. I will stay on this thread for awhile until I learn some more. I hope that anyone who is interested or has questions will continue to look here. I love to hear stories from people who have trained with really good training partners. Prior to training with Craig, I trained with other guys who were very good bodybuilders from New Jersey (Tom Shoebridge, Darryl Perry, Rob Lopez, Rick Jones and even Vinnie Galanti). It's been a nice experience for the most part.
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That was never my intention but if Craig derives a benefit from all this then that would be great. It is so surprising to see all the nice "welcomes" I have received. I don't claim to own the market place on bodybuilding insight, I just figured I didn't see too much of it and thought someone might like it. I will stay on this thread for awhile until I learn some more. I hope that anyone who is interested or has questions will continue to look here. I love to hear stories from people who have trained with really good training partners. Prior to training with Craig, I trained with other guys who were very good bodybuilders from New Jersey (Tom Shoebridge, Darryl Perry, Rob Lopez, Rick Jones and even Vinnie Galanti). It's been a nice experience for the most part.
It would be really interesting to hear about the similarities and differences between all those Pro's thoughts on diet training and hormones.
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It would be really interesting to hear about the similarities and differences between all those Pro's thoughts on diet training and hormones.
The only Professional on that list is Vinnie Galanti.
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The only Professional on that list is Vinnie Galanti.
hahah, well, you know what I mean. Amautuer, professional, ... all the same it would be interesting to hear about.
I know Vinnie is a super nice guy, when i first got into body building a few years back i used to talk to him on intanst messager an he would give free advice.
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hahah, well, you know what I mean. Amautuer, professional, ... all the same it would be interesting to hear about.
I know Vinnie is a super nice guy, when i first got into body building a few years back i used to talk to him on intanst messager an he would give free advice.
I am glad to hear your experience with him was worthwhile.
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Can you share his cycle. Sorry but im the only honest person here :(
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welcome Harley.
typical Getbig. 80 % replies from bodybuilders and fans, happy to have someone in-the- know on board; and 20% negativity from people who hate bodybuilding that i can't figure out why they spend all day on here.
your honesty is appreciated and respected. it's funny how people think that if they did a cycle and never got good results they think the pros do assinine amounts of drugs. i agree what you say about food intake. i force fed myself day and night for 15 years trying to gain size. that is way more important than drug intake. my opinion is the drugs only make your protein synthesis better and recovery faster. if you can't force down 400 grams of protein per day, all the drugs in the world won't help.
thanx for the candid and forthright responses to everyone, you may want to completely ignore the negative people as they won't believe you anyway.
thanx, rik
And I used to believe that getting ripped was all about supplements and cardio. I learned the errors of my way once I met Craig.
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Can you share his cycle. Sorry but im the only honest person here :(
I don't believe it would be proper for me to discuss anything Vinnie may or may not have done. I no longer have the type of relationship with Vinnie that would warrant my release of any privileged information. That much respect I will always show for him.
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Hazbin, good to see that you recognized that 80/20 "standard" on this here GetBig site. I was beginning to think that I was the only one. My bro (the shrink) still claims that this site would be of great interest for official psychiatric studies but he personally feels that there is just a lot of plain old jelousy involved on the part of many of us GetBiggers. I deny that on my part adamently but he says that "jelousy denial" is a sure sign of jelousy. But he says it in much more unfamiliar medical terms.
Harley, thanks for your charity work info. That's most commendable and I thank you both on behalf of those kids who can't say "Thanks" themselves.
I did some work with the Special Olympics kids and really enjoyed it and I hope that this new venture we are in the process of setting up works just as well on behalf of those who are less fortunate than most of us on this site.
Only Me has done a heck of a lot of good stuff for the Special Olympics as well as other noteworthy organizations and he's always more than proud to talk about it. He's been great at doing that sort of thing.
Thanks again, Harley.
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Dear Stuntmovie,
There are many people like yourself and others I am sure on Get Big who realize just how blessed they are and that in giving their time and energy to those less fortunate, they themselves are getting so much more in return. Keep up the great work.
Harley
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Off-Season- Meal One- 13 Egg Whites, 4 Yolks and 2 cups of Grits or Oatmeal.
Meal Two- 16 ounces of Steak or Ground Beef and 2 Cups of Rice.
Meal Three- A Protein Shake with Weight Gainer.
Meal Four- Same as Meal Two but with Chicken or Talapia instead of beef.
Meal Five- Same as Meal Three.
Meal Six- Same as Meal Two.
Meal Seven- Same as Meals Three and Five.
Harley, thanks for a lot of good info!
We have often been told by people with a lot of experience that you should allways eat your meals, not drink them. It is interesting to see that Craig actually drinks three meals every day (protein shake + weight gainer). I have allways been told that the quality of the muscles will be poorer if one resorts to weight gainers and such instead of a solid meal. What are your thoughts on this?
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Harley, thanks for a lot of good info!
We have often been told by people with a lot of experience that you should allways eat your meals, not drink them. It is interesting to see that Craig actually drinks three meals every day (protein shake + weight gainer). I have allways been told that the quality of the muscles will be poorer if one resorts to weight gainers and such instead of a solid meal. What are your thoughts on this?
I think Craig would agree that it would be better to eat all your meals but as a practical measure, he just can't do it. Craig, while being a big eater compared to normal people, really can't eat as much as these other guys. If that is the situation then it is better to consume the calories and protein than to just leave them out. Also, drinking the meals does keep the metabolism working faster. Craig also finds it a bit easier to digest and get around when he drinks a few meals as opposed to actually eating every single meal. All that food really can slow you down. I remember one time being around Nasser and just amazed at how much food he was eating and just how often he did that. Granted, he wasn't the Energizer Bunny in terms of movement and energy, but he was also over 300 pounds at the time. I might also add that when Craig and I are in a groove, we often go out to eat after the workout and he will have 2 steaks with one serving of rice and a salad with only lettuce and cuccumber and vinegar.
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Harley what's up my man!!! Guy's let me tell you, Harley is THE man!!!! I have never seen a more committed individual to a training partner & friend than Harley to Craig. Also I'm honored to call him a friend. Harley & me have known each other a long time , even before the "bodybuilding" fame came along to all the guys he's mentioned, right bro? Don't worry I won't tell about me & you battling for that girl in Daytona beach spring break & I got her,lol. Seriously a very good and HONEST, straight forward guy!!! Great addition to this board!!!
Pez
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I don't believe it would be proper for me to discuss anything Vinnie may or may not have done. I no longer have the type of relationship with Vinnie that would warrant my release of any privileged information. That much respect I will always show for him.
fair enough brother
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Harley what's up my man!!! Guy's let me tell you, Harley is THE man!!!! I have never seen a more committed individual to a training partner & friend than Harley to Craig. Also I'm honored to call him a friend. Harley & me have known each other a long time , even before the "bodybuilding" fame came along to all the guys he's mentioned, right bro? Don't worry I won't tell about me & you battling for that girl in Daytona beach spring break & I got her,lol. Seriously a very good and HONEST, straight forward guy!!! Great addition to this board!!!
Pez
Well, well, well, if it isn't by far still the most genetically gifted bodybuilder in all of New Jersey. I appreciate the compliments and have always taken great pride in being the best training partner I could be. Seeing as I could never compete, I always tried to make my training partners better than they had ever been. Rob and I trained together at the fabled Westside Muscle back in the late 80's and Lopez was The Man.
As far as Daytona Beach, let me correct my misguided friend. I entered a hot body contest as a surprise to all the guys we were with. I had never done anything like that before and my guys were shocked. Thereafter, Rob knew he couldn't return to the gym having let this little guy take all the glory so he entered a few days later when the competition waned. Rob, you know I have all this on video and pics to prove it so be careful if you audit me. I may just learn how to post a picture soon enough.
As far as the girl, she hailed from Montclair and had you not blocked me (all caught on video) I may have had a shot with her. We met after one of our other guys brought her and her friend, Sylvia to our room because they wanted to see the video of the contest.
Rob happens to be a very successful DJ in some of NJ's hottest clubs and one day I am sure he will call me to come visit him when the talent is just right.
Harley
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Genetically gifted!! Interesting subject! I've been in and out of the gym, training, supplement business for a good long time and have met about three or four individuals who were exceptionally "Genetically Gifted".
One was a young kid who wanted to be a better football player, so we put him on a program to gain weight and about 6 weeks later he entered the state bodybuilding championships and won it hands down. Got out of the Corps and moved back to Alabama and made a name for himself there and was pro-bound but got married and got lazy and turned his life around. Now he's a big fat guy. (It was Bill Grant that originally got him motivated.)
Another was a fitness model who played all the sports in high school and decided to gain a bit of weight so he started lifting for the first time in his life and blew up almost over-night. He was the kind of kid who could look at a barbell and get a pump and excelled in any sport he ever played.
He became a major LA neighborhood hero who drove all around town attempting to settle gang related arguments when asked to do so. Four gang members on the east side of town once took him on with knives and a baseball bat but within a matter of minutes there were three moaning guys on the pavement and another running down the highway. The crowd at McDonald's who came out to see what was going on gathered around and gave him a big hand of thanks and praise. The cops came but he refused to press charges. Give him a couple of dumbells and ten minutes and he'd be contest ready. One hell of an exceptionally gifted individual.
Exceptionally gifted people are exceptionally rare and most of them whom I've met let it slide by the wayside and end up looking like couch potatoes during their later years in life. But there are exceptions.
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Well, Rob Lopez is such an exception and is truly genetically gifted. I have known Rob for over 20 years and when he isn't eating well, training hard or doing an ounce of cardio, he still has great shape, very big size and no fat. I mean it. The guy never has a gut or love handles. In 20 years, I have never once seen him looking out of shape. He ALWAYS looks like a bodybuilder and I have hated him for that. LOL
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Damn Harley you have a great memory!! How the hell did you remember Sylvia,lol, Westside Muscle, ahhh those were the days! That really was one of the best gyms I have ever trained at and the personalities that were there were truly priceless!! You'll be getting a call from me soon I have some things in the works at a club where you will defintaly appreciate the talent!!
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harley
great to have you here
hopefully you wont be put off by alot of the negativity and haters here
you and craig are both inspirational to watch on the BFTO series
you both do great work for the community
BB needs more ppl like yourself
kudos
btw, yes,Nasser was /is a machine when it came to eating and dieting!
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Damn Harley you have a great memory!! How the hell did you remember Sylvia,lol, Westside Muscle, ahhh those were the days! That really was one of the best gyms I have ever trained at and the personalities that were there were truly priceless!! You'll be getting a call from me soon I have some things in the works at a club where you will defintaly appreciate the talent!!
maybe he remembers her name cuz that's the closest he's ever come to having sex with a woman, "Robert"?
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Hey Guys,
Sorry to disappoint you but I never bothered to go through civil lawyers in order to set up a Nonprofit 501. What happened was that many years ago, my friend Jeff Kovatch introduced me to a group of WWll and Korean War Veterans who were part of an organization called the Alhambra. They did some work with challenged kids and Jeff and I joined in (they felt terrible when years later they found out I was Jewish and therefore not eligible for official membership).
As time went on, Jeff and I slowly took over as the guys were literally in their 80's and 90's and couldn't continue. We began to throw parties every 2 months with a live DJ, catering in pizza, 2 custom balloon people (they make things you can't imagine such as a monkey hanging from a palm tree eating a bannana), toys, and sometimes a magician. Each and every June, we take the kids up for a whole day to a campsite and dance, feed them, have a parade, play games (plastic basketball hoops and bowling pins) and make announcements to acknowledge their placings in the recent Special Olympic games. Well, Jeff moved to Vegas and I couldn't let the charity go under so I just ran it myself. I call it a charity although I don't solicit any money. I just pay for it myself. I don't advertise this so therefore there isn't a website.
You may have seen pictures of Craig with the kids at the parties in some of the magazines. He always comes to the events and takes tons of photos and hands out free autographed pictures. The kids think he is a superhero. I think he is a nice guy for doing it.
Harley
Thanks for sharing that Harley...It is important to share these kinds of stories to show people that good things are going on in our community.....
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harley
great to have you here
hopefully you wont be put off by alot of the negativity and haters here
you and craig are both inspirational to watch on the BFTO series
you both do great work for the community
BB needs more ppl like yourself
kudos
btw, yes,Nasser was /is a machine when it came to eating and dieting!
Dear Swami,
Thanks for the compliments. Bodybuilding has many people who do nice things for others. The problem is that some of the magazines are very often reluctant to focus more attention on those matters.
Those BFTO videos are pretty kool. If you can't get pumped to train that day, just go home and have a latte. Let me tell you how great a guy Craig is. He tells Mitsuru that he won't take part in any taping unless Mitsuru agrees to include me in some footage. Craig meant it and told Mits not to even schedule the shoot if that couldn't be done. You hardly read an interview in which Craig doesn't thank me and his family. Not many guys give up a second of the spotlight when they finally get it.
Harley
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maybe he remembers her name cuz that's the closest he's ever come to having sex with a woman, "Robert"?
Hey Power Rod,
That was pretty funny. You do have to have thick skin to stay alive on this site. Well, I am not going to rebut your hypothesis but if "Robert" Lopez wishes to chime in, I am sure he can tell you whether or not he has ever seen me with a very attractive girl. It's a shame you didn't understand what the "talent" reference was all about but perhaps you were too busy thinking of other really kool names with which to anoint yourself.
Harley
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Guy's please don't push another great addition to this "bodybuilding forum" away with stupid meaningless comments. You are going to be hearing straight honest stories and tips about one of the IFBB greats & his partner on how they really do things on a daily basis. Not the repetitive lies you read all the time in the magazines. Take advantage & learn how it's really done!!! And yes don't ask me how he does it but Harley does pull in some seriously hot babes!!!
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Guy's please don't push another great addition to this "bodybuilding forum" away with stupid meaningless comments. You are going to be hearing straight honest stories and tips about one of the IFBB greats & his partner on how they really do things on a daily basis. Not the repetitive lies you read all the time in the magazines. Take advantage & learn how it's really done!!! And yes don't ask me how he does it but Harley does pull in some seriously hot babes!!!
Hey Pez,
Thanks. I was getting a bit frustrated especially on the other thread where I wrote about a tip and got bashed for naming the actual product itself, as if it is going to benefit me. As you know, I don't make my living from training.
Thanks again.
Harley
PS- I know you have great stories about you and Cormier.
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Hey Guys,
I am hoping to give and receive some valuable information re bodybuilding, dieting, training, etc. Lately, there has been quite a bit of animous thrown at me and for a guy with thick skin, I am used to that. I just didn't think my motives would be called into question on a site like this where this nothing for me to gain but knowledge.
Anyway, I see guys like Bob Bonham and Rob Lopez come here so it gives me much encouragement that someone at least knows what I am really about.
I was hoping to give an "insider's" view on some of the things that we never read about in the magazines if anyone was at all interested. If there was an aspect of Craig's training, diet, etc. I thought I could offer it here to real fans of the sport. If there was a fan of a particular bb and they asked for my honest opinion or if I had any encounters with that person, I would be almost always willing to discuss it. I also wished to learn from guys who are doing great things in the gym and with their own diets. We aren't reinventing the wheel, but we could all learn from one another.
I remain optimistic.
Harley
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thanks for everything that you've shared with us. much appreciated.
saw u on bfto doing legs with craig....
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Harley dosent tolerant bullshit, whether it'd be from me or 6x Mr Olympia Dorian Yates.
Dont even voice your opinion because no doubt the man will challenge you to a brawl outside, if Yates couldn't handle this beast im not sure anyone could.
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I don't want to challenge anybody and I am far from a "beast." Perhaps I did let my anger get the best of me. It's a bit frustrating to be met with such hostility when my intent was to answer the requests of a few people who wanted to know the truth about something you will never read about in the stupid magazines that purport to serve the fans. The fans I have met while with Craig have all been great and so friendly. They can't get over when a pro bb takes the time and actually OFFERS to take a picture with them at of course, no charge (no Ferrigno issues here with Craig). Craig routinely listens to fans' questions re diet and always gives free advice if they ask. Overall, my experience with Craig's fans has been awesome and I guess I expected the same here. I just have to remember that people don't always have such a positive response to information they might find hard to believe or of questionable motives. Nevertheless, I am appreciative for all the nice welcomes I received.
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Dear Get Biggers,
My name is Harley Breite and I have the good fortune of being both training partner and personal friend to IFBB Professional Craig Richardson for the past 10 years. I have very much enjoyed this site and finally decided to register.
Like many of you, I became interested in bodybuilding at a very young age. While bodybuilding, like all sports, is plagued with certain ailments, it certainly has great potential to allow us to extrapolate our success in the gym to many other areas of our lives. Depending on our own personal excess and extreme, I guess we are all balancing the benefits and detriments of a sport and lifestyle to which we have gravitated.
I wish the magazines and other forums would offer some more personal insight to the sport. I know that I am very lucky to have an "insider's" view to the athletes, training, and the competitions.
Lastly, I very much enjoy this forum's discussions on the history and development of bodybuilding as well as the comparison of the athletes themselves. Some of the pictures you guys find are just awesome. I would be happy to post pictures of Craig during his training and contest preparation if I could ever figure out how to use the "Attachment" option. I must confess to a serious lack of computer acumen.
I am glad to have finally registered and look forward to the banter.
Sincerely,
Harley Breite
Baby steps, bro, baby steps. Maybe re-read your (above) 'declaration of intentions' to regain your eye of the tiger? ;D
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Harley dosent tolerant bullshit, whether it'd be from me or 6x Mr Olympia Dorian Yates.
Dont even voice your opinion because no doubt the man will challenge you to a brawl outside, if Yates couldn't handle this beast im not sure anyone could.
Yates felt sorry for this little midget, he'd have stomped a mudhole in "Harley" if they would have fought.
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Baby steps, bro, baby steps. Maybe re-read your (above) 'declaration of intentions' to regain your eye of the tiger? ;D
Dear Dr. Chimps,
Fair enough. Perhaps I will wait to see if anyone solicits any information or stories before I go and throw one out there. Thanks.
Harley
PS- I heard Kai Green looked massive at 302 lbs last night at the Mr. New Jersey where he guest posed. I heard he had some separation in his legs, a visible showing of his x-mas tree and his abs. I was not there so don't yell at me for not posting a picture. I heard this from 2 people who were there themselves.
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Damn Harley you have a great memory!! How the hell did you remember Sylvia,lol, Westside Muscle, ahhh those were the days! That really was one of the best gyms I have ever trained at and the personalities that were there were truly priceless!! You'll be getting a call from me soon I have some things in the works at a club where you will defintaly appreciate the talent!!
i just read all this, and when i came to this stuff i had to laugh.
first off....robby, you are one 100% right......harley is the best training partner anyone could have, and a great friend too.
harley can hang with anyone in the gym, even when i would get on his case about not eating all day...lol
rob, harley bitched about you cock blocking him all the time....all in fun though.
harley.....remember when you got me out of my room at 10pm to go to the BAR to meet the hot chicks.....that night was a blast.
oh , and yeah i dont know how the guy does it, but he PULLS em in.
i was young and stupid at the time to realize how good a friend harley was.....great guy
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i just read all this, and when i came to this stuff i had to laugh.
first off....robby, you are one 100% right......harley is the best training partner anyone could have, and a great friend too.
harley can hang with anyone in the gym, even when i would get on his case about not eating all day...lol
rob, harley bitched about you cock blocking him all the time....all in fun though.
harley.....remember when you got me out of my room at 10pm to go to the BAR to meet the hot chicks.....that night was a blast.
oh , and yeah i dont know how the guy does it, but he PULLS em in.
i was young and stupid at the time to realize how good a friend harley was.....great guy
Dear Vinni,
I appreciate you saying that.
I always felt our falling out was never properly reconciled. That was obvious a few weeks back when we saw each other at Lion's Den and despite my coming over and congratulating you on your new and well-deserved pro status, you felt that I was rude in not saying goodbye. I am sure you will remember that once I start training, I don't talk to anyone until I am done. It just has to be that way, especially with all those who find no problem in attmepting to interrupt Craig as he trains. As I was leaving the gym that day, you were in the middle of training legs and I would not interrupt anyone at that moment. In retrospect, I should've waited until the set was over and just yelled and waved so that you knew I was on my way out but didn't want to disturb your workout. That is what I should've done.
Thanks for the compliment on my ability to train with you guys. It gives me a great deal of pride to hang with guys like you, Rob Lopez, Jason Arntz, Matt Duvall and Craig Richardson. Perhaps in recognizing I could never look lilke you guys, there is a small victory in attempting to make you puke at every leg workout (Remember the bucket incident at Sonny's when I got on the microphone? LOL). I was proud when you placed 4th at the 1997 Nationals in a great class after we had trained together.
As far as my eating, I still train on a relatively empty stomach. No doubt one of the worst habits but sometimes I let the stress of life and work get in the way of eating.
As far as taking you to meet hot girls, I never forgot how respectful you were and how seriously you stood by your wedding vows. For those who may not know, Vinnie's wife, Sheila, is one of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet and by far, his best accomplishment.
As far as friendship is concerned, let's just say it's all water under the bridge as my memories of training together remind me of what a privileged time I have had meeting so many hardcore bodybuilders like yourself.
Thanks.
Harley
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Dear Vinni,
I appreciate you saying that.
I always felt our falling out was never properly reconciled. That was obvious a few weeks back when we saw each other at Lion's Den and despite my coming over and congratulating you on your new and well-deserved pro status, you felt that I was rude in not saying goodbye. I am sure you will remember that once I start training, I don't talk to anyone until I am done. It just has to be that way, especially with all those who find no problem in attmepting to interrupt Craig as he trains. As I was leaving the gym that day, you were in the middle of training legs and I would not interrupt anyone at that moment. In retrospect, I should've waited until the set was over and just yelled and waved so that you knew I was on my way out but didn't want to disturb your workout. That is what I should've done.
Thanks for the compliment on my ability to train with you guys. It gives me a great deal of pride to hang with guys like you, Rob Lopez, Jason Arntz, Matt Duvall and Craig Richardson. Perhaps in recognizing I could never look lilke you guys, there is a small victory in attempting to make you puke at every leg workout (Remember the bucket incident at Sonny's when I got on the microphone? LOL). I was proud when you placed 4th at the 1997 Nationals in a great class after we had trained together.
As far as my eating, I still train on a relatively empty stomach. No doubt one of the worst habits but sometimes I let the stress of life and work get in the way of eating.
As far as taking you to meet hot girls, I never forgot how respectful you were and how seriously you stood by your wedding vows. For those who may not know, Vinnie's wife, Sheila, is one of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet and by far, his best accomplishment.
As far as friendship is concerned, let's just say it's all water under the bridge as my memories of training together remind me of what a privileged time I have had meeting so many hardcore bodybuilders like yourself.
Thanks.
Harley
group hug lol.....harleys a good addition.