The campers (which included people from all over the globe - and quite a few from Australia) and pros all met up in Tampa on a Thursday evening. It was great to see so many familiar faces from the natural bodybuilding world, and Layne and his wife Isabel once again did an outstanding job planning out all the events and making sure everything ran smoothly. This was no small feat considering that Isabel was about 8 months pregnant! After a group dinner on Thursday night, it was time to get down to business on Friday. I was partnered with some intense Australians who both set PRs as we squatted and deadlifted, and I was happy with a 425 x 5 squat on my last set that day.
Friday afternoon was spent on campus at the University of Tampa in Dr. Jake Wilson's lab, taking quad measurements and listening to awesome lectures about the latest news in the world of bodybuilding science. I was particularly impressed with Dr. Wilson's recent research on the benefits of band / chain training as well as incorporating a varied version of "extreme stretching" into your training routine. I will be thinking quite a bit more about the best way to include these in my current split. The campers were also lucky to hear more about Daily Undulating Periodization from Ben Esgro, recent studies into the benefits of a ketogenic diet from Dr. Dominic D'Agostino, and an awesome look into the mindset of one of the most promising young bodybuilders out there, Ryan Doris. Of course Dr. Joe's famous lecture on "Perfect Peaking" went over well, and my own lecture on "A Visual Progression of Dieting" walked the campers through the changes in my physique as I diet down into contest shape.
Again, the science and analytical way of thinking about bodybuilding is what sets this camp apart from all others like it. Layne is to be commended for recognizing the demand for this type of event.
Saturday and Sunday were also filled with some incredible lifts (including Layne's 675 x 3 sumo deadlift!) and great Q&A sessions as the campers picked the brains of people like Layne, Dr. Joe, Dr. Wilson, Philip Ricardo Jr. Dave Goodin, and Alberto Nunez.
I chose to save my deadlift session for Sunday when I was able to accomplish perhaps my most impressive lifts to date...
Here is a video of my 605 x 5 sumo deadlift:
And another of my 635 x 2:
I am amazed to say this but I think I had a little more in me! That kind of atmosphere is just awesome, everyone was cheering each PR attempt and the intensity / comradarie was inspiring to say the least. Here is a nice compilation video of some of the other lifts from the camp, and another one featuring the amazing Philip Ricardo Jr. interviewing me about the camp.
Great job Layne and Isabel! Thanks to everyone who participated. I am already looking forward to coming back next year!!