Musclemania® Paris Physique Short Class Champion Raquieb Balaydin has stayed super lean since the October show. The 5’7″, 180 lbs., Dutch trainer says, “I am keeping it tight. I haven’t let up on my diet because its really part of my life. Eating clean has become easy, it just is.” Raquieb says he’s plans for next season include the Universe in June in Florida.
As the reigning Model Universe Champion, Andre De Assis brings to the forefront a unique mix of commercial model and muscular athlete. The 6’1″, 200 lbs., real estate broker says he maintains a lean physique all year, so for shooting with photographers and advertising campaigns, he needs just a few days notice to drop some water. “When I started competing a few years ago, I leaned how to get into shape and have just keep it that way,” Andre says. “It’s just part of my lifestyle now.” Andre will be a guest host at Musclemania® Florida in Miami on November 1.
Korean superstar Chul Soon took a splash after Musclemania® Universe in Florida in June. The 5’9″, 200 lbs., MM Pro followed-up show with 3 days of media shoots with magazine photographers. Chul returned to Korea a few days later and appeared on a nationally televised fitness entertainment show in which he acted the DJ throughout the 1-hour program. Next month, he will travel to Singapore as a special guest at MM Asia along with fellow MM Pro legend Ade Rai of Indonesia.
Musclemania Pros (L-R) Chul Soon Soon (Medium), Ulisses (Tall) and Bernard Issogola Amaya (Short) were winners at MM Universe last month in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Ulisses was the first person to have won both MM World and MM Universe back-to-back. Chul has risen from being the Model Korea Champion into one of the best natural bodybuilders in the world. And, Bernard has one of the most classic physique on the scene and always wins with chiseled, lean muscle maturity.
Musclemania® Pro Julian King Navarro shot with popular photographer Ernesto Sempoll in Florida last week just before MM Universe. The 5’7″, 185 lbs., 23 year old star took 3rd Short Class. “I sort of over dieted and then couldn’t get the size back when I carb loaded,” Julian explains. “I did it all wrong and really should have know better. But, I’ll be ready for Vegas. You’re going to see me 10 lbs., bigger and leaner.”
In the tradition of Musclemania® classic style physiques, Florida natural bodybuilder Gerardo Gabriel has developed it all – size, symmetry and condition. The 23 year old, former US Marine is training with military discipline for MM Universe in two months. “I just wrapped up an amazing workout,” Gerardo explains. “Getting my diet tighter and tighter everyday as I soon start to prep to go to work. I am about 178 lbs right now. I have been average, and I have been aesthetic. I chose aesthetic every dam time.”
As the leading natural bodybuilder in Pakistan, Salman Ahmad has been training for symmetry for the past two years. And, one of his biggest deficits was arms. He explains, “I knew my arms had to come up, so I’ve hitting them 2-3 times week. I never did that before.” The 5’8″, 185 lbs., 23 year old is training for Musclemania® Universe in Florida in June. This will be Salman’s first time outside of Pakistan and to America.
Ivan Vera may be under-exposed show talent, but the 6′, 195 lbs., 29 year old personal trainer is one of the hottest new talents in Mexico. He has developed an impressive physique of classic symmetry and thick muscle. And in June, Ivan will be competing at Musclemania® Universe Physique in Florida and no doubt will among the most popular athletes on stage. – Photo Credit Julio Martinez.
Musclemania Pros Chul Soon (L) and Ulisses (R) have always been mutual admirers with respect for the others’ competitive and commercial achievements. In just 6 years, Chul has risen from being a Korean sports model to one of the sports most popular natural bodybuilders and commercial stars. For over a decade Ulisses has been legendary with his classic symmetry, incredible muscle bellies and lean condition. But his marketable appeal and public attraction has also made him a commercial celebrity. So, will Chul and Ulisses be in Florida in June for a Musclemania rematch? The season is just beginning to unfold.
National Powerlifting Natural Champion Reggie Miles always looks great even in the off-season. The 5’10″, 195 lbs., Florida star says he needs to get through a couple upper body injuries and in the meantime is working his legs and calves. ”In disguise this has forced me to blast my legs,” Reggie says. “I want to get back on stage this year, so legs needs to be ready. Lots of hacks, curls, lunges and all sorts of calve work.”
