Muscle Talk

Mike Davies Fitness Bootcamp - Day 2 - AM

"Girls make mistakes, But you can't be an ass."
- Mike Davies, on whether he's ever kicked a girl off his team

ITINERARY:

6:00am - I arise bright and early again, but this time, I'm actually looking forward to my day! Call me crazy, or call me dedicated, but I feel good, and ready to kick ass!

7:02 - Q&A breakfast starts. This guy is punctual! I come up with about 20 questions right off the bat (occupational hazard). I should probably keep my numbers to a minimum... But how often does one get this opportunity?! Ugh. I keep it to 5 questions, and bite my tongue with the other 15.
In the course of his talk, he says that his wife, IFBB Fitness pro Julie Palmer, looks forward to contest dieting...
...I realize I should probably be like Julie Palmer.

7:33 - Mike announces, "I HATE BARBELL SQUATS." - My little bodybuilder world is rocked.

7:39 - Mike denounces the Shake Weight. My little bodybuilder mind is blown. 
Note: A transcript of the Q&A will be available within the next week

8:00 - Back Attack
           TRAINING: 1) Underhand lat pulldowns s/s with hop ups on bench
                               2) DB rows s/s with overhand lat pulldowns
                               3) KB swings s/s with DB deadlifts
                               4) Rowing on machine s/s with Renegade Rows
                               5) 1 arm dumbbell pulls s/s with 30 mountain climbers

FINAL THOUGHTS:

As a reporter, I don't often get to pick my assignments. That's why they're called "assignments", because they're "assigned." So when I was "Volun-told" (get it?) that Mike Davies was having a Fitness bootcamp this weekend, I was nervous. I'm a competitive bodybuilder; the world of "conditioning", "plyometrics", "supersets", and "clear heels" are as foreign as a land of unicorns and Leprechauns. Never-the-less, because I love this industry, and love training, I opted in, not knowing what to expect. What I got out of it was more than I bargained for. I learned about teamwork, hard work, and how one program (especially if it's a cookie cutter program) isn't right for everybody and every BODY. I learned that just because you think you fit into one specific box/category, doesn't mean you can't experiment with other styles, and switching up your training style can actually aid in your physique goals! It was indescribable to see figure, fitness, bikini, physique and bodybuilder girls (Ok, so that last one was just me) come together and encourage the heck out of each other. The camaraderie was everywhere, and it was contagious!

Mike is an incredible trainer with a wealth of knowledge that he's more than happy to share. One of the most generous and helpful coaches I've ever met. His athletes, and anyone who gets the privilege to spent a weekend with him, should soak up any/all knowledge he has. This guy is amazing.
Inspired, motivated, driven, encouraged and invigorated. That would probably sum things up.