IFBB Pro Branch Warren Hits Owen Sound

By: Domenic Mauro, BA

Owen Sound, known for being one of the smallest cities in Ontario and of course its hockey, was huge in the hearts of the diehard fans of Branch Warren. Saturday October 9th, 2010 the southern shores of Georgian Bay at the Bayshore Community Center were, for a brief moment, eclipsed by the lat spread of IFBB Pro Branch Warren. After only 2 weeks from placing 3rd at the 2010 Olympia, Branch took the time to make it to Canada for his fans where he still looked hard as though he was only a few days out from competing. Corey Phair, the promoter responsible for bringing Branch to Canada, did a great job at creating a cozy setting in a room with a view to the nearby lake. As well, no one left empty handed. Everyone who walked through the door received a gift bag complements of Eggsel. Branch was welcomed with applause and cheers as he began with a small introduction and proceeded by conducting more of a question and answer period type of seminar rather than full out lecture. He was there to give the his fans the opportunity to get the information they wanted as opposed to being given what Branch thought they wanted. He gave us insight into the life and training of a true champion through the questions his fans had for him. The information that followed included that a training partner didn’t necessarily have to be able to lift as much as the other partner, but instead had to be on time and take the training seriously. As his wife Trish (IFBB Fitness Pro) does most of the cooking, Branch told us he eats a pretty clean diet all year long which includes 5 to 6 meals a day. His protein sources consist of egg whites and lean meats preferring buffalo/bison. He did go on to say the he has protein drinks throughout the day, but doesn’t count them as part of his meals. On the occasion he happens to fall off the diet a bit, he loves Italian food more specific the Italian sauces.

Branch Warren on Cardio

Although Branch is known for his amazing conditioning, he confessed that the only cardio he does is in the morning when he walks his dog! Now one thing to keep in mind is that he doesn’t exactly own just any ordinary K9, but instead a weight pulling champion American Bull Dog!

Inspired By Dorian Yates

Branch let us know he hasn’t really changed much in his training over the years. It’s intense with the blood and guts attitude adopted from his idol six time Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates. The tweaks Branch has made over the last few years that have catapulted him to the top and shock the bodybuilding world by placing 2nd at the 2009 Olympia and 3rd in 2010 was to his diet through the guidance of "The Pro Maker" IFBB Pro George Farah. This was once again evident when Branch changed into his posing trunks and guest posed to finish off the seminar. The mass he’s gained since I first met him about six years ago was showcased through the grainy thickness and vascularity displayed with every pose he hit! He was a class act all the way waiting till every fan in line had gone through and the room was virtually empty before he even thought about leaving.