Natural BB/Last Week Prep

Many times at shows, speaking engagements or even the gym I get the question what is a Natural show?  The short answer is natural shows use some form of drug test (polygraph, urine, blood) whereas non-natural or no-label shows don’t.  The next question is what do they test for?  Typically, most shows test for hormones, pro-hormones, steroids, and cutting drugs (diuretics).  It is the competitor’s responsibility to check the promoter’s website to see what drugs are tested for.  My organization the ABA/INBA is the only natural organization in the world that uses WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) for their testing.  WADA tests the Olympics, Tour De France and other sports. 
Last week preparation for a show can be one of toughest challenges a BB will face.  The theory behind last week prep is to take the water on the subcutaneous layer and push it into the muscle making the skin look tighter and show off the muscle better.  Water gets into the subcutaneous layer by the amount of sodium and lack of potassium in your system.  So the theory is that for 3 days you drink a lot of distilled water with large amounts of sodium and low carbs, then for the last three days you get rid of all of your sodium and take in a lot of carbs/potassium and no or very low amounts of water.  The idea is that the water from the subcutaneous layer is drawn into the muscle making it fuller and the skin is tightened onto the muscle.  This trick is used by models, actors and bodybuilders preparing for shows, shoots or roles.  Example;
Sunday- Normal diet plan with minimum carbs, and 2 gallons distilled water.
        Cardio of 40m in morning and 30 min in evening.
Monday- 1st day of sodium load and carb deplete, 2 gallons distilled water. 5 meals of lean beef, chicken..
        Workout-Chest/Back with no legs.
        Cardio of 40m in morning and 30 min in evening.
Tuesday-2nd day of sodium load and carb deplete, 2 gallons distilled water. 6 meals of lean beef, chicken.
        Workout-Arms/Shoulders with no legs.
        Cardio of 40m in morning and 30 min. in evening.
Wednesday-3rd day of sodium load and carb deplete 2 gallons distilled water. 7 meals of lean beef, chicken.
          Workout- None
          Cardio-only light walking (30 min am and pm.)
Thursday- 1st day of carb and potassium loading (eat every 2-2.5 hours), no sodium, 1 gallon distilled water.
          Workout- None
          Cardio- light cardio in morning, posing only in the evening for show.
Friday-   2nd day of carb and potassium loading, no sodium, no water (just sip).
          Workout-use a light surgical tubing to keep a small pump the day before.
          Cardio-None
Saturday- (day of show)- 3rd day of carb and potassium loading, no sodium or water.
           Instead of water, I try to use grapes or watermelon or Rehydrate if I feel really dehydrated.
           Also I will use the new SLAM drinks to give me energy and take my vitamins.
Sunday-eat like a pig.
…For more information and tips, check my website, www.chadamartin.com. Thanks to Universe Gym for supplying equipment for this show.