Motivation wanes, workouts get a bit sluggish, goals get murky.  Something needs to happen.

For me, it was a week off from the gym and then an evening in Tampa at the PBW Pro Bodybuilding Contest.

All you have to do is walk into an environment like the one at a serious bodybuilding competition and your mind is filled with inspiration.  Your eyes are bombarded with amazing sights, and your ego is given a wallop.  But the outcome of all of this over-stimulation was just what I needed.  “When can I get back into the gym?”

For anyone who has not attended a bodybuilding competition, the atmosphere can be almost carnival-like.  The lobby is typically filled with booths and exhibition space from companies selling nutrition and workout products.  Standing at these booths are national level or pro bodybuilders who are affiliated with the company.  They are there to greet you, take a picture, give you an autographed picture, or give you some free product.

It is always inspiring and thrilling to be in the company of the real elite in any activity.  Certainly getting to meet a bodybuilder that you have seen in the magazines or even seen compete onstage can be a great experience.

It’s also humbling to stand next to these bohemoths whose arms require their own zip code.  Last night I met Brian Yersky, a top national competitor, and his deltoids seemed bigger than my head.  The guy is huge, he is serious, and he is walking, talking inspiration.  Shaking his hand and taking a photo was a surreal experience.

The atmosphere is also mind-blowing because the men walking around in the crowd are also all size Extra Large.  It makes sense that serious lifters would be the most likely to attend this kind of event, but it’s still always humbling to walk around in a crowd where you feel small.  And it’s motivating.

I’m anxious to get back to the gym as soon as possible while I have these images of Jose Raymond winning the 202 class with arms you wouldn’t believe.  Paco Bautista was so large I suspect he had to enter backstage via crane.  Troy Alves was so conditioned that his 29 inch waist looked unreal compared to his super wide shoulders.

And a couple of over-40 competitors in the NPC show reminded me that it’s never too late to make things happen.

I’m appreciative of the inspiration, perspective, and motivation I received at this show.  Now where are my lifting gloves?  And get out of my way!!