Do you think you’re training smart in the gym? I know I did… and I was training smart… actually smarter and smarter with each passing month, which is why my physique has dramatically transformed during the past three years.
But, although I was training smart, I always new there was an even “smarter” way to train… a way to maximize the benefits of every rep… making it REALLY count!
Enter IFBB Pro Ben Pakulski… B-Pak… The “Pakman”… The FREAK! 😉
Now… before you make the big mistake of stereotyping Ben (like I first did), I encourage you to continue reading this post and listen to the entire 37 minute podcast that accompanies this post.
OK, seriously… what’s going through your head right now? Are you thinking, “This guy is a BEAST! Freak’n Awesome!”… or are you thinking, “Gross… I don’t want to learn from this meathead.”
Unfortunately, when I was first introduced to Ben and his MI40 muscle building program, I stereotyped him right off the bat.
The pro bodybuilder physique has never appealed to me… and I thought, “How could this gigantic beast of a man possibly relate to the challenges I face?”
I initially thought his MI40 program was nothing but a bunch of hype. Controlling exercises through a slower tempo with ‘intent’ is something I already learned from the classic Physique Artists such as the great Steve Reeves and the Iron Guru Vince Gironda.
So, for four months I brushed Ben’s work off. I ignored my friends who told me, “Ben is the real deal dude! He’s a really nice guy and he’s freak’n brilliant!”
…and that was a big mistake that cost me four months of greater progress. But, you know what they say, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”
When I was finally ready to let go of my stereotype of Ben, I got on board with his Hypertrophy Max program and was immediately blown away.
I finally realized why so many people were raving about him. He truly is a genuine, sincere, and caring gentleman… a family man… entrepreneur… a friend… a teacher… and yes he is indeed freak’n brilliant… far from the type of guy I pegged him as. Now I feel like a dumbass.
During the past six months my workout partner and I have been training smarter than ever before. My physique has improved more during these six months than the past six years combined.
I’ve always prided myself on having a fantastic mind-muscle connection… but now it’s mind-blowingly awesome!
…and it’s all thanks to the visual and verbal cues that Ben has taught me. (NOTE: We cover some of those cues in the podcast).
I believe this is why Ben’s style resonates so well with me. We’re both students of Sport Psychology and recognize that a strong mind is what creates a strong body.
Bodybuilding is a thinking (wo)man’s sport…. despite what the Planet Fitness commercials portray.
“Lifting things up and putting them down” is exactly what the average gym-goer is doing. The bodybuilder intelligently moves a weight through space with intent, focus, and purpose.
It’s pretty wild to see how I’ve gone from a skeptic and critic to an absolute raving fan of Ben’s. NOTE: If I start wearing B-Pak pajamas and have Pakman bedsheets… well… then you’ll know I have a problem and need intervention 😉
But seriously though… I’ve watched his documentary “The Debut” six times already. It inspires the heck out of me… to go after my dreams with every ounce of my being.
Although I have no aspirations to be a 270lb IFBB Pro Bodybuilder, I see the sport in a new light… and that’s what makes Ben such an amazing ambassador for the sport. He’s busting down the stereotypes and opening our eyes to what drives these incredible human beings to achieve such incredible feats.
…and what Ben teaches is not designed to make you “look” like a pro bodybuilder… it’s designed to make you look and ‘become’ the best version of yourself.
…which makes his programs a perfect compliment to the Metabolic Masterpiece 12 month body sculpting lifestyle plan and the 33 Days To A Picture Perfect Physique ‘Speed-Sculpt’ system.
This has been a HUGE wake up call for me. It’s got me thinking, “What other stereotypes do I hold that may also be holding me back?” A closed mind will keep your limitations in while locking out opportunity and progress.
OK… so now it’s time to open your mind as you listen to this fantastic 37 minute conversation between IFBB Pro Ben Pakulski and myself…
Train Smarter podcast… mp3 download here
During our discussion Ben reveals…
The driving force that pushes him to succeed.
What happens when he has a “bad day” with lack of energy and focus.
His pre-workout ritual that gets him focused and fired up.
How he begins each day.
How to get the most out of every rep.
What he believes is holding people back from the physique they desperately want to sculpt.
His Kryptonite <== This was deep!
Do yourself a huge favor and listen to our conversation while you walk the dog or climb the stepmill... and as always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts afterward.
Sculpt a Masterpiece,
Scott Tousignant
PS I look forward to picking Ben’s brain in future podcasts, but in the meantime I recommend that you learn more from him through the following links…
MI40
Hypertrophy Max
The Debut – documentary film
Ben’s YouTube Channel
Ben’s Facebook fanpage
About The Author
Scott Tousignant, BHK, is a Physique Coach with the knowledge and experience to help you sculpt your body into a chiseled work of art!
Scott believes the art of sculpting an aesthetically pleasing physique with ideal proportions and spectacular symmetry is one of life’s most rewarding and fulfilling experiences. It’s an opportunity for self-growth, self-discovery, and self-mastery that will impact every area of your life.
Scott’s body sculpting workout systems have been embraced by physique artists around the world. It’s time you became his next great success story! Choose the plan that best suits your needs by visiting the following links…
Speed Sculpt Plan: 33 Days To A Picture Perfect Physique
Lifestyle Plan: Metabolic Masterpiece Body Sculpting System