I’m Happy! – Dreams come true for new IFBB pro Franco Santoriello

I’m Happy!

Dreams come true for new IFBB pro Franco Santoriello

1989 was a year of dreams come true for 24-year-old Franco Santoriello. On October 14, he won the light-heavyweight division at the Men’s Nationals with five first-place votes and four seconds. Having finished in the runner-up spot to Vince Taylor the previous year, Santoriello shouted out a heartfelt “I’m happy!” when he was announced as this year’s class winner.

With dream number one under his belt, Santoriello set his sights on an even bigger dream: becoming a professional IFBB bodybuilder. Wasting no time, he went to London, England one week after Nationals for the Weider Challenge Cup. This time he had more reason to be happy: another light-heavyweight class win earned Satoriello his IFBB pro card.

No matter what the song says, wishing on a star had nothing to do with Santoriello’s dreams coming true. He credits his achievements to intense training and a carefully orchestrated, high-caloric diet. The new IFBB pro follows the Parrillo Performance Nutrition Program, taking on over 9,000 calories a day in the off-season. Santoriello maintains a diet high in protein and complex carbohydrates and low in dietary fats. He does, however, allow for an occasional off-season splurge. (Just ask John Parrillo about the five pounds of Christmas cookies that mysteriously disappeared from his kitchen during Franco’s last visit.)

Parrillo and Santoriello first met in 1984, when Parrillo trained the then 18-year old for his overall victories at eth 1984 Teen U.S.A. and NPC Teen Nationals. this was followed by a two-year layoff. When Santoriello wanted to return to national competition, he found himself at 175 pounds and 20 percent bodyfat. he came back to Parrillo for guidance in nutrition and training. Twelve months later, Santoriello took second at the 1988 Men’s Nationals at 193 pounds and 2-1/2 percent bodyfat.

Since graduating from the amateur ranks, Santoriello has been busy with guest posing, seminars and photo shoots for IRONMAN, Muscle and fitness and other top magazines. he is currently preparing for his first professional contest some time in 1990. While he won’t say which sow he plans to enter, it would be no surprise to see Santoriello on stage at the Night of champions in May, followed in October by his first crack at the biggest dream of all: the Mr. Olympia title.

The Olympia would also provide a chance to renew his rivalry with fellow New Jerseyian Rich Gaspari. Santoriello is possessed by the desire to prove he’s the best bodybuilder ever to come out of the Garden State. And if he can continue with his “unchained animal” training and nutrition program, it won’t be long before Santoriello achieves the rest of his dreams.

 

Janet Tech – A Natural Champion

Janet Tech

A Natural Champion

Womens Physique described her as “one of the hardest, yet curvy and feminine physiques on stage” at the 1988 Ms. Olympia. One year later Janet Tech’s symmetry, hardness and femininity have made her one of today’s most popular and admired professional female bodybuilders.

Tech became a pro in 1988 after winning the light-weight class at the Nationals and World Championships. Later that year she placed eighth at her first place at the Ms. International, and tenth place in her second stab at the Ms. O title. Not too shabby for a natural bodybuilder.

The 32-year-old New Jersey native has been weight training since 1981 and competing on the national level since 1984. However, Tech was unable to earn an IFBB pro card until she eliminated fruit, dairy products and refined-carbohydrates (especially bread and pasta) from her pre-contest diet. Now she saves these foods for off-season treats.

With a competition weight of 112 pounds, Tech eats more than most people might think. She takes in an average of 3,000 calories per day in the off-season. Before a contest she cuts down on dietary fats but keeps her daily caloric at about 2,700. Raw potatoes are a favorite pre-contest food. “I like the crunch,” she explains. Tech’s competitive plans for 1990 include just one show: the Ms. Olympia. She hope to see more contestants with feminine shape, symmetry and balance return to this year’s line-up. “Last year, Cory and I were just ripped to shreds and that’s not usually the rule at the Olympia.”

She would also like to see polygraph testing and more random checks instituted as a means of eliminating steroids from female bodybuilding. “Drugs kill the popularity of the sport,” Tech explains. “It doesn’t have to be a freaks show.”

Whether or not Tech’s hopes become realities, she will remain drug free and an inspiration to natural bodybuilders around the world. She is living proof that intense training and proper nutrition can produce phenomenal results, and that’s what being a true champion is all about.

Lee Labrada: Perfect from head to toe

Lee Labrada:

Perfect from head to toe

Lee Labrada’s nickname “Mr. Symmetry” applies to the bodybuilding giant in more ways than one. Yes, most people would kill for his flowing vee taper, his perfect balance between upper and lower body proportions, and his signature charismatic posing style.

But what you can’t see looking at Labrada’s physique is that his symmetry goes a step further — into the delicate dimension of mind-body balance.

You see, bodybuilding is just one facet of Labrada’s diamond-cut life. Before winning the Mr. Universe title, Labrada earned a degree in engineering at the University of Houston. And in between training for the Olympia and running his personalized training business, Starbodies, Labrada still finds time to dabble in real estate.

“You have to find something that’s going to challenge your mind just like bodybuilding challenges your body, “he advises. “Bodybuilding is a long shot. You should give it your best and see if you’ve got what it takes, but don’t put aside your education.”

Labrada himself definitely has “what it takes” to make it in the rough-and tumble world of professional bodybuilding. In fact, after finishing in the runner-up spot at the ’89 Olympia, he plans to take no prisoners at the same event in 1990.

“The writing is on the wall,” Labrada says with assurance. “I feel confident that I can take the Olympia this year. I’m doing my homework and I’m consistently improving.”

His Olympia homework includes what he calls an “intelligent approach” to training–no tricks, just hard work– and a meticulously planned nutrition program.

While Labrada is obviously no slouch in the dieting department (he always shows up in prime shape), he frequently consults John Parrillo for nutritional advice. “John is a superior nutritionist,” Labrada explains.

With his all-around balance and powerful determination, don’t be powerful determination, don’t be surprised if Labrada becomes the second Lee to wear the Mr. Olympia crown. But even then, we’ll still be calling him symmetry.”

 

Lee Labrada: Perfect from head to toe

Lee Labrada:

Perfect from head to toe

Lee Labrada’s nickname “Mr. Symmetry” applies to the bodybuilding giant in more ways than one. Yes, most people would kill for his flowing vee taper, his perfect balance between upper and lower body proportions, and his signature charismatic posing style.

But what you can’t see looking at Labrada’s physique is that his symmetry goes a step further — into the delicate dimension of mind-body balance.

You see, bodybuilding is just one facet of Labrada’s diamond-cut life. Before winning the Mr. Universe title, Labrada earned a degree in engineering at the University of Houston. And in between training for the Olympia and running his personalized training business, Starbodies, Labrada still finds time to dabble in real estate.

“You have to find something that’s going to challenge your mind just like bodybuilding challenges your body, “he advises. “Bodybuilding is a long shot. You should give it your best and see if you’ve got what it takes, but don’t put aside your education.”

Labrada himself definitely has “what it takes” to make it in the rough-and tumble world of professional bodybuilding. In fact, after finishing in the runner-up spot at the ’89 Olympia, he plans to take no prisoners at the same event in 1990.

“The writing is on the wall,” Labrada says with assurance. “I feel confident that I can take the Olympia this year. I’m doing my homework and I’m consistently improving.”

His Olympia homework includes what he calls an “intelligent approach” to training–no tricks, just hard work– and a meticulously planned nutrition program.

While Labrada is obviously no slouch in the dieting department (he always shows up in prime shape), he frequently consults John Parrillo for nutritional advice. “John is a superior nutritionist,” Labrada explains.

With his all-around balance and powerful determination, don’t be powerful determination, don’t be surprised if Labrada becomes the second Lee to wear the Mr. Olympia crown. But even then, we’ll still be calling him symmetry.”

 

There’s no Briz like show Briz!

There’s no Briz like show Briz!

Steve Brisbois — “Briz” to his friends — loves performing for an audience, and bodybuilding audiences love him right back. After all, what’s not to love? The 28 year-old French-Canadian has one of the most complete packages in professional bodybuilding: spectacular symmetry and proportions, great muscle size and quality, excellent posing ability and stage presence, plus movie-star looks and a winning personality.

But he didn’t always have the impressive physique that won the 1986 Canada’s and 1987 Mr. Universe. Would you believe that eight years ago Brisbois smoke, drank and weighed a mere 120 pounds? Then one fateful day he accompanied a friend to a local gym and Briz was bitten by the iron bug.

These days, he has abandoned his partying ways for something he finds far more enjoyable: ” When I’m on stage and I look good, I get an incredible amount of support from the audience. The high is like nothing else.”

In the midst of all this onstage fun, Brisbois is emerging as one of the brightest new stars on the bodybuilding horizon. At 5″3″ and a competitive weight of 160 pounds, the little big man is moving up the professional ladder and slaying a few giants along the way.

“I don’t think of my weight as a disadvantage,” he insists. “I mean, I’ve beaten Rolf Moeller and Nimrod King. If Lee Labrada can be successful, I can do just as well or better.”

While he is free from structural flaws, Brisbois thinks that more overall density will land him in the winner’s circle. Muscle Mag editor Greg Zulak agrees, so he brought Briz to Cincinnati to meet Muscle Mag columnist and bodybuilding expert, John Parrillo.

Brisbois found the trip to be extremely worthwhile. “I have a problem putting on size,” he explains. “I can’t eat enough. But John’s nutrition methods are working great.”

Parrillo also took Briz through one of his patented ultra-intense training and stretching sessions. “I’ve been training for eight years and I’ve never felt pain like that before, “says an amazed (and sore) Brisbois. “John reminded me what intensity is all about.”

Brisbois is utilizing Parrillo’s nutrition and training techniques as he prepares for his next stab at a pro title: the 1990 Night of Champions. If all goes well in New York, you might find Briz enjoying himself on stage at this year’s Mr. Olympia. Of course, don’t be too surprised if show-Briz steals the hearts of audience … and the judges, too!

With his positive outlook on life

With his positive outlook on life,

Ya, gotta like Mike!

Whoever coined the phrase “Nice guys finish last” has never met Mike Ashley. Here’s a man who lives by mottoes lie “Always try,” “Never do anything that won’t benefit you,” and “Aim for long term goals.” An where has this wholesome living taken the 30-year-old Ashley? Straight to the top of professional bodybuilding.

Ashley’s ascent to the pro ranks began in 1986. That was the year he won the light-heavyweight class and overall at the Mr. West Coast, took second at the Nationals, and went on to win his class at the World Championships in Tokoyo.

In his first year as an IFBB pro, the 5’8″ 190-pound Ashley won the World Mixed Pairs and the Detroit Grand Prix, finished in the runner-up spot at the Night of Champions, and became 10th at the Mr. Olympia.

His most recent (and most impressive) victory came on March 3, 1990, when he walked away with the Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic, beating the likes of Mike Christian and Robbie Robinson in the process.

According to Ashley, John Parrillo was a big help in getting ready for the 1990 competitive season. Parrillo started supervising Ashley’s diet in the Fall of 1989.

Unfortunately, several competitors at the Arnold Classic were disqualified after failing their drug tests. But Ashley, whose name has become synonymous with drug-free bodybuilding, isn’t getting on any soap boxes to condemn steroid abuse. That’s just not his style. He’s rather concentrate on one of his most important long-term goals: winning the Mr. Olympia.

To achieve this goal, Ashley relies on consistent training and careful nutrition. As a former powerlifter — he’s done a 744- pound squat, 430-pound bench and 625-pound dead lift — Ashley is no stranger to high-poundage workouts. However, he rotates heavy training (4 to 6 reps) with medium (8 to 10 reps) and light (12-15 rep) sessions.

Since proper nutrition is vital to drug-free athletes, Ashley follows the Parrillo Performance Nutrition Program… Parrillo’s philosophy of high carbs, moderate protein, and very low fat fits right into Ashley’s Jamaican upbringing. Unlike American children, Ashley wasn’t exposed to junk food. Instead, he grew up eating lots of vegetables, fish and complex carbohydrates.

Today, Ashley’s diet consists mostly of chicken, fish, potatoes, rice, corn, broccoli, and cauliflower with additional calories from Parrillo Performance Captri. Between training for the Olympia, working as a private trainer and conducting seminars, Ashley manages to weigh everything he eats and keep a detailed dietary record. That’s not so easy when you eat six to seven meals per day.

But all the hard work and devotion is paying off for Ashley. After his big win at the Arnold’s Classic, he’ll be a favorite at the 1990 Mr. Olympia. And you know, it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.

In every revolution, there’s one man with a mission.

In every revolution, there’s one man with a mission.

With uprisings in East Germany, China, Hungary, Romania, and other countries, 1989 will go down in history as the year of the revolution. And while the world behind the iron curtain was changing, John Parrillo was revolutionizing the world of pumping iron.

Parrillo — CEO of Parrillo Performance, NPC judge, owner of Parrillo’s Powerhouse Gym, and former competitive bodybuilder and powerlifter — is using his in-depth knowledge of training, nutrition, and supplementation to lead bodybuilding into a new era.

Parrillo’s revolution began quietly about 15 years ago when he started training bodybuilders at his Cincinnati gym. Before long, his protégées were winning major contests and his reputation as a top-notch trainer grew.

Today, with the current roster of physiques luminaries who turn to Parrillo for advice — include Lee Labrada, Janet Tech, Mike Ashley, Franco Santoriello, Steve Brisbois, and Lenda Murray to name a few — he is one of the most talked about people in the sport.

“Parrillo knows his stuff,” says Greg Zulak, editor of Muscle Mag International. “And in all areas of bodybuilding — training, nutrition, dieting, supplementation, aerobics, and stretching. I honestly think he knows more about maximizing muscle growth and losing bodyfat than anyone in the world. It’s no wonder that that so many top pros, world and nationally ranked bodybuilders have sought his advice.”

In fact, Zulak thinks so highly of Parrillo that he asked him to write a monthly column for Muscle Mag. The column, which began in June of this year, has already become a favorite of Muscle Mag’s readers.

While Parrillo is well-versed in every aspect of bodybuilding, his expertise in nutrition and supplementation is the most sought-after of all. The continuous stream of phone calls requesting dietary advice prompted Parrillo to put his oft-repeated words of wisdom into writing. Thus, The Parrillo Performance Nutrition Manual and Bodystat kit were born. In the past years, thousands of copies have gone out to bodybuilders worldwide. Next on Parrillo’s agenda: a training and stretching manual.

So while things have quieted down behind the iron curtain, the Parrillo revolution has just begun. You can expect to hear from this man with a mission for a long time to come.

 

The Shape of Things to Come

The Shape of Things to Come

Recently, there has been a good deal of talk about women’s bodybuilding being a dying sport. The problem, it seems, stems from an internal struggle between those who emphasize muscularity — insisting that this is a sport, not a beauty contest– and those who think “femininity” should figure into the judging criteria — insisting that heavily muscled women drive away the general public and their much needed dollars. The raging debate has left many female bodybuilders confused as to what type of physique the judges want to see. Should they go for sheer size or should they concentrate on shape and personal appearance? One competitor, however, knows exactly how to handle the situation: Lenda Murray gives them the best of both worlds.

The 27-year-old burst into the bodybuilding spotlight in 1989, winning the heavy-weight and overall titles at the Junior Nationals — her first national-level contest. A few months later she was the proud owner of an IFBB pro card, which she earned by taking the heavy-weight and overall titles, this time at the North American Bodybuilding Championships.

How did Murray go from a regional-level competitor to a serious threat to Cory’s Olympia crown in one year? Simple: she doesn’t give the judges (or fans) any choice but to cast their votes in her favor. You want mass and muscularity? Check out her incredible 24′ thighs and 15′ arms. Are you into symmetry and proportion? Take a look at her flaring lats and waspish waist.

And if you side with those who emphasize femininity, Murray covers that base, too. She hasn’t lost any appeal from her days as a homecoming queen and professional cheerleader. “Femininity is extremely important,” she insists, “especially in terms of public acceptance.”

It was the strenuous physical demands of cheerleading that first turned Murray on to weigh training. Once she started pumping iron, she discovered a natural strength — and tremendous genetic potential. Before long, the Detroit native decided to trade in her pom poms for a posing suit, and she never looked back since.

While Murray took to training like a fish to water it took her a while to get the hang of eating like a bodybuilder — that is, until she met John Parrillo.

The Cincinnati bodybuilding and nutrition expert initially met Murray at Will Dabish’s Powerhouse Gym in Detroit, where the two were filming a commercial for ESPN. Murray had just won the Ms. Michigan and Great Lakes titles, but Parrillo knew that with the right diet she could be even better.

“Before I met John, I’d prepare for contests by doing starvation diets, “Murray explains. “He got me to eat a lot more and take CapTri to get my metabolism up, Now I go strictly by what John Parrillo says.”

That means five to six meals a day (for a total of about 4,000 calories) and aerobics before breakfast and after dinner, a routine she maintains year round. By following Parrillo’s advice, 5’5 Murray feels she can easily top her previous competition weight of 137 pounds yet be more defined: “Each time I diet it gets better and better. I’m looking forward to it now because I’ll be eating more and maintaining muscle while I’m losing fat.”

Currently, Murray’s sights are set on the 1990 Ms. Olympia — her first outing as a professional bodybuilder. Although she knows Cory Everson, Anja Langer, Sandy Riddell and other Olympia hopefuls will be formidable competitors, Murray expects to hold her own.

“I expect to do well,” she says, with more confidence than cockiness. “Ever since I won the Ms. Michigan, I’ve known what it takes to be successful as a pro.”

If — no, make that when — Murray wins the Ms. Olympia title, she plans to take up where her admirable predecessor left off:

“Cory has done an excellent job as spokesperson for that sport. Female bodybuilding has a lot to thank her for. I’d like to continue doing the same types of things she has done and take the sport in the same positive direction.”

And if anyone has can do just that, it’s Lenda Murray — the shape of things to come.

 

 

 

 

 

Debbie Muggli: Undeniably Unbeatable!

This November, NPC bodybuilding champion Debbie Muggli will be watching the Ms. Olympia from her seat in the theater, along with the rest of the fans. But next year, she hopes to be somewhere else: on stage with the other Ms. Olympia contestants.

“My dream is to compete in the ’91 Olympia,” says the 27-year-old kindergarten teacher from Dallas. “But first, I hope to be invited to compete in the Ms. International in March 1991.”

If her current string of victories continues, Debbie certainly has a shot at the top. Since competing in NPC events, Debbie has never known defeat, always winning her class and the overall title. The Lackland Classic, the Muscle Beach Classic, the Lonestar Classic, the 1990 Junior Nationals, the 1990 North American-these are several of the victories on her contest résumé.

Modestly, Debbie attributes her success to luck. But one look at the stunning, symmetrical physique, and you know there’s more than luck involved. She trains very hard on a split routine, five to six times a week, and keeps a detailed training journal. “I record my poundage’s and use this information to make sure that I’m always increasing my weights for greater intensity.”

Even though she has been told that she has no weak bodyparts, Debbie feels her back needs to be thicker. And a new training tool is helping her build that thickness: John Parrillo’s just published manual Parrillo Performance Training.

“John has two back routines in the manual that are outstanding-and intense,” Debbie says. “Part of one routine involves supersetting pull-ups with pullovers. Using this technique, I get a great back workout.”

Debbie also follows the Parrillo Performance nutrition program. “Between the Junior National in July and North American in August, I was able to drop three extra pounds of body fat and retain all my muscle by using John’s program. The results were wonderful.”

Debbie’s successes to date are certainly proof that the right diet, hard training, and a strong commitment to bodybuilding will keep her on the road to victory.

 

 

NPC National Competition – Rules and Regulations

If you have been training for your first NPC National Contest, here are some rules and suggestions to help you prepare ahead of time:

First and foremost, know where the contest is being held, who the promoter is, and what the exact date is.

Call for your entry early. Never make your travel arrangements before sending in your entry. All National contests have a 21-day entry deadline. If you have not received an entry within two weeks after contacting the promoter, call the National Office at 412/276-5027.

All Women and Mixed pairs entries are sent to me. The men’s entries are sent to Peter Potter. For mixed pairs, both the male and female must submit an entry to me. Never send your entry directly to the promoter. After your entry is approved, you will receive a letter of confirmation. This may take up to three weeks.

Make sure your NPC card is current. A copy must be sent with your entry, No NPC cards may be purchased at the contest.

You must be an American citizen to compete in any National contest. You are required to send a COPY of either your birth certificate, a voter’s card, discharge papers from the Armed Forces, or your naturalization papers. Driver’s license or social security cards are not excepted.

To ensure that you have verification of the date your entry was sent, I recommend that you send it by certified or registered mail. This is optional, however.

For drug tested contests, all competitors must be available on Wednesday morning prior to competition for the drug test. There are NO exceptions. So if you are flying to the contest, come early. If your plane is delayed forcing you to miss the drug test, you will not be able to compete.

When you come to weigh-in, bring your NPC card along with your confirmation letter and two different styles of posing suits. All suits must be of decent cut.

If you use a tanning product, bring a sheet and some towels. Some hotels will charge you for any linen that is stained with these products.

There are two mandatory meetings at all National contests The first is held prior to the pre-judging, and the second is before the finals. Anyone who is late for either meeting will be disqualified.

Starting in 1991, any class having more than 10 competitors will be subject to the elimination round in order to limit the class to 10.

If your qualifying contests takes place after the entry deadline, you still must submit your entry prior to the deadline, pending the results of your contest. Your entry fee will be returned if you did not qualify.

Any questions pertaining to the actual competition (location of grocery stores, gyms, and so forth) should be directed to the promoter.

The above are NPC rules and regulations. They are not subject to change by the promoter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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