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ATHLETE’S PAGE
EARL
ABRAHAMS
IFBB Pro, multiple Arnold
Classic contender
You competed in a total of three
Arnold Classics in your first
year as an IFBB Pro. How did
you survive all three?
This was my IFBB Pro debut year
and it started off with the Arnold
Classic Australia, where I placed
7th. The outcome could have been
better, but I was happy with what
I managed to achieve with only 9
weeks of prep. While I was prepping
for Australia I received an invitation
to also compete at the Arnold
Classic in Brazil. In South America I
had more confidence and everything
went according to plan. I finished
6th and was looking forward to
flexing in front of my own people at
the Arnold Classic Africa. The week
leading up to the show was by far
the most challenging time I have
faced during a prep, but I pulled
through and managed 8th place. I’m
absolutely flattered by all the support
I received on an international level,
but especially from my home crowd!
All I can say is that I’m now more
determined than ever to do better.
JOE MANJOO
2017 Arnold Classic Africa, 2nd in Classic Bodybuilding
up to 1.80m
What tips would you give novice bodybuilders who
would like to follow in your footsteps and train for an
aesthetically-pleasing physique?
People say you must be born with the right genetics to
attain such a physique and there is a fair amount of truth to
that statement. You can, however, improve your shape and
symmetry above and beyond where it is today. I’m always
complimented on my classic proportions, but it did not
happen overnight! It has taken me eight years to go up 8kg in
stage weight. Here are handy tips to build a classic physique:
■ The V-taper is the epitome
of a classic physique. It
starts by building thick delts
to create the illusion of width.
Then comes the flare of the lats
which taper down to a small
waist. The key to lower lat
development is to focus less on
big weights and to concentrate
on getting a full contraction on
every rep. Squeeze as hard
as you can and then get a full
stretch when you release.
■ Exceptionally developed
hamstrings and decent calves
are imperative to success on
stage. To compete today you
need to be absolutely obsessed
about developing world-class
hamstrings. There is also no
way you can hide weak calves.
■ A small waist will make
your shoulders and back
look wider, your chest fuller
and will give your legs that
magnificent outer flare. I do
a lot of vacuum holds in my ab
training to get my waist as small
as possible. I eat smaller meals
throughout the day instead of
stretching the stomach with
tons of food. I also only drink
about an hour or so after I have
had a meal.
www.muscleevolution.co.za
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