DAY 1 — PUSH WORK
CHEST | SHOULDERS | TRIS
• Back to the show! Rest day was needed. I was pretty sore all over and it does feel good, recovery is needed to build. That being said up at 0430 as normal. Mr Ash wanting out, and rockstar zero and robe show for the neighbors. Got back in and feed Ash breakfast. I hit the garage with a metal mindset. So treadmill for 30 minutes heart rate at 125-135. Going into yoga stretching. Really working on legs and lower back. Then for my old school stretches. Following that up with a warm up set of my workout. That Sustanon really seems to be giving me an extra kick in drive. I am liking it. Still no pip or swelling.
*WORK SETS
• Dumbbell Bench Press
12–18 reps × 5 sets
Today we will stay with the last jump, 50 to 60's. 15 clean reps, locked‑in form, chest tight and squeezed disrespectfully as possible. I still work with a slow tempo. No fast speed up just controlled speed, down into a focused movement. And stretching deep as possible with a pause in the stretched position. Feels really good with the extra lbs. Didn't push it finished the last 4 sets at 12 reps. Started to really feel my thoughts to the pecs doing what I want them to do.
• Incline Dumbbell Flyes — 15°
10–15 reps × 4 sets we are the same, 15 from 10lbs. Full stretch, slow squeeze. 15 reps on set 1, So did 12 on the rest of the sets. Focused on keeping tempo in time. Then on the decent slow and controlled pause at maximum stretch. Feeling it as the presses. Really getting deep on the chest.
• Triceps Rope Pushdowns —we had moved up from 50 to 60 lbs.
10–15 reps × 4 sets
Definitely at 15 reps. I can really feel this increase. Focus sharp, feeling them contractions from top to bottom, keeping the pace going. But on the contraction movement I pushed with a slower movement, then slow accent back. On a 4 count. Hit 10 on the rest of the sets. Tri's are feeling juicy. Just not over doing it or getting cocky.
• Cable Lateral Raises
12–18 reps × 5 sets
Cross‑cable setup we are at 12.5 lbs. Hitting 15 reps first set. No changes in tempo. Adjusting stance to hit all the fibers in the shoulders. From set to set 5 x 12 reps on the rest. I should say I only do one front delt set, as the get work in flys and presses.
• Seated Overhead Dumbbell Press (Arnold Press)
8–12 reps × 5 sets
Bench nearly vertical, 25lb. First set 15 then to 12's finished off strong at 15. No shoulder pains at all. Still feeling solid in the shoulders.
• DAILY FUEL BREAKDOWN
- Calories: 3,550
- Protein: 340g
- Carbs: ~460–480g
- Fat: ~85–100g
- Sodium: ~3,800–4,800mg
- Meals: 6 total
- added a extra cup of rice to the cooker. Going to be an extra 145 grams of carbohydrates available in a day. As of late I take 2 cups and run it through the blender to add to shakes. If you add a bit of water you can get it very smooth through the blender. Think I may add more carbs on this day.
• OVERALL NOTES
Feeling pretty dam awesome. I have a track tournament tomorrow morning for the son. Will need to get to bed early. Then the New York Pro show pre judging will be going on. And definitely want to watch some of that. Hopefully you all are doing good. If you need to ask questions. Please don't hesitate. I love to help. It is the TEAM USP Way.
DAILY BODYBUILDING NEWS
May 8/2026
• NEW YORK PRO MEN’S OPEN: PRE-JUDGING EXPECTATIONS (MAY 7)
The judging narrative is already forming and it’s tighter than anyone expected.
• Bob Cicherillo’s Official Pre‑Judging Outlook
Industry judge and Voice of Bodybuilding host Bob Cicherillo dropped his Top 4 ahead of the New York Pro — and his picks reveal exactly what the judging panel will be looking for on Friday/Saturday.
Cicherillo’s projected Top 4 (no order):
• Rafael Brandão — added 5 kg and looks peeled; judges will reward shape + flow.
• Tonio Burton — fullness, roundness, and rear‑pose dominance; many insiders have him winning.
• Michal “Krizo” Križo — mass monster with momentum after ESN British Grand Prix win.
• Blessing Awodibu — wild structure, but must nail conditioning to stay in the mix.
Judging takeaway:
The panel is expected to prioritize shape + completeness, not just mass. Burton and Brandão fit that criteria best right now.
• FULL MEN’S OPEN LINEUP CONFIRMED (17 ATHLETES)
Men’s Open Competitors:
Blessing Awodibu (Ireland)
De’von Barnes (USA)
Rafael Brandão (Brazil)
Tonio Burton (USA)
Nathan Epler (USA)
Eiren Gauley (Canada)
Daniel Goss (Italy)
Amr Haider (Egypt)
Dorian Haywood (USA)
Oluwatobi Ishola (USA)
Christopher Knox (USA)
Michal Križanek (Slovakia)
Walter Martin (USA)
Vincenzo Masone (USA)
Patrick Moore (USA)
Jonathan Pieter (Netherlands)
Michael Woodhouse (USA)
Judging implications:
• Deepest NY Pro lineup in years — judges will run multiple callouts.
• Rear‑double biceps will likely decide the winner (Burton vs Krizo).
• Brandão could win on aesthetics if conditioning is undeniable.
• Blessing must survive the first callout — not guaranteed.
• PREJUDGING SCHEDULE & WHAT THE JUDGES SEE FIRST
Friday, May 8 — Prejudging (10:00 AM)
• Men’s Physique
• Classic Physique
• 212 Bodybuilding
Saturday, May 9 — Prejudging (10:00 AM)
• Men’s Open Bodybuilding (MAIN EVENT)
• Bikini
Judging flow:
1. Quarter turns — symmetry, taper, flow
2. Mandatory poses — front double, side chest, back double, etc.
3. Comparisons — expect 2–3 rounds due to depth
4. Final callout — usually determines the winner
Expect Burton, Krizo, Brandão in the final callout.
• EARLY RESULTS FROM OTHER DIVISIONS (FOR CONTEXT)
• Men’s 212 Winner: Michael Condell
• Classic Physique Winner: Niall Darwen
• Men’s Physique Winner: Ali Bilal
• Figure Winner: Jeanne Kassel
• Fit Model Winner: Gabriela Queiroz
• Women’s Physique Winner: Paula Ranta
• Wellness Winner: Daniele Mendonca
Judging trend so far:
• Tight waists
• Clean lines
• No bloating
• Crisp conditioning over pure size
This favors Brandão and Burton in Men’s Open.
• NEW YORK PRO PREP: ATHLETE MOMENTUM CHECK
Who’s peaking? Who’s fading? What will judges reward?
Michal Krizo
• Already Olympia‑qualified.
• Massive, but must show improved back detail.
• Judges will compare him directly to Burton.
• Thick waist
Tonio Burton
• Vascular, round, complete.
• Rear poses are his weapon.
• Many veterans (Valliere, Feroce, Akim) predict him winning.
Rafael Brandão
• Added size without losing shape.
• If he’s the most conditioned, he can steal the show.
Blessing Awodibu
• Wild structure, but conditioning is the question.
• If he’s off, he drops fast.
TEAM USP (CREEPER’S THOUGHTS)
The 2026 New York Pro is shaping up to be a three‑man war, and the judges already know it. Burton is the most complete, Krizo is the biggest, and Brandão is the prettiest physique on stage. The real battle will be from the back whoever wins the rear‑double and rear‑lat spread wins the show.
Creeper’s call?
Burton vs Krizo in the final two, with Brandão as the wildcard who can blow the whole thing open if he nails conditioning. I favor Krizo with his overall size and good condition. He isn't pretty. He is dialed in and peeled, and very confident. His posing is better than the past. He may be the upset depending if he surges today or fades.
This is the most competitive NY Pro lineup since the Walker runs and the judging panel is going to have to WORK.

CHEST | SHOULDERS | TRIS
• Back to the show! Rest day was needed. I was pretty sore all over and it does feel good, recovery is needed to build. That being said up at 0430 as normal. Mr Ash wanting out, and rockstar zero and robe show for the neighbors. Got back in and feed Ash breakfast. I hit the garage with a metal mindset. So treadmill for 30 minutes heart rate at 125-135. Going into yoga stretching. Really working on legs and lower back. Then for my old school stretches. Following that up with a warm up set of my workout. That Sustanon really seems to be giving me an extra kick in drive. I am liking it. Still no pip or swelling.
*WORK SETS
• Dumbbell Bench Press
12–18 reps × 5 sets
Today we will stay with the last jump, 50 to 60's. 15 clean reps, locked‑in form, chest tight and squeezed disrespectfully as possible. I still work with a slow tempo. No fast speed up just controlled speed, down into a focused movement. And stretching deep as possible with a pause in the stretched position. Feels really good with the extra lbs. Didn't push it finished the last 4 sets at 12 reps. Started to really feel my thoughts to the pecs doing what I want them to do.
• Incline Dumbbell Flyes — 15°
10–15 reps × 4 sets we are the same, 15 from 10lbs. Full stretch, slow squeeze. 15 reps on set 1, So did 12 on the rest of the sets. Focused on keeping tempo in time. Then on the decent slow and controlled pause at maximum stretch. Feeling it as the presses. Really getting deep on the chest.
• Triceps Rope Pushdowns —we had moved up from 50 to 60 lbs.
10–15 reps × 4 sets
Definitely at 15 reps. I can really feel this increase. Focus sharp, feeling them contractions from top to bottom, keeping the pace going. But on the contraction movement I pushed with a slower movement, then slow accent back. On a 4 count. Hit 10 on the rest of the sets. Tri's are feeling juicy. Just not over doing it or getting cocky.
• Cable Lateral Raises
12–18 reps × 5 sets
Cross‑cable setup we are at 12.5 lbs. Hitting 15 reps first set. No changes in tempo. Adjusting stance to hit all the fibers in the shoulders. From set to set 5 x 12 reps on the rest. I should say I only do one front delt set, as the get work in flys and presses.
• Seated Overhead Dumbbell Press (Arnold Press)
8–12 reps × 5 sets
Bench nearly vertical, 25lb. First set 15 then to 12's finished off strong at 15. No shoulder pains at all. Still feeling solid in the shoulders.
• DAILY FUEL BREAKDOWN
- Calories: 3,550
- Protein: 340g
- Carbs: ~460–480g
- Fat: ~85–100g
- Sodium: ~3,800–4,800mg
- Meals: 6 total
- added a extra cup of rice to the cooker. Going to be an extra 145 grams of carbohydrates available in a day. As of late I take 2 cups and run it through the blender to add to shakes. If you add a bit of water you can get it very smooth through the blender. Think I may add more carbs on this day.
• OVERALL NOTES
Feeling pretty dam awesome. I have a track tournament tomorrow morning for the son. Will need to get to bed early. Then the New York Pro show pre judging will be going on. And definitely want to watch some of that. Hopefully you all are doing good. If you need to ask questions. Please don't hesitate. I love to help. It is the TEAM USP Way.
May 8/2026
• NEW YORK PRO MEN’S OPEN: PRE-JUDGING EXPECTATIONS (MAY 7)
The judging narrative is already forming and it’s tighter than anyone expected.
• Bob Cicherillo’s Official Pre‑Judging Outlook
Industry judge and Voice of Bodybuilding host Bob Cicherillo dropped his Top 4 ahead of the New York Pro — and his picks reveal exactly what the judging panel will be looking for on Friday/Saturday.
Cicherillo’s projected Top 4 (no order):
• Rafael Brandão — added 5 kg and looks peeled; judges will reward shape + flow.
• Tonio Burton — fullness, roundness, and rear‑pose dominance; many insiders have him winning.
• Michal “Krizo” Križo — mass monster with momentum after ESN British Grand Prix win.
• Blessing Awodibu — wild structure, but must nail conditioning to stay in the mix.
Judging takeaway:
The panel is expected to prioritize shape + completeness, not just mass. Burton and Brandão fit that criteria best right now.
• FULL MEN’S OPEN LINEUP CONFIRMED (17 ATHLETES)
Men’s Open Competitors:
Blessing Awodibu (Ireland)
De’von Barnes (USA)
Rafael Brandão (Brazil)
Tonio Burton (USA)
Nathan Epler (USA)
Eiren Gauley (Canada)
Daniel Goss (Italy)
Amr Haider (Egypt)
Dorian Haywood (USA)
Oluwatobi Ishola (USA)
Christopher Knox (USA)
Michal Križanek (Slovakia)
Walter Martin (USA)
Vincenzo Masone (USA)
Patrick Moore (USA)
Jonathan Pieter (Netherlands)
Michael Woodhouse (USA)
Judging implications:
• Deepest NY Pro lineup in years — judges will run multiple callouts.
• Rear‑double biceps will likely decide the winner (Burton vs Krizo).
• Brandão could win on aesthetics if conditioning is undeniable.
• Blessing must survive the first callout — not guaranteed.
• PREJUDGING SCHEDULE & WHAT THE JUDGES SEE FIRST
Friday, May 8 — Prejudging (10:00 AM)
• Men’s Physique
• Classic Physique
• 212 Bodybuilding
Saturday, May 9 — Prejudging (10:00 AM)
• Men’s Open Bodybuilding (MAIN EVENT)
• Bikini
Judging flow:
1. Quarter turns — symmetry, taper, flow
2. Mandatory poses — front double, side chest, back double, etc.
3. Comparisons — expect 2–3 rounds due to depth
4. Final callout — usually determines the winner
Expect Burton, Krizo, Brandão in the final callout.
• EARLY RESULTS FROM OTHER DIVISIONS (FOR CONTEXT)
• Men’s 212 Winner: Michael Condell
• Classic Physique Winner: Niall Darwen
• Men’s Physique Winner: Ali Bilal
• Figure Winner: Jeanne Kassel
• Fit Model Winner: Gabriela Queiroz
• Women’s Physique Winner: Paula Ranta
• Wellness Winner: Daniele Mendonca
Judging trend so far:
• Tight waists
• Clean lines
• No bloating
• Crisp conditioning over pure size
This favors Brandão and Burton in Men’s Open.
• NEW YORK PRO PREP: ATHLETE MOMENTUM CHECK
Who’s peaking? Who’s fading? What will judges reward?
Michal Krizo
• Already Olympia‑qualified.
• Massive, but must show improved back detail.
• Judges will compare him directly to Burton.
• Thick waist
Tonio Burton
• Vascular, round, complete.
• Rear poses are his weapon.
• Many veterans (Valliere, Feroce, Akim) predict him winning.
Rafael Brandão
• Added size without losing shape.
• If he’s the most conditioned, he can steal the show.
Blessing Awodibu
• Wild structure, but conditioning is the question.
• If he’s off, he drops fast.
The 2026 New York Pro is shaping up to be a three‑man war, and the judges already know it. Burton is the most complete, Krizo is the biggest, and Brandão is the prettiest physique on stage. The real battle will be from the back whoever wins the rear‑double and rear‑lat spread wins the show.
Creeper’s call?
Burton vs Krizo in the final two, with Brandão as the wildcard who can blow the whole thing open if he nails conditioning. I favor Krizo with his overall size and good condition. He isn't pretty. He is dialed in and peeled, and very confident. His posing is better than the past. He may be the upset depending if he surges today or fades.
This is the most competitive NY Pro lineup since the Walker runs and the judging panel is going to have to WORK.











