Paul's Quest into first Pro Qualifier

[Whomper107]

Big congrats on the pro card Paul, looking forward to seeing some stage shots! Those precomp pictures look absolutely sick.

[kimm4]

Originally Posted by fltallpaul

2009 nga Florida natural overall champion and new pro! Updates soon, thanks everyone for all the support!

Fantastic news Paul congrats! You look amazing job well done!

[thom2355]

Huge congrats. Well deserved.

[fltallpaul]

Before I respond to all these comments I just want to say thank you so much to everyone who has been following along and supporting me. Joining these boards a few years ago was one of the best decision I could have ever made. Nothing but positive vibes and support have taken me from being a first time competitor to winning an overall title. So thanks to everyone who has been here along the way...even the lurkers...I feel your energy, lol.

Originally Posted by dogg74

Congratulations Paul..and Welcome to the pro stage. Cant wait to see some pics as i am sure you owned it on stage

Pics coming soon...after I reply to these, Thank you...always great to hear from those who I admire.

Originally Posted by semper27

Great news! Congrats PRO!!!

Thanks Ben, believe me you helped motivate many a workout and cardio session...

Originally Posted by billfinkbiner

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Fink...all you Scivation guys are my idols!

Originally Posted by FATHER FLEX

Congrats Paul!

Thanks Flex, you have been one of the most helpful board members around since day 1 on here...can't say enough good about you.

Originally Posted by Sean15782

I'm very glad to hear that Paul!!! You did the work, and you earned it!

I am proof that hard work pays off...Thanks Sean.

Originally Posted by Quelly

congrats!

Thanks alot Quelly, for showing me that determination has no bounds!

Originally Posted by robertfah

Congrats Paul.....you always said you wouldn't be out-worked and it paid off.....awesome....

Not out worked...that's what I can control, thanks.

Originally Posted by RUBICON19

HUGE! I mean HUGE!!!!!!!! Congrats

Yes I will detial it shortly...tough, long day!

Originally Posted by Vytis

YES! Congratulations PRO!

Thank you so much.

Originally Posted by CM82682

Thats HUGE! Congrats, Pro!

Still sounds strange...but good!

Originally Posted by ekmi

wow congrats man! hard work payed off

Thank you.

Originally Posted by Rob Anderson

CONGRATS!!!! I knew your hard work could not be denied. Very very proud of you man. Now on to the MIdwest! Rob

Yes sir...now you have to listen to what I say...its coming from a Pro...lol.

Originally Posted by bballbrett5

i need to spread more reputation around before giving it to fltallpaul again. CONGRATS BUD

THanks for that...I hope my reputation helps breed more success on these boards. We need to keep Natural bodybuilding blooming.

Originally Posted by FL_Z32

Congratulations!

Your physique amazes me, no homo.

I also noticed you are in Orlando, what gym do you use?

This is a bodybuilding board, you never need to say no homo...well almost never. I train at LA Fitness on Colonial most days but also Gold's in Dr. Phillips.

Originally Posted by deltpecx

Way to Go! Well Done!

Thank you.

Originally Posted by JENerator

You earned it! Congrats PRO!

Wow that sounds cool...pro.

Originally Posted by stayfit2008

Saweet,..You gonna go up against Layne in 2010?,....

I doubt it, I said if I got a pro card I would take time and come back a new bodybuilder. As tempting as it would be I think by taking some time off I can really add some thickness I need to be competitive when I do step on stage.

Originally Posted by AustrianOakJr

Paul, you look un-freaking-real in those pics. Congrats on your victory!!! Becoming a pro must be an amazing feeling!

Hearing my name called as the overall winner was a moment I will always cherish...words can't describe how it feels to work so long and hard for one goal, then all the anxiety of the day builds up to a few seconds when the head judge can say your number, or someone else's. I am sure you will find out what I mean soon enough.

Originally Posted by Whomper107

Big congrats on the pro card Paul, looking forward to seeing some stage shots! Those precomp pictures look absolutely sick.

Stage shots to follow, I got a few from my friends Mom...Thank you.

Originally Posted by kimm4

Fantastic news Paul congrats! You look amazing job well done!

Thank you so much.

Originally Posted by thom2355

Huge congrats. Well deserved.

I appreciate that...believe me I beat some very good bodybuilders, even my friends weren't sure I would win...

[fltallpaul]

2009 NGA Florida Natural Championships

Thursday November 5th, 2009

After spending most of the day preparing food and packing for Ft. Lauderdale it was about time to leave. We packed up the car with all our stuff and our dog Madeline and headed south. There was plenty of anticipation in the air as we talked about all of the events that were going to unfold. Friday morning at 9am I had a drug test at the host hotel. I decided it best to get to Ft. Lauderdale a day early instead of leaving orlando at 6am to get there. We arrived at my best friend Eric's condo around 10pm. After we settled in it was time for the first coat of Pro Tan. I had been tanning for a month to get rid of all my tan lines and actually added a nice bit of natural color so I was excited to see the results. After two coats I took a few pictures to see where I stood on conditioning and color.

I was very happy when Misty showed me this picture. I knew my hamstrings were blurry all week from being sore so it was nice to see them finally come out to play.


After two coats I let it dry, threw some black sheets on the bed and went to bed so we could get up for the drug test.

Friday November 8th, 2009

Misty and I arrived at the host hotel around 9am and we found the room where registration was taking place. After chatting with President of the NGA and the shows organizers I sat down for a polygrah in a seperate room. Having never been polygraphed I was not sure what to expect. The questions were about ten in total and all related to being drug free for the last 7 years and not taking anything which would prevent a test from being accurate. After I got my letter of passing it was time to hit the grocery store.

I needed some supplies for the final two days which included some steak, sweet potatoes, protein bars and various other things like PB, Rice cakes and such for contest day. We got all that done and headed home. Misty helped so much with getting me ready. She weighed my food, prepped my color, helped with posing....I could not have asked for a better assistant. Support like this from someone you love makes a ton of difference. After working Misty through a leg workout at the gym we headed home for some chill time. We rented a movie called The Proposal and relaxed on the couch. My meals were spot on and I drank 2 gallons of water the day before the contest...for those who worry about holding water. A few coats of Pro Tan and it was bed time.

Saturday November 7th, 2009

I woke up at 6am for my first meal. After walking Madeline I tried to fall back asleep but not happening. The athletes meeting was at 9:45am. After Misty got up she put another coat on me and I had my second meal around 8am. We left for the venue shortly after and they day was under way. We arrived at the school and sat down near the door. Shortly after I sat down Troy Johnson walked up to me(NGA Pro) and said he saw a picture of me and I looked amazing. Layne had sent one of me that I took from Thursday night. Good news to me since Layne was keeping my ego in check and not saying anything. I knew this was a good sign. To hear that Layne was sending my picture to a Pro was very cool. Troy is an amazinly nice guy who chatted with me all day and gave me so much positive feed back. I will be keeping in touch with him going forward for sure. I also got to chat with Kyle before the meeting began. I met Kyle the previous year at this show when he made his pro debut. He is trained by Eric Broser and just brings a sick physique. I was almost shocked to see how much thickness he added in the last year to his upper body. Nicole Weeks showed up late and sat in front of Misty and I. Nicole is a Figure Pro from the Orlando area and helped Misty with posing and actually built her suit. She was a riot and I have some stories with her in them later.

The meeting covered some do's and dont's, how to behave and treat the venue instructions in it. During the meeting I had my 10am meal which was pretty big...time to get my swole on!

After the meeting misty and I found a nice quiet spot outside to get ready. My class was the last class of then entire show. I knew I had a while so I just relaxed. Misty put on a coat of the Pro Tan Stage Finish which really added a layer of nice color and slight sheen. Here is a picture taken by Misty after we applied all my color.


Now the waiting began. The show was supposed to start at 11am. It didn't start until 11:30. I had planned my meals as if noon was my stage time. Pre Judging went really slow as the classes were very large and very competitive. The Pro Men were deep and they pushed them really hard. 20 minutes of non stop posing, being a pro means posing like a pro. One Master's class had about 12 men as well. When all was said and done I got on stage around 2. Out in the back I started to pump and even added a few carbs in as I had started eating a bit too early. I still felt pretty good but was actually rushed as the classes before mine must have been pretty clear...they went really fast. Before I knew it the call for Heavywieghts was made. I was in a class with 3 others lined up and ready to go. A quick glance around me and there was an older gentlemen who was ripped but not too thick...but one guy caught my attention and I knew he was going to be trouble. He was thicker than me in some areas and a bit shorter(go figure). He looked familiar and I would soon find out why.

Out I stepped on stage. I was second from the left of the four. The moment I stepped on stage I was tense and posing hard. Legs flexed, lats flared, smile on and ready for battle. Before I knew it...bam..quarter turn, quarter turn...they fired out the first round of posing very quick. The judges then asked for a change in placement. The guy I knew was going to be trouble was placed next to me. Round two came and again I felt fantastic. I could my friend Sean reminding me of a few quirks I have but I was usually one step ahead. In these posing battles practice makes all the differnce. I pride myself on being quick and professional in my turns and posing. After the third round of posing I was asked to move to the far left, trading places with someone who I felt posed no threat. Another round of posing and while facing the rear the judges called a pose that I had learned only a week before while meeting with Nicole Weeks. Nicole told me when a class is close they will call the hamstring pose. I executed this to perfection and this gave me a boost of confidence as I knew my hams were tight and seperated. Knowing the best way to hit the pose was a great feeling as its not a pose I had ever thought about. I had seen it while attending the show in previous years as well. They were then done with us and off the stage we went.

After getting back stage I chatted with they guy in my class who worried me. He was very nice and I asked him had he competed recently. Sure enough he won the overall title at the show Misty had done 5 weeks prior. WHen he said that I had a flashback to the show and remembered seeing him pose...he won hands down and was a freak up there. I was officially worried now. Not only were my hopes of winning an overall now in jeopardy...my class was gonig to leave me nervous.

Misty also confirmed what I feared when she told me that he looked really good too. My friend and a few other competitors also said it was between us. I was nervous all day but one thing that gave me a bit of confidence was that hamstring pose. I had to remain confident in my mind and I told myself over and over that our class was the only open to hit a hamstring pose so it must be significant.

We got off stage after 2pm and had to be back at 5. Instead of going back to Ft. lauderdale we all sat down for lunch near by. Misty and I as well as my friends who drove down from Orlando. I had a piece of chicken and dry potato with the hopes that my night would be judged again. We all walked around a mall for a bit and Misty and I stopped by Publix for some supplies before getting back. We arrived at 5 but there was not much going on. People were scattered and after a while they explained how things would go as far as routines and judging.

The night show was much faster paced and actually started early. My posing routine was fine, they couldn't get my cd to play so I just used a Metallica song and did my routine to it. I was happy with the response and Misty said I looked great. Every time I hit a back pose and flexed the glutes and hams I could hear the crowd respond...Much like when I hit an abs and thigh shot...those brought the house down, which I made a mental note of. My final pose was a most musclular with my right foot forward...I heard some gasps when I hit this full force...another mental note.

As my classes turn to be awareded placings approached I was pumping up back stage. I went through pullups, pushups, lateral raises and a few other things. We were brought back out on stage together as a group and put through a few mandatories, I believe for the audience. They then pulled us all backstage and called out the placings. 4th was called out, not me...then 3rd was called out and it was down to me and they guy who had me worried all day. I gave him a fist tap and told him good luck..."In Second Place..." all I heard was something other than 63...as he walked out I busted a huge air fist pump and waited for my number and name. Soon There I was on stage shaking hands with my first Open Class Victory.

[fltallpaul]

I took a few pictures and before I knew it we were back on stage for the overall pose down. Honestly I had not paid attention to anyone other than my class all day but Misty told me that the Lightheavy winner was pretty freaky looking on stage. My hope was I had more freak than him. I felt great and had some crazy vascularity going on so as we all walked out on stage together I was last. I could feel that I was bigger than him and really tried to accentuate that by keeping my lats flared and chest bowed. The light and middle did not worry me at all and I was next to the guy who was going to give me problems, which was to my advantage I believe. As they called out the mandatories I was crisp and sharp. I hit every pose with the precision and I could hear Nicole Weeks shouting out to flex the hams and glutes...keep midsection tight.


Funny what you pick up when your focused so much. After one round of mandatories they called for the posedown...right way the little guys jumped closer to the judges but I hit the poses which had awed the crowd earlier...Rear Double Bicep, glutes flexed, hams popping...xmas tree displayed...Then into the rear lat spread...Side Chest....Abs and Thighs...side chest again and before I knew it the music stopped...."We have a winner, your overall winner and new NGA Pro bodybuilder...#63..Paul Revelia"

I turned around briefly and did a huge fist pump, probably something goofy, then immediately pointed at Misty...she had been so much help during this prep and I knew she was nervous all day for me...funny she wasn't nervous on her show day.

We took some pictures for the NGA site, with the President Andy and I stood up there while some others snapped away. What a feeling.

I called layne first thing after seeing my friends. We talked for 20 minutes and he was so excited for me it made me even more excited. Then I called my Dad and he was thrilled. I didn't call anyone all day because I was so nervous I wasn't going to win.


How a New Pro Natural Bodybuilder Eats a BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger


Goofing around after at my friend Toby's house.

[fltallpaul]

Some more pictures from the day....

Most muscular closeup...my training partner Sean's Mom took some amazing stage pictures...


Backstage getting ready




Legs the morning after waiting for our car.

[FATHER FLEX]

Paul! That is some PRO shhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Symmetry, muscularity, and conditioning all top notch!

[fltallpaul]

Sunday morning I met Kyle for breakfast with his parents. He placed 6th in the pro show but will surely be competing for the title in no time...he is that good! I will be updating more with pictures and stuff as it roles in...for now I need to get some sleep. I am off work on Monday so I will be updating as things come to my mind....for now good night.

[fltallpaul]

Originally Posted by FATHER FLEX

Paul! That is some PRO shhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Symmetry, muscularity, and conditioning all top notch!

You would now...thanks Berto...you have been a great support and inspiration on these boards since day 1. I hope to meet you in person someday and shake your hand...keep up the great work.

[Quelly]

man you looked very worthy of that card my friend, very impressive...making a 6'3 natural physique look that good takes some hard work! I will never complain again about how hard it is being 6 foot! You looked like a giant up there, those short guys didn't out muscle you at all! Sick physique and a good man to top it off!

[stayfit2008]

Hey Paul,..Good Call on the posing trunk color!!!,...green must be the new black these days!!!

[BillyUrias]

Congratulation Paul on a victory well earned man. You sure did prove what determanation and hard can do mister PRO. You have me all siked about stepping on stage for my show. Again congratulation.

[muscleandgains]

congrats man!!!!

[Nicole]

Congratulations! That is awesome!! Now you get to do it all over again in less than 2 weeks!!

[dogg74]

Awesome Review and pics Paul. You def held your ground and you came out on top.Very well deserved. That Bbq Bacon Cheeseburger is ....TOO SMALL. MR. NEW PRO..Get with the program.

[TQsmooth5]

Congrats man, you looked great!

[Slackadjuster]

Great job Paul! Well deserved win!

[rich55]

Congrats Paul! Looking awesome man. Dig the shape and symmetry. Enjoy your success!!

[fltallpaul]

Originally Posted by Quelly

man you looked very worthy of that card my friend, very impressive...making a 6'3 natural physique look that good takes some hard work! I will never complain again about how hard it is being 6 foot! You looked like a giant up there, those short guys didn't out muscle you at all! Sick physique and a good man to top it off!

Thanks Eric. I was nervous all day as both my class and the overall were very very tough victories. My competition were both deserving guys and had I lost I would have been disapointed but not mad. I believe that hieght is an advantage if you can put the muscle on to match it...bigger is bigger, now I have alot of work to do before I have enough for the pro stage...those guys were incredible to see!

Originally Posted by stayfit2008

Hey Paul,..Good Call on the posing trunk color!!!,...green must be the new black these days!!!

Funny I ordered those only a few days before the show but Misty loved them and I did as well. I was tired of black but didn't want to get too far from a dark color.

Originally Posted by BillyUrias

Congratulation Paul on a victory well earned man. You sure did prove what determanation and hard can do mister PRO. You have me all siked about stepping on stage for my show. Again congratulation.

Motivation is what this board is all about...good luck and do the work, once the day of the show arrives you will second guess anything you didn't do...unless you gave it every ounce.

Originally Posted by muscleandgains

congrats man!!!!

Thank you.

Originally Posted by Nicole

Congratulations! That is awesome!! Now you get to do it all over again in less than 2 weeks!!

Yes in two weeks I am going to get the same experience. I actually expect a bigger show and hopefully I can do well again. I am really looking forward to spending time with you, Layne, Isabel, Tommy, Kera and all the other Team Norton folks who will be there...the comeradarie of this sport really is something I enjoy.

Originally Posted by dogg74

Awesome Review and pics Paul. You def held your ground and you came out on top.Very well deserved. That Bbq Bacon Cheeseburger is ....TOO SMALL. MR. NEW PRO..Get with the program.

That's funny but remember I am 6'3" and can palm a basketball so it takes a pretty big burger to look big in my hands...it was really good though...and after that burger I was full, hard and vascular...so guess what I am making my pre contest meal...you guessed it!

Originally Posted by TQsmooth5

Congrats man, you looked great!

Thanks TQ.

Originally Posted by Slackadjuster

Great job Paul! Well deserved win!

I worked hard and earned it all day...Thank you.

Originally Posted by rich55

Congrats Paul! Looking awesome man. Dig the shape and symmetry. Enjoy your success!!

Thanks Rich...I enjoyed watching you prepare for your first pro show and saw just how tough they can be...I look forward to your next prep.

[fltallpaul]

Monday November 9th, 2009

Incline Bench
5 sets of 5

Flat DB Press
3 sets of 8

Skull Crushers
3 sets of 6-8

Cable Press Down
4 sets of 10

Military Press
3 sets of 8

Side Lateral DB Raise
3 sets 12

30 minutes cardio on bike.

What a weekend! So much fun and anxiety, stress and elation...the full spectrum of emotions that life is all about. It was great to get home Sunday night and sleep in Monday. By body was just exhausted and mentally I was burned up a bit too. With the second contest coming up I have not let up one bit though. My goal was a pro card but my new goal is two!

Sunday night before we drove back to Orlando Misty and I went out for some cardio. We did a two mile jog and then some sprints up a bridge. I really just wanted to get all the glycogen moving and metabolism revved up with the extra calories from contest day. After working out last night I ran through some poses briefly and I was happy to see glute striations and hams still seperated. I guess at this point I am just paranoid. My diet is back to normal and hopefull Layne's prediction that I will come in tighter for show #2 is correct.

Heavy Lower tonight and some more cardio...

[scoobysnacks]

The pics look killer, congrats on the card.

[mharrislove]

Originally Posted by fltallpaul

Congratulations on the big NGA win...you were in phenomenal shape!

[Quelly]

can't wait to see what you are able to bring to your IFPA pro qualifier paul, your kicking ass!

[fltallpaul]

Originally Posted by scoobysnacks

The pics look killer, congrats on the card.

Thanks Scooby...at some point I would really like to chat with you. Not sure if you have any plans to attend some shows this year...you doing the Arnold or Olympia...I am leaning toward the Olympia this year.

Originally Posted by mharrislove

Congratulations on the big NGA win...you were in phenomenal shape!

Thank you...hope to keep it going into my next show.

Originally Posted by Quelly

can't wait to see what you are able to bring to your IFPA pro qualifier paul, your kicking ass!

Thanks Eric...I know you get better and better as the season went along...ofcourse your season was like 6 months long. I am already at my lowest weight so I am hoping my HIIT cardio this weekend pulls a little bit more fat off of me for the next one...although with lows in the 30's in Illinois I am going to be freezing my butt off...Floridians don't do well below 60..lol, unless I am snowboarding...maybe I will wear my ski gear, lol.

[fltallpaul]

Tuesday November 10th, 2009

Heavy Lower

Hack Squat
360x6, 360x5, 320x5, 320x5, 320x5

Deadlift
225x10, 275x5, 315x5, 275x5, 225x12

Leg Extension
250x8, 290x8

30 minutes cardio

Lower body tonight and I wanted to move some good weight. Obviously not my best numbers ever but I was happy to move 4 plates on the hack. At this point I just want to make sure my body knows to hold onto this muscle. I think the weekend of eating a bit more calories has revved things up. I am already at my lowest weight so I should be coming in a little bit lighter for my next show. Hopefully I can fill out better and have less bodyfat...making the judges decision easier and being more freaky.

Tonight is going to be back and chest...two of my favorites. I also just got a phone call and will be going to the Magic vs Cavs...Lebron is about to get booed out of Orlando after last years walk off when the Magic spanked the Cavs right out of the playoffs...

[Vytis]

Congratulations once again Paul. Your physique is what I'm striving for myself. Good luck with your next show.

[Quelly]

Originally Posted by fltallpaul

Thanks Eric...I know you get better and better as the season went along...ofcourse your season was like 6 months long. I am already at my lowest weight so I am hoping my HIIT cardio this weekend pulls a little bit more fat off of me for the next one...although with lows in the 30's in Illinois I am going to be freezing my butt off...Floridians don't do well below 60..lol, unless I am snowboarding...maybe I will wear my ski gear, lol.

try 9 months

but hell man, my season didn't exactly go to plan, an injury and some crazy life experiences lead me to not being ready early and being able to eat into the shows....I only started increasing my calories for the last 2 weeks of 38 weeks...I think your in a better position than I was, and I wouldnt be surprised if you held 2 pro cards pretty soon

[Lando33]

Sorry for being late to the party!

Paul - congrats on your big win, it was very much deserved.

Welcome to the Pros!

[RUBICON19]

HUGE congrats.. Just had to, 1 more time!!!