Renowned bodybuilder Jose Raymond has shared his insights on the biggest mistakes that competitors and coaches make while preparing for bodybuilding contests. Raymond, who excelled in both the Men’s 212 and Men’s Open categories, has been a regular feature of the 212 Olympia, never placing outside of the top five in any of his eight appearances from 2011 to 2018. In a recent YouTube video, he discussed the errors of pushing too hard to get striated glutes and following low-carb diets for extended periods, among other common myths that prevail in the sport.
Raymond highlighted the mistake of pushing too hard to achieve striated glutes, saying that people often push themselves too far in the quest for the perfect body. He said that coaches and competitors alike often make this mistake, which can end up destroying a person’s physique. He argued that some people may not have the genetics to achieve striated glutes, and pushing too hard to achieve them can result in a loss of muscle mass and a body that is 20 pounds too light.
Raymond also spoke out against following low-carb diets for extended periods, saying that they can be detrimental to a person’s health. He said that coaches often panic when a competitor is not making progress and will overdo the fat burners and prescribe zero-carb days, which can be harmful. He argued that there is no way that this can be beneficial and that coaches should be questioned if they prescribe such extreme measures.
In addition to these common mistakes, Raymond also dismissed some myths that prevail in the sport. He said that some competitors believe that they should bring honey, jam, and peanut butter backstage to eat with their rice cakes, but this is not the case. Backstage is not a time to binge, and competitors should eat a small meal and get on stage. If they are backstage for a long time, they can have some granola or rice cakes, but they should not be eating large amounts of peanut butter or other foods that can cause bloating.
Raymond also spoke about coaching competitors who refuse to follow instructions. He said that some competitors will add foods to their diet that are not on the plan, such as Yoo-hoo, and then wonder why they are not making progress. He advised competitors to trust their coach and follow the plan exactly as it is written, rather than adding in foods that are not part of the plan.
Overall, Raymond’s insights offer valuable advice for competitors and coaches who are preparing for bodybuilding contests. By avoiding these common mistakes and following a well-designed plan, competitors can achieve the best possible results and reach their full potential on stage.
