black-elephant is the April 2016 Rx Muscle Member of the Month!

[Curt James]

black-elephant is the April 2016 Rx Muscle Member of the Month!

A member since just February 3, 2016, black-elephant has created several nutrition-related threads, as well as contributed to Muscle Central. Let's learn more about black-elephant!

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How were you introduced to the weights?

Weights started early for me. Participation in sports provided a venue for finding ways to enhance performance. Weights and nutrition became a focus for improvement. I have always needed to outthink my competition in addition to working harder.

Which sport or sports?

Swimming was my primary sport growing up and through college, however I participated in cross country, basketball, and baseball. Now my focus is Highland games, strongman, and powerlifting.

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What is your favorite part of the iron game – strongman, bodybuilding, Men’s Physique, Bikini, etc.?

My enjoyment comes from participation in the improvement of myself and others. Strongman, powerlifting, and highland games are the areas of iron I enjoy personally. From a training and coaching perspective, my knowledge and experience have been applied to bodybuilding, swimming, track, cross country, MMA, football, and ballet as well.

Ballet? I'd be interested to learn more about your ballet coaching or training experience. How did that come about?

Training and nutrition are essential for performance. Ballet is a discipline that requires power and grace while remaining aesthetic. It came about through a friend whose friend was not performing at the level she desired compared to others in the company. We discussed the nutrition required and training to improve areas she felt were weak.

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Very cool. What's your favorite thing and least favorite thing about bodybuilding?

Similar to many things within life, the perception that all that is needed to “succeed” is hard work. Genetics plays a major role.

What is your goal so far as the weights go?

Win each day. Weights, the iron, does not make friends. It is the same each day providing the same challenge, lift me. The iron does not care if you were successful yesterday, last week, or last year. It does not raise its voice, but sits quietly in the corner waiting patiently always ready to challenge.

That sounds similar to a Henry Rollins quote - "200 lbs. will always be 200 lbs."

Found the quote:

“The iron never lies to you. You can walk outside and listen to all kinds of talk, get told that your a god or a total bastard. The iron will always kick you the real deal. The iron is the great reference point, the all-knowing perspective giver. Always there like a beacon in the pitch black. I have found the iron to be my greates friend never freaks out on me, never runs. Friends may come and go but 200 pounds is always 200 pounds.”
- Henry Rollins

Would you share your greatest experience in the sport so far?

I do not think I am the only one who is continually looking forward rather than reflecting on a singular experience. Each day of training provides its own set of challenges and satisfaction. As a result, I am looking forward to great experiences as they present themselves.

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Do you have any favorite bodybuilders or strength athletes?

As a strength athlete, my favorite people are my friends and the relationships developed through training and competing. On the bodybuilding side, I like those who take what is available and focus their own style. Lee Haney, Markus Ruhl, Lee Labrada, Nasser El Sonbaty, Lee Priest, Lenda Murray, Bev Francis, Heather Darling to name a few.

I had never heard of Heather Darling. An attorney and a bodybuilder!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvOrTekV4u4+

Is it difficult to balance workouts, your career, and your efforts at public speaking? How do you find the time?

Yes. It is all about discipline. The common colloquialism often quoted by Jim Rohn, “Everyone must choose one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.”
One can “live for nothing or die for something, your call” (John Rambo). What are you doing with the things that matter most in your life; family, relationships, career?

There is no substitution for hard work. There is no substitution for dedication. There is no substitution for intensity and mentality. There is no substitution for passion.

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All the work, all the pain and sacrifice, at the end of the day, is it worth it? We are told to keep an open mind. Why? We are confronted with the confusion of rationality versus openness. The realm of a valid approach is necessary. Often one finds themselves following intellectual vomit simply because a successful person wrote something down. The basis of a rational approach is the recognition that only the specific appropriate knowledge can lead one to the actions required to achieve a goal.

More people fail to achieve their goals rather than to achieve them. Frustration and confusion leads to rabbit trails and additional frustration. Adaptation is required only when adequate stimulus is applied. When one is challenged at the greatest levels, there is a requirement to see what one can draw upon. Unless one is stretched within the challenge, growth within that discipline growth does not occur. Tasks within your existing capacity do nothing.

Take a look into the mirror and see the opponent. Tell them, “You will not outwork me!” Motivation comes from within.

What supplement company or brand does it right?

Supplement companies that use the best ingredients and focus on the athlete.

How did you learn about Rx Muscle Forums?

I stumbled upon the site while trying to find the best price on Species Nutrition’s Mineralyze.

What’s your favorite part of Rx Muscle Forums?

Live With, Ask Dave, Iron Debate, Heavy Muscle Radio, etc.

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What would you do to improve the site and the forums in particular?

In order to improve the site and forums more quality content needs to be developed. What are the issues facing people (i.e. nutrition, training, finding contests in area, other)? Finding people who are asking quality broad based questions can be challenging. A good forum would allow for innovation of new product development including supplements, training accessories, and competition supplies based on the concerns and desires of the community.

Is there a training accessory you've improvised or would want someone to develop or create?

I often play with various materials and products improvising their use. One example is using the old “ab sling” to overload the lats. Back and rear deltoid exercises can be isolated beyond the limitation of grip. While wrist straps provide enhancement, the resistance can be spread to the arms allowing for greater development.

What’s your occupation?

Currently I am working on developing opportunities as a speaker and author. My primary source of income comes from accounting, actuary services, and financial modeling analysis.

What are your hobbies?

Training and reading.

What are you currently reading?

I read a lot. This year I am working through the Puritan Library. http://puritanlibrary.com/ Many excellent authors.

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Any final words?

I am honored and humbled to be nominated as the Rx Muscle member of the month. I would like to thank each person in the community who adds value to the site by sharing their knowledge and experiences.

Thank you for participating in this interview and for serving as the April Member of the Month, black-elephant!

[Mac]

Congratulations to the black-elephant.

[DBowden]

Congratulations

[The Solution]

Congrats to a new member!

[Rocco1943]

Congrats, good to see

[cook]

Congrats, looking forward to getting to know you better

[BananaHammock]

Nudes?

[black-elephant]

Thank you everyone.

[Mr.Dedication]

Dat back shot is amazing! Congrats bud!

[davidcua]

Congratz Black Elephant !!!

[BananaHammock]

Congratz Black Elephant !!!

Racist post reported

[cook]

What part of the country are you from Black Elephant?

[Sunnyday]

Congrats, black-elephant! Very well deserved!
Very cool that you are reading through the Puritan Library. Cannot go wrong with any of those authors!

Super interview, Curt!

[davidcua]

Racist post reported

Man you cracked me up twice with your comments ! First the nude pics than the racist post X) !

[black-elephant]

What part of the country are you from Black Elephant?

Midwest USA