Champion By Design catalog is out!

The end of 2006 was incredibly busy due to the design and development of the new Champion by Design products catalog featuring the new clothing line, Strydom Wear, as well as California Crazee Wear, Strydom Professional Series supplements range and Ageless, the DVD that documents my comeback last year.

The photos for this catalog were shot in California and design and layout was undertaken in Thailand. I knew exactly what I was looking for in this catalog and that only I could drive for the great finished result, so I spent nearly two months in Thailand overseeing production. Thailand may be great for holidays but it was no walk in the park for a professional bodybuilder trying to stay on track and negotiating the city of Bangkok every day was a struggle. Being called Arnold all day can get old...lol. The language barrier and access to the correct diet were difficult, and an outbreak of bird flu didn’t make life any easier when it came to ordering chicken! But the end justifies the means and the hard work paid off – the catalog is awesome and the products are even better!

Ironman & Arnold’s

Added to the time spent producing the catalogue while still staying on top of my businesses back in the US, the change in climate and training facilities in Thailand also played a factor in my decision not to compete in this year’s Ironman. It was just not feasible to even try to do this along with all my business commitments. A lot of people were surprised I didn't apply for the Arnold's either. The reason here was that I had scheduled to have a booth at the Arnold's for the Strydom Professional Series supplements. Due to some delays, the supplements would only be available in the US at the end of April so I postponed my presence at the Arnold's.

In the gym and back on stage

This year, if you come across me training at my home gym, Gold’s Gym in Venice, California, I guarantee you’ll see me training every day as if the next were my last. Why? Because I have not reached my fullest potential in the sport of bodybuilding. I will continue to show an appealing looking physique that will impress the mainstream and draw new talent to our sport.

I constantly strive to have a combination of just enough mass, great lines, definition and symmetry that will inspire young and old to get into the gym and experience the benefits of bodybuilding.

I also plan to compete in another Professional IFBB show and the goal here is to qualify to take the stage with the world’s best at the Mr Olympia. Again, because I don’t believe I’ve achieved my full potential. And also to prove 2006 was no fluke! I’ll be updating the site regularly with my contest news as well as my training programmes and diets so when I next get up on stage, you’ll know exactly what I did to get there.

Guest Appearances & Seminars

I will be travelling to a number of countries this year and look forward to meeting as many of you as possible. Check back regularly for updates of where I’ll be headed over the next few months.