REAL vs all the rest of the bodybuilding world

Hey everyone, as you know back in May of 2010 in Houston, Texas, I earned my status as a Professional Bodybuilder for REAL. It has been a long road and I have competed not only for REAL, but for many other Federations out there. NPC, NGA, WNSO FAME, Musclemania. So I just wanted to share my insight with you guys about my experiences with each of the other Federation and see how they compare to REAL

First is the NPC. Now we all know that in order to get into the IFBB, one must compete and win in the NPC. Sad to say, that means anything goes and I mean ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING. Now I will say that there are some legitamate shows in the NPC that are Natural shows and do drug test. However, just winning that show does not mean you become a PRO, all it means you are qualified to go to another show to have the chance to becoming a PRO, but that show DOES NOT promote a drugfree/natural show. So where does that leave you if you want to move forward in their Federation and into the IFBB?

Next is the NGA. They are ok and do promote Natural/Drugfree bodybuilding, but not much more than that. They never really had anything to offer, and even had competitions where the winners took a picture with the trophy and was told they would get it in the mail only to never receive a trophy all together. Now if you are looking for a challenge and just want to compete in a Natural/Drugfree enviorment, they are fine. However, if you are looking to get exposer and to make a statement as a fitness professional, you might want to go somewhere else

Next is WNSO FAME. They are based in Canada, so do not expect much from them if you live in the states. Shows are rare and I believe they are not doing to well as of now (money wise). But they do drug test. Other than that, that is all I can tell you.

Next is Musclemania. They do promote Natural/Drugfree bodybuilding and I have been tested at all their events. As for exposer, they do get alot of attention and do well in marketing themselves. If you do well in their contest, someone will notice. However, as for the Federation itself doing a lot to promote their athletes and help them get exposer, there is alot of gray area there. I see them as more about making sure their ends are meet before any of their athletes/professionals are. But all in all, there are a better choice vs the IFBB, NPC, NGA, and FAME.

Last is REAL. REAL is very new and already I like alot of what they are doing. From how they have treated and worked with me as a athlete and fitness professional, to getting me exposer with ON (Optimum Nutrition). Jason has been in the trenches long before I started bodybuilding, and saw the good and the bad with all those other Federations out there. He truly is trying to create a better Drugfree/Natural Federation for us to compete in. But not only that, he is there to help with making us better athletes and getting exposer. And with that, I will do what I can to promote and help REAL grow to become one of the best Natural/Drugfree Federations out there.

Well you guys, I hope this gives you a little more insight about what is out there. Honestly, I could really have wrote a book on this topic, but this is the shortest way I can put it so I do not put you all to sleep. Take care and I wish you the best in your fitness journey

Tuan Tran