Bodybuilding is an art that requires, in addition to mental discipline, a combination of rigorous training and strict dietary methods. It's a challenging commitment, and without guidance, it may be difficult to achieve noteworthy results. Thus bodybuilders look to champions who have stood in triumph before them. One such champion is Ed Corney.
History
Corney is regarded as one of the most successful bodybuilding posers of the Golden Era. He has claimed titles including "Mr. Universe" and "Mr. America" and has won ?the International Federation of BodyBuilders Masters Olympia twice, as well as an extensive array of other bodybuilding contests. As recently as 2004, at age 71, he became a member of the IFBB Hall of Fame, indicating that his nutritional and training methods are still widely respected by the bodybuilding community
Features
While Corney's training schedule involves high intensity routines, including 225-lb. bench presses and a variety of exercises, his diet is characterized by a high intake of both protein and carbohydrates, with the scale slightly tipped in favor of protein. "My protein intake through the year is approximately 200 g daily," Corney stated in an interview. "I take about 150 g of carbohydrates." In addition to strictly rationing his protein and carbohydrate intake, he believes that dietary supplements are vital for bodybuilding, personally taking B, C and E, kelp, desiccated liver, multi-vitamins, amino acids and minerals.
Function
Corney's diet is designed to sustain a constant state of anabolism, which simply means that his body is always ready to repair and grow new cells and tissues. By regularly consuming a high number of carbohydrates, his energy stores are optimized and provided a consistent supply of fuel for workouts, while a high protein intake ensures that the muscles, once broken down, are not only able to rejuvenate, but also grow in size. Moreover, vitamins B, C, and E help to stimulate metabolic processes, mineral, kelp and multi-vitamin supplements aid in immune system function and overall health, while liver and amino acids further enhance protein synthesis, all of which contributed to the bodybuilding process.
Warning
In spite of the vital role that protein and carbohydrates play in muscle growth, there are risks associated with high consumption. MedlinePlus notes that a high protein diet may place significant strain on the kidneys, which over time may contribute to decreased kidney function. A diet as high in calories as Corney's might also negatively impact the body mass index of an individual not following as grueling a training program as he did.
Considerations
While Corney's diet is indeed conducive to building lean muscle, the Golden Era in which Corney thrived was also the age in which steroid use became common among athletes, especially those focusing on size and strength gain. In "Raw Iron: The Making of Pumping Iron," Arnold Schwarzeneggar admitted before the camera that he made use of performance-enhancing drugs such as Dianabol and implied that it was standard practice amongst bodybuilders at the time. As can be seen in the original documentary, Schwarzeneggar was a close friend and training partner of Corney. Though there is no direct evidence that Corney used steroids, their relationship and the prevailing attitude at the time -- steroids such as Dianabol were still legal and freely available -- is cause for speculation. Odds are, unless you were born with highly exceptional genetic gifts, you'd never achieve a physique like Corney's by natural methods.
References
- EdCorney.net: Q&A with Ed Corney: Discussing Training and Diet
- Medline Plus: Protein in Diet
- "Raw Iron: The Making of Pumping Iron"; David McVeigh, Scott McVeigh; 2002
- Pumping Iron; George Butler, Robert Fiore; 1977
Member Comments