Each nation has its own reputation. For example, Italians are the creators of sports cars, the French are Don Juans, the Americans are pragmatic businessmen ... And the Russians? They lived for a very long time behind the Iron Curtain, and the modern world has to recognize them again. Only one thing is obvious: they are capable of surprises. They can win the Olympics and launch a satellite into space. Is there something that they cannot? Until recently, the whole world believed that there is: a victory at Olympia. However, now many professionals have begun to doubt it. Our country is actively making its way to the Olympic peak. And living proof of this is Alexander Fedorov, a bodybuilder from Russia.
Everyone remembers his brilliant performance at the 2003 Grand Prix. We can say that this was the best tournament in which Alexander Fedorov has ever participated. Bodybuilding has not yet seen such a beautiful show. When the Russian amateur stepped onto the podium, Jay Cutler instantly changed his face. The appearance of death with a scythe would be a more joyful event for him. Ronnie Coleman managed to maintain equanimity. But his glazed look can be attributed to the endurance of a policeman who repeatedly looked into the eyes of death. To the horror of the “Olympians,” the Russian amateur was a copy of themselves. Only the copy was much better than the originals. Then Alexander was given the third place solely out of respect for the professional status of Jay and Ronnie. And so, without a doubt, he deserved the first.
Childhood
Alexander Anatolyevich Fedorov was born in 1978 in St. Petersburg. At first, the boy was engaged in martial arts and football. But when Alexander was 14 years old, he decided to devote himself completely to bodybuilding. Fedorov even remembers the date of his first training - January 1, 1993. The boy’s mentor was his father.
At the age of 15, Alexander took part in his first competitions. After a couple of years, he already participated in international tournaments. One of them was the German Open Championship, after which Fedorov became known throughout the world. In 1998, Alexander became the first Russian athlete to win in Spain. In 2003, the athlete competed with Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler at the Russian Grand Prix, taking third place. After that, he was invited to Mr. Olympia 2005. Then all bodybuilders in Russia dreamed of participating in this prestigious tournament. Unfortunately, Alexander managed to take only 19th place. He explained this by a decline in form and improper preparation for the competition.
Injury
On the way to the heights of big sport, one obstacle arose, which Alexander Fedorov encountered. Bodybuilding "awarded" the athlete with an injury. In one of the trainings, he tore his chest tendons and after underwent a serious operation. Then Alexander was waiting for a long recovery period. But the love of sports and perseverance helped Fedorov return to training. Over time, the athlete recovered, but the injury prevented him from achieving high results in tournaments. After several unsuccessful performances, he ended his career as a bodybuilder.
Return
Here is what Alexander Fedorov himself says about this: “Bodybuilding has been the meaning of life for me, and over the past few years the idea of returning has arisen many times. Still, I left not in peak form. The best conditions I had at the Grand Prix of 2003. Then there was a performance in America, where I arrived not finished. I realized that time might be running out. And after 30 years I will sit in the country and think about whether I could have won with the perfect shape or not. So that there were no such regrets in old age, I decided to return.
I "broke" for about 4 months. Then on my birthday I received a lot of congratulations. Here is one of them: “Thanks to you, I quit drugs and went in for sports. You have become a motivator for me. ” It is very nice to be an example for someone. After consulting with my family, I made a final decision and resumed training. ”
Training principles
There are a number of training principles that Alexander Fedorov has developed over the years. Bodybuilding is the same sport as the rest. Therefore, to succeed, you must follow some rules.
1. High-intensity training
No need to count repetitions - the athlete advises. Focus on the extreme minimum. There should be at least 8. Alexander claims that training is not easy or medium. They are always working and heavy. It is better to alternate training for different muscle groups, and not give light loads to those that were pumped the day before. Concentrate on each rep.
2. Intuitive approach
Sometimes you know the theory very well. But when you start using it, you see the lack of effect. Therefore, in bodybuilding, you should trust the sensations. There is no right or wrong option. If this works for you, then it’s right.
3. Heavy weight
The main secret of muscle growth is an increase in working weights. The heavier they are, the better! It is clear that progress in this case will stretch for years. But there is no other way.