Tony Freeman is a famous person in the world of bodybuilding, nicknamed his colleagues and fans X-Men, and there are reasons for this. After all, the parameters of this bodybuilder are really impressive: a thin waist (76 cm) and incredibly massive shoulders and hips make this person look like a comic book hero. But thanks to this contrast, Tony Freeman became famous. The athlete is 188 cm tall. The usual weight is 138 kg and the competition weight is 129 kg.
Romance and sports
The story of the appearance of Tony Freeman in the arena of world bodybuilding is probably the most romantic of all. In 1986, the athlete met a girl with whom he fell in love with no memory. But the beauty preferred the "big guys." And to prove his love, Tony began to seriously engage in bodybuilding. In a short time he achieved excellent results. Within six months, Tony gained 20 kg and really fell in love with this sport, but, paradoxically, completely lost interest in his passion, because he had a lot of fans and fans.
Professional career
Tony Freeman began his performances at the junior competitions of the Athletic Amateur Athletes Association (AAU), where at first he was not taken seriously at all, despite his great tenacity. But three years later, the athlete wins the champion title among amateur juniors (according to the NPC), after which the bodybuilder went to conquer the professional arena.
Despite the excellent data, the athlete could not win prizes. And in 1996, after a chest injury, X-Men’s professional career was considered over. An operation was required to eliminate the consequences of the injury, and none of the doctors guaranteed its favorable outcome. For four long years, Tony Freeman was engaged in anything, but not professional sports. But in the early autumn of 2000, the bodybuilder decided on a surgical intervention, which was successful. True, the athlete had to undergo another surgery - cosmetic, which was required to hide a huge scar.
Career takeoff
One can only guess what efforts the bodybuilder cost to return to the big arena. After all, after leaving sports, X-men completely did not follow the diet and abandoned training. But a dream can be achieved if sufficient perseverance is applied, as Tony Freeman easily proved. Back training, a program created by him, brought the athlete worldwide fame and helped to win silver at the Coastal USA Championships.
In 2003, the bodybuilder receives professional status in the International Federation of Bodybuilders. Then begins a series of conquests in various competitions, held not only in America but also in Europe. This was followed by a performance at the main competition for bodybuilders, Mr. Olympia. Despite the fact that X-man took only eighth place, the audience and judges were fascinated by the show, which was shown by Tony Freeman. The bodybuilder’s height and weight are harmoniously combined, thanks to these parameters the athlete is gaining world fame.
List of the most impressive victories
- 2002 year. The first place among fans at the national championship of America.
- 2006 year. Prize-winning place at the Supershow Europe.
- 2007 year First place at the Sacramento Pro competition and bronze at the Arnold Classic.
- year 2009. Prize at Sacramento Pro.
- 2010 year. Third prize at Phoenix Pro.
- 2011. First place in the competition "Super Show Europe".
- year 2012. Bronze at the Cher Classic and Super Show Europe, as well as silver at the Pro Bodybuilding 2012 competition
Currently, the bodybuilder lives in Atlanta, and continues to build a sports career. Despite the fact that last season, X-man took only fourth place, no one doubts that this is not all that Tony Freeman is capable of.
Training program
Like any bodybuilder, X-men faced such a problem as a halt in the growth of indicators. According to the athlete himself, at the beginning of sports, his biceps developed very poorly. But he came up with a program that brought his biceps to a perfect state. According to the athlete, it is not necessary to increase the load if the result is “stalled”. It is better to temporarily switch to lower weight, which will allow you to feel the desired muscle.
Tony Freeman developed his own training system, the secrets of which he gladly shares with his fans.
- Free weight training should involve as many muscles as possible.
- We need a transition to an increase in working weights.
- Long pauses between sets are required.
- For one approach, you need to do 3 to 8 repetitions. According to the bodybuilder, this technique helps to maximize performance, but it is also the most traumatic.
- It is better to give preference to high-intensity training.
- Cycle periodization of loads will help get out of training stagnation.
- You should also do pumping - a series of sets or supersets with the maximum number of repetitions, but with small weights and short pauses between sets.
X-Men also advises not to forget about proper nutrition, because this is no less important component of an athlete's life.