Believe to Achieve: A Journey Into Bodybuilding With IFBB Pro John Hodgson A-1178DVD
 Filmed and Produced by: Eric Guy, DVD Review  by Gerry Triano

On 2 Discs

Total Running Time: 170 minutes combined Available through: GMV Productions  http://www.gmv.com.au
                             
This video was filmed in early April, 2006 at about eight weeks away from the Toronto Pro, which was the competition John Hodgson was targeting at that time. Unfortunately, the event was cancelled. Since John was ahead of his contest prep schedule, he decided to compete in the New York Pro in May.
This now gave him just six more weeks to prepare.
 
The DVD chronicles John's prep through his workout regimen, early morning home cardio session, food and supplementation preparations for the day and posing practice. This and performing his regular job function as warehouse manager at CNP Professional in England. Just a testament to what dedication, character and a strong work ethic can accomplish.
 
John is a very genuine, affable and down to earth individual. There is no acting here, and the "what you see is what you get" approach gives the film a nuts and bolts documentary feel to it. And that results in one of the most extraordinarily, comprehensive and knowledge filled bodybuilding films I've had the pleasure of viewing.
 
John demonstrates all of his exercises in all of his workouts and provides insightful narration of what he is doing and why. He always stresses good form in all his sets. His workouts consist of free weight and machine work.
He pays attention to details, such as including wrist curls in his arm workout and performing specific abdominal movements such as leg raises and crunches. John strives for the complete and proportioned package, which is evident in his physical development.
 
There are interviews with British legends Dorian Yates (six times Mr.
Olympia) and Kerry Kayes, owner of CNP Professional, a leading supplements manufacturer in UK. Both underscore how John transcends his genetics and works diligently in and out of the gym to achieve what he has. A mutual admiration society can be heard and felt.
 
Also, John offers posing advice and practices his posing in the gym's studio. He places great importance on presentation and it shows on stage.
John drew inspiration from Dorian, Shawn Ray and Lee Labrada, whom he considers all time top posers.
 
And the end of the film features John guest posing in the United Kingdom one week after the New York Pro competition. He was very well received, and in a heart-warming finale brought his adorable daughter Chloe (whom he calls the light of his life) on stage.
 
This is outstanding film on all levels and highly recommended to anyone who wants to learn what this sport should be all about. John demonstrates one of my favourite adages that "less is more and simple is better". Good show!

The NTSC DVD version was produced by Wayne Gallasch of GMV Productions.
Wayne is a long time friend and supporter of John and Kerry Kayes and has produced all the English GP videos and DVDs.



Click here to buy A-1178DVD Believe to Achieve: A Journey Into Bodybuilding With IFBB Pro John Hodgson.