ATHLETIC Magazine - JACKED! IPL Arizona Men’s Athletic Open Lineup: Featuring Ryan Brown, Danniel Giraldo & David Miller - Natural Bodybuilding Competitions

JACKED! IPL Arizona Men’s Athletic Open Lineup: Featuring Ryan Brown, Danniel Giraldo & David Miller

“The Athletic Open lineup was a huge mix of nervousness and excitement!” – RYAN BROWN

“The Athletic Open lineup was a huge mix of nervousness and excitement!”

-RYAN BROWN [4th Place]

“The lineup for Men's Athletic Open was good. There were clearly studs there.”

-DANNIEL GIRALDO [2nd Place]

“Seeing what the other competitors had achieved with their bodies motivated me to set my goals to a higher level. Everyone’s hard work really showed.”

-DAVID MILLER [5th Place]

What was it like competing in that Athletic Open lineup?

RYAN BROWN: The Athletic Open lineup was a huge mix of nervousness and excitement! I was amazed that I was with a group of guys who were so laid back, genuine and approachable. Which made for a great environment, great competition and event.

DANNIEL GIRALDO: The lineup for Men’s Athletic Open was good. There were clearly studs there. I’m waiting for the day that they have a huge, stacked class of 20 plus competitors. But I enjoy it regardless.

DAVID MILLER: It was an awesome experience. I didn’t know I was going to be entered in Open until just shortly prior to the show. As a first-time competitor I was a little nervous about doing Amateur, much less Open. The guys that competed were all super focused, very helpful with information and made it fun. Seeing what the other competitors had achieved with their bodies motivated me to set my goals to a higher level. Everyone’s hard work really showed.

How did you feel about your placements in the show?

BROWN: With it being my first show, I knew I had my work cut out for me. So I definitely understood my placements. And learned what I need to do going forward!

GIRALDO: Regarding my placements…it’s a Physique Competition at the end of the day, not a boxing match or race. There are many factors that are out of an individual’s control. A placing shouldn’t rile a competitor up. Such factors like genetics, age and training experience play such a huge part in placements. All you can do is show up conditioned and hope that the judges like your physique the best, or that you meet their criteria.

MILLER: I was really happy and totally impressed I was able to get up on stage and complete my posing routine correctly in spite of nerves. The show was a great growth experience for me.

What competition tips can you offer to athletes out there?

BROWN: Give yourself some room for error! Don’t wait until the last minute to cram workouts and cardio in. Get ahead of the game. And practice posing everyday!

GIRALDO: Competition tips! Give yourself time to prep. You should look stage-ready about three weeks before the show, then just fine tune. Conditioning is everything in Natural Bodybuilding.

MILLER: Don’t skip the little steps. They either give you or rob you of your success. I decided at the start of competition training that I would listen to my coaches completely. Do as they recommend, not deviate from the plan and follow their experienced tips for show day. That allowed me to stand on stage with the confidence I’d given it my all, without regret about my preparations and follow through. My coach, Vince Cline, gave me excellent coaching and preparation and incredible tips for show day and how to handle the stage. That was huge for me.

What’s next for you?

BROWN: I am planning to compete again in May, so prep is underway for that. Afterwards, regroup and strategize to keep making moves!

GIRALDO: Next for me…nothing special. Just going to keep rehabbing my pec, keep doing athletic stuff and keep making my music. I’m a simple dude.

MILLER: The show began a healthy lifestyle journey for me and I’m currently pressing hard to improve my fitness and how my body moves in training to avoid injury and promote longevity. It’s a push, but results are clear. The short term goal is build up for a summer Spartan event, but a show in the future would be a great way to stay accountable and to celebrate the natural fitness lifestyle.