After going through a number of nutritionists and trainers such as Chad Nicholls and Milos Sarcev, Wolf decided to turn back the clock. “I did what I did before as an amateur and at the beginning of my pro career,” he said. “I didn’t work anymore with the gurus. I did everything by myself.”

His strategy apparently worked, judging by the results. Wolf finished in fifth place and looked fantastic in Las Vegas. It was a transformation that no one – besides Wolf himself – could foresee. He has already committed to competing at the 2011 Arnold Classic in March and immediately has to be looked at as a possible top six contender. If he is able to make some progress and improvements from September, Wolf may be able to push himself into the top three or even get a surprise win if someone else comes in a little off.

With Phil Heath and Kai Greene in the line-up, it may be a steep climb to attain a placing higher than third. Heath should have won it last time and looked awesome at the O, and Greene seems to peak at that time of year and will be going for his third consecutive win n Columbus, Ohio.

But someone like Wolf can be a wild card entrant. Because of his big size, he stands out so well when things are good and bad. Wolf needs to use that to his advantage and come there in top condition. If he has a good showing at the Arnold, then he will be right back in the mix of things. Two strong shows in a row will be an indicator that Wolf, 31, can be in the Olympia conversation for some time to come.

But if he is not on top of his game in March, then all of that hard work in 2010 will be for naught.

Part III Showtime

To hit the vacuum on stage, set your legs by lifting your knee to flex your inner psoas muscle. DO NOT LET GO OF THIS FLEX. Look down and bring your hands together making 2 fists.  These fists will flex your biceps automatically for you. Exhale all the air OUT of your lungs. Suck your diaphragm in and up into the back of your neck as your arms go overhead.

Jam your fists down as far as possible down your back, keeping your biceps to the sides of your head.  It will make you look thicker with less space showing next to your head. Push your fists into your back while they’re down there, and learn to use this push to pop your lats out.

Learn to flex your upper pecs by bringing your elbows slightly towards center.  It’s an impressive shot to see striated pecs , flexed biceps, and your psoas in this shot.

And most importantly SMILE AND MAKE IT LOOK LIKE IT DOESN’T HURT!

Known as the bodybuilding/golf pro, Michael Manavian works on improving peoples health and fitness as well as their golf game. He is the author of Atomic Golf, The Alternative to Swing Gurus, Pie-in-the-Sky Theories, Perfect Greens, and Everything Else That’s Failed and is available for fitness consultations as well as golf instruction.

Be sure to visit his website, www.atomic-golf.com.