Talk about pressure. Flex Lewis - UK-Muscle Body Building Community

**Tinytom** · 06-11-2007, 10:27 AM

Saw this on MD

This sort of thing would do my head in if I was Flex.

I mean the guy has done phenomenally well in a short space of time and has earnt his pro card at a very young age. Probably has 10 years of career at least ahead of him and you get stuff like this.

http://forums.musculardevelopment.co...ad.php?t=16552

the question itself is not without merit as what Flex had now will no doubt be developed and improved greatly in the next few years but this sort of thread will

1. Put an enormous amount of pressure on him
2. bring out all the armchair warriors who have never lifted a weight or trained properly or even dieted who will give their 'guru' knowledge about his career.
3. Start a load of sh*t stirring about his weider contract and the effect on placings etc.

I think a lot of people forget that some of the best placing physiques have always started out with people not rating them. e.g. Ronnie Coleman wa snever a pick for the olympia until he won it. Jay Cutler was never a contender until he tunred up in cracking shape in 2001

I think that Flex is just below Shaun Ray in height? If so then he's certainly not too short and he's certainly got time on his side.

Lots of flaming on US boards I think for no reason. I think what I prefer about UK boards is that a more analytical discussion would have taken place rather than 'no he'll never get anywhere' etc etc.

TH&S · 06-11-2007, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tinytom

Lots of flaming on US boards I think for no reason. I think what I prefer about UK boards is that a more analytical discussion would have taken place rather than 'no he'll never get anywhere' etc etc.

Yeah I'm just about to log on from my armchair and call him out on his 'Iliopsoas' not being upto Dorian's standards...

Is he the youngest ever pro Tom?

**Tinytom** · 06-11-2007, 10:37 AM

No Lee Priest and Shaun Ray were pro at 21 I think.

rightyho · 06-11-2007, 10:47 AM

Why would it do your head in Tom?

The question is a valid one - is he good enough to be top 6 or whatever in the Olympia.

It's a question Flex must have asked himself 100s of times already. He's forging a career in a sport that requires he take it to the extreme to make a living and get the recognition his physique deserves.

Most of the comments on the thread are quite positive and acknowledge that he has the genetics and, more importantly, the head, brains, focus and drive to make something of himself.

I think he will continue to improve and improve and be wise enough to pay particular attention to aesthetics. I'm sure he already is.

Yes, it's a pressuring question but no more than was asked of Ricky Hatton when he was climbing the tree. He didn't crumble. Inside, he jnew he could be the best and he was smart enough to hook up with the right people that today make up his "team".

Flex's future depends largely on Flex and he's clearly got his head screwed on.

RAIKEY · 06-11-2007, 10:54 AM

lol i reckon its the same in every sport ....

like the fat bloke in the pub slating the latest footballing prodegy cos he got tired after 50 mins and had to be substituted,....

**Tinytom** · 06-11-2007, 11:30 AM

Righty what I mean is that the guy hasnt even had a chance to compete against the other pros yet and he's already being compared to them and in most of those posts it says something like 'wont stand up next to other pros'.

Its the age old topic about the fact that you cant judge people until they stand on stage next to each other.

Im not suggesting for one minute that Flex hasnt prepared for this type of media or that he would crumble under the pressure you are not reading my post correctly.

What I am saying is why not let the guy actually get some breathing time after his British win before starting a debate like this.

Flex definately has the genetics and drive and determination to succeed.

ALso there's no way you can ever predict what will happen in 2-3 years at the Olympia, the drive at the moment is more towards aesthetics which definately benefits physiques like Flex. The mass monsters are on the way out. If you'd asked the question 5 years ago then there'd be no way because of the rule of the mass monsters. Ask it in 5 years time and I think there's a much different answer.

Nine Pack · 06-11-2007, 11:54 AM

I think any athlete who has the courage of his own conviction like Flex will shrug off any negative comments without even noticing. The good thing about these boards is that it allows everyone to voice thier opinion, and likewise, the bad thing about these boards is that it allows everyone to voice thier opinion. Some hide behind cryptic board names & animated avatars so can/should a top athlete in the making really take thier predictions to heart? I certainly wouldn't & I imagine James won't either.

He'll just keep growing, keep his persona 'low profile' as he has in the past & what will be will be, regardless of the 'armchair experts' & self appointed gurus.

rightyho · 06-11-2007, 03:58 PM

[quote=Tinytom;327220]Im not suggesting for one minute that Flex hasnt prepared for this type of media or that he would crumble under the pressure you are not reading my post correctly.quote]

I get you now, mate.

I don't know Flex in any way, shape or form but I think from what I know *of* him, he'd probably thrive on a bit of underdog criticism anyway.

And how true about not comparing physiques until they're stood side-by-side. That's the leveller.

chris jenkins · 07-11-2007, 02:17 PM

Flex is already working on somthing for next year, he kind of thrives on the pressure he has been receiving from the time I've spent with him. Flex leaves a lot of the stuff go over his head and it kind of goes with the territory in your sport. I know leading up to the British he used some of the negative comments to push himself and dig deep on his prep.

I think it helps sometimes, if you have someone saying you are no good the first thing you want to do is prove them wrong, in Flex's case if you know you have the tool's to do it. I can see Tom's point, I think Flex has a plan and is going to stick to it.

GOT TO HAVE A PLAN BOYS!

MASSIVEMONSTER · 07-11-2007, 02:54 PM

I can see Flex doing very well within a couple of years with added size.
He has the shape and balance to do very well but the pros are a different story and obviously he will have to add more size to place well but I am sure he can do this with time especially at his age, he has many years ahead.
I would imagine another 4-5kg of muscle would propell him to be a very good pro bodybuilder.

Fivos · 07-11-2007, 03:34 PM

Agree with Tom and Chris..i know Flex and he plans things out..he has a plan you will have to wait and see....

Fivos

**Pscarb** · 07-11-2007, 08:42 PM

I think what Tom is saying is that Flex has only just received his Pro card and these guys on the MD thread are talking about him dominating the sport in the next 5-10yrs come on guys this is a huge amount of pressure on flex and even flex will say that you cannot make this type of prediction...

I posted on such a thread on muscle mayhem just after the British although in that thread they where saying he would get lost in the crowd, now lets not forget that Flex has a great backing team with a huge amount of experience both Flex and his team will know what a massive jump it is from amateur to Pro standard and will know that Flex has to make improvements to place in a show.

I wish him all the best for the future as his work has really on just begun....

Diamond · 07-11-2007, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tinytom

No Lee Priest and Shaun Ray were pro at 21 I think.

True, there have been young pros in the past - Shane Di Mora, Rich Gaspari etc ... Shawn Ray was 22 when he turned pro and was arguably much better than Flex - he was a top ranked pro at the age of 23 (1989) at a similar bodyweight of 197-198albs, but with better proportions and a decent back.

It would be nice to think Flex can do well, but as many have said there's literally a gulf between where he's been and where's he's going to next.

squat_this · 08-11-2007, 12:06 AM

Just out of interest, did he get his Pro Card for winning the British or was it through an accumulation of victories?
So if Tom or James L had have won would you have your pro licence?

**Pscarb** · 08-11-2007, 10:29 AM

he got his Pro card for winning the Overall at the British

06-11-2007, 10:27 AM	#1 (permalink)
Tinytom super-hypno-moderator Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Babylon Posts: 5,655	Talk about pressure. Flex Lewis Saw this on MD This sort of thing would do my head in if I was Flex. I mean the guy has done phenomenally well in a short space of time and has earnt his pro card at a very young age. Probably has 10 years of career at least ahead of him and you get stuff like this. http://forums.musculardevelopment.co...ad.php?t=16552 the question itself is not without merit as what Flex had now will no doubt be developed and improved greatly in the next few years but this sort of thread will 1. Put an enormous amount of pressure on him 2. bring out all the armchair warriors who have never lifted a weight or trained properly or even dieted who will give their 'guru' knowledge about his career. 3. Start a load of sht stirring about his weider contract and the effect on placings etc. I think a lot of people forget that some of the best placing physiques have always started out with people not rating them. e.g. Ronnie Coleman wa snever a pick for the olympia until he won it. Jay Cutler was never a contender until he tunred up in cracking shape in 2001 I think that Flex is just below Shaun Ray in height? If so then he's certainly not too short and he's certainly got time on his side. Lots of flaming on US boards I think for no reason. I think what I prefer about UK boards is that a more analytical discussion would have taken place rather than 'no he'll never get anywhere' etc etc. __________________ We are what we do. Excellence is therefore a habit not a skill. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.* - Code 'UKM 110' for an extra 5% discount To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Also mod at To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Sponsored by Extreme Nutrition - Almost an unfair advantage

06-11-2007, 10:37 AM	#3 (permalink)
Tinytom super-hypno-moderator Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Babylon Posts: 5,655	Re: Talk about pressure. Flex Lewis No Lee Priest and Shaun Ray were pro at 21 I think. __________________ We are what we do. Excellence is therefore a habit not a skill. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. - Code 'UKM 110' for an extra 5% discount To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Also mod at To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Sponsored by Extreme Nutrition - Almost an unfair advantage

06-11-2007, 10:47 AM	#4 (permalink)
rightyho like a bodybuilder, only smaller Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 707	Re: Talk about pressure. Flex Lewis Why would it do your head in Tom? The question is a valid one - is he good enough to be top 6 or whatever in the Olympia. It's a question Flex must have asked himself 100s of times already. He's forging a career in a sport that requires he take it to the extreme to make a living and get the recognition his physique deserves. Most of the comments on the thread are quite positive and acknowledge that he has the genetics and, more importantly, the head, brains, focus and drive to make something of himself. I think he will continue to improve and improve and be wise enough to pay particular attention to aesthetics. I'm sure he already is. Yes, it's a pressuring question but no more than was asked of Ricky Hatton when he was climbing the tree. He didn't crumble. Inside, he jnew he could be the best and he was smart enough to hook up with the right people that today make up his "team". Flex's future depends largely on Flex and he's clearly got his head screwed on. __________________ Five out of nine cat lives gone. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

06-11-2007, 10:54 AM	#5 (permalink)
RAIKEY Please do not feed the Raikey, it may bite.!! Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Deepest, Darkest , Yorkcestershire,...Ayup See thee!! Posts: 3,378	Re: Talk about pressure. Flex Lewis lol i reckon its the same in every sport .... like the fat bloke in the pub slating the latest footballing prodegy cos he got tired after 50 mins and had to be substituted,.... __________________ I used to have a large gay following.......but i hid behind some cars and lost him!!

06-11-2007, 11:30 AM	#6 (permalink)
Tinytom super-hypno-moderator Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Babylon Posts: 5,655	Re: Talk about pressure. Flex Lewis Righty what I mean is that the guy hasnt even had a chance to compete against the other pros yet and he's already being compared to them and in most of those posts it says something like 'wont stand up next to other pros'. Its the age old topic about the fact that you cant judge people until they stand on stage next to each other. Im not suggesting for one minute that Flex hasnt prepared for this type of media or that he would crumble under the pressure you are not reading my post correctly. What I am saying is why not let the guy actually get some breathing time after his British win before starting a debate like this. Flex definately has the genetics and drive and determination to succeed. ALso there's no way you can ever predict what will happen in 2-3 years at the Olympia, the drive at the moment is more towards aesthetics which definately benefits physiques like Flex. The mass monsters are on the way out. If you'd asked the question 5 years ago then there'd be no way because of the rule of the mass monsters. Ask it in 5 years time and I think there's a much different answer. __________________ We are what we do. Excellence is therefore a habit not a skill. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. - Code 'UKM 110' for an extra 5% discount To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Also mod at To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Sponsored by Extreme Nutrition - Almost an unfair advantage

06-11-2007, 11:54 AM	#7 (permalink)
Nine Pack Shouldn't be let out loose.... Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Manchester Posts: 1,715	Re: Talk about pressure. Flex Lewis I think any athlete who has the courage of his own conviction like Flex will shrug off any negative comments without even noticing. The good thing about these boards is that it allows everyone to voice thier opinion, and likewise, the bad thing about these boards is that it allows everyone to voice thier opinion. Some hide behind cryptic board names & animated avatars so can/should a top athlete in the making really take thier predictions to heart? I certainly wouldn't & I imagine James won't either. He'll just keep growing, keep his persona 'low profile' as he has in the past & what will be will be, regardless of the 'armchair experts' & self appointed gurus. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. ''I reject your reality and substitute my own'' Adam Savage.

06-11-2007, 03:58 PM	#8 (permalink)
rightyho like a bodybuilder, only smaller Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 707	Re: Talk about pressure. Flex Lewis [quote=Tinytom;327220]Im not suggesting for one minute that Flex hasnt prepared for this type of media or that he would crumble under the pressure you are not reading my post correctly.quote] I get you now, mate. I don't know Flex in any way, shape or form but I think from what I know of him, he'd probably thrive on a bit of underdog criticism anyway. And how true about not comparing physiques until they're stood side-by-side. That's the leveller. __________________ Five out of nine cat lives gone. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

07-11-2007, 02:17 PM	#9 (permalink)
chris jenkins Looking Freaky Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 733	Re: Talk about pressure. Flex Lewis Flex is already working on somthing for next year, he kind of thrives on the pressure he has been receiving from the time I've spent with him. Flex leaves a lot of the stuff go over his head and it kind of goes with the territory in your sport. I know leading up to the British he used some of the negative comments to push himself and dig deep on his prep. I think it helps sometimes, if you have someone saying you are no good the first thing you want to do is prove them wrong, in Flex's case if you know you have the tool's to do it. I can see Tom's point, I think Flex has a plan and is going to stick to it. GOT TO HAVE A PLAN BOYS! __________________ gometal.com extremenutrition.co.uk

07-11-2007, 02:54 PM	#10 (permalink)
MASSIVEMONSTER Gym Addict Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 246	Re: Talk about pressure. Flex Lewis I can see Flex doing very well within a couple of years with added size. He has the shape and balance to do very well but the pros are a different story and obviously he will have to add more size to place well but I am sure he can do this with time especially at his age, he has many years ahead. I would imagine another 4-5kg of muscle would propell him to be a very good pro bodybuilder.

07-11-2007, 03:34 PM	#11 (permalink)
Fivos Gym Addict Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 283	Re: Talk about pressure. Flex Lewis Agree with Tom and Chris..i know Flex and he plans things out..he has a plan you will have to wait and see.... Fivos __________________ Romans 8: 18 "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us".

07-11-2007, 08:42 PM	#12 (permalink)
Pscarb UK-Muscle Moderator and NABBA Champion Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 10,165	Re: Talk about pressure. Flex Lewis I think what Tom is saying is that Flex has only just received his Pro card and these guys on the MD thread are talking about him dominating the sport in the next 5-10yrs come on guys this is a huge amount of pressure on flex and even flex will say that you cannot make this type of prediction... I posted on such a thread on muscle mayhem just after the British although in that thread they where saying he would get lost in the crowd, now lets not forget that Flex has a great backing team with a huge amount of experience both Flex and his team will know what a massive jump it is from amateur to Pro standard and will know that Flex has to make improvements to place in a show. I wish him all the best for the future as his work has really on just begun.... __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Admin at To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Nutrition is your greatest anabolic agent everything else is just the icing on the cake

08-11-2007, 12:06 AM	#14 (permalink)
squat_this The legend that is LBND!!! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Surrey Posts: 1,349	Re: Talk about pressure. Flex Lewis Just out of interest, did he get his Pro Card for winning the British or was it through an accumulation of victories? So if Tom or James L had have won would you have your pro licence? __________________ Welcome to this thing of ours...a.k.a the UK-Muscle Mafioso Wasps - Premiership Champions '02-'03, '03-'04, '04-'05, '07-'08 Heineken Cup Winners - 2004, 2007

08-11-2007, 10:29 AM	#15 (permalink)
Pscarb UK-Muscle Moderator and NABBA Champion Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 10,165	Re: Talk about pressure. Flex Lewis he got his Pro card for winning the Overall at the British __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Admin at To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Nutrition is your greatest anabolic agent everything else is just the icing on the cake

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