After a long day at FIBO Expo in Germany, nothing beats a good workout. And what better way to train than with a natural pro bodybuilder? Today, I had the privilege of training with Alberto Nunez, a true inspiration in the natural bodybuilding world.
Pre-workout meal of a turkey club sandwich and chips.
We started our session at the hotel with a quick pre-workout meal. I opted for a classic turkey club sandwich, packed with turkey, tomato, lettuce, egg, and a bit of bacon. A side of barbecue chips rounded out the meal perfectly, fueling us up for the intense workout ahead.
Alberto Nunez and the author discussing the workout plan at the gym.
Alberto and I first met back in 2014 at Muscle Mayhem, where I turned pro. He was, and continues to be, a major source of motivation for me. His influence on the natural bodybuilding community is undeniable, and it was an honor to train alongside him.
We decided to focus on an upper body workout, adapting to the available equipment at the gym. Since our routines were thrown off due to travel, we agreed to prioritize exercises that felt right and allowed for a good mind-muscle connection.
Performing dumbbell seal rows.
We began with dumbbell seal rows, a staple in Alberto’s training. This exercise promotes clean progress and minimizes strain on the torso, which is especially beneficial when traveling. We aimed for 3-4 sets of higher reps, focusing on maintaining proper form and feeling the targeted muscles work.
Performing incline chest press.
Next, we moved on to a horizontal push, opting for an incline chest press. We incorporated cluster sets, which are highly efficient and ideal for maximizing results when time is limited or energy levels are low. Each cluster set consisted of 8-12 reps, followed by a short rest period and then a few more sets of lower reps.
Performing pull-ups.
For our third exercise, we supersetted pull-ups with a tricep movement. We focused on controlled reps for the pull-ups, followed by cluster sets of two reps to really fatigue the muscles. This combination effectively targets both the back and triceps.
Performing lateral raises with kettlebells and bicep curls.
Finally, we finished with another superset: lateral raises with kettlebells and bicep curls. The kettlebells provided a unique challenge for the lateral raises, keeping the load consistent throughout the movement. We paired this with bicep curls to round out the workout and ensure a complete upper body pump.
The workout with Alberto was intense and insightful. His training style emphasizes controlled movements and precise execution, pushing the muscles to their limits. It was a great learning experience, and I’m definitely incorporating some of his techniques into my own training.
