How Did You Get Started?

I got started in college and loved lifting weights. It seemed all I did was go to class, lift weight and bounce at bars at night. After college I always had a dream of one day owning my health club. I got a job as a network administrator and now have my own club called Fitness Xtreme after 5 years of waiting and planning. I fell in love with the sport and love trying to continue to change my body naturally for the rest of my life.

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Chad Astin.

What Workout Plan Worked Best For You?

I pretty much use the Power Hypertrophy routine two days with compounds movements and the other three more of a bodybuilding style.

Day 1: Upper Body

• Bench Press: 5 sets of 5 reps
• Military Press: 5 sets of 5 reps
• Barbell Row: 5 sets of 5 reps
• Barbell Shrugs: 5 sets of 5 reps

Day 2: Lower Body

• Stiff Leg Deadlifts: 5 sets of 5 reps
• Back Squats: 5 sets of 5 reps
• Standing Calf Raises: 5 sets of 5 reps
• Knee Raises: 2 sets of 12 reps
• Cable Crunches: 2 sets of 12 reps
• Trunk Twists: 2 sets of 12 reps

Day 3: Cardio

• Cardio: 20 minutes
• Sprints: 5 minutes

Day 4: Back/Shoulders

• Dumbbell Shoulder Press: 3 sets of 8-12 reps
• Dumbbell Front Raises: 3 sets of 8-12 reps
• One Arm Dumbbell Row: 3 sets of 8-12 reps
• Dumbbell Arnold Press: 3 sets of 8-12 reps
• Wide Grip Lat Pulldowns: 3 sets of 8-12 reps
• Dumbbell Shrugs: 3 sets of 8-12 reps
• Lat Pulldowns Close Grip: 3 sets of 8-12 reps
• Upright Row: 3 sets of 8-12 reps
• T-Bar Row: 3 sets of 8-12 reps

Day 5: Lower Body

• Hack Squat: 3 sets of 8-12 reps
• Standing Calf Raises: 3 sets of 8-12 reps
• Leg Extensions: 5 sets of 10-15 reps
• Sitting Leg Curls: 3 sets of 10-15 reps

Day 6: Chest/Arms

• Dumbbell Incline Press: 3 sets of 8-12 reps
• Barbell Close Grip Bench: 3 sets of 8-12 reps
• Dumbbell Flat Bench: 3 sets of 8-12 reps
• Preacher Curls: 3 sets of 8-12 reps
• French Presses: 3 sets of 8-12 reps
• Pushdowns: 3 sets of 8-12 reps
• Dumbbell Hammer Curls: 3 sets of 8-12 reps
• Cable Crossovers: 3 sets of 8-12 reps
• Machine Curls: 3 sets of 8-12 reps
• Machine Dips: 3 sets of 8-12 reps
• Knee Raises: 2 sets of 12 reps
• Cable Crunches: 2 sets of 12 reps
• Trunk Twists: 2 sets of 12 reps

Day 7: Off

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Chad Astin.

What Nutrition Plan Has Worked Best For You?

Meal 1: 4:30 - Pre-Workout

• 1/2 Cup Oats
• 1 Cup Egg Whites

Meal 2: 7:00 - Post Workout

• 2 Scoops BCAAs
• Multivitamin
• 5g Glutamine
• 20 Oz Gatorade
• 1 Scoop Whey
• 1 Cup Greek Yogurt

Meal 3: 8:00

• 1 Cup Low Fat Cottage Cheese
• 1 Banana
• 1 Tbsp Almond Butter
• 5 Wheat Ritz Crackers

Meal 4: 10:30

• 1 Wheat Bagel
• 1/2 Cup Egg Whites
• 1 Tbsp Almond Butter

Meal 5: 1:00

• 4-6 Oz Chicken Breast
• 1 Rice Cakes
• 1 Tbsp Almond Butter

Meal 6: 3:00

• 4 Oz Shaved Turkey
• 2 Slices Wheat Bread
• 1 Tbsp Almond Butter

Meal 7: 6:00

• 4 Oz Lean Steak
• 1 Cup Brown Rice

Meal 8: 9:00

• 1 Cup Egg Whites
• 1 Cup Kroger Carbmaster Yogurt Or ½ Cup Cottage Cheese
• 1 Rice Cakes
• 1 Tbps Almond Butter

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Chad Astin.

What Supplements Have Given You The Greatest Gains?

Creatine, BCAAs, Whey Protein, Glutamine.

Why do you love Bodybuilding?

I feel in love with the sport and love trying to continue to change my body naturally for the rest of my life. I feel that bodybuilding is great outlet for stress and maintaining your health. I have found a balance of healthy lifestyle in bodybuilding and managing my family with wife and 14 month old daughter Avery. I think finding this balance where it doesn't interfere with your family life is the key to success.

What Motivates You To Follow A Healthy Lifestyle?

My family has a history of heart disease. I also have aortic valve disease so anything that I can do to keep me living a long life is my motivation.

What Made You Want To Achieve Your Goals?

I really just want to try to see if I could do something I never thought that I could do.

What Are Your Future Bodybuilding Plans?

I plan on continuing to make gains, after just competing my second show at the 2010 southern isles in Savannah GA placing 2nd I hope to keep making gains and to compete in the SNBF and INBF in 2012 at ever better shape than this year.

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Chad Astin.

What One Tip Would You Give Other Bodybuilders?

The best tip I can give you is if you are thinking about bodybuilding or have been doing it for a while and would really like to take your training to the next level you need to contact Dr. Joe Klemczewski. He and his team with Sean have helped me get in the best shape of my life without sacrificing foods I love. He is hands down the best. Best investment I ever made was to become a member of TEAM K.

Who Are Your Favorite Bodybuilders?

Dexter Jackson, Dave Goodin, Dr. Joe.

What Features Do You Use On Bodybuilding.com?

BodySpace.

More Bodybuilder Profiles:

:: Current Amateur Of The Week.
:: Other Previous Amateurs Of The Week.
:: Teen Bodybuilder Of The Week.
:: Over 40 Bodybuilder Of The Week.
:: Fitness Competitor Of The Week.

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