How Did You Get Started?

I was the typical chubby 16 year old who was sick and tired of being called every fat name in the book. My 19 year old cousin was into bodybuilding and I thought, "If he can do, so can I," so I started to watch my diet more carefully and weight trained on a regular basis. I used to watch Mr. Olympia on national TV every year as well and the ultimate motivator was to see Arnold, Lou, Frank and Franco compete.

What Workout Plan Worked Best For You?

Sample Training Week:

5 days per week:
Monday: Chest and Calves
Tuesday: Back and Legs
Wednesday: Off
Thursday: Shoulders and Abs
Friday: Arms
Saturday: Work the body part that was lacking- usually legs - I have long legs which are very stubborn to grow.
Sunday: Off

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What Nutrition Plan Has Worked Best For You?

Sample Meal Plan:

6 meals per day:
Eat clean all the time with an occasional bowl of ice cream and dozen chicken wings thrown in for good measure. Chicken breast, talapia and other lean white fishes, tenderloin of beef, white rice, baked potatoes and broccoli, spinach, and lots of protein shakes. Follow this ration: 60% Protein, 30% Carbs and 10% Fat. Oh yeah, Almost forgot a key ingredient. A glass of a really good chardonnay at night- Life's to short to drink cheap wine!

What Supplements Have Given You The Greatest Gains?

I did the EAS body for life challenge when I was turning 40 (start of mid life crisis) because I had taken some time off from my usual routine and gotten a little sloppy looking. I really did transform my body with all of their products. Now I use a combination of their product and a new product called the Next Level promoted by my good friend and "trainer to the stars" George Farah. It has every necessary supplement in it, mixes easily with water and tastes good. Don't forget the mega men multi vitamin also.

Why do you love Bodybuilding?

I own 2 successful catering businesses in my area. I work on the average of 80 hours per week and am stressed out all of the time dealing with Brides, Bar Mitzvah moms, corporate execs., my own employees etc. I need to workout to help keep the stress levels down and keep the endorphins flowing. The time at the gym is the only time I have to myself. It also helps to look your best when dealing with the public and I need to stay strong because I am constantly lifting, lugging, loading and unloading china silverware and catering supplies in and out of my catering trucks and vans. Good news is that I never have to do cardio at the gym. My life is CARDIO.

What Are Your Future Bodybuilding Plans?

I swore to my wife of 24 years (Lisa) and my 3 children Amanda (21) and Ryan and Rachael (17) that I would never compete in a bodybuilding competition even though people would always ask if I competed. Well, we were going on a cruise Easter week of this year and I wanted to get "ripped" for the cruise.

I hooked up with George Farah having heard he was the best trainer in the business. All true! He convinced me to compete in the Rochester 2006 Championships on June 10 and with his guidance on technique and performing the exercises properly plus diet, diet, diet, I ended up winning the 40 and over category and took 2nd in the overall middleweight against a bunch of kids 1/2 my age. I am most proud of that trophy. My wife and kids weren't able to come to the show. My wife ran a wedding reception for me and the 3 kids had to work- They don't want to see their old man in those small posing trunks anyway. I love to embarrass my children.

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It was very difficult to follow the regimen it takes to compete in the midst of all of the stress and long hours. It was hard to find time to eat 6 meals each day when you're catering morning noon and night, but I did it and I'm going to compete again next year come hell or high water. Being a part of this competition gave me a different focus in life besides work. It was a new thrill and totally out of my realm. It was a bonus to win. I will be the 85 year old guy at the gym who still works out at least 4 days a week if I don't lose my mind or memory first.

What One Tip Would You Give Other Bodybuilders?

Young guys - Slow down and use proper form- You're gonna hurt yourselves throwing the weights around so fast.
2nd tip - Eat right. It's not that hard.
3rd tip - Be nice - Don't be cocky and arrogant. It turns everyone off!

Who Are Your Favorite Bodybuilders?

Arnold, George Farah and Darrem Charles

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More Bodybuilder Profiles:

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:: Amateur Bodybuilder Of The Week.
:: Teen Bodybuilder Of The Week.
:: Fitness Competitor Of The Week.

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