How Did You Get Started?

Once upon a time, I was just a regular meathead. I loved working out, loved metal and the heavier the metal, the more I loved it. I read all the books and magazines, and of course Arnold was my hero. I had decent size, but no real shape. Then one day, a cute girl approached me in the gym and told me I should do a show. I said no way, why would I want to do that? She cajoled me, said she would do it with me, and is so often the case; my undoing was a pretty face.

I trained for my first show for about a year, and went into it with the attitude that this was just for fun, just a way to get over my fear of public speaking. Honestly, if standing in front of a whole crowd of people in nothing but a speedo, painted like a flagpole and shaved from head to toe doesn't cure stage fright, what will, right? Well, it just so happened that I did well, rather well, at that show. More than that, I met a lot of really nice people, had a fun time with the energy of the show, and so on--and when the lights are on, you can't even see the crowd!

What Workout Plan Worked Best For You?

My current workout plan has evolved with my work schedule, and is a four day rotation--Chest/calves, arms, legs and back--with cardio three times a week scattered in there. I do mostly reverse pyramids with last set a drop set or the last set MacDonald-style. [MacDonald-style is when you start at 6 rep weight, then at 5 have your workout partner drop a plate every five reps until empty. During those 5 rep drops, your partner randomly pushes down on the weight until you stop or even to do a forced negative.]

What Nutrition Plan Has Worked Best For You?

Quite fortunately for me, I was raised by Granolas--very healthy eating habits are standard for me, and even to the point that pizza, ice cream and basically all "junk" and "cheat" food taste bad to me. I try to get 6-7 meals a day, 50-60 grams of protein/meal, 60-100 grams of carbs/meal, super-low fat, mostly chicken and fish.

What Supplements Have Given You The Greatest Gains?

I joke about my supplement being tuna out of the can, because I never used anything. Now, with work schedules being what they are, I drink about one-two Whey Protein shakes a day.

Why do you love Bodybuilding?

Ah, the love of the sport! First, there is the metal, the cold, unrelenting, impartial equalizer. It doesn't care if you have a rash, didn't sleep well, or if you just don't really feel like working out. It doesn't show favoritism for being cute or having a nice smile. You go into the gym, and no matter what else is going on; at the core of the sport is just the struggle between you and the metal. You win because you are just as unrelenting, because you don't care if you have a rash, slept well or feel lazy. No matter what you wear, who is watching or not, if the ref doesn't like your trash talk, or if your teammate feels lazy. There is only the moments of burning pain, of fatigue, and the eternally repeating question: Do you quit? Or do you dig deep and fight harder?

What Are Your Future Bodybuilding Plans?

Right now, I am looking to maybe doing another show in a year or so, giving my body a little rest. Then perhaps nationals...

What One Tip Would You Give Other Bodybuilders?

Don't quit. There are no shortcuts, no quick-fix, no magic supplements. You can only cheat yourself. There is only the fight; there is only you and the metal. So don't quit, don't ever quit.

Who Are Your Favorite Bodybuilders?

I tend to the classics: Lee, Ferigno, Schwarznegger, Columbo. They started and were the forefathers of the new age of bodybuilding, of lifting like your life depended on it, of dedication and sacrifice, but also of sportsmanship and community responsibility.

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.

---