How Did You Get Started?

I think I started like every young boy, watching some of the older boys and my cousins lifting weights. The first weight lifting exercise I ever did was the bench press, and I still remember the exact weight too, 52 lbs. Of course, I only weighed 95 lbs back then.

What Workout Plan Worked Best For You?

I think everyone is different, but for me, I like Mon, Wed, Fri for weights and Tues, Thurs, Sat for cardio. I focus my weight training around the big three (Bench press, Squat, Deadlift). Monday is chest and tri's. Wednesday is legs and bi's. Friday is back and shoulders. Monday starts off with bench presses, 4 sets of 6 reps, heavy weight. Next is incline presses, 4 sets of 10 reps, followed in order by decline presses and then cable flys, 4 sets of 10 reps. Then I move to tri's with close grip bench presses, tricep pushdowns, overhead tricep extensions, in succession with 4 sets of 10 reps.

Wednesday starts off with back squats, 4 sets of 6, followed by front squats, 4 sets of 20 reps. Then it is leg curl machine and adduct/abduct machine for 4 sets of 10 reps each. I follow this with 4 sets of 6 barbell curls, then dumbell curls and cable concentration curls, 4 sets of 10.

Friday starts off with deadlifts, 4 sets of 6, heavy weight. Followed by front pulldowns, pulley rows, bent over rows, 4 sets of 10. Military presses, 4 sets of 6, heavy weight, followed by behind the neck presses and side lateral raises, 4 sets of 10.

There is no secret, just keep it simple and be consistant. By focusing around the big three, it allows the most muscle mass because these exercises incorporate so many overall muscles. Form and consistancy are key. Strict form builds overall mass and strength. Too many times you'll see people doing barbell curls, swinging their entire body or clanging the floor so hard on a set of deadlifts that the weight is already two feet in the air for the next rep. No one likes going to work everyday, but sculpting the body is work so be consistant.

On Tues, Thurs, and Sat, I'll do abs, calves, and cardio. Abs, 4 sets of 20, calves, 4 sets of 20, and then I hit the bike for 30 minutes. Cardio is not only great for your heart but it helps flush free radicals and toxins out of your body.

What Supplements Have Given You The Greatest Gains?

I, like everyone else, am always looking for the best new supplements out there. I work at a nutrition store so I do have a slight advantage. Protein is numero uno. Protein, to any bodybuilder, is like Kentucky Fried Chicken to Colonel Sanders (mmm...fried chicken). Whey protein is the king as far as proteins go. The only problem with whey is sometimes it can be absorbed too fast by the body and isn't used for muscle building. A good trick is to add a little milk and egg protein to your whey. It will help slow absorbtion, add taste, and give the body some extra amino acids. This is great right before bed when our bodies sleep for eight hours and have no protein source to feed on. I also like multi-vitamins for the reason that sculpting a body does a lot of tearing and ripping on the body. Multi-vitamins replace nutrients that are lost due to everyday life and lifting weights. Bodybuilders want a multi-vitamon with a good amount of B vitamins, which are essential for energy and keeping the body in balance. Creatine is the greatest and most fool-proof supplement to come out. It must be taken with a good protein diet and plenty of water. I am currently experimenting with an all-natural combination of about five herbs for mass and strength gain. I'll keep you posted on the results.

Why do you love Bodybuilding?

To me bodybuilding is an artform. It is like building a scuplture using yourself or creating a superhero from the comic books.

What Are Your Future Bodybuilding Plans?

I want to continue to grow and develop my body and take this as far as I can. I will begin competing in the natural bodybuilding circuit in April.

What One Tip Would You Give Other Bodybuilders?

Don't let success get to your head. Too many times people become successful and they become too important to help others. If someone asks you for advice or exercise tips, be courteous, you may be giving advice to the next future star. Remember when you started out, I'm sure you didn't have all the answers either.

Who Are Your Favorite Bodybuilders?

Vince Taylor. My girlfriend and I met him at this year's Arnold Classic. Not only did he look fantastic, but he is very personable and a true gentleman. King Kamali is a gentleman who gets a lot of bad press, but when I met him, he was quite hospitable and a true joy. Vicki Gates is not only a beautiful, muscular woman, but a great personality and a lot of charm. Derik Farnsworth and I grew up in the same area with mutual friends. Watching someone I know get his due is a real pleasure for me. Arnold, no last name needed, is the man who took bodybuilding and fitness to a whole new level. How can he not be admired?

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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