How Did You Get Started?

Most of my bodybuilding career was inspired by family members. When I was about 16 my brother took me with him to the gym. This gym was in a warehouse surrounded by echoes of clanging weights and pure desire. Viking gym was noted for producing winners at the yearly state contest. There I learned the basics of mass training, which I used to propel me through my football days.

When my football career was over I had to find some way to deal with my competitive hunger. I started working out on a regular basis along with introducing my younger sister to the bodybuilding world. Little did I know my sister would bring out the bodybuilder in me. She competed a year later winning local shows, then the state show, and finally taking 2nd place at nationals. It was then after her national show I decided to take up the challenge. Later the next year I competed in my first natural show and won my weight class. I have been competing naturally on and off for the last 8 years.

What Workout Plan Worked Best For You?

Currently I am training for a show in early October. With 8 weeks to go, I am using a 3-1 2-1 training schedule. I will do 4-5 cardio sessions of 30 minutes until the last few weeks when I might do 2 sessions a day. I also make sure that I do abs and calves twice a week. My workouts are structured around muscle recovery. I never train a body part unless it can perform at 100%.

Why do you love Bodybuilding?

Hmmm....why would anyone want to eat a restricted diet (almost gross at times)....lift with the intent to be sore the next day.....and possibly risk personal relationships in the process? For me it is the simple love of personal change and having the confidence to walk across that stage on contest day. Any bodybuilder can tell you about that fantastic feeling of the night before a show. The feeling of accomplishment as you look in the mirror and realize the hard training and dieting has paid off. Even if you don't place as well as you like, take pride in knowing you represent a small percentage of the population who can achieve this kind of shape. I think everyone should make the effort to at least try a 12 week training diet. The diet will offer great information on how your body reacts to certain foods and what it takes to stay in peak condition.

What Are Your Future Bodybuilding Plans?

What One Tip Would You Give Other Bodybuilders?

There is no substitute for perfect form. My training in the last few years has focused solely on targeting the muscle. I concentrate on the exercise at hand so that I put all the effort into the primary muscle and use the secondary muscle for support. Chest is a perfect example of improper form. I observe numerous people in the gym pushing the bar or dumbbell with tight hands putting undo stress on the front shoulders and triceps. Proper form should start with relaxed hands and the weight should be pressed from the center of the chest. The triceps then should only help support the weight. All body parts can be worked in this manner, but we first must take the time to think about what muscle we are truly training.

Who Are Your Favorite Bodybuilders?

This is a tough one as there are so many to choose from. My list would include Dorian Yates, Lee Haney, Frank Zane, and lastly Arnold.

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