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Our Over 40 Bodybuilder of the Week was...
Ken Montgomery
How Did You Get Started?
Like a lot of guys, I started lifting in my 20's. But my work in film production prevented me from being able to work out consistently, so I became a "recreational" lifter. But I really wanted to be a more serious bodybuilder, and maybe even do a contest. Meanwhile, I was one of the background extras you always see in the gym-always looking the same.
When I was 47 I needed hernia surgery (due to lifting too heavy on the leg press). As I recovered and wanted to get back to lifting, I realized that I was running out of time if I ever wanted to compete. So I got more serious with my training and more importantly, my eating. Eating right is 60% of bodybuilding? Really? Who Knew?
I did my first competition in 2005, took 4th out of 4 guys. It was a great experience. The former husky-sized kid, happy to be in the best shape of his life. I also got into the focus and will power it takes to use food as a bodybuilding tool while cutting. Sadly, there wasn't much meat left on me once I had cut down to 5% body fat. I needed to grow! And that's what I have been focused on since... the bodybuilder's mantra-need more size!
What Workout Plan Worked Best For You?
I am training to compete, so I my goal is hypertrophy, muscular growth. I train 5 day a week split. This rotation allows me to hit every body part hard and heavy once a week, emphasizing arms. At times I will also throw in an extra delts workout, an area where I am lagging.
I am 55 and more wary of self inflicted training injuries. So after I do a few minutes of stretching (especially my lower back) I like to start whatever I'm hitting that day with a pyramid up from very light weight, 25 reps, keep adding weight and lowering rep goal. The higher rep stuff warms up my joints and tendons so they can engage the heavier weight with less chance of hurting something.
I am usually doing 5 exercises for major body parts, like back and chest. 3-4 exercises for arms. 4 sets per exercise, rep range of 8-10. If I'm feeling strong I will add weight and go for 4-6 as soon enough I want that heavier weight to be my 8-10 goal.
I don't log my workouts and I seldom do the same workout two weeks in a row, but here are some typical workouts I use:
What Nutrition Plan Has Worked Best For You?
In 2010 I engaged Brad Warner from Studio 22 in Muncie, Indiana to be my cutting diet guru. Brad is a natural pro and has won the NPC Indiana overall title-he really knows his stuff!
Brad started me using fitday.com to accurately track my daily eating macros. Just using a logging tool made a huge difference in nailing my daily eating goals.
For cutting my eating macros would vary from day to day, but resulted in a weekly caloric deficit.
As my overall weight went down, the daily macros dialed down as well. I hit my competitions in 2010 in my best condition ever. Now I am eating bigger to grow, but I still use fitday.com to track my eating. Now my goal on lifting days is 3600 calories, 2400-2800 on non lifting days. About 40% carbs, 35% protein and 20% fats. Here's a typical lifting day diet:
What Supplements Have Given You The Greatest Gains?
Universal Real Gains has been my reliable gainer shake since I started competing. It mixes well, tastes great and has both whey and casein proteins, and low fats.
Why do you love Bodybuilding?
Ever since I saw Steve Reeves in old movies I have been drawn to bodybuilding. This is how I know I need to look and feel. It has become my lifestyle and my passion. I won't always be competing, but I will be lifting for as long as I am able. It is very personally satisfying to me.
Equally important, I have met so many people of good character during my bodybuilding journey. I enjoy engaging with fellow lifters in the gym, and even mentoring some up and coming guys. When I don't compete I am usually helping some buddies get ready for their shows. Of course they know they have to pay it forward when they are off season and have new guys to help out.
What Motivates You To Follow A Healthy Lifestyle?
Nowadays, at age 55, I am blessed to be free of any ongoing joint pain or other maladies. I have great vitality, sleep well and am very active. I get a kick out of having young guys express amazement about how old I am versus how I appear. So living healthy is its own best reward, and it can help the ego sometimes too!
What Made You Want To Achieve Your Goals?
Time was my motivator. Age 47 and in decline? No way! I'd like to think that the best is yet to come!
What Are Your Future Bodybuilding Plans?
I plan to compete in Masters and Novice competitions in 2012. Aiming for the NPC Natural Indiana on April 14th, NPC Indiana and OCB Circle City in June.
What One Tip Would You Give Other Bodybuilders?
If you are going to cut for a competition, don't do any cheat meals. You want to show up at your best ever, and a few minutes of eating pleasure is not worth the setback. While cutting, food is a bodybuilding tool-- it is not cuisine. It is a temporary situation, so suck it up and eat clean and within your allotted macros.
Who Are Your Favorite Bodybuilders?
Flex Lewis, Cody Lewis, Steve Kuclo, Phil Heath, and Lee Priest.
What Features Do You Use On Bodybuilding.com?
I like the progress pictures archive, and I am pretty active on the boards. I like being able to send private messages to fellow members.
BodySpace Competition History:
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