How Did You Get Started?

I hated working out in high school. In college I was shown a picture of myself and couldn't believe how skinny I was. As for bodybuilding, I began when I found out I had to have shoulder surgery for two labral tears and the removal of 20% of the cartilage in my left shoulder.

I wanted to see how I could do in case I would be prevented from training hard again. (I'm fully recovered now thanks to a great surgeon in Dr. Chick).

What Workout Plan Worked Best For You?

I'm currently on a 5-day split with no off days. It works out to chest-legs-shoulders-back-arms. I put a day between shoulders and chest after an injury to my labrum and have gotten good results this way.

After years of keeping the reps in the 8-10 range and doing lots of sets, I've discovered the importance of periodization and heavy training, combined with high-intensity, high-rep training.

On days I work I'm up at 5 a.m. and training until 7 a.m. I used to hate it, but now it's my favorite time to train.

As for cardio, I do as little as possible and have gotten good results with HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) when I need it.

What Nutrition Plan Has Worked Best For You?

Six meals per day with high protein, low carbs and low fat when cutting. Carbs and fat are increased in the off-season. I always try to get my meals in prior to any cheating in the off-season. It decreases the cheating a bit. I never go more than 3 hours without a meal.

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What Supplements Have Given You The Greatest Gains?

Whey protein. I wish I'd discovered it back in college when I began training. Protein is the most important nutrient any bodybuilder will ever ingest. You can't build without it.

Why do you love Bodybuilding?

It allows me time by myself and allows me to change things about my body if I choose to do so. Also, as a fireman it is the perfect complement to my job. Many people are aware of how many firemen are killed on the job each year, but few people realize that the majority of those deaths are a result of heart attacks.

My father died at 60 from heart disease. I plan on retiring at 53 and couldn't imagine only having 7 years to live after that.

What Are Your Future Bodybuilding Plans?

Just keep training and competing on the amateur level. I might get lucky and get a pro card one day but I have to be honest about my chances of competing with some of the pros I've seen in the drug-free organizations. I don't have a chance against them, but I'm comfortable with that.

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What One Tip Would You Give Other Bodybuilders?

Be willing to spend a lot of money if you want to do well. Diet and supplements really make a difference if you want to do well. Just eating well can cost quite a bit. Add in supplements and you might just double that cost. It's worth it after the results start showing.

Who Are Your Favorite Bodybuilders?

Craig Yarnall, Natural Pro and great advisor!
Sean Sullivan, Natural Pro
Kurt Weidner, Natural Pro
Shiloe Steinmetz, Natural Pro

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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