How Did You Get Started?

My whole goal was to gain weight. I was only 123 lbs. before I really started training. I moved to Okinawa, Japan in October of 1997 and my supervisor at the time, Jeremy Shackleford, took me under his wing to personally make sure I achieved my goal. We trained five days a week, heavy weights with low repetitions, while sometimes eating seven times a day. Our training sessions were intense and mostly painful. When someone puts 225lbs on your chest and says push until you puke, believe, me you will push with everything you have to get that weight off you. Form was his emphasis. Without form you have nothing. In one month I had gained 25 solid pounds. By then I was hooked. Weightlifting was my new hobby. Although there were days I didn't want to go to the gym, Jeremy reminded me why I went and where I wanted to be.

Then, in 1998, a bodybuilding competition was to be held at Torri Station. I knew nothing about bodybuilding but my trainer did. He went on the internet and downloaded all the mandatory poses I would need for this competition. Talk about totally confused. To prepare for this competition, I trained, ate, and posed for one month. The diet was hell compared to all the training I had gone through. But it would pay off in the end. I stepped on stage weighing 154 lbs. I was physically ready, but mentally I was nervous. What if I forgot one of the poses, what if someone looked better than me? Jermey was always there to remind me that wining never has and never will be everything. It's doing your best and knowing you did your best that counts. Needless to say I won my first competition and have been competing ever since (took 1999-2000 off).

What Workout Plan Worked Best For You?

For bodybuilding, I work one body part a day, giving a full seven days for recovery.

• Monday-Quads
• Tuesday-chest
• Wednesday-Arms
• Thursday-Hams/Calves
• Friday-Back/delts/traps

For powerlifting, I train three days a week.

What Supplements Have Given You The Greatest Gains?

Cell-Tech, ZMA, and Glutamine, but dieting is the real key!

Why do you love Bodybuilding?

I love knowing that I can get my body in the best shape I can; naturally.

What Are Your Future Bodybuilding Plans?

I plan on competing at NPC shows only.

What One Tip Would You Give Other Bodybuilders?

Bodybuilding is not an overnight thing. It takes time as well as dedication and perseverance. And stay away from drugs; they cause more harm than good. Bodybuilding naturally is the only way to go. At least you know when you win, it was you and not the drugs.

Who Are Your Favorite Bodybuilders?

Shawn Ray for his honesty, Chris Cormier for his "gotta have fun while you work" attitude, and Vince Taylor for his dedication and perseverance.

More Pics!

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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