How Did You Get Started?

I started weight lifting at about 30 years old. After around 15 years of working out but still looking basically the same year after year, I decided to see if I could change my diet and workout routine enough to become a competitive bodybuilder. After about 4-6 weeks of changing the way I ate and worked out, I began to see significant results. The change in my appearance and positive comments I received from others provided more than enough motivation to continue. After one year I did my first NPC show and took 1st place in the novice heavyweight, won the novice overall, took 1st place in the masters, and finished 3rd place in the open light heavyweight division.

What Workout Plan Worked Best For You?

I work every bodypart once per week except for calves and abs, which I work three times per week. Too many people neglect calves and this hurts them in competition; spend 10-15 minutes on calves 3x per week and the results will amaze you. My schedule is 6 days on and one day off. Sometimes I will work bis and tris on the same day and take an extra day off. I work legs on Saturday because it is such a large muscle group and usually takes more time.

What Supplements Have Given You The Greatest Gains?

As most people know, the meat and potatoes of bodybuilding is protein. This is the single most important factor in bodybuilding because you must repair the muscle that you just spent an hour breaking down in the gym. I take L-glutamine in every shake to help in muscle building, protein metabolism, and to prevent muscle deterioration. MCT oils are great when you are trying to cut up for a contest and have to reduce carbs. It is transported directly to the liver and metabolized rather than stored as fat and provides an excellent energy source during times of low carb intake.

Why do you love Bodybuilding?

Bodybuilding is the essence of self-discipline. It requires nothing less than your full commitment, dedication, and sacrifice but at the same time it offers you the reward of being physically fit and mentally sharp. It contributes to feeling good about yourself; and when you feel good about yourself, everything else in life falls into place.

What Are Your Future Bodybuilding Plans?

I just finished doing the American Natural Bodybuilding Conference (ANBC) Nationals in Boston on November 3, 2001. I'm going to take a little time off from competing before deciding what I will do next. Meantime, I will start a bulking up phase again in preparation for my next contest.

What One Tip Would You Give Other Bodybuilders?

I can't say it in just one sentence but I'll still try to be brief:

• Believe in yourself, stay focused on your goals, train hard, and eat right. Stay away from illegal drugs no matter what the temptation; they will only harm you in the long run. Natural bodybuilding is the only way to go.
• Do not use so heavy a weight where it negatively affects your form. Good form prevents injury and will get you more hard muscle quicker than using too heavy a weight with bad form. My wife and trainer Nicky, taught me this a long time ago and the advice has been invaluable.
• It's never too late to start. I started bodybuilding at 45 and I am living proof of this testament.
• Never think you know so much that you don't need a trainer or nutritional advice. Quit guessing. Get a professional to help you in these areas and you will be light years ahead of everyone else. You will never advance until you know what to do and how to do it right. I am not a trainer but I value the guidance and expertise they bring to this sport.

Who Are Your Favorite Bodybuilders?

I met Flex Wheeler and Gunter Schlierkamp at separate promotional events and they were the nicest guys. They both spent the time to answer my questions about lifting and help me out. They are true gentleman.

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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