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How did you get started with bodybuilding?

I played college baseball and was always trying to increase my edge through strength training.  I started reading through Muscle and Fitness trying to pick up tips on how to train and eat.  Eventually people started commenting about how good I looked and it stuck in my mind.  When baseball didn’t work out I decided to go to Ball State University and study Exercise Science.  I honestly had no desire to compete in bodybuilding, I just wanted to feel confident to take my shirt off.  Through some pretty dramatic going ons I moved out of my “house” and in with a buddy of mine from class.  He was a bodybuilder training to compete in the Mr. Ball State bodybuilding competiton.  I started working out with him and obsessing over old Arnold quotes, pictures, and movies.  Eventually I decided that I wanted to become a bodybuilder.  I knew I wasn’t big enough to win so I decided to be the most shredded person on stage… funny thing happened… I won!

Where does your motivation come from?

Throughout my life I have had many different motivations.  I always wanted to prove people wrong, get more attention from the opposite sex and also look like my role models.  We only have one body in this lifetime, and I feel like it should be respected.  I use it to inspire others to follow the same path.  They don’t have to bodybuild, just be inspired to take care of their bodies.

What is your training philosophy?

Find a way to meet my desired training response. I have an extensive knolwedge of multiple forms of periodization.  Most people don’t even know how to use the most simple form of periodization (linear).  Whie having an understanding of sets, reps, intensity, rest periods, exercise selection, and lifting tempo, I use these variables to keep my body (and my clients bodies) progressing.  I have sucessfully designed my own form of periodization called American Undulation Training (A.U.T).

If you have to pick only 3 exercises, what would they be and why?

• Squat: Quads, Glutes, Hamstrings
• Pullups: Lats, Back, Biceps, Posterior Deltoid
• Bench Press:  Chest, Anterior Deltoid, Triceps

With those 3 exercises and their variations you could always make gains.

When trying to cut down do you prefer to use HIIT or just normal cardio?

I prefer as little cardio as I have to!!!  Most times is SIT (aka none).  For my clients I use the same philosophy.  If somebody has a slower metabolism, or a lot of weight to lose, I will have them start with HIIT while their bodyfat is higher, and as they near their contest peak I take thier intensity down to about 60-65% max heart rate.

What is your philosophy on nutrition?

Everybody handles carbohydrated differently.  However, I’ve found most people severly underestimate their body’s ability to handle carbohydrates, and calories for that matter.  Most people don’t realize that your metabolism is effectied by carbohydrate ingestion, or that carbs spare more protein in the body than does ingesting protein.  Most female clients I know eventually drop their calories and carbs to starvation levels to achieve thier goals.  However, I have had numerous female clients increase thier calorie/carbohydrate production once they have platued in thier weightloss only to have them start losing fat again.  Your body is designed to survive… if you starve it, it will lose muscle and store fat!!!!  If it is well fed it will increase muscle and decrease fat.  You just need to track calories and bodyweights and have a fitness professional analyze the data.   

What are your favorite meals and foods?

I love sushi, Quinoa, Ezekiel, chicken, beef, american, mexican, japaese, italian, greek, chinese, and pretty much anything else.

Favorite cheat food?

Sushi… is it a cheat food??

What supplements do you use that give you great results? How do you use them?

Whey-post workout, Casien- meal replacement, Creatine- loading phase 25g for 5 days then 5g for 3 months, Multiple Vitamin-nutrient insurance, Phophydleserine-800-1200mg post workout only to decrease cortisol, Glutamine-25-50g daily save glycogen and increase immune system, BCAA’s-15-20g peri-workout to decrease catabolism

Favourite Bodybuilders?

Brad Warner, Frank Zane, Shawn Ray, Mohamad Makaway

Favorite Quote?

Experts say we are limited by our genetics… I say we are limited by our minds!

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