How did you get started with bodybuilding?
I played a lot of sports growing up, so I was no stranger to the weight room and I always enjoyed working out. But getting into bodybuilding and entering my first competition was the result of a local show promoter approaching my wife and I at the gym. I told my wife there was no way I was getting on stage in a Speedo without a 12 pack of beer in me or a bottle of tequila. But I guess she’s pretty convincing, and 8weeks later we took the stage for our first show. From that point on, I was hooked!
What gets you motivated?
My biggest motivation for everything I do comes from God & family. But to provide you a more practical answer. Even though I’ve always been consistent with lifting, I saw my weight at one point get to about a biscuit from 250lbs. With hard work and dieting I was able to bring it down to a more comfortable level on my own.
Then once I saw where I could take my body with enough hard work and discipline while prepping for a show, I was pretty motivated to keep it there.
I’m also a big dreamer and I have a lot of goals and dreams I want to achieve. Along the way I’ve also realized that health/fitness/bodybuilding is where my passion is. And where your passion is, there lies your motivation. Right now my real job pays the bills, but eventually this is what I want to be involved in full time. I also don’t think it would be too bad for my boys to be able to grow up saying their Daddy was a Pro Bodybuilder.
What workout routine has worked best for you?
I’ve done all types. When I first started bodybuilding, I jumped on the MAX-OT bandwagon and anything Skip LaCour would do. After a few years though, I started getting nagging injuries from lifting heavy all the time. Then a few years back, I was introduced to Non-Linear Periodization Training by my friend Joe Klemczewski. I’ve pretty much been doing different variations of that program over the last few years with a lot of success. A couple of times per year I’ll try something new for a month or so. As I’m certainly not above that, and I like being able to give honest feedback on different training styles. So far I keep coming back to NLP for the bulk of my training.
If you have to pick only 3 exercises, what would they be and why?
- Squats – Most days I hate them, but there is no better exercise I know of to make you grow.
- Pull-ups – Whether or not I do them weighted, I can still find away to exhaust myself on them. Plus, I can do a ton of them
- Dumbbell Bench Press – I never feel more of a pump and a “Me against the weight” battle then when I’m throwing up heavy dumbbells at any angle.
When trying to cut down do you prefer to use HIIT or just normal cardio?
Honestly, I don’t really care for cardio so I try to mix it up. It’s probably one of the many reasons why I stay relatively lean all year. Even my long cardio sessions are only 30-35mins. I like to use a variety of machines, sometimes even during the same cardio session. It usually revolves around some type of steady state elliptical training at the gym post-workout. If I’m splitting it up to a separate time of day other than post workout, I’ll do incline walk on the treadmill for 20-30min at home. As for HIT, I usually aim for 2x per week for contest prep. Since I can be finished with the HIT in less time, I’d say I prefer that. Unless the STL Cardinals are on TV, then I don’t mind the longer sessions as much.
What is your diet like?
Well the good doctor (Joe Klemczewski) and I focus more on daily macros, rather than particular foods. I usually stay in the low 3000cal range in the offseason, with a free day once per week. Then I start cutting things down 5-6 months out, and move down slowly from there. For instance, I’m 5 weeks out from my first competition of the year and I’m around 2200 5 days per week, but then I bump up to 2500 & 3000 two of the days. I do a lot of eggs, lean meats, whole wheat wraps, rice cakes, pitas, brown rice, oatmeal, fruit and some veggies. My staple is my buckwheat protein pancakes, though. I’m on the run everyday with my job as a medical device sales rep so I need to have something easy, nutritious, and filling to have with me. I eat three of them per day. Of course, I eat sometimes up to 9 xs per day on training days.
They say that the pre and post-workout meals are the most vital meals for the day, what do yours consist of?
You know I’ve tried a lot of different things. And it really depends on where I am with my macros. I’m one of those guys that can eat and then go workout without an issue. Sometimes I’ll just eat one of my protein pancakes, but currently I’m eating a smaller meal 30min pre-wo of whey/oats with about a 25p/25c/3f ratio. Offseason it’d be similar but I’d double up the carbs by adding Dextrose or something. I’ll eat something very similar post-wo. About 45-75min later I’ll eat a good well balanced meal. Following every 2-2.5hrs after that for the rest of the day.
What supplements do you use?
I’ve spent a lot of money over the years on the latest and greatest natural supplements. Now protein powder, glutamine, and energy products are really the only supplements I use year round without fail. Then I add bcaa’s & creatine come contest time to prevent muscle loss. I haven’t really found anything else that I can’t live without, although I love trying new products. For overall health, I also take glucosamine, Omega-3’s, multi-vitamins, Green & Red Super Food, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and a few others.
Which era of bodybuilding had superior physiques? Yesterdays Bodybuilders, or Today’s?
I don’t think you can question that today’s physiques are about as good as it gets. However, I love seeing pics and videos of the old school guys.
Favorite Bodybuilders?
Old school has to be Arnold. As for Natural guys, I’ve had the privilege to workout and interact with some great Pro’s like Dave Goodin, Jim Cordova, & Jon Harris. So they’re definitely near the top of the list of favorites for me. I’d also add, since I’m someone who is going to have to win his Pro Card on conditioning, I can really appreciate Brian Whitacre and the levels he can take his body.
Favorite Quote?
“Everything is possible for him who believes.” Mark 9:23
Website: www.missouriallnatural.com
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