Cellucor Sponsored Athlete Colton Leonard Talks With Simplyshredded.com

First off, I am a student at Texas A&M University studying Exercise Physiology and I am a competitive bodybuilder. I have competed in both the NPC Teen Nationals, where I placed 2nd for the heavy weights, and in the NPC Collegiate Nationals where my best placing was 5th. I am looking to return to the Collegiate Nationals this year to better my placing and hopefully within the next two years win the show.

How did you get started with bodybuilding?

Well I started just trying to get bigger and stronger for my upcoming senior football season. When I hurt my neck in a game, I turned my full focus to bodybuilding. After I competed in my first show, I was hooked and decided to pursue my dream of receiving a pro card in the NPC.

Where does your motivation come from?

My competition keeps me motivated in every aspect. Any time im training, or gaging down food, I always let my future competitors run through my mind. Knowing that if I’m slowing down, then they are catching up to me. I have always been a very competitive person and I’m always trying to better my self both physically and mentally.

What is your training philosophy?

Do your home work and train smart. It is as simple as that. Do the research so you have the knowledge to get your physique where you want it, and then put it in motion. Don’t let your ego get the best of you.

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

Squat, Deadlifts and the Bench press. If your not doing a variation of these in your workouts, that’s why your not growing. Not only are these full body mass builders, but you get a flood of anabolic hormones after these tough lifts.

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

I tend to do more Steady State Cardio rather than HIIT. However I will work it in when I’m in a time crunch or looking to mix things up.

What is your philosophy on nutrition?

Nutrition is key. I tend to stick to good healthy carbs and fats while I’m gaining weight, and for contest prep my diet tends to be more Ketogentic. My protein intake has always stayed high.

What are your favorite meals and foods?

My favorite meals have to be Chicken breast and Sweet potatoes with cinnamon. I am a sucker for Sweet potatoes.

Favorite cheat food?

Any food just A LOT of it. I really like Mexican food, but what I always miss when I’m getting ready for a show is the quantity of food. I enjoy just filling up.

What supplements do you use?

I really enjoy Cellucor’s Line of products. They have given me a great boost in the last year that I have used them. Specifically the M5. Besides that I like to stick to the basics. BCAA’s and amino acids , creatines, whey proteins… etc.