SimplyShredded.com

How did you get started with bodybuilding?

I got started in bodybuilding in 2004.  I left college early to go play baseball in the minor leagues.  To tell you the truth, it really wasn’t what I expected…playing in the minor leagues really isn’t a glamorous life.  I came back to college to finish my degree and being the competitive person I am, I needed something to compete in.  With any other sport, you need a skill set, so I thought, “why not try bodybuilding?”  I entered into the local bodybuilding show at my college aptly named Mr ISU and was able to win 1st place overall.  I’ve been hooked ever since.
What fuels your motivation?

My motivation has always been more inward.  I’ve never had a lack of motivation to go out and get what I want.  I just have the type of personality to be the best at whatever it is I set out to do.  By that I mean, my best relative to ME, not to anyone else.  I compete only against myself.  If I happen to place well or win a show, then that’s great.  But, I’m ultimately only concerned with my own progress and what I am able to do with my own physique, genetics, etc.  The biggest thing that keeps my motivation is the thought of how this affects other areas of my life.  I want to be the best husband, father, friend, and person I possibly can.  I know living a healthy and active lifestyle is great for the mind and body and enriches life.  Bodybuilding has taught me how to eat and workout (or be active) in a way naturally that I can then help teach my future children someday to do the same and have it enrich their lives.

[View with PicLens]

Initially, no.  I was trying to do everything on my own.  The problem with that was my degree or areas of expertise were not in training and nutrition, they were in other areas.  It wasn’t until I hired a coach (and I have several coaches now for different things) to teach me how to do this the right way that I started noticing my physique going to a whole new level.  Every successful athlete has a good coach.

So what is the bodybuilding training routine that you use to have that killer physique?

My favorite routine that I call my “bread and butter” routine is adopted from Layne Norton’s PHAT routine – which stands for Power Hypertrophy Adaptive Training.  Essentially, I focus more on frequency where muscle groups are lifted either twice a week or twice every 8 days with lower volume, and combining all my heavy work into one workout and my moderate/light work in the other.  All splits can work if they have the right balance of volume/intensity/frequency.  You just have to find that right balance for you in whatever split you choose to do.  How will you know when you find it?  Well, the strength will start shooting through the roof!

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

I prefer to use a unique combination of BOTH.  I think both are great and that one form isn’t superior over the other.  Again, the key here is balance.  You have to find that right balance so that you are maximizing fat loss and minimizing muscle loss.  Knowing how to do this depends on your experience, dieting approach, and a whole list of other variables.

What is your supplementation like?

My supplementation usually surprises people because it is very basic.  It consists of:

• Multi-Vitamin
• Fish Oil
• Creatine
• Beta Alanine
• Joint Complex
• BCAAs
• Whey

That’s about it.  I use what works and don’t feel the need to experiment around with other “fluff” out on the market.

Plans for the future?

Well, I had planned on getting back on stage this year, but decided to get married instead…and there’s NO WAY I would try dieting and planning a wedding at the same time!  So it looks like my pro debut is going to be in 2010…I’m really looking forward to it!  As for shows, I haven’t picked them out yet, but I am looking around the summer/fall time frame.

Favourite Quote?

“Anyone can give up, it’s the easiest thing in the world to do.  But, to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that is true strength.

Bodyspace: Tommy Jeffers

Share

SimplyShredded.com answers your questions! Check out our new forums for free bodybuilding advice from the community. Fast, friendly and free! What are you waiting for?