WNBF Pro Clement Yearwood Talks With Simplyshredded.com

Jamie Filer from simplyshredded.com got the chance to ask Natural Bodybuilding Pro Clement Yearwood a couple questions regarding his diet, training, and much more

How did you get started in bodybuilding?

I was about to board a plane in Dec 2003, when I decided to go into a bookstore for something to read on the Aircraft. A Magazine instantly caught my eye. It read Natural Bodybuilding & Fitness. I remember saying to myself, “Natural Bodybuilding? Is there such a thing?”, as I had no clue that Natural bodybuilding even existed and thought that most bodybuilders used steroids. Then I opened the book and I saw the physiques of the stellar athletes and the requirements of 7 years drug free and so forth and that they held competitions. I made a phone, and was introduced to Ian Mercer and he showed me the required poses and turns. I then disappeared with that select info and popped up at Hercules in 2004 in the novice category, grabbing a runner up finish. On stage for the 1st time, I was winded almost instantly. I couldn’t wait to get off. I then went back to my seat and I watched the open classes and overall WOW . I had work to do. Exactly 7 days later, I did my 2nd show. I did Inbf Universe. It was this show that I got my 1st glimpse of what a Pro Line up looked like.Good Lord. I could never get like that. I saw muscles in places I never knew were possible on a Natural frame. I knew I had major homework to do, and I started to get hooked. I did 7 shows that year.

You’ve done 21 shows since 2004; what keeps you coming back?

Determination.15 of those shows were done before 2007.I’ve done 2 shows per year since that time. In the beginning, (2004-06), I wanted to see how much I could improve on a show to show basis. The goal was always focused on winning my Pro- card at a major show. I would look through the magazine and noticed that the winners of the highly competitive shows done quite superb in the Pro ranks. I also recalled reading a few winning their cards at the smaller ones, but when they got on stage with the Pro- lineup, some didn’t do quite well as expected and felt disappointed obviously. So I put myself in that same position mentally. So ONLY because of this, I just figured at that time, that If I couldn’t win the smaller shows, I would be a Non-factor in the big ones as I wanted to win a big premier show; just a personal choice of mine. However, I wasn’t taking it all that seriously diet wise, mostly due to the fact that early on, I was winning Non Pro qualifier overalls, and I had the stupid mindset of thinking, “Why would I have to diet for an extended time if I’m winning overalls?” Training wise, my sessions were mind boggling. But diet? Sub par. Ultimately, my questions were answered as when it came to Pro Qualifiers I would fall short. I knew deep down it was lack of dieting. I just didn’t want to do it and wasn’t sure if I had that will power in me to diet for an extended time frame.

What is your training and diet like, and does it change from off-season to pre-contest?

My training has stayed consistent and supercharged from Day 1 both on and off seasons. I’ve had months/years were I went from 1x and then increased to 2x a week working body parts. Mostly Hypertrophy and a little Power movements as I go into my own Torture Chambers and go berserk untill I can no longer bare the excruciating pain. When the time comes, I may incorporate Super/Tri/Quad/ and even Giant sets if need be. I change up my exercises on a regular basis, so my body doesn’t adapt to the exercises. Unlike many others, I never really lifted heavy in the past (well heavy relative to myself). I may strap on some heavy weight as some might see it, but if I’m cranking out 15-20 reps, it is not defined as heavy for me. Plus, at times if I don’t feel the muscle working, I will lower the weight, as I always believed form and technique come first. Obviously going heavy has its benefits, but training with a small hernia (though it doesn’t really bother me now), sticks out in the back of my mind sometimes. So for this reason alone, I take safety over everything else. My diet now is finally on as I finally have become disciplined enough to say on extended diet. I only started experimenting with a diet of my own for 6 weeks leading up to 2006 Inbf Worlds, but since that time, in middle of 2007, I have got together with the “Architect Layne Norton and I have not been doing Un-dieted shows since.
Off Season
As far as Off- season dieting,that has been my main problem for the most part since competing. But I’m trying to do a better job at that now. I have ALWAYS done things the incorrect way by going on a see-food diet – Every food I see, I eat! Obviously, not the best thing to do, but that is one area of mine that needs major correction. When In season, I have my normal Protein sources such as Chicken, Fish. Steak etc, and Carbs. I have Rice, Potatoes, Fruit, Whole Wheat bread etc. which I eat a TON of. I usually switch things up, and very rarely do I have the same foods on a daily basis.

Your fellow competitors and fans always talk about how you maintain your charisma and positive persona all the time; what do you attribute this to?

That’s awesome to hear. I def wouldn’t say all the time though. Because at times, especially in the latter dieting stages, I can be a bit tough to be around, as I am in a no nonsense mood. Every so often, you come across or see a person a little bit discouraged or down – whether it is in shows or in your personal life. It is nothing more than lending a helping hand or a few encouraging words to keep the faith in whatever is going on in people lives. We all want to prosper. NEVER GIVE UP!!

How did it feel to win the 2008 Naturalmania Nationals? Were you expecting it?

Ecstatic. After all, I had accomplished 1 of my goals of winning one of the Inbf’s premier shows. Expecting it? I have to say YES! I was dreaming that it would happen here; whether it would come true is a different story. Obviously of course no one knows who will show up at any given show and in what condition. I was extremely focus & confident coming in, not that I wasn’t before. You see, diet has always been my # 1 enemy. This would be the longest I had ever dieted for a show. For that reason only, I was expecting big things. As luck would have it, by nights end, my name was called against the other excellent class of worthy winners. We were ALL winners that night

Were you disappointed with 2nd place in Worlds 2008? What do you think happened?

Well, you asked, and I have be honest here; positively, Absolutely I was………………………………………. NOT! Whom in their right mind would be disappointed with a runner-up finish in their Pro- debut against the Wnbf’s awesome elite athlete’s? Listen, it was a win- win for me and I was fortunate enough to make such a great stand. I couldn’t ask for anything more. Reason being, I almost threw it all away, as after I won my Pro- card 7 weeks earlier, I went off the wagon and gained 13lbs days after the show (Nb&f mag stated 21 lbs – that was actually after 2007 Worlds). I wasn’t sure I had enough time to make an impact and as luck would have it. I just barely managed to put it back together in time.
NOTHING HAPPENED!

As with any number of shows, there are usually close calls between competitors and whether it is size, symmetry, or conditioning, every judge has their own criteria of what they are looking for. The judges had their work cut out for them with the excellent group of people that were in that spectacular line-up. For me to even come close to the defending champion, as well as the other top-notch Light Weight Pro’s in that class, was such an personal accomplishment I can have only dreamed of. I see it like a boxing fight; who wants to see The Champ lose his belt on a close split decision? Not me. If a Champ is to lose his/her belt, i t should be convincible or by Knock-out. As 1 of the challengers that night, I did a pretty darn good job. But I sure don’t think I did enough to un-seed the champ. I am and was grateful and lucky to grab a runner- up finish.

What are your plans for the future?

My plans are to progress and improve on my selected areas. Without a doubt I know I can do a ton better in my off/In season goals in an attempt to make a big impact the next time I step on stage. I know exactly what I have to do. When it is time for me to put my foot down on the gas pedal, I know it is time to go.