WNBF Pro/Chairman Rich Fitter Talks With Simplyshredded

How did you get started with bodybuilding?

I was always into superheroes as a kid and I’m sure that had some influence. I have an older brother who lifted weights for wrestling and he inspired me to get started at age 12. He could have been a great bodybuilder himself, if he chose to pursue it. I was more into the strength training aspect of lifting and didn’t consider myself a bodybuilder until much later. Strength was important to me, as I was abused as a kid and wanted to make sure it would never happen again.

Where does your motivation come from?

I think most people have the motivation inside of them. Bodybuilding is a sport that requires you to live a lifestyle that is focused on eating, sleeping and training 24/7. If you don’t have it within you, you will not be as successful as those that do. Externally, there are a great number of natural athletes out there and just looking at what they have accomplished keeps me motivated.

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

I have always used a high-intensity, low volume approach. Most of my workouts are between 30-40 minutes. Larger bodyparts are trained with 6-10 work sets and smaller ones get 4-6 work sets. My reps can vary from 3-20, but mostly in the 4-6 rep range. I use pre-exhaust supersets, J-Reps, drop sets and I change my lifting tempo frequently. I have been using chains, bands, boards and box squats lately to train for a bench meet this year. I train four days per week year round.

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

Both. I use HIIT after my workout, but on non-lifting days or as a secondary session, I use steady state cardio.

What is your Diet like?

I responded best to 40/40/20. I used this plan early in my competitive career and did very well. I made the mistake of listening to too many different people and it messed me up for a few years. I would come in too smooth, too flat or too small because I didn’t listen to my body. In 2006, I worked with Dr. Joe and he got me back on track and helped me achieve my best condition for my final show.

What is your supplementation like?

I am very fortunate because I have the support of MuscleTech, who sponsored me in 2006 when I looked my best. They have agreed to help me get over neck and shoulder injuries and make a return to powerlifting. I love their new Hardcore Pro Series. Outside of MuscleTech, I have much respect for Scivation and USP Labs.

Plans for the future?

As WNBF Chairman and Editorial Director of Natural Bodybuilding & Fitness, I am working very hard to promote natural bodybuilding and the athletes. My goal is to increase the exposure of the INBF & WNBF and the prize money at our pro events. As part of the Executive Committee, I recently helped revamp the judging guidelines and have made some changes within the magazine to put more of the spotlight on a number of different athletes, rather than just a few.

Favourite Bodybuilders?

When I first got started, Mike Mentzer was a big influence, but as I got older and I began to follow the natural side of the sport, I looked up to Eddie Hernandez, Eugene DeVito and Carmi Smith – All past WNBF World Champions.