2009 Capital City Men's Novice Heavy Wt 4th
Best Poser & Most Improved

What got you started in bodybuilding?

I was actually born into bodybuilding, which is kind of a cliché, but it’s true.  My father competed before I was born, as well as many times after.  I did not decide to compete until 2004 after cheering for a friend at the NPC Contra Costa.  She suggested that I should do it.  My dad had competed in the Capital City in 2003, and so I decided to set out for that show.  At the contest, I won Best Poser over my dad, and I was hooked.

Describe your training and nutrition (on/off season);

My training year round remains the same. I train heavy week and light week.  Heavy week is broken down into one body part a day, legs being my favorite no matter what.  Training really heavy, and pushing more weight than those who may not be “natural” is always fun!  My light week is simply super-setting.  A schedule might look like:  Day 1= legs (I love to start the week off right), Day 2= shoulders/tris, Day 3= back/hamstrings, Day 4= chest/bis.  This routine may not be completely consistent as I really try to listen to my body.  If I am too sore to train successfully, then I will find an alternate training option and resume my training the next day.  As I’ve become wiser, I’ve started to incorporate more alternative training methods such as spin classes, yoking, cross fit training, kettle bell, etc.

Nutrition: I love food as I feel most bodybuilders have to, in order to do what we do.  Off season used to be free reign for me!  I have been known to gain anywhere from 60 -100 pounds in the off season.  I stopped doing this after having a bad showing in 2008 when in January I weighed 315lbs, and walked on stage in July at 215lbs.  I looked horrible which was a great learning experience for me.  Now, I am more regulatory with off season eating, and when I want to indulge, I make sure that I keep track, so that I can work it off.   When it comes to dieting for a show, I turn the show switch “on” and eat what is necessary to get in the best shape possible.  I want to make sure that I beat myself every time I step on stage, so that I am constantly improving.  I don't eat bread, dairy, or many sugars.  I hate vegetables with a passion!   Although, to have a healthy body, I do consume them when dieting for a contest.  My daily regimen for competition is;

Breakfast: 1 cup oatmeal & 12 eggs whites

Snack: Protein shake & fruit or rice cakes

Lunch: Meat & rice or yam

Snack: Protein shake & fruit or rice cake

Pre dinner: Meat & rice or yam

Dinner: Salad w/ Galeos dressing (the best dressing ever because I hate vegetables)

I try not to eat later than 6pm as my days normally start @ 4am.  I love being up before the rest of the world to start my day off right.  If I am craving or starving, I will make about 6 eggs whites, and then go for an evening stroll before bed.

What are your bodybuilding contest highlights (titles/experiences)?

2004-  Capital City Novice Light Heavyweight - 4th place & Best Poser

           NPC San Jose Light Heavyweight - 5th place

2005-  NPC Contra Costa Novice Light Heavyweight

2006-  Capital City Novice Heavyweight - 3rd place, Runner up Best Poser (1^st= my Dad)

           NPC San Jose Novice Light Heavyweight - 7th Place

2008- Capital City Novice Heavyweight - 5th place & Best Poser

2009- NPC San Jose Heavyweight - 3rd place

          Capital City Novice Heavyweight - 4th place & Best Poser & Most Improved

What is the most important thing you’ve learned/gained through bodybuilding?

The most important thing I have learned from bodybuilding is the power of the mind, and that you are only as strong as your weakest attribute. I've gained some amazing peers and fans through my life of bodybuilding, and I hope to gain more with my performances.  I love to bring entertainment into the sport!  I have been fortunate to see so many amazing human specimens that are natural.  Many of whom have beaten those who use enhancements, and I see this as a true delight.

Future aspirations?

Let’s see, future aspirations…. I am going to get my pro card!   I would really like to go up against my dad one more time so that we can settle the Best Poser dispute.  My dad said that when he is 50 (which is only a couple of years from now) he would step on stage again, so be sure to be at that show because it will be one for the record books.   I would like to get into guest posing, and helping to choreograph routines.  I love the idea of helping to make bodybuilding contests more entertaining.  I plan to compete as long as my body will let me, and I hope that both my father and I can have our pro cards at the same time.   We could make the sport very entertaining!  With all that said, I know I am at the will of what is meant to be.  I am always looking forward to the future and seeing what possibilities are available.  Another ultimate goal for me would be to win the San Jose show since my father won it as a teen.  I would love to have the title of Mr. San Jose, and it may not come until I am a grandmaster, but I would achieve that title as a natural bodybuilder!