Chris Zaino

Background

Unlike most bodybuilders who got their inspiration from the magazines and " Arnold", my inspiration came from my dad. My dad had a great build, and as far back as I can remember I was flexing my triceps. So, at the age of 13, I moved from Long Island, NY to Sarasota, FL. My parents bribed me with a universal weight machine in my room.

Well, that was the beginning of a monster. In a short amount of time I was able to see progress. This in turn got the motivational ball rolling for me to continue training harder and harder. I entered high school at 98 pounds and I graduated at 205... not bad. From there, I entered college and competed in my first show at 18 years old. I received 2nd in the men's open at the 1995 Jr. FL. I was originally doing the teen division, but they dropped it, so I had to compete in the open.

That was the beginning of a slew of shows and victories. Some of my best shows were the 1997 NPC Mid FL, overall; 1998 NPV Jr. FLorida, overall; 1998 Mr. America, 2nd; and 1999 NPC South Eastern USA, 1st. Since then I have been blessed to have written for Natural Muscle Magazine for 3 years and had the chance to appear on TV and magazines. Like I said, total blessing, total bonus.

Articles

  • All Carbs Are NOT Created Equal!

    Have you ever eaten a meal, or slammed a carbohydrate drink before you trained, to find yourself feeling lethargic mid-way through your workout? Find out why here!

    Published on: Aug 20, 2014

  • Rebuild The Temple - Biblical Principles On Why We Should Take Care Of Our Bodies!

    The question is why you don't mind taking care of something such as a $300,000 car but choose to ignore your body which is priceless? If this sounds a bit strange then read on to get the whole story.

    Published on: Jul 11, 2005

  • The Ultimate 6 Day Split Routine - Days 1-3!

    This article will outline in detail the specific training routine I follow. I will go over the exercises performed each day, sets, reps and additional intensity tips for each body group. In this part one I will be covering hamstrings, chest and back.

    Published on: Oct 15, 2003

  • The Ultimate 6 Day Split Routine - Days 4-6!

    This article is going to outline the specific training routine I follow. I will go over the exercises performed each day, sets, reps, and additional intensity tips for each body group. In this part two I will be covering shoulders, quads and arms.

    Published on: Oct 15, 2003

  • How I Get Ready For A Photo Shoot - Part Two!

    In part two I am going to cover my diet, how to time your meals, how much water to drink, what supplements to take and how to get that polished look!

    Published on: Sep 2, 2003

  • How I Get Ready For A Photo Shoot!

    Find out down to the very last detail on exactly how I train, eat, do cardio, supplementation, and final polishing tactics to get ready for a photo shoot.

    Published on: Sep 2, 2003

  • Time & Consistency: The Keys To The Body You Desire!

    Why are more and more people failing in their attempts to achieve a healthier, leaner physique? Their workouts were great, they did their cardio, ate right too. Learn why time & consistency are the key to gains!

    Published on: Jul 6, 2003

  • Take Your Physique To The Next Level With Cardio!

    From personal experience I have found cardiovascular exercise is a valuable part of my diet and exercise program during off-season and pre-contest time. Follow these tips and remember, cardio alone will not do the trick.

    Published on: Jun 23, 2003

  • Consistency: The Key To Progress In Your Fitness Program.

    There is one ingredient that keeps people from reaching their fitness goals - consistency! Learn why and how it relates to losing fat!

    Published on: Jun 19, 2003

  • H2O: Hydrate Yourself To A Better Body!

    Listen up. I have some interesting facts that might lead you to your nearest grocery store for a couple of gallons!

    Published on: Jun 13, 2003

  • Pre-Exhaustion Techniques!

    Even though we train each body part, there are always those body parts that respond very well and those that lag behind. Learn how to use pre-exhaust training to build your lagging parts!

    Published on: Feb 19, 2003

  • Get In Shape For Summer!

    Well, it is almost that time of the year again, SUMMER! Everyone wants to be tighter and leaner for the summer time RIGHT! Learn how with this 12-week program!

    Published on: Feb 18, 2003

  • Improving Your Immune System!

    Attention to maintaining a healthy immune system, combined with proper nutritional practices, will keep you free from infectious illnesses that would cause you to miss regularly scheduled gym sessions and prevent you from reaching your goals.

    Published on: Jan 11, 2003

  • Contract Your Goals To Keep You Motivated!

    Everyone has goals they want to achieve, but it is the loss of motivation, discipline, and drive that gets in our way to achieve them. It is whether or not you stick with achieving them or not that makes the difference.

    Published on: Jan 9, 2003

  • Take A Break!

    In my experiences over the years I have been training, taking a total week off from the gym has been a major contribution to my longevity and constant progress in bodybuilding and health in general.

    Published on: Jan 1, 2003

  • Take A Break!

    In my experiences over the years I have been training, taking a total week off from the gym has been a major contribution to my longevity and constant progress in bodybuilding and health in general.

    Published on: Jan 1, 2003

  • Gaining Muscle Size: Bulk Up Or Stay Lean?

    It's the offseason and you are looking to gain some extra muscle size... so do you bulk up fast or stay lean while gaining size? Here are my tips for gaining muscle the right way!

    Published on: Dec 8, 2002

  • Training While Traveling!

    Chris Zaino shows you how to stay on your diet and exercise plan while traveling! Get tips on cardio, diet and learn how you can get a good full body in your hotel room. Don't let going out of town ruin your hard work!

    Published on: Nov 29, 2002