I had a talk with Bodybuilding.com Editor-In-Chief Kris Gethin, and we decided that it was about time that I gave young Johnnie a call and find out what the story is regarding the Iron Man and his plan for the Arnold. Learn more.
On March 7th we will see the 21st Anniversary of the Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio. This is the IFBB's second most prestigious show and brings out the best of the best to battle for the title. One such IFBB superstar who will be there ready to wage war, is none other than 2001 USA & Nationals Champion Johnnie Jackson.
I bumped into Jackson backstage while at the 2009 Iron Man Pro and we caught up for a few minutes before the show. He was in a great mood, seemed very relaxed and very confident. But when it came to prejudging, it was evident that Jackson was not making the final cut.
His conditioning was not up to his normal standard and he finished in 10th place; not a great result for Johnnie, and not the start to the 2009 season he was planning, I am sure. After all, this man has qualified for the Olympia each year of his pro career to date. Knowing the type of athlete that he is, I am sure that he will bounce back with a vengeance for the Arnold.
Click Image To Enlarge. I Am Sure That He Will Bounce Back With A Vengeance. Photo Courtesy Of Muscle Mag.
With all of this in mind, I had a talk with Bodybuilding.com Editor-In-Chief Kris Gethin, and we decided that it was about time that I gave young Johnnie a call and find out what the story is regarding the Iron Man and his plan for the Arnold.
Here is what the two-time IFBB Pro Champion and new father to a little baby girl, had to say earlier this week.
Interview
[ Q ] Johnny, I recently learned, from you as a matter of fact, that you and your wife Rebecca recently had a baby. First off I want to say congratulations on behalf of everyone at Bodybuilding.com. Secondly, how much of a change of lifestyle has that been?
It's been a tremendous but good change. I love my wife, but with the addition of our daughter the bond is even stronger and that's the best change.
Click Image To Enlarge. The Bond Is Even Stronger.
[ Q ] Great to hear bro. In recent years you were working with Milos Sarcev, which I believe is no longer the case. Why the change?
I learned so much while working with Milos but it was a strain on myself and the family with my traveling to California. I am no longer working with him, but we still stay in contact.
Click Image To Enlarge. I Learned So Much While Working With Milos. Photo Courtesy Of Muscle Mag.
[ Q ] Not the juicy gossip the fans were hoping for, but great to hear that you still remain in touch. You and fellow professional bodybuilder, Branch Warren, had one of the more famous training partnerships in bodybuilding. What were those years like? Were they your best and do you still get to workout together?
Yes, those years were awesome and I do miss them, but our schedules are conflicting and so we aren't able to train very often together, but we do hit it when we can.
RELATED VIDEO: JOHNNIE JACKSON POSING ROUTINE
2009 Iron Man Pro:
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[ Q ] Yeah, it is tough to keep everything going, especially when life has a different path for everyone. But it is great that ya still get to throw some iron around every once in a while.
Being a family man has certain requirements and obligations, such as family get-togethers and the like. When preparing for a contest how does this fit in? Do you eat out and if so what do you tend to eat?
Family is very important to me, but they are my greatest supporters - they understand that I must be strict when getting ready for a show. It doesn't really affect gatherings, etc., and my wife prepares my food.
Click Image To Enlarge. My Family Is My Greatest Supporter. Photo Courtesy Of Muscle Mag.
[ Q ] That's awesome! There is no substitute for the support of your family. Tell us more about how you balance the life of one of the world's best professional bodybuilders and being a husband and father.
With the love and support of my family, it is not as difficult as it may seem - I am truly blessed in that way. Work is work and home is home, but I can't leave my job at the door like some professions because of the diet and training requirements. Being a bodybuilder is what I do and my family is who I am - I just try to strike the right balance.
Click Image To Enlarge. I Just Try To Strike The Right Balance. Photo Courtesy Of Muscle Mag.
[ Q ] Sounds like you have found the secret bro. OK, let's talk about this year's season, and I will get straight to the point. What happened at the Iron Man?
It's easy enough to explain the Iron Man; my timing was off, I spilled over and am moving on to the Arnold.
[ Q ] That's a great attitude to have. What changes have you made for the Arnold?
No major changes for the Arnold. Like I said, my timing was off, so now I just pay more attention to detail.
[ Q ] I look forward to seeing the end result in Columbus. You have been a MuscleTech athlete for a number of years. What products of theirs do you use, both off-season and pre-contest?
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[ Q ] You keep it pretty basic and to the point, that's good to know. Can you give us a brief outline of your training split and exercises this close to the Arnold?
Basically I do high volume training and giant sets that I was taught by Milos.
[ Q ] That's a busy split bro. Not a huge fan of the high volume training myself, but it is nice to throw it in every once in a while for some variety. You have been pretty successful since you turned pro, what keeps you motivated these days?
Wanting to be successful in everything I do.
Click Image To Enlarge. I Want To Be Successful In Everything I Do. Photo Courtesy Of Muscle Mag.
[ Q ] The hunger for success can be a great motivating tool, and you know what they say... nothing sucks seeds, like a gummy bird! Is there anything else you would like to talk about or mention before we wrap this up?
I just want to thank my wife for all her support over the years, and thanks to my sponsors for allowing me to do what I do, and to all the fans for their support.
[ Q ] Great stuff bro, I guess I will see you at the Arnold.
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