How I Got Started?

I got started bodybuilding about 1 1/2 years ago. I wanted to switch my job in the Air Force so I could be a firefighter. I knew I had to be in awesome shape, so I decided to dedicate myself to being in the best shape possible.

Once I got started I got hooked on it. If I was not at work I was at the gym and when I was not at the gym I was thinking about what I was going to do in the gym. All the hard work paid off big time.

Not only was I in great shape for the fire academy but I accomplished some goals in the bodybuilding world. First I was chosen as a Bodybuilding.com Transformation Of The Week and then I was selected to be in January 08 issue of Flex magazine as one if the winners of the "Flex your military muscles contest."

Click To Enlarge.
I Was In Great Shape For The Fire Academy.

Civilian Life To Military Life
What Is The Hardest Part?

I don't know if anything was really hard or not in transitioning from civilian to military. I was at a point in my life where I needed that change so I welcomed it. I had tried college for a couple of years first and I was just burnt out.

I found myself not doing much with my life so one day while talking to my dad we got to talking about the military and I decided that was what I needed. It was the best decision I have ever made.

I honestly do not know where I would be had it not been for my dad talking to me that one day 7 ½ years ago.

Click To Enlarge.
I Don't Know Where I Would Be Had It Not Been
For My Dad Talking To Me That One Day.

The Biggest Obstacle Of A Military Lifestyle

I would say the hardest part about leading a military lifestyle is being away from family and friends. But at the same time you make so many new friends and have so many experiences that it is all worth it.

When it comes to bodybuilding while in the military the biggest obstacle is getting all your meals in and finding the best time to go to the gym. It is real hard if you are always working different shifts. You really have to plan out your days and still make sure you are getting plenty of rest.

Workout Plan

Back:

• SEATED ROWS 3 x 8-12
• LAT PULLDOWNS 3 x 8-12
• DEADLIFT (every other week) 3 x 8-12
• ONE-ARM ROWS 3 x 8-12
• REVERSE BARBELL ROWS 3 x 8-12
• T-BAR ROWS 3 x 8-12
• STRIGHT ARM PULLDOWNS 3 x 8-12
• STANDING CABLE ROWS 3 x 8-12
• INCLINE BACK ROWS 3 x 8-12
• ABS (Rope Crunches & Leg Lifts) 3 x 15-20

Click Here For A Printable Log Of Back.

Shoulders:

• DUMBELL SIDE LATERALS 3 x 8-12
• SHOULDER PRESS 3 x 8-12
• CABLE SIDE LATERALS 3 x 8-12
• REAR DELT ROWS 3 x 8-12
• DUMBBELL FRONT RAISES 3 x 8-12
• DUMBBELL SHRUGS 3 x 8-12
• BARBELL SHRUGS 3 x 8-12
• BARBBELL UPRIGHT ROWS 3 x 8-12

Click Here For A Printable Log Of Shoulders.

Chest:

• DUMBBELL INCLINE PRESS 3 x 8-12
• FLAT BENCH PRESS 3 x 8-12
• DIPS 3 x 8-12
• INCLINE BARBELL PRESS 3 x 8-12
• DECLINE PRESS 3 x 8-12
• CABLE FLY'S 3 x 8-12
• DUMBBELL PULL OVER 3 x 8-12
• ABS (Rope Crunches & Leg Lifts) 3 x 15-20

Click Here For A Printable Log Of Chest.

Biceps/Triceps:

• ROPE PUSHDOWN 3 x 8-12
• CLOSE GRIP BENCH 3 x 8-12
• DIPS 3 x 8-12
• WIDE GRIP PUSHDOWNS 3 x 8-12
• OVERHEAD TRI EXTENTIONS 3 x 8-12
• PREACHER CURL 3 x 8-12
• ALTERNATING CURLS 3 x 8-12
• CONCENTRATION CURLS 3 x 8-12
• HAMMER CURLS 3 x 8-12

Click Here For A Printable Log Of Biceps/Triceps.

Legs:

• LEG PRESSES 3 x 8-12
• HACK SQUATS 3 x 8-12
• SQUATS 3 x 8-12
• WALKING LUNGES 3 x 8-12
• LEG EXTENTIONS 3 x 8-12
• SEATED LEG CURLS 3 x 8-12
• LYING LEG CURLS 3 x 8-12
• STIFF-LEGGED DEADLIFTS 3 x 8-12
• WIDE STANCE LEG CURLS 3 x 8-12
• SEATED CALF RAISES 4 x 8-12
• STANDING CALF RAISES 4 x 8-12
• ABS (Rope Crunches & Leg Lifts) 3 x 15-20

Click Here For A Printable Log Of Legs.

Cardio is done 4 times a week, 45min either on the treadmill or elliptical machine.

Nutrition Plan

This is the current meal plan I am on right now. I am getting ready for a contest in November.

Meal 1: (5:30am)

• 8 egg whites
• 1 cup of oat meal (dry)

Meal 2: (8:30am)

• Pro Complex shake from Optimum Nutrition with a banana

Meal 3: (11:30am)

• 10 oz of chicken breast
• 1 cup of rice
• mixed vegetables

Meal 4: (2:30pm)

• 2 cans of Tuna
• Pita bread
• Lettuce

Meal 5: (7:30pm)

• 10 oz of Tilapia fish
• 1 cup of rice

Meal 6: (8:30pm)

• Pro Complex shake from Optimum Nutrition

Supplements

I am currently taking a muscle stack that is advertised on bodybuilding.com. It's the Advanced Muscle Builder Stack:

• Optimum Pro Complex
• AST Multi Pro 32X
• Universal Animal Pump
• Scivation Xtend
• AMS Nocturnabol

Future Bodybuilding Plans

Well right now I am getting ready to compete in a contest in November. After that I would like to compete as much as possible to get as much experience as I can and just take it from there.

Also on a side note I am getting my personal trainer's certification. I would like to pass on as much knowledge as I can and help people the same way bodybuilding has helped me.

Favorite Bodybuilders

I have many favorites but the two that I admire most are Jay Cutler and David Henry. David Henry is someone I look up to because he has found a way to balance being in the Air Force and also having a successful bodybuilding career.

One Tip For Other Bodybuilders In The Military

If I could give one tip to fellow bodybuilders in the military it would be stay motivated. There are those days after working a 12 hour shift that the last thing you want to do is go to the gym. Believe me, it is all worth it. I've always said the hardest part is getting in the gym. Once you are done and look back you will be glad you went.

Click To Enlarge.
Believe Me, It Is All Worth It.

military_bodybuilder@bodybuilding.com

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