By: Dino Pierce

Introduction

DeWayde Perry is a Medical Doctor and amateur bodybuilder. I met DeWayde via the WWW roughly 2 years ago and we have had several encounters and exchanges since that time. We are both fellow Bodybuilding.com amateur bodybuilder of the week winners.

View DeWayde's Amateur Bodybuilder Of The Week Profile.

Although I have never met DeWayde in person I view him as a friend. I had hopes of meeting him in 2003 at the NPC Team Universe; however I decided to wait until 2005 to do a show of that caliber. I remember when I first informed DeWayde of the disappointing news... he responded that he knew that we would meet one day "in the overall." DeWayde Perry is a very humble man.

I used to refer to him as Dr. and Sir, a symbol of respect for his academic accomplishments. DeWayde demanded that I not refer to him as such because he did not like "titles."

I have worked closely with several MDs throughout my internships and experience as a licensed/registered dietitian, DeWayde is a rarity. In 2003 DeWayde informed me of some great news, which leads us to this interview today.

I thought that his recent bodybuilding accomplishments were far more than interview worthy and I was right. Last month DeWayde was featured in the NPC magazine. I asked DeWayde if he would conduct an exclusive interview (for you) with me. He granted permission and we conducted this interview via the WWW.

This interview will shed light on who DeWayde Perry, MD is (biography), cover what his training and nutrition programs are like, discuss his supplement regimen, tell how and why DeWayde started bodybuilding, cover his current accomplishments in the sport, and finally discuss his future plans in the sport.

Biography

Name: DeWayde C. Perry, M.D.
Contact E-mail: Fitdoctr@aol.com
Age: 35
Height: 5' 6.5"
Off-Season Weight: 210 lbs Contest Weight: 176.25 lbs
Place of Birth: Akron, Ohio
Current Residence: Fairview Park, Ohio
Ethnic Origin: African-American
Years Bodybuilding: 10
Contest History: 2002 NPC Central States Championships, 1st Middleweights
2003 NPC Team Universe (Aug), 7th Middleweights
2003 NPC Natural Northern USA (Oct), 1st Middleweights and Overall
2004 NPC Tri-State Championships, 1st Middleweights
2004 NPC Tournament of Champions, 1st Middleweights
Favorite Bodyparts: Back, hams
Favorite Exercise: I have no favorites. The pain is all the same.
Favorite Supplements: Beverly International Mass Maker, Ultra Size, Ultimate Muscle Protein, Ultra 40, Fish oil and Udo's Choice Perfected Oil Blend
Hobbies: Shaolin kung fu, integrative medicine, cooking, politics, public speaking, learning

Bodybuilding

[ Q ] How did you find the great sport of bodybuilding & what made you begin to actively participate in the sport?

A: I dabbled in weight training while playing football in high school, but did not develop an interest until college. It wasn't until my final year of medical school (February, 1995) that I fully adopted the Iron Game lifestyle.

Since then, bodybuilding has been an integral component of my life; it has also been a helpful adjunct to my medical career. Initially, I had no plans to step on-stage, primarily because surgical residency precluded competing.

Click To Enlarge.

However, towards the end of my surgery training in 2002, I began to seriously think about entering competition. Despite the horrendous and demanding hours involved in completing a surgical residency, I always made time to train. No matter how tired I was, if it was a training day, I made it to the gym.

Dino: I have a ton of respect for being able to always, no matter what, find a way to train. I found myself in that all too familiar situation during my collegiate years and even more so during my internship. I know you go through an enormous amount of stress working in the hospital.

[ Q ] Any tips you could give the bodybuilding population that find themselves in a similar predicament? What pulls you through? Goals, dreams, pure ambition, etc...

A: Frankly, time management boils down to self-discipline. One has to have the self-discipline to set up and follow a schedule. If one needs to write down minute by minute what that schedule entails each day, then do it. I think having short-term and long-term goals are very important; however, without self-discipline neither will likely be realized. Many of us do not have a problem maintaining self-discipline over a short period of time.

What Are Your Goals? >Lose Fat >Build Muscle >Improve Energy >Other

The trouble for many lies in maintaining self-discipline, aka self-sacrifice, over the long term. This is one of the characteristics which separate successful individuals from those less successful.

[ Q ] Why do you love bodybuilding so much?

A: I love bodybuilding because it presents a constant mental and physical challenge. I choose to make bodybuilding a 24 hour 7 days per week endeavor. Not too many activities can provide that kind of involvement.

Secondly, bodybuilding pits me against myself. The goal is to always strive for improvement. I cannot blame my defeats on anyone and only a few can stake claims to my victories.

As a physician, I feel it is vitally important to lead by example. When I advise a patient to start an exercise program, I want to look as if I exercise myself.

When I tell patients they have time to exercise, I want my life to serve as a testimony that it can be done. Bodybuilding also helps satisfy my desire for competition. I participated in several sports throughout my life and bodybuilding continues to fuel my competitive spirit.

Dino: I know back when you were featured on Bodybuilding.com's Amateur Bodybuilder of the Week you had never even competed before. That certainly has changed over the past three years.

[ Q ] Could you tell us about your current accomplishments?

A: I've competed in 5 competitions since September, 2002. In each competition, I think I've made tremendous improvements in conditioning and symmetry.

During each off-season, I've been able to add 5-7 lbs of lean muscle while keeping my bodyfat between 7.6 - 9% via a 9-pt caliper. Other than capturing the overall at the Natural Northern USA, I consider that my major bodybuilding accomplishment to date.

[ Q ] What one tip would you give other bodybuilders? For example, what would be the greatest piece of advice that you could tell a young "up-and-coming" if they wanted to become a bodybuilder?

A: I would advise them to make sure they have a career outside of bodybuilding. Few people make enough money to make bodybuilding their sole source of income.

Secondly, I would implore them not to use anabolic agents. I make no apologies regarding my opposition to anabolic steroid use for bodybuilding purposes.

The drugs were never intended for bodybuilding and that's why they are illegal unless legitimately prescribed. This applies to steroids and every other anabolic agent in use today.

Thirdly, I would encourage them to be consistent and persistent. Bodybuilding is akin to life in that both are a journey, not a sprint. One should always try to better him or herself physically and mentally.

	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! [ Click here to learn more. ]

Finally, I would impress upon them that there are no short cuts. Train hard and train smart. In the end, you do not want to have regrets.

[ Q ] Who is your favorite bodybuilder and do you have any predictions for this year's Mr. "O"?

A: I do not have a favorite bodybuilder. The only prediction I have for the Olympia is that Ronnie Coleman will prevail, though Gastavo Badell will be in the mix again. I do believe the top 10 will have names that fans are not accustomed to seeing.

[ Q ] What was the Team Universe 2003 like?

A: The team universe was an interesting experience. One of my favorite moments came when I met several bodybuilders whose online journals I had read over the years. They were Skip LaCour, Jeff Willet, and Pete Ciccone.

I've spoken with Skip and Jeff many times at previous Arnold Classics, but to compete with them was a different story. The competition was well organized and well run. There were many extraordinary physiques present.

It was inspiring to see many of the athletes onstage who have competed in the USA's and/or Nationals.

Click To Enlarge.

Dino: First of all kudos to you man. I told you before, I have never won an overall in bodybuilding and I know that when I do it will be the greatest feeling ever.

Just getting into an overall leaves me with unforgettable memories that last forever, but winning your first overall... I can only imagine. Besides, I think this was your 3rd show ever if I am correct, what an accomplishment.

[ Q ] Urine, lie detector, or blood related? Did anyone get busted?

A: The drug test for the Natural Northern USA was a urinalysis. The testing methods were the same as used by the IOC (International Olympic Committee). The top 3 plus 2 random athletes in each class were tested. To my knowledge, there were no test failures.

[ Q ] What are your future bodybuilding plans?

A: Following the 2004 season, I had planned to return to the stage in 2006 as a legitimate light-heavyweight. However, since resuming my martial arts training, I think I'm going to wait until I reach a certain level of Shaolin proficiency before returning to bodybuilding competition. I still weight train as if I'm going to compete, but I won't be on stage in the near future.

[ Q ] Does bodybuilding force you to learn something about yourself or life in general?

Dino:I feel that I am a stronger individual because I am a bodybuilder. I know that it helps me function as a human being and it is a part of me. Honestly I do not know what I would do if I couldn't be a bodybuilder.

A: Three experiences in my life have contributed to me learning the most about myself.
The first was attending medical school.

The second was my enlistment in the United States Marine Corps

And the third started on February 1, 1995 and continues to this day.

It was then I started truly living a bodybuilding lifestyle. Bodybuilding has helped showcase my strengths and expose my weaknesses both physically and mentally. I believe this has enabled me to become a more complete person.

[ Q ] What Inspires You?

A: Being a Christian, I believe my inspiration is God-given. I believe I was placed on this earth for a purpose and my inspiration comes from trying to realize my calling in life.

Becoming a physician was certainly a calling, but beyond that, I think another purpose for me is to show (rather than simply tell) others how to live a healthy and productive life. That is probably my biggest inspiration.

Secondly, I want to be the best I can be in everything I try; this too inspires me to go above and beyond what is expected.

[ Q ] Occupation wise I know that you are a Medical Doctor, but what do you practice specifically?

A: I am a general and trauma surgeon. General surgeons have the expertise to surgically correct almost any disease. We treat everything from thyroid problems to cancers to hernias.

In surgical residency, we also operate on the brain, heart, and other specialized organs, though that's not the scope of a practicing general surgeon. Trauma speaks for itself.

Training Section

[ Q ] How many days per week do you train?

A: 3 days of weight training and 3-4 days of martial arts training in the off-season. When competing in bodybuilding, I continue 3 days of weight training, but increase cardio to every day and often twice per day for a total of 150 minutes per week (HIIT style).

View All HIT Articles...

[ Q ] What training routine/program do you favor & What does your training schedule look like? (Example Monday = quads and calves day)?

A:
Monday- back, traps, hams, forearms
Tuesday- 20 minutes HIIT cardio
Wednesday- chest, shoulders, calves
Thursday- 20 minutes HIIT cardio
Friday- abs, biceps, triceps, quads
Saturday- off
Sunday- off

I train each body part once per week. After every 9 weeks of training, I take 1 week off. I keep reps in the 6-8 range for all bodyparts except calves, abs, forearms, hams, and lateral deltoid.

Chest, back, shoulders, and quads all get 8 sets. Hams, calves, biceps, triceps, and abs get 6. Traps get 4 and forearms are worked for 2 sets.

[ Q ] How long do you normally train for time wise?

A: 90-110min/day.

[ Q ] Do you have a partner? Why/why not?

A: I do not have a training partner and except for a brief period in 1997, I have always trained alone.

Click To Enlarge.

I prefer training alone and being accountable only to myself. Also, my work schedule is not standard enough to permit a training partner.

[ Q ] Does your training differ during the contest/competitive season?

A: For my contest in 2002, I switched from a 2-on, 1-off, 2-on, 2-off schedule to a 3-on, 1-off schedule during the precontest period (8 weeks before the contest). Looking back, I definitely think I overtrained for that contest.

For the 2003 and 2004 seasons, I continued 3 days/week training in both the off-season and precontest. Being steroid and pro-hormone free, I think the reduced training frequency allowed me to retain more muscle mass for both shows.

Learn More About Training Frequency Here...

[ Q ] So you do utilize a rest week every 8-12 weeks right?

A: Yes, I take a week of rest after 9 weeks of training. During my week off, I may or may not perform light aerobics. The first week back from my rest period is used to re-acclimate myself to training. This allows 8 solid weeks of muscle building before my next week off.

[ Q ] Do you keep training logs to keep track of progress?

A: After the NPC Central States, I began keeping a training log.

I definitely think it's been helpful.

I also keep detailed nutrition and supplementation notes in both the off-season and precontest.

[ Q ] Where do you get your ideas for training programs?

A: I do not consider myself simply a "recreational" lifter/bodybuilder. I am a student of the sport in theory and practice. As such, I am constantly reading the literature for the latest advances in training and nutrition.

I think equally important are the successes and failures experienced by other bodybuilders. I incorporate both these factors into the design of my training programs. After many years of trial and error, I've settled on a modified Max-OT training program.

[ Q ] What is your cardio regimen both contest & off-season?

A: I feel aerobic activity is vitally important for overall health and well-being. I do not subscribe to the belief that off-season cardio will hinder muscular gains.

I typically do two 20 minute sessions of HIIT cardio per week in the off-season. As a contest approaches, I increase cardio to 6 or 7 days per week of HIIT (20 min only).

Two or three days per week, I'll do 2 HIIT sessions per day. Currently, martial arts conditioning serves as my aerobic training.

Nutrition
Dino: Ahh now we're talking my neck of the woods.

[ Q ] How many times do you eat per day (include snacks & supplement bars/powders)?

A: I eat 6 meals per day on non-training days and 7 meals on training days. I do not eat bars and I normally do not eat what is not on my nutrition plan. I am very disciplined when it comes to nutrition.

[ Q ] Do you consume a nocturnal meal? If so what does it usually consist of?

A: I consume a nocturnal meal, but it is part of my normal caloric intake for the day. I eat every 3-3.5 hours, so my last meal is purposely around 1-2am. I start eating around 8am. Currently, my last meal of the day is a meal replacement shake consisting of 51g pro, 15g cho, and 22g fat.

[ Q ] Do you count kilocalories &/or grams; do you keep a food log or journal?

A: I definitely count kcals and macronutrient grams and I do keep a food log. I rarely stray from my prescribed eating plan, so I do not update the journal every day.

	Do You Keep A Training Journal? Yes. No.

[ Q ] What is your protein intake (grams) in both the off-season & contest season? What are your favorite types?

A: Currently, my off-season macronutrient counts are: (non-training days) 457.5g pro, 165.5g cho, 122.3g fat (training days) 517.5g pro, 251.5g cho, 125.3g fat.

During contest season, I will keep my protein intake high, roughly 50% of my total daily caloric intake. My CHO intake will amount to ~20% and fats will make up the remaining 30%.

During the final 4-6 weeks prior to a contest, my daily CHO intake was <50g/day, but I incorporated 2 carb refeed meals per week consisting of approx. 150g of CHO.

My protein sources are varied and include eggs, ostrich, buffalo, venison, turkey breast, tilapia, and chicken breast. My favorites types of carbohydrates are sweet potatoes (not yams), oatmeal, grits, brown basmati rice, and whole wheat pasta.

Occasionally, I'll consume couscous, or cream of wheat. My favorite "fibrous" carbs include green beans, broccoli, and collard greens.

[ Q ] Where do you obtain your nutrition regimen from? Did you design it or did someone assist you?

A: My nutrition regimen is based in Beverly International philosophy, but I have added some of my own twists and turns. I think Beverly's approach to nutrition is very sound and I cannot commend them enough for the support they show all their athletes.

In particular, Jeremiah Forster, Mark Ritter, and Roger Riedinger have been instrumental in helping me learn successful precontest nutrition and supplementation.

Click To Enlarge.

Dino: I diet year round because nutrition is important to me and I have made it my livelihood. I enjoy keeping logs and experimenting with different macronutrient ratios, kilocalorie levels, and mathematically guestimating my energy expenditure.

[ Q ] How long is your "contest dieting strategy"?

I know that 8-30 weeks of preparation is vast yet common time frame for bodybuilders all depending on how much cardio they do, their resting metabolism, outside stress, and a million other factors, what is DeWayde's personal length of time required to be in tiptop shape?

A: For the 2002 contest, my precontest dieting phase was 20 weeks. I maintained bodyfat <8% in the off-season preceeding the Team Universe, so I only dieted 14 weeks for the TU.

Even with <8% bf, I don't think 14 weeks was long enough for me. During the 8 weeks separating the TU and the Natural Northern, I increased cardio and slightly changed my supplementation strategy. Those changes proved successful.

I think for me to be in top condition, I need to start my precontest phase around 20 weeks out. I also think keeping my off-season bf <10% is key.

For 2004, I employed a 20 week contest prep.

[ Q ] How do you eat all of your meals working at the hospital?

I know this must be a real challenge. I remember sneaking away to eat my scheduled meals during my internship so I can relate.

A: I don't have any secrets for eating at the hospital. I eat whenever I can according to my schedule. I plan to eat every 3-3.5 hours. Many times, I will sneak away during down time to eat a meal.

Supplementation

[ Q ] What are your favorite supplements?

A: My favorite supplements are all Beverly International protein powders and liver tablets. I also favor fish oil and Udo's Choice Perfected Oil Blend.

[ Q ] What is your current supplementation program?

A: My current supplementation program is limited since it's the off-season. I'm using liver tablets, amino acid tablets, branch-chain amino acids, and a multivitamin/mineral pack.

During precontest, I add several other supplements. These include Beverly products such as Lean Out, Energy Reserve, and Muscularity.

I also utilize green tea extract, liquid l-carnitine, acetyl l-carnitine, and 7-keto DHEA.

I have never used ECA stacks or prohormones/prosteroids.

[ Q ] From an MD stand point do you feel if supervised the use of metabolic stimulates like Ripped Fuel, Stacker II, ECA, caffeine, etc... can be beneficial or only cause health risks? Furthermore do you use any?

A: As mentioned, I have never used an ECA supplement or its analogue. I do not recommend their use despite what supplement companies say regarding ECA safety.

Competitors achieved ultra-low bodyfat levels before ECA stacks and continue to do so without them now. Sometimes in medicine, common sense and anecdotal evidence need to overrule so-called scientific studies. This is a case-in-point.

There are too many reports of individuals who had underlying pre-hypertension or a propensity for cardiac arrhythmia experience severe or even fatal complications from stimulant supplements.

The problem is that most persons using ECA stacks do not know if they have a pre-existing cardiac or rhythm abnormality. Furthermore, there's evidence of adrenal suppression and prostatitis with use of ECA stacks. The risk/benefit ratio does not support stimulant use in my opinion.

Culmination

Dino: Thank you; it was an honor to conduct this interview particularly with you, a friend! I really enjoyed working with you, good luck in your future endeavors; I know we'll keep in touch via e-mail.

Perry: Thank you Dino for this opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences with your readers. You are a talented writer, nutrition expert, and athlete who has a bright future in bodybuilding. I wish you all the best and look forward to meeting you in the future.

Pics From The Past:

,

Note: For more pictures and info concerning DeWayde Perry, MD can be found at:

• Bodybuilding.com (Amateur of the Week)
• http://www.bodybuildingworld.com/vol8_4/dr_perry.html
• http://www.geocities.com/chezburger10/FITDOCBIO.html - (Great Pics Here of His Overall Victory)

littlekahuna69@hotmail.com

Recommend this article to a friend by e-mail here!

Visitor Reviews Of This Article!
Read Visitor Reviews - Write Your Own Review

Back To Dino Pierce's Main Page

Back To The Articles Main Page.

Related Articles
1966 Mr. America & Sports Performance Pioneer Bob Gajda Discusses Bodybuilding Experiences (Part 1)!
An Interview With IFBB Pro Liane Seiwald.
An Interview With IFBB Figure Pro, Mercedes Khani!

SciFit 100% Whey Isolate 52 Grams of Whey Isolate with Recovery Enhancing Glutamine! Learn More!