How did your fitness
journey begin?
When I was 10 years old my dad passed away and left me with a good set of genetics and a desire to build muscle. He was always into lifting but couldn't participate with me due to illness. I looked back at the photos of his lifting days and wanted to be him. I used his photos as motivation to get stronger and healthier. At the time, I didn't realize lifting weights five days per week would instill the healthy discipline that it did.
I started lifting weights during my sophomore year of high school in weight training class. At that point, all I knew was basketball. When I realized I wasn't fast or athletic enough to be a college basketball player, I decided to lift and build muscle. It became my new passion and took over my desire to be a good basketball player.
The pounds slowly stacked up. From the spring of my sophomore year to the day I graduated from high school, I put on 40 pounds of muscle. I'll never forget looking down at the scale as a skinny sophomore and seeing 154.5 pounds on the scale. It's an image that will be with me for the rest of my life because it gives me motivation. That was the point when I decided to get big.
What workout regimen delivered the best results?
The workout regimen that delivered the best results has been heavy compound lifts with proper form. If you want results, do the same exercises for months and years. The only thing that will change is your intensity. Recovery and nutrition are vital to your success. Spend 5-15 minutes warming up the entire body to stay
injury free.
How did your passion for fitness emerge?
I love fitness because it takes money, time, and effort, and at the end of every day you look yourself in the mirror and know it was worth every penny. No matter what goes wrong during your day, you know that when most people are drinking beer or eating ice cream, you're headed to the gym.
What/Who motivated you to be a fitness guru?
My dad always lifted weights. I've met many people who talked about how hard he trained. It was instilled in me to be like him. I wouldn't call myself a fitness guru, but I love to lift weights.
Where did you go for inspiration?
There are days when your body is lazy and your mind doesn't want to get anything done. On those days, I prayed on my way to the gym and thanked God for the ability to walk much less be able to go lift weights. You don't know what you have until it's gone. I never want to take my health for granted and thank God for it as much as possible.
What are your future
fitness plans?
My future plans are to reach my genetic potential and be as healthy as possible. I plan to be a college football strength and conditioning coach and be a leader for young college football players. As far as competing goes, if the situation arises I will compete and get into bodybuilding shows. For now, it's all about the weight room and staying healthy.
What is the most important fitness tip?
Consistency is my favorite word. It's the difference between success and failure. Be consistent in your proper training, nutrition, and sleep and you'll be successful.
Who is your favorite competitor?
Jeff Willet is my favorite competitor because he chose to stay natural no matter what. He's an example of someone who reached their genetic potential. Not to take anything away from other bodybuilders, I just believe it's harder to stay natural because the results are much slower and more limited. I would like to meet Jeff someday.
How did Bodybuilding.com help you reach your goals?
I always tell younger guys who ask me questions to do their research. Bodybuilding.com was my research. I've spent more than 100 hours reading Bodybuilding.com articles in my early days. The biggest help is their supplement prices and deals. You cannot expect people to pay an arm and a leg for some supplements. Bodybuilding.com offers the best price on every product I buy.
Blake's Top 5 Gym Tracks
- "Have Faith In Me" by ADTR
- "Over My Head" by ADTR
- "Great Day To Be Alive" by Travis Tritt
- "Thank God I'm A Country Boy" by John Denver
- "It Goes Like This" by Thomas Rhett
Competition History
- 2012 Mr. Georgia Competition - 2nd Place Teen Bodybuilding