I believe I came out of the womb wanting to be a bodybuilder. For as long as I can remember I have always been interested in bettering myself and my physique. I began lifting seriously during high school as well as playing basketball. I have never looked back and have since learned many techniques and strategies to help produce better gains in size and strength.
Although I've switched my routine often over the years, the routine that always seems to work best for me is a 5 day on, 2 day off split. This is the one I currently use. I train one major body part and one smaller body part each day for 5 days. Take 2 day off to rest, and then repeat the 5 day routine, etc. This allows me to hit each body part every 7 days. I sometimes use 1 of my rest days to hit a body part I feel may need a little extra attention or to make up for anything I may have missed during the week.
My cardio is usually obtained through playing basketball or by doing plyometric training. I typically do one of the two at least 4-or-5 times per week. Unless my focus is on bulking then I will limit my cardio to about 30 minutes every two days. I have a difficult time gaining mass if I don't limit my cardio because I am a natural ectomorph.
I love bodybuilding because it is a way to show off all the hard work I put in not only in the gym, but in my eating habits and in everyday life in general. It is a way for the participating athletes to inspire others and give them a desire to get in shape. I also love the feeling of the pump I get from lifting just feeling my muscles expand with each rep is a feeling like no other.
I was always one of the naturally small, scrawny guys and it gave me an enhanced willpower to be bigger and stronger. I stay motivated by keeping my goals in mind and remembering how it felt to be small and weak. I also find motivation in the inspiration I am able to provide others with. If I am able to make others want to improve their health based on my work ethic then all the work I put forth is well worth it.
I recently won my first bodybuilding competition in the teen division and my future plans are to enter and win many more. My goal is to be bigger, stronger and more defined with every competition that I enter.
I plan to enter many more bodybuilding competitions and to continue to work toward perfecting my physique and reaching my strength goals. I also want to inspire others and hopefully personal train part time and speak motivationally about treating your body like a temple and living a healthy life style.
The No. 1 tip I would give to other bodybuilders especially up-and-coming ones, is to picture yourself with the body you want and do not be satisfied until you have reached it. Then after you have reached that goal; work even harder. There is no better feeling than looking back on an old photo of yourself and seeing the progress you have made.
I personally admire those everyday people who have transformed their bodies. The people with great genetics and who grace the stage with amazing bodies are fantastic.
I use the workout tracker to track my workouts. I use the progress pictures to track my visual progress. I also like to look up motivational quotes and scan through BodyBlogs and forums. I also use Bodybuilding.com to find out about new supplements and their uses.