Vital Stats
Name: Jay Barton
Email: jaybfitness@gmail...
Location: California
Age: 22
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 201 lbs
Years Bodybuilding: 7
How did your bodybuilding journey begin?
My fitness journey began at age 16 when I quit team sports. As a tall, lean ectomorph, I had the perfect build for baseball, soccer, and basketball. I always wanted to play football but was too small to compete.
I was shy growing up and envied social extroverts. The only way I knew how to stand out was to strive for athletic superiority. I dedicated myself to becoming the best in every sport I played. I have a very competitive personality, so quitting sports left a void that needed to be filled.
I took a weightlifting class by chance in high school and asked my parents if I could get a bench press set for the garage after the first day. I spent hours in that dingy garage doing curls and presses. At the time, I had no idea how much the random course of events would shape who I am today.
How did your passion for bodybuilding emerge?
My motivation for bodybuilding was to be bigger than everyone my age so I could stand out in a crowd. When I started seeing physical and mental changes, I quit caring about being bigger than others and it became an internal competition with myself.
What or who motivated you to be a bodybuilder?
Bodybuilding is unique because it's you versus you every day. My motivation came from within. The feeling of pushing beyond my limits is a transformational feeling. I have no one to blame but myself if I don't make the physical gains I want. The discipline and dedication that bodybuilding taught me will never be forgotten. It shaped who I am in and out of the gym. The self-discipline and devotion I developed in the gym spilled over into all aspects of my life.
Where did you go for inspiration?
My lifting buddies are always huge motivators for me. We motivate each other on days that we feel uninspired. I also love to watch motivational videos and speeches on days that I feel unmotivated. One of my favorite speeches is Arnold Schwarzenegger: Life's 6 Rules.
What are your future bodybuilding plans?
I got serious about bodybuilding and personal training in 2011 after I studied kinesiology and nutrition. I see no end to my physical potential and plan to compete next season in the NPC. I'm also passionate about inspiring others through my experiences in the fitness world. I witnessed how positively it can impact people's lives. I'm a friendly person and will always take time to answer questions from people who follow me on social media.
What is the most important bodybuilding tip?
Never give up. You will hit plateaus and get discouraged at times. The difference between success and failure will be determined by how hard you push through mental and physical blocks. Set short-term and long-term goals so you can see how far you come. Always strive to achieve your next goal and acknowledge how much you already achieved. Be proud but never satisfied!
Who is your favorite bodybuilder?
My favorite bodybuilder is Layne Norton. I admire his physique and knowledge. Layne has his Ph.D. and wrote a thesis on protein synthesis. When I hear conflicting information about a subject relating to bodybuilding, Layne has the facts to back up the correct claim.
How did bodybuilding.com help you reach your goals?
If it wasn't for Bodybuilding.com, I wouldn't be where I am today. I got my first routine from Bodybuilding.com and still reference the site regularly.
Jay's Top 5 Gym Tracks
- "Go It Alone" by Dash Berlin
- "Airport" by Photographer
- "Jewel" by Solarstone & Clare Stagg
- "Brilliant People (Sneijder Remix Edit)" by Giuseppe Ottaviani & Aly & Fila
- "Feel Ready" by Colin Darling