How did your bodybuilding journey begin?
I became interested in lifting during my sophomore year of high school. I was enrolled in a small Nebraska school that had a bullying problem. After I received a good beating, I decided to get in shape.
I was mentored by gym owner, Kevin Poppe, and fellow student, Mitch McCloskey. They taught me lots and I started focusing my efforts to become bigger and stronger. In a year, I went from 110 to 150 pounds. I also moved to a different state and became interested in powerlifting. I quickly became obsessed with building a stronger bench, squat, and deadlift. After competing in a few USAPL competitions and earning state records in the squat and deadlift, I set powerlifting aside to continue my bodybuilding journey.
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I spent the next few years doing bulk and cut diets. At one point, I became an unhealthy 250 pounds and added a significant amount of fat. I became an ISSA certified personal trainer, worked for a few local gyms for six years, and opened my own training studio.
I kept telling myself to compete but didn't because of my insecurity and uncertainty that I'd be too small, undefined, and wouldn't look the part.
In 2013, I hired a local prep team, 316fit, to help me compete. I started my diet in March at 197 pounds and competed at 165 pounds a few months later. I placed first in my weight division and second overall at the NPC Heartland Classic in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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How did your passion for bodybuilding emerge?
I'm not a fan of team sports and am not exceptionally athletic. I love that bodybuilding is an individual sport. Bodybuilding is appealing because you're never done and can always improve.
What or who motivated you to be a bodybuilder?
My biggest motivator is to think of the people who told me I'd never get anywhere lifting. When I first started exercising, I told a few people what I wanted to accomplish and they said it would never happen. I wanted to prove them wrong and show that I have tenacity and willpower to stick through trials and tribulations. Now that I've competed, I want to continually improve and show people that I'm unstoppable with a set a goal in mind.
Where did you go for inspiration?
On days when I felt dejected and exhausted from the lack of carbohydrates and nutrients, I watched bodybuilding DVDs for motivation. There are lots of videos on YouTube that I have on queue if I need a boost. I like to follow other lifters on the Bodybuilding.com forums for inspiration and motivation. I look back at my pictures from the beginning for motivation to keep pushing ahead.
![](https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/images/2014/amateur-bodybuilder-of-the-week-scott-wood-is-encased-in-muscle-3sm.jpg)
What are your future bodybuilding plans?
My plans for the future are to take time off and build muscle before competing. I learned lots during competition preparation. Having a prep team look at my nutrition and tailor it to me was huge. After a hiatus, I plan to compete in a bigger show and see where it goes from there. I would enjoy my love for bodybuilding to eventually help me develop a fitness-based career.
What is the most important bodybuilding tip?
Start with the basics. Compound movements build the most muscle in the shortest period of time. I don't believe there's a need for anything crazy or confusing.
Who is your favorite bodybuilder?
My favorite bodybuilder is Dusty Hanshaw. I've followed Dusty for years and watched his career flourish into a full-blown enterprise. He makes staggering improvements and I cannot wait to see him earn a pro card. It's been amazing to watch someone start from the bottom and grind to the top. That type of tenacity is what a bodybuilder needs to get to the top.
How did bodybuilding.com help you reach your goals?
I utilized Bodybuilding.com when I became interested in the sport and haven't stopped. The forums are the most resourceful place I found because of the interaction between like-minded individuals. The training videos on Bodybuilding.com are fantastic.
Scott's Top 5 Gym Tracks
![](https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/images/2014/scott-wood-amateur-music.jpg)
- "In My Blood" by Black Stone Cherry
- "Soulcreek" by Black Stone Cherry
- "Hurricane" by Theory Of A Deadman
- "Crawling" by Linkin Park
- "Giving In" by Adema
Contest History
- 2013 NPC Heartland Classic - 1st Place Light Heavyweights, 2nd Place Overall
Thanks
- To Jared Ragsdale and Lucas Woods at 316fit for the competition prep guidance.
- To my trainers, Carla Jecha and Patrick Cowan, for putting up with my mood swings during competition prep.
- To my amazing girlfriend, Alexandra Wilson, for painting me with Pro-Tan eight times for the competition.
- To my amazing clients and family who constantly kept me positive while dieting.