Amateur Bodybuilder Of The Week: Engineering Student Learns The Science Of Shred!

How did your bodybuilding journey begin?

My nickname was Skinny Vinny in junior and high school because all I did was sit at home and play video games. I didn't discover my passion for lifting until I played football as a high school junior. I started doing basic lifts and didn't worry about macros or nutrition. As my gains increased, so did my interest in bodybuilding science.

I started researching on Bodybuilding.com and realized the importance of dieting. With this newfound knowledge and advice, my results multiplied. By my junior year of college, I put on 30 pounds of muscle.

Lifting daily and eating properly was amazing, but I felt like something was missing. I pinpointed the issue in March 2013 while I was working out: I didn't have a defined goal. I always wanted to motivate and inspire others and thought what better way than to land a magazine cover. If only one person picked up the magazine and was inspired by me, it would be worth it. So I decided to compete in men's physique to make my goal a reality.

"Without facing adversity, you can't grow and adapt."

How did your passion for bodybuilding emerge?

Bodybuilding is essential for self-growth. The discipline and determination that comes from lifting and dieting helped me learn what it means to succeed. Bodybuilding showed me that failure isn't awful; it's positive and can be used to my advantage. Without facing adversity, you can't grow and adapt.

What or who motivated you to be a bodybuilder?

I admire athletes with solid builds, but seeing Arnold Schwarzenegger really accelerated my motivation. Greg Plitt was a big factor to formulate my goal to land a magazine cover. I realized that if I had the right mindset, I could accomplish anything.

Where did you go for inspiration?

My workout partner and close friend is a constant source of inspiration. He supports my fitness goals and motivates me to push past my breaking point. My trainer and team are added inspiration too. They always give me advice and share training knowledge.

What are your future bodybuilding plans?

I'm preparing for back-to-back shows in June 2014 to place and nationally qualify. Once I'm nationally qualified, I'll receive my pro card, and eventually compete in the Olympia.

With the help Anthony Tumminello, my trainer and Method Training founder, I will land a magazine cover and inspire others. I plan to receive my personnel training certification and spread my knowledge and motivation to others who started like I did.

What is the most important bodybuilding tip?

Mindset is everything. If your mind can, your body will follow. Be confident and never doubt yourself. The second you do, you're fighting a losing battle.

Who is your favorite bodybuilder?

My favorite professional bodybuilder is Kai Greene. Reading about his story and where he came from is inspiring. I could listen to his motivational videos for hours and have at times used them to get off my chair and into the gym. His physique is incredible and he always improves.

How did bodybuilding.com help you reach your goals?

I acquired most of my knowledge about fitness from articles on Bodybuilding.com. When I first started, I spent hours sitting in front of my computer absorbing as much as possible from the site. Bodybuilding.com played a big part to create my physique. Ordering supplements is very easy and Bodybuilding.com always has the best prices.

Vincent's Top 5 Gym Tracks

"Calling" by Sebastian Ingrosso & Alesso
"Epic The Way You Kissed Me" by Hardwell
"Toulouse" by Nicky Romero
"Chop Suey" by System Of A Down
"Kickout The Epic Motherf_cker" by Dada Life

Contest History

2013 NPC Paul Neville's Long Island Bodybuilding, Fitness, & Figure Championships - 6th Place
2013 NPC Eastern USA Championships - 11th Place