- Name: Brad Borland
- E-mail: bradborland@hotmail.com
- Age: 30
- Where: Slidell, Louisiana
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 215 Lbs.
- Years Bodybuilding :7
- Favorite Bodypart: Biceps and Back
- Favorite Exercise: Curls, Deadlifts, Chins, Squats
- Favorite Supplements: Whey Protein, Creatine
How Did You Get Started?
I got started in weight training actually indirectly through my brother. When I was 15 years old my parents gave my brother a weight set to improve on his martial arts. He didn't take to it all that much and I picked it up (literally) and the rest was history. I always wanted to be involved in something that was all mine. I wanted to be the athlete, coach, motivator, everything.
I didn't decide to compete until my early twenties. It's not that I was nervous about being on stage or anything; I just wanted to do it naturally and found it difficult to find natural shows locally. I finally found one about 100 miles away, so a friend of mine and myself packed a truck and headed to Mobile, Alabama and I won my first novice show! Since then I have been hooked.
What Workout Plan Worked Best For You?
I am not one to do the popular: every body part once a week routine. I like frequency and moderate volume. Most of the time I will work everything twice per week and once in great while train a few body parts three times per week.
A standard thing for me is to train chest and back on day one, shoulders and arms on day two, and legs on day three. I repeat it and take Sunday off. I have a fast metabolism so I feel my body can recover pretty quickly and I try to take advantage of that. Once I switched to a more frequent training regimen my body began to grow and strengthen at a faster pace.
What Nutrition Plan Has Worked Best For You?
Right now I keep my protein to about 225-250 grams per day from chicken, lean ground beef, egg whites, and whey protein. Carbs are around 350-450 grams per day, which are low glycemic in nature such as oatmeal, wheat pasta, wheat breads and others such as bananas, apples, and potatoes. I eat around 5-6 times per day. I allow myself a cheat day or two during the week, but stick to the above roughly all year.
What Supplements Have Given You The Greatest Gains?
Whey Protein is the main supplement I use, along with cycling Creatine every now and then. Glutamine is also great when dieting for a show. I normally only ingest supplements around the time I train (before and after). For the most part I rely on food to get results the rest of the day. A Multi Vitamin/Mineral, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E are a must for "insurance" when working out six days per week.
Why do you love Bodybuilding?
I love bodybuilding because of the challenge you put on yourself. You are the product, creator, and everything in between. It is unlike any other sport. It embodies so many principles such as discipline, dedication, hard work, mental focus, sacrifice, triumph, and the list goes on. Presently this has evolved into something more because now my girlfriend Brooke is such an important part of my joy for competing. She was there by my side through my recent fight against cancer, and she has been there at each competition. She is my secret weapon!
What Are Your Future Bodybuilding Plans?
My future plans are to continue to compete in natural bodybuilding and turn professional and one day run my own contest. I want to reinvent my physique. I feel I am only beginning to discover my potential and am ready to take it to the next level.
What One Tip Would You Give Other Bodybuilders?
Stay consistent and be patient. Bodybuilding is about working hard everyday not just a day or two out of the week and it is about staying level headed and seeing gains little by little. They will soon add up before you realize.
Who Are Your Favorite Bodybuilders?
That is an interesting question. As far as professional bodybuilders go I would have to say first and foremost Arnold! I am a huge fan of the "old school". He resonates motivation and discipline. Dorian Yates for his unbelievable mental focus and intensity, and Lee Haney for his humble disposition and charity. BUT! My favorites are and always will be the guys I have worked out with over the years. My training partners, especially my friends Carey Addison (which is the Amateur Bodybuilder of the Week #216) and Thayer "Tyson" Hill. To see them take to the sport and run with it is a great thing!