Amateur Bodybuilder of the Week: Matthew Lowden

Amateur Bodybuilder of the Week: Matthew Lowden! - Pics and info and more!

  • Name: Matthew Lowden
  • E-mail: cafeblah@yahoo.com
  • Age: 0
  • Where: Yakima, WA
  • Height: 5'10"
  • Weight: 185 Lbs.
  • Years Bodybuilding :9
  • Favorite Bodypart: Quads, Hams, and Glutes
  • Favorite Exercise: Heavy walking lunges, Leg Press, Dumbell Flat Press
  • Favorite Supplements:

How Did You Get Started?

I started bodybuilding at about age 19 to help me quit smoking. I figured if I was already exhausted I wouldn't crave a cigarette as much. It worked for me. The next few years I read all the magazines and did my best to implement a sound training program. I'd always hoped to someday compete in a show just to say I did it. It wasn't until a couple of more seasoned bodybuilders, Larry and Donny, at my local gym got a hold of me and took me under their wing that I really started taking things seriously. They trained with me and taught me my poses and in 1999 I entered my first show. I got a taste of my first win with the Novice division at the NPC Alaska State Championships and I've been hooked ever since.

What Workout Plan Worked Best For You?

I find that I require a bit more recovery time then most others at the gym allow themselves. Right now My plan looks like this. Tues-Chest and Triceps Wed-Back and Biceps Fri-Shoulders, abs and calves Sat Quads and Hams (alternating hams one week quads the next). I get a lot of people that ask me what I do for legs. I don't think it's really the exercises I do that gets me the most results so much as the intensity I use when I hit them. I'll give that credit to Larry and Donny who didn't think leg day should be over until Matt Puked! Ha!

What Nutrition Plan Has Worked Best For You?

What Supplements Have Given You The Greatest Gains?

At one point or the other I think I've tried everything under the moon! I think Meal replacement bars and shakes have played a key role in my success. I'm away at school or work or something with my kids, etc, etc. I'm gone a lot from home! If I didn't pack three of four bars and shakes with me in my gym or book bag I just couldn't get a quality food product in me at the right time. Then what? That meal is gone and why work so hard in the gym if I'm just going to blow it when I can't eat right?

Creatine supplements are like a no-brainer. The quickest way to put on some quality weight and increase strength.

Because I'm always so concerned with recovery, Methoxy products are wonderful as well as Glutamine. BCAA's before and after each workout. I want my body to have everything it needs to recover and build with the least amounts of things it doesn't.

Why do you love Bodybuilding?

I like the idea that I can control the way I look and feel. I can decide what my body is made up of! What I really enjoy though is that this is a sport I can really get into! I didn't do any sports in high school. There are so many intriguing aspects of bodybuilding. The sport, the art, the science! And it seems to something I'm good at which just makes me want to do it more.

What Are Your Future Bodybuilding Plans?

I plan on competing in the WFNA pro show this October In Billings, Montana, and I would really like to get over to New York for the 2003 Team Universe! Hopefully I'll get other opportunities to represent the sport as well.

What One Tip Would You Give Other Bodybuilders?

Don't believe you have ever found the "Best" way to train. For every workout philosophy out there, is another opposing philosophy that someone has received great results practicing. Almost anything with any amount of rational sense to it will work for a little while. Keep reading, keep researching!

Who Are Your Favorite Bodybuilders?

Skip Lacour is awesome! He makes a lot of sense to me. I don't always agree with what I read from him, but I can see the thoughtfulness of his strategies. Plus the Man is just Huge! The fact that people can get that big while still being natural is so inspiring for guys like me who are not particularly large natural bodybuilders. Aaron Maddron. I saw him guest pose in Alaska in 1999 before he got his pro card. I imagined him to be more of a egomaniac, but he was very polite and encouraging (not to mention as thick as a tank). I've enjoyed seeing him in magazines and other guest posings ever since. I hate to say it cause the man is so awesome it's kinda of a cliché °utting him on a favorites list, but Arnold. Can't help it. I loved Pumping Iron and I read The Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding for inspiration all the time.

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Amateur Bodybuilder Of The Week

Amateur Bodybuilder Of The Week

Our Amateur Bodybuilder of the Week has the extraordinary qualities to endure the pain and discipline of bodybuilding. Of course, he/she also...

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