Amateur Bodybuilder of the Week: Mandeep Sodhi

Amateur Bodybuilder of the Week: Mandeep Sodhi! - Pics and info and more!

  • Name: Mandeep Sodhi
  • E-mail: [email protected]
  • Age: 23
  • Where: Chandigarh, India
  • Height: 5' 10"
  • Weight: 165 Lbs.
  • Years Bodybuilding :6
  • Favorite Bodypart: Legs
  • Favorite Exercise: Squats and Deadlifts
  • Favorite Supplements: Whey Protein, Creatine

How Did You Get Started?

I started training in 1998 when I just finished my Higher Education. I had a bent towards bodybuilding ever since I was a kid .I thought it was a good time to explore my potential. Then I got admission in a Bachelors program in Physical Therapy. Then I Changed my Mindset, I was training at slow, constant pace, naturally. I thought a dentist will be a role model for his patient if he has impressive teeth. Similarly, a Dermatologist if he has good skin. Why don't I work to be a role model for my patients? And I kept on working on and off (depending on my exams), and they told me this many times. I am a working Physical Therapist and A Part-time Fitness Trainer and as I was, a Gym Warrior.

What Workout Plan Worked Best For You?

I workout on a 8 days cycle

  • Day 1- Chest & abs
  • Day 2- Quads, Hamstrings & Calves
  • Day 3- Rest
  • Day 4- Back & Calves
  • Day 5- Shoulders & Traps
  • Day 6- Triceps & Bi's
  • Day 7- Cardio
  • Day 8- Forearms and Neck

I have fine tuned my workout to my Fiancé's, who is my workout partner. When she is not around I am on my own. I "periodise" my workouts, so I do medium weights and more reps, but sometimes heavy and light reps. I also do Yoga and meditate. Thanks to the love of my life who has shown me this way.

What Nutrition Plan Has Worked Best For You?

Training naturally, the gains are hard to come unless you eat a good amount of proteins and complex carbs, also a fair amount of good fats. I use a diet consisting of 60% Protein - 30% Carbs - 10% Fats year around. I stay in shape year round. Once a month or so I do drop in at Pizza hut for my Supreme Deep-Pan . During competition training (8-6 weeks) I diet a little, load sodium and carbs to look sharper. My carb intake consists of Complex Carbs and a lot of fiber (soluble and insoluble both). My protein intake comes from chicken, eggs, tuna, and milk. As for fats I eat almonds, cashews and olive oil.

What Supplements Have Given You The Greatest Gains?

Higher Power Creatine, Whey Protein by Dymatize, and N-Large II by Prolab have given me the greatest gains of all time. I just won my first competition after a year staying out of the biz, thanks to the injury I incurred a year ago. I also take around 1.5gms of Vitamin C a day to detoxify my body and provided it with a carrier for my Macromolecules.

Why do you love Bodybuilding?

I love bodybuilding because it gives me the confidence that I am not any Tom, Dick and Harry moving on the sidewalk but I enjoy living in the system with an iron head, not just existing but living. It requires discipline to stick to it. I love that and what it does to my body (inside and outside both).

What Are Your Future Bodybuilding Plans?

My fiancé and I plan to go into Mixed Pair Naturals Competition next year.

What One Tip Would You Give Other Bodybuilders?

To my fellow bodybuilders... First of all, stop following the magazines. We are not Shawn Rays and Flex Wheelers. If you have noticed some of them like doing heavy weights, less reps. Few advocate Medium weight, and more reps. More sets etc. etc. The point here is by trial find out what suits your body. Follow that. Give variation. Don't over train. Eat big to get big. One more thing, gaining or losing weight happens outside the gym not inside.

Who Are Your Favorite Bodybuilders?

Ronnie Coleman and Arnold Schwarzenegger.