- Name: Mike Vuong
- E-mail: mxvuong@yahoo.com
- Age: 27
- Where: Fairfax, VA
- Height: 5'9"
- Weight: 148 Lbs.
- Years Bodybuilding :11
- Favorite Bodypart: Chest
- Favorite Exercise: Flat Bench
- Favorite Supplements: Creatine and ABB Pure Pro Protein Shakes
How Did You Get Started?
I have worked out for about 11 years now. After college I started to slack off, and needed a kick in the butt to get back into shape. One day I looked in the mirror and just wasn’t happy. I knew committing to a bodybuilding show would motivate me and kept telling myself either do the work, stick to the diet, or look like a fool onstage.
What Workout Plan Worked Best For You?
I break my workouts into upper body pushing (Chest and Tri), upper body pulling (Back and Bi's), and Legs. I do each workout twice a week and mix in cardio sessions of 40 min or so about 10 times a week. During the last month I decrease the length of workouts and add in an extra session or two. Total rest on Sundays.
What Nutrition Plan Has Worked Best For You?
I do not let myself ever get too heavy. I like to lose no more then 20-25 lbs for a show. I eat as clean as I can with little to no seasoning or condiments. About once a week I give myself a cheat day to stay sane, and then at 4 weeks out suck it up the best I can and be as strict as possible.
What Supplements Have Given You The Greatest Gains?
Creatine and Glutamine are very effective for me. I try to keep a strong supplement routine until about 3 weeks out and then cut everything out and try to get shredded and lean.
Why do you love Bodybuilding?
Bodybuilding is just such a personal accomplishment. You are busting your butt in the gym, depriving yourself with the diet, not to mention tanning and posing. You just have to be committed to be successful, and that’s what I love. Those who win deserve to win because they were willing to sacrifice and suffer the most.
What Are Your Future Bodybuilding Plans?
I would like to take the rest of the year off, and try to put on a little size. Hopefully compete at 154-156 instead of 148. Hopefully I will look a little thicker and not compete for the lightweight title but also the overall, which I know usually doesn’t get won by the "little guys".
What One Tip Would You Give Other Bodybuilders?
My best advice to bodybuilders is not to give up. I think all bodybuilders question at some point during the 12 weeks if it is worth it. Know that all the work pays off, when you are on stage looking ripped and the crowd is going crazy for you. Getting that trophy handed to me was awesome and a lot more rewarding then I thought it would be.
Who Are Your Favorite Bodybuilders?
Shawn Ray is my favorite bodybuilder. Every year he knew he would be undersized compared to some of the beasts, but every year he came out with perfect symmetry and definition. His body looked best to me onstage, and also in regular life as well.