Vital Stats
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Vital Stats:
Military Background:
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[ Q ] How Did You Get Started?
Just like many others I have attempted to change my lifestyle to a healthier one more times than I can count with the same results each and every time...lack of dedication which eventually led to me giving up. As a single father of two young boys I honestly made me sad to think of how many times I heard myself say "daddy can't play right now, I am too tired". Being a single father, going to school and serving my country in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan as a member of the US Air Force, I had convinced myself that I had every excuse to slack on my health.
One day I looked into the mirror and realized enough was enough. I wanted to be able to be there for my children in every way. So I got onto the computer I began to research. Then I can across Bodybuilding.com and the MuscleTech Transformation Contest.
I thought to myself that there is no better time than the present. Everything I needed was right in front of me; all I had to do was put in the work. And the journey began!
Click To Enlarge. Everything I Needed Was Right In Front Of Me;
All I Had To Do Was Put In The Work.
[ Q ] What Is The Hardest Part Of Making The Transition From Civilian Life To Military Life?
Most of the military members I talk to would say that the hardest part of making the transition would be being told what to do and when to do it, especially for those who are so used to thinking independently. For me though it was being away from my family. I got to travel plenty when I was growing up but it was always with my family. The day I left for basic training was the first time I would be spending more then 2 weeks away from my family and I never knew how hard that would be until I was put into the situation.
As time went on I slowly grew accustom to living on my own but still to this day, even at 29 years of age and having my own family, nothing beats coming back home and spending time with my family, especially when I see my children with their grandmother and the time they got to spend with my late father (their grandfather) before he passed away.
[ Q ] What Is The Biggest Obstacle In Leading A Military Lifestyle?
Deployments, hands down. I am all for deployments and find extreme honor with serving my country overseas in a deployed location. I also completely understand that it is part of the job and what I signed up to do, but none of this makes it any easier. It affects everything about your life from family, friends, school, and just about anything else you can think of.
I am a single father of two wonderful boys and the hardest part about a deployment is of it affects them. Luckily I have a wonderful support system including their mother, my family, and a few great friends that all make sure that everything is taken care of and that I have everything that I need to make my deployments a success.
[ Q ] What Workout Plan Worked Best For You?
Because Of my busy schedule with kids, school, and work I could only manage weight training 4X a week, which actually worked out to my benefit because I was never in jeopardy of overtraining.
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Day 1: Legs
- Squats: 4 sets of 15-8 reps
- Leg Press: 4 sets of 15
- Walking Lunges: 3 sets of 10 reps per leg
- Leg Curls: 3 sets of 12-8 reps
- Leg Extensions: 3 sets of 12-8 reps
Day 2: Off
Day 3: Chest/Triceps
- Incline Dumbbell Press: 4 sets of 12-8 reps
- Flat Bench Press: 3 sets of 12-8 reps
- Dumbbell Pullovers: 3 sets of 12-8 reps
- Cable Crossover: 3 sets of 12-8 reps
- Close Grip Bench: 4 sets of 12-8 reps
- Dips: 3 sets of 12-8 reps
- Rope Pressdowns: 3 sets of 12-8 reps
- Kickbacks: 3 sets of 12-8 reps
Day 4: Back/Biceps
- Wide Grip Rows: 4 sets of 12-8 reps
- Lat Pulldown: 3 sets of 12-8 reps
- Dumbbell Rows: 3 sets of 12-8 reps
- Back Extensions: 3 sets of 12-8 reps
- Straight Arm Pulldowns: 3 sets of 12-8 reps
- Barbell Curls: 4 sets of 12-8 reps
- Dumbbell Curls: 3 sets of 12-8 reps
- Hammer Curls: 3 sets of 12-8 reps
- Concentration Curls: 3 sets of 15 reps
Day 5: Shoulders/Calves/Forearms
- Military Press: 4 sets of 12-8 reps
- Side Laterals: 3 sets of 12-8 reps
- Rear Laterals: 3 sets of 12-8 reps
- Upright Rows: 3 sets of 12-8 reps
- Shrugs: 3 sets of 10 reps
- Standing Calve Raises: 3 sets of 25 reps
- Superset:
Wrist Curls: 3 sets of 15 reps
Reverse Curls: 3 sets of 15 repsDay 6: Off
Day 7: Off
Click To Enlarge. Military Amatuer Of The Month, Jason Barnshaw.
[ Q ] What Nutrition Plan Has Worked Best For You?
Meal 1: 6 AM
- 1 serving protein shake
- 1 serving Hydroxycut
Meal 2: 7:30 AM
- 1 cup egg whites
- 1/2 cup oatmeal with natural peanut butter
Meal 3: 10:30 AM
- 1 cup tuna fish
- 3 plain rice cakes
- 1 small apple
Meal 4: 1:00 PM
- 4oz chicken, fish, or steak
- 1/2 cup brown rice
- 1 cup veggies
Meal 5: 3:00 PM - Pre, Intra, And Post Workout
- 1 serving Leukic (Pre)
- 1 serving IntraVol (Intra)
- 1 serving Anabolic Halo (Post)
Meal 6: 4:00 PM
- 1 serving protein shake
Meal 7: 6:30 PM
- 4 oz of chicken, fish, or steak
- 2 large handfuls of salad
Meal 8: 9:30 PM
- 1 cup of egg whites
If I got hungry before I went to bed I would have another protein shake
Click To Enlarge. Military Amatuer Of The Month, Jason Barnshaw.
[ Q ] What Are Your Future Bodybuilding Plans?
Wow, if you would have asked this question 5 months ago I would have just said to get in shape and be able to pass my PT test, now I feel as if the possibilities are endless. First and foremost I would really like to help out others who may be in the same shoes I was in only a few months ago. I believe this should be the ultimate goal of anyone in bodybuilding, to help others. On a more personal level I would like to ultimately do a show, maybe in a year or so after I have had the chance to put on some good quality muscle. In addition to competing I would love to get sponsored and maybe even begin doing some fitness modeling. This seems funny to even be typing that but I have to set the bar high and continue to try and reach my dreams.
Click To Enlarge. I Would Really Like To Help Out Others Who
May Be In The Same Shoes I Was In.
[ Q ] Who Are Your Favorite Bodybuilders?
I had a chance to meet Dexter Jackson at last years Olympia before he was crowned Mr. O and I have to say that not only does he have one of the best physiques in bodybuilding ever he is also a very down to earth guy. I also love the classic physique of Frank Zane.
[ Q ] What One Tip Would You Give Other Bodybuilders In The Military?
Because of our jobs, deployments, and outside obstacles it can seem hard sometimes to maintain a healthy lifestyle or a body that we have always wanted, but this is not the case. Just as with anything you want in life it takes time and some sacrifices to reach your goals. There are countless individuals who are in the same boat as you or have been in your shoes and managed to achieve their dreams. Find these individuals and pull knowledge and encouragement from them as well inspire one another. We are all in this together.
There is no excuse so don't keep making them like I did for so many years. There is no greater time than the present and this not only applies to bodybuilding but ever aspect of life. We have and always will be a brotherhood/sisterhood in bodybuilding and military service lets continue to act like it and leave no one behind. No regrets!