Teen Amateur Of The Week: Using The Force!

Off-season lifting regimens for lacrosse turned into a 24-7 obsession for Derek. He focused on building size to match his drive and quickly surpassed his fellow peers!

Q
How Did Your Fitness Journey Begin?

My muscle journey began when I heard about preseason training for lacrosse as a high school freshman. I touched the weights, saw massive growth, and quickly worked my way up past my age group. By the time sophomore year arrived, I was lifting with the senior class. I always associated with people who were stronger than me so I was motivated to work harder.

Senior year was when my attitude changed from lifting for strength to lifting for size. My mindset geared to bodybuilding and I blew up when my lifting strategies and regimen changed. Since then, I've been working to compete and be the best at what I do.


How Did Your Passion for Fitness Emerge?

It all started by lifting for the lacrosse team. When I saw results, I got deeper and deeper into the sport. It turned from being a hobby into the driving force of my life. It's the most challenging and rewarding activity I've ever done. I want to win Mr. Olympia. The only way to achieve that is to train harder than everyone else.

What/Who Motivated You to be a Fitness Guru?

My biggest motivation at first came from Arnold, Frank McGrath, and Kai Greene. Arnold owned the stage and couldn't be beat. His charisma and insight towards bodybuilding got the ball rolling for me. Frank and Kai live a simple lifestyle completely dedicated to their passion. They don't flaunt around like other big shots and are humble. They show their hard work through actions, not through a lavish lifestyle. Bodybuilding is truly their lifestyle and they live it every day.

Where Did You Go for Inspiration?

I always went to YouTube to get pumped for a workout. I made a playlist of the videos that motivated me most. If I start to second guess myself in the middle of a workout, I always have my training partner who makes me push through. Most of my inspiration comes from me, though. I'm using my talents that were gifted to me to better myself and be the best I can be.

What Are Your Future Fitness Plans?

I'm currently trying to figure out the logistics of the Arnold Amateur in March. I have yet to pick a show between now and then to compete in. Further down the line, I hope to compete for bigger titles like Mr. Olympia and inspire people to follow bodybuilding.

What Is the Most Important Fitness Tip?

Never give up and keep pushing through the tough times. Tons of people will put you down and say you won't achieve your goals. The only one who decides if your dreams become reality is you. Don't ever give up on your dreams.

Who Is Your Favorite Competitor?

Kai Greene's routines and attitude make bodybuilding a reality for me. His style is foreign that he catches everyone's attention onstage. His life is completely dedicated to bodybuilding and he pushes through the hardships. Frank McGrath's approach to bodybuilding is very similar because he makes it his life, not just his job. He has been through much pain and suffering and still pushes. Kai and Frank share a very similar mentality toward bodybuilding.

How Did Bodybuilding.com Help You Reach Your Goals?

Bodybuilding.com helps me reach my goals by offering the best prices on supplements I need to fuel my body so I can be the best working machine possible.