I started out with a very basic training routine and a simple diet plan. I didn't see much results from it. It wasn't until I turned 16 that I got serious about my body and started to eat 6 times a day and trained 5 days a week in the gym. But that still wasn't good enough.

Right before I turned 17 I began a new diet in which I ate 8 times a day consuming 250 grams of protein daily, my training got alot more intense and I started doing some cardio here and there to burn off those extra calories I was consuming from my 8 meal a day plan.


4) How has this success changed your day-to-day life for the better?

Ever since I began working out I've felt so much more accomplished. I have a better sense of well being. I feel like I am in control of my life and my body, which is a fantastic and very rewarding feeling. My confidence has sky rocketed. Because of bodybuilding I'm alot more disciplined, and I apply this to other areas of my life such as school and work. I'm also more focused and it's easier for me to keep my goal in sight without getting side tracked by bad habits.


5) Did you experience any setbacks along the way? If so, what were they and how did you get past them?

Every athlete is going to experience setbacks. My biggest ones were trying to balance my social life, school, gym and work. I'm very fortunate to have a supporting family who provides a gym membership and the proper nutrition I need.


6) What type of training plan has worked best for you?

I try to switch it up alot to keep my muscles guessing and to shock them into growth. But basically I do the following:

day 1: arms
day 2: off
day 3: shoulders
day 4: legs
day 5: back
day 6: chest
day 7: rest
Repeat

I do about 12-16 sets a body part depending how I feel that day or the size of the muscle I'm training. Chest will need more sets then my biceps, for example. I keep it in the 6-13 rep range.
I also do abs about every other day with calves.


7) What type of nutrition plan has worked best for you?

I eat 6 solid meals throughout the day with about 30-40 grams of protein at each and 2 additional protein shakes. For my protein I try to eat mainly chicken, fish, turkey and sometimes beef. I try to eat most of my carbs in the morning such as oatmeal and before my workouts.


8) What muscle building and/or fat loss supplements have you used? Which ones worked for you and which ones didn’t?

I have always been a fan of whey. I recently started taking creatine and glutamine and so far I like the results I'm seeing.


9) What are your future fitness goals?

While I'm still 17 I hope to compete in some sort of teenage show, then I want to take it as far as my body will allow me.

10) What are the top 3 tips you would give to others who are interested in beginning a muscle building and/or fat burning program?

CONSISTENCY, CONSISTENCY, CONSISTENCY!

I cannot stress this enough... you have to be CONSISTENT with the diet the training and the sleep to see results. Be patient! All good things come in time, and do alot of research and talk to as many trainers, athletes, bodybuilders etc. as you can. Knowledge is power.