Blog Interview - A ”LIFT” In Life

You all always hear me always talk about my running experiences and what it means to me in my life.  I've expressed many times that I understand that everyone doesn't like to run and that's okay.  The running experiences and successes God allows me to achieve through running give me strength and encouragement to apply those same skills to other aspects of my life.

I had the privilege to interview Brian who has just started training in the sport of all-natural weight lifting.  Brian was sharing with me about his weight training which I thought would be a great opportunity to hear a different perspective from someone else who is involved in athletics and reaping the benefits throughout his life.

A: For starters, what is “all-natural” weight lifting? Does it mean you can take supplements just no ‘roids?

B: Good question! The sport of Natural bodybuilding is exactly the same as ‘regular’ bodybuilding except competitors cannot take banned substances including steroids, testosterone, growth hormones and/or illegal fat burners.


Natural competitors must constantly monitor and modify their diets, weight training and cardio to get into shape and this can be considerably harder without the extra ‘help’.


A: How did you get started?


B: Well, actually I’m still getting started. I’m building a foundation of muscle size, density and endurance that will allow me to compete in 2-3 years. My legs need some serious work (Thanks, Genetics!).


I’ve always worked out but when I first moved to Pittsburgh, I needed a hobby to further occupy my time outside of work since I knew no one here! Through trial and error, I’ve found that when I have extra time, I get bored and then I get into trouble!


I met a group of natural bodybuilders at my local gym that got me to understand proper form and how to push to the limits. Fortunately, I also met my (now) fiancé who was involved in the Figure aspect of the sport and she taught me how to manage my diet and cardio. When I met her, I weighted 250+ pounds (>25% body fat) and now I’m around 227 pounds (~15% body fat) with much more muscle density.


A: Since its all-natural how do you manage your diet? Is it difficult? Can this be done with a typical grocery budget or more costly?


B: All competitors will tell you that diet is 50-60% of the challenge in this sport. If you work out but consistently eat pizzas, cookies and other bad foods, you are wasting your time and efforts!


Actually, grocery shopping is easier and cheaper but incredibly BORING. Since we eat the same basic items (chicken, brown rice, salads, sweet potatoes, eggs, and oatmeal) every week, we don’t even have a chance to go down the potato chip or candy aisle!


A: Is this a hobby or something you do full-time?


B: This is a hobby. I work full time with >30% travel but I always find time for a workout, even while on the road!


A: Take us through a typical day and/or week of training?


B: Consistency is the key -- I follow this plan every weekday except when I’m on vacation (when I’ll have a few glasses of Pinot Nior!)


6:00am – Wake up, Breakfast (Egg white omelet and oatmeal)


8:00am - Get into work


9:00am – Meal #2 – Chicken breast + Green beans


12:00pm – Meal #3 – Tilapia + Yams


3:00pm – Meal #4 – Protein Shake


5:30pm – Workout (30 min cardio + 1 hr weight training)


7:30pm – Meal #5 – Filet Mignon + Salad w/ Dressing


9:00pm – Snack (Fruit or Cheesestick) + Protein Shake


Rinse and Repeat…


A: How and where do you compete?


B: Again, I’m still building my basic muscle foundation for competing in 2-3 years. My fiancé competed last year in the Figure division (less muscle, more feminine look) and did quite well for her first show!


A: By incorporating this passion of yours into your life what kind of change has it had on your overall life as well those closest to you if any?


B: Due to the bodybuilding lifestyle and my own personal changes, my life is now governed by three principles:


1) Discipline of Diet, Workouts, Cardio and in life (Work, family, etc)


2) Perseverance despite obstacles in the gym (injury) and in life! I no longer allow setbacks at work or at home bother me to the point of giving up.


3) Honesty – It’s so much easier to tell the truth than make up a lie. And cheating on your diet ALWAYS shows up in the mirror.


A: Talk to us about some of the personality traits (i.e. discipline, focus, self control, the “I can” spirit, etc) required to be successful in this sport.




B: I’ve always been relatively successful but only due to natural talent (brains, athleticism, etc) without much discipline. I’ve come to understand that to realize my full potential I needed to refocus on the core principles of Discipline, Perseverance and Honesty.


A: For those interested in getting into this sport, where do they start?


B: Start by enrolling in a local gym less than 5-10 miles from your home (or you won’t go!). Next, do some research on training programs (e.g. bodybuilding.com) and talk to your doctor about an appropriate program to fit your physical needs. Finally, examine your nutrition and do some research on appropriate nutrition programs based on your ‘ideal weight’.


Fundamental Rule: Write EVERYTHING down (e.g. workouts, food intake) and examine them every week for ‘leaks’ (e.g. excess calories, not enough workout intensity).


Good luck!




Brian, thanks for your time and sharing.  We wish you nothing but success on the journey to reaching your goal.