How Did You Get Started?

I never really had a purposeful reason for starting. As a skinny 15 year old boy who weighed around 130 Lbs and played the Oboe in my schools band I decided that I wanted to be different and to an extent more noticeable. So I began doing endless amounts of pullups day after day on my garden arch without a clue about building muscle. Up until now, there had been no one in my family that had experience in bodybuilding.

I joined my schools gym (Shirley boys) at the start of year 2004 and trained with a full body work out 5 days a week still having no clue about over training or even what a set was. Although my training methods at this time were 'questionable' I was hooked on the feeling of iron and with some help of a training buddy a year older than myself I began developing in my knowledge. My diet at this time was still nothing but that came along later.

Reading things such as books and forums on the net every night I developed a solid base of knowledge and about 2 months after getting started without any idea, I was starting to see gains and most important of all pumps at the gym.

What Workout Plan Worked Best For You?

I am currently working a 5 day split of:

Day 1= Quad's and Calves.
Day 2= Chest and Ab's
Day 3= Ham's and Tri's
Day 4= Back
Day 5= Bi's and Trap's

I don't like to spend more than an hour at the gym each session because I usually start to drift of after an hour and waste time. So by leaving early I can make the most of my 'pump' and take protein ASAP.

I don't really have a set plan for my routine however I always incorporate the three compound exercises as well as weighted movements involving my body weight plus a bit extra such as Dips, Chins, Pulls, etc. Usually around the 7-10 rep range on free weights and a quite high range on cables. I myself don't see much difference in gains when using cables so I will do around 3 sets of cable exercises at the end of my workout to gain a greater pump.

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What Nutrition Plan Has Worked Best For You?

Again, I have never really had a Nutrition Plan written in stone however I do know what to eat and when to eat it. I will usually have a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast followed by meals of tuna, chicken breasts, low fat Mince, and whey. The last meal of the day will be 7 eggs using only 2 yokes.

When I want to gain weight, the only thing I do is eat peanut butter and take creatine. I eat it until I smell like the stuff but it works. I gained a cool 12Ibs in 4 weeks the first time I bulked (mostly fat) but for a cheap method it worked.

What Supplements Have Given You The Greatest Gains?

When I can afford... I will always buy and use whey protein usually the Bioplex brand of Bodybuilding.com since it seems so expensive in shops using it once a day.

I'm a big fan of creatine as I have seen good gains in both strength and size when I am on it. I use the Higher power brand and only need to take around 3 grams a day in the maintenance stage because of my weight so a 1000 gram tub last a long time.

Why do you love Bodybuilding?

Knowledge and discipline are the two words that pull me towards bodybuilding. Everybody can go to a gym and hit the weights but something that separates me from the crowd is those two words. It makes me different. It takes a special person to step on stage and hit a pose in front of people whilst looking sliced after spending months of downing tuna and rice. That's what I love, having the discipline and know how to get to a body image of my choice.

What Are Your Future Bodybuilding Plans?

After leaving school at the end of last year, I will be working towards a Personal Training certificate. I also am planning to compete in my first contest around October in the junior men section, which will be a learning experience.

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What One Tip Would You Give Other Bodybuilders?

Just keep going! I have the forearms of an 8 year old girl, badly defined tri's and I cannot tan naturally... I just go red. You could say I have bad genetics and you would be right. That does not mean I can never compete it just means I have to work that extra bit harder which will make the result that much sweeter.

Who Are Your Favorite Bodybuilders?

To be honest I never really pay much attention to the top line bodybuilders but I have always liked Lee Priest. He's a small guy in height but a big guy in size. His attitude to be an individual by choosing not to compete at the 2006 Olympia's because of conditions was respectful.

I would also just like to thank all the Shirley Boys crew whose 'constructive criticism' has got me to the place I am today. All my training buddies past and present and God who's destiny for my life is bigger than anything I can gain by myself. Thanks. Jonathan.

More Bodybuilder Profiles:

:: Current Teen Of The Week.
:: Other Previous Teens Of The Week.
:: Adult Amateur Bodybuilder Of The Week.
:: Over 40 Bodybuilder Of The Week.

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