VITAL STATS Name: Ben Griffing E-mail: BnnRx@aol.com Age: 16 Where: Niskayuna, New York Height: 5' 11" Weight: 215 Lbs. Years Bodybuilding: 4 Favorite Bodypart: Traps, Forearms, Biceps Favorite Exercise: Incline Bench Presses, Dumbbell Rows Favorite Supplements: Whey Protein powder, Creatine, Multi-vitamins

How Did You Get Started?

It originally began in 7th grade, where I would take the bus over to the high school and do some basic machine lifts. From there, things took off as I went out for football and wrestling. Unfortunately, however, a fractured vertebrae sidelined me from those sports, and now I bodybuild full time.

What Workout Plan Worked Best For You?

I'm very hesitant to answer this question as I know that any serves as a temptation for others to copy. It is very important to notice the last two words of the question; each person is not the same and thus responds differently to training techniques. But I have gone through quite a few routines, and I'll list the ones that worked best for me.

5-day split
Day1: Chest/Triceps/delts/abs
Day2: Back/Biceps/forearms
Day3: Off
Day4: Hams/Quads/abs
Day5: Off
Day6: Repeat

7-day split
Mon: Chest/abs
Tues: Back/hamstrings
Wed: Off
Thurs: Triceps/Shoulders/abs
Fri: Biceps/Quads/forearms
Sat: Off
Sun: Off

Recent Stats and Best Lifts:

• Arms: 17"
• Legs: Not sure, but I have some decent size there
• Squat: 435 a few months ago, 455 on a smith machine...I'm probably around 460 something free-weight now.
• Bench Press: 275, my triceps aren't so good
• Incline Bench Press: 225x6, and 245x1
• Deadlift: 470x1 that was easy, I think I'm around a 500 max.
• Power Cleans: 250x2 - This just goes to show that I'm not as strong as I look like I should be, lol.

What Supplements Have Given You The Greatest Gains?

Hmm, creatine was alright, but protein powder gave me some significant gains. If I were to pick only one, however, I would definitely say protein powder, and lots of it too! I usually try and take in 400 of my 500 grams of daily protein in the form of powder.

Why Do You Love Bodybuilding?

I find this hard to answer because I don't just love bodybuilding, I live for it. I know that I have so far to go in this sport, but I'm looking forward to every minute of it.

Every sacrifice I make just makes it that much more important in my life. I've given up a lot of my friends, a social life, and anything else that would describe another 16 year-old; however, each time I say no to an invitation to go to a party I find another level of my love for the sport.

What Are Your Future Bodybuilding Plans?

Hmm, well I know that competing will definitely have a place in my future, I just have to put on a lot more size before I'd feel satisfied with signing up for any bodybuilding contests. My goal now is to bulk up to 245-250 and then cut down to around 220 for a competition weight before I'm 18. I doubt that this is too unrealistic of a goal since it's a year and a half away, but who knows what will happen. After that, I'm not going to compete for another few years until I can get to a point where I hopefully can go against the best of them.

I know I'm nowhere close to any of my goals, but I like to aim high and be ambitious.

What One Tip Would You Give Other Bodybuilders?

Prioritize your life; if you want to take the next step and become a true hardcore bodybuilder, understand that there are going to be some sacrifices you need to make. Every day I give up at least one more thing in my life, and the day I stop giving is the day I stop lifting. But seriously, just take a step back and look at your training: Is there any way that you could cram 200 grams more protein in your diet? Is there any way you can get up a few hours earlier to get your cardio done in the morning? Think about it.

Who Are Your Favorite Bodybuilders?

I think that Nasser El Sonbaty is the most underrated guy on the professional scene; I hate what they did to him at the Mr. Olympia contest. But really, I think that Arnold has done so much for the sport that I can't not appreciate him. He brought a new sense of public awareness and respect to guys up on that stage, and we all owe him so much.

Well, that's it for me; I hope you guys like what I wrote. Keep lifting hard and if I'm lucky, maybe I'll see you on the stage in about ten years or so.

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