So how did you start your bodybuilding journey Michael ?
I joined the army at 16 years and became a Physical training instructor in the grenadier guards. Always loved training in the army but was more bodyweight strength and physical fitness type of stuff. Leaving the army in 2007 was a big culture shock and hit me hard, so I started training only with weights and stopped all cardio. I believe craving the routine and discipline that the army gave me made bodybuilding and the routine lifestyle appeal to me to feel normal again. I’ve been broken down to blood sweat n tears in the army so I believe noone can push me harder than I push myself.
Started competing in 2009 with little success so when away and learned about train n nutrition properly then came back in 2011 and never done bad in any show since.
Let’s talk genetics, You appear to be lean year round how do you do it?
I’m no gifted genetic freak when it comes to being lean all the time, I have to keep it 80%clean in off season so I don’t creep more than a stone n a half to two stone over stage weight. To manage family time I will eat as clean as I can in the week and have my treats on the weekend so I get bk a little family time with the wife and 2 boys.
Off season diet example ?
Off season I will keep protein around 1.5g per lb lean bodyweight. While carbs will increase once I stop gaining weight. Only in small increments. Fats stay low too moderate. Until I feel I’ve increased carbs as much as I can.
Ultimately though my diet won’t change from comp prep to off season.
I still eat 6 meals a day. When comp prep starts I stick to the same basic n simple methods. No reinventing the wheel here.
Once I get to a point close to show day that I feel I can’t get that last bit of stubborn fat off I’ll switch to carb cycling.
Protein will stay the same, was around 300g a day this year.
Carbs were 3low days of 100g
2medium days of 250g
And 2 high days of 700g of carbs.
Whats your best body part ?
Best body parts are delts and hamstrings IMO. Love training legs in general anyway just for the feeling of achievement after a brutal leg session.
I’d say arms are my worst area. I believe there still in proportion with my body but hey we all want bigger guns right lol.
We all need a great support system in this sport who supports you ?
Family and wife especially are great when It comes to letting me just crack on and get on with it. Very rarely I’ll get moaned at about being the way I am or how I live my Bodybuilding lifestyle.
