My first question. I know you said you wanted to compete in the Olympia someday. Are you surprised how quickly it happened?
Good question. I always knew how hard I was willing to work, how consistent I would be, and the potential God gave me to be great at bodybuilding. I've envisioned myself to compete against the best since day one. And I mean that wholeheartedly. I 100% believed in myself from the moment I spoke about being a bodybuilder. To actually be going to the Olympia is still processing in my brain. The workouts are still the same. The diet is always on point. Nothing has changed but the shows I'm competing in and who I will be standing next to on stage. On one hand, I've always been very confident. On the other hand, the reality is unbelievable. I'm humbled and grateful to be given this opportunity to step on the greatest bodybuilding stage in the world! To directly answer your question.. yes, I'm taken back by how fast things are happening. I will not take it for granted and always appreciate the big and the small things in the process. The support given to me by others has kept my focus at an all time high.
I use CJ's posing trunks. I noticed that you use Muscle Potential. Do you like these compared to other brands and why? I'm worried a lot of trunks don't display my glutes adequately
im currently 3 weeks out to my first show and been dieting the whole summer ... so the cravings are real.
How do you handle your cheats post show?
Im competing saturday and sunday, have a fotoshoot on monday. I planned to treat myself with everything I want untill wednesday and on thursday I will cut back the kcal and start my reverse diet.
I use CJ's posing trunks. I noticed that you use Muscle Potential. Do you like these compared to other brands and why? I'm worried a lot of trunks don't display my glutes adequately
I've used both CJ and Muscle Potential. Both are great quality. If you notice, the cut is slightly different. The Muscle Potential suit I used this competition season was cut much deeper and fabric was much thinner than what I used last year by CJ. I was very happy with both pair of suits. This year I just wanted to try something new. CJ is great! Muscle Potential is great!
When stripping down for a show, do you find that slowly lower carbs week by week works better or carb cycling is more effective?
Carbs carbs carbs... probably the most talked about in all of dieting. I believe they are both effective for most individuals. Disclaimer: Everyone's body reacts differently. Typically, you would start with a higher amount of carbs and overall calories and gradually lower them as the show grows closer. Saving the "carb cycling" to the end is what I would most likely suggest (generally speaking). That said, I don't always "carb cycle". My food stays very much consistent week to week, day to day. I may implement more or less carbs depending on how my body looks. The best thing I can tell you is to keep EVERYTHING consistently the same on a daily basis. Consistency is key to make changes AS NEEDED. Follow the plan that works best for YOUR body. Good question!
Congrats Derek Lunsford on the top 5 finish. Hell of a package you put together this year. Man the guys ahead of you better watch out once you get rested and have the time to really step in there. Best of luck this coming year!!!
INSTAGRAM : @npcdusty
Thanks,
NPCDUSTY
Dusty Young
Jackson Tennessee ABC Coordinator
“I realized early on that success was tied to not giving up. Most people in this business gave up and went on to other things. If you simply didn’t give up, you would outlast the people who came in on the bus with you.”
Good question. I always knew how hard I was willing to work, how consistent I would be, and the potential God gave me to be great at bodybuilding. I've envisioned myself to compete against the best since day one. And I mean that wholeheartedly. I 100% believed in myself from the moment I spoke about being a bodybuilder. To actually be going to the Olympia is still processing in my brain. The workouts are still the same. The diet is always on point. Nothing has changed but the shows I'm competing in and who I will be standing next to on stage. On one hand, I've always been very confident. On the other hand, the reality is unbelievable. I'm humbled and grateful to be given this opportunity to step on the greatest bodybuilding stage in the world! To directly answer your question.. yes, I'm taken back by how fast things are happening. I will not take it for granted and always appreciate the big and the small things in the process. The support given to me by others has kept my focus at an all time high.
Our willingness to work hard and make sacrifices are variables we control. Some dial it in and ramp it up while others look the other way. You have, no doubt, a solid work ethic and your success has proven that. But you are also right–once you start taking things for granted, the fire dims. Once you've competed on the biggest stage, what's left and how do you continue to find motivation to push forward?
Our willingness to work hard and make sacrifices are variables we control. Some dial it in and ramp it up while others look the other way. You have, no doubt, a solid work ethic and your success has proven that. But you are also right–once you start taking things for granted, the fire dims. Once you've competed on the biggest stage, what's left and how do you continue to find motivation to push forward?
For many, this may be true. I've yet to step on the Olympia stage (still have a couple weeks to go), but I can only imagine that my mindset will strengthen. My mindset hasn't changed for any competition. I'm just as hungry to be at my best from the first competition. My nerves have calmed and confidence is lifted from each competition. The motivation comes not by selfish action. If it was all about me winning a competition, then yes, I would likely become less hungry to better myself. I have WAY too many reason for why I body build that I could write a novel, or two, or three. haha The biggest motivation comes from those who support me, look up to me, and expect nothing but the best from me. Win, lose, or draw... I win when others win. I mean that in many different forms/fashions. If I can inspire someone, I win. If I can brighten someone's day, I win. If I motivate someone to better themselves and do the right thing, I win. If I place first in a competition, I win. And the list goes on and on. The Olympia is an honor that I will never take for granted. As Jay Cutler once said, it's not about how many titles you win. It's about the fashion you win it in. I have taken that to heart and am sure to be more than a bodybuilder. I consider myself a role model over simply a bodybuilder. It has come through bodybuilding that I'm able to be a role model. That is why the flame will never die out.
For many, this may be true. I've yet to step on the Olympia stage (still have a couple weeks to go), but I can only imagine that my mindset will strengthen. My mindset hasn't changed for any competition. I'm just as hungry to be at my best from the first competition. My nerves have calmed and confidence is lifted from each competition. The motivation comes not by selfish action. If it was all about me winning a competition, then yes, I would likely become less hungry to better myself. I have WAY too many reason for why I body build that I could write a novel, or two, or three. haha The biggest motivation comes from those who support me, look up to me, and expect nothing but the best from me. Win, lose, or draw... I win when others win. I mean that in many different forms/fashions. If I can inspire someone, I win. If I can brighten someone's day, I win. If I motivate someone to better themselves and do the right thing, I win. If I place first in a competition, I win. And the list goes on and on. The Olympia is an honor that I will never take for granted. As Jay Cutler once said, it's not about how many titles you win. It's about the fashion you win it in. I have taken that to heart and am sure to be more than a bodybuilder. I consider myself a role model over simply a bodybuilder. It has come through bodybuilding that I'm able to be a role model. That is why the flame will never die out.
hope the prep is going well for you. Enjoying your thread. Good luck with the next week and half! Enjoy the O for sure!!!!
INSTAGRAM : @npcdusty
Thanks,
NPCDUSTY
Dusty Young
Jackson Tennessee ABC Coordinator
“I realized early on that success was tied to not giving up. Most people in this business gave up and went on to other things. If you simply didn’t give up, you would outlast the people who came in on the bus with you.”
Based on your experience, what advice would you give a 22 year old aspiring to turn pro bodybuilder, in terms or consistent progress and longevity?
Be confident, have faith, work your butt off consistently every day, "every day is a great day to get better"! That said, be sure you are really ready to become a "PROFESSIONAL BODYBUILDER"!! First, determine what makes you believe you want to be a professional bodybuilder and what it means to you. Then ask yourself, "If I turn professional, what's next?" Some people have different reasons for wanting to turn pro. My reason is to be a competitive athlete. Others may just want IFBB behind their name. It's a responsibility you automatically assume when you earn this title. Be sure you are ready. Best of luck to you!