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VITAL STATS:
"Forget the myths and advice from others and get the knowledge yourself. There is so much rubbish info and the best way to ensure you are following the best advice is to learn it yourself." |
2006
- BNBF Central Qualifier, Novice - 3rd
- BNBF British Finals, Novice - 4th
2007
- BNBF Welsh Qualifier, Middleweights - 1st - including best presentation trophy
- NPA South East, Middleweights - 4th
- BNBF British Finals, Lightweights - 5th
2008
- Serious Snowboard Accident - out for year
As most people experience at some point, I was going through a de-motivated period in the gym and needed something to get the fires burning again. I hadn't heard of natural bodybuilding before but spotted a poster in gym of the BNBF qualifiers for 2006. After a sharp check over from the gym owner I got the nod and I decided to have a go ! Little did I know it would lead to several seasons and several trophies.
I have always had one reason to train and that is to test myself. Every time I walk in the gym it is to be better in one way than I have been before. Whether that is in terms of form, weight, reps etc and the evidence should show in my physique, if not I need to learn and adapt until my body does too. I am competitive in everything and that lends itself nicely with training as you can compete with the weights when there isn't a person to compete with.
I don't work to days of the week instead it's a programme I follow that was shown to me by champion natural bodybuilder Lee Williams.
I rotate through a plan that works as follows:
Week 1 - Heavy
2 sets per exercise at full effort
Week 2 - Pre Exhaust
1 exercise for 25 reps followed by a triple drop set 3x6 reps of the same exercise.
This is swiftly followed by a compound move.
Week 3 - Heavy
Week 4 - Volume
This is 10 sets of 10 reps for the larger body parts and 6 sets of 10 for the smaller with 45 seconds rest - this is tough!
This works all the different systems of the body, fast twitch, and slow twitch fibers, Cardio vascular system which increases vascularity and doesn't smash the body like working heavy every week does whilst always working the body to failure.
Check out our Workout Routines Database, designed for the people who want to transform their bodies naturally!
What is your philosophy on nutrition?
I believe in the whole body approach. It is no good working in terms of just Protein, Carbs and Fats, there are so many other elements to consider to make sure the body has the optimal amounts of all nutrients it needs to perform recover and grow. So the old saying goes ‘everything in moderation', eat a varied diet of clean, natural sources at the right amounts and you should be fine. Eat a lot of crap and you will end up looking crap. Of course the odd treat now and then is fine.
What is your nutrition plan for the on and off season?
No different really these days, the only difference is that off season I allow myself a treat at the weekends and the odd sauce on my food. Apart from that it's pretty standard. Why eat badly off season as that's when you want to make the gains.
What are your favorite meals/foods?
I love a Sunday roast and with a bit of imagination even on season I can have a roast and pudding. All it takes is learning the fantastic art of cooking! I have always liked cooking and that has come as and advantage as I can spice up my food whilst keeping it within my measurements.
Favorite cheat food?
It has to be draw between cheesecake and my sisters tiramasu....mmm!
Whey protein - I use PHD pharma whey or Smart tecs Whey FX as the taste good and mix well. I have these for breakfast, pre workout and post workout. This is a source of protein that is quickly absorbed to aid recovery when the muscles need it.
Creatine - I take this at breakfast, and post workout.
Glutamine - Taken at the same time as creatine.
My top tips would be these:
- Forget the myths and advice from others and get the knowledge yourself. There is so much rubbish info and the best way to ensure you are following the best advice is to learn it yourself.
- Eat well and clean all year, you will look better, feel better and when it comes to competing there wont be to much hard work to come down to weight, ensuring you keep more of that hard earned muscle.
- Practice posing, I see so many bodybuilders who could have won shows if not for their terrible posing (this is often combined with lack of condition).
I will be competing again this year in the BNBF and NPA shows with the goal of finishing in the top 3 of the lightweight finals in each. If I can do this I will be very happy! My main aim with my physique is to come in the best condition I can and pose like a master, any less and I haven't worked hard enough.
My favorite bodybuilders are Tom Platz, Arnold, Lee Williams and Frank Zane. Each of which have been at the top of their profession against the odds and all have big personalities. I like a personality as it gives a person that edge that otherwise they wouldn't have.
** Big thanks goes out to Natural Bodybuiler Lee Williams for the photos below!
Click Clive West's Pictures Below To Enlarge or Start Slide Show
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