Muscle & Strength Talks To Shredded Freak Tyler McPeak

What were the major milestones that gave you that "extra" motivation boost?

All of my drive and dedication stems from quite a few sources and personal life experiences are at the top. Ever since getting into the modeling industry in 2007 I always struggled with getting into top shape. It was from my battles with food which led to an eating disorder. For full story click here.

I was always told that I wouldn't be able to get in shape and if I did then I wouldn't be able to keep it because I like food too much. This is why I take weekly digitals to prove them wrong. Also I was told I could never get abdominals and my skin was too thick... These comments were made to me when I was going through my eating disorder.

So now anytime I'm at the gym and if I feel like I want to slow down or I'm towards the end of a hard set, I’m able to push out a few extra reps because all of these thoughts will go through my head in those split seconds of extreme pain. On the more positive side of things, all of the emails every day I receive from people saying I'm such an inspiration makes me feel amazing considering what I’d been through and I just never thought I would be able to inspire people.

What does your current training and split look like, and what do you like most about it?

My philosophy is to keep the body in constant shock by doing something different each time you step in the gym. I never do the same workout twice. I only take days off when needed otherwise I'll workout seven days a week sometimes. Besides my weight training and cardio regimen I enjoy boxing. I'll never step in the ring but I practice on the heavy bag 3 to 4 times a week. Growing up I also played basketball so 1 or 2 times a week I'll go to the basketball court and do drills and work on dunks.

How often do you perform cardio?

Right now I feel that HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) works best for me. I've done both styles of cardio, the slower for longer period of time and HIIT. I get bored going slow and staying on a machine for a long period of time. With HIIT cardio I'll do 10-20 minutes.

I will do this everyday but as I stated above I do listen to my body and if I feel like I need a day off from it I will. Right now my goal is to get a 5 minute mile and my most recent time this past week was 5:50. Other than running I will do the Elliptical, Stepmill and Stairclimber. I enjoy riding my bike to and from the gym with interval speed bursts as well. I always perform my cardio directly after my weight training.

What are some of your best training tips for someone who wants to look good and get ripped? 

First off there is no substitution for hard work! It takes time, discipline and dedication to achieve a physique. Have a picture in your mind of what you want to look like and everyday visualize yourself looking that way and make daily steps towards that goal. Learn more and more, whether it's from reading online or watching videos.

My website is a excellent choice to learn about nutrition, training, and I post weekly videos too. Really be in tune with your body and utilize the mind muscle connection on every single rep of every single set and your results will come faster. Also my suggestion is don't lift and train with your ego lift smart.

What advanced training techniques work well for you?

As I stated before I do something different each time I hit the gym. I love advanced training techniques as I use them every workout. My favorite right now is drop sets and supersets. I feel this is the best way to maximize your pump in the gym and I feel it really brings out a lot of detail in the muscle. If you follow my daily workout logs on my website you will see all of the different techniques I use.

What does your post-workout nutrition and supplementation look like?

Pre and post-workout nutrition is extremely important to maximize your pump in the gym and also maximize your growth potential. My post workout nutrition protein stays the same always. I have a 54g whey shake directly after my weights. Depending on how I feel I'm looking, sometimes I will add carbohydrates with the shake to replenish glycogen.

For the longest time I was doing a piece of fruit along with my shake such as a banana or an apple. Since recently speaking with a close friend of mine and old training partner, Natural Musclemania Pro Matt Liller, he suggested I try doing a 1/2 cup of oats post-workout with my shake. 

What are your favorite cheat meals and foods?

PIZZA! I absolutely love pizza but who doesn't right? I have yet to find a good pizza place here in Nashville and I've tried a few. TN just doesn't know pizza. When I visit my home town Roanoke, VA there’s a pizza place called "New York Pizza" that I love and of course whenever I travel to NYC and I'm done with my shoots I will grab a couple slices from a deli as I feel NYC has the best pizza.

Other foods I like are sushi, burgers and ice cream. Once a week I allow myself one cheat meal depending on my schedule. If I have a shoot coming up I will not cheat for 2 weeks.

What does your current supplementation plan look like?

Currently I'm taking my own little cocktail. The only addition I've added to my mix that I don't explain in my video is glutamine which I take twice a day along with a joint protection taken twice a day as well. My goal is to someday work with a supplement company and to be a sponsored athlete.

Workout music – Don’t care, or MP3 player?

Anyone that knows me knows that music is my other passion. From 16-18 years old I made hip-hop beats with an mpc2000xl and used a turntable to sample and chop up old records. I'm going to be getting that same equipment very soon because I've been wanting to get into music again here recently.

What I mostly listen to when I weight train is rap/hip hop and depending on my mood I'll play some hard rock too. Some of my favorite rap artists are Wiz Khalifa, 2Pac, Notorious Big, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Gucci Mane, and T.I. Some of my favorite rock artists and bands are Disturbed, Sevendust, Black Label Society, and Korn.

When doing my cardio I prefer a faster pace energetic style of music so techno, house and trance are my choices. My favorite techno artists to listen to are David Guetta, Benny Benassi, and Afrojack.

If someone wants to connect with you, where can you be found?

Add me on Facebook, email me tydavin@gmail.com and make sure to check out my website tylermcpeak.com as well as my Youtube channel: youtube.com/tylermcpeak.

I also offer online customized nutrition and workout programs as well as Skype or phone consultations/coaching. Email me for details if interested.

Movies and TV shows you enjoy?

I honesty don't get to watch too much TV anymore. My favorite TV series have been The Sopranos, The Wire, Entourage, Dexter, and Californication. As for movies recently I've watched The Town which was a great movie but I watched it on my computer because I was traveling. Also the old Wall Street movie that came out in 1987 is a new favorite along with the new one Money Never Sleeps was great too.

More from Tyler McPeak

• Tyler McPeak's Daily Workout Logs.
• Tyler McPeak talks about the mind-muscle connection.
• Tyler McPeak talks about advanced training techniques.
• Article by Tyler McPeak on maximizing your pre and post-workout nutrition.
• Tyler McPeak discusses steroids.