Interview with BeyondMass Member Saks - by Sachet

Just recently, I had the honor of asking one of our BeyondMass members, Saks, some questions regarding his reasons for getting involved with lifting weights. What began as just normal chittychat turned into a rather fascinating peek into past events which have helped mold him into the bodybuilder he is today.

Saks is also one of the 'Featured Natural Bodybuilders' in the Natural Transformations Forum on www.beyondmass.com. You are more than welcome to follow his progress on his 'Featured' thread in the coming months as he prepares for his goal to compete in the early summer of next year. As always.. comments to inspire him, suggestions & questions are also welcome in regard to his posts.

Sachet: Tell us a little about yourself. What sports & hobbies did you enjoy growing up?
*Saks: I'm not sure what people want to know about me. I played football starting in the 8th grade and continued throughout high school. I also played Rugby and was a member of the track team. I didn't run but threw the shot put and discus. I continued playing Rugby on a local team here in VA, untill my shoulder injury. I guess I will also tell you I think my body type is a Mesoendomorph. I have always had good muscular strength and structure, but I can also "pack" on the fat.

Sachet: That shoulder injury must have been rather severe if it made you stop playing Rugby.. does that old injury make you have to compensate in your training now in any fashion?
*Saks: No, not really. I was told by my physical trainer that I would never be able to go heavy again, but he was wrong. I am actually stronger now than I ever was before the injury. I stopped playing Rugby because I was more interested in lifting. I couldn't stay competitive in the gym with sprains, broken fingers/toes and terrible bruises. Although I always warm up my shoulder before I lift.

Sachet: What is your age presently?
*Saks: I am 25 years old.

Sachet: Which famous bodybuilder made the first lasting impression on you before you even thought about training?
*Saks: I would have to say Lou Ferrigno. As a small boy I loved to watch the Hulk. My mom made a deal with me, if I learned how to use the potty, she would get me Hulk under roos. Funny but that's how I was potty trained. She tells embarrasing stories to people of me running around in Hulk underpants flexing whenever she gets a chance.

Sachet: So what got you interested & into training with weights initially?
*Saks: Weight training was a requirement of my high school's football team. Not that I was interested back then, although I wish I would have been.

Sachet: How long have you been training now?
*Saks: I have been training off and on now for about 12 years, but I have only been serious for the last 2.

Sachet: What were your stats when you began & what are they currently?
*Saks: 2 1/2 years ago I was really fat! I was around 230lbs and probably around 22-25% BF. Way out of shape. Now that I look back on it, thats why I didn't get any dates Currently I am 234lbs and have no clue what my BF% is. I would guess between 15-18%. I need to have it tested.

Sachet: Do you adhere to a particular training technique?
*Saks: Nothing too strict. I go with what feels good, and really listen to my body.

Sachet: How often do you train currently? What exactly does one of your average training weeks look like?
*Saks: I train 5 days a week. I only do one body part per day with the exception of arms where I do bi's and tri's. I switch from free weights, machines and dumbbells depending on my mood. Sometimes I get on prolonged periods if I see gains continuing, but I love a shocker now and then.

-Monday: Chest (Incline 4x8-10; flat 4x8-10; peck deck 4x8-10)
-Tuesday: Back (Deads 3x5-10;1x1-2 *full reset on occasion; pull ups 3x8-10;bent row 3x8-10;T-bar row 3x8-10)
-Wednesday: Shoulders (ahhnolds 4x8-10; upright rows 4x8-10, rear dealts 3x10, side laterals 4x8-10)
-Thursday: Arms (Preacher curls 4x8-10, skull krushers 3-4x6-8; alternating dumbbells 4x10ea; tri press down 4x10-12
-Friday: Legs ( Squats 4x8-10; hack squats 4x6-10; leg curls 3x10; extensions 3-4x10; calves 3x10)
-Saturday: Off
-Sunday: Off

Sachet: How do you prepare mentally before starting your workout? Do you prefer listening to a particular type of music while you train?
*Saks: This is a good question. Some days it is all I can do to get my ass off of the couch. Some days the motivation is just not there. As far as my music preference, I don't like oldies, and most days I have to listen to it. So I use that anger to help me lift harder. Just kidding oldies actually just make me bitch a lot untill they change it.

Sachet: What mistakes can you remember making in the beginning?
*Saks: I can remember making the mistake of overtraining. Like so many new lifters, I thought that more was better. I was hitting all body parts 3 times a week. On top of that I was drinking heavily, not sleeping and not eating properly. It really didn't help me at all.

Sachet: What mistakes do you see other guys making in the gym that make you cringe?
*Saks: I hate to see someone with terrible form. I almost feel sorry for them, that is, up until the time they come to me whining about something that hurts and they don't know why. It really is a shame, all of those people out there who think just because they have a gym membership, they know it all.

Sachet: What is your diet like? Got any dietary advice or tips to share?
*Saks: Oh boy! I can't give any advice on a diet, maybe 'eat to grow'. If no one ever admits it I will, I need help on mine. I need a diet that is ideal for me, and I am still looking for tips on what I should/should not do.

Sachet: How many calories do you consume in a day? Do you keep a journal?
*Saks: As of yet I do not keep a journal. I haven't even begun to think that far ahead. Once again, I have just been playing it by ear, like my diet. After the beginning of the year I will have to put something into writing and mind my body building P's and Q's.

Sachet: Do you take any suppliments? If yes, what are they?
*Saks: Yes, regularly I take creatine. I do get into kicks where I use BCAA's, CLA and flax/omega 3's

Sachet: Are there any not-so-famous bodybuilders who have influenced you? In what way have they?
*Saks: I'd have to say BigShug. He has been my inspiration and a wealth of knowledge from day 1. I look up to him and value his opinions and advice.

Sachet: Powerlifters have a saying for bodybuilders which is, 'All show, no go.' Do you feel that strength training is an important role in your bodybuilding routine?
*Saks: I feel that I rely a lot on my strength. I know some guys who always look "on" so-to-speak meaning their diets. They are very proportionate and relatively shredded. They may look that way, but they are not strong in any since of the word. Sure they do more reps per workout than I do in a week, but they push little weight. I try to incorperate strength along with body building. Someone once said, "big weights make big muscles!" and I believe that.

Sachet: What is your most impressive lift to date?
*Saks: My most impressive lift to date would be pulling 495 on deads. I finally got it a couple of weeks ago after attempting for a very long time. It seems like an eternity of trying and trying. Now that I got it, I think that I may break through some more mental barriers that I have in the gym.

Sachet: Which muscle group do you feel is the hardest to make grow?
*Saks: My calves! It could be that I hate to work them, or maybe thay just hate me?

Sachet: Okay, what are your favorite exercises & favorite muscle group to workout then?
*Saks: Back has to be my current favorite. I think back day is my longest and most intense every week. I just simply look forward to back each week. Deads of course are my favorite. I think it is thrilling to load a bar then move that incredable weight right off of the ground bending the bar. It makes your whole body scream!

Sachet: If someone with no prior bodybuilding experience asked you for one piece of advice, what would you tell them?
*Saks: Easy, GO TO THE GYM! Don't waste your money on a membership if you aren't willing to put forth the effort to train. Also learn as much as you can about the exercises and take advice.

Sachet: What personal challenges have you had to face as a bodybuilder? Is your family supportive?
*Saks: I awoke from my sleep earlier this year in terrible pain. I don't know what caused it, but after visiting my doctor, I was diagnosed with a slipped disk. (I think it was bulged). After a few months of rehab though I think that most days I am close to 100%. Somedays however are sketchy and I really listen to my body.

My family has been supportive for the most part. It has been a roller coaster mainly with my wife though. This sport takes a lot of time and dedication. Not only at the gym, but outside as well. Getting people to understand that is sometimes difficult.

Sachet: Does your size & strength ever interfer with your every day life? Do you have trouble finding clothes to fit properly?
*Saks: The only problem I can think of just happened recently. I am in the market for a new (1st) suit. I have found that no regular suit fits. I have to get one taylor made. I can't afford it, so I don't have a suit. On the everyday aspect, I am sometimes annoyed by the people who always want me to put them on some kind of program. Or the people who only care about how much you can bench. Mainly though I am really annoyed at the people who constantly make references to me using AAS, like they know anything about them.

Sachet: When people comment on your muscles, what do you say when they complain about not having enough time to go to a gym?
*Saks: I tell people that it is like anything else they enjoy doing. If they like it enough and are serious enough they can make time. Cut out some of the T.V. watching. You can always record your favorite program. This is a lifestyle! I feel that for most people it is easier to not change and bitch about it, than to change and do something positive.

Sachet: What are your feelings regarding the 'Freaky Huge' direction the sport is going and your thoughts on the division of between drug free bodybuilders & bodybuilders using steroids?
*Saks: I love to see the freaky huge guys. Every sport needs a wide variety. Like little league, to high school, college then pro, body building has the same tier system. I respect anyone who just does it. Using or not, you still need the determination and will to go everyday and give it 110% to get your best results! Thumbs up to the freaks, wanna be freaks and naturals, all of us put in the effort and it shows.

Sachet: What advice would you give to those 17 to 20 year old guys who are thinking about using steroids for the first time?
*Saks: Don't use them! Get to know your body first. Do your homework then make a decision. After all of that research, then you can make an informed decision on using AAS.

Sachet: What are your bodybuilding goals now? Do you plan on entering any competitions in the future?
*Saks: I had a goal of reaching 240 this winter. My goal last winter was 230 and I hit 232. I had to scrap the 240 goal, howverm, because I was putting on too much fat. 234 sounds good. I actually just want to get through the holidays, so I can start focusing on my real goal. I am planning on doing a show next year. I am looking for a show date for late June early July. I think that will give me enough time to go gradually.

Sachet: How do you stay focused & motivated?
*Saks: Staying focused and motivated is tough sometimes. I think that the end justifies the means though. If you see a problem area, you have the tools in body building to "fix" it. Seeing the result is the motivation.

Sachet: What do you think the secret will be to your continuing success?
*Saks: My secret is blabbing my mouth. I always finish what I start, so the more people I tell, the more people to hold me accountable and see me through to the finish.

Sachet: ~In closing, I would just like to add a BIG thank you to Saks for taking the time to do this with me. You're an absolute pleasure to talk to and already a winner in my book!

*note: BigShug is a personal friend of Saks' and also a member of BeyondMass.com

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