You seem to focus more on the philosophical and mental aspects of bodybuilding, as opposed to the nuts and bolts—so many reps of this and so much of this type of food. Do you think the big-picture aspects are more important to success?
You have to remember that I’m the guy who started his bodybuilding career doing pushups and pullups in a government institution and eating whatever kind of slop they fed us. The struggle for me in the beginning was just getting into a gym and being able to afford to go as much as possible. So, to me, it’s not about the intricate details. It’s about being around the right people and finding the right inspiration and dreaming and believing in what you can achieve. Those are the most important things that will motivate you to put in the work.
The honest desire to get it done is the most important thing on this journey when it comes to achieving the best physique you possibly can. So I’m not trying to be evasive if I don’t give out details. In truth, I’m cutting out the middleman and telling you what to focus on. Do you want to stare at the finger that’s pointing you in the direction you need to go, or do you want to just go in that direction and find out what works best for you along the way? If you see the direction to go, get at it. Let’s go!
How important are training partners to your workouts?
At this point, they’re very crucial to me. I need someone to spot me and watch my form, and it also helps to have someone who knows me so well that they can encourage me just enough so I get in those extra reps. But training partners are not essential. A lot of bodybuilding you have to do on your own. When you do have a training partner with you who is in tune with what you’re trying to accomplish it can be a wonderful vehicle to help you, but when you don’t have it you’re still going to have to be accountable for reaching your goals. – FLEX
