 |
|
|
|
Travis O'Conner |
Have you always been in shape? I haven’t always been in shape, I have always been somewhat athletic though. I always played sports as a kid and when I was in the 7th grade I got my first gym membership. I ‘worked out’ for many years but it wasn’t till my senior year of high school in 2007 that I really began to train for maximum growth. I learned a lot over the years, mostly from my father and older brother. But I also studied the pros, asked the big guys in the gym numerous questions about lifting, and read as much about bodybuilding as I could (Muscular Development, Pumping Iron, Arnolds Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding, online, etc.)
How did you get started in physique competitions? I always thought it would be cool to compete in a bodybuilding competition, but never really knew how to get involved in it or where to find information to do so. Numerous people were always asking me what I was training for and if I competed, so one day I decided I might as well give it a shot. I contacted the owners of my favorite supplement store (Sports Nutrition Center in Tigard Oregon) and they gave me enough information to get me started. I have now competed four times, and done pretty darn well at each outing. Some of my bodybuilding accomplishments so far include winning 1st in the Under 21 Division at the 2009 Oregon State Championships. I also took 1st place in Novice Light Heavyweight and won the Novice Overall at the 2010 NPC Seven Feathers Championships. I am entirely hooked and plan to be very active in bodybuilding for years to come.
Describe your training philosophy: There are a few principles I believe very strongly in when it comes to my training philosophy. The first is Intensity. Give everything you have, 100% of the time. If you are going to half ass a workout, you might as well stay home. I take every work set till failure, every time. I have found that I can reduce my volume dramatically and stimulate hypertrophy more efficiently with high intensity maximum efforts workouts. I also believe in muscle confusion and staying creative in the weight room. Many people have asked me about my “workout routine” and I always stress the idea of a workout framework over a routine. I don’t like routines, I like to switch up exercises, change the orders of lift, add intensity techniques like drop sets, super sets, etc… Being creative with my workouts keeps my body guessing and prevents a plateau. Dedication, Intensity, Creativity is the key. What are your favorite exercises?Like many people I like to work my biceps. I love to curl whether is dumbbell, barbell, hammer, preacher, cables, etc… I also am a huge fan of variable resistance equipment like the Squat Press. The Squat Press is a leg press that runs on a hinge instead of a sled. Other than that, push-ups and pull-ups are my bread and butter! I love bent over barbell rows and barbell shrugs with a supine grip. I could go on and on, I have many “favorite” exercises!
What is your diet like in the off season? I eat pretty clean and healthy year round. During the off season I eat more beef and red meat. But most of my favorite foods are: yams, quinoa, brown rice, basmati rice, oats, muesli, some vegetable like bell peppers and carrots, beef, chicken, turkey, some fish, cheese and lots of eggs. I love fruits and berries. I eat a lot of dried fruits and nuts as well. As you can see I eat pretty good even in the off season. I stick to animals, their children, grains and oats, vegetables and fruits. That’s about it. Describe your diet during contest prep: My diet during contest prep consists of: fish, chicken, egg whites, broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, greens, oats, yams, quinoa, walnuts. I just finished a 13 week diet for my last show (Novice Overall Champ!) so I’m gonna cut this answer short, I don’t even want to think about dieting right now.
What supplements have worked for you? I use whey, egg, and casein protein powder. A good multivitamin, fish oils, bcaa’s, glutamine and that’s about it. When I can afford them I do enjoy preworkouts and N.O. products like Buzzerk and NX6 from Complete Nutrition. Supplements are helpful but I do believe that many people rely on them way too much. Supplements are meant to supplement proper nutrition and training. They help, but don’t rely on them!
Stay focused. Bodybuilding is a marathon, not a sprint. It will take time to build your physique to a level you are satisfied with. But if you stay motivated, stay dedicated, and work hard you will get there in time. As with most people on this site I am a huge proponent of natural bodybuilding. You don’t need drugs, steroids, prohormones, or any of that junk. Do your best, work hard, and use what God gave you!
What have you learned about yourself as a physique competitor? I have learned to not under estimate myself. I learned to focus on getting better day by day. I try to not look at the long run, or worry about the future. I focus on the task at hand and give it my all. I know that I if stay confident, if I work hard every single day and keep my priorities straight, I have what it takes to someday earn a Natural Pro Card.
What are your plans for the future? I have competed in the NPC purely because there are local competitions in my state, but I would like to compete in a natural tested event. Once I graduate from college and can afford to travel to a natural competition, I will do so. My long term goal is to win a Natural Pro Card in either the WNBF or the IFPA. I enjoy bodybuilding and want to someday spread my knowledge and experience with other competitors and athletes through training and coaching. Bodybuilding is a way of life, and I plan to live it as long as I can. Thanks for reading - Travis O'Conner (toconner@uoregon.edu) |
Comments
Got some good stuff here, and remember, Ain't nuttin but a peanut baby
RSS feed for comments to this post