Greg Camaratta

• Name: Greg Camaratta
• Date of Birth: 02/17/1982
• Location: Cherry Hill, NJ
• Height: 6’1
• Off Season Weight: 205
• Competition Weight: 182
• Years Training: 11
• Years Competing: 1
• Favorite Body Part: Chest
• Favorite Exercise: Incline Chest Press
• Website: simplyslimnutrition.com

Have you always been in shape?
For the most part, yes. I have been dedicated to the gym and physical fitness ever since I was 18 years old. However, it wasn’t until I educated myself on the importance of proper nutrition that I started seeing the best results in both appearance and performance. Once I discovered how to fuel my body more efficiently it started to respond much better to my training.

How did you get started in physique competitions?
I have always been interested in the sport of bodybuilding, but never had the nerve to actually go for it. Actually, I decided to finally compete after conversing with members on the Lift For Life forums. I discussed it with my wife and she was 100% supportive of my decision. After that, I started prepping immediately. 

Describe your training philosophy:
 After experimenting with many different types of training programs and splits, I found that periodization training worked the best in delivering results. My contest prep coach gets the credit for introducing that training to me. In a nutshell, this training uses various rep schemes and intensities which allow you to train for both strength and hypertrophy. By using this technique I was actually stronger and lifting more weight in the gym while halfway through my contest prep and while in a caloric deficit.

What are your favorite exercises?
My strong point has always been my chest and delts, so I always have fun training on those days. I like incline presses for chest and overhead presses for delts. I recently have been making great strides in improving my back strength so I am looking forward to really pulling heavy weight in my deadlifts and partial-deadlifts.

What is your diet like in the off season?
To be honest, not that exciting. For the most part I eat a lot of what I eat on my contest prep diet, but just more of it. This off season I plan on including a lot of variety but just making sure it fits into the macros that I set for myself and not go overboard. I will eat clean most of the time but will be happy to indulge on the weekends, whether it is dinner with my wife or out with friends.

Describe your diet during contest prep:
Mainly the staples of the typical diet. Lots of chicken, extra lean turkey, egg whites, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, etc. I try to change things up by using a variety of spices, ingredients, and recipes. My favorite this contest prep was protein pumpkin pancakes with Walden Farms zero calorie pancake syrup.

What supplements have worked for you?
I keep it simple. Primarily I just use a multi-vitamin, creatine monohydrate, BCAAs, and vitamin D-3. 

What advice would you give to aspiring athletes?
Read! Educate yourself on nutrition, training, and ask questions. Set a goal for yourself and just go for it. I didn’t see half the gains I have lately until I educated myself on how the body actually works and stopped listening to “old school” methods of training and nutrition.

What have you learned about yourself as a physique competitor?
To be honest, a lot. I learned what works right for my body and how it responds in regards to nutrition and training. I was very nervous going into the show and just wanted to look like I belonged on stage… the feedback from the judges blew me away. They had nothing but positive things to say about my physique and some were surprised it was my first show. Their feedback really meant a lot to me, it was unexpected but definitely appreciated.

What are your plans for the future?
I plan on bringing up lagging body parts and turn my current weak points into strengths. I want to put on some quality lean mass in a controlled manner, but also make sure to have fun while doing it. Also, I plan on doing what I can do educate and train others in how to achieve their goals.

Contact: gregory.camaratta@gmail.com