LA Muscle recently welcomed one of the best bodybuilders on the ANB circuit, Mr Wesley Clarke. As well as being a respected bodybuilder, Wesley has an honours degree in chemistry and works in Management Accountancy. Just check out Wesley's record below:
- 2001: EFBB Stars of Tomorrow - 3rd <80kg
- 2001: ANB Britain - 4th > 80kg
- 2001: ANB Wales - 1st >80kg
- 2000: ANB Britain - Novice Finalist
- 2000: ANB Wales - 1st Novice
- 2000: ANB Central England - 4th Novice
Well, as you can see Wesley doesn't believe in resting! Can you imagine what this man will be like if he just went for 1 or 2 competitions a year? We certainly think he can blow the competition away.
Wesley started as a sprinter, triple-jumper and high hurdler. Due to constant sprint-related injuries, he switched to Hammer Throwing in 1992. He currently holds a number of records for Hammer Throw.
Wesley started training with weights seriously at University and became a bit of a "guru" at it. It took him 18 years to finally get into natural bodybuilding competitions!
TRAINING:
The key change for Wesley from athletics to bodybuilding has been switching from explosive leg-based lifts to slower controlled lifts. Wesley is in the gym 3 times a week (Yes, you fanatic over-trainers!), doing the following split routine:
- Day 1: Legs & shoulders
- Day 2: Back & triceps
- Day 3: Chest & biceps
Wesley begins each session with 10 mins. stretching and 5 mins. rowing or cycling. Typical exercises, sets & reps are:
- Legs: Squats sets=3 reps=15,12,10
- Hamstring Curls sets=3 reps=15,12,10
- Leg extensions sets=3 reps=15,12,10
- Shoulders: Upright rows sets=3 reps=15,12,10
- Front press sets=3 reps=12,10,8
- Back: Lat pulldowns sets=3 reps=12,10,8
- T-Bar sets=3 reps=12,10,8
- Deadlifts sets=3 reps=12,10,8
- Tricpes: French press sets=3 reps=12,10,8
- Rope pushdowns sets=3 reps=15,12,10
- Chest: Incline bench press sets=3 reps=15,12,10
- Cable crossovers sets=3 reps=15,12,10
- Peck deck sets=3 reps=15,12,10
- Biceps: Dumbbell curls sets=3 reps=12,10,8
- EZ bar curls sets=3 reps=12,10,8
Weights are reps are increased on a regular basis. Wesley's training philosophy is to perform every rep as if demonstrating to a beginner; mental effort is just as important as physical effort. Wesley aims to be in and out of the gym maximum 1:15 mins.
Diet
Wesley's diet is strict all year round and consists mainly of chicken, mackerel, pilchards, beef, eggs, rice, bread, baked beans, cereals, fruit and salad. Closer to contests Wesley incorporates LA Whey and Sculpt. Wesley doesn't calorie-count and aims to eat good quality protein every day.
On his motivation, Wesley says:
"I am very much driven by wanting to be the best at anything I try... my focus is totally on winning the next competition and I aim to make every session count. I do have good back-up in that I can get help from Angelo, the owner of the gym where I train and LA Muscle. Another key motivator is enjoyment of competition which of course is made all the more enjoyable by winning."
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Wesley Clarke
