How and why did you get into Bodybuilding?
I began bodybuilding at age 16 through the encouragement of my brother. I was always intrigued by muscular physiques and when I went to my first bodybuilding show I was hooked and knew that was what I wanted to do. From the beginning my goal was to one day become an IFBB Pro.
What workout routine would you suggest to Beginners?
I would recommend the Max-OT principles (Maximum Overload Training) for beginners and advanced. Max-OT is based on overloading the muscles in a 4-6 rep range with low set volume and basic free weight movements. The difference for beginners is I would suggest taking the time to really learn how to execute the movements before you strive for maximal weight. That means you may adjust the suggested 4-6 rep range in Max-OT to maybe 6-8 reps until you can execute all the exercises well. Then you can ramp up the intensity/weight and work in the 4-6 rep range.
What is your daily routine and diet like?
I still train with the Max-OT principles as I have since 1998. I split the body over 4 day training days. The primary difference now is the intensity level is not as high as when I competed as my goals are different, however, I still follow the basic Max-OT principles as I mentioned.
I feel protein is the most important nutrient and I still make an effort to supply myself with quality protein throughout the day, a lot of which I get through supplementation. I also feel it is important to practice intelligent nutrient timing and selection during the vital post-workout time period. I follow each workout with a Whey/carbohydrate/Creatine/l-Glutamine Mix like I have for many years.
What advice would you give to people looking to achieve your Aesthetic Physique?
Great things happen with the continual execution of a smart plan. I would model the same training and nutrition principles that I used over the years and execute them to the best of your abilities every day. The more great days of execution you can string together, the better your results and the more outstanding physique you can achieve.
What are your opinions on Bodybuilders who uses image / performance enhancing drugs in drug-tested competitions?
I feel that is clear cheating and it is sad that people try to beat the system. I guess as long as there have been competitions of any kind people have tried to find ways to cheat. It is an unfortunate reality of human behavior.
As a Natural Bodybuilder, what are your opinions on performance enhancing drugs?
Obviously I believe that drug free training is the way to go but I’ve never preached about drug use or put myself on a pedestal because I am drug free. When I was striving for my pro card I always considered myself a bodybuilder first and foremost and drug free was simply they way I chose to go about it.
If someone chooses to take a different route and train with performance enhancing drugs that is totally their personal decision. I would just say don’t try to cheat the competition system if you choose to do drugs.
Tell us more about your new E-Book, “The Lost Logs”
My “Lost Logs” eBook is a collection of the actual nutrition and supplementation logs I kept in 2003 as I prepared for the NPC USA and NPC Team Universe. It contains explicit detail documenting every single nutrient I ingested as well as the timing of each meal. It also lists every supplement, exactly how much and specifically when I took them for the 18 weeks leading up to both contests. You’ll even see precisely how I skimmed my calories week by week as the shows drew closer with detailed re-caps of each and every calorie cut right down to the gram. In addition to all that detail you’ll see complete nutrient ratio breakdowns for every stage of the plan and as an interesting point of reference there is documentation of my bodyweight changes over the 18 weeks.
Tell us about your journey and how you got all the way to the top as IFBB Pro Bodybuilder.
I’ve been involved in bodybuilding and fitness for over 20 years now. I started competing as a teenager and continued until I won my pro card at the age of 29. I am a lifetime drug free bodybuilder. I am a three time NPC Team Universe class champion and the overall winner in 2003 which is where I earned my IFBB Pro Card. I also placed 4th in the light heavyweight division at the 2003 NPC USA Championships.
Have you ever had any obstacles in your bodybuilding journey?
Thankfully I haven’t had anything major to overcome as far as injuries. I was faced with the normal everyday life obstacles that we all face no matter what we are striving for.
How did you manage to overcome those obstacles and progress even further?
I overcame any obstacles by staying focused on my goals and being disciplined with my daily execution of the plan.
What are your future plans?
My future plans are to continue to grow and develop my businesses. I currently am the owner/operator of Jeff Willet’s Powerhouse Gym in Adrian, MI. I also have a line of instructional DVD’s (www.jeffwillet.com) and I continue to expand upon that library. My focus is on building my product line and providing the ultimate resource for drug-free bodybuilding information. In addition to my DVD’s I offer coaching services as well. One of the products under development that I am excited about is my iPhone app that will be released in the summer of 2012.
What are your long term goals?
My long term goals are to be a successful in business and I want to continue to provide information and inspiration to those who want to maximize their potential without drugs.
For More On IFBB Pro Natural Jeff Willet, Check Out These Links!
