Xavisus Gayden - Musclemania Pro
Bodybuilder of the Month - March 2011
Interviewed by: Tammy Renee'
Photos by: BBpics.com
Xavisus Gayden is a Natural Pro Bodybuilder, fitness model, and a U. S. Marine Career Planner; stationed at Camp Pendleton with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 39. In addition, he is an accomplished musician and producer.
When I asked Xavisus did he ever dream of becoming a Natural Pro Bodybuilder; he said, "Never in a million years". But, he started explaining the feeling he gets when preparing for a competition, the feeling he gets before stepping on stage, and the influence on others he is allowed to be, the pride of being a Pro poured out him. It definitely makes him take his Pro status serious, with admiration.
But, more importantly, the one thing that stood out to me about Xavisus, when talking with him, is just about each word uttered from his mouth was about his two daughters. He is a very proud and loving father, and will tell anyone that wishes to listen. To me, that says a lot about a man’s character.
"...Last year, I took some time off and my life just scattered like puzzle pieces. But, when I re-focused and started to get ready to compete again, everything started to smooth back out. So, what I'm saying is, I can't see myself living without it."
WP: Welcome Xavisus! How long have you been lifting?
Thank you! It’s been about 3 years, off and on; but continuous, for the past year and a half. I really tried to get into fitness for the first time in Iraq in 1999 for a few months. It only led to a knee injury, which caused me to stumble down a flight of concrete stairs. I was told, at that time, by a doctor in Japan that I couldn’t train anymore so, I just played sports and never trained, except for my military physical fitness. Look at me now; training! But, over time, I’ve learned bodybuilding is the place for me.
WP: What are your best lifts?
Some of my best lifts are: 405 pounds on bench, 980 pounds on leg press, 450 pounds on hack squats, and 170 pounds on barbell curls.
WP: Do you have any advice to people that wish to build more mass and more cut?
Yes! Take your time and let your body reach its potential. Its trial and error on your own body; eat, take your vitamins, and stay focused. It will be well worth it.
WP: What do you eat in a normal day?
On an average day, I go through 16 egg whites, 2 pounds of beef, fish, or chicken, and 2 to 3 bowls of rice or oatmeal.
WP: Do you allow yourself a cheat day?
I don’t allow myself to have cheat days when preparing for a competition; however, I do have cheat meals or snacks. For me, it is based on the way I look. If I need to bring myself up then I may sneak something in. But, if not, I will keep on track with my diet. I usually try to play with my carbs first before going off my diet.
WP: What supplements do you take?
I take my multi-vitamins and fish oils pretty much 2-3 times a day. I also take Prime and Pink Magic from USP Labs, a Pre-workout, BCAA’s and Glutamine during workout, and Carnivor or Nitro-Tech for protein shakes.
WP: Could you tell me a story of how you have gotten where you are today?
My old trainer, Dean Taite, pulled me off the gym floor and told me that I should do something with myself. He helped me get started in my first show, and ever since then, I haven’t stopped. I’m sure it’s like an addiction to me. When I’m on stage, I sort of zone out. What kept me focused was the fact that I was going through a crazy custody battle for my daughters. Their mother took them and left the city. I couldn’t contact them at all, and training was pretty much the only friend I had, because she turned a lot of people against me; except for a handful of my co-workers.
WP: Do you have anyone you can thank for helping you get where you are?
Yes, I would love to thank God and my family for sticking by me this past year. All of what I have been through has brought me closer to my family, and I thank God for that. I also want to thank Dean; my trainer, Marty Roberson, Ian Sitren of Secondfocus, Chris and everyone at USP Labs, the Scotts in Murrieta, CA, the Walker family who are freezing in Alaska, and the Parkers in Texas. Congrats to you both and I love you guys.
I want to thank SiFred for his guidance on my modeling. In addition, thanks to Mikel "GURU" Kilgor (Artist), and Daniel Mintz and Patrick Whitaker (my old bosses).
Finally, to the two most important people in my life, my daughters; who are my biggest fans. They are my cheerleaders and they love it. I know I didn't mention some people, but you know who you are.
WP: Where do you want to be in 5 years?
I would like to be about to retire from the Marines in 5 years. Ha-ha! I see myself following in the footsteps of Will Smith. I started to get back into school, so I should be finish with both my degree programs; one in music and one in sports and fitness. I also plan to be in a movie within this time frame. I have been doing auditions and almost had 3 roles.
WP: Your abs are cut! What is the hardest thing for you to face when it comes to keeping your physique?
The obvious is training, but dieting as well. I have a little off-season, but not much. I’m not big on gaining 50 to 75 pounds, and then losing back down. I like to stay close to competition weight because of the modeling and acting I’m trying to pursue.
WP: Tell me about your future projects.
I have a poster that I plan to release; it’s going into printing stages in March. I finally got back in the studio, so I’m working on some new projects coming out that were pushed back from last year. Something that I’m really excited about is my daughter, Aaniyah, wants to get on stage, as well.
WP: What gets you up in the morning?
My daughters and the Marines that I take care of everyday is what help get me up in the morning. My job as a Career Planner is to explain retention options to Marines daily and sometimes that includes taking care of them before me. I can either help them stay in the Marine Corps or help them get out. Now-a-day, it’s hard. We are not keeping as many Marines as before, so it’s like a race. If they’re not on top of their game, they’re going to end up losing your job, or getting out. So, I’m there to try to make the transition easier.
WP: How do you approach a challenge?
My approach to a challenge is that I can do anything I want. My grandmother told me that I should never settle for less. I carried it with me throughout my life. People say they can’t, but truthfully, they can. We set our own limitations within our lives or lifestyles, and don’t realize it. I feel God would never place anything in front of us which we can’t handle.
WP: How do you create balance in your life?
It is very hard to create balance in life, but I base my balance around my daughters. I plan everything around them and I try to include them on everything I do. This way, we still have that quality time we need to bring us closer. If they’re happy, I’m happy.
When creating balance with training, I take the time to help other Marines and people I meet. I even train with some of them.
WP: You have done a lot of modeling from looking at your photos on your website. Does modeling come natural for you?
This is an area that I guess does come natural for me, because I never asked for it. Photographers seem to like my look, so I like saying yes to them.
WP: I know you worked with John Mitchell of BBPics, our photographer, because he was the one that brought you to my attention. What was it like working with him?
It was great. The really cool thing was that it was productive, but interesting. Being able to work with him was cool because he introduced me to Cindy and Timothy, and a few other competitors and guys into fitness. It’s all about networking. John is a really good guy, but I have to admit, if he was weak minded, I wouldn’t work with him. There is a lot of pressure in what we do and he can tip you over, but in a good way. If you can’t handle it, you will fall apart. Some people do things because they have faith or simply believe in you; sometimes stepping over boundaries is the right thing to do. I can say that John knows what he’s doing and wouldn’t stick his neck out if he didn’t believe.
WP: Some great photographers will go over-and-beyond for you. Did he?
Yes! I’m talking to you for your awesome magazine right now, so I would say this proves he went over-and-beyond for me. Ha-ha! It was totally unexpected.
Other things John showed me were he has a great character and patience. Also, he is very talented. For him to be shooting 5 people, including me, on a cliff, get great shots, and still working angles to squeeze in images with no sunlight; it was pretty cool.
WP: Would you recommend him to your friends?
I definitely would recommend him, but only to those that are serious. It’s easy to shoot with someone, but productivity is the key. If John desires to shoot with someone, that person should jump on it. He has a good vision and eye.
WP: Everyone wants to know how to gain the most muscle the fastest? Any advice?
I would suggest that a person never take supplements immediately after eating. They should give themselves at least an hour and half after eating. Most of the people I talk to eats and then take supplements right behind each other. Then, they wonder why they don’t see results after weeks of training hard. They’re not giving their body time to absorb the nutrition from food and the supplements. For those that eat meat, I suggest try adding beef into the meals.
WP: Have you got re-married or are you dating?
No, I’m not married nor dating at the moment. However, I’m looking at dating sometime soon. Who knows what will happen. I have no one in mind yet, but we shall see. To be honest, I am so busy, that for a woman to desire to be that “one” in my life, it won’t be easy. She has to be really strong and understanding. And, of course, we need to have liked interests.
WP: Who had the most impact on you growing up?
I would say my grandmother had the most impact on me growing up. She was always there for me no matter what. I still remember taking a bath and sleeping next to her as a baby. She was very strong and took care of 3 families; under one roof. Growing up was hard, but I told myself I was going to do everything I could to help her, so I started working at the age of 9.
WP: What is your workout regimen?
My average workout is:
Monday and Thursday: Chest and Shoulders
Tuesday and Friday: Back and Biceps
Wednesday and Saturday: Legs and Triceps.
Whenever I'm not competing, I always resort to this; starting with 3 to 6 sets and 6 to 9 exercises, depending on time.
WP: Have you played in sports before? You have been really active, haven’t you?
Ahh! Good question. I have been into sports all my life. I have run track, played basketball, football, rugby, volleyball, gymnastics, and coached youth and teen gymnastics in Japan. I love sports, but only when I’m playing them. I’m not huge on sitting in front of a tube. Ha-ha!
WP: Anything you would like to see change in the bodybuilding world?
Yes! I would like to see more exposure and high visibility in the sport. It’s still sort of hidden from the majority of the world.
WP: Any shout outs?
Yes, to my friends and fans. You know it's not easy being in spotlight, because so many things can be taken the wrong way, but having a strong support factor is always great to have. So, my hats off to everyone that has been following me thus far on Facebook, on my website, and while in the Marines, etc. A sincere thank you and I look forward to hearing from you all soon.
I'm the Captain of the Camp Pendleton Bodybuilding Team and I want to say thanks to Camp Pendleton Athletics for all of their support to our team and Coach. And a special thanks to IFBB Figure Pro, Sabrina Gibson.
WP: What is your greatest achievement in bodybuilding?
My greatest achievement would have to be earning the confidence of other competitors and my fans. It’s easy to say the greatest achievement is winning the titles and all. But, the truth is, that it wouldn’t be possible without the owners of the organizations, the judges, the fans and all of the competitors across the world. Being able to be on stage; knowing that I am not there alone, because I have people which support me and people that desire to be like me, has to be the greatest achievement. If they succeed, I succeed.
WP: What is the proudest moment of your life?
The birth of my two daughters was the proudest moment in my life. I knew my life would change. The moment I found out they were coming into this world, I haven’t settled for anything but the best for them; regardless how much I suffer. I would rather suffer so that some things would be easier for them in the future.
WP: What are your interests outside of bodybuilding?
I love music and I go to school for audio engineering. I used to own a recording studio, prior to going to Iraq. At some point in the future, I would like to re-open it.
WP: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Sometimes, I wish I wasn’t so focused. I tend to lay some things to the wayside. I fight this every day, but I’m never going to give up on what I believe in; so when I do get into a relationship, whenever that is, it’s going to have us working together or not at all. Compromising is the key and selfishness leads to a dead road. Working together is a must.
WP: The interview is coming to a close. Is there anything else you would like to add?
I just want to say that a person should never judge a book by its cover. We are all human, but you will never really know something until we explore it. This goes for everything such as sports, lifestyles, getting to know people, and most importantly; getting to know ourselves.
Always stay focused and never settle for less. Your achievements in life are only as far as you allow them to be. Thanks to John and Tammy for this opportunity. Thank you to my daughters, supporters, and fans. I love you all.
WP: Awesome interview! You have been a pleasure!
