Interview With Michael Perez
Bodybuilder of the Month - March 2010
Interviewed by: Angela Courduff
Photos by: BBPics.com
WP: Michael Perez is a 27 yr. old Accountant whom was born and raised in a town called Haverhill in Massachusetts just 40 minutes outside Boston. This is where he attended school and weight trains. Also, a majority of his family lives in Haverhill.
When he first began weight lifting, he was probably 120 lbs. and all he wanted was to have "wings" or lats. That's the earliest memory he has of really wanting to develop his physique. It wasn't until a few years ago that he learned how to properly diet, from there on he knew he wanted to continue to develop, as well as, maintain the best physique he could. He knew, without a doubt, he wanted to pursue a bodybuilders’ lifestyle.
Although we show off the huge bodybuilders with this title, we also show off the cut and defined. We are happy to introduce to you, Michael Perez.
“Keeping my physique requires constant training, watching what I eat and paying attention to some of the things the body requires like rest.”
WP: How long have you been lifting?
MP: I started picking up weights at the age of 13.
WP: That is great! I also hear that you are a heavy squatter. What are your best lifts?
MP: I'm pleased with my squat of 225 lbs. which I bring down below parallel. I’m also pleased with my deadlift of 275 lb. which is one of better lifts. I never get overly concerned with the weight on the bar versus my form, which just happens to be more important to me. To me, it’s quality over quantity.
WP: You sound pretty experienced. Do you have any advice to people that wish to build more mass and more cut?
MP: I would say, to gain more mass, one has to eat and eat a lot but, make sure you're eating clean. Leaning out is pretty much the opposite; watch your carbs, sugar, sodium intake and cardio, cardio, cardio; that'll get you ripped to shreds.
WP: What do you eat in a normal day?
MP: I start my morning with one cup of liquid egg whites and a whole egg scrambled with a half cup of oatmeal. Throughout the rest of the day, I may have a couple servings of skinless chicken breast, steak, ground turkey or tuna with brown rice, sweet potato, or rice cakes in any combination. Also in my daily diet, I have a protein shake. In a typical day I consume 5-6 meals.
WP: Do you allow yourself a cheat day?
MP: I do allow a cheat but, it’s more like a meal than an entire day and this may include my favorite dish from a Chinese restaurant, a sub from a local pizza shop, or my mother’s home cooking.
WP: There’s nothing like mom’s home cooking! What supplements do you take?
MP: My daily regimen includes multi-vitamins, fish oil, Glutamine, arginine, and a fat burner when slimming down.
WP: Do you have anyone you can thank for helping you get where you are?
MP: First and foremost, I’d like to thank God. Then I’d have to thank my father, for flexing for me on command and showing me what arms should look like, and for putting weights in the basement.
WP: You look great! How do you keep the physique you have? What is the hardest thing for you to face when it comes to keeping your physique?
MP: Keeping my physique requires constant training, watching what I eat and paying attention to some of the things the body requires like rest. I don't consider this constant training and preparation to be burden of any kind but what I would have to say is the hardest thing to face are all the things you have to say "no" to. That includes all the junk food that I'm sure we all think taste so good.
WP: What gets you up in the morning?
MP: My schedule gets me up early. I'm up early every morning, even on weekends. I work full time and train every day. I need every hour the day has to offer.
WP: I know what you mean! Being so busy, how do you create balance in your life?
MP: I work 40+ hours a week, I train regularly, I maintain in touch with my family and friends via text or email and on the weekends when it’s a little less hectic I go out socially and catch up. I think I’ve manage a good balance between these different aspects of my life.
WP: I understand you worked with our Senior Photographer, John at bbpics.com. What was it like working with him?
MP: Working with John was great. His understanding of photography, his equipment, the human body and the natural elements that surround us makes his work truly amazing. I met John a few years back and as you can see he remains in touch with the people he works with, which in my opinion makes him more of a friend than just a photographer.
WP: How did he go over and beyond for you?
MP: John likes to "check up" on me; that really shows me that he cares. He wants to see me do well which to me inspires me to do even better.
WP: Would you recommend him to your friends? If so why?
MP: Yes, I already have someone in mind.
WP: How did you get started in modeling?
MP: It started with my cousin, Chino. He currently competes regularly but at the time, he was planning on training for his second competition, when he convinced me that I had such a small waist that if I were to shed a few pounds I would do well. I began training in January 2008 and ever since I’ve been dedicated to this lifestyle. He also introduced me to John, they previously worked together.
WP: Where do you want to be in 5 years?
MP: In 5 years, I'd like to see myself with a master's degree in accounting, a home, maybe even married. Weight training will always be a part of my life so, I definitely see myself training on a regular basis, setting goals in the gym achieving them and then making new one, and hopefully taking part in more interview such as this one.
WP: Who had the most impact on you growing up?
MP: My mother, she always thought I was something else. Although I'm sure she felt the same way about my brother and sister. Her encouragement pushed me to achieve goals whether in school, the gym or at work.
WP: Any shout outs?
MP: My boy, Ray J, for telling me I could do it. To my cousin Chino, for always believing in me. To my cousin Joe, for training with me on a regular basis and to all my family and friend for always being supportive.
WP: What is the funniest story that has happened to you during competitions or while working out?
MP: I would have to say my first attempt at benching 100 lbs. It was a pretty story. I was in the basement and I loaded up 4-25 lbs. plates. I lifted the bar and brought it to my chest and that was it! I couldn't lift if so, had to yell as loud as I could to the attention my mother. Picture that; I’m in the basement yelling "MOM!!!!"
WP: How funny! I can see mom come and lift that 100 pounds with ease! Ha-ha! What is your greatest achievement in bodybuilding?
MP: I would have to say winning 2 trophies in my first competition was a great moment for me.
WP: What is the proudest moment of your life?
MP: Actually, I think this interview may just be the proudest moment of my life thus far. Now the world gets know a little bit of Michael Perez.
WP: Awwww! But wait until you see your name and title you just won in the print magazine! Since you won, Bodybuilder of the Month you get on the page for "Promoting Greatness". What are your interests outside of bodybuilding?
MP: Yeah! I love music; my iPod is fully loaded at all times. Although I don't know how to dance, music has the ability to alter my mood and i cannot do without it.
WP: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
MP: I'm content with myself. I'm pleased with my overall physique. I'd like to be bigger but, so wouldn't everyone else.
WP: Is there anything else you would like to add? Now is the time!
MP: Just thank you for this opportunity.
WP You have been a pleasure to interview! Thank you for your time and good luck in your future bodybuilding endeavors!
