Drew Woldtvedt
WPM's Bodybuilder of the Month - October 2011
Interviewed by: Mike Hall
19 year old Drew Woldtvedt started bodybuilding his sophomore year of high school. He hit a rock bottom low in his life when he was put on bed rest for 6 months after getting a severe concussion. It is amazing how much we take for granite. All he could think about while he would lay there for those 6 months is how badly he needed to change his life.
After Drew was given the doctors okay to train again, he started out slow armed with basic fitness knowledge. He built on everything from there; asking questions to the biggest guys he saw, doing research on everything about fitness he could find, and consulting with his dad (who was a previous football star and gym rat back in his day). All of that brings him here today; a determined pre-med student and our Bodybuilder of the Month.
"...My flaws are what teach me that I always have room to grow stronger. Not many people know this, but I'm hypoglycemic (it is hereditary). I used to feel down about having to watch my blood sugars and be constantly on my diet. I look at it now as a good reminder to eat healthy, stay on top of my health, and not get lazy. Flaws are great motivation to push you harder to perfection."
WP: First of all, Congratulations on being WPM's youngest Bodybuilder of the Month (I believe). How about we begin with you telling us a little about yourself and how you got started.
Well, my name is Drew Woldtvedt and I'm from Houston, Texas. I recently turned 19 years old; I'm an all-natural bodybuilder, and a full time pre-med college student.
I guess this whole bodybuilding "madness" started back in sophomore year of high school when I got a severe concussion due to a lacrosse injury. I was on bed rest for 6 months. Probably the lowest point in my life, you know? The whole time I would lay there, I would just regret that I didn't take advantage of what I really had! It is kinda like that cheesy saying, "You don't know what you really have until it is gone." So, a fire inside of me got sparked and all I could think was when I'm better, I'm going to never take for granted the things I was given like a healthy body and I was going to start really living. As soon as the doctor gave me the "okay" to train, I grabbed me a pair of dumbbells and every bodybuilding magazine I could find and went at it.
WP: When was the moment you knew you wanted to go into bodybuilding?
For me, it was a gradual build. I never started "bodybuilding" to be a bodybuilder. I did it for me. I wanted to take advantage of all the gifts God gave me and push myself to the limits. This determination and consistency just made me grow and if I was going to grow, I wanted to do it right. I just started learning about diet and how to sculpt the body and before I knew it, I was bodybuilding. I thrive on competition, so naturally it turned real quick into my now obsession to be a great bodybuilder.
WP: How long have you been lifting?
I believe it's has been a little over 3 years.
WP: For your age, you really have a lot of size! Do you have any advice to people that wish to build more mass?
You need two things:
1. Diet. You need to EAT! Your body needs lots and lots of food; high protein and high carb diet.
2. Lift heavy weight. High sets, low reps, and no machines. I believe machines have a place, however if you want the size you're going to want to lift raw iron.
"Everyone wants to be a bodybuilder, but no one wants to lift this heavy *** weight!" ~ Ronnie C.
WP: What is your diet?
Meal 1
Oatmeal
Egg Whites
Nuts
Protein shake
Meal 2
Fish and Veggies
Meal 3
Pasta
Cheese
Protein Shake
Meal 5
Chicken or Red Meat
Meal 6
Cottage cheese
Protein shake
Sardines
WP: Do you allow yourself a cheat day?
Nope. I believe the second you give yourself an opportunity to slack off, you give someone else an opportunity to pass you up. If you want to be the best, you can't let your guard down, and you've gotta take every opportunity you can to excel.
WP: What supplements do you take?
Before my workouts I like a pre-workout supplement, for sure. Normally I take Muscle Pharms Assault, but I change my pre-workouts just about every other week. I, as well, take my normal vitamins and multi's, along with fish oil, Whey Protein, and occasional Creatine and BCAA's for those sore days.
WP: What really got you to where you are today?
Determination, hard work, and support from people! It was not easy to get started, it is not easy passing up on hot dates on the weekends, and eating fish gets old real quick. However, it is that inner determination to work hard and that drive that pushes me through those days. On top of that I have great support from family, friends, and people I meet. Something as simple as a little compliment from a stranger goes a long way with me.
WP: What are your current stats?
Age - 19 (Birth date 9/2/1992)
Height - 5'11"
Weight - 215lbs
Chest- 52"
Arms- 18.5"
Calves- 16.5"
Thighs- 27"
Flat Bench Max: 515lbs
More interview under this picture
WP: Really impressive stats considering your age, especially your bench! Is there some secret to being able to lift that kind of weight?
It's an inner "monster drive". Basically a superman mentality that I feel as if I can lift the whole world, I guess.
WP: Do you have anyone you can thank for helping you get where you are?
My dad is who I would have to thank first, for sure. He taught me just about everything I know; seriously he is brilliant. I like to think of myself as an extension of his knowledge. He teaches me one thing and I take that and build on it.
Second, I would have to thank Alan A. He is always just a phone call away and willing to meet with me at any time for anything I need. Working out, personal issues, or school; he's always right there willing to help me out. He's a true mentor.
And last, but not least, my best buddy/training partner Dylan. That guy pushes me every day in the gym and in life. Were like brothers and when you have someone that awesome pushing you, you can't help but succeed.
WP: Tell me about your modeling.
Modeling is just getting started. I’m looking into moving forward in modeling and maybe pick up an agency in the near future.
WP: Where do you want to be in 5 years?
I want to have my bodybuilding/modeling career established and have a good name in this industry; picking up a few magazine articles, couple competition wins, and some covers. While on the other hand, I want to be almost finished with med school and starting my surgeon's residency.
WP: You look really 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?
Ha-ha, thanks bro! Consistency and good diet are two key elements to an aesthetic physique. Diet and tanning are probably the hardest things for me. Training is the fun part, but keeping to the diet plan and getting that tan are a real pain sometimes.
WP: Tell me about your future projects. Have any in sight?
Ah man, tons of stuff! I am going to be selling workout, diet, and supplement plans here soon. I also plan to do a lot more personal training with people and a lot of mass media videos. Still trying to keep things under the wraps until it is all set up, but yeah, be on the lookout for a lot to come.
WP: Will do, man! Are you married, dating, or do you have kids?
No sir. Being that I like a fast pace and focused life, it kinda does not leave too much room for a relationship.
WP: What does your typical week workout look like?
My workout changes almost every week from different amount of reps to changing the workout days and just trying all new workouts. But my base for my workout is mostly high sets, low reps, and hitting the same body part twice a week. For an example:
Monday and Thursday- Chest, Triceps, and Shoulders
Tuesday and Friday - Back, Biceps, Traps, and forearms.
Wednesday and Saturday- Legs, Cardio, and Abs.
WP: Anything you would like to see change in the bodybuilding world?
I would like to change the negative feedback it gets. Since a lot of bodybuilders take steroids, it seems like they do not get a lot of respect. People seem to blow off bodybuilding as just juiced up "cheaters" who are superficial. But, that couldn't be any further from the truth! It is about the heart, determination, and struggles. It is about testing yourself every day and when you leave the gym, you are continually making yourself better. Some of the most awesome people I have met are bodybuilders.
WP: Any shout outs?
Of course! Just wanted to say a shout out to my family, friends, and fans! I love you all and thank you for the support.
A special shout out to the people in my life that continue to push me and help me strive forward; you guys mean a lot to me. Also, to everyone at WP magazine; thank you all so much for this awesome opportunity!
WP: I hear mixed things about you in the gym. I hear some people say your workouts are pretty intense and you don't like to be bothered. However, on the other hand, I have also heard you are a bit of a clown at times in the gym.
Ha-ha, yeah! Both things are true. When I am in the middle of a set, no one touches or messes with me. I get in a mindset where I am completely focused and really it is not smart to disturb me. But in between sets, I love to talk and mess around. A lot of funny stuff goes down in between sets.
WP: What is the funniest thing that has happened in the gym?
There is not just one specific thing that happened. Whenever I am with my buddies between sets normally were cutting up, laughing, and dancing. It is like every day becomes the "funniest thing that happened in the gym". Really, some great laughs.
WP: What is your greatest achievement in bodybuilding?
Getting an interview with World Physique Magazine and being "Bodybuilder of the Month", of course!
WP: Good way to get on our good side! Ha-ha! What is the proudest moment of your life?
Probably when I overheard my dad talk all proud about me to his friends.
WP: What are your interests outside of bodybuilding?
Besides working in the medical field, I love cars, bro! I am a major grease monkey. I just love after a good workout, climbing into my 1969 Camaro and taking off down the street with the windows rolled down and listening to my 80's rock. Spending hours under the hood, trying to squeeze what horsepower I can.
WP: I hear ya! If you could change any "flaw" about yourself, what would it be?
Nothing. My flaws are what teach me that I always have room to grow stronger. Not many people know this, but I'm hypoglycemic (it is hereditary). I used to feel down about having to watch my blood sugars and be constantly on my diet. I look at it now as a good reminder to eat healthy, stay on top of my health, and not get lazy. Flaws are great motivation to push you harder to perfection.
WP: You have been a real pleasure to interview you! Thank you for your time and good luck with your future bodybuilding endeavors!
Thank you so much, it was awesome to do this interview. I hope for the best with WP Magazines success.
