Interview With Bryan Dicken

Featured Model - 2009







Interviewed by Tammy Renee'


WP:Hello, Bryan. It's a pleasure to be interviewing you. Let’s begin with you telling us a little about yourself.

BD: Thank you. My name is Bryan Dicken. I’m 24 years old. 178 pounds. I’m kind of a quiet person, but I like sports, muscle cars and bikes. I have studied karate since I was 7, and football is my favorite sport. I was also in baseball, wrestling and track. I enjoy trying new things.

WP: Sounds like you keep yourself pretty busy! What was it that made you know that you, without a doubt, wanted to go into bodybuilding?

BD: My dad got my into lifting weights. He taught me the basics, and seeing the results from it and learning as much as I can about fitness, kept the drive going.

WP: How long have you been lifting?

BD: I started getting serious about lifting when I was 21.

WP: What are your best lifts?

BD: My squat and dead lift would be my strong points. My squat is 475 lbs and my dead lift is 460 lbs.

WP: Wow! I'd say those are strong points! Ha-ha! you have any advice to people that wish to build more mass and more cut?

BD: Yes. For people that want to build more mass and be more cut, I suggest your exercises consist of high sets and high reps. For building more mass, you want to cut your cardio to a minimum.

WP: What do you eat in a normal day?

BD:   On a normal day, my diet usually consists of 6 eggs, 2 whole grain toast, 3 strips of bacon and a banana for breakfast. Lunch is chicken or tuna and potatoes. Then, I have a high calorie protein bar for a snack. Dinner is usually steak or chicken, mixed vegetables and potatoes.

WP: That's a pretty clean diet! I usually allow myself a cheat day. Do you allow yourself a cheat day?

BD: Yes, I allow a cheat day once every 10 days. But, I still try to make the best decision that I can.

WP: What supplements do you take?

BD: I take Whey Protein, which is my main supplement. I have 3 shakes per day; totaling about 100 grams of protein. Creatine is another major supplement. I take it twice a day; 5 grams each time. Throughout the day, I take two serving of both BCAA, and multi-vitamins.

WP: Could you tell me a story of how you have gotten where you are today?

BD: I first started lifting twice a week when I realized that it relieves a lot of my stress. Seeing the results I was getting in just a few months, I started working out three times a week. Still enjoying my results, I start putting together a more strategic program. And that lead me too how I am today.

WP: It's it amazing the stepping stones we take in this industry? People are also stepping stones for us. Do you have anyone you can thank for helping you get where you are?

BD: I have my dad to thank, he was the one that got me started and has always supported me lifting weights.

WP: I know you've done some modeling. Tell me about your modeling.

BD: Modeling is something that just recently came about in 2008. I have done photo shoots for bbpics.com, Jason Long photography, Chris Matthes photography, and highlight agency.

WP: Great names! Where do you want to be in 5 years?

BD: In 5 years, I would like to be known for my fitness modeling and just be apart of the fitness world.

WP: That isn't too much to ask, huh? You look great! What is the hardest thing for you to face when it comes to keeping your physique?

BD: The hardest thing about keeping my physique is having to give up simple pleasures. Not going out and partying every time my friends do. Staying away from fast foods, and sometimes you just have to make the time to workout.

WP:  Yes, that is some of the hardest things. It's hard to watch everyone else doing stuff that you would like to do. But, we are the one that have it made after all is said and done. Tell me about your future projects. Have any in sight?

BD: My near future project are to fine tune my body and just get that foot in the door of the fitness world with all my idols.

WP: What gets you up in the morning?

BD: The fact that lying there isn’t going to get me to where I want to be drives me out of bed!

WP:  I like the way you think! So then, how do you approach a challenge?

BD: I approach every challenge by setting goals. I give myself a period of time to meet that goal and push myself to always beat that goal.

WP:  All these tough questions I'm asking and you're answering them like a pro. Okay, one more. How do you create balance in your life?

BD: Balance, in my life, is something that comes pretty easy to me. I like to stay away from needy people, or people with a lot of drama. I don’t let anyone affect my decisions.

WP: Darn! You're good! I understand you worked with our Senior Photographer, John at bbpics.com. What was it like working with him?

BD: Working with John was great. He’s laid back, open for new ideas, and he’s very professional. I will always be willing to work with John.

WP: How did he go over and beyond for you?

BD: John did whatever he could to help me. He gave me the names and numbers of fitness professionals that would be willing to answer any questions I had, or help work on my routines. John also scheduled photo shoots that fit into my schedule.

WP: Would you recommend him to your friends?

BD: I do recommend him to my friends, because of how professional he is and how easy it is to work with him.

WP: Thank you for talking so highly of him. We're very proud of him! What one piece of advice you can share with me on how to gain the most muscle the fastest?

BD: The strategy I use to gain the most muscle is to lift very heavy with low reps. I also like to eat a lot more then when I’m trying to maintain. My rest periods between workouts are longer, as well.

WP: You are very smart! I've sat here and listened how you have answered these questions and I am truly amazed! You are really impressing me! What is your work out regimen?

BD: Thank you for the compliment, Tammy. I like to workout at least 4 days a week. I usually do two major muscle groups in a workout, except leg day, I do them alone. I typically workout in the morning, because I’m well rested and seem to be more focused.

WP: Any shout outs?

BD: I would like to give a shout out to Chad Crouse. He is an awesome guy and he never denied me any help or suggestions.

WP: Chad Crouse? What a small world! Yes, he is a pretty darn good guy! He is a guy that I feel should have his way in this industry! He has everything a company would want. He's is excellent at everything he does! What is the funniest story that has happened to you while working out?

BD: One day, a friend of mine decided to do a leg workout with me. When we finished, we had to climb some stairs. Struggling from the start, about half way up, his legs give out. And, he rolls all the way to the bottom.

WP: Oh my gosh! I would be laughing so hard, I couldn't even help him get up and I couldn't breathe to ask him if he was okay! But, I hope he was okay! What is your greatest achievement in this industry thus far?

 BD: My greatest achievement, at this point, is being invited on a photo shoot with known professionals.

 WP: Yes! Yes! That is an achievement! What is the proudest moment of your life?

 BD: My proudest moment would have to be when I bought my Harley motorcycle and my dad and grandpa hopped on theirs, and we went for a ride.

 WP: Awwwww! That does make great memories! What are your interests outside of bodybuilding?

BD: Besides bodybuilding, my other hobbies are snowmobiling and rock climbing. I like to do anything that can be physically challenging.

WP: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

BD: The one thing I would change about myself is not to be so shy about my body, just so I could enjoy this a little more.

WP: Modeling will break you of that, I'm sure! Ha-ha! But, a little shyness is always a good thing. Do you use dumbbells, free weights, machine or all of the above?

BD: I will use all of the above.

WP: Why?

BD:  I like to use dumbbells and free weights the most but, I like to throw in machine workouts for a change of pace. Machines, I have found to have a better FORM. I use free weights for my heavy lifts and dumbbells for the more challenging lifts.

WP:  Bryan, the interview is almost over. Is there anything else you would like to add that I might have forgotten?

BD:  I am very excited to be given this opportunity and I would like to thank everyone for making this possible.

WP: Believe me, it's is all of our pleasure! You have really impressed me. You are have a lot of wisdom. I know you will go far in this industry. Just keep your eye on your goal and make it happen! Thank you for your time, and good luck in your future bodybuilding endeavors!