Teen Bodybuilder, Nick Wright
Competitor of the Year 2010
Interviewed by: Tammy Renee'
Photos by: BBPics
Click award to view larger
WP: Nick was named our Competitor of the Month - January 2010 but, he is now our Competitor of the Year, 2010! Nick is only 18 years old and an all-natural INBF, NPC, OCB Teenage Bodybuilder. He began working out consistently at 14 years old; as a very small freshman in High School. Despite what he brings to the table today, he began as a 104 lbs. high school student, with 11.5” arms. Competing in bodybuilding was the first step of an on-going clime into the addictive life-style he now swears by!
As far as Nick personally, he is extremely charismatic, he hold a passionate belief in a hard-work ethic, and he is constantly pushing himself to reach the next step up from where ever he is now. He also has a strong faith in Christianity, and is constantly trying to follow the path of Christ with every move he makes in life.
Watch out for Nick! This guy is out to take the world! You will be able to also see his workouts in our magazines starting our next issue. He will begin doing a teen workout column for us. This guy is up-and-coming and we’re honored to show him off first!
In this interview, I'm going to sit back and let him do all the talking. You will be amazed!
Nick, being only 18 and have accomplished what you have thus far, you have the world by the tail. What has been your stepping-stone to get where you are today?
NW: Thank you, Ms. Tammy. Perseverance was always the number one from the beginning. Looking at me when I started, nobody would have ever believed I could or would exceed in anything having to do with a built-up physique. Even my closest friends would give me the hardest time about aspiring to become a bodybuilder, to the point where I would shy away from any sort of question about the subject for the longest time. Regardless I continued to push for it without hesitation.
In terms of branching bodybuilding out into a career, which it is steadily becoming, Youtube has been THE largest stepping-stone. I am now a Youtube Partner, and signed with Google Adsense, so I now make revenue off of my constantly updated video series on training, nutrition, competing and more! This channel has gained incredible popularity all over the web, with thousands of subscribers, and hundreds of thousands of views! It has even served as credentials for landing photo shoots, and even working with RTN Supplement Company!
As of late, my most beneficial stepping stone has actually been working with BBPics.com, who has recently played a part in turning me on to the one and only World Physique Magazine and website!
WP: What has it been like to maintain your physique? I am sure not only teens would like to know, but I bet adults would, too. You are a role model for both.
NW: I have honestly put my body through so many different stages. I initially used to play the typical bodybuilder’s game of looking great for the few months revolving around the show, and looking bloated for the rest of the year. Working with BBPics has actually showed me what benefits keeping a clean looking physique can bring! After winning the 2009 INBF Monster Mash, this past October, I have been dedicating the most focus on improving my body the correct way.
I am 100% focused on expanding in the fitness modeling/modeling world, that I am keeping my body fat and conditioning spot on all year-round, while still managing to make crazy gains for the national stage in 2010! I am really applying my knowledge of nutrition this off-season in order to make the most dramatic gains while staying “picture perfect”.
I am actually finding that I have the type of physique that looks way more massive, the leaner it is. Every time I go to the mall lately, I constantly get obvious stares and comments about my arms in particular. I have had people comment on “how strong I look”, how big I look. I even had older gentlemen; working behind the desk at a store, after staring at me for some time, tell me I looked like I “exercised” a lot.
The feeling all this attention brings is indescribable to somebody like me! I am so used to hearing how much I didn’t look like I worked out with cloths on, that it literally comes as a shock. I even caused a scene with several people crowding around me after taking off my jacket, showing off a short-sleeved polo shirt while I was still tanned and shredded from a shoot, at a Japanese restaurant. The feeling is literally unreal to me!
I’d have to say this difference in diet, has been the most efficient yet.
WP: Where do you reside now?
NW: I was born in the city of Warwick, RI, and now reside in Exeter, RI, where I have lived since 98. It’s a more rural/suburban town, which initially killed me after coming from an urban environment. But now that I am older I am appreciating it a lot more.
WP: Being so young, you have an extensive background in competiting. Would you mind telling our readers about your history thus far in competitions?
NW: I turned 18 this past June, and just competed in my 5th show. I began competing when I was 15 years old. I always believe in doing something as soon as you want to, not as soon as you think you are ready to. I don’t usually admit this, but I did my first INBF show at 15 years old, weighing only 118 lbs., at about 5'3". It was only 9 months after I began lifting, however I learned that due to my light bone structure, I display weight much differently than most. At 145 lbs., people guessed I weight between 165-180 lbs.
Anyway, I received 2nd place in the Teen Division, and won “Best Poser”. The experience was euphoric! I became completely addicted. I competed a year later at my first NPC show, where I got to meet Evan Centopani, 4 weeks before winning his pro card. At that show I was the only teen, so I won 1st place, but I also received 2nd place in the Light Weight Men’s Open division. I actually placed runner-up to the over all winner. That was definitely an experience. I took 2008 off from competing and almost retired completely, thinking my genetics did not leave me with much of a future in the sport. However I was talked into jumping on stage my senior year in high school, and ended up winning 3 shows in a row in 2009 alone! 2 of the shows were regional sized, pro-qualifiers. I managed to also place as high as a close 2nd place in large Men’s divisions with as many as 10-12 grown competitors, at 17 and 18 years old.
WP: Are you planning to compete again in the future?
NW: I am most definitely planning on competing a lot in the near and distant future. I was originally planning on quitting bodybuilding before 2009, but was talked into doing a show, which turned into 3 shows, which turned into the beginning of a modeling career, and working with a supplement company! I am now all about taking as many shots as I can, risky or not.
I say that, because my next step is the 2010 NPC Teen Nations. I plan on entering the Light Weight division, being an all-natural competitor! My participation in the Teen Nationals will depend all on the amount of sponsorship I can achieve, but I just received an official sponsorship form via email, so this may be the key!
WP: What other sports or activities did or do you enjoy?
NW: Since I graduated high school, in June 2009, the fitness/bodybuilding lifestyle has been my only focus. Back in school though, I had participated in just about every sport there is. I never really felt a passion for any of them, which is why I fell into bodybuilding. My favorites at the time were definitely wrestling, and boxing. I love football, but never played on the team.
WP: Tell me about your family. I bet they are so proud of you!
NW: I am very blessed to have an extremely supportive family. Both of my parents have been completely behind me from the start. My father has been my strongest supporter from the beginning. Even working the night shift, he would wake up at about 4p.m. and drive me to the gym every weekday before I had my license. Now that’s support! Even one of my two younger sisters actually diets with me. She had been struggling with being over-weight while I was under-weight; so I guided her on nutrition and training, and she helped me out many times with cooking meals for me, and just over all motivation. Someone I could relate to when we had to forfeit family feasts!
For my success in 2009, I have to thank my best friend, and training partner Erik Johnson (EJ) and especially my girlfriend Carly Fordham, who I have been dating for just over 2 years now. They both kept me going through out all of the months of dieting and preparation. EJ pushed me in the gym, critiqued me when I needed it, accompanied me to every show, and was even my backstage coach for the last show I did.
Carly took over on applying each coat of Pro-Tan flawlessly when my father, who typically helped me out on that, could not. She also stuck by me, and put up with the non-stop day to day routine of contest prep, and has been the backbone of my success this year.
WP: What has competitions taught you thus far?
NW: Competing has brought me to another level of discipline. I have a new found love for pushing myself past physical and mental limits. I know how to plan, and remain calm even in the most stressful situations. I have learned a lot, about my body as well. Competing and dieting for shows has shown me what my body responds to and what it doesn’t respond to.
Competing has also helped my body. In past years I would slack more and more the further into off-season I got. Dieting would get my body and muscle growth back on track. Reboot, and even improve my look, thus allowing me to rebuild.
WP: What was the hardest thing for you to overcome when you first started?
NW: Getting over the ridicule was probably the toughest part. I have always had the type of personality that attracted everyone as a friend. I never had bullies or enemies, but I didn’t need to given the jokes from my friends added up to the same extent. I told one person that I was getting into bodybuilding when I first began, and suddenly the entire school knew. Every time I would walk into a classroom, or arrive at a party, I would get comments shouted by “friends” such as “bodybuilder”, or “muscles”, generally in the Arnold Schwarzenegger accent. This would then lead to other people who didn’t know, asking “are you seriously a bodybuilder”, which would of course be followed by learning how much I did not look like a bodybuilder.
As I said, I had no bullies. I was a friend with everyone. This is why I never considered it bullying until after the fact when I look back on it. It drove me to shy away from any sort of question about the sport. Even once I had improved my physique and established a respectable name for my self as a bodybuilder, if someone were to ask me a sincere question about training, bodybuilding, or competing, I would either give a sarcastic joke in response, or a fast, indirect answer in an attempt to shy away from the subject expecting nothing more but jokes in return.
"It took years of the same people who cracked jokes, eventually giving gracious compliment after compliment for me to finally bring the confidence I deserved to the table. I of course, have not the slightest issue with it now!"
WP: What was the hardest thing you had to deal with when it came to your diet?
NW: At first, it was giving up the desserts. All of the little treats were what I craved. My first show I did not know a whole lot on dieting, so I still ate what I would now, never eat, right up to a show. Thinking dieting only meant no desserts, which are all I missed. My 2007 NPC show introduced me to REAL intense dieting. I was on a 12-week diet that resulted in me loosing too much muscle mass. I really understood what craving meant. No bread, pasta, even the simplest things we take for granted in terms of eating.
The biggest difficulty became how much of a full time job dieting truly becomes if done right. At 17, when I was training for the OCB Spirit Of America, and the OCB Rhode Island Natural, both of which I came to win the Teen division of; I was working two full time jobs, as well as finishing up my senior year. When dieting for a show like I do, the meals are so regimented and timed, that it literally becomes another full time job between the cooking, prep, eating, training, and cardio etc. I love it though. It is nothing but a life style now!
WP: What are the key factors that dictate the way you train today?
NW: Very basic and very heavy! Too many bodybuilders try to over-complicate their workouts and end up over training, or not reaching their full potential for gains. I believe in sticking to the basics and keeping them very heavy.
WP: How has your training changed over the years?
My style is of course ever changing. A friend of mine named Luke Hayden; a fellow teen competitor, has been pushing me into the higher volume workouts, while keeping the weight painfully heavy.
I am talking; bent over barbell rows with 225 lbs. for 20 reps at 155 lbs. body weight! That equals quality size!
WP: What titles/accomplishments have you thus far? Tell me about them.
NW: The track record for competitions is as follows:
As I said, I had jumped into the Gate City show at 15 years old. Much younger than most and I only weighed about 118 lbs., at 5'2"-5'3", but still managed to land 2nd place, which is what I had hoped for, and was awarded best poser, which would later help me out in 2009.
2007 was a tougher year. I was so ready to have the physique I didn’t have yet. Seeing these older teen bodybuilders doing the shoots and winning shows etc., I wanted that so bad, but couldn’t understand why I was not achieving it. I did my first intense diet, involving a little Ketosis, which actually caused me to shed off a lot of muscle, and come in flat. I still looked good enough to place 2nd in the Light Weight Men’s Open, and of course 1st in the teens. It was a great learning experience.
I skipped 2008, and nearly skipped 2009. I was contemplating turning away from bodybuilding thinking I had nothing to offer it. I was talked into doing the OCB Spirit Of America, a Super Pro Qualifying regional show, which I had actually wanted to do since I first learned about bodybuilding. All of my family and friends told me to go for it, so I did thinking it would be my last show for good given I turned 18 shortly after.
I ended up winning the teens by a landslide, and nailed conditioning I had never seen before accompanied with all my size. I also landed top 5 in a competitive men’s class of about 10 competitors. I was so set on not even placing; they called my name 3 times before I herd it.
This win inspired me to do one more show before 18. A local OCB show, where I met some cool people I still network with today. I dropped about 5 lbs in the month between the SOA and this show, and came in shredded! This show actually presented the exact same turn out for both classes. I won the teens, and again placed 5/10 in the men’s, even though many believed I should have been around 3rd. I of course was ecstatic with the placing regardless. I even talked to WNBF/Muscle Mania Pro Bodybuilder, Luis Santiago, who was a huge fan of my physique and stage performance.
It was after this show, that I noticed a couple of random videos I had up from show’s etc. were gaining some good views on Youtube. It was that summer, after turning 18 that I decided to be the channel, Www.Youtube.com/Scondore, which is now sponsored BY Youtube, and Google. It was then that I decided to do the INBF Monster Mash. Another show I had wanted to do ever since my first in 2006. Ironically enough, I ended up competing against the promoter OF the first show I ever did, 4 years later. That was crazy to hear his name.
I did not have a lot of confidence for some reason heading into this show. I did not feel like I was ready for it for some reason, like I did not give myself enough time. Something, which I now believe was God telling me to continue with it, kept me going big time. I won the teen division, and placed a CLOSE 2nd place in the Men’s division with about 12 competitors in it. This show is one of the largest natural, amateur shows on the east coast. My natural ability to pose, allowed me to free style a routine the audiences “boom, boom clap” when my CD did not work!
That show, ended up leading to a DVD shoot, multiple photo shoots, expanding my Youtube Channel dramatically, meeting and working with Revolutionary Technology, and beginning my career in modeling and spokes modeling.
WP: Wow! That is so outstanding! I understand you worked with our Senior Photographer, John at bbpics.com. He was actually the person that discovered you for us. What was it like working with him?
NW: John Mitchell is among the best photographers you could hope to work with. I have worked with some good guys, but none like him. He is so charismatic, enthusiastic, and focused on keeping his models on the right path to success as long as they show real interest! Even took me out to eat once or twice between shooting!
WP: How did he go over and beyond for you?
NW: One of the most obvious way, is this interview right here with the one and only World Physique! He is of course the one who introduced me to this amazing site, and opened my eyes to the opportunities. He is never focused on making profit off my photos like many others are. He has put an incredible amount of effort into linking me with big names, and getting me work in this industry!
I am happy to say that after the numerous ways he assisted me, from networking and promoting me, to giving me hundreds of raw and finalized photos, I was able to assist him at least a little in expanding his Youtube Fan base. I added two videos, which I edited to show no more than a preview of the gym shoot and out-door shoot. These videos promoted BBPics and directed many of my viewers to his Youtube Channel to view the rest of the footage, and the full length of it all. I was able to make his video views jump from 250-300 views/month, to over 13,000 views the first week for one of the videos.
The amazing footage which also gained me many more views was of course, filmed by the amazing BBPics, so I suppose that is also yet another way he helped me out!
WP: Would you recommend him to your friends? If so Why?
NW: I would most definitely recommend him to anybody who wants to get into modeling. There are too many of the wrong people out there, and he is all about sticking to the straight and narrow path of pure modeling, both fitness and fashion. He is the only photographer I know that has actually spread my name around, gained me more publicity, and landed me some awesome opportunities such as this interview now!
WP: What supplements do you currently take?
NW: The only supplements I am on now have shown the best results I could imagine without crossing the natural line. ZMA, L-Arginine, and Creatine Plus BCAA - By Revolutionary Technology Nutrition (RTN) the company I am now a part of. Check out my Star Profile and some of the most efficient, all natural supplements at RevolutionaryNutrition.Com. Too many people get caught up in those hot-air overly commercialized products you see in every other add. I have done them all, and honestly, only the basics workl with training and supplementation.
Enjoy this outdoor video of Nick
WP: What are your pet peeves?
NW: Unhealthy relationships! Ha-ha! I honestly don’t think I have any, but that would definitely be one of them. Those on-again, off-again couples, you need a calendar to keep up with.
WP: I like the way you think! What do you consider to be important in life, and why?
NW: God, first and foremost, my faith in Jesus Christ is always my number one focus, or at least should be! It is of course hard, I am only human, and just like everyone else; I get caught up in my selfish wants in the day-to-day life.
Family is of course right behind it. You really do need that love and support from family and friends. Honesty and trust, of course, comes with that.
There is also my car that falls on that list as well! Just kidding of course, but no really it does.
WP: Ha-ha! My car is like running a close tie for second in my life! I know what you mean! How have you changed over the past few years when it comes to thinking, actions, and life in general?
NW: I am much more logical now that I am older, and of course have enough size to drop that little dog syndrome. You don’t generally think about it, but you tend to be blinded by anger and the need to prove one’s self when you are physically inferior to others. Now that I have size, strength, boxing, and varsity wrestling behind me, I am much more passive and reluctant to fight.
The things I have accomplished have also created a much stronger drive for me. I am always 100% focused on success. You can tell from the winter photo shoot with BBPics, where I am posing in the snow, I am ready and willing to go above and beyond in succeeding. I even gave the idea to hit a couple of shots knee deep in a frozen lake because the lighting was perfect.
I have learned to love over-loading my plate with responsibility. I am always in a go, go, go mind state. All of this has taught me how to live up to responsibilities and obligations.
The week of my first photo shoot with BBPics, I had to put my Dog that I had been close with since age 6, down after 13 years, following my car being totaled the next day, while it was parked on the side of the highway.
I had to run around getting the insurance all squared away the same day I carried my dog into the vet for the last time. Regardless of all of this, I still scheduled my spray tan appointment as requested, and managed to borrow a vehicle to make the drive into Connecticut for the two-day shoot. I still did this, knowing this specific shoot was not a paid shoot, even though my last one had been very good money with a different name. I knew it would lead to networking and expanding in this business, which is what it is all about, and ultimately much more lucrative. I have learned to be all about my business, but I love what I do.
WP: What are your stats such as height, weight, biceps, and waist?
NW: Height: 5'7"
Weight: 155 (On-season) 165 (Off-Season) 180+ (My goal for this year.)
Biceps: 16.5" (On-season)
Waist: 28"
Legs: 24"
WP: You were talking about the number one site that you would recommend before we started the interview. Can you tell me more about what you were talking about?
NW: The number one site I will always recommend to anybody who wants to get started in this lifestyle, learn the sport, or improve on their eating, training, or physique, or just be entertained by this extremely hansom spokes person is: Youtube.Com/Scondore.
It is the only TV for Bodybuilding! Subscribe now, and support the cause!
WP: Any shout outs?
NW: Definitely a huge shout out to John Mitchell of BBPics.com and Youtube.com/BBPicsPhotography.
RevolutionaryNutrtion.com - The only REAL supplements out there!
And to Alpha Design and Beat Down Productions! Youtube.com/Beatdownproductions
WP: Give me an example of your workout.
NW: My workout is always changing, to the point where I may not know what it will be until I am doing it. I can tell you it is always 5 workouts per body part, 3 for biceps and 3 for triceps. My weekly routine looks something like:
Monday - Chest
Tuesday - Legs
Wednesday - Shoulders
Thursday - Back
Friday - Arms
Weekend - Off
I typically work calves about 2 times a week, very heavy and high volume reps and sets. I haven’t really worked abdominal in about a year outside of little spurts here and there, but working with BBPics has re-inspired me to put full focus back on them. Using the routine that got them shredded in 2007, I now apply those several times a week.
WP: Give me an example of your diet. What do you normally eat each day.
NW: My diet is constantly changing. You can actually find my previous off-season diet by checking out my “Eating Big” series at Www.Youtube.com/Scondore.
I constantly cycle my carbohydrates, and go by what my body looks like. My breakfast is always 1 scoop of Whey, 1 cup Oatmeal, and one slice of whole wheat bread.
Meal number two is generally chicken breast, 1 russet potato and/or ¾ cups brown rice. Meal 3 is the same as lunch minus one of the two carb sources depending on the day.
Pre-workout can be as simple as a tuna fish sandwich on Oat, wheat or pumpernickel bread. I may sometimes add in a slow acting carb as well like brown rice or oatmeal, and Revolutionary Nutrition’s “Creatine plus BCAA’s”.
Post-workout meal consists of 2 scoops of whey, and a large russet potato for a fast-acting carbohydrate source. Shortly after that I will have another full meal, consisting of chicken and another potato.
I may have one more meal like that, usually with brown rice closer to bed. My final meal will be a large egg-white omelet, sometimes with turkey or cheese.
WP: Could you tell me about your future projects other then having your teen workout column in World Physique?
NW: I actually have many different projects that I am excited for. Many of which are not definite enough to name yet, however there are a few coming up shortly. A lot of these projects involve video projects, specifically on the Youtube Channel. I also want to do some workouts with other known teen bodybuilders. One project in particular will be with “Beat Down Productions”, another popular online TV pilot, and Youtube channel dedicated to various areas in the sport of bodybuilding. Alpha Design is the official name of the company behind BD Productions, and we have been talking about filming an intense training video, at Fitzness Gym in CT.
I have actually done a shoot at that gym with BBPics, and it is an awesome location. Look out for some intense off-season training videos coming up! I imagine it will be above and beyond anything on my channel to date; given it will finally be the training footage everyone has been asking for using some professional footage!
I am also excited about working with RTN. I will be hosting a lot of commercial advertisements for them, as well as working at various large Expos all over the place. Keep an eye out for me at the Arnold Classic 2010!
Best advice I can give is to just keep checking the channel! I will keep everyone updated!
WP: Is there anything I have forgotten to mention that you would like to bring to light?
NW: I would we’ve covered just about all of it! If anybody has any additional questions for me, they are of course welcome to message me via Youtube, Myspace, or Bodyspace at any point. I always do my best to answer everyone and not keep you waiting.
WP: Nick, it has been real pleasure! I am excited what 2010 has in store for you! You have such talent, so down to earth, and so smart! You have it all! Good luck in the future.
NW: It has been a pleasure being interviewed by one of the most prestigious names out there today! I look forward to expanding even more in World Physique. Thank you for the opportunity.
