Interview With Matt Malcangi

September 2009

Photos by: BBPics.com
Interviewed by: Tammy Renee

(WP): Hey Matt! Let's begin with you telling us a little about yourself.

(MM): My name is Matt Dillon Malcangi and I came from an Italian/German background. I grew up in the city of Eaton rapids Michigan where I had spent until grade 3 to then transfer to the quiet city of St. Johns where I had become a redwing on the ice, playing hockey all through high school and becoming a St. Johns graduate of 2001. Post graduation is when I had started my journey or small hobby at the time of weight training. The health and fitness lifestyle slowly enveloped my life the more I had focused on my own training and observing physical changes using basic principles; it soon became apparent that utilizing that system I could always continue to head in any direction I desire. My thirst for more knowledge in a healthy lifestyle drove my attention to personal training, where I became certified through the American Council of Exercise (ACE).

(WP): What was it that made you know without a doubt that you wanted to go into bodybuilding?

(MM): I had always been drawn to great physiques, since I was very young. Admiring the definition, mass, symmetry and unique shape that each body builder can attain. I used to wonder how it was possible to achieve that level of physical fitness by such people as Jean claud van dam, Arnold S., Bruce Lee, Sylvester Stallone, and many other actors or models I would see on TV. Growing up, my father always had weights in the house and I would see him workout at home or go to the local gym. So, it started actually lifting weights around age 12, but did not realize that it was a true passion of mine until around age 18. So, I started like many do, with a training partner. My buddy, Tom, was just as interested in bodybuilding as I and it helped many times to keep me accountable, motivated, and competitive. Then, I just pulled out all the stops!

(WP): How long have you been lifting?

(MM): I have been lifting consistently for about 8 years. I did not really focus on the diet and nutrition part until about 5 years ago, which made the biggest impact on helping me grown consistently and lean.

(WP): What are your best lifts?

(MM): I never attempt to perform max lifts during my workouts. The number one things that I avoid are injuries, and one way to spell them are max lifts. Ha-ha! But, seriously, I am a bodybuilder and I am only concerned about one thing; growing. And to do that takes a weight that challenges me for about 8 to12 reps.

(WP): Do you have any advice to people that wish to build more mass and more cut?

(MM): Most people will say that it is impossible to drop body fat and still build muscle but, you can. First, you must train smart and consistently. And second, you must have a diet of purely natural foods. Think of all processed foods as un-natural and foreign to the body, which in turn can cause un-natural things to occur.

(WP): What do you eat in a normal day?

(MM): My typical day of nutrition consists of about 5 to7 meals. I make sure that I incorporate the three macronutrients in each meal; protein, carbohydrate, and fat. I use a vegetable in each meal for a base, like mixed green salad, or steamed vegetable. For my proteins, I stick to lean sources such as egg whites, tuna, chicken, or seafood; with the once weekly T-bone steak. For my carbohydrates, I have found that my body is very carb sensitive and the most complex of carbs give me the best combination of high energy, full muscles, and ability to stay very lean. Which include: sweet potatoes, quinoa, sprouted bread, steel cut oats, original shredded wheat and sometimes, fruit. The healthy fats are my favorite addition to the meal. I choose all sorts of fats like almonds, walnuts, pecans, avocadoes, flax meal, Hemp Oil, and coconut oil.

(WP): Do you allow yourself a cheat day?

(MM): I eat like I train; intuitively, which means that most days of the week I will eat very healthy and very proportionate, but one every week and a half to two weeks I will have a day where I will increase my carb portions. It just depends on how I feel mostly.

(WP): What supplements do you take?

(MM): I try to stay as natural as possible so, the only supplements that I use are Whey Protein, Glutamine, and I cycle on and off from Creatine.

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

(MM): I have gotten to where I am today by simply setting goals for myself and following through with them. By Staying true to myself and the people in my life. I am dedicated to who I am and don't know any other way to live, than to live out my dreams.

(WP): Do you have anyone you can thank for helping you get where you are?

(MM): If I could thank anyone for helping me get where I am today, I would say thank you to everyone that I have met in my life. Each person I have met has in some way given me direction, advice, and support.

(WP): Tell me about your modeling.

(MM): Modeling, for me, is a great avenue to display my physique. I first became interested into it after a local open call for models. Since then I have worked with many great photographers around the nation who all have given me so much positive influence and support, that it helps me motivate myself to the next level my physical fitness.

(WP): Where do you want to be in 5 years?

(MM): Looking ahead 5 years, I will be a wealthy entrepreneur. I have started developing a strength training grip that will be the start of my line of healthy and fitness products.

(WP): Your physique is out of this world! How do you keep the physique you have? What is the hardest thing for you to face when it comes to keeping your physique?

(MM): Much appreciated! I keep my physique looking fine tuned by sticking to my nutrition plan, and always staying positive. I have adapted such a good balance that I have stopped encountering stress. If a situation comes up that may deviate from my routine whether it be nutritionally or exercises wise, then I always plan ahead, which will prove great results every time.

(WP): Tell me about your future projects. Have any in sight?

(MM): I Just recently finished illustrating a book on dogs called, "So what do I know?!" It is an A to Z dog guide book that is very fun, factual, and enjoyable to read. My aunt had written it after being in the dog grooming business for more than 25 years. It us filled with many hilarious stories and situations. So, it was an honor working on that project with her. The book will be available in late September and can be purchased at www.so-what-do-i-know.com also; I have developed a strength training grip that will provide a much stronger grip so having weak grip strength will not affect your workouts.

(WP): That sounds interesting. I will have to read that. What gets you up in the morning?

(MM): My Timex wrist watch, smell of coffee and the thought of another day of opportunity at hand!

(WP): How do you approach a challenge?

(MM): I always keep my goals clear and visible, and keep my challenges low and out of sight because that’s what a challenge is. It is a necessary speed bump that allows you to get that much closer to your goal, whatever it may be.

(WP): How do you create balance in your life?

(MM): Balance is key. I used to stress myself out with extremely strict guidelines like never enjoying a drink with friends or not taking a day off of training for weeks. But as soon as I started enjoying those small rewards of having a night out with my friends and sometimes taking two consecutive days off of training, I found that it made me that much more dedicated to what I do and surprisingly started growing faster, leaner, and happier. A good balance of work, rest and play are the key to enjoying this whole process.

(WP): I understand you worked with Senior Photographer, John at bbpics.com. What was it like working with him?

(MM): John was a great guy to work with. He had myself and three other models to work with and did so with flawless professionalism. We shot in some amazing locations that are truly unique and became great friends in the process.

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

(MM): John was completely dedicated to creating a fantastic shoot. He had so many great tips and techniques to share that it made it a very relaxed and easy going atmosphere to capture the perfect shot.

(WP): Would you recommend him to your friends? If so; why?

(MM): I would highly recommend John to anyone of my friends who may become interested in fitness photography; he is professional, kind hearted, outgoing, and just a great person to know.

(WP): What one piece of advice you can share with me on how to gain the most muscle the fastest?

(MM): 2 things: 1 - absolutely make positive that your workouts are 100% intense, focused, and fresh. In other words, keep changing up your exercises.

2- Eat non-processes and natural foods.

That is it! There is no secret pill to plop on twenty pounds of muscle, you must earn it!

(WP): Are you married, dating, or do you have kids?

(MM): I am dating a beautiful young lady who I have been seeing for a year now.

(WP): Who had the most impact on you growing up?

(MM): My father had the most impact on me growing up. Having chosen to live with my dad after my parents divorce, my father had to take on both roles, and I give him all the respect in the world for doing so.

(WP): What is your work out regimen?

(MM): My own training is nothing short of 120% intensity followed by ultimate focus and complete exhaustion. I plan my workout in everyday around my normal schedule as a personal trainer, so I have experienced many times training at fluctuating times through the week. Whether it is seven o'clock a.m. or eight o'clock p.m, I mentally prepare myself for that slot. I always set a goal and pre-pave my workouts, exercises, and burnout techniques to achieve consistent positive results, and by incorporating a variety of training methods always reach that goal; sometimes not smiling on the outside, but only inside.

(WP): Have you played in sports before?

(MM): I used to play hockey all through high school. GO WINGS! And now through the summers, I enjoy playing volleyball. This is also a hell of a workout.

(WP): Anything you would like to see change in the bodybuilding world?

(MM): Not so much supplementation. The average bodybuilder is usually carrying around some new Creatine supplement that is the new craze, but real results cannot be bought in a bottle.

(WP): Any shout outs?

(MM): I want to shout out to my bro way up on top of the globe; Alaska. What's good, J man? Love ya bro.

(WP): What is the funniest story that has happened to you while working out?

(MM): Well, it is not funny, but I laughed afterward. After completing my personal best on a deadlift, I knew that I had eaten to close to my workout, because I got to re-visit my meal of broccoli, brown rice, and tuna; Mmm...Mmm, good.

(WP): Ha-ha! Yuck! What is your greatest achievement in bodybuilding?

(MM): I have learned consistent growth. The biggest worry in the past was making each workout successful. Thus, growing. Now, I have learned the key and am unstoppable!

(WP): What is the proudest moment of your life?

(MM): My proudest moment is when I knew what I wanted out of life; to be happy. And, to stop at nothing to get where I wanted to go.

(WP): What are your interests outside of bodybuilding?

(MM): I love playing the drums, drawing abstract designs and tattoos, modeling, playing volleyball, camping out with my girl and the coyotes, and especially traveling to see new places and meet new people.

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

(MM): I wish to be even more confident tomorrow then today.

(WP): Is there anything else you would like to add? Now is the time!

(MM): I just want to thank World Physique for giving me this opportunity to be the featured model and I hope that anyone reading this will be that much more inspired to find what they love and live it.

(WP): You are great, Matt! You have been a pleasure to interview! Thank you for your time and good luck in your future bodybuilding endeavors!