World Physique

Interviewed by Tammy Renee'
Photos by: BBpics.com

WP: Hey John! Let’s begin with you telling us a little about yourself.

JS: Well, to know about me means you have to know how I am as a person. I have a rule: “If you can’t laugh about it, it’s not worth it!” So, when you realize that’s how I am then you will see that I take life with a grain of salt, but I realize that if you’re doing something that doesn’t make you happy then don’t do it. I am basically your simple Midwest small town boy from St. Louis. I grew up next to a quarry and played in the woods. But I always loved staying in shape, even as a child. My admiration for staying healthy was only a hobby as a child, but it has developed into a career and well I wouldn’t say obsession, but a passionate life long commitment I don’t take lightly.

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

JS: I would have to say the major moment in my life was when I started finally gaining weight, getting ripped, and getting my first issue of Muscular Development and seeing some monstrous bodybuilder on there just absolutely shredded to hell and holding a giant trophy of Arnold. I knew then I wanted to have that one day, the chance to show the world I can accomplish no one even remotely could think possible from my home town.

WP: How long have you been lifting?

JS: I have been lifting for about 8 years. I started my Junior year of High School, and well, once I started to see BIG results, I was really motivated by the impact it had on my life in many ways.

WP: That's a pretty long time! What titles have you won?

JS: I have only technically one title and that was 2nd place in the Hawaii Armed Forces Bodybuilding Championships in 2004. But, I seriously want to win more and actually get a sponsor to be able to compete professionally.

WP: That's great! You have to begin somewhere and it sounds like you have a great take off. What competitions have you appeared in and what place did you win?

JS: As stated before, I won 2nd in the Hawaii AFBC, and I competed in the Miami Model Universe and got 47 out of 153 models. Not so hot, but hey, never did it and it was a lot of fun.

WP: It's a lot better then 153 out of 153 models! Ha-ha! What are your best lifts?

JS: I used to like squats a lot because I know even though I didn’t see results as quickly as other muscle groups, I felt really confident that I would see BIG results down the road. But, since my lower back has issues now, I would say my favorite lifts are dumbbell bench and preacher curls. I love the pump I get from both of them. Wow!

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

JS: It’s simple, really. Use more weight with lower reps for build mass and use less weight with more reps for getting cut. But, also free weights and cable machines are the key to work on striations and definition. Also, with any workout, a great diet plan is essential for getting very cut and gaining weight.

WP: That's so true! What do you eat in a normal day?

JS: Don’t hate me, but I eat anything I want really. I know I probably shouldn’t but, I just have been blessed with a great metabolism and great genes.

WP: Hush your mouth! I'm the type that look at the wrong food and I gain. It's a constant battle for me. Wait until you get my age...then, come back and let's interview! Ha-ha. Do you allow yourself a cheat day?

JS: No! I never cheat on anything. Cheating only means you allow yourself to not fulfill your full potential any given day. It’s all or nothing!

WP: I believe you are the first person to ever answer that question with a no. Very interesting concept you have. You are dedicated! What supplements do you take?

JS: Currently, I am taking Cell-Tech, Arson Fat-Burner and Taraxatone.

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

JS: It’s not really a story but, just a long road of hard work, blood, sweat, and tears. I got to where I am today through much harsh training through the Navy and SEAL training. With my own skills, I learned. I have also taught myself Tai Chi and focus on Judo and wrestling. I have spent years to continually training myself on a daily basis and resting one day a week. Simply put; it’s dedication.

WP: Wow! Impressive! I bet you did learn a lot from being a Navy Seal! Do you have anyone you can thank for helping you get where you are?

JS: I can’t really put my thanks all on one person, because not anyone has really helped me get where I am today but me. I can thank Kevin Jackson, the PKA World Champion, for being my MMA trainer, and also I can thank the internet for being readily available for my portfolio and lastly, John Mitchell, for getting me this opportunity to be able to be on this wonderful site.

WP: Blush! You called us, "Wonderful!" Okay, your next protein shake is on us! Ha-ha! Tell me about your modeling.

JS: My modeling is what I would like to say is an extension of my inner imagination. I get to be whoever I want, whenever I want. I can shoot and be a superhero or a bad guy. I can be a warrior or a gladiator. I can be someone real or someone fantasy. But, modeling lets me create visual art. Making my body the best looking it can be helps with that creation.

WP: You're so right about modeling being a visual art. That is what sets a real model from a wanna be model. You hear all of the time, "I'm a model". But, look at their pictures! It's like, "Let me stand here, put my hands on my hips, act nervous, and give them a smile". That's not modeling! Create! Pictures are stories and art. Where do you want to be in 5 years?

JS: In 5 years? Wow! Most people can’t tell you that, but I have known that for a long time. I want to be living in California, married and/or living with my beautiful girlfriend or wife, and have at least one child. I would, also, be living my dream of acting and doing stunt work in the movie industry. Hopefully, I can get a sponsor from a supplement company by then so I can be able to nationally compete in competitions.

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?

JS: I honestly have to say I maintain my physique by just a strict work out. Since I truthfully don’t like dieting, I work twice as hard in the gym, and make sure that when I leave, I’m exhausted to the brink. The hardest thing I had to overcome was when I had asthma when I was younger. If I hadn’t overcome that, I wouldn’t be able to run the 2 to3 miles I can now.

WP: Over coming Asthma must have been hard. Tell me about your future projects. Have any in sight?

JS: I currently am shooting for the cover of MEN magazine and hopefully, BBPics can get me picked for Men’s Workout. *wink-wink* I am also working on getting into Hollywood with 'Triple Mood Productions' and making a horror movie appearance. In addition, I am doing some stunt work for 'Iron Man 2'. I am really excited about all I have on my plate right now.

WP: A cover and a movie? Yes, God has blessed you! What gets you up in the morning?

JS: What gets all men up in the morning? HUNGER! Ha-ha! Being formerly in the Navy, I would say, just getting up from a 4 hour sleep is usually my internal clock waking me up. Nothing really gets me up in the morning except an alarm clock occasionally, if it’s an important thing.

WP: Ha-ha! Hunger. If that was so for me, I'd never sleep! How do you approach a challenge?

JS: Any challenge I see coming, I look at it simply a soon-to-be-past hurdle. I look at life as nothing will stand in my way from achieving what I desire, and if there is something that is difficult, I buckle down and suck it up and “keep it moving”.

WP: How do you create balance in your life?

JS: I have been doing Tai Chi for about 4 years and that has created such peace and inner balance in my own personal life. I look at life as a glass of water, either you can drink it and sate your thirst, or you can not drink it and always be thirsty for more! But, when you only take a sip, you will create a desire to overcome anything at all.

WP: I like the way you think! I understand you worked with our Senior Photographer, John at bbpics.com. What was it like working with him?

JS: Wow! I’m experience working with John Mitchell. To say the least, he is a great guy personally. He is an awesome host when it comes to shoots, and takes care of his models really well. He is very professional and keeps the motivation in the shoots going and very full with positive energy. Before the shoot, I did a little body analysis with him and his constructive criticism was very well taken in. I like being able to have someone tell me what I need to work on other than my own. So, it was a good confidence builder as well as, a different angle, of how someone sees my physique. John Mitchell was a great photographer and I would love to work with him very soon in the future.

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

JS: Not only did he fly me down to Arizona to do the shoot, but he covered the travel accommodations while there such as the hotel. He was a complete professional while shooting. John is a gentleman and truly a great photographer. His physical inspection of my physique was very inspirational and motivational, as well. Truly gave a lot of attention to me as a bodybuilder and a model. Good guy all around.

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

JS: I recommend protein and a ton of heavy weights and max repping.

WP: All the women want to know this question. Are you married, dating, or do you have kids?

JS: I have been married and I wish I was dating. I have seen a few ladies recently but, none around that give me much of a chance because of my looks. I don’t have children, but I will cherish the day I get to be a wonderful father. I can’t wait.

WP: Okay, women! Stand in line. Stop pushing! Ha-ha! Who had the most impact on you growing up?

JS: I say my mother had the most impact on me while I was growing up. She was always a guiding light for me. She simply let me do what I wanted, but let me learn from my mistakes and when I made them, she taught me the right way to do things. She usually trusted my judgment.

WP: What is your work out regimen?

JS: If you only knew! It’s a 6-day a week workout. It’s a rotational non-platform forming 6 weeks program that you inverse after 6 weeks and then you will never become complacent with the same workout and you will continually see results. I made it in the Navy and used it since.

WP: Have you played in sports before?

JS: Yes indeed, I have! I have played many sports in High School and in the Navy. I did four years of football and wrestling. In addition, I did one year of track and field and 2 years of boxing outside of school. While in the Navy, I was selected for the all-navy team in San Diego, as well. Recently back in November of 2008, I started up doing MMA cage fighting.

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

JS: Yea! Have me in it! Ha-ha.

WP: Ha-ha! Cute! Very cute! Any shout outs?

JS: Yes, I want shout out to the father I never had the chance to meet. Brian Swan. He was murdered when I was 13 and I never got the chance to meet him or see what kind of man he was. Also, I would like to give a prayer for my grandfather, whom I vow to make the Stinekraus family name very proud and give it honor.

WP: I am so sorry to hear that about your father. What is your greatest achievement in bodybuilding?

JS: I placed 2nd in the Hawaii AFBC in 2004 for Light Heavy’s that was a total mind blower!

WP: I bet it was! What are your interests outside of bodybuilding?

JS: I love to sing, read books, go dancing, and absolutely love cooking. Movies are simply one of my many “dork-ish” qualities. But sci-fi really is something I enjoy a lot too. Gaming, I have to say, is a favorite past time. I’m a testosterone filled male, I love sports. Football and baseball do it for me and so does REAL wrestling, boxing and cage fighting.

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

JS: Wow! That’s a deep and loaded question! I would change a couple choices in my past life, but he-he, can’t tell you that.

WP: Take him in the back, Bruno, and ruff him up until he tells us! Ha-ha! Just kidding. Sit back down, Bruno! Is there anything else you would like to add? Now is the time!

JS: Nope! I’m all good! Actually, yes! Remember there are two facts in life. 1. If you can’t laugh about it, it’s not worth it, and 2. Be like water! Go with the flow!

WP: You have been a pleasure to interview! Thank you for your time and good luck in your future bodybuilding endeavors!

JS: Thank you very much I truly am overjoyed with this wonderful opportunity! Thanks!