World Physique

Interviewed by Tammy Renee'

Markus Reinhardt was born in Stuttgart, Germany 38 years ago. He decided to immigrate to the US in 1991, at the young age of 21, where he started his career as a Model and Personal Trainer in Venice, CA. and now reside in Las Vegas, NV where he has his own Personal Training firm called. BODYVEGAS.US. He also has competed in various Natural and Non-natural bodybuilding shows throughout the years and has been in several magazines. A lot of people know him to be one of Mike Mentzer’s last prodigee, as he stared in Mike’s last Video, "HIT the Video".

WP: Congratulations, Markus, for being our, "June Bodybuilder of the Month'. We are honored to have you here. What has been your stepping stone to get where you are today?

MR: Thank you, Tammy. It's an honor to be here. I think moving away from Germany at an early age was the best decision and has been a huge stepping stone in my life. I would have never made my dream come true in Germany. The US is the place to me for a bodybuilder and anyone that is interested to make a living out of it.

WP: The United States has so many opportunities! What has it been like to maintain your physique? Have you done anything different lately?

MR: To maintain is actually not that hard. I’ve been training the same HIT style, but am mixing it up some lately. However, I have dropped all sorts of heavy explosive style moves due to joint damage and the fact that I am not 25 anymore. Ha-ha. I wish I would’ve known earlier in my career that explosive training is not only bad for you, but has absolutely no room in resistance training if building muscle is what you’re after. I have cleaned up my workouts a lot and have been training with a super strict style to be able to continue to grow without the risk of injury.

WP: I can understand! So many things I would have done differently if I would have just known better. You have competed before? Can you tell me more about it?

MR: I started competing back in Germany in 1987! I did a few shows there and then moved to US. I then decided to compete in Musclemania events for a while. I placed pretty high and took the light-heavy weights in 2000; where I came in at 198 very ripped pounds. I also did a few NPC shows, but did not feel I belong there. I am more of a model/bodybuilder now and I love to compete. Don’t get me wrong. I am just not willing to kill myself over it.

WP: I hear you are something to be reckoned with when you're on that stage. You must be pretty good. Are you planning to compete again in the future?

MR: Yes, I am. I am planning to compete in this year’s Musclemania here in Las Vegas on November 21. It’s perfect since this is my town and I hate to travel for contests. I am almost 40 now and I want to do at least 1 or 2 shows and plan to win the overall title. Maybe I will do some shows after I turn 40, as well. Maybe I will reach my peak then. Who knows? I love being in shape; whether for a contest or not.

WP: Not only is it in your town, it's also a great competition. Just about everyone I know shows up for that one. What other sports or activities did or do you enjoy?

MR: I played soccer for a short time and was a goal keeper. Well, I sucked badly and got kicked off the team. Ha-ha!

WP: Oh my gosh! How funny and cute! Why were you kicked off the team?

MR: I was never really a team sport kind of guy, I guess. Later on, I started to be a street dancer. I use to break dance back in 1984. Ouch!

WP: Ha-ha! I can actually see you as a dancer. Were you any good at break dancing?

MR: Actually, this is how I earned my pocket money. I performed crazy ass stunts on the streets for money. Those were some good times back then. Later, I discovered bodybuilding, but also had a few years of interest in kick boxing around that time, in 1986. The love for bodybuilding took over and the rest is history.

WP: Your fans are going to love this interview! I'm even finding out things about you I didn't know, and I've known you for some time now. This is great! Okay, since you got hooked on bodybuilding, what was the hardest thing for you to overcome when you first started?

MR: It was probably the language barrier. I knew a lot about training, but could not really get my point across to my clients. Also, it was the fact that I had to work two jobs to make ends meet, at first, when moving to the states. Both were dangerous; ranging from dealing with street gangs while working Security for a mall over to working as a bouncer in one of the most dangerous areas in LA. I am still alive and kicking, but I had a few situations that ended up being some close calls.

WP: I could not imagine what you went through. I bet it was horrible. But, look at you now! You have done great for yourself. What are the key factors that dictate the way you train today?

MR: To keep my answer brief, I will have to say; intense and too failure. No exotic movements and no volume training. High intensity training (HIT) is my choice of training and simply has worked for me and all of my clients the best.

WP: How has your training changed over the years?

MR: It has changed in volume. I never really trained with high volume, but during the years, I have realized that even 6 sets per muscle can mean 3 too many. Ha-ha! I have learned a lot when I trained by Mike Mentzer back in 1997. So my volume over the years got even reduced and my progress has skyrocket!

WP: Sounds like Mike has changed your life for the positive. That's great! As most of us knows, when we workout we watch what we eat. What was the hardest thing you had to deal with when it came to your diet?

MR: I hate dieting. I don’t like the way I feel and the fact that I can’t engage in most social events with my friends because of it. I also like to drink on a weekly basis and get a good buzz hanging at the pool with my friends. To give all that up for a trophy is hard at times, but to be in shape is priceless. So, that’s why I always stay close to contest shape. That way, I don’t have to kill myself and still have some fun as long as I don’t go too crazy. And trust me; I can be a crazy dude at time. Ha-ha!

WP: Oh, I can imagine! You seem to be the type that loves to enjoy life. Where do you see your career and life in 10 years from now?

MR: In 10 years from now, I foresee in owning and operating my own personal training fitness facility. My business will primarily focus on putting into practice my philosophy on High Intensity Training, nutrition and making it a part of an every day lifestyle.

WP: With the way you are going, you're going to have that goal in 5 years. What about your modeling? I know you are involved in some stuff with it. Can you tell me alittle about it?

MR: Sure! Currently, I am involved with several agencies throughout the greater Las Vegas area. I am involved in print modeling, commercials, and convention work.

WP: That's why I had to flag you down just to get an interview! You are always so busy! Can you tell me any photographers' you’ve worked with, or someone you’d like to work with?

MR: I’ve worked with many photographers’ in the fitness industry, such as Mike Nevuex with Ironman Magazine, Terry Goodlad with MD Magazine, as well as Robert Reiff with M& F Magazine. I would like to work with David Paul, whom I think is amazing in portraying the art of the human form.

WP: I am sure all of your fans and our readers are wanting to know what supplements do you currently take? What can help to achieve such a great physique?

MR: Ha-ha! I am taking SAN Supplements; which I highly believe in. The quality is simply outstanding. I use a variety of their supplements; ranging from Whey protein, which helps me to recover from my high intensity workouts, to Fat Burners, which enables my body to achieve the lean muscularity, which I currently uphold.

WP: Everyone, don't stop reading the interview to find out more about SAN Supplements until we are finished! Ha-ha! I'll be checking those out, too! What are your pet peeves?

MR: Lack of dedication and lack of integrity is my pet peeve. Another one is when people that say one thing, but do another. Whether they are close friends or it’s business related.

WP: Great answer! What do you consider to be important in life and why?

MR: The most important thing in life, I believe, is to achieve happiness. Happiness does not come with money alone. Building your self esteem with accomplishments by doing productive work is the way to go. Finding your purpose in life and holding truth as your ultimate virtue is the key. I intent to stand by my principles no matter what.

WP: How have you changed over the past few years when it comes to thinking, actions, and life in general?

MR: I don’t think I have changed, but I think I have evolved a lot as a person. I am, however, a lot more driven and more intense about getting things done now then ever. I think the reason why is that I am almost 40, of course, and feel like if I don’t do it now it might be too late.

WP: Do you have any shout outs?

MR: I’d like to thank all my fans and online clients’ that have helped me a built a business with my One-on-One and Online Training Consultations over the years. You all know who you are and I want to thank you all for the continuing support.

WP: That is very unique. You say thank you to your clients'. From the many years I have asked this question, I don't get that very often. You are very unique! It's good to hear someone actually thanking all of their clients and not just a few. You're very known for your chest! Can you give me an example of your workout.

MR: An example on paper does not look very impressive and rather confusing to most of your readers but I will try. Ha-ha

For my chest, I do Peck Deck Super Sets with Incline Press on either a Smith Machine or Incline Nautilus Machine. I do 1 set each of 6-10 reps to failure and beyond. I also do Cable Crossover’s for 1 set of 8-12 reps to failure. Occasionally, I add 1 set of Dips with a wide grip for 1x8-12 to failure.

That’s my entire chest workout. I do 3-4 sets total! 1 xper per week.

WP: I think that worked out well. Thank you for that. Give me an example of your diet. What do you normally eat each day?

MR: Sure, this is just an example of what I eat during a day;

Breakfast: 1 cup of raw oats with Whey Powder and skim milk. I also add some strawberries. It takes me 2minutes to prepare. I am lazy in the morning. Ha-ha

Snack: SAN MRP Shake (Infusion/4 scoops with water).

Lunch: 1 cup of brown rice with veggies and 8 ounces of steak or chicken.

Snack: SAN MRP.

Pre-workout: 1 cup of oats with some yogurt and fruit.

Post-workout: 2 scoops of SAN Whey Protein with banana.

Dinner: Salad or veggies with fish or Sashimi (Ahi Tuna).

WP: That's a very clean diet! What made you move to Las Vegas? From all places, you moved to Las Vegas.

MR: I moved here in 2003, after getting tired of the "hustle and bustle" in Los Angeles. I believe that Las Vegas is the a best place for a bodybuilder these days, and I love the dynamic feel of this city. I work a lot more here as a trainer and have less competition. Plus, I do a huge amount of entertainment work such as modeling, expos and lots of cool fun gigs that help pay the bills and make life an adventure out here. Living here feels like a vacation that never stops. Ha-ha!

WP: What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas! LOL I bet it is fun living there. Tell me about your family. In addition, are you married, single, or dating?

MR: I live in Las Vegas. It’s hard to keep a relationship; trust me. I am seeing a girl now that I really like, so yes, I am dating; I guess. I was married once before but, that’s a another story. I do have a little daughter out of that marriage and she is beautiful. The rest of my family lives in Germany and I visit them on a yearly basis. As a matter of fact, I planning a trip to Paris and Monaco in 2 month and will be stopping by in Germany to spend some time with them. My sister, which is my "biggest fan", will be coming to Vegas soon, too. I have 2 sisters and a mom and dad died in 1997. The remaining of my family lives in Germany. So, I guess I am the only one out here. It gets lonely at times, but I got my little dog. Ha-ha!

WP: Could you tell me about your future projects?

MR: I am planning to shoot another HIT Video by the end of this summer. You can visit my site. There are several on my website already. It will be a very complete version of my own training style and it will also cover my diet and supplement program. I am filming this in HD and it will be available for sale on my website. Other then that I am also coming out with an E-Book which will be called, “THE PROGRAM - a complete guide to "How to train and How to eat MR STYLE!" It will also be available on my site via download.

WP: Sounds like you have a lot of things going on! Okay, we're almost finished! Just a couple of more questions. I also heard you are a Pilot. Can you tell me about that?

MR: Well, besides being a bodybuilder, I am also an aspiring Helicopter Pilot. I was always fascinated with these incredible machines since I was a kid. I got into building RC ones 2 years ago and currently own 4 model one’s that I fly (and crash. Ha-ha!) on a weekly basis. I started taking real lessons flying Helis a few months ago and I will probably be one of the first Heli Pilots with 20 inch arms. Ha-ha!

WP: How cool is that? Everyone, be sure to watch for Markus' ebook, videos, and helicopters! It has been great interviewing you and an honor to name you, "World Physique's June Bodybuilder of the Month". You have well deserved it. Be sure to grab a copy of World Physique's hard copy magazine coming in June to see markus in it as we honor him with this title.