Interview With Michael DiGangi
Featured Athlete - 2009
Interview by: Tammy Renee'
Photos by: BBpics.com
WP: Hello, Michael. It's a honor to be interviewing you. I have to say that the minute I saw a picture of you, all I could think was, "Cover Model!" You have a face and physique that will not be easily forgotten. I think so many magazines and photographers will be seeing you on this site and come after you! You are truly one of a kind!
MD: Thank you, Ms. Tammy.
WP: You are very welcome. So, let’s begin with you telling us a little about yourself.
MD: My pleasure. First off, I am almost 19, a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and PES Personal Trainer. I was born and raised in Gilbert, AZ and am currently LA bound. I was always an athlete through childhood and High School. I played baseball and soccer and later transitioned into being a kicker in football from soccer in High School while still playing baseball. There was one problem, however. I was always told I was too big, muscle bound, etc. because I wouldn’t give up the lifestyle I love; which was fitness and bodybuilding. Nothing stopped me from being in the gym. I was offered full ride scholarships to play football as a kicker at San Diego State University, but wasn’t willing to comit to that sort of lifestyle. My passion lies in Fitness, as where it will remain.
WP: It's great to see you so young and already certified. You have already set yourself in the industry. That is telling this industry that you are ready for what it has. You stated that you knew you were made for the fitness industry. What was it that made you know that you, without a doubt, want to go into fitness?
MD: Well, I always jumped in and out of modeling gigs; despite my size and physique, in which I had a lot of trouble getting work because I wasn’t “fashion” material and refused to give up my gym life and training style. At 17, I took 2nd place in America’s Fittest Model and at that time, I realized there is more to Fitness Modeling and Bodybuilding than I thought. I immediately fell in love with the industry and began my journey to be among the top known in the industry.
WP: I truly believe you will get where you want to be. Truly! How long have you been lifting?
MD: I have been doing some sort of push ups, sit ups, pull ups etc.. ever since I can remember! I guess, around the age of 10 years old or 11 years old? At 14, as a Freshman in High School, I began to carve my physique. I was always a pretty good size, yet proportional, and had the strength to go right along with it.
WP: So you started when you were really young. You mentioned earlier that you were in competitions. What titles have you won thus far?
MD: I placed 2nd over all in America’s Fittest Model in June of 2008, and am about to be the NPC Western Natural Champion March 28th, 2009!
WP: Oh, I like how you are positive! Good luck in the competition. What are your best lifts?
MD: Oh! Where do I start! Ha-ha! I like to consider myself pretty well rounded, meaning I enjoy all lifts. But, my squat is around 405+. My dead Lift is around 405+. My bench is around 345. I haven’t maxed in a while so, I am not really sure of my best.
WP: Wow! That is outstanding! With what you can lift you must have advice to people that wish to build more mass and more cut?
MD: Absolutely! That’s one of the things I get paid to do! Ha-ha! People who want to obtain certain goals, they have to be willing to put in the time and effort. All variables must be set aside. Variables to focus on, once commitment level is established are, protein-carb-fat ratio daily intake along with proper exercise. The proper amount of sets, reps, rest, and weight are key. Otherwise, you could be potentially wasting your time if exercising improperly.
WP: That is great advice! You mentioned ratios in the diet. What do you eat in a normal day?
MD: In season, I wake up at a time in the morning that most people don’t even know exists to get my first meal in consisting of half of an apple, oatmeal and egg whites. Throughout the day at that appropriate times, I have chicken, brown rice and veggies. For my 3 PM meal, I will eat some Flank steak for some saturated fat with yams instead of brown rice. About an hour and a half before I go to bed, I have egg whites. Now, out of season, I eat moderately clean during the week however, I consume more carbs than in season. On the weekend, I will throw some junk food in each of the days.
WP: That is a lot of clean food! Do you allow yourself a cheat day?
MD: In Season, it’s not a cheat DAY, it's more like a cheat MEAL! Absolutely!
WP: I see you limit yourself and that's great! What supplements do you take?
MD: I am acutally provided supplementation from dotFIT. I am a Signature Athlete with dotFIT and appreciate their full support as they guide me to my fitness goals! They have a very strong line up of product! Personally, I use the Amino Boost, NO7 Rage, Whey Smooth Protein, Creatine, Active Multi - Vitamin, Super Omega - 3 and Joint Flexibility Plus. You can take the same product I take by going on my site and clicking the link I have, if you want to order product or read about it!
WP: As soon as we are finished with this interview, I'm checking this link! Could you tell me a story of how you have gotten where you are today?
MD: I have always been a very disciplined, hard working, focused, and a committed individual. When I say I’m going to do something, I am going to do it. There is nothing that gets in my way of what I want to be and want to achieve.
WP: That is a mark of a great person and athlete. Do you have anyone you can thank for helping you get where you are?
MD: Indeed. My Parents and brother, first and foremost. They went through brand new diet experiences with me through my first dieting phases. All the photographers that helped promote me since day one. Jeff Gleason of AZ based Ford Model/Photographer, Michael Franco which is an AZ and LA based photographer, John Mitchell which is a National Photographer, and all the others whom they know who they are.
WP: Sounds like you've had a lot of great support behind you. Your photos are outstanding. Can you tell me about your modeling?
MD: I have worked very hard thus far to promote myself alone to get myself noticed. I can’t wait to be among numerous covers, spreads, commercials and ads!
WP: Well, I can promise, you've been noticed! Where do you want to be in 5 years, then?
MD: In five years, I will be living in LA, with a Pro Card and will be a known model in the Industry.
WP: If you believe, you can acheive! 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?
MD: Thank you very much! I appreciate the kind words. I get away with eating a lot of what I want out of season and still maintain a similar physique to in - season. People have to understand a huge part of physique maintenance is genetics. The hardest thing for me to face is while training for a shoot or show, I have to stay focused and eat my food and not pay attention to the people eating around me.
WP: Oh, that must be hard. But you have your mind on goals! Tell me about your future projects. Have any in sight?
MD: Absolutely! I hope to have many spreads and covers rise, in which some in World Physique!
WP: It's on it way! What us smoke! Ha-ha! So, Michael, what gets you up in the morning?
MD: What gets me up in the morning is 'I am going to win!" and I get to eat! Ha-ha!
WP: Ha-ha! Yes, eating gets me up in the morning, too! How do you approach a challenge?
MD: I approach challenges with the mentality that no doubt it can be done…and then some!
WP: Great outlook! How do you create balance in your life?
MD: I create balance by telling myself over and over again that this is what I love to do.
WP: You mentioned earlier that you worked with our Senior Photographer, John at bbpics.com. What was it like working with him?
MD: Yes! Working with John Mitchell was absolutely amazing! In LA, he had a very set itinerary of everything we would be put through and be shooting. The shots came out amazing! John definitely has a talent. His images are very natural and are not done up like a lot of photographers, like to do in Photoshop. His images are very true and real images. True art.
WP: How did he go over and beyond for you?
MD: John totally went out of his way to get me as many quality shots as he possibly could in a short amount of time. He wouldn’t even eat during the day! He didn’t want to waste any time!
WP: Would you recommend him to your friends? If so, Why?
MD: Most definitely! He is very organized and is definitely characterized as a Professional; no question about it!
WP: I bet John's head is growing bigger as we speak! Ha-Ha! What one piece of advice you can share with me on how to gain the most muscle the fastest?
MD: One piece, that’s it?! Ok, well you have to eat big to get big!
WP: Ha-ha! I'll let you give two pieces in our next interview! I am sure all of your fans want to know if you are married, dating, or single?
MD: I am dating a wonderful woman who means so much to me!
WP: Awwwwww! She sounds like she really makes you happy! Who had the most impact on you growing up?
MD: My parents are hands down the people who had the most impact of my childhood. I can’t thank them enough!
WP: In this world, that is such a compliment to parents to hear that your son thinks that much about you. I am touched! What is your work out regimen?
MD: I switch everything up every 4-6 weeks, but for the most part, it consists of a 5 day split. I do one body part a day. Heavy on the first set and possibly second set at low rep ranges, progressing onto set number 3 and possibly 4 at lighter weight and higher rep range to increase blood flow. Train for 60 minutes max with cardio at 75% of my max heart rate/anabolic base for 30 minutes. I also engage in cardio 5 days a week.
WP: Is there anything you would like to see change in the bodybuilding world?
MD: In the bodybuilding world, I would like to see different faces. There is so much undiscovered talent out there!
WP: I agree with you. It seems you see the same people over and over. Any shout outs?
MD: Oh man, I know if I say some I will forget the rest! You all you know who you are!!
WP: I sort of put you on the spot with that question! Sorry. Ha-ha What are your interests outside of bodybuilding?
MD: I love cars. All different kinds. Mainly luxury, bikes, and muscle. I'm very active. I love to go out to good restaurants, travel, cruises, etc.
WP: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
MD: Oh man, another tough question. Ha-Ha. I don’t think anyone is completely satisfied with themselves. I would have to say my hairline. I have some what of a larger forehead.
WP: Oh my gosh! What?! Stop it! There is nothing wrong with your forehead! Geez! Is there anything else you would like to add? Now is the time!
MD: I would just love to thank you for this opportunity and am truely honored to be a part of World Physique. I am incredibly excited for what’s to come! I would also like to thank John Mitchell for everything he has done for me.
WP: We are the honored one! Now get out there and do us proud! You will be the next big thing in this industry! We know it, you know it, now it's time for the entire world to know it! We are honored to have you part of World Physique.
