World Physique

WP: Brandon Lyons is our second ever, "Personal Trainer of the Month" in our new series, "Promoting Greatness". This is where clients write in and nominate you for this title. Brandon's clients really think highly of him and actually awarded him with this title. So, Brandon, it's such a pleasure interviewing you today. Congratulations! Please tell our readers a little about yourself.

BL: Thank you, Tammy. Well, I am 25 years old. I was raised in Gresham, OR. I was an athlete all throughout school in which I played Football and Wrestling.

WP: How long have you been in the fitness industry?

BL: I have been in the industry about 7 years now.

WP: What made you decide to get into the fitness industry?

BL: I first started off working with supplements working for GNC. As I was a consistent member at Olympic Gym in Gresham, they felt I would be a great addition to their team and I was recruited to be a personal trainer. At that moment, I was doing it to just to get by while I was waiting for construction apprenticeships to open up. Little did I know I was on a path to building a career in the most rewarding career emotionally and financially?

WP: Not many athletes get the chance you got. That is great! You mentioned you became a Personal Trainer. Being a Personal Trainer, you must be certified. What is your educational background? What are your certifications?

BL: NASM CPT, NASM PES, NASM CES, and ISSA CPT.

WP: Wow! That's outstanding! Those are some major certifications! How long have you been a personal trainer?

BL: I've been certified for 7 years.

WP: What do you feel sets you apart from all other personal trainers out there?

BL: I feel that there is an “X” factor that I have that others do not have. I have the ability to coach and lead people. I am not quite sure how I get people to follow me so well, but I guess I can say I have charismatic ways. Ha-ha! I also feel it’s important that people come to terms with the fact they do NOT know everything. When something is not working for a client’s physique, I am going the extra mile to figure out what I can do to continue our successful path.

WP: That is great! Where do you train your clients? Do you train them in a gym, at home, or where?

BL: I train clients' out of a gym in Portland, OR.

WP: How much time per day do you typically spend with a client?

BL: In an ideal world, I would love to meet with all my clients every day, but my average client meets with me twice per week. Sometimes more or less; depending on time and budget.

WP: How many days do you suggest your clients to work out in a week?

BL: That depends upon the client. I have Physique Competitors that train 5-6 days per week, Fighters that do strength and conditioning 2-3 times per week, and disabled clients that meet with me once a week to just keep there bodies moving.

WP: You motivate your clients' all of the time. What motivates you?

BL: At this stage in my life, I am focused on building a foundation for my future. I hope to someday have a wife and kids. Personal Training and Bodybuilding are two avenues that are going to help me provide a stable life for my future family. The more I can accomplish and stabilize at this point in my life, the better quality of life my family and I can live in the future.

WP: What forms of exercise do you find to be the most effective for the following:

To gain mass?

BL: I am big advocate of free weights and body weights exercises, so when I am training individuals to increase muscle we stick to a lot of the “Meat and Potato” exercises. Bench, Squats, Lunges, Pull ups, Dips, etc.

WP: To lose weight?

BL: I still do a lot of the same exercises only cut back on rest periods and increase reps to increase our Heart Rate. Due to fatigue, we may throw in more machines to prevent injuries.

WP: Great answers so far! What do you say about preparing for competitions?

BL: In weeks leading up to show I will scale back the amount of weights and increase machines also. The last thing anyone wants is all that hard work to be thrown in the trash due to a UN called for injury. But we still work hard and still do some free weights. That is what a trainer is for. To help keep intensity high and maintaining safety.

WP: I know that you also compete? What places have you won.

BL: 2005 Junior Emerald Cup Champion(20 and under), 2006 Super heavyweight Emerald Cup 5th place, 2007 Heavyweight Emerald Cup 4th place, and 2008 Heavyweight Emerald Cup 2nd place.

WP: What do you like and dislike about competing?

BL: My like: I love pushing myself to places that a very few of us have the “kahoneez” to do! I tell any of my competitors whether they win the overall or take 5th, 8th, or last, be proud! This sport is challenging physically, mentally, and emotionally!

My dislike: I would have to say I have met a lot of WONDERFUL people in the sport of bodybuilding. On the other hand, we ALL know that there are some people that lack integrity and good intent. I am lucky to have met so many wonderful mentors in the sport at such a young age.

WP: What would you change about the judges in the competitions?

BL: I would like a little more clarity in the figure and bikini divisions. It is new and I am sure, in just a matter of time, the standard will be set. It’s just hard right now when I have these hard working women not getting a clear painted picture. But, in time, I am sure well have all the expectations a little more clearly.

WP: Are you aiming for a pro card? If so, tell me what you are planning to reach your goal.

BL: Absolutely! Next year I will be competing in the LA championships, and the USA’s, if my off season goes as planned.

WP: From your past contests, what have you learned you need to correct or work on for the physique you are aiming for?

BL: I need a bigger upper body in general! The national level heavyweights and super-heavyweights have massive upper bodies! I have been told by NPC judges my legs are top national quality already. Now, I just need to match my upper to my lower!

WP: What are your strengths and weaknesses in this industry?

BL: My Strength is my will to do whatever it takes to get to the top. I am blessed with great genetics (thanks mom and dad), and I am 25. I have all the tools, potential, and time in the world to be amongst the best in the world.

My weakness used to be my off season discipline. But, not anymore!

WP: What problems did you have to overcome in order to stay on track with your fitness program?

BL: This past year I took a few months out of the gym and to keep active I was doing some MMA stuff. I broke my wrist while training. I had surgery and had plates and screws put in there, the whole works. I had to take 2 months and be a couch potato. I was able to do a little cardio, but that’s still couch potato to me! ha-ha!

WP: I don't see you as a couch potato! What keeps fitness interesting to you?

BL: There is always a new goal! You win a show, do a bigger one! You win a fight, fight someone better! You win a race, Race faster people! You learn to do standing shoulder press, do a shoulder press while standing on a Bosu Ball! There is always something to achieve! If you achieve it… set the bar higher and go get it!

WP: And you're wondering why people are following you! Geez! You are making me want to follow you just by interviewing you! Tell me something about yourself that no one else knows. It’s just between us, no one else will know. Ha-ha.

BL: I have cried while watching “A baby story”. Ha-ha!

WP: Ha-ha! OMG! Big teddy bear! How have you changed over the years?

BL: My clients that have trained with me over the years would laugh so hard if they saw this question. I’m obviously at an age where growing up happens every day of my life. I could go on for days about why and what has happened to cause it, but you only have so much ink to print this interview!

WP: That sounds like a book in the making! Ha-ha! Any shout outs?

BL: I would like to give a special shout out to some of the mentors I have had in this sport. Andre “Bam Bam” Scott, Sean Calder, Bleu Taylor, Noel Fuller, Sheila Bleck, and Ricky Collins. You all have in somehow affected my path in this sport positively and I appreciate you encouragement. It is because of coaches and mentors like yourselves that make me good at what I do, and if it weren’t for those people I would not be where I am right now. Thanks so much!

WP: What is your diet?

BL: My diet actually depends on time of year!

WP: Who had the most impact on you in your life thus far?

BL: I have been blessed with too many wonderful people in my life to choose only one.

WP: What were you like in high school?

BL: Some would say I was a social butterfly. I was an average student. I always did what it takes to get by, so that I could go back to chasing girls and playing sports! I was friends with all types. I did and still do get along with everyone. I can, somehow, find common ground with anyone and relate to them. Maybe that’s why I am able to coach so many people effectively

WP: I love asking that question. Please describe a typical day for you. What is your daily routine like?

BL: I wake up at 6:30 a.m. for cardio. I work from 9-2 p.m. working with clients. I do my weight training at about 2 or 3pm. I do my last set of clients from 4 to 8pm. At night I prepare my food for next day and relax watch some TV. Oh yea! I also fit in about 6 to 7 meals a day in there!

WP: Sounds like a busy day. What are your hobbies outside of fitness?

BL: My hobbies outside of fitness are my family, friends, MMA, and camping.

WP: What type of music do you listen to?

BL: I listen to everything!

WP: This is the last question before we close the interview. What are your future projects?

BL: My future project is being amongst the best bodybuilding coaches in the country!

WP: Anything you would like to mention before we close?

BL: It was a great honor to be apart of this magazine! Thank you very much.

WP: Thank you, Brandon! It has been a great honor featuring you. Everyone, be sure to pick up a copy of our July issue of the hard copy magazine because you will see Brandon featured on the "Personal Trainer of the Month" page in it! Be sure to ask him to autograph it for you!