World Physique

Interviewed by Tammy Renee'

WP: Congratulations on winning our ‘Transformation of the Month’. How does it feel to be considered for such a title?

EC: It’s always nice to be considered and recognized for your accomplishments.

WP: Can you tell our readers a little about who you are, what you are made of, and where you came from?

EC: I’ve always enjoyed weight training and bodybuilding. I was a fat kid until the age of age 15 until I started to do more outdoors sports like water and snow skiing. I started weight training then and liked what was happening. At the age of 40 though, I just stopped training all together and by the time I was 48, I was fat and out of shape.

WP: What percent of body fat did you begin with?

EC: It’s hard to tell. I had my first body fat test done a month after I started my transformation. I was 27% by then. By the final ending, I was at least 30% or more!

WP: What percent of body fat do you have at the present?

EC: I’m 7% right now. I usually stay about 9 or 10% during my off-season. I’m in the middle of my prep training for the NPC Masters Nationals and leaning up right now.

WP: How many pounds of muscle did you gain?

EC: I have put on an amazing 51 pounds of muscle in the last 7 years! I can hardly believe it myself!

WP: Did you decide to go with a Personal Trainer, self-knowledge, or a gym?

EC: I started out doing it all myself. After I had lost 52 lbs. and two years later, I hired a trainer to train to compete in bodybuilding.

WP: Did you have a support group helping you or did you do this alone?

EC: I pretty much was on my own.

WP: What made you decide you were ready to transform?

EC: I had just got back from Hawaii and had an ear infection. I went to the doctor. He took one look at me and said it was time to check some things out. After a blood test, we talked. He basically said all the numbers that should be low are high and all the numbers that should be high are low! He gave my 60 days to change my lifestyle. If I didn’t change or if it didn’t help, he was going to medicate me for HBP, cholesterol, etc.

I went to a gym that very day and signed up. After 60 days, I had lost 11 lbs. and all my numbers changed for the better afterwards. I just kept training and watching what I ate.

WP: What was the biggest challenge you faced while going through your transformation?

EC: Mostly support from my family helped me. I have a lot of fat people in my family and they all thought I was too thin! Imagine that! Me! Too thin! Ha-ha!

WP: Did you take any type of supplements during this time? If so, which ones did you take?

EC: During this time? No. I just ate healthy. I take a lot now, though!

WP: What program did you follow and explain how it worked for you.

EC: I used Bill Pillups “Body for Life” exercise program for the first year and mostly a keto, low carb, and diet. It worked great!

WP: What type of physique did you have to begin with?

EC: Look at my 'before' pictures! I was your typical middle-aged beer-gut guy. But, I didn’t drink beer. I just ate junk food!

WP: How does your life compare now to before your transformation?

EC: Nothing compares! I’m centered mentally, emotionally, and physically now. Then, I was out of whack in all areas of my life.

WP: What type of effects has your transformation caused?

EC: It has helped me in all aspects of my life. I’ve noticed that there are very few 55 year old bodybuilders, so where ever I go, I draw attention.

WP: Do you believe that people can ‘spot reduce’? Please explain your answer.

EC: No! I wish it was true! I, for example, carry a lot of belly fat. I have to be about 6% body fat to show a good set of abs. Most guys are not that way. I get guys asking all the time how to get a six pack. I tell them that “abs were made in the kitchen. Not in the gym”. Only a few guys are blessed with abs over 6% body fat. Genetics play a huge part in how our bodies are.

WP: Did it ever come a time that you came to a ‘stand still’ in your progress?

EC: Not really. It is hard for a lot of people to understand how important consistency and intensity are when it comes to bodybuilding. Time is your friend and it takes time and patience to see results.

WP: How long did it take for your complete transformation?

EC: Well, it went in segments. It took 7 months to lose 52 lbs. of gross weight. Then it took about a year to see my body start to take shape. Now, the transformation is an on going thing in my life. There is always something to do to change my body to make it better.

WP: Can you give me an example of your current workout?

EC: I get up about 6 A.M. and do 40 minutes of cardio. About 2 to 4 P.M., I will start my weight training.

I really mix things up a lot when I train. I do this to always attack the muscles from a different angle so all of my muscle fibers get challenged.

Leg day
Standing leg presses. 3 sets
1st set, 180 lbs 100 reps
2nd set, 360 lbs 50 reps
3rd set, 450 lbs 50 reps

Aaaahhhaaa. Get the paddles and shock me back to life!

Leg extensions 4 sets
1st set, 110 lbs 26 reps complete
2nd set 110 lbs 5 reps regular slow and controlled, 11 reps raise and squeeze at the top for 1 count, then down slow.
3rd set 110 lbs dido, except 8 reps squeeze, etc.
4th set 90 lbs dido, 12 rep squeeze , and 10 reps total failure.


Leg curls 4 sets
1st set, 130 lbs, 28 reps complete
2nd set, 130 lbs, 19 reps complete
3rd set, 130 lbs, 12 reps complete
4th set, 110 lbs, 15 reps complete


WP: How does your diet compare now to before?

EC: I never thought about my diet before. I just ate anything I wanted to.

WP: Can you break down your daily diet into a sample diet for us?

EC: I eat 7 times a day. Boy, it would take a lot to give a detailed diet. Let me just outline it this way:

I eat about 200 grams of carbs a day. They are low to medium glycemic like red or sweet potatos, brown rice, and oats.

I eat about 370 grams of protein a day. Mostly lean red meat once a day such as fish, chicken, eggs, turkey, and buffalo.

I eat one cup of veggies from the green family each day.

I eat several green salads a day.

WP: What have you accomplished since your transformation?

EC: I’ve been “Over 40 Bodybuilder of the Week” and “Transformation of the Week” for bodybuilding.com. I have been in two publications. On called “Our Generation”, in which they followed me for about a year on my journey to the bodybuilding stage. Then, I did an Ironman Magazine photo shoot and had a story written about me about bodybuilders over 40.

WP: What would you like to say to motivate others to transform their lives?

EC: You have to want it more then not want it! I believe we all get what ever we believe we deserve in this short life. If you don’t make it happen, it never will. Most people lack the consistency and intensity with their diet and training and that is why they fail. Look at my before pictures. That was almost 8 years ago. I did it at 48! I’m 55 and I'm still making improvements. If I can do it, then you can do it!

WP: Do you also compete now? If so, what titles have you won. What competitions have you entered and what place did you take?

EC: At 50, I was pestered by some of the muscle heads in the gym to compete. I thought about it and decided to try. I entered the NPC Emerald Cup Masters 50 and over. There were 11 that entered and I got 5th! I was hooked. I did the NPC Oregon State after that a few months later and got 5th again. Next year, I did the Emerald Cup again and tied for 1st; yet bumped to 2nd. Then, a week later, I flew to Spokane to the NPC Washington Empire. I won my first Championship and 'Best Overall Poser', as well! There is nothing like winning! After that, I did the The Oregon State and won that one, too! The next year, in 2008, I did the Oregon State again, and entered Master's and the Open Heavy’s. I won the 50 Masters and the Masters Overall! Then, I got 4th in the Open. I was 22 year older then the next guy! I went to Pittsburgh P.A. the next week to the NPC Masters Nationals. I place 3rd in the Heavy Class. I did better then I thought I would do. This time though, I am coming in 10 lbs. heavier and I'm going to win that thing!

WP: How does your routine and life changes when you go from pre-contest to off-season?

EC: Nothing changes much at all. I just cut carbs some and increase my cardio.

WP: What do you like and dislike about competing?

EC: I love to compete! I love everything about it. I love the guys I train with now. All the gym rats that have become my friends are awesome. But, I don’t like the cardio.

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

EC: I think they should pay them more and bring Judges in from all over. It’s always the same Judges and it would be better to have some new faces in that front row.

WP: What Federation do you compete in?

EC: NPC.

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

EC: I started chasing the Pro-Card last year. This year, I will do it again on July 18th. I even made a fake IFBB Pro-Card that I carry in my wallet to keep my mind on my goal. There are only two competitions a year for us 'old guys' to get a Pro-Card, and that’s all I’m focused on.

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

EC: I needed more size. I had the symmetry and conditioning. I just needed to be bigger to seal the deal.

WP: What are your strengths and weaknesses in your physique? How are you attempting to correct them?

EC: I needed bigger shoulders and we’ve corrected that. I could use a little better sweeps in my legs. I just have to keep pressing the weight harder to get them to pop out.

WP: What problems have you had as far as staying motivated and disciplined to stick with your workouts?

EC: Sometimes, I have to call my Coach or Trainer to get me out of a slump, mentally. It can be somewhat lonely being a competitive bodybuilder at a National level. You can’t just go out and party. You always have to be on your game. It’s all about the prize. Some times you need someone to say, “Hey Popps! It’s okay, man. You’re going to do fine!”

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

EC: Staying motivated can be a problem. Yet, I can keep myself going just by getting to the gym. Once I’m there, I’m right back on track.

WP: What keeps fitness interesting to you?

EC: I love to compete! I like the social and physical lifestyle of it!

WP: Tell me something about yourself that no one else knows. It’s just between us, no one else will know. Ha-ha.

EC: I’m pretty much an open book. At this age, there’s not much to hide! Ha-ha!

WP: How have you, mentally and physically, changed over the years?

EC: You have no idea!

WP: Any shout outs?

EC: I love my wife, Judy, who was diagnosed with breast cancer the first year I competed. She battled it and even though it was a tough fight, she never stopped supporting me. I love Brandon Lyons, my Trainer. He has been there for me for almost five year now, and I love him like a son. And, Sean Calder, who has been my conditioning coach for the last 2 years. I couldn’t have done it without him. In addition, I want to shout out to my brother in Iron; Ron the Ronster!

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

EC: I have to say my Savior Jesus Christ. I have had a lot of trials in my life and when I finely figured out how the atonement works; it saved my life!

WP: What were you like in High School?

EC: I was a child of the late 60’s and 70’s! Ha-ha! You guess!

WP: Please describe a typical day for you. What is your daily routine like?

EC: I'm up at 6 a.m. I have my protein shake. I do my cardio. Eat then check my emails. I shower, shit, and shave. Get to work. Then, I train and go to sleep.

WP: If I were to open your fridge and kitchen cabinets, what would I find in them?

EC: You’d find broccoli, lettuce, eggs, chicken breasts, and low fat cottage cheese. You know, the basic bodybuilding stuff! Boring…..

WP: If I were to walk into your house and have a look around, what type of fitness equipment would I find?

EC: You’d find one incumbent bike.

WP: What are your hobbies outside of fitness?

EC: I love golf. I show dogs and I bike ride.

WP: Where are you going from here? What are your future goals for your career, this industry, and your physique?

EC: I’m getting an IFBB Pro-Card! I also want to help others, if they will listen.

WP: How do you make time for yourself? How do you relax and hide from the stress of the world?

EC: I visit my kids. I also play golf or work in the yard. I’m a boring man!

WP: Here is the place you can throw a plug in on anyone, any company, or say anything. Who do you want to plug?

EC: My Conditioning Coach is an amazing man! He has made a huge difference in my life and many others! seancalder.net

Thanks to all my bud on the O/35 bb.com forum!

WP: Tell me about your family.

EC: I’ve been very married for 31 years to the same gal. We have 4 kids; two boys and two girls. Two foster boys.

WP: How do you feel you have improved you and your life?

EC: My Doctor basically told me to change my life or die young! That about sums it up.

WP: Thank you for taking the time to interview with us. We are delighted to have you featured as our ‘Transformation of the Month’. Thank you for taking the time out to hold this interview with us. We wish you the best of luck in the future.