Marco Lopez-Ramirez
Transformation of the Month - March 2011
Interviewed by: Tammy Renee'
In just nine short weeks, Marco Lopez-Ramirez went from 21 percent body fat to 5.8 percent body fat. How did he accomplish such an amazing transformation? Read on...
"...For about 3 weeks my body hit a plateau and would not lose weight, but I just kept working and eating right ,and then, changes started to happen again. The pounds kept coming off!"
WP: Congratulations on winning our “Transformation of the Month”. How does it feel to be considered for such a title?
It is a tremendous honor, and at the same time, a great motivation for me. Thank you for this fantastic opportunity.
WP: Can you tell our readers a little about what who you are, what you are made of, and where you came from?
I’m 29 years old and I was born in Caracas, Venezuela. I moved to the United States about 10 years ago to attend college at Texas Christian University. I now live in Cape Coral, Florida and work in video production.
WP: How many pounds of muscle did you gain? Did you try to gain muscle?
I gained about 3 to 4 pounds of lean muscle. Since I was trying to burn so much fat, it was very hard to gain lean muscle.
WP: Did you decide to go with a Personal Trainer, self knowledge, or a gym?
I trained with personal trainer Obi Obadike. I knew I needed someone with fitness expertise to help me learn to eat right in order to make the most out of my workouts.
WP: Did you have a support group helping you or did you do this alone?
I had a great support network. My wife and my mother helped me stay focused during the week by keeping me in check whenever I felt like getting off the diet with little unhealthy snacks here and there. Those can be diet busters.
WP: What made you decide you were ready to transform?
When I topped the scale at 230 pounds, I knew I was going down the wrong path, in terms of health. I felt horrible all the time, plus I wanted to be a good example for my son. I asked God to help me change; to lead a healthier lifestyle. So, I truly believe God put Obi Obadike in my path to help me achieve this transformation.
WP: What was the biggest challenge you faced while going through your transformation?
The hardest part was getting started! The first few weeks, I felt like I was pushing a train uphill. I was a bad snack-all-the-time kind of guy, so getting rid of that habit was the hardest thing for me.
WP: Did you take any type of supplements during this time?
I took protein and Creatine. I tried Gaspari Nutrition Myofusion Protein and Gold Standard. The Creatine I used was EFX Kre-alcalyn in capsules.
WP: What program did Obi place you on to follow?
I did weight training Monday through Thursday for about 45 minutes each session. Also, I did cardio 6 days a week.
WP: How does your life compare now to before your transformation?
Things have changed so much. I feel, and look healthier, than ever before. I have the body that I always dreamed of having. Of course, there is always room for improvement, but I’m on my way. Having to go out for new clothes is awesome!
WP: What type of effects has your transformation caused?
Primarily, I have many of my friends asking me how I did it, and asking how they could do the same. I ask them, “How bad do you want to change?” It is all about your mindset and setting goals down on stone.
WP: Do you believe that people can spot reduce?
Spot reducing is very fruitless. When I had no idea about what I was doing in the gym, all I did was try to spot reduce, but you have to lower your overall body fat percentage in order for your muscles to show. Otherwise, all you do is work-out and you will not see the results.
WP: Did it ever come a time that you came to a “stand still” in your progress?
Yes! For about 3 weeks my body hit a plateau and would not lose weight, but I just kept working and eating right, and then, changes started to happen again. The pounds kept coming off!
WP: What did you do differently to overcome the “stand still”?
I changed my cardio sessions to after my workouts, and then in the evening, after my last meal. That way, any extra calories that I might have had would be torched before going to bed.
WP: How long did it take for your complete transformation?
Nine weeks total.
WP: How does your diet compare now to before?
It is completely different! Before, I ate anything and everything, at whatever time I wanted. Now, I’ve learned what the different foods do to your body and when and how much I should eat of each food group.
WP: Can you break down your daily diet into a sample diet for us?
I eat 5 meals a day; every 3 hours. They consist of chicken, vegetables and carbs. I measure them all on a scale to keep track of my calorie intake. I eat some fruits and nuts as snacks here and there. Only one or two cheat meals a week; those are very important, too!
WP: What have you accomplished since your transformation?
So far, I’m sharing with my family and friends what I have learned. Also, a career in fitness modeling is a possibility now, so I’m really looking forward to enter the industry.
WP: What would you like to say to motivate others to transform their lives?
It is all about your mindset. If you really want to transform your life, first put that goal in your mind and do not let anyone discourage you from achieving it. Set your goals and think about what you have to do in order to get there. If you fall; get back up and try again!
WP: What are your strengths and weaknesses in your physique? How are you attempting to correct them?
My strength is my chest and abs. My calves are the weakest spot right now, but that’s what I’m going to be working on now.
WP: What are your hobbies outside of fitness?
I play competitive soccer on the weekends.
WP: Where are you going from here? What are your future goals for your career, this industry, and your physique?
I want to work as a fitness model. I want to get more ripped in a few areas that need improvement. Meanwhile, I plan to submit my pictures to different fitness products out there.
WP: 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.
