Exclusive Interview With Top Fitness Model David Joseph Slack

Last Updated onDecember 3, 2013

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH FITNESS/BODYBUILDING?

When I was 20 I wanted to put some muscle on to help me play rugby but I soon got addicted to the gym and after a year of training I had gave the rugby up and entered my first natural bodybuilding show and came 3rd in my category. As I became more experienced I realised that I didn’t want to be a bodybuilder which would involve bulking up to add mass then cutting for competitions, I wanted to be in great shape all year and maintain an athletic physique because I enjoy lots of outdoor activities like mountain climbing and sprint training so having a more athletic shape would suit my lifestyle.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU, WHERE DOES YOUR MOTIVATION COME FROM?

My Dad introduced me to sport at a young age by sending me to karate and athletics training so iv always had that competitive nature and hunger for self improvement.
Having a goal is a must for me because it keeps me focused and one of my goals at the moment is to get noticed as a fitness model so that I can inspire other people to get in shape and change their lives for the better. I get a lot of satisfaction knowing iv helped someone else change for the better.
　

WHAT’S YOUR TYPICAL WORKOUT LOOK LIKE?

I’ve tried lots of different workouts since I started training and I still change things up a lot these days to keep my muscles guessing and keep it enjoyable. However, the best training style iv came across is that of Mike Mentzer’s Heavy Duty training. This involves concentrating on very strict and intense sets with less sets and reps per session and allowing optimum amount of rest between workouts to allow full recovery and preventing any overtraining.

WHAT IS YOUR TYPICAL DIET LIKE?

I eat a calorie controlled diet so that im taking away any guess work and this makes it easier to reach my goal. I work out for maintenance calories and then eat in a slight deficit so I will burn fat while maintaining muscle. Diet is the most important aspect in achieving a great physique so theres no point in guessing or just eating what you believe might be right.

WHAT MISTAKES DID YOU MAKE WHEN FIRST STARTING OUT?

When I first started I just wanted to be as big and a strong as possible so Id often just go for the heavy weights and my workouts would suffer as my form was terrible. Another mistake I made was overtraining, I loved the gym so I thought more was better. This was wrong and took me further away from my goal. The best lesson iv learned is that more is not better when it comes to the gym, better is better! As in more productive workouts with better form and more intensity.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MOMENT SO FAR IN FITNESS?

Getting up on stage within a year of training and competing in my first bodybuilding show was a massive achievement for me. But my best moment is making it to the final 12 for the Men’s Health cover model final last year. As iv mentioned before, being an inspiration to others is a big goal of mine and featuring in one of the biggest fitness magazines really made me realise that I can achieve my goal and made me even more motivated towards it.

HOW LONG DO YOU SPEND IN THE GYM DURING A TYPICAL WORKOUT?

A typical workout for me is about 45 minutes. I keep it very intense with limited rest and very strict form to give my muscles more time under tension each rep.
I workout 3 days a week to allow better recovery time between workouts and prevent overtraining.
Monday- Back, traps, biceps.
Wednesday- Legs, abs
Friday- Chest, Shoulders, triceps.

FUN QUICK QUESTIONS FOR OUR READERS

Favourite book/magazine? The Philosophy of Mike Mentzer
Favourite food? Sweet Potato and salmon. But Indian food is my favourite treat meal.
Favourite TV Shows? Fonejacker and Dexter
Favourite movie? Pulp Fiction
Favourite Band/Artist? Bob Marley
Favourite Sports teams? Liverpool FC and Wigan Warriors
Famous people who inspire you? Usain Bolt, Greg Plitt, Mike Tyson
Favourite quote? Stay Hungry