Indepth Interview With Male Fitness Model Nick Walsh

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH BODYBUILDING?

I’ve really never classed myself as a bodybuilder, I tend to put myself more under the fitness model category as I like to try and stay in shape all year round whilst improving my overall health, instead of just building muscle.
But I started training at an early age, me and a group of mates joined our local gym one summer and we started to train after school. I was really skinny back then which I hated, so as soon as I started seeing results I became addicted and my interest grew from there.

WHAT MISTAKES DID YOU MAKE WHEN FIRST STARTING OUT?

There are three things that came straight to mind here and these were:
1) Lifting weights that were far too heavy. This meant that my form was awful, I think I hurt myself a couple of time doing this.
2) Thinking that protein was some kind of wonder drug. I used to think people I’d see in films or on TV were in good shape because they used ‘protein shakes’ and I remember the first time I brought my first tub I hid it from my parents like it was some kind of banned substance.
3) Not understanding the importance of nutrition. Up until I left school I just ate anything and everything assuming the more I ate the bigger I would get, no matter what it was.

WHAT’S YOUR TYPICAL WORKOUT LOOK LIKE?

My workouts tend to vary depending on what my goals are at the time, but at the moment my workout plan looks like this:
Monday – Chest/steady pace cardio
Tuesday – Legs/Abs
Wednesday – weak spot training/ HIIT cardio
Thursday – Biceps/Triceps/Oblique’s
Friday – Back/steady pace cardio
Saturday – Shoulders
Sunday – Rest day

WHAT IS YOUR TYPICAL DIET LIKE?

I’m currently following a diet called ‘if it fits your macros’ or ‘IIFYM’ where I target a certain amount of macronutrients (protein/carbs/fat/fiber) per day. This means I can eat foods I enjoy to reach that target (not chicken, rice and broccoli everyday). This saves me obsessing about food choices and allows me to eat ‘dirty’ foods in moderation. My macros at the moment are:
Kcals – 2930
Protein – 237g
Carbs – 316g
Fat – 80g

WHEN TRYING TO CUT WHAT TYPE OF CARDIO DO YOU PREFER? I.E HIIT OR STANDARD CARDIO?

I wouldn’t say I prefer one or the other, they both have great benefits. I like to mix it up a bit, just so I don’t get bored and so I can keep my body guessing.
I normally aim to burn around 250 – 400 Kcals either way.

WHO IS THE MOST INSPIRING PERSON TO YOU IN REGARDS TO FITNESS AND IN GENERAL?

That’s such a hard question to answer now the Olympics has just finished. But I’d say it was guys like Rob Riches, Greg Plitt and Shaun Stafford that inspired me to be where I am today. I saw them as having achievable physiques, alongside great self discipline and it just made me want to work harder and harder.

WHAT ARE YOUR SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM GOALS?

My main goal at the moment is to compete in a mens physique competition in 2013. So I’m training hard so I can bring in my best shape yet.

HAVE YOU HAD TO FACE ANY ROADBLOCKS OR OBSTACLES ON YOUR JOURNEY AND IF SO, HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM?

Yes, when I was a kid I had an accident that caused me to have a weakness in my leg whilst I was growing up. Because of this I wasn’t very athletic and didn’t really enjoy getting involved with sports. But then as I said earlier one of my friends persuaded me to join the gym where I began to fall in love with the feeling of accomplishment I would get after a training session. This gave me motivation to continue and eventually my injuries had gone and I became much more confident.

HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED?

I set myself small achievable goals. Whether this means pushing out an extra rep or cycling for an minute, it all adds up and helps me to get closer to my overall goal which is to be the best I can be at everything I do.

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH CRAVINGS FOR JUNK FOODS, SALTY FOODS AND SWEETS?

On the diet I am following currently I can indulge in ‘dirty’ foods as long as I am still within my macronutrients limit. But there is so many ways to fight cravings without having to eat unhealthy. A favourite trick of mine at the moment is to mix whey protein with fat free Greek yogurt. It tastes awesome and feels like your ‘cheating’.

FUN QUICK QUESTIONS FOR OUR READERS:

Favourite color? Blue
Favourite food? Pizza
Favourite TV Show? I’ve always had a soft spot for Hollyoaks…don’t ask me why.
Favourite movie? Snatch or Lockstock
Favourite Band/Singer? Tiesto
Do you have any pets? Yeah, I’ve a got a dog. He’s wicked! Great cardio partner.

FINAL WORDS?

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.

Thank you to my photographer Simon Barnes – ‘HOTSNAPZ’

HOW TO REACH NICK WALSH:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NickWalshNutritionFitness
Twitter: www.twitter.com/walshynick
Youtube: http://www.facebook.com/NickWalshNutritionFitness