Hey everyone, in a move to give fans more insight into the camguys and their lives, Im gonna do a series of articles looking at the fellas and their sporting lives. Or so I hoped. Blake graciously agreed to be interviewed and his was the first in the series, and talked about surfing. Then the series stalled, but here is another installment as Derek was kind enough to answer some questions about his sport of body building. Woot

Tell us a little about the sport of bodybuilding.

There are many different federations. The largest being the NPC(National Physique Committee), which I choose to compete in. In the NPC they judge by weight classes. Currently I am a light-heavyweight, but soon hope to break into the heavyweight division. They also have classes for the teens (19 and under), the older guys (masters), and a novice class for the guys newer to the game.

And you have competed correct?

I have done two competetions so far in my career. Both being my state championships. Two summers ago, I won the State Teen Title and this past summer took second in my class.

Tell us about the process of the sport of body building?

There is a difference between just building and getting ready for a show. When you are building you are in the “offseason” or bulking. Now is the time bodybuilders gain weight and arent as lean. You give your body a plethora of nutrients in order to grow and with that comes a little bit of fat. Then, when it comes time to get ready for a show, you begin to cut. This is where diet becomes perfect and you know exactly what is going into your body. Every single calorie. This results in getting shredded and looking super lean.

What are the requirements for posing? Routines are different right…you make your own, but have to do certain poses? How do you come up with the routine, music?

When show time comes they judge you on a variety of different poses. They judge you on four, quarter turn poses (front relaxed, side relaxed, rear relaxed, and side relaxed). They also judge you on other poses as well (front double bicep, front lat spread, abdominal thigh, side chest, side tricep, rear double bicep, rear lat spread, and most muscular). After pre-judging is over, every competitor goes through their own routine. You get to pick your own music and how you want to pose to it. I personally have never had a problem making a routine. I hear a song and I kind of just know I can pose to it.

And why that silly spray? Lol.

Why the silly spray? Haha I also ask myself this question every time i have to put it on. Unfortunately you can be as dark as your skin allows and you will still look very washed out on stage under the bright lights. The sprays and oils help to make your physique look perfect on stage.

Whats it like being on stage posing for a crowd?

What a rush! On stage with your own music and everyone has all eyes on you. I just go at it! The music starts and you know your routine so well that its really easy.

Sounds like camming kind of…

Exactly, all eyes on me!

Goals with bodybuilding? What would you like to do?

I want to just continue to grow grow grow. Im def not satisfied being my size. I also wanna compete in the collegiate nationals before I graduate school.

Thanks Derek! And I note, you look incredible to me. I’d give you first place.