M&S Talks To Natural Bodybuilder Nick Hardaway

How did you get involved with bodybuilding, and what do you like most about it?

Throughout high school I participated in varsity football and track. So after I graduated high school I needed something to replace the void of football and track. That’s when I discovered bodybuilding.

When I was first introduced to bodybuilding I was somewhat skeptical. I had some issues with the size of the contest uniform, haha. So one of friends introduced me to contest prep coach Cliff Wilson and the rest is history.

Some of the things I love most about this sport is the competitive atmosphere and after a while it becomes more than a sport, it becomes a lifestyle. The one thing I hate about this sport is most definitely cardio! Even during my high school sports career I hated running for long periods of time. Good thing I was a 100 meter sprinter.

What were the major milestones that gave you that “extra” motivation boost?

Winning 3 titles this year as a teen definitely gave me the drive to keep going. After my competitive season was over, I also set personal records on the squat, bench, and deadlift, which make me excited to begin a career in powerlifting as well.

At a body weight of 179 lbs I deadlifted 535lbs, squatted 495 lbs. and bench pressed 275 lbs. I was really proud of those lifts and I can’t wait to set some new records.

What keeps you motivated?

What keeps me motivated in bodybuilding I would have to say is my high school strength training coach Matt Cates. He basically embedded in us that failure was never an opinion. So when I’m running, lifting, or thinking about cheating I picture him staring at me saying  “Nick you’re a want to, not a have to. So let go!

What are your future goals, dreams and plans?

One of my future goals is to one day compete at the Yorton Cup World Natural Bodybuilding Championships. But first I’m focusing on getting a pro card in 2013 and hopefully getting sponsored.

Which workout style or system has worked best for you?

The workout I believe was most affective was the Blood Volume/Max Overload Program designed by Cliff Wilson. Basically in the program there are overload days where you perform sets of 4-6 then there are blood volume days where sets of 15-19 are supersetted for extra long time under tension.

As if that wasn’t enough the sets are performed super slow to drag it out even longer. It is one of the most painful programs I have ever done, but very affective.

How often do you perform cardio?

As of now I usually perform cardio three times a week. Two 12 minute high intensity sessions and one 20 minute moderate intensity session. I usually do cardio on off days or after my workout. I never run before breakfast or before a workout since you’ll end up losing muscle tissue.

What are your favorite cheat meals and foods?

So you might think I’m very plain, but my favorite cheat meal is good old hamburgers and French fries. The reason for that is because I only have one cheat meal per week. That means I’ve only got one chance to hit or miss with my cheat meal. So usually by picking hamburgers I never miss! I like playing it safe.

Workout music – Don’t care, or MP3 player?

Oh workout music is a MUST! My music keeps me in the zone and keeps away people that like to talk a lot. When I have those ear buds in I’m in Nick’s World.

My playlist basically consists of anything fast moving with a heavy bass. I really don’t care about the lyrics when I’m working out.

If someone wants to connect with you, where can you be found?

If someone wants to connect with me you can usually find me on Facebook, or at Muscle & Strength under nhard85.

Which college or professional sports teams do you root for?

I would have to say my favorite sport is football. I really don’t pay too much attention to the professional side of the sport. I just follow college football.

My favorite teams are the Michigan Wolverines and the Arkansas Razorbacks. I’ve spent a lot of time in Arkansas so I have to root for my family team. It’s a family tradition.

How do you prepare meals? Do you cook daily or cook for the week?

I’m a very lazy individual when comes to that department! I’m not a good cook but fortunately my mom is. So whenever I can get her to cook my meals for me I take advantage of it.

Cliff sets the amount of protein, carbs, and, fat that I eat every day but I am allowed to choose my own foods. When I cook for myself I keep it really basic. My diet usually consists of a lot of Cheerios, egg beaters, flax oil, and chicken breast.

Most of meals are usually dull and plain, but I actually enjoy them. Also, I chose to cook daily and not in bulk because people in my household like to eat my baked chicken. So to save myself the headaches by cooking daily and not weekly.

What are some of your favorite supplements and why?

Some of my favorite supplement that use for my workout are:

I like to keep things basic when comes to supplements and stick with what works the best.