Amateur Bodybuilder Of The Week: Joshua Built A First-Place Physique

How did your bodybuilding journey begin?

My journey began three years ago when I was tired of being skinny. I was 5-foot-10 and 135 pounds. I was always lean and athletic, but never packed on size. I lifted off and on throughout high school during football with little gains due to a lack of knowledge about dieting and training.

I read and studied on Bodybuilding.com and created a workout regimen and bulking diet that helped me get up to 220 pounds at 14 percent body fat in two years. I added fat but also packed on muscle and size to sculpt the muscular physique I painted in my mind.

In February 2013, I decided to take it to next level and compete in my first bodybuilding show. I teamed up with one of the best contest prep coaches in the area and leaned out to 190 pounds at 4.5-5 percent body fat in 14 months. My fast metabolism that kept me from gaining mass earlier became useful during contest prep. I did two shows two weeks apart and won both. Winning the shows was an indescribable experience. The hard work, dedication, and relentless dieting were rewarded on stage. I urge anyone with the desire to compete to take the challenge and experience it.

"The hard work, dedication, and relentless dieting were rewarded on stage."

How did your passion for bodybuilding emerge?

I try to beat the old me every day and take it a bit further than before. Every day I enter the gym puts me one step closer to transforming my body into the perfect symmetrical physique I want. It motivates me to never miss a work out and give 110 percent.

What/Who motivated you to be a bodybuilder?

I wanted to be big and muscular growing up to look like Arnold in movies. I thought he was the true vision of a Herculean man. When I started bodybuilding, I developed a new motivation and passion. I loved to see my body change.

Where did you go for inspiration?

On days when I felt unmotivated I watched bodybuilding videos. One of my favorites is Pumping Iron. I love that era of bodybuilding. I also watched lots of Dorian Yates videos. He always motivated me because he trained like a machine.

What are your future bodybuilding plans?

I will keep competing and hope to come in 10 pounds heavier next year at the NPC Battle At The River and the NPC Flex Lewis Classic. I plan to compete at junior nationals in three years and win my class. I will go as far as my body will let me.

What is the most important bodybuilding tip?

Listen to your body. It's constantly trying to let you know how it feels and what it needs. Many bodybuilders never reach their full potential because they don't listen to their bodies. I was taught to listen to my body this year and it made a huge difference in my gains, recovery, and wellness.

Who is your favorite bodybuilder?

My favorite bodybuilder is Arnold Schwarzenegger. He had one of the best physiques ever and became a true ambassador for the sport. Arnold played a major role to engrain fitness and bodybuilding into American culture. Combine his amazing work ethic and Arnold Schwarzenegger is by far the best bodybuilder of all time.

How did bodybuilding.com help you reach your goals?

Bodybuilding.com played a vital role in my journey. I often refer to the site for articles on training, nutrition, and motivational videos. I ordered my supplements from the Store for great prices and speedy delivery.

Josh's Top 5 Gym Tracks

"Frozen (Dudstep Mix)" by Freestylers
"Spaceman (Carnage Festival Trap Mix)" by Hardwell
"Bugatti" by Ace Hood
"Chalk Outline" by Three Days Grace
"My Time" by Fabolous

Contest History

2013 NPC Battle At The River - 1st Place Novice Heavyweight
2013 NPC Flex Lewis Classic - 1st Place Junior Middleweight