1. Biography
• Name: Cody Shaw
• Age: 27
• Height: 5’11
• Weight (Contest): 198 lbs.
• Weight (Off-Season): 230 lbs.
• Body Fat: During contest-prep 2-3% and off-season in the teens
• Hometown: Eugene, Oregon
• Gym: Gold’s Gym
• Profession: Electrician
2. What got you started in bodybuilding/fitness?
What got me started in bodybuilding was when I was younger, I got picked on a lot in middle school. So, one day I was at the store with my mom and walked down the magazine isle and saw a huge muscular guy on the front. I picked it up and started looking at the pictures thinking to myself…hmm this could lead to me not getting picked on or messed with anymore in school if I started lifting weights. So, I bought the magazine and read that thing front to back within a week’s time. I used tips and guides that I had learned in the magazine to further my goals. When high school came, I began setting records in the school gym. My teacher was amazed at how strong I was. I kept lifting weekly, learning new ideas and eating a lot more later on. After high school, I started competing in shows.
3. What keeps you motivated to train?
What keeps me going in the gym is what the average person sees in you when you are outside of the gym. It’s a look that comes later after a few years of obvious lifting. It’s the people staring and turning around to get a second look at you—even coming up and asking where I train at and if I could be their trainer! Trust me, it happens a lot!
4. What workout plan has worked best for you?
It’s not really a workout plan. I would call it a training program. My usual routine is five days on, two days off (that is for off-season size). My training prep is seven days a week.
5. What is your philosophy about cardio?
For the off-season, it is good to use cardio for a warm up to get the heart and blood flowing. It is also good to give your body a jump-start in burning those nasty calories that don’t want to go away.
6. What is your philosophy about weight training?
Well, it is either a passion or a bad dream. It all depends on what kinds of goals you want for yourself and your body. In life, my philosophy is if you want to be the best, you need to train like the best. Low reps, heavy weight and good form! That creates good gains and size.
7. Do you prefer HIIT or steady state cardio?
Steady cardio works best for me. If I get tired, I might slow it down a bit but always stay consistent.
8. What are your favorite exercises?
Dumbbell Lunges, Leg Lifts, Barbell Shrugs and the Ab Wheel.
9. What is your philosophy about nutrition?
You are what you eat. It is true in every way! Stay clean and stay away from the fast food—you will live longer. It is key to have good health while training.
10. What nutrition plan has worked best for you?
During the off-season, I consume around five to six thousand calories a day Steak, red meat, pasta, mass shakes. While prepping for a show, I usually consume fish, chicken and red potatoes.
11. What is your favorite cheat food?
Cheeseburgers, brownies, a lot of high carb type stuff.
12. What is your favorite health food?
Steak, chicken and sushi.
13. What supplements have given you the greatest gains?
I am sponsored by Six Star Muscle and they have the greatest products on the market! For pre-workout, I use their N.O Overdrive Whey Isolate Protein. For post training, I use their BCAA’s with glutamine in a mass shake.
14. What does your pre and post workout nutrition consist of?
Pre-workout: I eat one cup of oatmeal with honey and a cream cheese bagel with a cup of cranberry or apple juice. Post-workout: I have a Six Star protein shake with steak, red potato, cottage cheese and a bowl of fruit.
15. Which tools have helped you most with your nutrition and training?
I don’t really have any tools. I have always just used my knowledge over the years and reading to further my success.
16. Have online resources (social networks) helped you in your training? If so, what are they and how have they helped you?
I just use anybody’s advice as a building block and even if it doesn’t work for me, I keep it in the back of my mind.
17. Where is the first place you turn to when looking for training / fitness / nutrition advice?
I turn to magazines, bodybuilding websites like MuscleDog.com and YouTube videos.
18. Who are your favorite fitness/bodybuilder competitors or role models?
I would have to say Jay Cutler—he is a bodybuilding icon. He is very humble and makes a great living off of what he loves to do. He will always be regarded in the industry as a great athlete.
19. What was the biggest mistake you made when you first started training?
My biggest mistakes would have to be form and diet—two very huge things!! Diet is 80 percent of your progress in the gym!
20. What tips would you give to a beginner?
Start slow; educate yourself before jumping into something you are unsure of. It can lead to injury.
21. What are your future fitness goals?
My goals are to go to the Nationals in 2011 and try for my pro-card. Also, to continue with my sponsor Six Star Muscle!
22. Where can we find you on MuscleDog.com?
You can find me on MuscleDog under the ID, shredder27. Here, you can access my stats, photos and more. Be sure to add me as a friend too!
You can also add me on Facebook/cody shaw, Bodybuilding.com/shredder and Myspace.com/cody shaw.
