Interview With Shawn Bellon
Bodybuilder of the Month - January 2010
Interviewed by: Tammy Renee'
WP: Congratulations! We have named you “Bodybuilder of the Month” in the first month of the 2010 year. How does it feel?
SB: Well, thank you! I am not really a bodybuilder but more of a hybrid power guy. I do appreciate the recognition. The fitness world has a lot of deserving people, so it’s nice to have my turn.
WP: Tell me a bit about yourself.
SB: I am 36 years old and married to Tami Bellon, who is a female bodybuilder with the NPC. She is much better at that sport than I will ever be. I am primarily a freelance writer, but do write a lot for needtobuildmuscle.net and will soon write for you guys, World Physique. I have a background in teaching, so my personal training instruction has always been just a natural extension of sorts while using a different class setting. I will also be going back to school for my Masters in Ministry with an emphasis in youth ministry, but will still be an Ordained Minister. I am really excited about this transition in my life, particularly over the last year or so.
WP: That is so wonderful to hear! How long have you been in the bodybuilding industry?
SB: I actually started working out when I was 11 years old. I had some old Flex magazines and a Joe Weider training booklet. I, then, picked up some weights from a garage sale. Slowly, I built my plastic weight collection. I would spend so much time dreaming about being big and strong.
WP: What made you decide to get into this industry?
SB: Growing up in a small farm town there was little to do. Compounding that with an abusive step dad, I made the transition to hide away in my room to lift more and more. It didn’t take long before I was able to use the weight room at my school. Turns out I had a knack for lifting, especially in the power lifts.
WP: As a Personal Trainer, you must be certified. What is your educational background? What are your certifications?
SB: Yes, I have been certified with several different groups. I decided to go with something cheap since I have more than enough experience (over 25 years). International Fitness Association was more than affordable. I couldn't see paying so much money unless I got my NSCA, which is something I plan to do after grad school. My bachelor's degree is in education and I have had two incredible coaches that taught me the ropes.; Ernie Fleischer was a world champ with the USPF.
WP: How long have you been a personal trainer?
SB: I started as an understudy at age 18, which meant cleaning a lot of equipment and bathrooms while doing walk-throughs for my coach. It wasn't glorious but I learned a lot by watching, listening and then asking questions.
WP: Everyone has to start some place, right? What do you feel sets you apart from all other personal trainers out there?
SB: I'd say my ability to communicate content knowledge is certainly unique. Many know the ins and outs of kinesiology and yet have no ability to share that information with a client. I also have a lot of personal credibility as a lifter. Many have seen the Youtube videos of me at username: body2buildonline. I have gotten many compliments about my videos either as inspiring, motivating or just exciting to see. The videos are fun to make, but in no way, do I think I am above someone else. Strength is relative. Honestly, so long as someone is working hard, that is all that matters. It earns my respect!
WP: You are very down to earth and I think you could have added that to your list of what sets you apart. Where do you train your clients? Do you train them in a gym, at home, or where?
SB: Well, luckily having a home based business makes my schedule very open. I used body2build.com originally, but now it’s has morphed into my blog about a bit of everything. I do most consulting with my clients through email but have started referring people to Red Point Fitness. I help out friends with training around town and invite them to workout with me at Gold's. If they are getting help for free they can show up at 6am when I train. I help out my wife, as well, when she wants some things switched up, but she is quite advanced and does great on her own.
WP: How much time per day do you typically spend with a client?
SB: It always varies when I work with clients. Some clients, I will talk on the phone for an hour while others just send emails to my Blackberry. I also use Skype to conference with clients as needed.
WP: How many days do you suggest your clients to work out in a week?
SB: Most people can benefit with 3 days a week of resistance training, 2 days of active recovery work which can be done after training and cardio 3-4 days a week.
WP: Being a personal trainer, you always have to motivate your clients. What motivates you?
SB: Doing what others can't do! Ok, seriously, I just purely love lifting heavy weights. Injuries have slowed me down, but I still do what I can. I will look over Youtube myself and get motivated especially by some of the monsters at Elite FTS.
WP: You also have a degree in teaching. Can you tell me about that?
SB: Yes, I have my bachelor's from Taylor University in education and a minor in religion. Taylor is a renowned Christian, Liberal Arts University. If I knew it would have been that hard, I might have gone elsewhere. I did teach for a few years, but standardized testing stress really jaded me about our educational system. I love the students, but I needed a different direction.
WP: You are a massive guy! I’m sure you have tons of fans that follow you and I am sure you get this question a lot. What is your daily workout? Can you give us a break down sample?
Enjoy this video of Shawn
SB: Tons of fans? Well, I don't know about that. I am blessed with great genetics, particularly from my ma. She did recreational bodybuilding a long time ago. She had big traps, quads and neck.
My training is based on what the legendary Iron Addict instructed me to use for myself. IA is a mentor to me so when he talks, I close my mouth and listen up. He suggested I use a routine by Jim Wendler called 5/3/1.
In a nutshell 5/3/1 focuses on the big lifting movements (compound movements) squats, deadlifts, overhead pressing, bench press, etc.
The key factor with Jim Wendler's 5/3/1 method is that you need to start too light, where as, many programs get you busting your back from the beginning, this is different.
The program:
Week 1 is 3 sets of 5 reps
Week 2 is 3 sets of 3 reps
Week 3 is 1 set of 5 reps, 1 set of 3 reps and 1 set of 1 rep (5/3/1)
Week 4 (DELOAD) begins again with 3 x 5
Start over.
WP: I’ve actually never heard of that before. See, you can teach old dogs new tricks. I will be looking into that more! Being so massive, I am sure you get a lot of different looks while you walk down the road from people. What is the funniest thing you can remember that happened to you?
SB: Yes, there have been some odd moments. For instance, I will get people that ask me if I work out. Someone stated last week that I must do a lot of cardio to look like I do. I normally just smile and say thanks.
WP: I was with Ronnie Coleman one day and when we walked into the room (of course Ronnie had to turn sideways to get in the door), everyone in the room asked him if they knew him. Several guys blurted out and said that Ronnie was a professional wrestler. Then, everyone was nodding their heads as if they were saying, “That’s where I saw him before.” It’s funny how people that don’t follow the industry just know enough to make funny mistakes. What are your best lifts?
SB: Well, since my background is in powerlifting, I have posted the big three first: 890 raw squat, 505 x 3 raw bench press and 810 raw deadlift. Raw simply means I wore a belt with no lifting suit. I weight about 290 lbs. at the time. I currently am a svelte 275 with about 75 lbs. resting on my neck.
WP: Wow! That’s amazing! How long have you been lifting?
SB: I have been lifting for over 25 years. I am over 6' tall so I think the growth stunting theories have been disproven in my case. Ha-ha!
WP: Ha! So true! Growing up, you were inspired by the strongmen in magazines. Have you ever thought about becoming one? Your physique resembles a strongman’s.
SB: I have pondered becoming a strong man, but I figured that if I can get hurt just walking my dog, I should just stay away from lifting large rocks and throwing barrels over my head. Ha-ha! I would probably become the first strongman competitor to die in a contest for being clumsy. I do love the power guys, though. I loved watching the old World's Strongest Man competitions with Kaz.
WP: You are too funny! You should add “comedian” to your long list of job titles too! What are your strengths and weaknesses?
SB: Communication is a strength and weakness for me. I can be uplifting, encouraging and positive then suddenly I say something off color, rude or just hurtful. I do have a passion for impacting peoples' lives. I want to help others in whatever way I can. Closely related though, is my ability to be over critical which frustrates me so much.
WP: That’s why you are such a great writer; you're able to communicate well. What problems have you had as far as staying motivated and disciplined to stick with your workouts?
SB: Injuries have been the biggest issue for slowing up my training and getting me down. I just have to be patient, do what I can and continue to be intelligent about how I train and recover especially as I age.
WP: What injuries did you have to overcome in order to stay on track?
SB: I think I could be typing for a long time with all the injuries I have developed. My current injury that is most frustrating is my left torn rotator. I keep rehabbing it while not pushing myself too hard. I also deal with some sciatica issues and nerve damage in my back from powerlifting. I use a foam roller a lot now and stretch like crazy. Basically, I am learning to reinvent my training to be strong, healthy, balanced and powerful.
WP: You are the first person I have actually heard that uses the foam roller. We just did a two page article on it in our Winter 2010 magazine issue. What keeps bodybuilding interesting to you?
SB: Bodybuilding is great because it is about what the individual can do for him or herself and I appreciate that. If someone competes, a person's effort can't be taken, regardless of the outcome. I think that has a nice carryover to life in general.
WP: Tell me something about yourself that no one else knows. It’s just between us, no one else will know. Ha-ha.
SB: I cry at movies that have depth normally connecting to family and personal empowerment. I can watch “Chariots of Fire” and always be moved to tears. I can watch “Where The Wild Things Are” and be moved by the love the monsters have for the boy. I even cried when Optimus Prime died in "Transformers 2". I am a nerd.
WP: Cry? You massive teddy bear! Ha-ha! How have you changed over the years?
SB: I have existed as a yo-yo, really. I came to terms with many things in my life over the last year and made changes from giving up alcohol, the type of people I associate with, less web activity and devoted myself to my marriage which is my first ministry in serving HIM.
WP: I am so proud of you. That takes a lot of dedication! Any shout outs?
SB: Tami, I love you with all of my heart and soul! January 1st makes 3 years of marriage and I look forward to building on this last year. Nate at needtobuildmuscle.net is a great guy and is always looking out for me at Iron Addict at Ironaddicts.com for being a great teacher and setting my diet up with Red Point Fitness. Lastly, to God, I am blessed by your grace and mercy!
WP: Can you give us a sample daily diet?
SB: I get up at 4 a.m., so I normally eat within an hour of waking on non-training days or I eat right after working out. I use a modified keto diet from RedPointFitness.com, so here it is:
Meal 1 - Post Workout
Whey Isolate 100 g.
Meal 2
Egg Whites 140 g.
Eggs Whole 233 g.
Cheddar Cheese 70 g.
Meal 3
Chicken 183 g.
Cheddar Cheese 56 g.
California Shelled Almonds 39 g.
Meal 4
Perdue 93% Lean Ground Turkey 139 g.
Eggs Whole 194 g.
Cheddar Cheese 54 g.
Recipe: Cheesy Turkey Scramble: Brown turkey in a small pan, set aside. Scramble eggs and add turkey when eggs are almost done. Top with cheese and seasoning salt as desired
Meal 5
Whey Isolate 44 g.
Heavy Whipping Cream 11 tsp.
Eggs Whole 99 g.
Natural Peanut Butter 36 g.
Recipe: You may combine whey isolate, heavy whipping cream, and peanut butter to make a shake. You may also add whole eggs to the shake while fully understanding the risks involved in consuming raw eggs. Or you may use ingredients as desired.
WP: Who had the most impact on you in your life thus far?
SB: I have had some great people but sadly the passing of our granddaughter last April opened my eyes. We have so little time on this planet. It was a deal sealing life change to rededicate my life as a Christian.
WP: Oh my, I am so sorry to hear that. That must have been devastating. What were you like in high school?
SB: I was a poor kid on welfare in high school. It really was not the best time for me because of my home life. I had a lot of insecurities, 1 pair of pants and sports. I put myself in anything that kept me from being home.
WP: What are your hobbies outside of working out?
SB: I love to write, read and hang out in coffee shops. I am a total movie geek, as well. We have Netflix, so I watch lame B horror movies to take a mental nap from time to time. I love reading inspirational materials. I still make videos, as well. It’s a lot of fun to see what I can come up with.
WP: What type of music do you listen to?
SB: I listen to a lot of styles, but rock is my favorite. I think 12 Stones is a great band. I listen to them, Breaking Benjamin and Creed quite a bit. I also love Celtic music and classical. I have been known to enjoy opera, as well.
WP: I see you as a rock fan, but opera! You cry at movies and listen to opera. I’m pleading the fifth on that one. I want to stay alive! Ha-ha! You are married to Tami. Tell me a bit about your wife. Do you have any kids?
SB: Tami is my “everything” which is a song by Life House. I call her “Squishy” because she is like Dori's squishy in “Finding Nemo.” Tami can be cute and cuddly, but has a little sting, as well. She is a very hard worker. She works retail and is up for a promotion after a couple of months because she is so driven and meticulous. I am still learning so much about her. She has a daughter that is 21, too! Hopefully we will try for children in the next year or so.
Tami is also a bodybuilder that just placed 5th at the NPC North Americans in the Women's Open Middles and I am very proud of her. She hasn't yet decided if she wants to keep competing or just lift for the fun of it. She loves bodybuilding but admits it isn't the healthiest of sports on the competitive level.
WP: She sounds like a wonderful woman! What supplements do you take and why?
SB: I am sponsored by Need To Build Muscle, so I take their supplements. I started out just trying some of their products and quickly fell in love with their line. Whey To Build Muscle, GEAR (BCAA formula), Lipo Stim, N2KTS and Better Protein Bars are all in my regular arsenal. I totally support the company particularly because of the quality. I have been so blown away especially since NTBM is a smaller company. Nate, the owner, and his wife are just awesome people that give great customer service after the sale. I can always get behind a company like that.
WP: Can you be seen anywhere else on the internet? If so where?
SB: I am on ironaddicts.com, and needotbuildmuscle.net, where my user name is Future. I also am a member of RedPointFitness.com.
WP: How would you like to improve, if any?
SB: I want to become stronger in my relationships with God, my wife and family. I'd like to get as much education as possible to better my work as a pastor. I do want to get my strength levels up to an elite level as a raw lifter. I want to keep inspiring people to be balanced in their personal pursuits in health, fitness and spiritual growth. Growing hair is out but I can dream.
WP: Anything you would like to mention before we close?
SB: Thank you so much for taking the time to interview me. It's a blessing to be recognized among so many. I appreciate what World Physique is doing in the fitness world.
WP: What a great start for a new year! It has been a blessing to have meet you and everyone at World Physique just adores you! You are very refreshing! It's been a pleasure interviewing you!
SB: Thank you!
