World Physique

Interviewed by Tammy Renee'

WP:  Hello, Chris. It's a honor to be interviewing you. I finally got you nailed down long enough to hold an interview with me. Finally! So, let's begin with you telling our readers alittle about yourself.

CD: Thanks, Tammy. Well, I’m 24 years old and a national competitive bodybuilder/model that was born and raised in Texas. I graduated from Texas City High School in 2003 and currently I am attending University of Houston, finishing up my degree in Kinesiology: Exercise Science. I have worked as a personal trainer throughout my college years and continue to do so now. I’m a pretty straight forward, down to earth kind of guy. I’m easy to get along with once you get to know me, outgoing but also very laid back. Sometimes I can be a social butterfly and I guess, when it comes down to it, I like to think I’m an all around nice guy.

WP: You just described yourself the way I know you. What has been your stepping stone to get where you are today?

CD: I would have to say it’s my overall experience, learning how to adjust to this lifestyle. The sacrifices’ that needed to be made, the amount of dedication it takes to stay on task, as well as the time management that is required to make it work.

WP: What has it been like to maintain your physique? Have you done anything different lately?

CD: When I first started out I definitely had to figure out what was right for me. I did have my difficult times, when I completely went off my diet and ate anything. I soon learned that by doing that, I was causing myself more work to get my fat back off and back into competition form. Now days, I prefer but also enjoy staying lean year round and having a flexible yet healthy diet. It’s definitely easier as well as less work in the end.

WP: I have seen many changes in your physique since I've known you. So, whatever you are doing, it's working. You mentioned you went to Texas City High School, where do you reside now?

CD: I was born and raised in Texas City, Texas and currently still reside as of today.

WP: You also mentioned earlier that you are a competitive bodybuilder. Can you tell me a little more about that?

CD:   Yes, as of now I have competed in a total of 6 shows and amazingly never placed lower then 3rd. During my 1st show I really had no clue of what to expect or gain, but I remember the producer of the show said I had alot of potential and he believe I could go far, perhaps be one of the best. Also saying I had a true gift when it came to posing routines, but his only bad statement was that it seemed as if I went into the show looking like I was on a twinkie diet. This just shows you that everyone has to start off somewhere only to learn from the past and find ways to improve.

WP: Are you planning to compete again in the future?

CD: I had a rough time in 2008, so I decided to take off to sort some issues out. I am currently prepping for the 2009 season, starting with the 2009 Europa Super Show in Dallas, TX, the Houston Pro and Texas State Championships. All of these will help prepare me for the National stage in Orlando, FL this November.

WP: I know you will do well, so good luck! What other sports or activities did or do you enjoy?

CD: I enjoy all sports, I’m very athletic. When I was younger I played baseball, soccer, football and track. When I got to High School I was on the varsity swim team, as well as varsity soccer team. I excelled in both swimming and soccer and then took a soccer scholarship to Ottawa University. I only played my freshman year because that’s when I was introduced to bodybuilding and then started that full time.

WP: Tell me about your family. In addition, are you married, single, or dating?

CD: I have a very tight-nit, loving family! My mother and father support what I do, although they might not understand fully, they do try. I do have a sister who has 2 sons as well as a brother that is in the army currently stationed in Hawaii. I often play with my 2 nephews Cameron who is 17 months and Brandon, six yrs old. I am currently single, but unavailable and not looking because I’m trying to fix some personal issues with my girlfriend of 5 ½ years.

WP: What has bodybuilding competitions taught you thus far?

CD: I think some people see bodybuilding as a hobby, sport or competition, but the truth is in all reality, it’s a way of life, a lifestyle many cannot cope or comprehend. Through this lifestyle and experience I’ve definitely learned a tremendous amount of responsibility such as time-management. I had to learn to fit all my meals as well as workouts into an already busy life. You also learn how to stay committed to your diet to get those exact results you want and feel that sense of accomplishment when you’re up on stage. Lastly, even though some do not see it, this sport teaches you to maintain that healthy diet when your not in competition form or decide to retire from it. Everything you learn stays with you throughout your life.

WP: That's so true! What was the hardest thing for you to overcome when you first started?

CD: For me, it was the meals. I say this because, I had to figure out what food worked for my body type. What made it leaner or provided more of what I needed, then figuring out the proper portions of those meals. It truly does matter what food you decide to use because some can actually do you no good (does more bad then good) in the end. Also, learning how to properly manage your time along with your meals, since you have to train yourself as well as your body to eat every 2-3 hours, instead of just 3 meals a day your eating 5 or 6.

WP: What was the hardest thing you had to deal with when it came to your diet?

CD: It’s really not the diet for me because I can stay on track and eat all my meals and never cheat no matter how strict. That comes easy! The hard part is since I live with my family and have my nephews coming around everyday. The house is full of junk food, the dinner my mom cooks, the sodas, and even meals brought home from else where. There are times I even get upset about it all and tend to go off, getting upset because I would prefer they wait until I wasn’t there or left before they enjoy any of it. They ignore me though, for they understand it’s just my mind getting to me. I see it as one of my challenges I literally deal and must cope with on an every day basis.

WP: What are the key factors that dictate the way you train today?

CD: I would have to say my mind set. What I mean by that is I’m very competitive and persistent in what I do and set my mind towards. For example, each competition I’ve gone into with a goal and have successfully accomplished each and everyone, every time. I want to step on stage with improvement from my last and previous shows, coming in harder, more muscular, symmetrical, and bettered condition.

WP:  How has your training changed over the years?

CD: Well, to be honest my training hasn’t changed that much at all; it’s only been tweaked. What I mean is once I learned what worked best for my body, all I do now is to make tiny adjustments depending on if it off-season or pre-contest season. During off-season, I do a 4 day split with my body parts and during pre-contest I add on an extra day so I can focus on what body part needs to be brought out more. Other then that, I like to keep a constant pace between exercises and sets once I start a workout to add a bit of conditioning.

WP: What titles/accomplishments have you thus far? Tell me about them.

CD: Oct. 22, 2006: Musclemania Texas - Fort Worth, TX
• 1st Place - Junior Division
• Texas Junior Champion

Oct. 28, 2006: NPC John Sherman Classic (National Qualifier) - Houston, TX
• 1st Place – Open Lightweight Division

Nov. 16-18, 2006: Musclemania World Championships - Hollywood, CA
• 3rd Place – Junior Lightweight Division

June 22-23, 2007: Musclemania Superbody (Universe Weekend) - Miami, FL
• 3rd Place – Junior Lightweight (Short) Division

Oct. 27, 2007: NPC Texas State Championships(National Qualifier) - Houston, TX
• 1st Place – Open Lightweight Division

Nov. 15-17, 2007: NPC Nationals (2007) - Dallas, TX
• 10th Place – Open Bantaweight Division

WP:  Wow! That is so impressive! I bet you are excited returning to the loop in 2009! Where do you see your career and life in 10 years from now?

CD: That’s hard to say as of now. I tend to live my life day by day, but believe I would like to someday down the road have a successful career as a personal trainer, and even settle down, maybe even some little ones running around.

WP:  I understand you are a very well known Model and I adore your images. Are you doing any modeling? If so, please tell me about it.

CD: Yes, I’ve been modeling for just about 5 years now and I’ve come to realize that I love creative photo shoots. I definitely love working with the imagination, creating stylish, yet artistic images. I came in knowing little about the industry, but now, have become more recognized giving myself a respectable name with many photographers, as well as having learned more than ever.

WP: The Photographer's that you choose can really make you or break you in the modeling business, so you are so right. Can you tell me any photographers you’ve worked with, or someone you’d like to work with?

CD: I have worked with many great photographers in fact including: Joe Lobell – (MostMuscular.Com), Mark Henderson - (Edendale Studios, LLC), Andre DeLoach – (Empyrean Photography), John Hough – (JohnHough.com), Kurt R. Brown - (KurtRBrown | KurtBrown'sStudio), Dennis Covey – (Covey Editions), Ryan Boyd – (Ryan Boyd Photography), Jim Hartz – (FotoArt by Jake), Alex – (BrandModel Studio), Brian Hilson – (A Slice of Oblivion), J. Davy Kirkpatrick Photography and that’s to name a few. Now for who I would like to work with as of now it would be Brian -PhotoMotion Studios and George Bond Kontaxis, both stationed in Las Vegas.

WP: You just mentioned a lot of great Photographers! What do you consider to be important in life, and why?

CD: I am very grateful for the loved ones I have in my life for they support me all the way with no questions asked and understand the sacrifice my lifestyle takes. Without them, I would not be who I am and where I am today. In saying that, family, friends and staying true to who you really are is important to me. I believe life is what you make it. Live your life to the fullest! Have no regrets! (IF POSSIBLE) Never loose sight of your dreams and always believe in yourself! You only live once!

WP: Great advice, Chris! Very well said. How have you changed over the past few years when it comes to thinking, actions, and life in general?

CD: I would have to say yes, I have changed and I believe it is for the better. Before bodybuilding, I did party a lot and really didn’t have the greatest understanding of responsibility on some things or, in other words, a plan. Although I knew what I wanted for a career, I wasn’t certain where or how I was going to get there after college. I’m very grateful that bodybuilding has come into my life. It has introduced me to a whole new world I didn’t even know, but love. I understand and think a lot more clearly on certain aspects of life and I’m positive that this is what I was meant to do with my life.

WP: I can see that you are a man of pride and honor. You are really amazing. Do you have any shout outs you would like to make?

CD: I would like to send a thank you to all my supporters, sponsors, family, friends and any one who has given me donations and my fans! A special thanks goes to Joe Lobell with Most muscular.com, Richard Rossan, Oscar Sierro and J. Patrick Davy. And for all you others that I didn’t mention I'm sorry, but so many to thank. I appreciate you all.

WP: Talking about all of your fans, I am sure they would love to know what your workout is every day. Can you give us an example of your workout?

CD: Sure! On my legs I do parking lot lunges with sprints. I also do inner / outer thighs, calves, leg extentions and leg curl.

WP: What about your diet? What do you eat on a normal day?

CD: Usually, I will simply eat around 6 ounces of protein, a good amount of carbs, maybe a full cup to 1.5 cups, along with veggies, for 6 to 7 meals.

WP: Could you tell me about your future projects?

CD: I am hoping to get my website active sometime soon, not only for bodybuilding and modeling, but for fans and my business for personal training. It would basically be providing guidance, setting up training and nutrition appointments, as well as answering basic questions. Also, I should have a DVD out soon involving my 2007 season, as well as working on a 2010-2011 calendar. These items will also be provided for sale on my upcoming website.

 WP: Well, keep me in the loop because I would love a autographed calander of you. I know you are very busy so, I will cut this short with one more question. I understand that bodybuilders need sponsors to make it in this industry. Are you looking for sponsors?

CD: I am always interested, seeking and appreciate new sponsors or donations from anyone who would like to help me out. I am also accepting and looking for any contributions or donations for my 2009 Competition season. Bodybuilding is a very expensive sport therefore, every little bit helps and is more than appreciated.

WP: Chris, thank you so much for this interview. It has been a pleasure interviewing you! I wish you all the best of luck! Let's do an update when you win your next competition.

CD: Thank you, Tammy.