World Physique

Interviewed by: Leesa Paul
Photos By: Claus Pelz Photography

WP: Let's begin with you telling our viewers a little about yourself.

DR: I’m a graduate of Howard University with a BS in Electrical Engineering. I also have an MS in Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech. My career is in Information Technology, where I work as a Sr. Principal Software Engineer, focusing specifically on Oracle Database development and administration. When I’m not working, I’m spending time with my family, working out in the gym, playing chess, reading or watching movies.

WP: What has been your stepping stone to get where you are today?

DR: My parents really deserve most of the credit for me being placed in my current position. My Mother and Father have always taught me that I have to be twice as good in any and all of my undertakings (particularly education). Having this ingrained in me since I was child has definitely helped me to not settle for mediocrity. I try to employ that same attitude towards my workouts, diet and physique, as well.

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

DR: Discipline and consistency have been the success behind maintaining my physique. However, maintaining my physique became easier once I gained a better understanding of diet and nutrition. It was then that I began to see improvements in my build. Lately, I have begun to focus on developing mass in my legs.


WP: Where do you reside now?

DR: I currently reside in Maryland.

WP: Have you ever played any type of sports or activities?

DR: I played all organized sports growing up such as baseball, football, basketball, etc. I’ve taken Jiu Jitsu and also, currently hold an orange belt in Aikido Kokikai.

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

DR: I’m married with one child. In my opinion we are a very down to earth, practical family. We love getting away for weekends; especially the beach. We love playing in the ocean and in the sand. We typically go out to eat once a week and have family Wii battles in bowling, tennis and boxing. I hold the family bowling record; our daughter is the boxing champ; and I’ll give tennis to my wife. (I let her win, but don’t tell her). During the summer, we also enjoy having water gun and balloon fights in the back yard while grilling out!

WP: What has modeling taught you thus far?

DR: Modeling has taught me to be realistic in knowing when my body is prepared and unprepared to shoot. I have learned not to jump at every opportunity unless I feel totally confident that a good product will be produced. Most of all, modeling has reinforced the importance of preparation.

WP: What was the hardest thing for you to overcome when you first started?

DR: The hardest thing for me to overcome in modeling (and I still completely haven’t) is having the knowledge how to pose when given no direction. Some photographers give excellent direction and tell you exactly what they want for you to do body wise, expression wise, etc. Other photographers just make sure the lighting is right and tell you to model!

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

DR: Limiting my water intake a few days before a shoot is very difficult for me, especially considering when I am not shooting I drink up to 4 gallons of water a day.

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

DR: There are many factors that dictate the way that I model, but it is mostly the concept (theme) of the shoot that influences my modeling.


WP: How has your training compared to when you model to when you do not. What do you do differently?

DR: During the summer, I try to stay 2 weeks out from being shoot-ready. That means I can eat a bit more relaxed such as having more complex carbs, less abdominal work, and less cardio when I don’t have a shoot scheduled. So, in essence, I’m less strict when I know I’m not in front of the camera. When it’s time for a shoot, my workouts are higher reps with lighter weight, more cardio and a more stringent diet. I want to look as lean and cut as possible; similar to when people prepare for bodybuilding contests.

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

DR: sixpacknow.com just recently featured me as “Male Abs of the Month” for June 2009. I’ve also, recently, received a promotion at work.

WP: Where do you see your career and life in 10 years from now?

DR: Ten years from now, I see myself continuing to stay fit by proper exercise and diet. I also intend to own and operate my own business, while giving back to the community by mentoring.

WP: I am sure you will do whatever you set your mind to! Can you tell me any photographers you've worked with, or someone you'd like to work with?

DR: I’ve worked with a few fantastic photographers here in the Washington DC/Metro Area. Claus Pelz clauspelz.com is phenomenal when it comes to capturing the human form and its intricacies. He is about business and is very professional. I’ve also worked with Emmanuel Fisher who has the ability to capture a person’s essence. Emmanuel is also terrific when it comes to giving direction. He has a great eye.

Another extremely talented photographer I’ve had the pleasure to work with is Sandy Jones. From the minute I saw Sandy’s portfolio, I knew that I wanted to work with her. She is a very humble woman with the capacity to capture lighting and scenery like no other. I’ve been very fortunate to work with such talented professionals.

In the future, I would like to work with Art Brewer who has done still photographs for “Muscle & Fitness” magazine as well as other photographers who are interested shooting fitness models.

WP: What supplements do you currently take?

DR: I currently take Whey Protein, Casein Protein, fish oil, multi-vitamin and BCAA’s.

WP: What are your pet peeves?


DR: My pet peeve is setting to high expectations for myself.

WP: What do you consider to be important in life and why?

DR: The most important things in my life are: God, family, health and financial freedom. God is important to me because he is the creator of all things, and without him it wouldn’t be possible for me to achieve. Family is important because at the end of the day, family is all you really have. Health is important to me because I want to live a long, active life. And finally, financial independence is important to me because it allows me to not to have to rely on a job in order to financially sustain myself.

WP: How have you changed over the past few years when it comes to thinking, actions, and life in general?

DR: Well, since the birth of my daughter almost 5 years ago, I’ve been seeing things differently. I now have to be conscious when it comes to certain things I say or do, because I have someone looking up to me for guidance. Certain music or movies I would normally play at any time have to be enjoyed when my daughter isn’t in the car or is asleep at night. Now, I’m responsible for another life, so every decision and action I take will affect her in some way.

I want to live a long and healthy life. Being now in my mid-thirties, I see many of my peers and even people in their twenties, who don’t take care of themselves! I don’t go out and party as often as I used to. I believe that the older you get, the more serious the concern involving your health becomes. People are often surprised when I tell them that I’m 34... I want to keep it that way. I enjoy looking like I’m in my twenties! Ha-ha!

WP: You do look outstanding! What are your stats such as height, weight, biceps, and waist?

DR: My height is between 5’8 and 5’9. I’m currently 152 lbs. and my waist is 28-30.

WP: Any shout outs?

DR: I’d like to give the biggest shout out to my wife for her continued support! I’d also like to thank all of my friends at bodybuilding.com that I’ve learned so much from over the past few months. Finally, I’d like to thank all of the great photographers I’ve had the opportunity to work with thus far.

WP: Give me an example of your workout.

DR: Monday: chest, back, abs (light)
Tuesday: shoulders, abs (heavy)
Wednesday: biceps/triceps, legs, abs (light)
Thursday: chest & back, abs (light)
Friday: shoulders, abs (heavy)
Saturday: biceps/triceps, legs, abs (light)
Sunday: rest

I train each body part twice per week ,as well as perform cardio and abs after each session. I typically perform 3 exercises per body part, 4 sets of 8 - 12 repetitions.

WP: Give me an example of your diet. What do you normally eat each day?

DR: In terms of my diet, it depends on what goal I am trying to accomplish. If I am getting ready for a photo shoot or a trip to the beach I follow a cutting diet. During my cutting diet I eat between 5 - 7 small meals per day, every 2 - 3 hours. This diet consists of high protein and limited carbohydrates. I introduce 1 or 2 high carb meals throughout the week to give me the energy to complete successful workouts. During the off-season, or if I'm really looking to gain mass I follow a bulking diet. When following the bulking diet, I prefer to do it cleanly and not just stuff my face with whatever I see. The difference between my cutting and bulking diets is that I add more complex carbohydrates with my meals. In particular, sweet potatoes, brown rice, nuts, cottage cheese and oatmeal.

WP: Could you tell me about your future projects?

DR: Well, I’m seriously thinking about starting to compete in bodybuilding competitions. I would also like to grace the cover of a major fitness magazine. Supplement sponsorships and athletic apparel endorsements would be amazing! I try not to count anything out!

WP: Is there anything I have forgotten to mention that you would like to bring to light?

DR: Come follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/dramzee.

And thank you to everyone out there who has supported and continues to support me!

WP: Thank you so much for a wonderful interview. It is great to see someone with such balance in all facets of their life.