Interview With Corey Castillo
Bodybuilder/Model/Personal Trainer Feature - May 2010
Interviewed by: Tammy Renee'
Photos by: BBPics.com
WP: Let's begin with you telling our readers a little about yourself.
CC: I’m a graduate student, working on my Master’s in Health Administration. I find relaxation and relief in working out, primarily lifting weights. Bodybuilding is a small hobby of mine, as I've competed in amateur competitions. Outside of the gym, I tend to enjoy outdoor activities, such as beach sports and bicycling. I enjoy involving myself in many cultural activities, in order to simply see as much of the world's diversity as possible (I'm Cuban, by the way). For this reason, I've traveled a bit and plan on doing even more traveling.
I'm somewhat of a relaxed person, in regards to my social activities. I very much enjoy watching movies, having bon fires, playing pool, dinners with my buddies, and as we all enjoy, those conversations with the best of friends in which we look back and say, "What the hell were we talking about that night!?!" Women. What can I say?
Finding the right woman out here, in Southern California, is not an easy task! I would love to find a very admirable woman, with a very positive perspective on life, which not only motivates others to do well, but keeps me on track! But, everything comes with time, right? So for now, I'm concentrating on my achieving goals and helping those around me do the same, as well.
WP: What was it that made you know without a doubt that you wanted to go into bodybuilding?
CC: Well, I first entered the general field of fitness, but as my body developed and my competitive nature influenced me, I figured I’d reach a high level of potential and see how far I gat get in it.
WP: How long have you been lifting?
CC: Almost 4 years.
WP: You even compete. What competitions have you appeared in and what place did you win?
CC: Nothing too serious; just those “walk off the beach” competitions at Venice Beach, CA. I’m actually one week out from my first NPC Bodybuilding competition (The Orange County Classic).
WP: Good luck in that! Do you have any advice to people that wish to build more mass and/or more cut?
CC: Yes! Pick either bulking up, OR shredding down, and stick with it for a while. I constantly see people trying to bulk up and shred down at the same time, and sway back and forth between the two.
WP: Great advice! I see that a lot, too. What do you eat in a normal day?
CC: Everything! I love food, but watch the food content that I consume. I limit my carbs around 3 pm or 4 pm and make sure that I get enough protein for my weight. I also limit my fat intake. I eat about every 2 hours.
WP: Do you allow yourself a cheat day?
CC: Yes, I actually allow myself too many cheat days! I cheat in very small portions though, so my overall diet isn’t severely impacted.
WP: What supplements do you take?
CC: I take almost any type of protein. My buddy is the owner of a nutrition shop, so I’m constantly experimenting with various new types/brands of proteins, multi-vitamins, Glutamines, Nitric Oxides, and Creatines.
WP: Could you tell me a story of how you have gotten where you are today?
CC: I’ve always had a drive to reach my full potential, as my father influenced me to do so. As I became a personal trainer, I associated myself with fitness, and those involved in fitness. This involvement influenced me to excel in fitness, as well.
WP: Do you have anyone you can thank for helping you get where you are?
CC: My father, for pushing me to “keep moving forward.”
WP: Tell me about your modeling. I know you have done a pretty good bit of stuff.
CC: I first got into modeling when I began dating a woman that modeled for Ford. Her agent recommended I do fitness modeling, so I began networking and building a portfolio.
WP: That's a easy step into the door! Have a girlfriend with the best modeling agency around! Ha-ha! Where do you want to be in 5 years?
CC: As successful as possible, in all aspects of life! I want my career in Health Administration to be set, my fitness CD/DVD program to be completed, and be at a point where I’m beginning my own family.
WP: You look great! How do you keep the physique you have? What is the hardest thing for you to face when it comes to keeping your physique?
CC: Discipline. I work out intensely. The hardest thing for me to face when it comes to keeping my physique is my diet. I love ice cream!
WP: Tell me about your future projects. Have any in sight?
CC: I have many future projects! I’m about to begin my masters program at the University of La Verne for a degree in Health Administration, concentrating in Leadership/Management and Human Resources. I plan to enter the health field sometime soon while attending this program and then become a department/district administrator. That is in regards to my professional career. As far as fitness, my buddy and I plan on formulating our own fitness CD/DVD.
WP: I understand you worked with John at BBPics.com. What was it like working with him
CC: I've worked with various photographers and models and have gotten a feel of how certain models and certain photographers conduct their tasks. I've had both positive experiences, and negative, in the short time that I've been serious about fitness modeling. I've worked with John twice, and both times, the atmosphere has been so positive. As we know, we all have a job to get done, but having fun doing it is what life is all about, right? Not only have I had a great time shooting with John, but I've also opened the door to various opportunities within the fitness industry, not just in regards to modeling and/or photography, but in regards to the marketing and networking aspects of the industry as well. As we say, "a body is simply an easy image, yet the right personality is what will open all the doors."
WP: How did he go over and beyond for you?
CC: He’s encouraged me to excel in the fitness industry.
WP: Would you recommend him to your friends? If so, why?
CC: Yes, I actually have recommended him to friends. His passion for fitness photography not only produces excellent photos, but motivates others as well.
WP: You're single. Do you have kids or are you dating anyone?
CC: No kids. I go on dates here but, I’ve been seeing a woman quite frequently for the past couple months.
WP: Who had the most impact on you growing up?
CC: My father. He’s encouraged me to reach my full potential and help as many people around me do the same.
WP: What is your work-out regimen?
CC: It changes about every 2 or 3 weeks, along with my diet, according to what my goal may be (Ex: Bulk up, shred down, gain strength, etc.).
WP: Have you played in sports before?
CC: Yes. I played a number of sports as a child (baseball, soccer, hockey, etc.) but, I was a wrestler in high school. After high school, fitness, in general, became somewhat of a sport.
WP: Any shout outs?
CC: My family! My workout partner, Andy!
WP: What is the funniest story that has happened to you during competitions or while working out?
CC: I was working out at Venice Beach, CA, when a child walked up and punched me in the crotch while I was bench pressing. That wasn’t the funny part though. The funny part was when I told him Santa Clause isn’t real!
WP: Ha-ha! That is funny! What is your greatest achievement in bodybuilding?
CC: As of right now, just the recognition that I’ve gotten.
WP: Is there anything else you would like to add? Now is the time!
CC Yes, I’m constantly looking for new, positive opportunities and if you have any more questions, just ask!
WP: You have been a pleasure to interview! Thank you for your time and good luck in your future bodybuilding endeavors!
CC: A pleasure. Thank you!
